Oil well electrical cable with gas conducting channel and vent

An oil well electrical cable comprising:

• a conductor;
• a layer of gas-permeable insulation surrounding the conductor;
• a low gas-permeable sheath surrounding the insulation;
• channel means, extending longitudinally of the cable inside the sheath, for defining a gas-permeable channel to conduct, longitudinally of the cable, gases located in the insulation;
• said channel means comprising an elongated member having a greater gas permeability than said insulation;
• and
• vent means, in communication with said channel means, for venting gases conducted along said channel means through the sheath to the exterior thereof.

In an oil well electrical cable comprising a conductor, a layer of gas-permeable insulation surrounding the conductor and a low gas-permeable sheath surrounding the insulation, the improvement comprising:

• channel means, extending longitudinally of the cable between the insulation and the sheath, for defining a gas-permeable channel to conduct, longitudinally of the cable, gases located in the insulation;
• and
• vent means, in communication with said channel means, for venting gases conducted along said channel means through the sheath to the exterior thereof,
• said channel means comprising a plurality of thin, elongated members located closely adjacent one another to form a bundle, the gases travelling longitudinally of the cable between and along said elongated members.