Patent ID: 8656586

Claim:
A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of an electrical cable segment having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, said segment having a first closable high-pressure connector attached at one terminus thereof and a second closable high-pressure connector attached at another terminus thereof, each of said first and second connectors providing fluid communication to said void volume, said method comprising: (a) opening both said first and second connectors and introducing at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid via said first connector so as to fill said interstitial void volume; (b) closing said second connector and introducing an additional quantity of said dielectric property-enhancing fluid via said first connector at a pressure greater than about 50 psig, but less than the elastic limit of said polymeric insulation jacket; and (c) closing said first connector so as to contain said dielectric property-enhancing fluid within said void volume at a residual pressure greater than about 50 psig, but below said elastic limit, whereby the pressure within said void volume promotes the transport of said dielectric property-enhancing fluid into said polymeric insulation jacket.