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 played a pivotal role in the evolution of insulated power cables, from oil and gas filled cables to the now dominating XLPE cables. While nearly all new cables make use of extruded insulation systems, the legacy paper-lapped oil and gas-filled cables still form a vital part of power grids globally, requiring specific technical expertise.

Recognizing the diminishing resources and know-how 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 ranging from accessories and engineering of such systems to educating a dedicated pool of jointers in oil and gas-insulated cables.

At NKT we see ourselves as a full-service-provider. Our work does not stop after a cable system has been installed. We also take care of maintenance and repairs so that cable systems are up and running for decades. In case your cable(s) exhibit damage, leakage or electrical breakdown, we will do our utmost to return your system to operation with no delay. Should your legacy cable systems reach the inevitable end-of-life we can also take care of their decommissioning.

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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Fault or Leak Location

Gas-pressure cables utilize high-pressure nitrogen to fill the cable pipe. Should nitrogen leak, a pressure drop will be observed; however, with the atmosphere consisting mostly of nitrogen the leak may not be an environmental concern but, the precise location of the leak is hard to find. Fortunately, NKT can help with locating the escaping gas acurately and reliably by filling a very volotile and easily detectable gas mixture into the pipe to allow for precise pinpointing of the fault.

Locating leaks from oil-filled cables can be somewhat more sensitive - not least because dielectric oil escaping into the environment is an environmental hazard. For decades finding oil cable leaks has been deemed time-consuming and costly, primarily relying on traditional freezing methods. At NKT, we understand the need for alternative, more efficient techniques to pinpoint damaged areas in such systems to minimize environmental impact by facilitating a swift repair. We introduce a paradigm shift with three complimentary approaches, minimizing both time and cost associated with oil leak pinpointing.

Sniffing dogs, adept at detecting dielectric oils, constitute an inexpensive first-pass approach for localizing oil leakages. Requiring no civil works or prior marking of the cable oil, sniffing dogs can be trained to detect the exact oil present in your system and get to work in a matter of days potentially providing a first indication of the leak location before other methods have a chance to be implemented. When successfull, this method can help avoid more cumbersome and expensive leak detection approaches; however success rate may be sensitive to technical and environmental conditions.

The purpose of Anagen self-healing fluid is an alternative dielectric fluid designed to reduce leakages in oil-filled cable systems. Aging oil-filled cable infrastructure is prone to leakage. Even small oil-leaks should be addressed in a timely fashion to protect the cable's integrity and the environment. Unfortunately, small leaks are notoriously difficult to find. Anagen - self-healing fluid can help mitigate those risks as well as reduce the need for maintenance activities by ensuring that minor leaks can seal themselves preventing further loss of oil.

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