Strategies For Maximizing Air Blow Distance Of Fiber Optic Cables

In modern communication engineering, optical cable jetting technology has become an efficient method for laying optical fiber networks. It uses compressed air to blow optical cables into pre-laid pipes to achieve fast, low-loss optical cable laying. However, to maximize the cable air blowing distance, multiple factors need to be considered, including the selection of fiber optic cables and pipes, cable blowing equipment and processes, operating techniques, environment and conditions, and real-time monitoring and adjustments. This will be introduced in detail below.

1. Selection Of Optical Cables And Pipes

Air blowing micro cable design: In order to reduce the friction of the optical cable in the pipeline, a lightweight optical cable specially designed for air blowing should be selected. Air blowing micro cable has a small size, light weight, perfect optical cable structure, high fiber density, low cost and flexibility sex. This kind of fiber optical cable usually has a smaller coefficient of friction and an optimized outer structure, making it easier to advance during the air blowing process. There are two main types of air-blown micro cables: center tube type (GCYFXTY) and loose tube layer stranded type (GCYFY).

Pipe quality: High-quality microduct conduit or tube bundles are the basis for successful air-blown optical cables. Pipes with smooth inner walls and no seams can significantly reduce the frictional resistance of optical cables and prevent air blown fiber optic cables from getting stuck or damaged in the pipes. Therefore, choosing high-quality pipe materials is crucial. For example, if you need to blow cables over long distances or withstand high pressure, you need to choose materials with better pressure resistance. Air-blown microtubes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE micro duct) may be more suitable.

2. Cable Blowing Equipment And Technology

Compressed air equipment: Efficient compressed air equipment can provide stable and sufficient air flow, which is the key to successful air blowing of fiber optic cables. The air pressure and flow rate should be adjusted based on the specific conditions of the fiber optic cables and pipes to ensure they operate in optimal conditions.

Air drying: Use a dryer or dehumidifier to ensure that the humidity in the compressed air is as low as possible to prevent water film from forming on the inner wall of the pipe and increasing the friction of the optical cable. This measure is particularly important to extend the air blowing distance.

Proper lubrication: Appropriate use of cable blowing lubricant in optical cables or pipes can effectively reduce friction and increase cable blowing distance. However, you need to pay attention to the amount and even distribution of lubricant to avoid overuse that may cause other problems.

3. Operation Technology

Reasonable operating pressure: During the cable blowing process, maintain appropriate air pressure. Too much pressure can cause the cable to deform or get stuck, while too little pressure is not enough to push the cable forward. Therefore, finding the right pressure range is key.

Progressive cable blowing: The staged cable blowing method is used to blow the cable in sections, with appropriate pauses or pressure adjustments between each section to reduce the difficulty of continuous cable blowing over long distances. This method can effectively control the running status of optical cables in the pipeline.

Synchronous pulling: While blowing the cable, you can apply appropriate pulling force (cable pulling machine) at the end of the pipe and operate it synchronously with the air blowing machine of the cable blowing equipment to further reduce the resistance of the optical cable in the pipe. This synchronized operation can significantly improve cable blowing efficiency.

Pipeline path planning: When designing the pipeline path, try to minimize sharp turns and complicated road sections, and choose a path that is as straight and smooth as possible. This can not only reduce the frictional resistance of the optical cable during the cable blowing process, but also reduce construction risks.

4. Monitor And Adjust

Real-time monitoring: Use monitoring equipment to observe the position and status of the optical cable during the cable blowing process in real time, and adjust parameters such as pressure and flow in a timely manner to prevent the optical cable from getting stuck or damaged in the pipeline. Real-time monitoring can ensure the smooth progress of construction and detect and solve problems in a timely manner.

Preventive maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain air blowing equipment and pipes to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Preventive maintenance not only extends the service life of equipment, but also improves construction efficiency and safety.

By comprehensively considering the selection of air blown optical cables and pipelines, cable blowing equipment and processes, operating technology, and real-time monitoring and adjustment, the air blowing distance of the optical cable can be significantly increased to ensure the smooth progress of the construction. Efficient optical cable air blowing technology can not only increase the laying speed of optical fiber networks, but also reduce construction costs and provide strong support for the development of modern communication networks.

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We have been designing, manufacturing and supplying passive components for fiber optical networks since 2003. Everything we do in FCST is designed to provide efficient, simple and innovative solutions to solve complicated tasks.

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