Benefits of Cable Protection
Cable protection systems protect cables from various factors that can negatively impact the cable’s lifetime, normally used when entering offshore structures. When a subsea power cable is laid, there is an area where the cable can be subjected to increased dynamic forces, which the cable is not necessarily designed to survive over the lifetime of the installation.
A cable protection system eliminates the need to include additional armoring for cables, thereby reducing the specification and associated cost of subsea power cables. The resulting cables can be produced more cheaply, whilst still providing the 20 years + lifetime required.
Offshore wind farm developers, in particular, have adopted Cable protection systems since cables enter the monopile or J-tube from the seabed, which varies greatly according to the wind conditions. This is in part due to the potential for localized scouring to occur near the structure.
A CPS generally consists of three sections, a Centraliser or Monopile interface, a protection system for the dynamic area, and a protection system for the static area.
A cable protector that penetrates the outer wall of the monopile via a specifically designed hole allows the monopile to be designed simpler and without the need for additional work post-drive which normally requires divers. This approach is becoming the industry standard in monopile design, assisting developers to reduce their costs for construction.
The rubber cable protectors are designed for the temporary protection both of assets from damage and pedestrians from tripping hazards. Protect cables & power cords in high-traffic areas with these versatile covers.
Cable Protector ramps feature a gradual slope & slip-resistant surface to ensure a safe crossing point for carts, forklifts, vehicles with small wheels & heavy trucks. We also make sure that each ramp system meets ADA and DDA compliance specifications. Cable protection systems can encounter wear due to movement, and general changes in composition due to being submerged for a prolonged period of time, such as corrosion or changes in polymer-based compounds. Consideration should be given to the induced effects of dynamic elements in the environment on the CPS. Simple changes such as changes in temperature, current, or salinity can result in changes in the ability of the CPS to offer protection for the life of the cable. A careful assessment of the potential effects of movement of the cable is recommended, in relation to the cable’s dynamic ability. The CPS may withstand the worst conditions seen over a 100yr period, but would the cable inside the CPS survive these movements. In some instances, such as shore ends for fiber optic cables where rocky outcrops are present, dynamic influences can be reduced by securing the articulated pipe to the seabed rock, thus reducing the degree of movement remaining.
Independent empirical testing conducted by some manufacturers provides customers with an improved level of confidence in the system’s durability by simulating 25 years of dynamic forces.
