Submersible Outboard Cable Failure Detection and Prediction using Large Bandwidth, Time Domain Reflectometry

In this proposal, Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) details the development of an innovative, cable testing technology based on High Bandwidth Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) coupled with advanced signal processing algorithms. Soft faults, such as kinks, fractures, chafe and break in some of the conductors (which still maintain electrical continuity) are notoriously hard to troubleshoot and eventually lead to catastrophic system failure. Early detection of such soft faults can result in safer operations, more cost-effective maintenance, and help make remaining useful life predictions. However, no reliable methods for detection of soft faults have been developed to date. Recent experimental and simulation studies performed at IAI clearly demonstrate that the key to detect and locate soft faults is to utilize probe signals with extremely fast rise/fall times (in the order of tens of picoseconds). These studies also show that such faults have a unique signature which can be exploited for further processing gain. The proposed approach will detect and locates soft faults (in particular z-kinks) and evaluate the condition of specialized outboard electrical cables (in particular Submarine High Data Rate-SubHDR Dip Loop cable) to make statistical assessment of the remaining useful life (RUL).