Optimizing duct diameter range with the use of the versatile Y-block

A case story from Total Fiber

Case:
Blowing an 8 mm micro cable into an already installed 40 mm duct of 650 m. The contractor had the MiniFlow RAPID at disposal.

Challenge:
The MiniFlow RAPID is designed to blow micro cables into microducts, and it has a duct diameter range of 7-20 mm. This is why it is difficult to reach the necessary airflow in a larger duct diameter and impossible to directly connect the two ducts in question.

Solution:
Connecting the Y-block to MiniFlow RAPID.
In this case, the Y-block was added to connect the 20 mm duct from the MiniFlow RAPID to the installed 40 mm duct. A necessary amount of air was in addition added to the Y-block, securing the right amount of air in the duct, thus making the blowing process more effective. A cable mole was also added to reduce air volume (see picture 1).

Result:
The micro cable was installed smoothly all 650 m at a speed of 60-70 m/min. A 1000 l compressor was connected to the MiniFlow RAPID while a 2000 l compressor supplied air to the Y-block.

  • A cable mole with cable sock is mounted at the end of the cable. Two sponges (with lubrication in the middle) are the first thing to insert in the 40 mm duct, which is connected to the Y-block. After lubrication, the cable mole is inserted in the duct.
  • The sponges are the first thing to blow through the duct. This cleans the installed duct and controls that the sponges arrive at the opposite end of the duct. After the sponges arrive, the fiber blowing can commence. Start applying 1-2 bar pressure to straighten out cable mole and cable sock.
  • Approximately 50 m into the fiber blowing process, the micro cable meets a bit of resistance making the cable wobble.To avoid this, the air supply to the Y-block was increased. This destress the cable, which stops wobbling. After 150 m, air and speed are gradually added until full air is achieved. In this case, the cable is blown to the end of the duct without any major resistance.

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