A submarine cable bend limiter is a critical component in protecting subsea cables from damage caused by excessive bending. These devices are designed to maintain a safe bend radius, ensuring the cable remains intact and functional even under harsh underwater conditions. The correct size of a bend limiter is essential for achieving optimal protection and performance. This article explores the common sizes of submarine cable bend limiters and their compatibility with various cable models to help guide your selection process. 

Bending restrictor sizes vary depending on the cable's outer diameter and intended application. Below are some universal sizes and their applications: 

• Small size

 Inner diameter (ID): 30–50 mm 

Outer diameter (OD): 80–120 mm 

Applications: Suitable for small umbilical cables, shallow water communication cables, or lightweight cables used in minor offshore operations. 

• Medium size

Inner diameter (ID): 50–90 mm 

Outer diameter (OD): 150–200 mm 

Applications: Commonly used for medium-sized power cables, signal cables, or hydraulic control cables in oil and gas fields. 

• Large size 

Inner diameter (ID): 90–150 mm 

Outer diameter (OD): 250–350 mm 

Applications: Ideal for high-capacity subsea power cables, deepwater umbilicals, or export cables for offshore wind farms. 

• Extra-large size

 Inner diameter (ID): 150–300 mm 

Outer diameter (OD): 400–600 mm 

Applications: Designed for ultra-high-voltage export cables, riser cables, and other large-diameter submarine cables used in deep-sea operations. 

The compatibility between bend limiters and cable models depends on the cable's outer diameter and minimum bend radius. Here are examples of cables and their recommended bend limiter sizes:

• Fiber Optic Cables (e.g., Prysmian LTMS, Nexans URC-1): Small bend limiters (ID: 30–50 mm).

• Medium Voltage Submarine Power Cables (e.g., Nexans 33 kV, ABB AC Medium Voltage): Medium bend limiters (ID: 50–90 mm).

• High Voltage Submarine Power Cables (e.g., Prysmian XLPE 132 kV, NKT HVDC): Large bend limiters (ID: 90–150 mm).

• Dynamic Umbilical Cables (e.g., Aker Solutions Umbilical, Oceaneering Steel Tube Umbilical): Medium to large bend limiters (ID: 50–150 mm).

• Export Cables for Offshore Wind Farms (e.g., JDR Subsea Export Cables, LS Cable HVDC): Large to extra-large bend limiters (ID: 90–300 mm). 

Submarine and subsea cables, including umbilicals, flexible risers, and flowlines, are essential for offshore oil and gas operations, as well as offshore wind farms. They are used for wellhead connections, j-tube exits, and surf protection at end terminations, ensuring reliable power, fluid transport, and communication. Steel tube and thermoplastic umbilicals, thermoplastic composite risers, and fiber optic cables are key components in dynamic and static subsea installations, enabling safe and efficient operation of pipelines, flowlines, and offshore infrastructure.

Customization and special considerations 

While standard sizes cater to most applications, some projects may require custom-designed bend limiters to accommodate unique cable dimensions or challenging subsea conditions. Factors such as water depth, cable weight, installation tension, and external forces must also be considered when selecting a bend limiter. Custom solutions ensure that the limiter perfectly matches the cable's specifications, enhancing its performance and longevity. 

Why choose Philson for submarine cable bend restrictors?

When it comes to high-quality, reliable submarine cable bend limiters, Philson is a trusted manufacturer with extensive experience in the industry. Philson offers a wide range of bend limiter sizes to suit various cable models, ensuring optimal protection in even the harshest subsea environments. Our products are crafted from durable materials like high-density polyethylene (HPDE) and polyurethane, providing excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and deep-sea pressure.