Utilizing Pressure Balanced Oil Filled (PBOF) hose cable assemblies with electric and fiber optic connectors

Many subsea electrical and optical cable and connection systems now utilize Pressure Balanced Oil Filled (PBOF) cabling solutions. These cables utilize an elastomeric tube as a conduit for electric wires and fiber optic lines. The elastomeric conduit is filled with a compensating fluid, allowing the sea pressure to freely communicate with the interior oil volume, equalizing the pressure in the assembly. This option for cabling provides for a reliable, and configurable cable system suitable for many subsea applications. This technology has been widely utilized in ocean science observatories, towed arrays, drilling systems, production control systems and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to name a few. They have become a critical component in many subsea systems today. This paper will review the history of the PBOF cabling attributes, technical challenges and considerations for its use.