Cable Jackets

production-technology.org/cable-jacket/

By admin 5 March 2017

As per API RP11S5, cable jackets are protective coverings used to mechanically shield the
insulation from the downhole environment. The jacket materials protect the insulation from
mechanical abuse associated with handling. Some jacketing material may provide secondary
insulation. The most used types of jackets in submersible pump cable are made of: EPDM
elastomers or nitrile.

As for the other parts of submersible power

cable, jacket selection depends on many
factors mainly related to produced fluids
properties and well behavior; such as: the
downhole temperature and well conditions.

When selecting the cable jacket the following

rule of thumbs could help in the selection of the
suitable cable which fit the well properties:

The EPDM jacket operates at higher temperature than the nitrile jacket, but the nitrile is
tougher and more oil resistant. Nevertheless, oil swell resistance of EPDM jacket can be
reduced by proper formulation.
EPDM is inherently better than nitrile for handling and installation at lower surface
temperatures.
The rated temperature of the cable is limited by the temperature of the jacket material.
EPDM has an approximate limit of 204 C / 400 F, while nitrile is limited to 140 C / 284 F.

To maximize the life of cable jacket, causes of embrittlement (age hardening) have to be
avoided. In addition to handling and downhole temperatures, jacket degradation is caused by
pressure cycling and exposure to downhole chemicals, gas type and gas concentration
(especially: sour gases).

Finally, armor and / or constraining layers are critical to the protection of the jacket.

Reference:

API Recommended Practice 11S5 (RP 11S) – First edition, February 1, 1993.

1/1