Prototype Development of Mineral Insulated Cable

This is rare and unique guide book to develop a prototype of mineral insulated cable. Mineral Insulated (MI) cable is a variant of electrical cable of metallic sheath and mineral insulation between the conductors. The requirement of MI cable is growing day by day because it is the only alternative in high temperature applications mainly in Nuclear Reactors Fire Alarm Systems Thermocouples Oil Refineries Furnaces Heaters Power Station etc. Normally the core temperature of Breeder reactors will be in the range of 400°C to 500°C. The signal transmission of neutronic sensor is impossible without MI cable. Normally magnesium oxide (MgO) is used as insulation to separate the conductors as well as to insulate between the conductor and the outer sheath. We have used copper conductor and copper sheath because copper has a pure anti-ferromagnetic property thereby resulting in negligible electromagnetic interference during signal transmission. For the insulation we have used MgO due to its superior dielectric withstandability and high temperature tolerance even though it is highly hygroscopic. During the selection of dielectrics electrical resistivity of the insulation was studied at operating temperature with specified density. High electrical resistivity infers better insulation resistance. So thermal conductivity of the insulation was also taken as an important criteria during insulation selection. This book will provide step by step guide to make a prototype of MI Cable.