Field weldable connections

#The subject matter of the present invention relates to communication lines. More specifically, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of protecting and sealing spliced communication lines.

#Communication lines are used in a wide range of applications in the oilfield industry. The communication lines transmit monitored data regarding downhole conditions such as temperature and pressure to surface instrumentation. The communication lines can also be used to send information down the well from the surface. Additionally, communication lines may also be used to electrically power downhole equipment. Communication lines may include electrical conduits, optical fibers, and other methods for data or power transmission.

#In environments such as those encountered in downhole wells, the communication lines are exposed to hostile conditions such as elevated temperatures and pressures. To protect the fragile communication lines from the hostile conditions, the communication lines are generally carried within protective tubing that provides an environmental seal. Problems arise when the seal must be broken during assembly, installation and/or repair of the communication line. For example, in downhole applications, in order for the communication line to be fed through production equipment such as packers, the line must be cut and then spliced with the downstream line. Thus, after splicing, the communication line must once again be sealed from the harsh environment.

#FIG. 1 is a sketch of a communication cable.

#FIG. 2 is a sketch of a section of cable that has been prepared for splicing.

#FIG. 3 is a sketch of the welded splice assembly.

#In the following detailed description of the subject matter of the present invention, the apparatus and method of splicing communication lines is principally described with reference to downhole well applications. Such description is intended for illustration purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition to downhole well applications, the present invention can be used with any number of applications such as pipeline monitoring, subsea well monitoring, and data transmission, for example. Furthermore, the communication lines may comprise electrical wiring, which may facilitate transfer of information, power, or both. All such types of communication line splicing are intended to fall within the purview of the present invention. However, for purposes of illustration, the present invention will be principally described as being used in downhole well applications. Further as used herein, the term communication line shall refer to those lines comprising electrical lines or fiber optic lines, as well as lines including combinations thereof or combinations with other types of lines.

#FIG. 1 provides a sketch of a typical cable 1 useful in the present invention. The cable 1 comprises an outer housing 5, a secondary housing 10, and one or more communication lines 15. The outer housing 5 provides the structural integrity for the cable 1 and protects the communication lines 15 from the surrounding environment. Further, the outer housing 5 provides structural protection for the communication lines 15 from damage caused by the cable 1 impacting, or being impacted by, nearby tools and equipment. In one embodiment, the outer housing 5 is comprised of a metallic material such as steel, or other metallic alloys, for example. The secondary housing 10 resides within the outer housing 5 and provides protection for the communication lines 15 contained within. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the secondary housing 10 is made from a polymeric material.

#FIG. 2 provides a sketch of a segment of cable that has been prepared for splicing. The cable 1 has been cut so that the communication line 15 extends longitudinally beyond the outer housing 5 and the secondary housing 10. Afterwards, a portion of the secondary housing 10 is removed in order to create a void 20, which is defined by the outer housing 5 and the secondary housing 10.