OUR CABLE SERVICES AT ORE CATAPULT
We test, demonstrate and qualify static and dynamic cables in our UKAS-accredited laboratories. We ensure that hidden design or material flaws in cable systems are identified before installation is the mission of our team at both the National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth and the Floating Wind Innovation Centre (FLOWIC) in Aberdeen. Testing carried out includes accelerated ageing, type testing, failure investigation and lifetime assessment.
If a cable fails a test in a warm, dry laboratory, it will not withstand the extreme loads and harsh conditions experienced subsea. This role is crucial for cable designers, researchers and manufacturers who are seeking to improve their designs and bring innovations to market.
The research we conduct for owner/operators provides an understanding of the root causes of failures and also provides the insurance community with intelligence to support claims settlement.
WHAT MAKES OUR CABLE TESTING FACILITIES UNIQUE?
Type testing
- We provide expert guidance and support for both fixed and floating wind, addressing gaps that we see in the market for materials lab testing and cable fatigue testing.
- Our unique combination of mechanical preconditioning, high voltage (HV) electrical, mechanical fatigue, materials (non-electrical) and hyperbaric test facilities provides a one-stop-shop for cable type testing.
Forensic issues
- Our HV laboratories are the UK’s only accredited facility for the testing of power cable systems. We work with clients to test static and dynamic cables, as well as work on the development of asset management strategies.
- Our non-electrical test laboratories include accelerated ageing and a characterisation toolkit which enables proper understanding of materials’ capabilities relative to subsea HV application.
Dynamic fatigue
- Our large-scale cable fatigue test rig at FLOWIC in Aberdeen can test and validate the strength, performance and reliability of dynamic subsea cables – a critical component of floating offshore wind farms.
- We also offer a bespoke, state-of-the-art cable bend fatigue test rig that supports the development and improves the performance and reliability of, subsea cables. The rig is capable of testing floating wind and tidal cables, carrying out operational research, and acting as a representative test bed for all aspects of subsea cable development.
Mechanical handing
- These tests are key to determining how submarine cables will perform in situ. At Blyth, we simulate the tension and side wall pressure experienced by cables and factory or repair joints during laying operations through tensile and tensile bend tests. Cables and accessories are subjected to controlled tension, recording factors such as end rotation and maximum elongation.
- We also conduct mechanical handling tests to simulate the forces and moments imparted onto repair joints during offshore operations using our indoor cranes, which reach a height of 18 m from floor level.
OUR EXPERT CABLES SUPPORT
Subsea cable system failures remain one of offshore wind’s biggest headaches, continuing to account for the bulk of insurance claims made by our sector. Induced currents and water ingress, for instance, can accelerate the ageing of components within cable systems and lead to premature cable failure. The cost of repairing a subsea cable can reach £2-5 million per km, never mind the resulting curtailed generation – so a fault leading to a cable short-circuit, could prove costly for system owners.”
Alex Neumann
Chief Engineer HV Electrical
OUR CABLE TESTING FACILITIES
NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTRE
The National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland, houses our HV electrical, non-electrical, hyperbaric and mechanical preconditioning test facilities for subsea cables.
This site also hosts a bespoke cable bend fatigue test rig capable of testing fixed bottom, floating wind and tidal cables, carrying out operational research, and acting as a representative test bed for all aspects of subsea cable development.
We also offer the following cable services at our Blyth site:
- Electrical test laboratory
- Subsea testing environment
- Materials test laboratory
- Mechanical test environment
- Environmental test laboratory
FLOWIC
Our national Floating Wind Innovation Centre (FLOWIC) in Aberdeen offers a large-scale dynamic cable flex fatigue rig. It has been specifically built to test and validate the strength, performance and reliability of dynamic subsea cables with or without protection systems installed.
We provide clients with new and bespoke test programmes, as well as guidance on test processes and requirements. We can design bespoke tests to support client requirements to better understand and optimise their products.
CONTACT OUR TEAM
