WO2015057563A1 - Pressure balanced connector termination - Google Patents
Pressure balanced connector termination Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2015057563A1 WO2015057563A1 PCT/US2014/060254 US2014060254W WO2015057563A1 WO 2015057563 A1 WO2015057563 A1 WO 2015057563A1 US 2014060254 W US2014060254 W US 2014060254W WO 2015057563 A1 WO2015057563 A1 WO 2015057563A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- pressure
- chamber
- shuttle
- cable assembly
- electrical cable
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
- H01R13/523—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases for use under water
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to a pressure-balanced electrical connector having a chamber filled with dielectric fluid.
- the connector systems In providing electrical power to different types of wells, the connector systems will be exposed to rapidly varying pressures, temperatures and deleterious gases, each of which can cause internal sealing arrangements in a power cable or a power connector to fail.
- Power cables which may be used for electric submersible pumps (ESP) in oil wells, are typically constructed with a copper conductor, an insulator that surrounds the copper conductor, and a lead sheath that surrounds the insulator.
- Lead-sheathed power cables are known and disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,780,574 to Neuroth and 5,760,334 to Ziemek, each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- the lead material of the lead sheath protects the insulator of the power cable from damage resulting from the deleterious gases of the harsh oil well environment.
- the lead material of the lead sheath may also protect rubber sealing elements that are used to terminate these power cables.
- the rubber sealing elements are particularly vulnerable to explosive decompression and other types of damage caused by the gases.
- Lead is commonly used because it is substantially impermeable to gas and moisture, inexpensive, flexible, ductile and easily removable. However, many of these qualities also make the lead sheath susceptible to damage upon changes in pressure and temperature if attempts are made to rigidly attach the lead sheath to a metal shell of a connector.
- the invention described herein maintains the gas permeation protection provided by the lead material while offering a robust solution that can better withstand mechanical handling as well as changes in pressure and temperature.
- a pressure balanced chamber of dielectric fluid such as grease, oil or silicone
- a pressure-balanced electrical cable assembly includes a connector body, an electrical conductor positioned within the connector body, an interior chamber defined within the connector body, a dielectric fluid medium contained within the chamber, and a shuttle delimiting at least a portion of the chamber to prevent the escapement of the dielectric fluid from the chamber.
- the shuttle is moveable in response to differences between a pressure within the chamber and a pressure outside of the chamber.
- the holder includes at least three openings, and a first shuttle is positioned in a first opening of the at least three openings of the holder, a second shuttle is positioned in a second opening of the at least three openings of the holder, and an electrical conductor is positioned within a third opening of the at least three openings of the holder.
- FIG. 1A depicts a cross-sectional view of a power cable assembly, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. IB depicts the power cable assembly of FIG. 1A exposed to external pressure.
- FIG. 2 depicts a detailed view of the power cable assembly of FIG. IB showing a connection between components of the power cable assembly.
- FIG. 3A depicts a cross-sectional view of another power cable assembly, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3B depicts the power cable assembly of FIG. 3A exposed to external pressure.
- FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of another power cable assembly, according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4B depicts a shuttle tube and cable holder of the power cable assembly of FIG. 4A.
- FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of another power cable assembly, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- 'proximal' refers to a position that is near a connection point 11, 111, 211 or 311
- distal' refers to a position that is distant from the connection point 11, 111, 211 or 311.
- FIGS. 1A and IB depict a cross-sectional view of a power cable assembly
- the power cable assembly 10 generally includes a power cable sub-assembly 2 that is configured to be connected to a power cable 4 by a sleeve assembly 40.
- the power cable sub-assembly 2 comprises several interconnected components including a power cable 3 that is electrically and mechanically connected to a socket 5, and an outer sleeve 9 that surrounds the socket 5 and the terminal end of the power cable 3.
- the power cable sub-assembly 2 is configured to be connected to the power cable 4. More particularly, the socket 5 of the power cable sub-assembly 2 is configured to receive the terminal end 7 of the copper conductor 6 of the power cable 4. Power and/or signals can be transferred between the power cable subassembly 2 and the power cable 4 at a power connection point 11 that is defined at the intersection of the socket 5 and the terminal end 7 of the copper conductor 6.
- the power cable 4 includes the copper conductor 6, an EPDM insulative shield 24 that surrounds the copper conductor 6, and a lead barrier 26 that is molded over the EPDM insulative shield 24.
- the lead barrier 26 protects the EPDM insulative shield 24 from exposure to harmful gasses and liquids that surround the power cable 10 in use.
- the lead barrier 26 is an optional component of the power cable 4 and may be omitted.
- the tube 28 provides a smooth surface upon which a shuttle 18 can translate, as will be described in greater-detail later.
- the interior surface of the tube 28 may be adhered to the outer surface of the lead barrier 26 by a metal filled epoxy.
- One end of the tube 28 is positioned within a chamber 14 and is spaced apart from the boot seal 30. The opposite end of the tube 28 extends outside of the chamber 14.
- the boot seal 30 may be adhered to the exterior surface of either one or both of the insulative shield 24 and the lead barrier 26 by a metal filled epoxy.
- the boot seal 30 is positioned on the power cable 4 such that its proximal end face 30' is positioned flush with the proximal end face of the insulative shield 24.
- the boot seal 30 also includes an exterior shoulder upon which a flange 32' of the compression ring 32 is seated .
- the flange 32' of the compression ring 32 is sandwiched between the boot seal 30 and a flange 41 of the outer sleeve 12.
- the sleeve assembly 40 is configured to releasably connect the power cable sub-assembly 2 to the power cable 4. For that reason, the sleeve assembly 40 may also be referred to herein as a 'connector.' The sleeve assembly 40 also prevents the boot seal 30 from exposure to harmful gases and liquids that surround the power cable 10 in use.
- the sleeve assembly 40 generally includes a tubular-shaped outer sleeve
- the shuttle 18 includes a hole through which the stainless steel tube 28 of the power cable 4 passes.
- An annular chamber 14 is defi ned between the interior surface 20 of the outer sleeve 12 and at least a portion of the exterior surfaces of the tube 28, the boot seal 30 and the lead barrier 26.
- the annular chamber 14 is filled with dielectric silicone grease or other dielectric fluid, as depicted by bubbles, by an operator.
- One or more surfaces of the boot seal 30, lead barrier 26, compression ring 32, insulative shield 24, shuttle 18 are at least partially immersed in the dielectric fluid .
- the dielectric fluid prevents the ingress of harmful liquids and gases into the chamber 14.
- the chamber 14 is delimited by the shuttle 18. In operation, as shown in
- FIG. I B the shuttle 18 moves leftward when it is exposed to external pressure as any air pockets or compressible elements within the dielectric fluid will contract in volume (note difference in bubble size between FIGS. 1A and IB) .
- the shuttle 18 may return to its i nitial position once the external pressu re subsides. This is referred to as a "pressure balanced" chamber.
- the boot seal 30 and the compression ring 32 prevent escapement of the g rease from the chamber 14.
- the O-ring shuttle 18 seals against the surfaces of the sleeve 12 and the tube 28 to prevent escapement of the grease from the chamber 14.
- the shuttle 18 includes a hole through which the stainless steel tube 28 of the power cable 4 passes.
- the outer surface of the shuttle 18 is positioned against the inner surface 20 of the outer sleeve 12.
- An elastomeric O-ring 31 is mounted in a channel that is formed on the interior surface of the shuttle 18.
- the O-ring 31 is positioned to bea r on the exterior surface of the tube 28 to prevent the escapement of fluid at the interface between the interior su rface of the shuttle 18 and the exterior surface of the tube 28.
- Another elastomeric O-ring 33 is mounted in a channel that is formed on the exterior surface of the shuttle 18.
- the O-ring 33 is positioned to bear on the interior surface of the outer sleeve 12 to prevent the escapement of fluid at the i nterface between the exterior surface of the shuttle 18 and the interior surface of the outer sleeve 12.
- the O-rings 31 and 33 may be replaced by C-rings that are formed of a metallic material .
- Mechanical threads 42 are provided on the interior surface of the proximal end of the outer sleeve 12 for connecting the sleeve assembly 40 with mating threads on the power cable sub-assembly 2.
- the mechanical threads 42 are configured for releasably engaging mating threads on the exterior surface of the mating sleeve 9 of the power cable sub-assembly 2.
- Item 42 may represent any connection means, such as a fastener, pin, slot, plug, socket, retainer, lock, adhesive, bolt, nut, engaging surface, engageable surface, magnet, or joint, for example.
- FIG. 2 depicts an O-ring 44 that is positioned at the interface between the terminal end of the outer sleeve 12 and a channel 46 that is defined at the proximal end of the mating sleeve 9 of the power cable sub-assembly 2.
- the O-ring 44 prevents the escapement of fluid at the interface between the sleeves 9 and 12.
- the O-ring 44 may be replaced by a metallic C-ring, if so desired.
- the shuttle 18 is positioned inside the outer sleeve 12.
- the tube 28 is mounted to the power cable 4.
- the tube 28 and the power cable 4 are then positioned through the hole in the seal 18.
- the rubber boot seal 30 and the compression ring 32 are mounted to the power cable 4.
- a pre-determined amount of dielectric fluid is distributed into the chamber 14.
- the threads 42 of the outer sleeve 12 of the sleeve assembly 40 are then engaged with the mating threads of the mating sleeve 9 of the power cable sub-assembly 2.
- a shoulder 41 of the outer sleeve 12 bears against the distal end of the compression ring 32, which bears against the boot seal 30, thereby compressing the proximal end face of the boot seal 30 against the proximal end face of the socket 5 of the power cable sub-assembly 2.
- the sleeve assembly 40 may also be sold and distributed as a kit for retrofitting an existing power cable assembly.
- the kit would include, at a minimum, the outer sleeve 12 and the shuttle 18.
- the kit may also include the tube 28, the rubber boot seal 30, the compression ring 32 and/or a supply of dielectric fluid.
- the sleeve assembly 140 is configured to releasably connect the power cable 104 to the insulator 102. For that reason, the sleeve assembly 140 may also be referred to herein as a "connector/ The sleeve assembly 140 also shields the conductors 106 from exposure to harmful gases and liquids that surround the power cable assembly 110 in use.
- Each power cable 303 and 304 includes a copper conductor 306, a pin 307 that is fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the conductor 306, an insulative shield 324 that surrounds the copper conductor 306, and a lead barrier 326 that is positioned over the insulative shield 324.
- the lead barrier 326 protects the insulative shield 324 from exposure to harmful gasses and liquids that surround the power cable 310 in use.
- the lead barrier 326 is an optional component of the power cables 303 and 304 and may be omitted.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP14790928.7A EP3058623B1 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2014-10-13 | Pressure balanced connector termination |
CA2927097A CA2927097C (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2014-10-13 | Pressure balanced connector termination |
BR112016007149A BR112016007149A2 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2014-10-13 | pressure balanced connector termination |
ZA2016/01841A ZA201601841B (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2016-03-16 | Pressure balanced connector termination |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/054,137 US8816197B2 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2013-10-15 | Pressure balanced connector termination |
US14/054,137 | 2013-10-15 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2015057563A1 true WO2015057563A1 (en) | 2015-04-23 |
Family
ID=51842872
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2014/060254 WO2015057563A1 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2014-10-13 | Pressure balanced connector termination |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3058623B1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112016007149A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2927097C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015057563A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA201601841B (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4142770A (en) * | 1977-12-27 | 1979-03-06 | Exxon Production Research Company | Subsea electrical connector |
US4174875A (en) * | 1978-05-30 | 1979-11-20 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Coaxial wet connector with spring operated piston |
US4780574A (en) | 1987-04-16 | 1988-10-25 | Hubbell Incorporated | Lead sheathed power cable |
US5760334A (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1998-06-02 | Alcatel Kabel Ag & Co. | Metallic sheath for an electric cable and method of making the same |
EP0902505A2 (en) * | 1997-09-09 | 1999-03-17 | Hydro-Bond Engineering Limited | Sealed electrical and/or optical connector |
US20030228783A1 (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2003-12-11 | Cairns James L. | Field installable cable termination assembly |
WO2008004079A2 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2008-01-10 | Vetco Gray Scandinavia As | Connector arrangement with penetrator in a submersible electrical assembly |
-
2014
- 2014-10-13 CA CA2927097A patent/CA2927097C/en active Active
- 2014-10-13 WO PCT/US2014/060254 patent/WO2015057563A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-10-13 BR BR112016007149A patent/BR112016007149A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2014-10-13 EP EP14790928.7A patent/EP3058623B1/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-03-16 ZA ZA2016/01841A patent/ZA201601841B/en unknown
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4142770A (en) * | 1977-12-27 | 1979-03-06 | Exxon Production Research Company | Subsea electrical connector |
US4174875A (en) * | 1978-05-30 | 1979-11-20 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Coaxial wet connector with spring operated piston |
US4780574A (en) | 1987-04-16 | 1988-10-25 | Hubbell Incorporated | Lead sheathed power cable |
US5760334A (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1998-06-02 | Alcatel Kabel Ag & Co. | Metallic sheath for an electric cable and method of making the same |
EP0902505A2 (en) * | 1997-09-09 | 1999-03-17 | Hydro-Bond Engineering Limited | Sealed electrical and/or optical connector |
US20030228783A1 (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2003-12-11 | Cairns James L. | Field installable cable termination assembly |
WO2008004079A2 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2008-01-10 | Vetco Gray Scandinavia As | Connector arrangement with penetrator in a submersible electrical assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2927097A1 (en) | 2015-04-23 |
EP3058623A1 (en) | 2016-08-24 |
BR112016007149A2 (en) | 2017-08-01 |
CA2927097C (en) | 2017-05-02 |
EP3058623B1 (en) | 2018-07-11 |
ZA201601841B (en) | 2017-09-27 |
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