Where high power electrical supplies need to be turned on and off, one of the traditional methods of controlling the electrical arcs is air break switchgear which contains Arc chutes. For these devices high temperature resistant materials with good electrical insulation must be used.
For many years the asbestos containing SINDANYO materials were the Industry standard for building Arc chutes. Legislation has banned the use of products containing asbestos and TENMAT has thus developed Non asbestos SINDANYO materials with equivalent arc resistant properties. ARCLEX and REFRAVER materials have also been developed for these applications.
SINDANYO and REFRAVER are used in Railway switchgear throughout Europe and the rest of the world as well as power generation switchgear.
ARCLEX with its extremely high performance electrical properties is also specified in switchgear in many Power stations throughout the world. In the UK, Switchgear manufacturers such as NEI Reyrolle, GEC, Whipp and Bourne, Ottermill, English Electric, Siemens and VA Tech have all been involved in Air brake switchgear over the decades and the materials from TENMAT are now widely used where asbestos replacement refurbishment work is needed. |
