I am working in a fiber optic project, it is an outside plant trunking application and the fiber goes inside PEAD tube. Since there are areas which can be affected by floods, the fiber specifications preview loose tubes filled with gel. However, the contractor claimed that his supplier doesn't have available the fiber cable filled with gel and offered a core dry loose tube with water absorbent powder.  In the catalog it is informed that the cable is resistant to moisture , but once , as I wrote above the fiber optic cable will be installed in areas with frequent flood condition my doubt is if I can replace it for the cable proposed by the contractor with no further consequences.

 

What exactly is your question?  Gel is certainly not the equivalent of absorbent powder.

TTFN

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My question is if I can replace the specified fiber which is core filled with gel by dry core filled with absorvent powder and still have the suitable protection considering application in flood areas.

Thanks  

Isn't that a function of your requirements?  

How are you going to keep liquid water out of the cabling?

Do you really think that a powder will work as well as a gel?

TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

I still have doubt about the question. I wouldn't dare to deny the contractor request based on what I supose to be obvious, because I have already faced situations on which was apparent obvious was not what I think it was. On one hand the contractor has to follow the material specification, on the other hand I have responsibility on the project schedule, so I would like to have a clear and cute reason to either deny or accept based on a standard or something like. I have read that powder absorvent can be used instead of gel in some situations, even that it is superior, I am just asking here if it is also appropriate for flooded areas, where water will be present for long time during the year. So the question is: Are cables filled with powder absorvent materials  suitable to be used in such areas, if not, why ? Is there a reliable source to the answer ? Many Thanks .