“This document is intended as a guide only. Whilst the information it contains is believed to be correct, Emtelle can take no responsibility for actions taken based on the information contained in this document. Emtelle reserves the
right to make changes to this document without notice. All sales of product are subject to Emtelle’s terms and conditions of sale only, which can be found on Emtelle’s website.”
99
I N N O V A T I O N A N D F L E X I B I L I T Y
T H E
I N S T A L L A T I O N A N D M A I N T E N A N C E T R A I N I N G M A N U A L
9 Fibre blowing
9.13 Fibre Blowing Methods
This section outlines the methods used for blowing optical fibre and will include ‘Point to Point Blowing’, ‘Onward Blowing’, ‘Centre Blowing’ and
‘Tandem Blowing’
9.13.1 Point to Point Blowing
This is the simplest of the blowing procedures and is used when distances are within blowing distance of the particular fibre unit and m/d
combination. It is predominantly used in FTTH applications where the exchange and the customer are within a short distance of each other.
Outline procedure for blowing a fibre unit using a compressor (specially dried air) and 4, 8 or 12 fibre unit supplied in a flat-coil pan, for zero pay-off
tension. Position the fibre pan behind the blow head at one end of the m/d length. Try to blow from the ‘straight’ end to the end with bends. Feed the
fibre unit through the blow head. Set up the air supply and measure the far end air flow until it stabilizes, then switch on the blow head drive, thus
feeding fibre unit via the head, to the m/d. Once the air flow begins to carry the fibre, it will create ‘tension’ at the head, a normal situation. If the
fibre encounters obstruction or some other hold-up, it will begin to buckle, which will be detected at the head, and cause automatic speed reduction.
If the problem persists, the drive will stop.
Always check that fibre is paying out of the pan properly, not brushing against anything. Do not allow the fibre to get tangled or wet (use a tent if it
rains) or water will be carried into the m/d. Blowing heavy cables benefits from lubricant, even water, but NOT FU. They have to stay dry.
Once the fibre emerges at the far end, continue to blow until the ‘specified’ (by the customer) length has emerged, then switch off the head, split
it and remove it, without damaging the installed fibre unit. The remaining length in the pan may be disconnected, or alternatively blown in the
opposite direction into a second m/d length. See ‘Centre blowing’
Typically 100m to 500m
Pan
Blowing
Fibre Unit Normally
Buckled Fibre Unit Trips the Buckle Detector
Fibre Unit
Blowing head
