Optimal Power and Signal Cables Arrangement for Minimizing Electromagnetic Interference in Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is an important cause of system malfunction in oil and gas industry installation. Inductive interference from High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV) power cables to Data/Signal (DS) cables is critical problem in this industry although arrangement according to standard has been implemented. In this work, electromagnetic interference effects of power cables (HV and LV) on the signal cable (DS) have been investigated. This is to determine the minimum distance between HV, LV and DS cables with minimal EMI effect. Computer simulation is employed to investigate the induced voltages for determining the optimal distance between various types of cables. We developed 2D and 3D models of commercial cables, which are normally used in Oil and Gas Industry. Variation of cable distances, cable specification and cable attachment are applied. We compared output voltage fluctuation in DS cables due to EMI from HV and LV cables. Simulation results show that HV, LV and DS cables can be located closely in the cable tray as long as the cables are fully armoured. The non-armoured cable is however still can be used with considering certain distance. The simulation results were compared to few established standards. It is found that there is need to revise the existing standards in order to minimize the effect of EMI in oil and gas industry with reasonable cost.