Markets

Oil & Gas Market

With industry 4.0 innovations, the Oil & Gas industry is on the path of transformation in terms of efficiency, safety, and smart solutions. The Oil & Gas industry is exploring ways to digitize, automate, and solve complex sub-surface engineering challenges efficiently and competitively. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, in addition to providing a competitive edge, also enables oil & gas companies to increase field or well productivity. International Wire offers a wide range of products that drive transformation in oil exploration, natural gas production, and refining of petroleum processes.

Types of Wires and Cables in the Oil and Gas Industry

At International Wire, we work to identify wire and cable solutions that our O&G customers need now and in the future. We offer the following types of reliable, high-quality conductors for use in oil and gas cables:

VFD Cables

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) cables are essential for motor and process control systems, widely utilized in oil and gas operations. Unlike standard cables, VFD cables in these environments require shielding to guard against electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring reliable performance.

VFD cables come in a range of sizes, from 14 AWG to 1,000 Kcmil. Their construction typically includes::

• Several insulated power conductors – annealed flexible stranded tinned copper conductors, usually rope bunched construction, from 14 awg to 777MCM. Stranding the conductors provides exceptional flexibility and makes them easier to manipulate during installation.
• Several Grounding Conductors in green insulation, typically soft flexible stranded tinner copper conductors.
• Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation for durability against environmental stressors like moisture, sunlight, and electrical radiation.
• Shielding, typically composed of tinned copper braid covered with aluminum tape, further protects against EMI and prevents system disruptions.

Instrumentation and Control Cables

Instrumentation and control cables play a critical role in oil and gas operations, ensuring precise signal transmission for monitoring, automation, and safety systems. These cables are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to moisture, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). They typically feature:

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) insulation.
• Soft/annealed tinned high strand count concentric-lay-stranded copper conductors from 18 AWG to 12 AWG, which make the cable flexible, resistant to vibration, and easy to install.
• Individually shielded pairs or triads, each pair/triad is twisted with tinned drain wire, typically 18-20 AWG.
• Armour (optional), typically composed of bronze braid, or tinned copper braid might be used as well.

Power Cables

Power cables effectively distribute power at various levels within oil and gas facilities, from downstream refineries to upstream drilling rigs. International Wire supplies conductors for power cables capable of delivering efficient power distribution in the following voltage applications:

• Low voltage (LV): 16 AWG to 2 AWG (up to 2kV)
• Medium voltage (MV): 4 AWG to 1000 MCM (2kV to 33kV)
• High voltage (HV): 1/0 AWG to 2000 MCM (50kV+)

Power cable construction typically features:

• Soft/annealed stranded tinner copper or aluminum conductor, depending on the application and weight considerations.
• Ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), PVC, or XLPE insulation.
• Can include additional bronze braid armor for heavy-duty applications or a tinned copper braid EMI shield.

Portable Power Cables

Portable power cables are flexible and can power portable industrial equipment, temporary installations, and drilling rigs while offering exceptional resistance to sunlight, abrasion, weather, and oil. These cables typically feature:

• Multiple soft/annealed bare or tinned copper stranded conductors ranging from 18 AWG to 2 AWG.

Submersible Pump Cables

Submersible pump cables (Type THW) are specially designed electrical cables for heavy-duty use and are ideal for oil and gas submersible pipelines and pumps used in oil and gas extraction. They typically feature:

• Multiple bare copper stranded copper conductors 2 AWG – 14 AWG.
• PVC (type THW) insulation.

Construction consists of round or flat cables with heavy-duty jackets and thermoplastic insulation for protection in fluid immersion.

Benefits of Wire and Cables in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry relies on high-quality wires and cables to ensure safe and efficient operations across various applications. At International Wire, our conductors deliver exceptional performance and reliability, offering several key advantages:

• Enhanced Efficiency & Productivity – High-quality cables facilitate precise monitoring and control of equipment, contributing to the overall productivity of oil and gas operations. Advanced control systems depend on reliable conductors to enable accurate data transmission, ensuring seamless automation and system performance.
• Superior Durability in Harsh Environments – The oil and gas industry operates in some of the most extreme conditions, from arid deserts to deep-sea locations. International Wire conductors are integrated into cables specifically engineered to withstand corrosive substances, high pressures, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable, long-lasting performance.
• Safety & Reliability – International Wire’s conductors and cables ensure the reliable delivery of data and power, preventing costly downtimes and maintaining continuous operations.