Application map of Instrument cables in the oil and gas industry

Instrument cables are specialized cables for transmitting measurement and control signals, ensuring precise data collection and reliable system operation. In the oil and gas industry – where safety and reliability are paramount, instrument cables are crucial for linking devices, transmitting control signals, and monitoring processes from extraction to transportation and processing.

Let’s explore the key environments and equipment where these cables are commonly used.

1. Onshore applications

Onshore rig/Drilling rig: Drilling machine that drills wells for the extraction of oil or other materials from the ground.

Refinery/Petrochemical plant: Production facility where raw materials like crude oil or natural gas are processed to become more valuable products, like, for example, petrol or gases of various types of plastics.

Oil, gas and LNG terminal: Oil, gas and LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminals are port terminals designed to accommodate large carrier ships designed to load, carry and unload oil, gas and LNG.

2. Offshore applications

Oil or gas tanker: Ship designed to transport oil or gas by sea or by using other waterways.

Diving bell: Rigid chamber used to transport equipment from the surface to underwater workplaces and back in open water. It is used for performing underwater work. The air supply for the workers or electrical energy for tools is usually transmitted from ships to the diving bell. Submersible hybrid solutions made of:

ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle): It is a cable-operated device for working on the seabed, for example, for inspections, repairs or measurements. Electrical energy, data and video signals are usually transmitted from ships.

FPSO/FSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading/Floating Storage and Offloading): A floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit is a floating vessel for the refining, production and processing of hydrocarbons, and for the storage of oil. IMPORTANT: only with offshore approvals.

LNG carrier: An LNG carrier is a tank ship designed for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) IMPORTANT: only with offshore approvals.

Offshore hotel platform: Offshore building on a platform that is used for living accommodation for workers of surrounding offshore facilities. IMPORTANT: only with offshore approvals + CPR requirements.

Offshore oil rig: Offshore drilling machine that drills wells for the extraction of oil or other materials from the seabed. IMPORTANT: only with offshore approvals.

Oil well manifold: An arrangement of piping or valves designed to control, distribute and typically monitor fluid or gases. It is permanently submersed.

AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle): Submersed machines and vehicles working on the seabed on installation and repair projects (e.g. pipelines).

Subsea technology: Underwater control room where all electrical signals from surrounding machines and devices converge or are distributed.

The EN 50288-7 Instrument Cable range is one of HELUKABEL’s key products, offering four technical structures to meet the diverse needs of the oil and gas industry:

· OS (Overall Shield): Overall shielded cores.

· OSA (Overall Shield + Armor): Overall shielded cores plus an armor layer.

· IOS (Individual + Overall Shield): Individually shielded pairs plus overall shielding.

· IOSA (Individual + Overall Shield + Armor): Individually shielded pairs, overall shielding, plus armor protection (the most comprehensive design).

The outer sheath and insulation of HELUKABEL EN 50288-7 instrument cables are made from high-durability, oil-resistant, and corrosion-resistant materials, suitable for both onshore and offshore environments, with options such as PVC/PVC, XLPE/PVC and XLPE/LS0H.

Currently, there are some types of EN-50288-7 Instrument cables available on our e-commerce stores like Tiki, Shopee and Lazada:

· HELUKABEL EN-50288-7 XLPE/PVC OS 500

· HELUKABEL EN-50288-7 XLPE/PVC OSA 500

· HELUKABEL EN-50288-7 XLPE/PVC IOS 500

If you require a large quantity for your important project, don’t hesitate to contact our engineering team for tailored consultation and a customized quote!