The Llobregat desalination facility located in El Prat de Llobregat, near Barcelona, produces up to 200,000 cubic meters of potable water daily for 4.5 million inhabitants. Since 2009, Unex has utilized its non-metallic Cable Tray 66, manufactured from U23X material, to manage the control lines required by the energy-intensive reverse osmosis process. In September 2024, an inspection validated its exceptional corrosion resistance and electrical insulating performance under harsh marine conditions.
Table of Contents: What awaits you in this article
Llobregat plant delivers 200,000 m³, covering 24 percent demand
Seit 15 Jahren überzeugen unsere Kabelrinnen (Foto: Unex Kabelsysteme und -elemente GmbH)
Located near Barcelona, the Llobregat desalination plant supplies up to 200,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily, covering roughly 24 percent of metropolitan demand. Its reverse osmosis process consumes about 2.9 kWh per cubic meter of seawater drawn from thirty meters below the surface, 2.2 kilometers offshore. High-power pumps drive fluid through specialized membranes, while sophisticated control and monitoring systems guarantee operation. These energy-intensive processes require reliable cable management installations.
Reverse osmosis demands corrosion-resistant insulating systems for safety assurance
The reverse osmosis process demands utmost component durability. High salt concentration, humidity, and chemical exposure require corrosion-resistant, insulating cable management systems. Conventional metal trays fail under such harsh conditions, so non-metallic materials are essential for safeguarding electrical infrastructure. This solution maintains electrical safety and minimizes maintenance needs. Deploying robust polymer trays significantly extends the service life of critical process segments, preventing failures and ensuring dependable operation in demanding desalination environments.
Unex U23X Cable Tray Delivers Corrosion Resistance, Extended Lifespan
Seit 15 Jahren überzeugen die Kabelrinnen (Foto: Unex Kabelsysteme und -elemente GmbH)
Unexs insulating cable tray 66, manufactured from U23X, delivers a bespoke solution combining exceptional corrosion resistance and robust electrical insulation. Engineered to endure harsh environments, the non-metallic structure safeguards pump, control, and monitoring cables over multiple kilometers throughout the facility. Installed in 2009, the system demonstrates minimal maintenance requirements, ensuring continuous operation with proven durability that surpasses industry benchmarks. Its long-term performance contributes to reduced downtime and optimized infrastructure longevity.
September 2024 Inspection Validates 15-Year U23X Cable Trays Integrity
In September 2024, an inspection evaluated the cable tray installation after fifteen years of operation in the Mediterranean environment. Examinations revealed that the tray sections displayed no discernible structural degradation or impairment. There were no signs of corrosion attack, deformation, or crack initiation. Performance measurements confirmed that the Unex U23X polymer material maintained its full insulating capacity and mechanical integrity, even within the most exposed areas of the desalination plant.
Cable Tray 66 Safeguards Wiring Across Critical Operational Zones
Seit 15 Jahren überzeugen die Kabelrinnen (Foto: Unex Kabelsysteme und -elemente GmbH)
The Cable Tray 66 is deployed in all critical zones, starting with intake areas where it shields signal cables from abrasive sand particles. In flotation basins, it ensures organized routing amidst moisture and chemical exposure. Within the reverse osmosis hall, it endures vibration and high salinity. Additionally, it secures wiring in water treatment systems, pump storage, switchgear rooms, control buildings, and compressed air installations, maintaining cable integrity and continuous safety.
U23X Insulating Cable Tray Ensures Uninterrupted Barcelona Water Supply
The uninterrupted performance of the insulating cable tray 66 demonstrates that Unexs U23X material delivers maximum corrosion resistance, electrical safety, and minimal maintenance. Over extended operational periods, these cable management systems significantly reduce operational expenses, extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure, and safeguard uninterrupted potable water supply for Barcelonas metropolitan region. Their robust composite construction withstands harsh marine conditions without degradation, ensuring reliable electrical installations in demanding environments. Seamlessly delivered.
