OFFSHORE CABLES FAQ
Chapter:1 Introduction
The new era is facing a technological revolution all around the world. To reduce cost expenditure and fulfill each need, new solutions are introduced.
Living a self-sufficient life is the key to living a successful one. Self-sufficiency in power, electricity, water, nuclear energy, and others to make a country powerful.
Connectivity is the main factor to unlock the capabilities in taking full advantage of all the resources; oil, gas, renewable energies.
An offshore cable serves the duty of inter-connectivity, a power bridge between land and offshore.
Breaking the words offshore, sea and cable; a thick wire or a cord embedded in the sea covering a specified distance.
Offshore cables are now an increasing demand, not for communicating the purpose, but for being a source of energy.
Chapter:2 What does it do?
Offshore cables are there to assist the running and functioning of the marine resources, for instance, functioning of wind turbines or controlling and supervision of oil-drilling.
It transfers electrical power, measures temperature, control units, and communication.
Before, when people worked offshore, they were off the grid for months, not able to communicate efficiently. Now, with offshore fiber, communication has been made simple.
Chapter:3 Why use offshore cable and not satellite communication?
Satellite communication is no longer a reliable source because it can be affected by even a slight hindrance from the weather.
The satellite communication system is not secure as radio-magnetic waves can hinder it. It is slow in sending communication and is instead an expensive method.
The offshore cable is a much durable and inexpensive approach when compared with the satellite transmission system.
It is much reliable, secure, and durable, helping you bridge with the neighboring countries or generate renewable electricity in the sea.
Chapter:4 Is it strong enough?
It follows the Norwegian Electrotechnical Committee (NEK) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, to withstand the adverse effects of nature.
By following such standard, not only time is saved, but safety is guaranteed, of life and equipment.
What Is the NEK Standard?
To be free of any disinfectants, AC and DC control, resistant to heat and fire, either caused by oil or gas, resistant to combustion, optic-fiber for communication and transmission.
What Is IEC Standard?
It helps in the selection of relevant materials to resist combustion, fire, pressure, and adverse effects of nature.
It comprises of tested materials for insulation, inner and outer coating, and sheathing.
Chapter:5 What makes an offshore cable?
An offshore cable is made up of the following several parts;
Conductor:
Mainly copper is used as conducting material because it complies with the EC 60228standard. But in some cases, aluminum may as well be used.
Copper is an excellent conducting material having a tensile strength of 200–250 N/mm2; it is resistant to corrosion and abrasion. It has a low thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity.
Aluminum, on the other hand, has a tensile strength of 100 N/mm2, resistant to corrosion, slightly higher thermal expansion as compared to copper.
Insulation:
Ethylene Propylene Rubber, also known as EPR, is a favored, market running, insulating material. It can handle up to 170kV.
EPR is being used as an insulation material for 40 years, due to its resistance to water – treeing.
In alternating and direct current, 550kV can be achieved by using EPR as an insulating material in pre-molded joints.
EPR is also resistant to highly risked perforations from sea creatures. It has a reasonably high resistance to pH levels.
XLPE (Cross-linked polyethylene), on the other hand, is not likely to be resistant to water and causes an effect of water treeing, which compromises the electrical strength.
XLPE is now modified, but unable to reach the level of EPR.
EPR insulation makes the cable ‘heavy-duty.’ Offshore wind turbines can turn about its axis, as the wind directs. EPR, being resistant to torsion, is installed in wires where needed.
EPR is considerably used in oil and gas platforms because of its high resistance to combustion, mud, and fire.
Screening:
for the transmission of electricity to not be disturbed by the electromagnetic radiations, a protective layer of copper is taped on the insulating rubber.
Armoring:
It is the core of the cable and is done with a lead sheath or tinned-copper braided wire under IEC 60092-352 rules.
It adds a further protected galvanized layer, resistant to tension.
In single-core cable, the armor is concentric. Whereas in three-core cords, it is arranged spirally.
Outer protection:
The outer protected layer of the cable is to be mud resistant, fire resistant including combustion of gases, pressure-resistant, Halogen-free and resistant to any wear and tear
Halogen-Free:
Halogens are a group of gases, namely; Chlorine- CL, Flourine- Fl, Bromine- Br, Iodine- I, Astatine- At, and Tennessine- Ts.
Halogens are useful by nature. But when burnt, release poisonous gases which comprise the health and environment.
Each material used is supposed to be halogen-free. Meaning, in case of fire, no harmful gases are emitted, which are not only hazardous to the environment but deadly to human beings as well.
Halogen-free makes the offshore cable sustainable.
Low smoke:
In the case of fire, the thickness of the cloud of smoke is controlled. It aids the workers or people to not wander away from safety.
Low smoke emission does not affect nature’s environment.
Optic fibers: a thin fiber to perform all telecommunication services.
Chapter:6 What factors are considered before installation?
| 1. Measure the depth of the area to be installed in. |
| 2. Measure the distance points, to add joints in between. |
| 3. Analyze the environmental factors for change in material. |
| 4. Analyze the climatic factors for turbulence in ships and work delay. |
Chapter:7 How is the offshore cable installed?
Similar to the irrigation process, an offshore cable is installed.
The cable is preferred to be submerged in the bed, for precautionary measurement, protecting the cord from tears of fishermen’s equipment, sea-creatures, or even by an anchor.
Cable plow is the name of the technique used for installing an Offshore cable. It is more like a sandwiching technique.
The soil (sea-floor) is lifted, for the bedding of the cable, and after it is in place, the sea-bed is neatly layered on top of the cable, making it submerged.
When the distance is less, or embedding of the cable is either; not needed or cannot be done, the cable is then directly layered, or a protecting layer of graded material is added.
Chapter:8 Does offshore cable need any means of protection?
When the area for offshore cable installation is analyzed, and a hard sea-floor occurs, a cover of rock, cast iron, or anchoring is provided to the cables to be used in the form of protection.
The offshore cables can either be protected in a cover or by placing a bed of concrete over it.
Chapter:9 Are there any types of offshore cables?
After evaluating the area of work, the following are the types of offshore cable, each according to need.
1. Single Core Cable- Unarmored:
| Conductor: Tinned copper conductor. |
| Insulation: EPR |
| Sheath: resistant to oil, zero halogen emission, and resistant to wear and tear. |
| Operating temperature: 90°C |
| Voltage Rating: 600/1000 V |
| Flame control |
| Weight: 53kg/km to 2617kglkm |
| Outside Diameter: 5.4mm to 29.9mm |
2. Power and Control Cable- Unarmored:
| Conductor: Tinned copper conductor. |
| Insulation: EPR |
| Sheath: resistant to oil, zero halogen emission, and resistant to wear and tear. |
| Core: Multi-core indicated by colors. |
| Operating temperature: 90°C |
| Voltage Rating: 600/1000 V |
| Flame control |
| Weight of two core: 110 kg/km to 141 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of two core: 8.2 mm to 10.4 mm |
| Weight of three core: 130 kg/km to 168 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of three core: 8.7 mm to 11.0 mm |
| Weight of four core: 157 kg/km to 210 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of four core: 9.5 mm to 12.1 mm |
| Weight of seven core: 259 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of seven core: 11.5 mm to 13.2 mm |
| Weight of twelve core: 427 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of twelve core: 15.2 mm to 17.2 mm |
| Weight of nineteen core: 624 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of nineteen core: 18.0 mm to 20.1 mm |
3. Power Control Cables- Armored
| Conductor: Tinned copper conductor. According to IEC, it is class 2 flexible. |
| Insulation: EPR |
| Sheath: resistant to oil, zero halogen emission, and resistant to wear and tear. |
| Core: Single and Multi-core, indicated by colors. But Galvanized steel to be not used in a single center. |
| Operating temperature: 90°C |
| Voltage Rating: 600/1000 V |
| Armor: it can be basket weaved or braided, in one of the following three types |
| Tinned Copper, |
| Galvanized steel, |
| Flame control |
| Weight of single-core: 846 kg/km to 4173 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of single-core: 18.1 mm to 40.0 mm |
| Weight of two core: 268 kg/km to 1365 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of two core: 12.4 mm to 27.9 mm |
| Weight of three core: 289 kg/km to 11325 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of three core: 12.9 mm to 70.1 mm |
| Weight of four core: 342 kg/km to 11221 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of four core: 13.9 mm to 69.4 mm |
| Weight of seven core: 476 kg/km to 590 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of seven core: 16.0 mm to 19.1 mm |
| Weight of twelve core: 732 kg/km to 935 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of twelve core: 20.2 mm to 24.8 mm |
| Weight of nineteen core: 935 kg/km to 1287 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of nineteen core: 22.5 mm to 28.0 mm |
| Weight of twenty-seven core: 1359 kg/km to 1854 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of twenty-seven core: 27.8 mm to 34.5 mm |
| Weight of thirty-seven core: 1805 kg/km to 2349 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of thirty-seven core: 31.5 mm to 38.1 mm |
| Conductor: Tinned copper conductor. According to IEC, it is class 2 flexible. |
| Insulation: EPR |
| Sheath: resistant to oil, zero halogen emission, and resistant to wear and tear. |
| Core: Single and Multi-core, indicated by colors. But Galvanized steel to be not used in a single center. |
| Operating temperature: 90°C |
| Voltage Rating: 600/1000 V |
| Armor: it can be basket weaved or braided, in one of the following three types |
| Tinned Copper, |
| Galvanized steel, |
| Flame control |
| Weight of single-core: 846 kg/km to 4173 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of single-core: 18.1 mm to 40.0 mm |
| Weight of two core: 268 kg/km to 1365 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of two core: 12.4 mm to 27.9 mm |
| Weight of three core: 289 kg/km to 11325 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of three core: 12.9 mm to 70.1 mm |
| Weight of four core: 342 kg/km to 11221 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of four core: 13.9 mm to 69.4 mm |
| Weight of seven core: 476 kg/km to 590 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of seven core: 16.0 mm to 19.1 mm |
| Weight of twelve core: 732 kg/km to 935 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of twelve core: 20.2 mm to 24.8 mm |
| Weight of nineteen core: 935 kg/km to 1287 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of nineteen core: 22.5 mm to 28.0 mm |
| Weight of twenty-seven core: 1359 kg/km to 1854 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of twenty-seven core: 27.8 mm to 34.5 mm |
| Weight of thirty-seven core: 1805 kg/km to 2349 kg/km |
| Outside Diameter of thirty-seven core: 31.5 mm to 38.1 mm |
4. Instrumentation Cables- Armored (pairs and triples)
5. Fibre Optic Cables- Armored
- fibers of 0.9mm are armored in a braided Galvanized steel armor. Weighing 123 Kg/km.
- Bears characteristics of fire retardation and resistance, being halogen-free.
- Such cables are known as new offshore cables, as it has increased connectivity and control.
6. BFOU power cable 0.6/ 1kV
They are resistant to fire and control the spread of fire. These are environment-friendly, halogen-free cables.
These are used in the distribution of electricity, and in areas where electromechanical stress-resistance is required.
These cables are resistant to mud, oil, and moisture.
- Conductor: tinned copper
- Insulation: Mica glass tape Insulation along with EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber)
- Bedding: Halogen free compound
- Core: Tinned Copper Wire Braid
- Sheath: halogen-free, mud, and fire-resistant.
- Voltage: 600/1000 V
- Operating Temperature -40°C to +90°C
- Diameter: 9.3 – 41
- Weight: 150 kg/km – 2930 kg/km
7. RFOU 0.6/1kV Power Cable
These are resistant to fire and control the spread of fire. These are environment-friendly, halogen-free cables.
These are used for the distribution of electricity, in areas where electromechanical stress-resistance is required.
These cables are resistant to mud, oil, and moisture.
- Conductor: tinned copper
- Insulation: EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber)
- Bedding: Halogen free compound
- Core: Tinned Copper Wire Braid
- Sheath: halogen-free, mud, and fire-resistant.
- Voltage: 600/1000 V
- Operating Temperature -40°C to +90°C
- Diameter: 8.7 – 36.7
- Weight: 140 kg/km – 2600 kg/km
8. BFOU Cable
These are resistant to fire and control the spread of fire. These offshore cables are environment-friendly, halogen-free cables.
These are used for the distribution of electricity, in areas where electromechanical stress-resistant is required.
These cables are resistant to mud, oil, and moisture.
- Conductor: tinned copper
- Insulation: EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber)
- Bedding: Halogen free compound
- Core: Tinned Copper Wire Braid
- Sheath: halogen-free, mud, and fire-resistant.
- Voltage: 150/250 V
- Operating Temperature -40°C to +90°C
- Diameter: 11.6 – 40.7
- Weight: 210 kg/km – 3280 kg/km
9. BFOU NEK 606 Cable
The cables are resistant to fire and control the spread of fire. These are environment-friendly halogen-free cables.
These are used for the distribution of electricity and in areas where electromechanical stress-resistance is required.
These cables are used for communication purposes as well. These are resistant to mud, oil, and moisture.
- Conductor: tinned copper
- Tape: mice glass
- Insulation: EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber)
- Bedding: Halogen free compound
- Core: Tinned Copper Wire Braid
- Sheath: halogen-free, mud, and fire-resistant.
- Voltage: 150/250 V
- Operating Temperature -40°C to +90°C
- Diameter: 11.7 – 40.5
- Weight: 210 kg/km – 2560 kg/km
10. RFOU NEK 606 Cable
These are low smoke emitting, resistant to fire, control the spread of fire. These are environment-friendly and halogen-free cables.
These are used for the distribution of electricity, in areas where electromechanical stress-resistance is required.
These cables are resistant to mud, oil, and moisture, used for communication.
- Conductor: tinned copper
- Insulation: EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber)
- Tape: copper polyester.
- Bedding: Halogen free compound
- Core: Tinned Copper Wire Braid
- Sheath: halogen-free, mud, and fire-resistant.
- Voltage: 150/250 V
- Operating Temperature -40°C to +90°C
- Diameter: 10.3 – 35.5
- Weight: 160 kg/km – 3410 kg/km
11. British Standard 6883 657TQ cable
These cables are installed on the ship’s deck and offshore platforms, to control monitor and supply power.
These are low smoke emitting, resistant to fire and control s the spread of fire. These are environment-friendly and halogen-free cables.
- Conductor: tinned copper.
- Insulation: EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber).
- Tape: copper polyester.
- Bedding: Halogen free compound
- Core: Tinned Copper Wire Braid
- Sheath: halogen-free, oil, and fire-resistant.
- Voltage: 600/1000 V
- Operating Temperature -40°C to +90°C, when bent it can work in -15°C
- Diameter: 4.8 – 26.2
- Weight: 34 kg/km – 1037 kg/km
12. British Standard 6883 / 658TQ Cable
These cables are armored cables, installed in areas where protection from halogen in required.
These are installed on the ship’s deck and offshore platforms; to control monitor and supply power.
These are low smoke emitting, resistant to fire, controls the spread of fire. These are environment-friendly, halogen-free cables.
- Conductor: tinned copper
- Insulation: halogen-free EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber)
- Tape: copper polyester.
- Bedding: Halogen free compound
- Armor: Tinned copper or galvanized steel braid of wire.
- Core: Tinned Copper Wire Braid
- Sheath: halogen-free, oil and fire-resistant, and fire-retardant.
- Voltage: 600/1000 V.
- Operating Temperature -40°C to +90°C, when bent it can work in -15°C
- Diameter: 11.6 – 32.1
- Weight: 200 kg/km – 1608 kg/km
Chapter:10 Is there any environmental impact?
No, there is minimal or no environmental impact caused by the Offshore cable, primarily due to its Halogen-free property.
News from 1877 to 1955 showed the entanglement of cables caused by Whales, but new, optical-Offshore cables have overcome that.
The materials used are flame retardant; controls the spread of fire.
The only impact offshore cables have on the environment is during the installation period; noise, raise in temperature, electromagnetic radiations, contamination, pollution, and wildlife disturbance.
After the installation phase, it then contributes to the environment by the production of renewable energies.
Chapter:11 Can the offshore cable be used for renewable energy?
Offshore cables can be used with renewable energies, increasing the country’s economic growth.
Several wind turbines could be submerged in the sea connecting it to the offshore cable running along the bed of the sea.
This collected wind energy is then transformed into electrical power on the offshore station.
Offshore cables have taken of the use of fossil fuel and nuclear energy; many areas rely on offshore cable for the supply of strength and power.
Chapter:12 Can these cables be purchased?
Yes, there are a variety of companies manufacturing such cables. Existing offshore cables of telecommunication can be bought if interested.
Chapter:13 Who owns these offshore cables?
Offshore cables are typically owned by telecommunication carriers, gathering all interested members for the usage and manipulation of this invention.
Chapter:14 Who are the significant investors in offshore cables?
Many search engines are shareholders, such as; facebook, twitter, Instagram, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
By using offshore cables, such companies have further increased the backbone of the world of the internet. Reaching out to the world is now a single touch away.
Companies who are willing to extend their growth further, reach out to offshore cables with fiber optic.
Chapter:15 Are You a User of Offshore Cable?
Yes, the entire world is connected with offshore cables. It doesn’t matter whether you own a cable or not; it still makes you a user.
How? The internet you use, its company, is most certainly using a server provided by an offshore cable.
The carriers may vary from phone operators, government, multinational companies, news, different institutions, all depend on offshore cables.
Chapter:16 How much information can an offshore cable carry?
The capacity of the cable varies with the type of cable being laid; it may have an ability to carry 1 million megabits/ second ( 160 Tbps)
Tbps: Terabit per second.
Following are the two means of measuring the capacity of a cable:
- Potential Capacity:
This is the total mean capacity of a cable, to give you a brief review of the total expected the ability
- Lift Capacity:
This is the amount of capacity running over the cable. If you don’t prefer to install the transmission equipment, you will be able to take full advantage of its potential ability.
Chapter:17 Can you see the path of offshore cable?
Offshore cables are increasingly installed and used due to its astounding properties.
Following is the link to observe the path yourself Offshore Cables Map.
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