Introduction to various types of cables: drilling cables

2026-06-22

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Drilling cable is a special cable designed specifically for drilling operations such as oil, gas, and mineral resources. It needs to stably transmit power control signals and data in high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environments. Its core feature is resistance to extreme conditions, resistance to mechanical stress, and high reliability, widely used in land and marine drilling platforms. Here is a detailed analysis:

1、 Definition and core characteristics of drilling cables

1. Basic Definition

Drilling cables are used to connect downhole instruments and ground control systems of drilling rigs, and are responsible for power transmission (such as motor power supply), signal control (such as sensor data), and communication (such as real-time monitoring) functions. Must meet strict standards such as IEEE 1580 and IEC 60332.

2. Core Features

High temperature resistance: The working temperature can reach 95 ℃~110 ℃ (some models such as Gexol cables can reach 110 ℃).
Corrosion resistance: resistant to drilling mud, seawater, oil stains (such as chloroprene rubber sheath).
Resistance to mechanical stress: Armored structure (steel wire weaving) enhances tensile strength (≥ 10kN).
Flame retardant and halogen-free: low smoke and non-toxic during combustion, in compliance with IEC 60332-3A standard.

2、 Usage requirements and structural characteristics

Usage characteristics	Structural characteristics
1. Load bearing detection cable: typically with an outer diameter of less than 12mm; Long length, supplied in single lengths of over 3500m; Oil and gas resistance, water pressure resistance of 120MPa (1200 times atmospheric pressure); High temperature resistance: above 100 ℃; Anti interference and tensile strength: above 44KN; Wear resistant and resistant to hydrogen sulfide gas; All armor steel strands should not scatter when they break, otherwise it will cause a waste well.	1. The conductor is made of a soft structure and plated with tin; 2. High temperature resistant polypropylene, ethylene propylene rubber or fluoroplastic for insulation; 3. Semi conductive materials for shielding; 4. High strength galvanized steel wire for armor; 5. Using specialized manufacturing techniques.
2. Perforated cable: with a large cross-sectional area and tensile strength, wear-resistant, prone to vibration, and not loose.	1. Medium soft structure for conductors; 2. Insulation materials such as polypropylene, ethylene propylene rubber, or other high-temperature resistant materials; 3. The dimensions of conductors, insulation, and armor are correct.
3. Coalfield, non-metallic, metallic, geothermal, hydrological, underwater and other survey cables.	1. Strengthen the core and internal armor; 2. The conductor is soft copper wire; 3. Ordinary rubber for insulation; 4. Sheath chloroprene rubber; 5. Metal or non-metal armor is used in special circumstances; 6. Underwater cables should use coaxial cables; 7. The comprehensive detector should have functions such as power and communication.
4. Submersible oil pump cable: The outer diameter of the oil pipe is small, and the outer size of the cable is required to be small; The increase in well depth and high power require insulation, high temperature resistance, high voltage, and stable structure; Good electrical performance, good insulation performance, and low leakage current; Long lifespan, stable structure, and ability for repeated use; Good mechanical properties.	1. Small and medium-sized oil pipes adopt flat cables to ensure small external dimensions; The conductor is solid and has a large cross-section. Twisted conductors and round cables are used; 2. Polyimide fluorine 46 sintered wire with ethylene propylene insulation is used for connecting cable cores; Ethylene propylene and cross-linked polyethylene heat-resistant insulation for power cables; 3. The sheath is made of oil resistant and high-temperature resistant materials such as chloroprene rubber and chlorosulfonated polyethylene, as well as lead sheath; 4. Use chain armor; 5. Anti halogen structure, with an anti halogen sheath added to the bare armor.

3、 Key technical parameters and standards

Parameter	Require	Testing standards
Withstanding voltage	2kV/5-minute non breakdown (such as Gexol cable)	IEC 60502-1
Bending radius	≥ 6 x diameter (non armored) ≥ 8 x diameter (armored)	IEEE 45
Flame retardancy	Through IEC 60332-3A bundled combustion test	GB/T 18380

4、 Typical application scenarios

1. Oil drilling

- Submarine cable laying (such as HVDC transmission) and logging while drilling (LWD) signal transmission.

2. Mining exploration

API standard threaded cables (such as BQR series) are used for diamond core drilling rigs.

3. Coalbed methane development

- Cable for pressurized operations (such as the case of Da Ji 30 well in Western Drilling).

5、 Industry Trends and Innovation

Material upgrade: Nano modified XLPE insulation reduces space charge effects (such as ± 500kV high-voltage DC cables).
Intelligent integration: optical fiber composite cable (such as GYXTZW) realizes data+power simultaneous interpreting.
Environmental requirements: The halogen-free sheath (LSZH) meets the RoHS directive.

6、 Summary: Drilling cables are the "lifeline" of energy exploration, and selection requires comprehensive consideration of voltage level, environmental tolerance, and mechanical strength. With the development of deep-sea and shale gas, high-voltage intelligent composite cables will become mainstream.

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