This paper describes the substantial service life improvements that can be achieved through a new, high technology solution developed for deep water electrical power umbilical and cable applications. The new design represents an enabling technology for power cable projects in the deepest and most dynamic waters, provides a lower risk solution for risers in highly stressed conditions and can give a technically improved solution for the range of electrical power umbilical application.
The significant advantages of aluminum alloy cable bundles over traditional copper cable bundles under static and dynamic loading associated with a typical deep water floating installation are presented. A design case study is used to illustrate improvements in structural response and fatigue life associated with the aluminum alloy cable cores against conventional technologies. The paper concludes with an overview of the associated risk reduction through the implementation of the aluminum alloy cables in the form of a failure mode and effect analysis.
