Protection of Geophysical, Communication and Power Transmission Cable against Rodent Species Attack by R-55 Rodent Repellent Treatment

Abstract

The chemical, tert butylsulfenyl dimethyldithiocarbamate (designated R-55 Rodent Repellent), which has a high degree of repellency to a number of animal and insect species was approved for the protective treatment of geophysical cables against specific rodent species attack. Rubber and polyurethane jacketed seismic cables treated with R-55 according to the established solvent technique have been in field use for several years. Treatments with R-55 Rodent Repellent have resulted in longer cable life, reduced cost of repairs, more effective use of field crew time and improved data. Plastic extrusion techniques indicate that it is possible to incorporate R-55 Rodent Repellent in polyolefin sheet and fabricated items. Laboratory test results show that polyolefin containing R-55 Rodent Repellent is highly repellent to attack by specific rodent species. Field experience, however, indicates that a barrier is necessary for the protection of buried cables from damage caused by rodents, such as pocket gophers. This barrier can be formed by the treatment of earth with a chemical, such as R-55 Rodent Repellent, or by incorporating this chemical in sacrificial coatings applied to the cables.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 06, 1966
Accession Number
AD0646536

Entities

People

  • R. E. Stansbury
  • T. H. Mailen

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  • Human Systems

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  • Animals
  • Appalachian Mountains
  • Engineers
  • Field Tests
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Moisture Content
  • New Jersey
  • Oklahoma
  • Petroleum
  • Plastics
  • Polyurethanes
  • Protective Treatments
  • United States
  • Wildlife

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  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Vector-Borne Disease and Entomology