Mineral Insulated is a special cable utilised in hot or harsh environments because it has low flammability even at high temperatures. It prevents oxidation and permits accurate measuring. Magnesium oxide is one of the packed minerals used in mineral insulated cable. It serves as a great source of insulation due to resistance of oxidation, ionizing radiation, high temperatures and physical and chemical stability. The outer sheath shields the internal thermocouple wire from harm by chemicals, heat, or other external factors. An extra-colored plastic sheath may be placed over the metal sheath to serve as an additional layer of identification and corrosion protection.
Stay here to learn about why mineral-insulated cable is best to use:
Fire and heat resistant
Mineral insulated cable is particularly fire and heat-resistant due to its inorganic structure. It can easily tolerate high temperatures and significant current overloads because its operational limit is equivalent to the copper melting point of 1982 F, 1083 C. It does not release smoke or other harmful substances, and it prevents flame spread. In comparison, ordinary conduit and cable were found to fail at 425F in a third-party test. Due to its fireproof qualities, it is the finest option for securing motorized valves, control panels, plant shutdown systems, instruments, and power equipment that must continue functioning in the event of a fire.
In hospitals, hotels, and high-rise structures for emergency generators, fire pumps, smoke and vent exhaust fans, communication circuits, multiplex alarm systems, and instruments, mineral-insulated cable assemblies are incredibly dependable as power and control cables.
Waterproof
The cable is strong and has an extruded copper covering that is water-resistant. Water, industrial liquids, or caustic substances cannot travel into the system. An extruded outer HDPE jacket may offer extra protection in locations where copper and brass are susceptible to corrosion or for direct burial. PVC boots hide the brass connectors. Resin end terminations provide a lifetime of protection against moisture infiltration. On offshore platforms such as warning beacons, fog horns, and lamps are currently connected using mineral insulated cable. They also fix many electrical wiring issues on oil tankers and other marine boats operating in extreme weather.
Non-reactive insulation
The conductor wires are kept from coming into touch with other conductor wires or caustic materials like oils, solvents, or water due to the unmatched non-reactive insulation provided by the MgO in MI cables. In applications like heat treatment or sintering, where temperature variations may harm the quality of the final product, for instance, this is done to ensure that the thermocouple probes always remain accurate.
Temperature stable
Low temperatures do not cause the mineral-insulated cable to degrade, and frequent, even drastic variations in temperature have little effect on assembly. Daily temperature fluctuations lead to condensation and moisture buildup in exposed conduits above the seal packing, leading to rust and corrosion accumulation and conduit drain blockage. This moisture can freeze in colder conditions, potentially destroying the instrument or electrical device if the wire is the top entry and separating the conduit or seal.
This risk is removed because mineral insulated cable assemblies are sturdy and entirely moisture-resistant. Power wiring for motors in LNG tanks, freezer rooms, and instrument connections in severe environments are examples of industrial applications.
Radiation resistant
The metal sheath covers the MI cable and prevents the thermocouple wires from oxidizing when used in chemically moist or dynamic settings. The mineral insulated cable’s resistance to corrosion makes them perfect for usage in locations where replacement and failure could be risky or impossible. Mineral insulated cable assemblies are an excellent option for nuclear power plants because magnesium oxide, the insulation used in these cables, offers the best radiation protection of any material.
High levels of precise accuracy
The thermocouple and RTD probes are not easily susceptible to malfunction or incorrect temperature measurements since the metal sheath and MgO insulation also protect them. Mineral insulated cables provide reliable and precise temperature measurements over extensive duty cycles with minimal to no loss of accuracy because they are meticulously calibrated to meet international standards.
Additionally, MI cables operate efficiently and accurately in high-temperature environments because of the mineral insulation. As a result, they are excellent for kilns, ceramic firing, heat-treating metals, and other high-temperature processes.
These cables are perfect for use as a temperature probe in these kinds of activities since they maintain their precision both during and after exposure to high temperatures. Additionally, in sectors like aerospace or medical equipment, where rigorous adherence to safety standards is required, process variations could result in catastrophic, potentially fatal, quality problems.
Wrapping it up
Hopefully, you will learn about why mineral-insulated cable is best to use. Mineral insulated cables can function at high temperatures without losing precision. Numerous sectors utilize it for safety-related reasons
Also read: When should you use a heat resistant cable