Separation, size reduction, and processing of XLPE from electrical transmission and distribution cable

Abstract

AbstractThe recycling of power transmission cable insulated with crosslinked PE (XLPE) was investigated by using different methods of separation and reprocessing. Separation was attempted by thermo‐chemical, thermo‐mechanical and microwave‐mechanical means, the latter being the most successful. A mechanism encompassing all of these was formulated. Compression molding, extrusion, and injection molding with and without preheating of the material were also investigated. It was found that by preheating the XLPE and injection molding under high injection pressure, the neat XLPE could be formed into shapes with tensile strengths equal to that of the original insulation. In view of available observations, possible mechanisms for the flow and reconsolidation of XLPE crumb are proposed and discussed.