Dry Cable Joint Water Barrier for High-Voltage Subsea Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for joining submarine power cables are not adapted for high voltage standards, leading to potential water ingress and electrical failures, especially in dynamic sections where conventional wet or semi-wet joints are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a dry joint between cables of wet or semi-wet design and dry design, involving the installation of end section water barriers longer than the cable's longitudinal water ingress, followed by the integration of a joint water barrier to create a continuous dry barrier around the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wet or semi-wet joints are used for high voltage submarine cables, then the joint can be manufactured with simpler water barrier structures, but water ingress occurs leading to electrical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The water barrier system is divided into multiple segments: end section water barriers installed on the cable ends before jointing, and a joint water barrier installed around the joint area. These segmented barriers work together to create a comprehensive dry protection zone, preventing water ingress while allowing modular installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
End section water barriers are installed on the cable ends before the jointing process begins. This preliminary action ensures that water cannot ingress into the cable ends during subsequent jointing operations, creating a dry working environment from the outset and preventing contamination of the joint area
2Reliability
If lead water barriers are used in static cable sections, then effective water protection is achieved, but the cables cannot be utilized in dynamic sections due to poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
Different water barrier solutions are applied to different cable sections based on their specific requirements: lead extrusions or welded metal strips are used in static sections where rigid protection is needed, while flexible membranes are used in dynamic sections where movement accommodation is required. The joint area uses a combination of both approaches to ensure continuous protection across the transition zone
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible membranes serve as intermediary water barriers between the rigid lead barriers in static sections and the movement requirements of dynamic sections. These membranes can accommodate cable movement while maintaining water barrier integrity, bridging the gap between rigid protection and flexible adaptability
3Reliability
If end section water barriers longer than longitudinal water ingress are installed, then water ingress is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
End section water barriers are installed with lengths exceeding the calculated longitudinal water ingress distance. This excessive action ensures complete protection against water ingress even with variations in installation conditions or unexpected water pressure, while the additional material required remains manageable and justifiable by the enhanced reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A dry joint for jointing a cable with a wet or semi-wet/semi-dry design to a cable with a wet, semi-wet/semi-dry or dry design and a method of manufacturing a cable dry joint are provided. A cable with a wet or semi-wet/semi-dry design having an end of cable water barrier is also provided. A dry joint water barrier suitable for rendering a joint dry is also provided, where at least one of the jointed cables is of a wet or semi-wet/semi-dry design.