PRESS RELEASE – Leak testing for fibreglass protection tubes: Esders smart memo enables uniform pressure testing

The expansion of the German fibre optic cable network is picking up speed: Due to the new regulations ZTV TKNetz 40 of the German Telekom, the leakage test of the cable protection pipes (“speed pipes”) now has to be recorded and is therefore time-consuming and labour-intensive. The smart memo electronic pressure measurement case from Esders GmbH is already equipped to meet these requirements and enables precise leak testing of the speed pipes into which the glass fibres are blown. Esders also offers a wide portfolio of accessories for carrying out the test, as well as the option of digital measurement data management using Esders Connect. “The pressure testing of speed pipes marks an important and necessary step in the expansion of the fibre optic cable network. These must always be free of impurities and leaks that can cause damage to the optical fibres.

With the smart memo, we make this process much easier and offer users a precise and reliable solution against a background of stricter regulations,” says Martin Esders, Head of Sales and Marketing at Esders GmbH. With the expansion of the 5G radio network, the quality of the installation work is coming into focus. As a result, Telekom, as one of the largest network operators in Germany, has developed new guidelines and published them in the form of additional technical contract conditions “ZTV TKNetz 40”. Among other things, this includes requirements for laying and installation work as well as test procedures for checking the condition of cable protection pipes after laying work. In order to meet these requirements, Esders developed a leak test for cable protection pipes during fibre optic laying as an “Option ZTV TKNetz 40” for the smart memo pressure measurement case.

Automated testing with high operational reliability

The standardised inspection using smart memo runs automatically according to the selected set of regulations – the user is guided through the entire process with the help of a large touch display. The pressure test case itself collects all necessary, relevant measurement data and records them. On the one hand, this prevents incorrect operation during performance and, on the other hand, it prevents the risk of manipulation. In addition, the smart memo documents all data and results in the form of a standard report, which is available to the user in various formats.

The requirements of ZTV TKNetz 40 include a pure leak test with the medium air at a test pressure of 5 bar. During the test phase, the pressure loss that occurs is measured and documented, which can occur, for example, due to leakage or expansion of the pipe. At the end of the test, the value of the pressure loss is the decisive criteria for assessing the tightness.

Simple documentation due to digital measurement data management

To simplify the management and logging of all measurement data, the smart memo has an interface to our online portal Esders Connect. With the assistance of this solution, the logged measurement data can be sent directly from the smart memo via an integrated LTE connection to the portal, where it can be viewed and managed by several users. The paperless measurement data not only complies with legal and data protection requirements, but can also be accessed at any time and from anywhere.