Old oil-filled cables contain, on the one hand, free-flowing oil that can be extracted under pressure. The problem, however, is the oil trapped within the paper insulation, which is also harmful to the environment. This oil is biodegraded through multiple flushing processes that utilize various types of bacteria:
As the operator, you must ensure that no oil leaks from the cables. This means you must constantly monitor the cables, immediately investigate the cause of any pressure loss, and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Leaving the oil in the cables permanently is therefore not a solution.
However, removing the oil-filled cables using conventional methods also involves a great deal of effort. These cables typically run for several kilometers through heavily trafficked and densely populated areas. This would require tearing up the ground along the entire route and digging up to two meters deep to extract the cables. On top of that, this civil engineering project requires not only personnel and expensive civil engineering contractors—you’ll also need to submit applications to the authorities, close roads, organize detours, and expect complaints from residents due to noise pollution.
With the ODB System process—a TIBIO brand—you can avoid all of that. All you need to do is set up the equipment. After a few weeks, the oil cables will be cleaned, and you’ll receive the decommissioning notice.
