Types of Armoured Marine Cable Power Cable
Armoured marine cable power cables are designed for safety and reliability to be used in sensitive marine contexts. They are durable and resistant to water, salt, and other environmental factors. The armoring adds an extra layer of protection and is also available in various types, depending on the placement and environmental conditions. Below are the common varieties.
Steel Wire armoured cable
This type uses steel wires to provide additional cushioning. It is meant to be installed in locations where the cable has to endure heavy mechanical support. Its main advantages are its high strength and flexibility when compared with other wire forms.
Aluminium wire Armoured Cable
Unlike steel-armoured cables, these rely on lightweight aluminium to offer protection. Commonly, the use of aluminium would be underground installations far away from the costs, as it is lighter and much easier to install. However, aluminium does not compare with steel in terms of mechanical protection.
AWSB Armoured Cable
AWSB stands for "Armoured with Steel Wire." These cables have additional shields and are designed for extremely wet and marine environments, providing extra support for electrical safety. They are ideal for high-risk areas due to their added strength and durability.
SWB Armoured Cable
SWB stands for "Steel Wire Armoured." The SWB cables provide good mechanical strength protection in underground or external areas. Their steel wire reinforcement makes them resistant to impact and abrasion, suitable for tough environments.
SWB/AWB Armoured cable
SWB and AWB are the saltwater AC cable and backbone that heart the system. These cables do well under very tough marine conditions, and their strength and water resistance make them perfect for critical marine applications.
Industrial Applications of Armoured Marine Cable Power Cable
Armoured marine cables are commonly used in industries that operate in water or near coastal regions. Some of these industries include:
Shipping and Marine Transport
Cables provide power to the ships and communication systems. The cables are built to withstand the saltwater and other elements that might damage normal cables, thus ensuring a reliable power supply in the marine environment.
Oil and Gas Exploration
Submarine cable installation has become a vital component of offshore drilling platforms and pipelines. These cables are exposed to harsh and extreme conditions, so the armoured cables are designed to ensure that power and data transmission continues without interruption.
Renewable Energy
Offshore wind farms and underwater turbines use power cables to transmit electricity to the shore. Since these projects involve cable installation on the sea bed, they require robust armoured cables that can handle the sea floor's mechanical and environmental conditions.
Marine Construction
Whether controlling the power supply for tools and equipment or operating heavy machinery, construction companies require cables that can withstand the rigors of marine construction environments, hence the need for armoured marine cables.
Underwater Research and Exploration
Submarine power cables are critical in supporting equipment used for underwater research, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and underwater cameras. The research and exploration equipment requires cables to function reliably in the deep sea.
Port and Harbour Facilities
Ports and harbours rely on various electrical systems, from lighting and communication to cargo handling and ship docking power supply. Armoured marine cables efficiently power and connect these crucial systems in the ports and harbours.
Product Specifications and Features of Armoured Marine Cable Power Cable
Technical Specifications
- Cable Material: Various marine power cables use copper or aluminium as the conductor material. While copper provides better conductivity, aluminium is light and hence easy to transport and install.
- Insulation: They use different insulating materials depending on the application. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the most common, whereas Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) is used for its heat resistance and better performance under heavy loads.
- Heat and Water Resistance: The XLPE insulated conductors provide effective heat and water resistance.
- Conductors: The conductors are copper or aluminium, depending on the client’s choice. Copper has better conductivity, while aluminium is lighter and cheaper.
- Cable Ranges: The Betas Marine cable range is from 1.5mm to 500mm. Those with smaller diameters are suited to domestic and industrial applications, while the larger ones are for heavy-duty professionals.
Installation
- The cables can be fixed directly on walls, around pulleys, and even in trays and ducts.
- It is not recommended to bury the cables in the ground.
- The cables can be used at any angle, but there are preferred ones. Horizontal and vertical angles have to be above 30° so as not to increase the risk of kinking.
What’s Included
- The Conductors:They are the main part of the cable, responsible for electrical conduction.
- The Insulation: It boosts the cable by preventing electrical leakage and protecting the wire from environmental elements.
Other Features
- Durability: The steel or aluminium wire in the armoured marine cables enhances their sturdiness and makes them possible to be used in even the toughest conditions, including underwater. Steel wire provides resistance to mechanical stress, while aluminium keeps the cable light in weight and easy to handle and install.
- Multi-Core Options: These cables come with a multi-core feature that allows for the connection of multiple electrical systems through one cable. They are available in various core sizes, ranging from just one core to as many as 61 cores, with each core size varying from 1.5 mm to 500 mm, depending on the power requirements.
- Armouring:Many cable types have been designed for different environments. For instance, the SWA is for land and works by protecting the cable using steel wires; the AWA is for extruded and works by protecting the cable using steel wires like aluminium.
- Oil Resistance: Many marine power cables are resistant to oil. This makes it ideal for the oil and gas industry, where exposure to oil and grease is standard.
- Electrical Properties: Most marine subsea cables are also meant to have low electrical resistance so that they can transfer maximum electrical energy with minimum energy loss; this is crucial in long-distance underwater installations as it cuts on operation costs.
How to Choose Armoured Marine Cable Power Cable
Criteria
- Conductor Material: Cables have either copper or aluminium conductors. The former has higher conductivity but at a higher price. Each has advantages, so the choice will depend on budget, installation ease, and conductivity preferences.
- Insulation Type: PVC and XLPE are the common insulators in the marine environment. They each have characteristics that make them optimal for different contexts, so care must be taken to determine the integrity of the insulator.
- Application Area: Some power cables are ideal for general areas, while others are tailored for specific environments, such as oil rigs or power plants. The right cable will depend greatly on the unique demands of the particular area in which it will be applied.
- Amperage: It’s vital to establish the current load the cable will need to endure; this goes a long way in selecting a cable suitable for its amperage rating. Doing this prevents the cable from overheating or risking a power outage.
- Marine vs. Land Use: While there is some similarity, marine armoured cables are built differently to withstand the harsher and more dynamic marine elements. The external layers are different, and so are the internal ones, as marine cables must ensure more protection from a more hostile ambient environment.
- Voltage Rating: The marine armoured cable has to be compatible with the voltage level of the electrical system being used, as there are many voltage levels ranging from low to high. There has to be a match to prevent long-term damage from the system and ensure efficiency.
Alternative Ways to Choose
- Brand Reputation: A reputable brand that has a history of producing reliable marine cables is worth its weight in gold. The brand's prior experience serving customers in marine and subsea cable industries must be ascertained because one of several key factors that determine marines cable reliability and longevity is consistency over time.
- Technical Support: Manufacturers and suppliers who provide end-users with comprehensive technical advice during installation and maintenance are preferred. It deals with the cable's operation in its intended environment, which can be challenging and complex.
- Availability of Standards Compliance: Ensure that the marine cable meets the international standards required. This doesn't only shades some light on the level of quality; it also ensures a level of safety and reliability is achieved. Cables certified by recognised international organisations are an indicator of worthiness.
- Inspection and Testing: It is vital to use a cable that has been well-tested and inspected before use. There are many standards these cables can meet; damage and functionality testing usually happen during manufacturing to ensure they meet the required standards.
Q & A
Q1. What is armoured marine cable, and how is it different from normal marine cables?
A1. An armoured marine cable is an electrical cable used for marine applications that have protection on its outer layer, commonly steel wiring. The main purpose of this armouring is to provide protection from mechanical damage. While they look similar, the standard marine cables do not have this extra protective layer of armouring, so they are less durable in environments where there is a physical impact or mechanical stress.
Q2. What are sealant and its benefits?
A2. A sealant is a substance used to fill the gaps between the cable sheath and the outer armour. It has many benefits, such as improving the resistance of the cable to moisture, preventing water from getting inside and damaging the electrical components, and providing additional protection to the cable from mechanical or physical damage. Finally, it also helps keep the cable stable at the constant temperature by preventing movement.
Q3. Can armoured marine cables be used in underground installations?
A3. Yes, armoured marine cables are suitable for underground installations, provided that they are used in an environment close to or similar to the marine one. These cables are designed to survive conditions of moisture, salinity, and mechanical stress typically experienced in marine environments, which makes them ideal and robust for use in underground conditions with similar characteristics.
Q4. Are armoured marine cables suitable for renewable energy projects?
A4. Yes. Armoured marine cables are an integral part of various renewable projects, such as offshore wind farms or underwater tidal energy converters. These cables are used to transmit generated electricity from this infrastructure to the shore. Specifically, the armouring provides the mechanical and protective support needed for these cables, considering they have to endure the dynamic and ever-changing sea bed conditions and the harsh marine elements.
Q5. What factors should be considered when selecting an armoured marine power cable for industrial applications?
A5. There are several important factors. One has to consider the diameter of the cable, the type of industry, and the load that will be supported inside the cable. The environment of the installation, the electrical characteristics, and the mechanical strength required should all be jointly considered to select the most suitable cable.
