ASHTON COMPANY DELIVERS CRITICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY TO GULF OF MEXICO PIONEERS IN OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION 

The experience of Ashton based Hawke International is greatly valued throughout the world, not least in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the most challenging engineering environments for oil and gas exploration.  Deep-water pioneers are benefiting from cable gland technology from Hawke for the safe termination of electrical cables in this harsh and potentially explosive environment.

Hawke International has been involved from the outset and their cable glands play a vital role in the safe termination of electrical cables.  The company manufactures safety critical equipment for electrical connections that exceed standards set by international certification bodies.  Over 100,000 cable glands have been supplied to four large installations which in some cases are located in water up to 7000 feet deep and up to 190 miles away from land. 

If evidence were needed of the ferocity of the environment, this came when hurricanes Dennis, Katrina and Rita swept the Gulf in 2005.  This caused the destruction of 35 platforms, set 13 rigs adrift and put 20 coastal refineries temporarily out of action.

Hawke cable glands protect the integrity of cable terminations to enclosures, junction boxes, instrumentation, lighting, control panels and other equipment.  The cable gland ranges are designed to accept different cable diameters and constructions, providing effective sealing of fire retardant cable and secure clamping of braided, armoured and metal clad cables.  

Major engineering work for topside plant and structures was undertaken in Texas and Louisiana, although some fabrications were made as far as Norway and Korea.  Hawke offices in Houston, the UK and Singapore, together with agents throughout the world tracked developments closely to work with the many designers and sub contractors involved.

Geologists suggest that the potential of the Gulf of Mexico has barely been tapped.  If this is the case, then developments in deeper waters with more extreme conditions will create new challenges.  Hawke and their specialist engineers around the world are ready to rise to the challenge. 

Hawke International is a Hubbell Group Company and part of Hubbell Electrical Products (HEP) division.


More information: 
Phil O’Connor, Hawke International
Tel. +44 (0)161 830 6698 Fax. +44 (0)161 830 6648 
E-mail: phil.oconnor@ehawke.com Web: www.ehawke.com

Colour separation, advertising and other commercial enquiries: 
Gill Bancroft, Hawke International
Tel. +44 (0)161 830 6698 Fax. +44 (0)161 830 6648 
E-mail: gill.bancroft@ehawke.com Web: www.ehawke.com 

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/ha218/4081ha1a.htm

January 20, 2006