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Exploring Opportunities Together
Stewart Superabsorbents
Overview
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Introduction to SAP
SAP Application Forms
Cable Applications
Benefits
SSA: Your Supply Partner
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 Introduction to SAP
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SAP Application Forms
Cable Applications
Benefits
SSA: Your Supply Partner
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Introduction
Definition
Typically crosslinked acrylates,
superabsorbent polymers (SAP) absorb and retain
at least 200x their own weight
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Introduction
Absorption
Water diffuses into the SAP particle by:
 Capillary action
 Osmotic pressure
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Introduction
Swelling and Blocking
The dry SAP changes into a
flexible but resistant hydrogel
by absorbing water
Dry SAP
Swollen SAP
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Introduction
Absorption Phase
Incoming water is absorbed
and retained so its free flow
is hindered. A fast and high
absorption is beneficial at
this step.
Dry SAP
Steps of Sealing
Blocking Phase
Swollen SAP has to be
impermeable to stop the watertransport from gel-particle to
gel-particle. Gel-strength and
gel-stability are more important
than capacity or speed.
Impermeable stable hydrogel
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Introduction
Permeability
 The permeability of SAP determines
how water is transported in a layer of
swollen SAP
 The water transport happens through
microscopic channels between the
hydrogel particles
The permeability is mainly influenced by:
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Shape (form and surface) of SAP particles
Gel strength (rheology/viscosity) of SAP
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Introduction
Hydrated Gel Strength
Hydrated gel strength is very important:
 A high and fast absorbing SAP does not provide good sealing properties
for the expected life of the cable.
 Swollen SAP creating an impermeable hydrogel, with excellent gelstability is required for good water-blocking properties
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 Introduction to SAP
 SAP Application Forms
 Cable Applications
 Benefits
 SSA: Your Supply Partner
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Application Forms
Product Processing
Powder SAP
Incorporated onto various components via direct application methods:
 fluidized bed
 electrostatic deposition
 vibratory deposition
Liquid/HMA SAP
Incorporated onto various components via:
 spray coating/printing
 dip coating
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Application Forms
Product Processing
Powder/Liquid/HMA SAP
Waterblocking functionality can be added via:
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non-woven laminates
yarns and binders
filling or flooding compounds
hot-melts
other cable components
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 Introduction to SAP
 SAP Application Forms
 Cable Applications
 Benefits
 SSA: Your Supply Partner
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Cable Applications
Cable Types and Locations
Utilized in a variety of cable types:
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Power cables
Fiber-optic cables
Coaxial cables
Copper Telephone cables
Especially suited for outdoor applications
 Underwater cables
 Underground cables
 Indoor/outdoor - FR
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Cable Applications
Shield Blocking
Braided shield blocking
Required application technology is common in the industry
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Cable Applications
Strand Blocking
Strand blocking
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Cable Applications
Cable Tape Function
Water blocking functionality is incorporated in cable tapes that
focus on diverse demands
 Separation between conductor / conductor shield / insulation
 Cushioning between insulation / metal screen
 Core binding
 Heat barrier
 Prevention of filling compound dripping out from the core
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Cable Applications
Polymers in Swellable Tapes
Tape wrapping unit
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 Introduction to SAP
 SAP Application Forms
 Cable Applications
 Benefits
 SSA: Your Supply Partner
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Benefits
Cablers / Installers/ End Users
Streamlined Cable Manufacturing Process
 Faster line speeds / cleaner process
 Usage volume is a fraction of what it replaces
(i.e. filling / flooding compounds)
Improved Cable Installation
 Smaller diameter
 Lighter weight
 Easier cable pulls both aerial and underground / conduit
Significant Reduction in Cable Prep / Splice Time
 Lowers cost of initial installation
 Reduces emergency cable outage / restoration time
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Benefits
Cablers / Installers/ End Users
Improves Cable Life Cycle
 Effective sealing of defects localizing water damage
 Replacement of gel eliminates damage due to oxidation
 Insoluble x-linked polymers insure long term stability
Environmentally-friendly / neutral
 SAP is non-toxic and can be placed in land-fills
 SAP is used in agricultural applications for soil amendment
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Introduction to SAP
SAP Application Forms
Cable Applications
Benefits
 SSA: Your Supply Partner
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SSA: Your Supply Partner
Our Focus
Specialize in water blocking technology for the wire and cable industry
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various material forms (i.e. powder, aqueous liquids, hot melt adhesives
Offer a variety of water blocking options to meet demanding requirements
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high thermal stability of standard gels
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good absorption / blocking performance in ionic solutions
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SSA: Your Supply Partner
Manufacturing
In-house, 15 years of expertise
Customized for application requirements
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particle size distribution
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additive packages such as flow agents, colorants, etc.
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packaging (2 kg bags, 25 kg or 1000 kg bags / supersacks)
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SSA: Your Supply Partner
Technical
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expertise and experience in cable design
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focus on finding solutions to cable design issues
Competitive pricing globally
Excellent customer service
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Stewart Superabsorbents, LLC
1954 Main Avenue SE,
Hickory, NC 28602
P: +1 (828) 632-5664
F: +1 (828) 632-5771
www.stewartsuperabsurbents.com
Kip Clyburn
Operations and Technical Support
P: +1 (828) 632 5664
F: +1 (828-632-5771
kclyburn@stewartgroup.com
Richard Ellis
Sales
P: +1 (678) 691-6398
M: +1 (678) 848-4805
rellisgas@cablematerialsinc.com
Stewart Superabsorbents is a member of
The Stewart Group of companies
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Final side with the splash
and contact information