Nexans will interconnect the two main high voltage substations at the new PETROBRAS COMPERJ complex currently under construction in Rio de Janeiro. As part of a multi-million Euros turnkey contract from Toshiba Sistemas de Trasmissão e Distribuição do Brazil Ltda, Nexans will supply and install high voltage (HV) XLPE cables and accessories that will be used to interconnect the two main electrical substations. Petrobras is constructing the COMPERJ complex to help increase Brazil’s capacity to refine oil and decrease the amount of petrochemical products it has to import. It is scheduled to come on line in 2013 and will be capable of processing 165,000 barrels of heavy crude oil per day. The two main substations at COMPERJ are separated by 3.25 km; the Nexans cables will provide a high voltage interconnection with two circuits. Nexans is supplying a complete turnkey solution consisting of a total of 19.5km of 345kV XLPE-insulated cables with termination, premoulded joints, an earthing system and corresponding installation services. Rather than being installed underground, the cables will be carried by pipe racks mounted approximately 20m above the ground. Due to the long lengths of cable being supplied, this method of installation will require Nexans’ specific expertise and specialized cable-pulling machinery in order to ensure that the cables are pulled into position with the delicate handling essential to avoid excessive and potentially damaging stresses. The cables are expected to be installed by 2012 and will be manufactured at Nexans plant based in Charleroi, Belgium with accessories to be provided by the Nexans facility located in Cossonay, Switzerland.
