TST Seal Successfully Completes Power Distribution Room Upgrade and Renovation Project for a Large-Scale Chemical Plant in Yichang, Hubei

In the chemical industry, the safe and stable operation of power systems is directly related to the safety and economic efficiency of continuous production. Retrofit requirements often focus on three core areas: tolerance to harsh environments, explosion-proof safety, and sustainable cable capacity expansion. As key nodes for power transmission, distribution rooms and cable trenches must not only withstand complex environmental conditions such as flood season backflow, chemical corrosion, and insect infestation, but also meet stringent explosion-proof standards and provide flexibility for future industrial upgrades. These specialized requirements make retrofitting chemical power facilities a highly challenging system engineering undertaking.

A chemical plant complex in Yichang, Hubei Province, China

Recently, TST seal developed a tailor-made, comprehensive cable trench sealing solution for the complex 110kV cable trench renovation project in the power distribution room of a large chemical plant in Yichang, Hubei Province. This solution effectively addressed multiple issues, including drainage backflow, moisture, and rodent infestation. Leveraging a comprehensive, full-process service system combining customized solutions, superior product quality, and precise installation, TST seal completed the entire project in just 15 days, demonstrating the strength of its delivery team. Not only did the solution pass three rigorous water injection tests to verify its zero-leakage performance, but it also achieved both safety and aesthetic improvements through the “Beautiful Electromechanical” concept, becoming a leading example of cable trench upgrade and renovation projects in the chemical industry.

Cable Trench Construction Site Photo 1

Customer Needs Insights

Part 1

The chemical plant’s power distribution room is responsible for distributing power to thermal power generators and production equipment. 110kV high-voltage cables and control cables are laid in the cable trench, posing a long-term risk to two major risks:

Drainage backflow: Yichang experiences heavy rainfall during the rainy season, and when the plant’s drainage system experiences a sudden surge in pressure, rainwater can easily flow back through gaps in the cable trench, degrading cable insulation and potentially causing short circuits.

Rodent and insect infestation: The complex environment of the chemical park creates warm and humid conditions within the cable trench, creating a breeding ground for rodents and termites. Traditional sealing materials (such as fireproofing mud) are easily gnawed, creating gaps that could cause cable severance and result in reduced-load operation of the units. Therefore, the client had clear requirements for the sealing solution: it must not only achieve “zero leakage and pest control,” but also meet the stringent safety standards of the chemical industry (such as corrosion resistance and fire rating), while also balancing construction efficiency and site aesthetics. This is precisely the core advantage of TST seal’s integrated “military-grade products + installation services” capabilities.

Customized Solutions

Part 2

Full-Chain Response from Product Design to Installation

To address complex on-site conditions, TST seal established a dedicated team. Focusing on modular sealing systems, they provide a comprehensive “customized design + efficient construction” service:

1

Product Customization: “Corrosion-Resistant and Insect-Proofing Modules” for Chemical Applications

Based on the upgrade and renovation of six cable trenches throughout the park, the TST seal technical team conducted preliminary on-site surveys based on the on-site dimensions of the largest trench (1.4m wide x 1.8m deep) and the cable distribution. The team then provided tailored solutions tailored to the specific construction scenario and environment.

The module body is constructed of chemically resistant EPDM rubber, which resists corrosive media such as hydrogen sulfide and disinfectants found in chemical environments, while also providing a natural repellent for rodents and insects.

The metal frame is constructed of 316L stainless steel, which has passed 1000 salt spray tests. Rust-free for hours, suitable for the high humidity and dusty environments of chemical parks.

The modular design allows for independent sealing of individual cables, ensuring overall sealing while also preserving space for future cable maintenance and expansion (without disrupting the overall structure).

Photo 2 of the cable trench construction site

2

Installation Service: “Fine-tuned” 15-day Efficient Construction

For this chemical plant’s 110kV cable trench renovation project, TST seal, through in-depth preliminary research and data collection, quickly completed wiring planning and customized installation solutions, significantly shortening the design and construction timeframe. During the project implementation phase, the technical team maximized the integrity of the cable trench structure.

The TST seal construction team strictly adhered to chemical industry safety regulations (such as hot work permits and confined space protection) and carried out the project in phases:

Pretreatment Phase (3 days): Cleared water and debris from the cable trench, smoothed the trench walls, and ensured a tight fit of the modules.

Module Installation (10 days): Utilizing a “layered nesting” process, the stainless steel frame was first secured, followed by the rubber modules, which were then inserted layer by layer. Bolt pre-tightening achieved a dynamic seal.

Final Commissioning (2 days): Secondary sealing of module joints was performed, the site was cleaned, and safety inspection was conducted in conjunction with the client.

Actual Photos of the Cable Trench Construction Site (Figure 3)

“Beautiful Mechanical and Electrical” Implemented

Part 3

The dual standards of “safety and aesthetics,” of particular concern to the client, were fully verified during the project acceptance inspection.

Safety: “Zero Leakage” Certified Through Three Water Injection Tests

At the client’s request, three consecutive water injection tests were conducted after construction completion:

First Test: Water was injected into the cable trench to a depth of 0.5m and allowed to soak for 24 hours. No leakage was observed at the module joints, and the ground outside the trench was dry.

Second Test: Simulating heavy rain conditions, water was continuously injected into the trench, maintaining the water level for 12 hours. Monitoring showed stable pressure on the sealing surface, with no decompression.

Third Test: Combined with vibration testing, the modules showed no displacement or deformation during water injection, and the sealing performance was unaffected.

All three tests met the standards, completely eliminating the potential for drainage backflow.

Water Injection Test

Cable Trench Water Injection Test Site

After the project was delivered, the on-site staff expressed deep emotion, “Water backflow during the rainy season has always been a problem for the normal operation of the power system. However, traditional retrofit solutions were extremely difficult to implement. The TST seal sealing product we adopted this time has fundamentally and completely resolved this long-standing problem.” The client also praised the TST seal construction team, praising their professionalism and dedication. They said the entire retrofit process was efficient and smooth, which greatly reduced their worry.

Case Value

Part 1

“Replicable Experience” in Sealing Projects for the Chemical Industry

The successful implementation of this project demonstrates the TST seal team’s strong comprehensive delivery capabilities of “professional products + professional services.” We deliver more than just a batch of materials or a single construction project; it represents a long-term commitment to safety. We guarantee full-cycle service from customized solutions to integrated delivery, while also achieving the dual standards of safety and aesthetics under the “Beautiful Electromechanical” concept.

Actual photos of the cable trench construction site (Figure 4)

Customization is the key to solving complex construction conditions: Through a comprehensive process encompassing “site survey – scheme design – modular customization,” we precisely match the sealing system to actual needs.

The integrated “product + service” approach improves delivery efficiency: The efficient 15-day construction period was achieved thanks to both the prefabrication advantages of modular products and the professional team’s in-depth understanding of chemical safety regulations.

Safety and aesthetics can be achieved simultaneously: “Beautiful Electromechanical” is not simply a visual upgrade; it simultaneously improves safety performance and site management through standardized design and construction.

Against the backdrop of the chemical industry’s transformation and upgrading, retrofit and upgrade services, including penetration and sealing services, must leverage customized products, professional services, and forward-looking design as their core competitive advantages. Going forward, our company will continue to deepen its dual-value delivery model of “safety + aesthetics,” providing full-lifecycle sealing solutions to more customers and contributing to the high-quality development of the chemical industry.