Ceramic Insulators

Description

Alumina Ceramic Insulators:

At S&S, we are capable of producing a wide variety of geometries for ceramic insulators. High Purity Alumina is an exceptional material for electrical insulation or isolation requirements, particularly compared with currently used conventional ceramics such as steatite or porcelain.

 

Electrical Properties

In terms of electrical properties, High Purity Alumina compared to steatite or porcelain has:

• A 2.6 times lower loss factor Tan δ– too high a tan δ can lead to excessive heating brought about by the incoming active power and thus to a shorter life time of the insulator
• A Dielectric Constant of approx 1.6 times higher than Steatite – the dielectric constant affects how electronic signals move through the material; a high dielectric constant means this energy travels more slowly through the material
• Higher Dielectric Strength – the value at which the insulator, when placed in an electric field will lose its insulating properties if the field exceeds a certain critical value
• A lower Dielectric Loss – the proportion of energy lost as heat; the lower the dielectric loss the more effective the insulator

 

Mechanical Properties

In terms of mechanical properties, High Purity Alumina compared to steatite or porcelain has;

• 6 times higher Tensile Strength – it will outperform in tensile stress situations, like three point loading situation and stress induced by vibrations
• 5 times higher Compressive Strength
• 4 times better Modulus of Rupture (MOR) – essentially the strength of the material
• Better Thermal Shock Resistance – a higher tolerance for changing from cold to hot temperature situations

 

Operating Environments

High Purity Alumina is also suitable for higher temperature applications and generally has a limit of operation up to 1600°C. This, coupled with a high corrosion resistance makes it ideal for insulators, particularly those found in electrostatic precipitators which usually have operating conditions of high temperature, humidity and acid or alkaline conditions.