The introduction of mini-ducts without a low friction liner has resulted in the installer being responsible for the lubrication of the route. This generally involves pouring a pre-determined amount of lubricant into the mini-duct and spreading this along the route by using a sponge propelled by compressed air. This process is critical for the installation performance of the cable. Using infra-red spectral analysis the levels of lubricant will be determined along the length of a 1500m route. These will then be compared with the installation performance of the cable. This paper will investigate the factors that influence the performance of the lubricant. The prime factors are: 1. Lubricant; 2. Ambient Weather Conditions: (1) Humidity. 3. Compressor: (1) 'Slugging'; (2) Use Of Pressure Maintaining Valve; (3) Compressed Air Pressure.
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