Aeolian vibration, a silent but destructive force, can severely impact the lifespan and efficiency of overhead power lines. At the upcoming Middle East Energy (MEE) Exhibition 2025 in Dubai, Dutco will present PLP's VORTX™ Vibration Damper, a sophisticated solution designed to mitigate this issue.

Based on conventional Stockbridge dampers, it delivers multi-response vibration damping, enhancing energy dissipation and safeguarding energy transmission systems for OPGW and OPGW fittings.

This technology is based on conventional Stockbridge dampers, delivering multi-response vibration damping that enhances energy dissipation and safeguards energy transmission systems.

Key Features:

The VORTX™ Stockbridge Vibration Damper is equipped with advanced features that significantly enhance its performance:

  • Contoured Clamp: Constructed from precision-engineered aluminum alloy extrusion, the contoured clamp guarantees an ideal fit and distributes pressure evenly over the conductor surface. The clamp is created for simple installation with hands-free tightening, ensuring adherence to IEC standards for safety and performance. 
  • Messenger Strand: Made of galvanized steel, the messenger strand is exceptionally durable and efficiently absorbs energy, providing optimal protection and durability in energy transmission systems.
  • Weights: The damper employs open galvanized ductile iron weights, which lower the likelihood of corrosion. The varying weights give the damper several resonant response frequencies, enhancing its capability to reduce vibrations across a broad frequency range.
  • Weight Attachment: The weight attachment exceeds the IEC pull-off strength standards, guaranteeing dependable performance while preserving the characteristics of the messenger strand. This attachment eliminates adhesive substances, ensuring reliable performance in different temperature scenarios.
  • Breakaway Bolt Feature: To avoid excessive tightening, the damper has a breakaway bolt that snaps at the appropriate level, guaranteeing optimal torque application for peak performance

Performance and Standards:

It meets the highest standards for vibration control in OPGW systems, having been tested in accordance with IEC 61897 standards for Stockbridge-type aeolian vibration dampers:

  • Multi-response Design: The damper’s unequal weights and messenger strand lengths ensure superior vibration reduction across a wide frequency range, making it highly effective in reducing vibrations caused by varying wind conditions.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Built with corrosion-resistant materials, the damper is designed to perform reliably over time, even in harsh environmental conditions.

Applications and Compatibility:

It is highly versatile, compatible with various conductor types, and suitable for a wide range of applications:

  • It works effectively with aluminum-based conductors such as ACSR, AAC, AAAC, and ACAR.
  • The damper is ideal for use with PLP® Protector Rods when dealing with conductors that have softer outer aluminum strands like ACSS.
  • It is designed for installation on both energized (hot) and unenergized (cold) lines, making it adaptable for different operational conditions.

Additional Tools: VORTX Vibration Damper Placement Software (VDP):

PLP also offers the VORTX Vibration Damper Placement Software (VDP), a proprietary tool developed from over 60 years of research. This software provides customized recommendations for OPGW & OPGW Fittings including damper model selection, quantity, and placement, ensuring that each system is optimized based on real-world data and extensive laboratory testing.

Advantages Over Traditional Stockbridge Dampers:

It provides several key advantages over traditional Stockbridge dampers:

  • Enhanced Energy Absorption: Its multi-response configuration guarantees exceptional vibration dampening at various frequencies, providing enhanced defense against wind-generated vibrations.
  • Improved Longevity: The rust-resistant components and advanced connection systems guarantee an extended lifespan in comparison to conventional dampers.
  • Broader Frequency Range: By responding to a wider spectrum of frequencies, the VORTX™ damper enhances conductor protection, leading to improved overall stability of the system in different wind conditions.

The VORTX™ Vibration Damper is an essential innovation for modern energy transmission  efficiency systems. With its superior damping capabilities, durability, and flexibility, this advanced product is poised to change the way vibration is controlled in energy infrastructure.