Borealis, provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, has been presented with the 2011 Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) Europe Product Leadership Award in HVDC Cable Insulation Market. The company's LE 4253 DC XLPE insulation compounds have been specifically designed for use in the manufacture of HVDC cables which run below the ocean and in underground environments. Cables that are developed with the Superclean LE 4253 DC XLPE insulation compounds can be deployed much faster and can reduce electrical losses. The cables additionally can operate under high temperatures, deliver reliable transmission and are more environmentally friendly.

In a release, Deepak Karthikeyan, Research Analyst, Frost & Sullivan, said, "The company is recognised for its pioneering role in bringing XLPE-based insulation compounds into the high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable market. In-depth technical expertise and continuous focus on developing next generation products for this segment have kept Borealis well ahead of the competition. Borealis has carefully designed its product to ensure that cable manufacturers can produce HVDC cables in the same lines used to produce high voltage alternating current (HVAC) and extra high voltage alternating current (EHV AC) cables. This makes adaptability and change easier."

The Superclean LE 4253 DC XLPE insulation compounds used in HVDC cables enhance both cost and flexibility for cable manufacturers as it cuts the degassing time during the production process in addition to providing scorch safety. Furthermore, manufacturers benefit from reduced equipment downtime as the cleaning process is made easy. 

Karthikeyan said, "The company's focus on continuous development and optimisation has allowed it to gradually replace the existing, traditionally used mass impregnated paper (MIP) insulation with its Superclean(TM) LE 4253 DC XLPE insulation. Such initiatives have made the time-to-market transition as smooth and as short as possible."

Borealis has been consistent in maintaining high product quality level at all times. By incorporating backward integration, the company has been successful in ensuring quality consistency is maintained right from the time that ethylene comes into the factory.

Karthikeyan said, "The Superclean(TM) LE 4253 DC XLPE insulation compounds are produced in a closed manufacturing process and delivered in high quality, specifically designed Superclean Octabin packages. This minimises the risk of contamination during transit. The fact that Borealis has been closely working with its customers in not only understanding the end application, but also designing the product to suit conventional cable lines, has helped it build a strong brand in the market.”