Method for determining an operational state of a subsea connector unit

An assembly for monitoring of the operational integrity of a subsea connector unit, comprising:

• at least one control unit that is embodied such that one or more operational values of at least one operational parameter describing a specific operational condition of a fluid used to protect electrical contacts of the subsea connector unit at one or more selected locations of the subsea connector unit and/or at least one derivative derived from the one or more operational values is compared with at least one predefined reference, so that an operational state of the subsea connector unit is determined;
• wherein the at least one operational parameter of the fluid comprises at least one of temperature, pressure, humidity, position, an electrical value, and quality;
• and
• wherein the one or more operational values are provided or monitored in real time, and
• wherein a trend over time is provided to give a quantitative indication of the operational integrity of the subsea connector unit.

A subsea connector unit, comprising:

• an electrical connector comprising an electrical contact;
• at least one detection unit that comprises at least one detection device adapted to measure and to provide at least one operational value of at least one operational parameter describing a specific operational condition of a fluid used to protect the electrical contact at one or more selected locations of the subsea connector unit;
• wherein the at least one detection device comprises a sensor selected out of the group consisting of:
• a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a position sensor, a sensor for monitoring an electrical value, and a sensor for monitoring a quality of the fluid;
• and
• wherein the at least one operational value is provided or monitored in real time, and
• wherein a trend over time is provided to give a quantitative indication of an operational integrity of the subsea connector unit.