How does a fiber optic blower work?
Principle of operation of the TERMA blowing machine.
The blower works on the principle of a combination of mechanical and aerodynamic force. The cable is pushed into the pipe by belts or drive rollers, while compressed air is forced into the pipe, creating an air cushion that reduces friction and facilitates the cable's movement.
Construction and principle of operation
- Drive: Blowing machines can be pneumatic (compressed air), electric or hydraulic. Electric drive, as in MultiTank, offers greater control over the force and speed of blowing and the overall process.
- Blowing head: This is the element through which the cable passes and to which the compressed air is connected. The head must be selected for the diameter of the cable and pipe.
- Control system: Modern blowing machines, such as FTTH One, are equipped with touch panels that allow for precise setting of blowing parameters, process monitoring and data recording. MultiTank has the ability to independently adjust the pushing force and cable insertion speed. By adding a recorder, we can save data for later report creation and start and stop feeder from the panel
- Combination of mechanics and aerodynamics: allows to achieve the greatest possible distances while maintaining the safety of the optical fiber. Having the ability to read the process parameters blowing machines THERMAL inform about the need to open the air to increase aerodynamic force or speak about the possibility of increasing speed. These functions allow to reach the greatest possible distances while being safe for the fiber.
The blowing process
- Preparation: The cable is placed in MultiTank feeder, and the casing pipe is connected to the head.
- Setting parameters: The operator sets the blowing force and speed depending on the type of cable and pipe.
- Blowing: The drive pushes the cable into the pipe, and when compressed air is used, it will reduce friction. In the case of electric blowers, such as the MultiTyphoon, the entire process is controlled electronically.
- Monitoring: The operator monitors the process using a resistance display, meter counter and pressure gauge. All parameters are ergonomically placed in one place on the machine.
- End: Once the cable has been blown in, the blowing machine is switched off and the cable is secured in the pipe.
Blowing machine is an advanced device that combines mechanics with pneumatics to ensure fast and safe installation of optical fibers. Thanks to precise control and modern technologies, the blowing process is not only effective but also safe for delicate cables.
