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Supporting large DC bus

Supporting large DC bus

Supporting large DC bus

(OP)
This is an aluminum plant that distributes the large amounts of DC power from rectifier sets to the smelting pots via large aluminum bus. We are wanting to extend these busses.

The supports that hold up this bus have insulators and have proven been difficult to find with long lead times. The ones shown in the picture are 50 years old. Anyone have any experience finding something like this?

Or does anyone have an alternative that would work just as good with common parts? Its been suggested to use electrical insulators like used on a dead end utility pole line. The existing bolts are rated at 9000lbs, the insulating material is porcelain, the voltage is 700 Volts DC. The bus bars are approximately 20" wide and 2"thick. A 20' section weighs about 3300lbs. The supports are installed about once every 20'. If we were to do the dead end idea, how do you calculate the strength?
 

RE: Supporting large DC bus

You might do a Google search for fiberglass guy strain insulators.  These are typically used at the top end of guy wires on dead end poles.  

I think these are available with strengths up to 30,000 lbs or so.  

A porelain johnny ball guy insulator might be another option, but you'd have to come up with some type of attachment detail.  

 

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