Supplying 15,000 Sets of Glass insulators for Middle East 500kV Transmission Line Project
Project Overview
This proposal outlines the supply of 15,000 sets of toughened glass insulators for a 500kV transmission line project in the Middle East. Each set consists of 25-27 disc insulators (for 500kV line voltage) connected in series .
Product Specifications
Parameter Value
Type Suspension disc insulator (U160B/U210B series)
Rated Voltage 500kV AC/DC
Mechanical Strength 160-210kN (heavy load capacity)
Material Toughened glass (self-breaking when defective)
Type Fog-type (for pollution resistance in Middle East climate)
Standard IEC 60383, GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization)
Dimensions Diameter 280-320mm
Height 170-195mm
Unit Weight 6.5-8kg
Creepage Distance 400-450mm
Why Glass Insulators?
1 Superior mechanical strength (2.2x porcelain)
2 Self-diagnosing: Zero-value self-breaking allows easy defect detection
3 Maintenance-friendly: Reduces inspection needs by 40%
4 Lightweight: 30% lighter than porcelain, easier installation
5 Excellent pollution resistance (self-cleaning surface)
6 High lightning resistance: Won't puncture under heavy strikes
Production Plan
Manufacturing Capability
Chinese manufacturers lead global production with capacity to produce 15,000 sets in 6-8 weeks:
Top factories produce 500,000-10 million pieces annually
Production rate: 1,800-2,500 sets per week (3 shifts)
Quality Assurance
100% visual inspection + random mechanical testing
Type testing per IEC 60383 at accredited labs
Thermal cycle testing (for desert temperature variations)
Factory audit by client/third party before production
Packaging & Logistics
Packaging Solution
Wooden pallets (120x100cm) with custom foam inserts
Each insulator individually wrapped in bubble film
Corner protection with metal brackets
Moisture-proof lining (for sea transport)
Stacking limit: 15-20 insulators per pallet
Transportation Plan
Sea freight (main transport):
150-200 x 40ft containers (each holds 75-100 pallets)
Transit time: 30-45 days from Chinese port to Middle East
Port of Loading: Shanghai/Ningbo (China)
Port of Discharge: Dubai/Aden/Salalah (Gulf region)
Onward delivery: By truck to project site (1-7 days)
Total logistics cost: ~$50,000-$70,000 (including loading/unloading)
Timeline
Stage Duration
Order Confirmation 1 week
Production 6-8 weeks
Quality Inspection 1 week
Packaging 1 week
Shipping 4-6 weeks
Total 12-16 weeks
Cost Estimate
Item Unit Price Total
Glass Insulators $10-15/set $150,000-$225,000
Fittings & Hardware $2-3/set $30,000-$45,000
Packaging $1.5-2/set $22,500-$30,000
Quality Control $1-1.5/set $15,000-$22,500
Shipping $3-4/set $45,000-$60,000
Insurance 1% of total $2,500-$3,500
Total $19-27/set $285,000-$405,000
Payment Terms
30% advance payment via irrevocable Letter of Credit (LC)
60% payment against shipping documents (B/L, Certificate of Origin)
10% retention released after successful installation and testing
Risk Management
Mitigation Strategies
Manufacturing backup: Two factories producing simultaneously (50% each)
Expedited shipping option: Air freight for critical batches (if delays occur)
Spare parts: 2% extra insulators included (300 sets) for replacements
On-site technical support: Engineers available during installation
Conclusion
Supplying 15,000 sets of glass insulators for a 500kV Middle East transmission project is feasible within 4 months with proper planning. The total investment of $300,000-$400,000 represents a reliable, cost-effective solution for ensuring the project's success in the challenging Middle East environment.
Next steps:
Finalize technical specifications with client
Conduct factory audit
Sign contract with 30% LC deposit
Begin production immediately
Post time: 2025-12-31
