Why Rayphen Vibration Dampers

Rayphen Vibration Dampers

Mostly, the vibration dampers in the transmission line absorb aeolian vibrations and maintain a fair distance between conductors.

Rayphen aeolian vibration transmission lines dampers have the following extraordinary features.

• Range taking
• Solid components
• Hot-dip galvanized finishing
• Best raw material
• Easy installation

Our vibration dampers have increased efficiency and the best results when it comes to application in transmission lines.

Rayphen Stockbridge dampers are one of the best among various others as they have lightweight aluminum alloy clamps for easy gripping.

Vibration dampers by Rayphen are tested and compatible with multiple cables.

They have really strong grips and most importantly, Rayphen vibration dampers are energy saving.

Based on manufacturing materials, every component of Rayphen cable vibration dampers is distinct from others. You can trust our vibration dampers for overhead applications.

Additionally, Rayphen vibration dampers in the transmission line have a quick and easy installation with minimum tools.

Our products withstand high temperature and harsh weather conditions but perform brilliantly in every condition.

Talking about aeolian vibration transmission line dampers, Rayphen offers a huge variety of cable vibration dampers. These dampers perfectly fulfill your demands.

The risk of damage through aeolian vibration is controlled by dampers. We assure you our Stockbridge dampers do their job brilliantly.

Rayphen with its 14+ years of experience in the electrical manufacturing industry offers the best deals that anyone can avail pretty easily.

Various series and types of vibration dampers by Rayphen are made under the latest hot-dip galvanization technology that assists in enhancing the unique features of transmission line dampers.

If you ask for dampers having a unique structure and a damper that reduces corona discharge due to a smooth surface, Rayphen never disappoints you.

You can custom order as well at Rayphen. Place your orders in bulk and the product will be at your doorstep before you know it.

Rayphen believes in our client’s satisfaction that is why we are offering help 24/7 through our website. You can contact us anytime whenever you need us or when something bothers you.

Besides, we take full accountability for our products as they are made with strict quality control standards. Rayphen makes the best and delivers the best.

Hurry up and contact us ASAP!

Vibration Damper FAQs—The Complete Guide

Are you familiar with the term vibration dampers? Do you know what is the function of these? Are they cable connectors or overhead line fittings? Well, we are here to tell you all about Vibration Damper. Basically, they are overhead or you can say aerial transmission line electrical fittings wind vibrations so to reduce the transmission lines failure.

Let’s move to the detail of vibration dampers and get to know everything regarding the accessory through this ultimate guide. It contains answers to all your queries and doubts.

Q1. What is a Vibration Damper?

Rayphen vibration damper is an overhead line fitting that lessens the vibrations caused by moderate wind.

In case if conductor starts vibrating, then at that time there working at suspension is unfavorable. When the vibrations become large, the conductor gets fatigued because of bending (periodic).

                                                                     Figure 1 Vibration Damper

These vibration dampers are compatible with different types of conductors such as ACSR, AAAC, AAC, and other conductors.

They come in various sizes and types. Each has its own function and specialties. Their structure and design are also different from each other.

The vibration dampers are available at affordable prices and you can get them easily through authentic dealers like Rayphen. Because of easy and quick installation, they are used very commonly especially in transmission lines.

Q2. What is Vibration Damper Function?

As you know, there are a lot of weather changes which bring wind, temperature fluctuations, snow, and many other things. In such conditions, overhead lines are badly affected.

The purpose of the vibration damper is the absorption of aeolian vibrations. The vibrations caused by strong winds or through other sources are all absorbed and damped with the help of vibration dampers.

It is very obvious from their name that they damp the vibration so that no noise pollution and other pollution occur.

There is no hard and fast rule of conductors matching with vibration damper. You can select whichever conductor you like for this purpose.

Rayphen vibration dampers are helpful in reducing wind vibrations during OPGW operations. Also, they protect such connections and their accessories.

Q3. How Does a Vibration Damper Work?

                                                                Figure 2 How Vibration Dampers Work

The working principle of the vibration damper is not difficult to understand.

Certain vibrations travel all along the transmission line and reach the site of the vibration damper. As soon as they reach it, the Rayphen vibration damper clamp starts oscillating in an up and down motion.

This up and down oscillation causes the vibration damper cable to flex. Resultantly, the damper cable also begins to oscillate relative to the weights and clamp of the vibration damper.

The stored mechanical energy of the traveling waves (those producing vibrations) is then transferred as heat energy to the vibration damper.

For performing its action, the vibration damper must match the conductor frequency. Also, the vibration dampers you are using must be heat tolerant as the vibration dissipates into them as heat energy.

Q4. What are the Features of Electrical Vibration Damper?

There are certain features associated with vibration dampers in the transmission lines. These characteristic features are:

• Optimized design
• Rust free
• Safe, easy, and quick installation
• Galvanized cable and clamp
• Reduces any weather vibrations
• Suitable for different conductors

Q5. What are Some of the Applications of Vibration Damper?

You should not confuse vibration dampers in transmission lines with the ones used in machine making. Therefore, it has limited applications.

It is made for the purpose of suppressing wind vibrations (aeolian vibrations) of ground wire and many other conductors on overhead lines.

These vibration dampers are specifically made for damping the vibration in transmission lines to reduce fatigue damages.

                                                     Figure 3 Vibration Damper Spotted in Transmission Line

Q6. What is the Designing of Vibration Damper in Transmission Lines?

                                                             Figure 4  Components of  Vibration Damper

Rayphen aeolian vibration dampers constitute two dampers made of cast iron, steel strands that are hot-dip galvanized, clamps of aluminum alloy, and bolts made of stainless steel.

It works on a design that is energy-saving along with Hafur structured semicircles. A special kind of tuning fork also accompanies in its working.

The frequency is adequate to fall under a wide range frequency value of 6Hz-150Hz. The vibration damper’s design is meant to resist corona that prevent corona from occurring.

An amazing thing about vibration dampers for the transmission lines is that they save energy to a great extent and they do not have a discharge design.

Their grip is very stable. They have the ability to produce four different resonances. This is better transmission line functioning.

Q7. How to Determine the Right Vibration Damper for Buying?

There are a few points to notice before getting the Rayphen vibration dampers.

• The usage of a vibration damper is not necessary on every line or situation. It works totally in the case-to-case situation.
• Their size and type are determined on the basis of application. It is not necessary that a vibration damper working in one condition will also work on the other.
• Get a vibration damper having frequency compatible with the application.
• The material of manufacturing is of fine quality.
• Check for any damages or rust. If there is any, return it and get a new one.
• Ensure that the hanging plate combines with the damper to form a single plane.

Q8. What Factor Causes Vibration Damping in Vibration Dampers?

The uniform speed and direction of the wind are the main factors behind the transmission line aeolian vibrations. The overhead line’s span length is related to the frequency and wavelength of the vibrations.

Operating stress per year, the diameter of the conductor, the material of the conductor, and transmission line tension are some of the other contributing factors.

When you install a vibration damper, the conductor’s amplitude decreases. The same is the case with ground wires. Ultimately, the stable frequency gets to achieve.

This controls the wind vibration levels and removes the fatigue from wires. It increases the lifespan of the conductors.

Q9. Why Vibration Damper is Used in Transmission Lines?

The use of a vibration damper is very necessary for overhead transmission lines.

The vibration damper suppresses the vibrations caused by wind. Usually, the overhead lines have a large span and the towers are also at very height.

When a strong wind blows, the conductor also blows and the vibration emerges. Resultantly, when vibration reaches the conductor, it starts to vibrate as well. This condition is not suitable for the proper working of the conductors.

                                               Figure 5  Damaged Cable Strands by Aeolian Vibrations

These long-term and periodically stable vibrations lead to damage to the conductor. Ultimately, the conductor and its strand break.

Sometimes, if the winds get really strong, they can damage the insulators of the transmission lines.

Q10. What are the Types of Vibration Damper?

There are two types of the vibration dampers. These types are unique and have distinctive characters. These types are:

Stockbridge Vibration Damper

This damper gets its name after a scientist who in the 1920s contributed to the advancement of dampers, H. Stockbridge.

It is a tuned mass damper that lessens the aeolian vibrations on different conductors like overhead transmission lines.

Such type of Rayphen vibration damper is also given the name dog bone damper because of its shape and overall appearance.

                                                       Figure 6  Stockbridge Vibration Damper

This type of vibration damper is dumbbell-shaped having two heavyweights linked to a short cable. The cable is centrally fixed with the help of a clamp to the mainline wire.

The main purpose of the damper is to disperse the vibration energy to the main cable up to a certain acceptable level.

These vibration dampers are counteracting the vibrations that are excited through wind also known as Karman vibrations.

You have seen this type of vibration damper in most of the overhead transmission lines.

Spacer Vibration Damper

As the name suggests, spacers tend to provide a space to different conductors so that they do not knock off or tilt each other. You can simply say that spacer damper is mostly utilized for transmission line aerial bundles cables.

                                                                         Figure 7 Spacer Damper

Such Rayphen dampers are used if there is a very strong wind and the chance of an increase in vibration is more than usual. Using a spacer damper in such cases is worth the money.

The conductor vibration gets dissipated into the spacer frame hence, the intensity becomes less severe. There are different forms and models of spacers available. You can select according to the application.

Q11. What are Aeolian Vibrations?

Karman Vibrations, another name for aeolian vibrations are produced when the wind acts transversely on the surface of the conductor/cables/wires. Due to this, oscillations are produced in the cables in up and down movement.

Aeolian vibrations tend to occur in any of the transmission lines anytime by the low or medium wind. Fortunately, the amplitude of such vibrations is small having a frequency 5Hz-100Hz.

                                                            Figure 8 Aeolian Vibration Phenomenon

It depends on the load or the dimension of the conductor that determines which vibration damper to use.

Though these winds are steady, yet they produce eddies on the lee side of cable or conductor. On the other side, the vortices/eddies break at regular intervals. This creates upward and downward forces on the conductor.

Q12. What is the Effect of Aeolian Vibrations?

Aeolian vibrations cause distorted strain on the conductor surface and specifically at clamps in transmission lines.

This leads to fatigue failure in the cable. The severity may not appear externally as such failures happen in the interior layers. These vibrations are dangerous in open wide terrains because the smooth steady winds are more likely to happen there.

The aeolian vibrations are lessened with the assistance of the damping system; the one in vibration damper.

Q13. For Which Conductors Using a Vibration Damper is Suitable?

The Rayphen vibration dampers are quite compatible with various conductors. They are made with reliable and durable material which makes them exceptionally good for use.

Both types of vibration dampers are suitable for aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR). All aluminum conductors (AAC) and all-aluminum alloy conductors (AAAC).

Their hot-dip galvanized technology makes them even better for the job.

Q14. Which Materials are Used for Vibration Damper Manufacturing?

As you know there are three components of the vibration dampers; weights, clamp, and messenger cable. They are made of different materials.

We will discuss them individually.

• Cast Iron

There are two weights in the Stockbridge vibration damper. These two weights are made of cast iron. The property of malleability of cast iron is the key factor to use this for making weights.

The material is resistant to corrosion and indentation. Its hardness is pretty perfect for the weights as it is quite tough material.

Another good thing about cast iron is that is elastic and does not deform very quickly.

• Aluminum Alloy

The clamp of vibration damper is made of aluminum alloy. The good thing about aluminum alloy is that being lightweight it is perfect for the clamp. The clamp should be lightweight so that it does not put pressure on the mainline.

Aluminum alloy is non-toxic and pretty malleable material very suitable for making thin clamps.

Also, it does not hinder the current flow.

• Galvanized or Stainless Steel

Vibration damper’s messenger cable is made of galvanized steel or stainless steel. The stainless steel is lightweight and very suitable for making thin wires.

They being stainless and galvanized means they are resistant to corrosion and highly water repellent. Galvanized technology brings immense positive aspects to the manufacturing industries. Through it, the manufacturing material quality is refined more than ever.

Q15. What are the Limitations of Using Vibration Damper on EHV Transmission Lines Ground Wires?

There are some limitations on the use of vibration dampers for EHV transmission lines. These limiting factors are as under:

• Slipping of the clamp is usually seen with ground wires. It is mainly because the gripping is not strong with them due to the creeping of material. It leads to the damage of ground wires.
• It is a fact that you cannot make the system totally anti-vibration. The Upper-frequency value of EHV ground wire having a diameter of 100mm2 is about 100Hz. For such cases, dampers having an extensive resonance range must be used.
• The corrosion of messenger wires is normally seen. This issue is avoided by the use of processed or hot dip galvanized materials of manufacturing.

Q16. How to Properly Install a Vibration Damper?

To prevent the damage of conductors, aluminum armor tape is applied before starting the installation procedure of the damper. For this, you need to follow the direction of the wire’s outer winding.

The tape will reveal the nip to about ≤10mm. Remember to cover the ends with tape.

The installation process of the vibration damper is not complicated. The general steps involved in its installation are as follows:

• Loose the bolt of the clamp to allow the cable to insert into the groove of a clamp.
• Now, hang the vibration damper at the specific point where it gets properly fixed.
• Tighten up the bolt with the hand manually.
• Always keep the vibration damper at a specified distance from dead end or any bolted clamp. This distance is fixed by manufacturers. It can be different for different products.
• Now with the assistance of a socket wrench, fasten the bolt previously fixed by hand and then tighten the bolt well.

                                                               Figure 9 Fix the Clamp at Specific Place

                                                                Figure 10 Tighten the Bolt with Wrench

You see, the installation procedure is so simple and there are no expensive specialized tools required for the job.

Q17. What Should be the Installation Distance of Vibration Damper?

The distance of installation is an important subject to discuss. Amazingly, it is assumed or fixed by the vibration damper designer.

The distance of installation of a vibration is given in accordance with maximum and minimum values of half-wavelength.

                                                            Figure 11 Vibration Damper Installation Distance

Q18. How Many Anti-Vibration Hammers are Installed?

The number of vibration dampers to get installed on the overhead transmission lines is dependent on the transmission line’s diameter and pitch.

It also depends on the wind energy acting on these transmission lines.

So, you cannot exactly tell the number of installations. However, the number is usually calculated by the vibration damper designer.

Q19. Are Vibration Dampers Reliable to Use?

Yes, Rayphen vibration dampers are pretty reliable to use. They are made of good quality hot-dip galvanized manufacturing materials.

There is no need to worry about the service life of vibration dampers. They are long-lasting and if you get a good quality vibration damper it can go a long way.

The installation of such dampers is also very easy and simple tools are required for the purpose.

Q20. How to Prevent Vibration Damper from Getting Damaged?

There is nothing to worry about the physical condition of the Rayphen vibration damper because they are a long-lasting products.

There are rare chances of them getting damaged. The only chance is during installation if they are not properly installed or with proper tools.

Also, if the vibration damper is not of high quality, then they get corrosion. After some time, this leads to damper damage along with other damages too.

                                                          Figure 12  Damaged Stockbridge Damper

Make sure to apply an oxide inhibitor if it is not already applied during manufacturing to be safe.

Q21. Can You Use Vibration Dampers for OPGW?

Yes, it is completely okay to use vibration dampers for optical ground wiring (OPGW). The optical ground wiring of low and moderate voltage is highly compatible with Rayphen vibration damper.

With high voltages, there are certain limitations as discussed in the above sections. Buy a good quality vibration damper made of hot-dip galvanized material. Such dampers are more reliable to use for OPGW.

Q22. What is Vibration Damper Price?

The price of a vibration damper is about US$1.00-US$18.00.

Pricing of the vibration dampers entirely depends on the manufacturing materials, manufacturers, size, and type. Bigger and high-quality Rayphen vibration dampers are of course pricy than the others.

Generally, the Stockbridge vibration damper is slightly higher in price than the spacer vibration damper. It is because the former is more commonly and widely used in transmission lines.

Q23. Can You  Connect Two Cables with Vibration Damper?

No, vibration dampers are not cable or wire connectors. They are overhead or transmission line electrical accessories used for damping aeolian vibrations.

Cable connectors are an entirely different category from vibration dampers. Rayphen vibration dampers are used for absorbing the up and down oscillations of the conductor.

That’s how they remain protected while the current flows smoothly.

Q24. Are there Various Sizes of Vibration Damper Available?

Yes, fortunately, there are so many sizes of vibration dampers available in the market. You can now have multiple options from which you can pick the perfect one.

Mostly, it is best to choose a vibration damper that matches the dimensions of the conductor. Also, you can select on the basis of applications.

For other transmission lines, the Stockbridge vibration damper is appropriate.

Keep the size of the vibration damper compatible with the size of the conductor.

Q25. Can You Get Customized Vibration Damper?

Yes, Rayphen offers customization services to its customers and clients.

You only have to make an order, ask for your demands/needs, and your order would be delivered in a few days to your doorstep.

It is wise to custom order in bulk. This way is easy for the manufacturers and you as well. Bulk ordering saves you many bucks. Through bulk custom orders, you do not have to pay for the packaging of an individual pieces. Rather, you pay as a whole.

Always be specific about your custom requirements so that the right product would delivered to you.

Q26. Is There Any Alternative to Vibration Damper Present?

No, there is no alternative to a vibration damper.

The Rayphen vibration damper is solely made for the purpose of damping aeolian vibrations to prevent the conductor.

There is no such device made like this for transmission lines. Hence, for damping vibrations, you need to get a vibration damper of good quality.

Q27. Can You Purchase High Voltage Vibration Dampers?

Yes, Rayphen vibration dampers for high voltage transmission lines are also available to buy. Typically, they are more effective for medium and high voltage transmission lines.

If you are asking for an ultra-high voltage, these vibrations dampers work effectively well for them too.

Q28. What Happens if the Vibration Damper Slips from its Place?

If the damper slips, there are the following consequences you can face.

• The damper will not be able to absorb vibration energy.
• Its improper place increases the vibration leading to conductor damage.
• A lot of energy and time is consumed to fix the slipped vibration damper.
• If the damage is severe, there might be a chance of a power outage that affects the line operation reliability.

Q29. How to Fix the Problem of Vibration Damper Slippage?

Here are some instructions you can follow to fix the problem.

• To increase the bolt’s axial pressure try to improve the vibration damper’s clamp position.
• Add rubber pad to inner clamp layer. This increases the friction coefficient with wire component and creep.
• The rubber pad must be compressible and have wear resistance.
• Use preformed armor rod without doing anything else to vibration damper. It acts as an anti-skid. By this, if the vibration damper clamp is not tight, it will not slip.
• Lastly, compare which thing suits you best. Analyze the economical and technical view of the solution. Using a preformed armor rod is more reliable and reasonable.

Q30. What are the Proper Methods to Test Vibration Damper?

These are the following methods through which you can test vibration dampers.

• Visual Inspection

Through this test process of production, zinc layering, shape, and treatment of the surface are determined to make sure they match the drawings of the vibration damper.

• Size, Material, and Quality Testing

As the name indicates, the size and quality of vibration dampers are checked through this analysis. Also, the material of the vibration damper is determined and compared with the requirements.

• Test for Anti-corrosion

Here, the galvanized parts of vibration dampers and the strands made of galvanized steel are tested according to the given standards.

• Test of Grip Strength

This test is done to determine the strength of grips of different structures, including grip strength of head of a hammer, wire clamp to a strand of steel, wire clamp to ground wires or conductors, bolt tightening, test of the corona, and radio waves interference.

• Fatigue Test