TEHRAN - Iranian researchers have localized the production of hydrophobic silicone coatings known as room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV) coatings, designed to reduce pollution-related leakage currents and electrical discharges on power line insulators.
Dust and pollutant accumulation on electrical infrastructure, particularly on transmission and distribution line insulators, can compromise insulation performance and increase the risk of electrical discharges, equipment damage, and power outages. These risks are especially significant in hot, humid, and dust-prone regions, where environmental contamination can accelerate the deterioration of electrical insulation.
To address this challenge, a domestic knowledge-based company, with support from Iran’s Tavanir power utility, has developed and commercialized locally produced RTV silicone coatings.
Applied to glass and ceramic insulators, the hydrophobic coatings are designed to reduce the effects of surface contamination and leakage currents, thereby helping improve the insulation performance of electrical equipment. According to the manufacturer, the product can be applied on-site and is approximately 30% less expensive than imported alternatives.
Insulators are essential components of electricity transmission and distribution networks. They electrically isolate energized conductors from supporting structures and other equipment. However, the accumulation of dust, salt, and other contaminants on insulator surfaces can create conductive pathways when moisture is present. The resulting leakage currents may lead to surface discharges, sparking, and, under severe conditions, electrical arcing that can disrupt network operations.
These problems are particularly relevant in southern Iran and other areas exposed to high levels of environmental pollution, where dust, humidity, and elevated temperatures can combine to increase the risk of insulation failure. Contamination can also increase the need for periodic cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. Technologies that mitigate these effects or extend maintenance intervals may therefore offer operational and economic benefits for electricity network operators.
Monireh Taghvaei, chief executive officer of the knowledge-based company, explained that RTV silicone coatings are used as hydrophobic, pollution-resistant protective layers on electrical equipment. By reducing the effects of moisture and contamination on insulator surfaces, the coatings are intended to help prevent certain environmentally induced electrical faults. She also noted that the technology was localized in Iran with support from Tavanir.
According to the company, the coating is applied by spraying it onto ceramic and glass components, where it cures at ambient temperature without requiring an industrial oven or additional heating. This feature can simplify application and enable the coating to be applied directly at installation sites, an advantage for electrical infrastructure that is difficult to dismantle or transport.