EuroWire March 2024

Technology News

Masterbatch for miniaturisation of fibre optic cables

Optral, SA, a company that de velops and deploys telecommu nications networks in Spain, has been working with Delta Tecnic to adapt to the new technical requirements generated by the miniaturisation of cables. This collaboration has resulted in an efficient masterbatch capable of main taining the colour identification of tubes with reduced thicknesses. Jordi Pérez, Optral’s deputy director of operations, said “The quality of a fibre optic cable also lies in making it easier for the installer to identify it correctly, and in the micro-cable environment this becomes much more demanding and critical. New high-performance mas terbatch developments such as those provided by Delta Tecnic are necessary for the continuous improvement of our products and applications.” Delta Tecnic’s expertise enables the dispersal of large amounts of pigments, reducing masterbatch dosages while

Smaller cable diameters are a key factor in reducing the cost of occupancy in installation conduits. In this context, a reduction in fibre optic cable tube diameter leads to a significant reduction in wall thickness. While this change implies greater transparency of the plastic material, it also poses challenges in the colouring of these components. The identifying function of the colours on fibre optic cable tubes is compromised by excessive transparency, distorting the original colours and making accurate identification difficult for installers. Delta Tecnic has used its experience in manufacturing masterbatch and additives for cables to develop solutions to address this emerging issue. Its specialised masterbatch offers precise opacity and colouring functionality, ensuring that fibre optic cable tubes maintain their original visual identification, even at minimum thicknesses of 0.1 to 0.2mm.

Delta Tecnic has introduced a masterbatch that assists the miniaturisation of fibre optic cables

increasing tube opacity. These types of masterbatch allow for a claimed reduction in dosage of more than 25 per cent during the extrusion of minimised tubes, ensuring a balance between mechanical properties and material cost reduction. The innovation not only ensures consistency in cable properties, but also optimises the manufacturing process without sacrificing the quality of the final product. Delta Tecnic https://deltatecnic.com Optral, SA https://optral.com

Makai partners with Shell in ocean thermal energy conversion

commented, “We congratulate the exceptional team at Makai for pursuing innovation in OTEC technologies and establishing themselves as a leader in the industry. “As we continue to explore how to achieve more value with lower emissions through promising marine renewable energy systems, we are excited that Makai is one of our first major partners in the OTEC space.” Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc www.makai.com

accelerate the timeframe for reaching true economic viability of OTEC systems. “Partnering with Shell Technology Marine Renewable Program provides an avenue to translate our research into actionable and commercially viable solutions,” said Richard Argall, Makai’s ocean energy division head. “Makai and Shell’s shared vision is to harness marine energy sustainably, and together we are poised to make that vision a reality.” Dr Pak Leung, Marine Renewable Program manager, Shell Technology,

Makai Ocean Engineering has signed an agreement with Shell Technology Marine Renewable Program to further develop and test potentially transformative proprietary technologies that advance the engineering and economic viability of an offshore ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system. The company’s concept for OTEC systems and heat exchangers – the thin foil heat exchanger (TFHX) – holds the potential to reduce the capital and operating costs of an offshore OTEC system. A key part of the study is to work with Shell to

Fusion splicer with dual fibre preparation AFL provides solutions, products and services for the energy, service provider, enterprise and industrial markets, as well as a number of emerging markets. The company manufactures, engineers and installs fibre optic products and associated equipment, including fibre optic cable, fibre optic connectivity, fusion splicers and test and inspection equipment. AFL recently launched the Fujikura 45S fusion splicer with dual fibre preparation and improved ergonomics. This device allows operators to build faster, more efficient networks and

addresses the growing demand for high-speed broadband access. As the successor to the 41S+ splicer, the 45S is an option when portability, ruggedness and reliability are needed for splicing applications. AFL www.aflglobal.com

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March 2024