Optimization of Power Cable Production Lines for EPM/ EPDM Elastomers by Genetic Algorithm with Different Peroxides

EPM/EPDM elastomers are widely used for the insulation of high and medium voltage electric cables. Insulator mechanical properties depend on the extent of vulcanization, which is obtained by manufactures using a number of different peroxides as cross-linking agents. Vulcanization occurs in the continuous vulcanization tube, a pressurized tube filled with nitrogen at high temperatures. Then, water and/or air are used to cool the cable at ambient temperature. Changes of process variables cause considerable changes in insulator physical properties. In the present article, a genetic algorithm with zooming and elitist strategy is used for the determination of optimal production lines parameters to use to maximize rubber output mechanical properties. Nitrogen temperature Ts and exposition time t are assumed as production parameters to optimize, whereas two different output mechanical properties (tensile strength and tear resistance) are considered as objective functions. Several optimization problems are analyzed both for medium and high voltage cables. A final multiobjective optimization is presented with the corresponding Pareto frontier, where objective functions are represented by tear resistance and tensile strength. Optimal production Ts and t are obtained for all the cases analyzed. Numerical simulations show how different peroxides and insulator thicknesses sensibly influence optimal production variables. VC 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 111: 482–507, 2009