Duropole™ is a new type of pole for utilities distribution.
?Duropole™ is a unique combination of a high tensile composite product (HTCP) and a wooden pole. This combination creates a new insolation enhancement product of exceptional quality and versatility.
The treated wooden pole is known for its durability and longevity and has long been used by the power and telecommunications utility industries for distribution purposes.
The composite product (HTCP) uses a phenol resin similar to Bakelite, which was developed in 1906 and was used extensively for many years. In the electrical industry, it was used for items such as breakers, plugs and switches because of its non-conductive and heat-resistant properties. This phenol resin has now been specially developed to suit modern-day applications and used as a binder in the composite. It is combined with a glass-fibre reinforcement component specifically woven for this product. The binder and reinforcement are applied as a wrap around a pole to increase the pole's durability, lifespan and strength.
Why a wrap?
The skin of a treated pole normally carries about 80% of the strength of the pole. With the Duropole™ this outer layer is further treated and strengthened with a wrap. The wrap acts as a skin and will carry a large part of the load as it is transferred from the pole to the glass-fibre and phenol resin outer layer.
Tests have shown that the wrap adheres well to both CCA and creosote treated* wood without compromising the integrity and strength of the timber. This intense bond between the wood and wrap forges a synergy of strength between the two components, making Duropole™ a truly hybrid pole.
▪The pole has increased strength, rigidity and carrying capacity. Poles with a smaller diameter have the same carrying capacity as larger poles.
▪The coating is durable. Even with extreme handling of the Duropole™, the wrap did not shatter.
▪The longevity of the wooden pole is greatly increased. The resin used in the wrapping composite has been tested and proven to be chemical resistant, UV stable, and water impermeable.
▪The wrap forms a seal around the pole, covering and protecting the in-soil Critical Zone. (See Illustration A)
▪The sealing properties of the wrap:
- inhibit in-ground and above-ground decay
- cause preservative in the pole to be better retained
- inhibit leaching of preservative from the pole
- inhibit the ingress of water into the pole
- protect the pole against insect and termite activity.
▪The pole is fire proof, as the composite product cannot burn. In addition to the lab tests, various independent fire tests showed that the coating isolates the wooden pole from fire/damage. Read more about this benefit in our Duropole™ Fire Proof section.
▪Any items under the wrap (such as copper earth wire) are protected and hidden. Read more about this benefit in our Duropole™ Hidden Earth section.
Illustration A:
▪A Duropole™ can be used in the same way as a treated pole. They can be drilled into and they cater for a pre-determined load and standardised fittings. Fittings that are used for wooden poles do not need to be altered or standardised for use with a Duropole™.
▪The wrapping composite (HTCP) can be used to fully or partially wrap the poles, according to the client's requirements.
▪The Duropole™ is cost effective in comparison to various alternatives.
▪Transportation costs are lowered because a smaller diameter pole can be used.
▪The wrapping helps to lengthen the lifespan of a wooden utility pole.
*All wooden pole treatment is done according to South African National Standards (SANS) specifications.
Added benefits of Duropole™ Hidden Earth as electrification pole:
▪The copper earth wire is hidden under the wrap and cannot be easily removed. This makes theft of the copper wire nearly impossible. Tests showed that in order to remove the wire it had to be chiselled out centimetre by centimetre. This protection from theft of copper wire saves resources and makes Duropole™ a good investment.
▪The wrap used on the Duropole™ has non-conductive properties and acts as an electrical isolator. This helps to ensure adherence to safety regulations of installations. Electrical contact with the public or animals can occur with possible leakage currents, electrical surges, or electrical faults on the line/equipment. The wrap can prevent this electrical contact with people or animals. The presence of the wrap almost entirely eliminates the 'step and touch potential'. This safety benefit can help ensure the lives of the line crew and the communities where poles are placed.
Download our Duropole™ Hidden Earth information brochure.
Or watch the short video on Duropole™ Hidden Earth in our Video section.
Email us to find out more.
Added benefits of Duropole™ Fire Proof as utility pole:
▪Fire can do enormous damage to wooden utility poles. The composite material used to wrap the wooden poles in a Duropole™ is fire proof, so fire damage to utility poles is prevented. This saves resources and makes Duropole™ a good investment.
▪The composite used to wrap the poles can be used on untreated or treated wood. Wooden poles can be treated with creosote or CCA before being wrapped. CCA normally does not sustain fire, as CCA is known to impart wood with a combustion property known as 'afterglow'. After it is heated to the point of ignition, treated wood can sustain smouldering until the wood is completely consumed. Once a pole has been wrapped with this composite, it becomes fire proof and long lasting.
▪ Wrapped cross arms and pole tops can prevent pole-top fires caused from electrical short circuit or lightning.
Download our Duropole™ Fire Proof information brochure.
Or watch the short video on Duropole™ Fire Proof in our Video section.
Email us to find out more.
Duropole™ Hidden Earth (2 minutes)
Duropole™ Fire Proof (2 minutes)
Please email us with your enquiry and we will get back to you within 24hours, thank you.
Contact person: Jens Küsel