In addition to optical cables for aerial (ADSS/OPGW/Skywrap) and Access applications, AFL Telecommunications produces a range of specialty cables for non-communication applications such as oil and gas upstream, midstream and downstream processes such as:

INTELLIGENT WELL SYSTEMS
AFL works with the leading providers of DTS technology to provide permanent monitoring solutions for production, thermal recovery and water injection systems in new intelligent well systems together with well integrity monitoring. Optical “downhole” cables from AFL use our patented stainless steel tube cable constructions together with high temperature optical fibers to provide a range of cables suited to a wide range of environmental conditions.

PIPELINE MONITORING AND CONTROL
We manufacture onshore and offshore fiber optic cables for communications and SCADA applications employing various armoring techniques and providing protection from interference, animals or insects. This includes working with sensing companies developing cables for non-communications applications such as distributed temperature sensing, acoustic sensing and pressure sensing.

FLEXIBLES AND RISERS
We employ similar manufacturing techniques to provide dynamic cables suitable for communications and sensing applications in flexibles and risers. We work with sensing companies utilizing GRP composites for monitoring of flow line deformation, flow assurance, fatigue, pressure and strain within these systems.

ROVs AND UMBILICALS
We manufacture rugged optical fiber cables based on PBT and stainless steel tube technology for use within fixed and dynamic service, production and ROV cables. Used traditionally for long-haul, interference-free communications, AFL is at the forefront of new technology to provide strain measurement and monitoring within the cable.

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY
Optical fiber cables from AFL can be used in permanent subsea arrays to provide real-time mapping of reservoirs and provide a cost-effective alternative to survey ships using air gun and towed array sonar and hydrophone technology.

POWER DISTRIBUTION AND NETWORK OPERATIONS
AFL’s unique position as a leading supplier of both conventional and aerial power cable networks is the perfect pedigree for us to work with companies offering novel network management systems such as conductor temperature monitoring, dynamic cable rating, strain and sag evaluation, load optimization and to facilitate “smart grid” technology.

STRUCTURES
As a subsidiary of Fujikura (the second largest manufacturer of optical fibers worldwide), AFL manufactures a number of different fiber types and composites for monitoring of structural integrity within buildings, storage tanks, furnaces, bridges and platforms. These include FRP composites embodying optical fibers for strain measurement and applications as diverse as temperature measurement within curing concrete.

FIRE DETECTION
AFL’s cables are used worldwide for the early detection of fire using DTS technology. Often employed in road and rail tunnels as well as metro systems, automated warehouses and utility tunnels fiber provides secure detection along its length providing distinct advantages over fixed point detection, VESDA systems, optical beam and video detection technology.

SECURITY
Optical fiber cables from AFL can be utilized in and around fences, barriers, pipelines and subsea choke points to provide detection using minute changes in seismic pressure.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
In addition we provide an extensive range of installation and maintenance support services onshore and offshore. In summary, we manufacture a wide range of fiber optic cables for an increasingly wide range of applications:

• Downhole and Data-logging (on and offshore) including very high temperature applications
• Fibers in stainless steel/aluminum tubes for cryogenic and high temperature applications
• Umbilical sub-assemblies
• Distributed Temperature, Pressure, Strain and Seismic Sensing
• Special fibers for high-temperature, strain, nuclear-hard and geo-physical/seismic applications
• Tactical, Field-deployable and Topside Jumper Cables
• Composites
• Rugged communications (Topside, Upstream, Pipeline, SCADA/Telemetry)
• Seabed arrays for hydrographic survey and maritime security.

The following links will give you some further background on the products that support Oil & Gas applications:
Downhole Fiber Optic Cables
Sensing Fiber Optic Cables
Subsea Fiber Optic Cables

We are also members of the SEAFOM group developing the growth of optical sensing in subsea applications; Subsea UK, ITF and EIC. Please follow the links for further information: