Electrical isolator

An electrical isolator comprising:

• a first fluid-carrying member and a second fluid-carrying member spaced apart from the first fluid-carrying member in an axial direction;
• a resistive, semi-conductive or non-conductive component (component) located between the first and second fluid-carrying member, wherein the component is adapted to convey fluid flowing from the first fluid-carrying member to the second fluid-carrying member;
• a first fluid sealing member provided between the first fluid-carrying member and the component;
• a second fluid sealing member provided between the second fluid-carrying member and the component;
• and
• a reinforcing composite encircling the first fluid-carrying member, the second fluid-carrying member and the component,
• wherein a radially inner portion of the component separates the first fluid-carrying member and the second fluid-carrying member by an axial distance, and
• wherein the component is configured such that the first and second sealing members are located within the axial distance between the first fluid-carrying member and the second fluid-carrying member;
• wherein:
• the component comprises the radially inner portion adjacent to a radially outer portion, the radially outer portion having a second axial dimension;
• the second axial dimension is less than a first axial dimension of the radially inner portion;
• and
• the axial distance is equal to the first axial dimension;
• wherein the component further comprises a stepped portion provided between the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion, wherein the stepped portion has a third axial dimension,
• wherein the first axial dimension is greater than the third axial dimension and the third axial dimension is greater than the second axial dimension.

A method of forming one or more electrical isolators, the method comprising:

• placing a resistive, semi-conductive or non-conductive component (component) between a first fluid-carrying member and a second fluid-carrying member such that a radially inner portion of the resistive, semi-conductive or non-conductive component separates the first fluid-carrying member and the second fluid-carrying member by an axial distance;
• providing a first fluid sealing member between the first fluid-carrying member and the component;
• providing a second fluid sealing member between the second fluid-carrying member and the component, wherein the component is configured such that the first and second fluid sealing members are located within the axial distance between the first fluid-carrying member and the second fluid-carrying member;
• winding a fibre and resin mixture around the first fluid carrying-member, the component and the second fluid-carrying member;
• curing the fibre and resin mixture;
• prior to winding the fibre and resin matrix, providing a third sealing member between the first and second fluid carrying members and adjacent the component;
• applying a compressive force to the third sealing member;
• and
• after curing the fibre and resin mixture, removing the compressive force from the third sealing member.