A composite insulator is a special insulation control component that plays an important role in overhead transmission lines. There are many types of polymer insulators.
Composite insulator is also called synthetic insulator, non-ceramic insulator, polymer insulator, rubber insulator, etc. The main structure is generally composed of umbrella skirt, FRP core bar and end fittings. The umbrella skirt is generally made of organic synthetic materials, such as ethylene propylene rubber, high temperature vulcanized silicone rubber, etc.; the FRP core bar is generally reinforced with glass fiber and based on oxidized resin; the end fittings are usually carbon steel or carbon structural steel coated with hot zinc aluminum.
Composite insulator can be divided into: composite suspension insulator, line post composite insulator, pin type composite insulator, post composite insulator, composite railway insulator, composite hollow insulator.
Composite insulator is small in size, light in weight, light in structure, easy to transport, easy to install and easy to maintain.
The composite insulator has good fouling resistance and strong fouling flash voltage resistance. Its wet withstand voltage and fouling resistance voltage are 2 to 2.5 times of that of porcelain insulator with the same creepage distance. No need for cleaning and safe operation in heavily polluted areas.
Polymer insulators have superior electrical properties and high mechanical strength. Polymer insulators have good tensile and flexural strength, 2 times higher than ordinary steel and 8-10 times higher than high-strength porcelain materials, which effectively improves the reliability of safe operation.
It has good waterproof performance. Its overall structure prevents internal insulation from moisture. It does not require preventive insulation monitoring tests or cleaning, thus reducing the workload of daily maintenance.
Polymer insulators have good sealing performance and high resistance to electrical corrosion.
Polymer insulators have high impact and shock resistance, good resistance to brittleness and creep.
Polymer insulators have high bending strength, high torsional strength. It enables them to withstand internal pressure. And can be used in combination with porcelain insulators and glass insulators.
composite insulators and polymer insulators are both types of insulating materials used in various electrical and high-voltage applications to provide electrical insulation and mechanical support. while they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences:
material composition:
composite insulators: composite insulators are made by combining different materials. typically, they consist of a fiberglass or carbon fiber core, an insulating polymer housing, and end fittings made of metal or composite materials. the core provides mechanical strength, while the insulating housing prevents electrical conduction.
polymer insulators: polymer insulators are exclusively made of insulating polymer materials, such as silicone rubber or epdm (ethylene propylene diene monomer). they do not contain any core material like fiberglass or carbon fiber.
mechanical strength:
Link to Electric Powertek
composite insulators: these insulators have excellent mechanical strength due to their core materials, making them suitable for high-tension applications. they are commonly used in overhead transmission and distribution lines.
polymer insulators: polymer insulators rely on the strength of the insulating polymer material. while they can handle mechanical loads, they may not have the same mechanical strength as composite insulators.
weight:
composite insulators: due to the presence of a core material, composite insulators tend to be heavier than polymer insulators of similar length and voltage rating.
polymer insulators: these insulators are generally lighter and more compact, which can be an advantage in applications where weight is a concern.
corrosion resistance:
composite insulators: the metal end fittings in composite insulators may be susceptible to corrosion over time, depending on the environment. special coatings are often applied to prevent this.
polymer insulators: polymer insulators are typically more resistant to corrosion since they do not contain metal components.
pollution performance:
composite insulators: composite insulators may be better at shedding contaminants and preventing the formation of a pollution layer on their surface. this makes them suitable for areas with a high risk of pollution-related flashovers.
polymer insulators: polymer insulators are also designed to resist pollution, but their pollution performance may vary depending on the specific design and material used.
cost: composite polymer insulator price, composite long rod insulator supplier, composite suspension insulator, polymer insulators facrory
composite insulators: these insulators are generally more expensive due to the use of composite core materials and metal end fittings.
polymer insulators: polymer insulators are often more cost-effective because they do not require a composite core or metal fittings.
the choice between composite and polymer insulators depends on the specific application, environmental conditions, and cost considerations. both types have their advantages and limitations, and the selection should be based on the requirements of the electrical system in which they are used.