
Flexicon withstanding temperatures up to minus 40ºC!
Flexicon’s conduit specified to survive in sub-zero Antarctica
Flexicon’s FPY conduit, which can withstand temperatures of minus 40ºC, has been specified to protect electricity and network cables in a £35 million research station being constructed for British Antarctic Survey (BAS) studies. Antarctica’s hostile environment means that products used within the station need to be able to work in extremely low temperatures and dry humidity levels, and must be maintenance-free and reliable enough to last through harsh winters.
The first Antarctica research station was established by the Royal Society in 1956, and was used to conduct studies into meteorology, glaciology, seismology, radio astronomy and geospace science for the International Geophysical Year. After this research came to an end, the station was handed over to the BAS, which has maintained a permanent presence ever since. The BAS continues to conduct many of the original studies on a constant basis, whilst also monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere.
The BAS is now building a new centre – Halley VI – an eight module station which incorporates the latest technologies for recording atmospheric variables. Since Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth, and also has the highest average elevation, there are a number of factors that need to be considered when designing and engineering such a high-tech and compact station, which will be operating in aggressive atmospheric and weather conditions.
Bespoke, quality products from manufacturers with proven expertise have been specified, with one prerequisite being that products must be able to operate throughout the long winter months without any maintenance requirements, as environmental factors mean access to the station is limited.
One of the biggest challenges is the cold temperature. Even in the summer months temperatures can be as low as minus 10ºC, but products also need to maintain their integrity during winter temperatures, which can be as low as minus 40ºC.
Flexicon’s conduit specified to survive in sub-zero Antarctica
Flexicon’s FPY conduit, which can withstand temperatures of minus 40ºC, has been specified to protect electricity and network cables in a £35 million research station being constructed for British Antarctic Survey (BAS) studies. Antarctica’s hostile environment means that products used within the station need to be able to work in extremely low temperatures and dry humidity levels, and must be maintenance-free and reliable enough to last through harsh winters.
The first Antarctica research station was established by the Royal Society in 1956, and was used to conduct studies into meteorology, glaciology, seismology, radio astronomy and geospace science for the International Geophysical Year. After this research came to an end, the station was handed over to the BAS, which has maintained a permanent presence ever since. The BAS continues to conduct many of the original studies on a constant basis, whilst also monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere.
Flexicon is the UK’s fastest growing flexible conduit manufacturer. Offering a full range of metallic and non-metallic flexible and pliable conduits, fittings and accessories, it can offer fast turnaround and delivery on stock items, special assemblies and cut lengths
Please contact our dedicated Flexicon technical team for more information or help with your solution on technical@dpbuildingsystems.co.uk, 0121 706 7777 or by visiting their online suppliers shop -

