Method for testing a mechanical integrity of an insulating layer covering a conductor in a cable

摘要

A method for testing a mechanical integrity of an insulating layer covering a conductor in a cable, a longitudinal void being defined inside the insulating layer in a region of the conductor. A first end of the insulating layer is blocked. A compressed gas is injected at a second end of the insulating layer so that the gas enters and travels the longitudinal void inside the insulating layer towards the first end. A gas pressure inside the insulating layer is measured at least near the second end. Injection of the compressed gas is stropped after a predetermined injection time period. A variation of the gas pressure inside the insulating layer is monitored during a diagnostic time window succeeding to a transitional time period following the stopping of the injection. Integrity of the insulating layer is determined based on the variation of the gas pressure during the diagnostic time window.