Nylon, from electric and fibre optic cable manufacturer Tratos, is an innovative environmentally friendly alternative to lead-sheathed cables for onshore power, control and instrumentation applications in the oil and gas industry.
These typically challenging environments call for exceptional durability from all equipment, especially cabling that may be permanently open to the elements or used alongside heavy-duty, industrial equipment that could cause damage to the cable. Traditionally, a lead sheath has provided this protection. However, in response to the growing market demand for more environmentally-friendly cables, Tratos has developed a new lead-free barrier in its Nylon cable.
Nylon comprises three co-extruded construction elements. The AluPE layer features an aluminium coated tape, applied longitudinally, that provides a watertight seal. The High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheath provides resistance to inorganic chemicals such as chlorine. The third element – the Nylon sheath – provides resistance to organic materials such as benzene.
Providing the same excellent level of protection against aggressive petrochemicals as traditional lead-sheathed cables, Hypron also features improved ease of handling and installation thanks to its lower weight and smaller cross section.
Nylon complies with all relevant international standards including IEC 60228, IEC 60502-1 for low voltage and BS EN 50288-7 for instrumental cables. It has been fully tested to prove its suitability for a wide range of applications, including medium voltage and low voltage power as well as control and instrumentation when exposed to aggressive chemicals and temperatures ranging from -20ºC to +60ºC. Where a higher level of fire resistance is required, a version of Hypron based on HFFR polyamide is available which complies with IEC 60332-1 on flame propagation, IEC 60332-3 for fire propagation as well as IEC 60331 and BS 6387 for fire resistance applications.
