AFL - Fibre Optic Cables

AFL is the leading supplier of fibre optic cables for specialised applications in the oil and gas industry supporting new technologies in temperature, pressure, strain, and reservoir management.

AFL manufactures a wide range of specialised cables for downhole monitoring, supporting technologies such as DTS (distributed temperature sensing), and DTSS (distributed temperature and strain systems). As part of Fujikura, the world's second largest fibre manufacturer, AFL also has access to specialised fibre manufacturers who supply multimode, singlemode, FBG (fibre bragg grating) and metal-coated fibres.

Our worldwide experience in telecommunications cabling and network accessories supports our work with umbilical cable manufacturers incorporating optical fibre in their cables for communications, telemetry, SCADA and monitoring purposes. Optical fibres protected by our patented hermetically-sealed stainless steel tube construction also have applications for use as stand-alone submarine cables for subsea communications and for use within seabed hydrographical arrays, towed array sonar and risers.

Downhole monitoring cables

AFL supports leading companies providing temperature and pressure monitoring services in real-time for use within intelligent well systems. These products are ideally suited to elevated temperatures, high pressure and corrosive environments both on land and offshore.

Traditional-style downhole fibre optic cables with square or circular encapsulation are complemented by low profile downhole cables and high temperature downhole cables. Low profile downhole cables are ideal for shallow, land-based wells and provide the optimum mix of cost-effectiveness and ruggedness for field use. High temperature versions, based on a three concentric tube format, use a steel-aluminium-steel composite design which provides the best solution for applications >150°C. Aluminium tubing together with hydrogen-scavenging filling gel provides the optimum solution to hydrogen permeation.

The range is complemented by rugged, surface or subsea fibre optic cables providing the link between the Xmas tree, the interrogator and the control room.

Subsea fibre optic cables

AFL’s speciality umbilical cables are designed for subsea applications both within a traditional umbilical cable and for stand-alone applications where high strength is required. AFL is the technology-owner for hermetically-sealed stainless steel tubes which are the building block for subsea cables. Armour wires provide improved crush and tensile performance while maintaining good flexibility. Applications also include remote monitoring, intervention and SCADA in ultra-deep waters to a depth of 3,000m and beyond.

Jumper cables

AFL’s tactical tight-buffered cables are ideal for jumper applications where extreme environmental conditions are present. Designed for dynamic environments, these cables can be used for temporary deployments in the field and in topside applications, and are highly resistant to damage caused by repeated impacts or harsh conditions.

Complete project services

AFL provides turnkey solutions including project management, supervision, splicing, survey work, planning and design, and the provision of optical subsea splices both onshore and offshore.

Complementary products

AFL offers a complete range of supporting products such as terminations, closures, fibre interconnection, test and inspection, and fusion splicing systems. These include world-class brands from our parent company, Fujikura, and Noyes Fiber Systems.