Water-immersion pre-stressing exposes a complete composite insulator to prolonged heated salt water before the specified follow-up checks. A buyer must size the chamber around the actual insulator, control the full conditioning period and define safe loading, cooling and inspection—not merely order a vessel that can reach boiling.
This guide uses Contune’s 2025 CBC-V25 brochure, which cites IEC 61109:1992 MOD and GB/T 19519-2004. Because standards and customer procedures may use newer editions, the exact solution, concentration, duration and acceptance sequence must be confirmed in the purchase specification.
Reference chamber configuration
| Item | Brochure value |
|---|---|
| Model | CBC-V25 |
| Nominal capacity | 1.2 m³ |
| Nominal internal dimensions | 6000 × 450 × 450 mm; customizable |
| Temperature range | Up to +100 °C |
| Fluctuation / deviation | ±1.0 °C / ±2.0 °C |
| Cover | Protected, pump-driven automatic opening |
| Controls | Digital display, holding and automatic timing |
Size around the complete specimen
Submit overall length, maximum shed diameter, fitting geometry, mass and lifting points. Allow clearance for circulation, supports and removal after cooling. A 6 m chamber is not automatically suitable for every 6 m insulator because fittings, supports and cover movement consume usable space.
Control the conditioning cycle
The brochure describes 96 hours or more of boiling, followed by cooling before removal and inspection of the bond between FRP rod and polymer housing. The approved procedure should define solution preparation, level control, timing start point, make-up water, interruptions, temperature recording and restart rules.
Inspection and records
Record specimen ID, solution batch and concentration, start/end time, temperature trend, additions, alarms, interruptions and cooling time. Photograph the specimen before and after conditioning. The brochure’s stated visual check is that no detachment or gap is found at the material interface; any further electrical or mechanical sequence must follow the applicable standard and customer plan.
Safety and FAT
- Verify over-temperature and low-level protection
- Demonstrate timer recovery after power interruption
- Check cover interlock, powered movement and emergency operation
- Confirm lifting method and splash/steam protection
- Map temperature at agreed chamber points
- Run a representative sample or thermal-load simulation
RFQ checklist
- Standard, edition and exact clause
- Insulator drawings, mass and quantity per batch
- Solution composition and cycle duration
- Temperature recording and report format
- Power, water, drainage, ventilation and floor loading
- Installation, FAT, training and spare heaters/sensors
FAQ
Is chamber length the same as usable specimen length?
No. Supports, fittings, circulation clearance and cover geometry reduce usable space.
Can the insulator be removed immediately at boiling temperature?
The handling method must follow the approved procedure. The referenced brochure specifies cooling before removal.