Return to Session ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL DESIGN OF UMBILICAL CABLE

The main purpose of this technical paper is to analyze the various designs available for a Submarine Electro Hydraulic Umbilical, composed of power conductors, signal/control cables, steel tubes, thermoplastic hoses and/or optical cables, in order to reduce the options to the final project definition, considering the magnetic and thermal limitations of the components. The circulating current at the power cores may cause a heating, higher than the operational temperature limit of the others components (thermoplastic hoses) and an induced voltage at the signal cables. The thermal and electrical analyses are performed to ensure that the cable design comply with the specification and is suitable for its operation conditions. Finite element software for electromagnetic and thermal simulation is used and the analysis is based on the twodimensional geometry of the object under evaluation and its materials physical properties. The umbilical cable is suitable for static and dynamic application up to 3000 meters water depths and a service life of 25 years. The cable may be connected between platforms, wells and landfall Real data for the induced voltage at signal cables under investigation are presented, discussed and also compared with theoretical value. This paper also describes the methodology applied in the magnetic and thermal analysis.