1.Pressure testing and cable blowing procedure:
Before cable blowing, a pressure test should be conducted to ensure that the pipeline is free from damages, leaks, twists, and any soil or debris that might obstruct the pipeline. This ensures a smooth and unobstructed conduit for the cable blowing process to proceed.
2.Requirements for the air blowing equipment:
Use air blowing equipment suitable for the project's characteristics. The air pressure at the outlet of the compressor should be between 0.6 MPa to 1.5 MPa, and the airflow should be greater than 10m3/min. The propulsive force of the hydraulic or air-driven propulsion device must meet the specified requirements.
3.Use of lubricants:
Prior to cable blowing, lubricants should be introduced into the pipeline. The amount of lubricant used depends on the smoothness of the inner wall of the conduit, complexity of the pipeline, cable blowing length, and the type of lubricant. Proper use of lubricants can affect the cable blowing length and speed.
4.Cable blowing methods:
For pipeline routes with significant slopes, it is advisable to use the piston cable blowing method to increase the traction force on the front section of the optical cable. For pipelines that are relatively flat but have specific sections with larger bends, the non-piston cable blowing method is preferred.
5.Cleaning during the cable blowing process:
Continuous cleaning is necessary during the cable blowing process to prevent soil, water, and other debris from entering the conduit along with the optical cable. This reduces friction and ensures smooth cable blowing.
6.Control of cable blowing speed:
The cable blowing speed should generally be controlled between 60 to 90m/min and should not exceed 100m/min to avoid operational difficulties and cable twists.
7.Handling pipeline faults:
In case of pipeline faults during the cable blowing process, resulting in the inability to continue or extremely slow speeds (below 10m/min), the fault location should be identified and resolved before resuming the cable blowing to prevent any damage to the optical cable or the air blowing equipment.
8.Safety precautions:
During the cable blowing process, a designated person must be present at the other end of the pipeline for safety protection and to maintain communication, preventing any injury to personnel caused by the blowing tools, such as trial rods or air blowing heads. Additionally, after cable blowing, proper cable storage should be ensured, and the bending radius should not be smaller than the specified requirements to maintain safety.
