Oil Industry

In the oil industry, special cables are used that are designed to operate under the harsh conditions found in oil wells. This is due to the specific nature of their operation: significant depth (up to 3–5 km), elevated temperatures (up to 150 °C), high pressure (up to 25 MPa), exposure to aggressive media (oil, formation water, gas, hydrogen sulfide), as well as severe mechanical loads during drilling and lifting operations.

Types of cables used in the oil industry:

Oil-submersible cables

They are designed to supply electricity to submersible pumps installed in a well. The main types are:

• With heat‑resistant insulation — used in high‑temperature wells; the materials can withstand temperatures exceeding 120 °C.
• The shielded design provides protection against electromagnetic interference, which is especially important when operating sensitive equipment.
• With enhanced chemical protection — used in aggressive environments, including those with elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide.

Power cables

They provide power supply to pumps, compressors, drilling rigs, and other equipment. Their insulation is resistant to oils, chemicals, and high temperatures.

Control cables

They are used to transmit control and monitoring signals from sensors and measuring devices to automation systems.

Communication and data cables

These include fiber‑optic lines, coaxial cables, and twisted‑pair cables, which are used to transmit information and establish communication.

Specialized cables

This category includes heat‑resistant, oil‑resistant, and explosion‑proof versions designed for use in conditions of elevated temperatures, contact with petroleum products, or in areas with a risk of explosion.

Marking of cables for the oil industry

Cable type indicates the design of the conductors and insulation, for example:

• KVV — control, flexible, with vinyl insulation.
• VVG is a copper, rigid cable with PVC insulation and no armor.
• AVBBShv is an aluminum wire with an armored sheath, providing protection against mechanical damage.

The number of cores and the cross‑section are indicated by numbers, for example:

• 3×2.5 — three cores, each with a diameter of 2.5 mm².

Insulation and sheathing are indicated by a letter or a combination of letters:

• P — PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• R-rubber
• C — cross‑linked polyethylene (cross‑linked polyethylene is often used in the oil and gas industry for its fire resistance)

Special properties — for example:

• ng(A) — non‑flammable (according to GOST 31565-2012)
• FRLS — flame-retardant low smoke (according to international standards)
• EX — for hazardous areas (ATEX/IECEx)

Requirements for cables in the oil and gas industry

Cable products used in the oil and gas industry must meet a number of specific operational requirements:

• Oil resistance — during operation, cables are constantly in contact with oils and petroleum products that can damage insulating materials. Therefore, sheaths and insulation that are resistant to such effects are used.
• Chemical resistance — the equipment is used in an environment containing aggressive substances: acids, alkalis, solvents. Special polymer compositions are used for protection; they retain their properties under prolonged chemical exposure.
• Mechanical strength and heat resistance — the products must withstand significant loads arising during installation and operation, and must also remain operational at extremely high and low temperatures. This is ensured by a reinforced design and the use of durable materials.
• Protection from external factors — cables must be resistant to moisture, dust, and mechanical damage. For this purpose, sealed casings, armor‑like coatings, and additional protective layers are used.

Standards

In the Russian Federation, the characteristics of oil submersible cables are defined in GOST R 51777-2001 “Cables for submersible electric pump installations. General technical specifications.”

However, after the reform of the standardization system, the use of this document, as well as a number of other GOST standards, ceased to be mandatory. Nevertheless, manufacturers have the right to undergo voluntary certification under GOST to confirm the quality of their products and increase their competitive advantages in the market.