Oil and Gas Cable Competence Centre

Our expertise in working on oil and gas filled cables

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Oil and Gas Cable Competence Centre

For over 130 years, NKT has been a driving force in the evolution of insulated power cables, transitioning away from oil and gas-filled cables to the now prevalent XLPE cables. Despite the widespread adoption of extruded insulation systems, legacy paper-lapped oil and gas-filled cables still form a vital part of power grids globally, requiring specialised technical expertise.

Recognising the diminishing resources and expertise in the industry for these cables, NKT has established the Oil & Gas Cable Competence Centre (OGCCC). This center ensures the preservation and transfer of knowledge, covering everything from accessories and engineering of these systems to training a dedicated pool of skilled jointers specialised in oil and gas-insulated cables.

At NKT we pride ourselves on being a full-service-provider. Our work does not stop after a cable system has been installed. We also take care of maintenance and repairs to ensure uninterrupted operation for decades. If your cables experience damage, leakage, or electrical breakdown, we spare no effort to swiftly restore your system to full functionality. Moreover, when your legacy cable systems reach their end-of-life, we offer decommissioning services too.

Oil is circulated under suitable pressure through ducts provided for such purpose. This oil supply and pressure is maintained through reservoirs kept at proper distances. The oil used is the same that is employed for impregnation of paper insulators.

Oil filled cables are mainly classified into three types:

Self-contained circular type oil cable (LPOF: Low-pressure oil-filled cable)
Self-contained flat type cable (ABPF: Armoured paper bly (lead) flat cable)
Pipeline cable (LPOF: Low-pressure oil-filled cable)

Gas filled cables are laid in steel pipes because they are exposed to high pressure. Pressurised gas is circulated around cables in an air-tight steel pipe. Such cables are capable of carrying higher values of load current and can operate at higher voltage levels.

Gas filled cables can be classified into two types:

External Gas Pressure Cable (lead sheath around each core, gas pressure outside insulation)
Internal Gas Pressure Cable (gas pressure penetrates insulation)

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Oil and Gas Cable Competence Centre

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Fault or Leak Location

Gas-pressure cables utilise high-pressure nitrogen to fill the cable pipe. If nitrogen leaks, a pressure drop occurs. Since the atmosphere is mostly nitrogen, the leak may not pose an environmental concern. However, pinpointing the exact location of the leak is critical - and challenging. Fortunately, NKT can help with accurately and reliably locating escaping gas by introducing a highly volatile and easily detectable gas mixture into the pipe, allowing for precise fault pinpointing.

Locating leaks from oil-filled cables is more sensitive, mainly because escaping dielectric oil poses an environmental hazard. Traditionally, finding oil cable leaks has been time-consuming and costly, often relying on freezing methods. At NKT, we recognise the need for alternative, more efficient techniques to minimise environmental impact and expedite repairs. We introduce a paradigm shift with three complementary approaches, reducing both the time and cost associated with oil leak pinpointing.

Ageing oil-filled infrastructure is prone to leakage. Even minor leaks need to be addressed swiftly to protect a cable's integrity and safeguard the environment. Yet, these small leaks are notoriously difficult to locate.

An alternative dielectric fluid designed to reduce oil-filled cable system leakages, Anagen self-healing fluid helps mitigate risks and reduces the need for maintenance activities by allowing minor leaks to seal themselves, preventing further oil loss.

At NKT, we redefine efficiency in oil leak detection, ensuring comprehensive and timely resolutions to safeguard your cabling systems. Explore our breakthrough solutions and experience a new era in cable maintenance.