1. Scope

1. Scope 1.1This specification covers thermoplastic fluoropolymer-based materials, intended for use as an encapsulation material for downhole cables used in the petroleum and natural gas completion industry (oil or gas production). 1.2The fluoropolymers covered by this specification include but are not limited to the following: ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyethylene chlorotetrafluoroethylene (ECTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), copolymers of PVDF, polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA). 1.3This specification is intended to cover encapsulation materials used in applications requiring temperature ratings of 125C or 150C. This specification also describes requirements to establish alternative temperature ratings. 1.4The applications for the encapsulation materials covered by this specification are all associated with downhole cables. Such applications include, but are not limited to, the following: control lines (CL), surface-controlled sub-surface safety valves (SCSSV or SSSV), chemical injection lines/chemical injection tubes (CIL/CIT), tubing encased conductors (TEC), tubing encased fiber cables (TEF), tubing encased power cables (TEPC). Other cable or tube components for downhole use are additional potential applications. 1.5The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.6This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Keywords

downhole cable, encapsulation, fluoropolymers, oil or gas production, thermoplastics, wire and cable

Rationale

This draft standard is proposed to be developed for end-users (purchasers) and suppliers (manufacturers) of downhole polymer encapsulations that are intended for use in the petroleum and natural gas industry worldwide for use in wells. This draft specification is intended to provide requirements regarding qualification testing performed on the encapsulation polymers to validate their use as encapsulation material on various types of downhole cables used for oil or gas production. Such cables are typically manufactured from fluoropolymer materials. Users of this specification should be aware that additional requirements above those outlined in the draft standard may be needed for individual applications. This draft specification is not intended to inhibit a supplier/manufacturer from offering, or a user/purchaser from accepting, alternative equipment or engineering solutions. The properties contained in this specification are considered to be those most important for adequate performance by materials to be used as encapsulation materials.

The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.