- All
- Product Name
- Product Keyword
- Product Model
- Product Summary
- Product Description
- Multi Field Search
English Views: 1200 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-10-08 Origin: Site
Optical fiber cables for telecommunication application have been installed in pipes/ducts for many years. The installation process is influenced by local conditions, local climate, customer’s existing procedures, and customer requirements. There are two basic methods of cable installation in a preinstalled duct – Pulling method and Blowing method. The cable installation method is selected based on site conditions.
and availability of machinery & resources. Table 1 shows a comparison between the two installation methods.
Table 1 : Comparison between Pulling and Blowing methods
Pulling Method | Blowing Method |
Pulling rope pre-installed | No pulling rope to install |
Equipment and manpower at two sides | Equipment and manpower at one side |
High sidewall forces on cables and ducts may lead to cable damage | Forces on cable and duct can be monitored and controlled and minimal chance of cable damage |
Mainly manual pulling is practiced. | Large compressor and/or hydraulic power pack at one side |
Machine pulling needs one hydraulic power pack Mainly used for straight duct route | Preferred for duct route with multiple bends and undulations |
Suitable for short distance (few 100m) installation | Preferred for long distance (over 2km) installation |
In the actual Construction, we have obtained some reliable data by taking the laying of 1000m optical cable as an example. Please refer to Table 2: Construction Cost Comparison Table for details.
Table 2：Construction cost comparison table
Blowing Method | Pulling Method | |
Installation Time | 12 minutes | 60 minutes |
Manpower Needs | 2~3 people | 5~10 people |
Installation lengths | 1000m | 1000m |
Installation Rate | 60~85 m/min | 15 m/min |
Overall, blowing method is preferred over traditional pulling method due to savings in manpower & installation time and improved installation efficiency, particularly in longer ducts with multiple bends and undulations. FCST has accumulated many years of experience, cable installation by blowing method and its best practices are explained.
