Abstract: An elastomer alloy includes a base polymer including hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) and at least one secondary polymer, which is at least one of paraffin wax, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and a plastomer. The base polymer and the at least one secondary polymer are blended into a polymer matrix. The elastomer alloy also includes a plurality of smart fillers dispersed within the polymer matrix, at least one chemical foaming agent, and a curing activator.

Abstract: A method can include extruding an electrically insulating elastomeric compound about a conductor where the electrically insulating elastomeric compound includes ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM) and an alkane-based peroxide that generates radicals that form decomposition products; cross-linking the EPDM via radical polymerization to form an electrically insulating layer about the conductor; heating the cross-linked EPDM to at least 55 degrees C. to reduce the concentration of the decomposition products in the electrically insulating layer; and disposing a gas barrier layer about the electrically insulating layer.

Abstract: A method can include extruding polyethylene about a lead (Pb) barrier layer disposed about a conductor to form an assembly; and armoring at least one of the assemblies with metallic armor to form a cable. A power cable can include a conductor; a lead (Pb) barrier layer disposed about the conductor; a cushion layer disposed about the lead (Pb) barrier layer where the cushion layer includes crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE); and metallic armor wrapped about the cushion layer.

Abstract: A method can include extruding an electrically insulating elastomeric compound about a conductor where the electrically insulating elastomeric compound includes ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM) and an alkane-based peroxide that generates radicals that form decomposition products; cross-linking the EPDM via radical polymerization to form an electrically insulating layer about the conductor; heating the cross-linked EPDM to at least 55 degrees C. to reduce the concentration of the decomposition products in the electrically insulating layer; and disposing a gas barrier layer about the electrically insulating layer.

Abstract: A method can include extruding an electrically insulating elastomeric compound about a conductor where the electrically insulating elastomeric compound includes ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM) and an alkane-based peroxide that generates radicals that form decomposition products; cross-linking the EPDM via radical polymerization to form an electrically insulating layer about the conductor; heating the cross-linked EPDM to at least 55 degrees C. to reduce the concentration of the decomposition products in the electrically insulating layer; and disposing a gas barrier layer about the electrically insulating layer.

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate monitoring of contaminants which can potentially enter an electric submersible pumping system. A sensor system is used in conjunction with the electric submersible pumping system to detect the presence of specific contaminants which can affect future operation of the electric submersible pumping system. Depending on the embodiment, the sensor system may comprise a sensor or sensors disposed within the electric submersible pumping system and/or in or along components associated with the electric submersible pumping system. Each sensor is used to monitor for the contaminant and to provide data to a control system so as to facilitate decision-making regarding future operation of the electric submersible pumping system.

Abstract: A technique facilitates construction and use of a power cable in a variety of environments, e.g. downhole environments. The power cable comprises a conductor, e.g. a plurality of conductors. Each conductor is surrounded by an insulation layer which is coated with a graphene-based ink. The graphene-based ink comprises graphene nanostructures and provides a flexible primary barrier coating for the power cable. The flexible primary barrier coating substantially increases fluid resistance of the insulation layer and also reduces transmission of downhole gases into the power cable insulation.

Abstract: A method can include extruding polyethylene about a lead (Pb) barrier layer disposed about a conductor to form an assembly; and armoring at least one of the assemblies with metallic armor to form a cable. A power cable can include a conductor; a lead (Pb) barrier layer disposed about the conductor; a cushion layer disposed about the lead (Pb) barrier layer where the cushion layer includes crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE); and metallic armor wrapped about the cushion layer.

Abstract: A power cable can include a conductor; an insulation layer disposed about the conductor where the insulation layer includes a first polymeric material; and a shield layer disposed about the insulation layer where the shield layer includes a second polymeric material where a solubility parameter of the first polymeric material is less than a solubility parameter of the second polymeric material.

Abstract: A power cable for an electric submersible pump (ESP) includes an electrical conductor in the power cable; an elastomeric insulation layer around the electrical conductor; a fluoroplastic barrier layer around the elastomeric insulation layer; and a bonding layer between the elastomeric insulation layer and the fluoroplastic barrier layer, the bonding layer formulated to prevent a dielectric breakdown of the power cable and a rapid gas decompression breakdown of the power cable.

Abstract: A method can include extruding an electrically insulating elastomeric compound about a conductor where the electrically insulating elastomeric compound includes ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM) and an alkane-based peroxide that generates radicals that form decomposition products; cross-linking the EPDM via radical polymerization to form an electrically insulating layer about the conductor; heating the cross-linked EPDM to at least 55 degrees C. to reduce the concentration of the decomposition products in the electrically insulating layer; and disposing a gas barrier layer about the electrically insulating layer.

Abstract: A power cable can include a conductor; an insulation layer disposed about the conductor where the insulation layer includes a first polymeric material; and a shield layer disposed about the insulation layer where the shield layer includes a second polymeric material where a solubility parameter of the first polymeric material is less than a solubility parameter of the second polymeric material.

Abstract: High reliability power cables for subsea application are provided. Example power cables provide enhanced resistance to partial discharge dielectric breakdown as well as resistance to explosive gas decompression, by eliminating micro-defects and voids at the interface between the insulation layer and the barrier layer during the cable manufacturing process. Lead metal, which is conventionally extruded as a primary barrier layer, is replaced in the example power cables by a gas-and-fluid-resistant thermoplastic that is co-extruded or tandem extruded with surface-modified insulation to promote bonding between the two layers. Elimination of lead metal in the example power cables also significantly reduces their overall weight. The improved resistance to partial discharge and resistance to rapid gas decompression translates to lower workover and lower cost of ownership.

Abstract: A power cable can include a conductor and a layer disposed radially about the conductor where the layer includes graphene nanosheets in a polymeric matrix.