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A Look Back at CIGRE 2024: La Granja Insulators’ Experience
It’s been officially two weeks since La Granja Insulators participated in the CIGRE 2024 Session in Paris, representing our ongoing commitment to excellence in the electrical industry.
Held from August 25th to 30th at the Palais des Congrès, this event gathered over 9,000 power systems professionals from 120 countries.
It was an extraordinary opportunity for us to showcase our latest innovations in high-voltage glass insulation technology!
The event featured a technical exhibition with over 300 companies, offering a unique platform to demonstrate our products and solutions to a diverse audience of industry leaders, engineers, and decision-makers. Our booth attracted significant interest, where we shared insights, and discussed future trends in the power systems sector.
The event provided a clear glimpse into the current state and future evolution of the electrical industry, revealing a rapidly growing market with extraordinary potential, highlighting projections of incredible growth through 2035, with expectations to double or even triple market demand.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who visited our booth and to the organizers of CIGRE 2024 for creating such a successful event. It was an exceptional moment for the power line sector, and with record attendance and high levels of engagement, the coming years promise to be even more exciting.
Everything you need to know about high voltage glass insulators
What is a high voltage glass insulator?
A high voltage glass insulator is an element designed to support and insulate high voltage electrical conductors in electrical energy distribution and transportation systems. It is composed of a tempered glass disc that can have different shapes depending on its function and specific application, to which a metal cap and pin are attached that allow the insulators to be joined forming insulator strings. These insulators are essential to maintain the integrity of the electrical system and prevent short circuits or electrical shocks.
- It is designed to withstand high voltages.
- It can have different shapes depending on its function.
- It is essential for the integrity of the electrical system.
What are the main properties of a high-voltage glass insulator?
High-voltage glass insulators have several key properties that make them suitable for use in high-voltage electrical systems. These characteristics include their high mechanical strength and electrical tension resistance, their ability to withstand adverse weather conditions, and their long-term durability. Additionally, their design and construction are optimized to ensure reliable performance and extended service life in demanding environments.
- Mechanical and electrical tension resistance.
- Ability to withstand adverse weather conditions.
- Long-term durability.
What is the importance of high voltage glass insulators in an electrical system?
High voltage glass insulators play a crucial role in making an electrical system operate safely and efficiently. They mechanically support conductor cables and act as insulation barriers between these conductors and supporting structures, preventing short circuits and electrical shocks that could cause interruptions in power supply or damage to equipment. Additionally, they help maintain network stability by minimizing current leakage and ensuring uniform electrical load distribution.
- They mechanically hold the conductors
- They prevent short circuits and electric shocks.
- They maintain the stability of the electrical system.
- They avoid interruptions in the energy supply.
What are the factors to consider when selecting high-voltage glass insulators?
When selecting high-voltage glass insulators, it is important to consider several factors to ensure their suitability and optimal performance in a specific electrical system. These factors include the required mechanical strength, the line voltage level, local environmental conditions, expected electrical load, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, compatibility with other system components and adherence to safety and quality standards are also important considerations during the selection process.
- Mechanical strength
- Line voltage
- Local environmental conditions
Maintenance requirements
What are the main parameters that define each model of glass insulator?
Each insulator model is defined by a series of parameters defined by the manufacturer and can be seen in the catalogue or on the drawings of each insulator, and which must comply at least with the minimum or maximum values required by the different applicable standards The main parameters include the mechanical (mechanical breaking load), the dimensional (coupling standard, diameter, creepage distance and pitch), the geometric (shape of the insulator profile) and the electrical ones (electric withstand voltages for puncture, dry and wet power frequency, and lightning impulse withstand voltages). For each power line project, the required chain parameters must be properly calculated, and the most appropriate insulators must be chosen for each case.
- Mechanical parameters
- Electrical parameters
- Dimensional and geometric parameters
What is the installation and maintenance process for high-voltage glass insulators?
Proper installation and maintenance of high-voltage glass insulators are essential to ensure their optimal operation and prolong their lifespan. The installation process typically involves securely fastening the insulators to support structures using appropriate hardware and tools for the specific environment. Additionally, in highly polluted environments, regular inspection procedures should be followed to detect excessive contamination, and corrective measures should be taken as necessary to prevent premature failures.
- Secure fastening to support structures.
- Regular inspection to detect excessive contamination.
- Proper maintenance to prolong lifespan.
What materials are used in the manufacture of high voltage glass insulators?
High-voltage glass insulators are primarily made of high-quality tempered glass, which is capable of withstanding significant mechanical and thermal stresses, while also enduring high levels of electrical tension without damage.
In addition to glass, complementary materials such as cast iron, forged steel, cement, and stainless steel are used for the fastening fittings. These materials are designed to withstand adverse environmental conditions and ensure the stability and durability of the insulator throughout its lifespan.
For very high contamination environments, the SILGLASS® solution adds a thin layer of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone to the glass surface of the insulator, which imparts hydrophobic properties, adding performance benefits against contamination.
- High-quality tempered glass.
- Metallic materials for the fittings.
- Cement as a fastening element for the components.
- RTV silicone coating for SILGLASS® insulators.
How does contamination affect the performance of high-voltage glass insulators?
Contamination, such as the accumulation of salts, dust, or other natural or artificial elements, combined with moisture on the surface of glass insulators, can significantly affect their performance and effectiveness. This contamination can lead to a decrease in the dielectric strength of the insulator chain, increasing the risk of electrical arcs and shocks. On the other hand, excessive contamination without taking mitigation measures can potentially accelerate the aging of insulators due to corrosion.
- Decrease in the insulation capacity of the chains.
- Increased risk of electric arcs.
- Potential accelerated aging of insulators.
What are the measures that can be taken to mitigate the effects of contamination on high voltage insulators?
To mitigate the effects of pollution, several measures can be taken. First of all, the type of contamination that affects the line must be studied (sources, characteristics of the contaminant, etc.) and the severity of the pollution at the location must be determined. You must choose the appropriate insulator profile for each environment (standard, anti-pollution, aerodynamic…), design the chains with sufficient specific creepage distance. Also install adequate protection against corrosion (sacrificial zinc ring, standard or reinforced galvanization). And in extreme cases, minimize leakage current by applying RTV silicone creating a hydrophobic layer to the insulators.
- Analysis and study of contamination
- Proper selection of the profile of the insulators and the creepage line of the chains
- Protection against corrosion
- RTV silicone application
What are the relevant standards for high voltage glass insulators?
High voltage glass insulators are subject to specific standards or technical specifications that regulate their design, manufacturing and testing. These regulations may vary by country but are usually guided by the standards established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These standards provide detailed guidelines on the quality requirements that insulators must meet to ensure their suitability and reliability in high voltage applications.
- Standards for design, manufacturing, and testing.
- International standards such as IEC and ANSI.
- Quality requirements.
What are the differences between a glass insulator and other types of insulators?
In addition to glass insulators, there are porcelain insulators and polymer insulators.
Glass insulators, like porcelain ones, are cap and pin insulators or chain insulators that are coupled together to form insulator strings, whereas polymer insulators are single-piece elements.
The most important advantages of glass insulators over porcelain and composite or polymeric insulators are the following:
- Ease of visual inspection: A glass insulator, when it has a defect or is perforated, shatters completely, making it easily detectable with the naked eye from the ground without the need for expensive inspection systems. Even if an insulator shatters, both the mechanical and electrical properties of the insulator string remain almost intact (LGI guarantees a residual strength of the “insulator whose insulating part has shattered” of at least 80%, and the loss of leakage distance in the entire string is relatively small), so urgent action is usually not necessary. The insulator can be replaced later during the next scheduled maintenance operation. In any case, the annual rate of spontaneously shattered insulators is statistically very low with experienced and high-quality glass manufacturers, with less than 1 insulator shattered per 10,000 insulators in service.
- Greater durability: Glass insulators do not degrade and have a longer lifespan compared to others, especially polymer insulators. The lifespan of a glass insulator exceeds 50 years, often exceeding the expected lifespan of the electrical transmission line.
- High mechanical and electrical strength: Glass insulators are known for their higher mechanical and dielectric strength.
- Environmental advantages: Its longer lifespan, the fact that glass is a 100% recyclable material, and its manufacturing process having a lower environmental impact make glass insulators more sustainable than others.
- Greater ease of inspection
- Greater durability
- High mechanical and electrical strength
- Environmental advantages
What are the environmental benefits of using high-voltage glass insulators?
The use of high voltage glass insulators can provide several environmental benefits compared to other types of insulators. For example, and unlike polymeric insulators, the expected useful life of a glass insulator is greater than 50 years, which usually exceeds the useful life of the line itself; This means that throughout the life of the line it is not necessary to renew the insulation, reducing the number of insulators that need to be manufactured and saving those associated resources.
On the other hand, glass is a recyclable material, which means that glass insulators at the end of their useful life can be recycled and reused instead of being disposed of in landfills. Additionally, glass insulators require fewer natural resources to manufacture compared to other materials such as porcelain, contributing to the conservation of natural resources and reducing the environmental impact associated with the production of electrical insulators.
- Longer lifespan than that of the line.
- Recyclable material.
- Lower consumption of natural resources.
- Reduction of environmental impact
La Granja Insulators will be participating once again at the 49th edition of Middle East Energy 2024
From April 16th to the 18th, La Granja Insulators will be participating once again at the 49th edition of Middle East Energy 2024, where the future of sustainable energy comes to life, taking place in the Dubai World Trade Centre.
With over 1,300 energy exhibitors from across the globe, Middle East Energy is the most extensive energy exhibition and conference in the region. Discover the newest innovations in energy products and smart solutions.
Middle East Energy continues to connect the global energy community, allowing you to network with La Granja Insulators and discover products and solutions that are changing the energy landscape.
Energy has to be transported over long distances and integrated into existing transmission networks. Conventional power grids have to now integrate and take into consideration the excess power generated locally to ensure that the grid can safely absorb the distributed energy resources. This is why a stable, reliable, and in today’s world, intelligent transmission and distribution system is needed.
Digitalization can reduce energy usage by around 15% by utilizing real-time data to enhance operational efficiency, as demonstrated by smart structures. Energy suppliers are the largest industry that has the most to gain from the adoption of smart technologies. In addition to lowering production costs, the adoption of smart technologies—such as data analytics and smart sensors—also helps to prevent equipment breakdowns, enhancing worker’s health and safety.
At Middle East Energy, find out how the use of smart insulators offered by La Granja Insulators is a key enabler in the transition to a low-carbon energy system. We look forward to this event and welcome all our partners and customers to visit our booth: H2.E19.
VERESCENCE SPAIN reaches record sales in 2023 with 135 million euros and a 70% growth of its LA GRANJA INSULATORS division.
- The Company has solid investment plans for the next 10 years in view of the growth of the energy sector and power lines, a sector in full growth, in which it will continue to invest to expand capacity, markets and workforce.
- La Granja Insulators has been manufacturing high quality glass insulators for electrical systems since 1932, and in 2024 it is launching new services and renewing its website, while reinforcing its commitment to more efficient, sustainable and long-lasting energy transportation.
- La Granja Insulators plans to double its market potential by 2030 and consolidates its position as a sustainable leader in the manufacture of insulators for electrical systems from the Real Sitio de San Ildefonso.
La Granja de San Ildefonso, 11 March 2024 – La Granja Insulators is the world’s oldest manufacturer of high quality glass insulators for electrical systems, and one of the two leading companies in Europe in the sector.
La Granja Insulators is a member of the Verescence Group, the world’s leading glass manufacturer. It has a presence in 120 countries around the world and more than 100 million insulators installed.
From Real Sitio de San Ildefonso to the world
Dedicated since 1932 to the production of these technological components in the Royal Site of La Granja de San Ildefonso, our experience and the privileged enclave in which we are located, in the province of Segovia, fully identified with glass manufacturing for more than 250 years, are signs of identity of the Company.
The great glassmaking tradition that permeates us, allows our employees to have the expertise and mastery learned, inherited and transmitted from generation to generation, from father to son, manufacturing a high quality product, highly appreciated and recognised by customers worldwide.
The fact that we are located in the heart of a Biosphere Reserve is another characteristic and an incentive to perpetuate our corporate essence.
Sustainability in La Granja Insulators’ DNA
As a leading manufacturer of glass insulators for the electrical industry, we at La Granja Insulators recognise the crucial role we play in promoting sustainability and minimising our environmental footprint.
Convinced that energy drives the development of the planet, its industrial and human progress, at La Granja Insulators we firmly believe in transforming and adapting to new renewable energy sources.
That is why sustainability is not just a goal for La Granja Insulators, but an integrated part of every decision and process we carry out in the company, being an essential part of our DNA.
In our sustainability strategy, people, society and ecological solutions in production are the key lines that guide us.
In this sense, since 2021 the VERESCENCE SPAIN plant has been certified by ISO 50001 for Energy Management. We also have the SBTI company recognition for our decarbonisation road-map with a commitment to reduce emissions by 60% by 2034.
These recognitions demonstrate our firm commitment to sustainability and responsible and efficient management. In this sense, “we are proud to be an example for the sector”, says Bruno Portellano, Managing Director of La Granja Insulators.
Quality
Faced with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable solutions, La Granja Insulators provides its customers with high quality glass insulators to meet their electrical infrastructure needs while respecting the environment.
“We are much more than a manufacturer,” stresses the Managing Director of La Granja Insulators. In fact, he points out, “we are a partner for electricity companies, as we support them in the management of electricity grids to make them more efficient, durable and sustainable”.
“The quality of our work gives value to this technological component, which is essential for the proper functioning of the electricity industry. Without this highly relevant element, nothing would work as we understand it today,” he adds.
In this line, our extensive experience and know-how in line insulation, as well as our commitment to R&D&I and our commitment to customer service, allow us to offer projects and support services to companies dedicated to the design and maintenance of electricity grids.
Powering Grids
The new slogan of La Granja Insulators is ‘Powering Grids‘. With this slogan, the Company enhances its responsibility for efficient electricity transmission and drives energy to build a bright future for the company and society.
In 2024, La Granja Insulators is launching a new, more visual, intuitive and attractive website that reflects our passion for what we do and our respect for the environment.
Last November LGI participated at the INMR World Congress 2023, held in Thailand
As leaders in the electrical insulator industry, La Granja Insulators participated at INMR World Congress 2023, which took place in Bangkok from 12th to 15th November. This event represents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase our cutting-edge solutions.
At La Granja Insulators, we are renowned for our expertise and know-how in electrical insulation technology. During the congress, we showcased our cutting-edge products and services, including RTV insulators, our 90+ years of experience and smart insulation solutions designed to optimize the efficiency and reliability of electrical grids.
Our team actively participated in conferences and technical sessions during the congress, sharing our experience and knowledge with industry specialists. In particular, our technical director Javier García exhibited a very challenging paper on Diagnostic techniques for assessing silicone coated glass insulators.
We also took the opportunity to strengthen strategic alliances, establish new industry connections and collaborate on innovative projects during the event.
La Granja Insulators: World’s first insulator plant certified for Energy Management ISO 50001
La Granja Insulators is located in a unique location, which is called a biosphere reserve. This requires from us an extra effort to preserve the environment and to make a respectful coexistence between nature and industry possible.
Far from seeing it as a problem, we firmly believe that a green future is possible Our efforts have been represented by the fact that we are the first insulators plant in the world to obtain the ISO 50001 Energy Management certification.
This recognition demonstrates our strong commitment to sustainability and responsible energy management. We’re proud to lead the way in eco-friendly production while setting an example for the sector.
As we face the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable solutions, we remain dedicated to providing our customers with high quality glass insulators that meet their electrical infrastructure needs while respecting the environment. Our journey towards sustainability is ongoing, and we invite you to join us on this path to a greener future.
Watch the video to find out more!
Why La Granja’s name? La Granja, a location with a high responsibility
LaGranja Insulators was given its name because of the emblematic place where our factory is located: The town of La Granja de San Ildefonso, in Segovia, Spain.
Not only has it played a key role in the history of glass manufacturing, but it is also located in a unique protected environment.
The Real Sitio de San Ildelfonso is one of Unesco´s 701 Biosphere Reserves around the world. These protected areas must fulfil a commitment to the preservation and protection of species, ecosystems and landscapes; in addition to developing and promoting sustainable, economic and human progress. Besides, it is required to support research, education and permanent observation activities related to preservation and sustainable development.
This is a major challenge when it comes to integrating industrial activity and our commitments to the planet; but far from finding it a problem, we are proud to demonstrate that an environmentally responsible industrial activity is possible, and that nature and industry can coexist in harmony.
