Sustainable cable and accessory solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry

1.1 What are oil and natural gas?

Crude oil and natural gas are hydrocarbon compounds - chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms formed from organic matter compressed over millions of years. These substances are collectively referred to as petroleum and are commonly found together. If a reservoir (an underground deposit) contains only gas without oil, it is referred to as non-associated gas. Conversely, if it contains both oil and gas, the gas portion is called associated gas.

Crude oil and natural gas exist in various types and qualities. Oil quality is primarily assessed based on its “sweetness” and “heaviness.” Sweetness refers to sulfur content—low-sulfur oil is called sweet crude and is easier to refine, thus more valuable. Heaviness relates to the oil’s density - light crude is easier to refine into high-value products like petrol, whereas heavy crude is thick, flows slowly, and contains more undesirable impurities.

Natural gas consists mainly of methane, though it may contain other impurities. Like crude oil, it is classified as sweet or sour gas depending on its hydrogen sulfide content. When refined and primarily composed of methane, it is referred to as dry gas. Natural gas can also be condensed into Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) such as propane and butane.

1.2 The critical role of the oil and gas industry

Crude oil and natural gas are cornerstone industries within the global energy market and are vital to the world economy, serving as the planet’s two main energy sources:

• The oil and gas industry generates significant revenue through the extraction, refining, and trading of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum-derived products. For countries with large petroleum reserves, oil and gas exports substantially boost economic growth.
• The sector requires massive investments in infrastructure, including distribution systems, pipelines, storage facilities, refineries, and exploration/extraction operations. These investments not only drive sector growth but also stimulate related industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and construction.
• Petroleum products are essential for modern life and have far-reaching effects on economies and governments globally. Oil and gas price fluctuations can heavily impact both global and national economies.

The industry is divided into three main segments: upstream, midstream, and downstream.

2.1 Upstream

Upstream refers to the exploration and production (E&P) phase. It includes locating underground or subsea oil and gas reserves, exploratory drilling, and extracting resources from identified wells. This phase is highly technical, capital-intensive, risky, and dependent on advanced technology.

2.2 Midstream

Midstream involves transportation, storage, and preliminary processing of crude oil and natural gas post-extraction. Since oil and gas fields are often far from refineries and processing plants, efficient transport is critical. This includes pipelines, oil tankers, tanker trucks, and storage systems. Midstream serves as a bridge between upstream and downstream operations.

2.3 Downstream

Downstream encompasses the refining of crude oil, purification of natural gas, and distribution of end products to consumers. Activities include refining, marketing, and product delivery. Common downstream products include petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, jet fuel, asphalt, lubricants, and various petrochemicals.

Petroleum is the economic backbone of many countries and plays a vital role across various industrial sectors.

The industry produces many essential products, with fuel oil and petrol being the most important:

• Transportation: Oil and gas products such as petrol and diesel power transportation and logistics, including daily commuting, freight, and air travel.
• Heating and cooling: Heating oil and natural gas are widely used for residential, commercial, and industrial heating systems, providing energy for hot water, space heating, and high-temperature processes.
• Industrial processes: Oil and gas serve as critical feedstocks in numerous manufacturing sectors, used to produce petrochemicals, polymers, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, and synthetic materials.
• Electrical and electronic devices: Natural gas powers gas turbines for electricity generation, while petroleum-based products are found in batteries, lubricants, and components of electronic devices, supporting many modern technologies.

The industry operates in highly demanding environments and faces unique challenges:

• Strict regulations: The sector is tightly regulated for safety and environmental compliance. Adherence to these standards is mandatory.
• Harsh environments: Exploration, drilling, production, and refining often occur in extreme conditions like offshore rigs, refineries, or remote sites. Risks include flammable gases, solvent vapors, combustible dust, high humidity, saltwater exposure, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Vibration and movement: Heavy machinery and equipment cause continuous vibration and motion. Electrical systems must tolerate these stresses, ensuring cables remain intact during installation, maintenance, or operation.

Electrical systems are central to oil and gas operations, powering equipment, lighting workspaces, and enabling communication and data transmission. Reliable and, above all, safe electrical connections are essential, as even a small spark could trigger an explosion.

5.1 Instrumentation cables

These cables transmit data from sensors and instruments to control systems, playing a critical role in monitoring and controlling key parameters such as pressure, temperature, and flow.

HELUKABEL offers a wide range of signal cables compliant with standards such as:

• EN-50288-7: HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 PVC/PVC OS 300, OS 500; XLPE/PVC IOSA 500; HELUTHERM® FR BS 7629
• PAS 5308: HELUDATA® PAS 5308 PE/PVC CAM; IAM/CAM/SWA; PVC/PVC IAM/CAM/SWA
• PLTC UL13: HELUDATA® PLTC UL13 PVC/PVC OSA 300; XLPE/LS0H IOSA 300; HELUTHERM® PLTC UL 13 / ANSI MC 96.1 XLPE/LS0H