New Wave Media

 

The joint, unique in its design, is suitable for the offshore repair of a wide range of high voltage subsea cables. It takes 48-60 hours to install, cutting down the waiting time for a suitable weather window and repair vessel time on station.

 

“Several years of research and analysis have gone into developing this joint, which has many advantages over other repair solutions, particularly in terms of cable range-taking capability and ease of installation,” said Power CSL director, Pat Oakley.

 

“The jointing system is not associated with the cables of any particular manufacturer and its modular design can be configured for a wide range of connections.”

 

“This product will substantially increase the U.K. and European supply chain capacity for HV subsea cable repair, improving the availability of trained jointers and radically reducing the time it takes to repair faults on critical subsea power connections.”

 

The Power CSL joint, which can be used for repairing subsea cables up to 170kV, has undergone an extensive mechanical, electrical and hyperbaric test program meeting CIGRE 490, 171 and 623 regimes and IEC specifications. The electrical type test was carried out by the KEMA laboratory, with the complete test program being witnessed by DNV GL.

 

The joint uses high tensile strength compression conductor connections. Its insulation system comprises a one-piece cold-shrink molding with internal stress control features, developed by 3M and selected by PCSL for subsea application following close technical collaboration. All moldings are fully electrically tested (HV and PD) during manufacture.

 

The combination of single-piece construction and simple shrink-down technique removes the potential for assembly problems during installation that may arise with some multi-component joint insulation reinstatement systems.

 

No special tools are required for the repair joint installation.

 

Although Power CSL provides its own offshore technicians for joint installation, the company also offers a training program for suitably qualified personnel from client companies.

 

“We would simply offer the joint in kit form so that the clients’ trained technicians can install the product offshore. It’s another significant cost-saving factor and puts response time in the client’s control,” Oakley said.

 

The newly launched HV repair joint complements Power CSL’s existing range of subsea cable accessories, which includes medium voltage repair joints, cable pulling heads and hang-off/termination products.