Polywater | Prelube 2000™ Cable Blowing Lubricant | #PJ-128
Polywater | PART #PJ-128
Prelube 2000™ Cable Blowing Lubricant
DESCRIPTION
Polywater Prelube 2000™ reduces frictional drag during the blowing of outside plant fiber optic cable into duct. It increases the distance cable can be installed in a continuous length. Prelube 2000 can also be used to blow in empty microducts for future microcable installation. Use Prelube 5000™ for blowing the microcables; see related products on the sidebar.
When cable blowing, the cable stops moving when the frictional force resisting movement equals the blowing force producing movement. The maximum blowing distance varies linearly with friction coefficient in straight conduit sections. The friction reduction shown for Prelube 2000 can increase installation distance by a factor of 5 or more versus unlubricated duct. More information on these studies is published in our TeleTopics Newsletter Volume #11 (right sidebar link).
Application: An airtight duct system with pressure-tight splices is critical to maximizing cable installation distance. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Duct must be clean, dry and mandrel tested. Clean the duct by blowing a tight-fitting foam sponge through the duct with high pressure. If excess water or dirt exists, repeat this process. Prelube 2000 is effective at a coating thickness of 0.5 mg/cm². See the article reprint on the right sidebar for additional information on duct preparation.
For smoothwall duct and high air speed equipment with no missile, squeeze the recommended amount of Prelube 2000 Lubricant into the duct. Spread the lubricant by blowing a foam carrier through the duct. The squeeze bottle (cat# P-35) is a good package for this type of application.
| Duct Size |
Lubricant Quantity per 1000 feet |
Lubricant Quantity per Kilometer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in/2.5 cm |
3 fl oz |
300 ml |
| 1.25 in/3 cm |
4 fl oz |
400 ml |
| 1.5 in/4 cm |
5 fl oz |
500 ml |
| 2 in/5 cm |
6 fl oz |
600 ml |
For smoothwall duct 1 – 1.25 in/2.5 – 3.0 cm inner diameter and piston type machines, use 5 to 10 fl. oz. per thousand feet of duct/0.5 to 1.0 liter per kilometer. Place 75% of the lubricant in front and 25% behind the missle. The lubricant is spread by the missile as the cable is blown.
The quantities of lubricant appropriate for any job will vary with the size, type and condition of the duct. Use the recommendations above as a place to start and adjust as necessary.
- Low Friction: Increases blowing distance.
- Easy to Use: Squeezed into the duct before blowing fiber optic cable.
- Tested and Approved: Recommended by most blowing equipment manufacturers.
- Winter Grade Available: Can be used in sub-freezing temperatures.
- Compatible with Cable Jackets: Avoid weakened or cracked fiber optic jackets.
- Multiple Use: For blowing fiber optic cable and microducts.
- Proven: Used over 20 years in the installation of over 500,000 km of cable.
Product/Package Notes:
Polywater Prelube 2000 comes in two grades: regular grade (P) and winter grade (WP) for cold weather use in temperatures as low as -20°F/-30°C. The 1-quart/0.95-liter bottle is the most popular for field use. The long nozzle makes the injection of the lubricant easy. Prelube 5000 is recommended for the installation of microcables in microtubes.
Specifications and Applications:
Cable Compatibility: Passes all compatibility tests for PE jacketed cables.
Cost Effectiveness: Prelube 2000 offers significant cost savings over “factory-lubricated” duct. In high-quality HDPE duct, it lubricates e‑iciently at coating levels of 0.5 mg/cm2 of duct surface. At these levels, the lubricant cost for 1.25” (3.2 cm) duct is approximately $2 per 1,000 feet ($6 per kilometer), much lower than the additional cost for the factory-lubricated duct. Prelube 5000 is also extremely e‑icient and cost e‑ective. It lubricates at coating levels as low as 0.05 mg/cm2 of the tubing’s interior surface. At these levels, the lubricant cost is $0.20 to $0.75 per 1,000 feet ($0.60 to $2.20 per kilometer), depending on microtube size
Safe: Prelube is non-hazardous
DOCUMENTS
Common Questions About the Polywater Prelube 2000 Cable Blowing Lubricant
What is Polywater Prelube 2000 used for?
Polywater Prelube 2000 is used to reduce friction during the blowing of outside plant fiber optic cable into duct, allowing longer continuous installation distances.
Can Prelube 2000 be used for microduct installations?
Yes. Prelube 2000 can be used to blow empty microducts for future microcable installation. For blowing microcables themselves, Polywater Prelube 5000 is recommended.
How does Prelube 2000 increase blowing distance?
By significantly lowering the friction coefficient inside the duct, Prelube 2000 allows blowing force to overcome resistance for longer distances, often increasing installation length by five times or more compared to unlubricated duct.
Why Polywater Prelube 2000 Is Trusted for OSP Fiber Blowing
Polywater Prelube 2000 has been proven in outside plant fiber installations for more than 20 years, supporting over 500,000 kilometers of installed cable worldwide. Its low-friction formula is recommended by most cable blowing equipment manufacturers and works efficiently in both standard and winter conditions. The lubricant applies easily, spreads evenly, and remains compatible with polyethylene jacketed fiber without weakening or cracking the cable.
At a Glance
• Cable blowing lubricant for outside plant fiber installations
• Dramatically increases fiber blowing distance
• Suitable for blowing fiber and empty microducts
• Easy squeeze bottle application
• Compatible with PE jacketed fiber optic cable
• Winter grade available for sub-freezing conditions
• Proven performance across hundreds of thousands of kilometers installed
• Cost-effective alternative to factory-lubricated duct