Subsea cable bend protection, also known as bend restrictor, is common marine engineering and submarine cable protection components, primarily used to protect flexible umbilical cables from damage caused by excessive bending at specific locations. Their primary functions include:
Bend radius limitation
When umbilical cables, optical cables, or electrical cables pass through locations such as J-ports, buoys, connectors, and the bottom of risers, they are prone to small-radius bends due to excessive forces. Bend restrictors utilize a stepped sleeve structure with progressively stiffer construction to effectively control the bend angle and prevent damage.
Preventing fatigue and fracture
Under the influence of external forces such as waves, tidal currents, and platform movement in the subsea environment, umbilical cables are susceptible to fatigue cracking due to long-term bending stress. Bend restrictors evenly distribute stress, extending the life of umbilical cables.
Absorbing and distributing loads
During installation and operation, umbilical cables may experience concentrated loads due to their own weight, fluid dynamics, and vessel operations. Bend restrictors distribute concentrated stress over a wider area, preventing localized excessive stress.
Improved installation safety
During the laying and lifting process, bend limiters prevent the cable from bending suddenly, improving operational safety.
Suitable for a variety of applications
Primarily used in submarine optical cables, umbilical cables, flexible risers, submarine oil and gas pipelines, and offshore wind power cables, they are particularly effective at bend-sensitive areas such as suspension points, joints, and touchdown points.
Philson selects high-quality polyurethane materials and formulates the polyurethane mixture according to customer specifications. Using specialized pouring techniques, we ensure the bend restrictors are high-quality, bubble-free, crack-resistant, and integrally cast, resulting in increased durability and the ability to issue certifications that meet project requirements. Philson has provided marine energy protection solutions to countries such as Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
