Pressurized connector for high pressure applications
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsDavid L. Malone, Christophe M. Rayssiguier
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A connector system for protecting the transmission of signals from and/or to a tool in a high pressure environment. The system includes a connector through which a signal transmission line, such as an electrical cable or optical fiber extends. The connector is coupled to a protective tube, and includes an internal chamber in communication with the interior of the tube. A fluid, such as a liquid, is disposed within the connector and the tubing at a pressure higher than the environmental pressure. In the event of a leak at, for instance, the connector, the high pressure fluid flows outwardly rather than allowing the inflow of deleterious fluid from the environment.
Claims23
A system for improving the useful life of a tool utilized at a downhole location in a wellbore, comprising:
- a tool;
- a connector configured for connection to the tool, the connector having a connection chamber that may be pressurized with a fluid at a pressure higher than the external pressure of the wellbore;
- a production tubing coupled to the tool;
- and
- a protective tube coupled to the tool through the connector, the protective tube having an interior with a fluid communication path disposed in fluid communication with the connection chamber.
A connector system, comprising:
- a connector having an internal connection chamber;
- a protective tube coupled to the connector and disposed above the connector;
- a production tube adjacent the protective tube;
- a signal transmission line disposed through the protective tube and the internal connection chamber;
- and
- a fluid disposed in the internal connection chamber at a pressure higher than the external pressure acting on the connector.
A method for forming a connection between a tube and a tool in a high pressure environment, comprising:
- providing a first tube adjacent a second tube;
- forming a connector with a rigid outer wall and an internal chamber;
- attaching the connector to a tool at a first end and to the second tube at a second end;
- filling the internal chamber with a fluid;
- and
- sufficiently pressurizing the fluid to provide an outflow of the fluid in the event a leak occurs proximate the connector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.