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Introducing Polywater® Prelube 2000™ Cable Blowing Lubricant

The Lubricant Developed for Blowing
Conventional Fiber Optic Cable

Polywater® Prelube 2000™ reduces frictional drag during the blowing of outside plant cable into duct. It increases the length of cable that can be blown in a single shot. Prelube 2000™ can also be used to blow in the hollow microtubes intended to hold future microcables (use Prelube 5000™ for blowing the microcables themselves). Over the last decade, Prelube 2000™ has been proven in the blowing of tens of thousands of kilometers of cable in over 20 countries on a variety of cable blowing machines.

• Polywater® Prelube 2000™ has proven superior to paraffin oils and cable pulling lubricants for cable blowing. The use of this lubricant results in longer installation distances.
  
  
• Polywater® Prelube 2000™ is recommended by most blowing equipment manufacturers. It increases installation distance on all types of machines.
  
  
• Polywater® Prelube 2000™ is more economical than prelubricated duct. It is fresh lubrication in the field that is quick and easy.
  
  
• Polywater® Prelube 2000™ is compatible with common fiber optic cable jackets.

Performance: Prelube 2000™ performance data is shown in Figure 1. In these studies, the forces on a threaded cable were measured at various air flows and pressures with the mechanical pushing unit deactivated. A positive force indicates the cable was trying to advance (had to be held back). Conversely, a negative force means the cable had to be pushed with that force to move.

The data show that the cable was trying to advance with a much higher force into the duct with the Prelube 2000™ versus paraffin and versus unlubricated duct. This means there was much lower friction offsetting the pushing force from the moving air. The data indicate a friction coefficient in the 0.09 range for Prelube 2000™, a 0.27 for the paraffin oil, and a 0.7 for unlubricated HDPE.

Maximum blowing distance occurs when the frictional force resisting movement equals the blowing force producing movement. The maximum blowing distance varies linearly with friction coefficient in straight conduit sections. The friction reduction shown for Prelube 2000™ can increase installation distance by a factor of 5 or more versus unlubricated duct. More information on these studies is published in our TeleTopics Newsletter Volume #11.

Application: A properly installed duct system with pressure-tight duct splices is an absolute necessity for efficient cable blowing. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions. The duct must be clean, dry, and mandral tested. Clean the duct by blowing a tight-fitting foam sponge through the duct with high pressure. If excess water or dirt comes from the duct, repeat the process. Prelube 2000™ is effective at a coating thickness of 0.5 mg/cm². See our article reprint for additional information on conduit preparation.

For smoothwall duct and high air speed machines (no missile), squeeze the recommended amount of Prelube 2000™ Lubricant from the table below into the duct. Spread the lubricant by blowing a foam carrier through the duct. The quart squeeze bottle (cat# P-35) is a good package for this type of application.

For smoothwall duct (ID 1 to 1.25 inch) and piston type machines, use 5 to 10 fl oz per thousand feet of duct (0.5 to 1.0 liter per kilometer). Place 75% of the lubricant in front of the missile and the rest behind it. The lubricant is spread by the missile as the cable is blown.

The quantities of lubricant appropriate for any job will vary with the size, type, and condition of the duct. Use the recommendations above as a place to start and adjust as necessary.

Cost Effectiveness: Polywater® Prelube 2000™ offers significant cost savings over "factory lubricated" duct. In high quality HDPE duct, it lubricates efficiently at coating levels of 0.5 mg/cm² of duct surface. At these levels, the lubricant cost in 1.25" (3.2 cm) duct is approximately $1.00 per 1,000 feet ($3.00 per kilometer), much lower than the cost add-on for factory pre-lubricated duct.

Packaging: Polywater® Prelube 2000™ - Winter Grade (for cold weather) has the same characteristics as Regular Grade Polywater® Prelube 2000™ and is specially formulated for use in temperatures as low as -20°F (-30°C). Prelube 5000™ is specially formulated for installation of microcables in microtubes.

1. Installation of Fiber Optic Cables in Duct, W. Griffioen, Plumettaz S.A., 1993
   
   
2. The Use of the High Air-Speed Blown-Cable System for Placing Optical-Fiber Cables in Duct, P.R. Briggs et al, NFOEC Cinference, 1993
   
   
3. Analysis and Measurement of Friction in High Speed Air Blowing Installation of Fiber Optic Cable, J.M. Fee et al, NFOEC Conference, 1995

Important Notice: The statements and information here are made in good faith based on tests and observations we believe to be reliable. However, the completeness and accuracy of the information is not guaranteed. Before using, the end-user should conduct whatever evaluations are necessary to determine that the product is suitable for the intended use. The user assumes all risks and liability in connection with such use. The statements contained herein are made in lieu of all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, which warranties are hereby expressly disclaimed. American Polywater's only obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proven to be defective. Except for the replacement remedy, American Polywater shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage, direct or indirect, arising from the use or the failure to properly use these products, regardless of the legal theory asserted. The foregoing may not be altered except by a written agreement by the officers of American Polywater Corporation.

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