A lighter and more flexible cable that can still handle the extreme demands of a radioactive environment – this is a fitting description of Habiatron, the cable concept for the nuclear industry now being delivered by Habia to the Korean market. In mid-2009, Habia received a new order from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power valued at about MSEK 20 and encompassing deliveries between 2010 and 2012.
“We have delivered custom-designed cables to the Korean nuclear industry for ten years, including cables used in the modernization of reactors as well as new plants,” explains Micael Lindberg, Head of High Specification Products. “The order from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power pertains to two new reactors – Shin Kori 3 and 4.”
Habia’s custom-designed cables will be used in the reactors’ containment chambers, where conditions are extreme. They must be able to withstand steam pressure, high temperatures and radiation.
“Habia has a technological advantage when it comes to this type of cable,” explains Micael Lindberg. “With the Habiatron concept, we have developed a new type of plastic polymer that allows thinner insulation to be used in the cables. These high-performance plastics result in a more flexible cable and generate weight and space savings of at least 30 percent compared with competing products.”
Korea is one of several countries in Asia making major investments in nuclear power. The country is currently home to some 20 reactors and the rate of expansion remains high. Shin Kori 3 and 4 will be the third construction project to use cables supplied by Habia in a short period of time.