Pumps – Motor driven – Electric or magnetic motor
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-24
2001-01-30
Walberg, Teresa (Department: 3742)
Pumps
Motor driven
Electric or magnetic motor
C417S423150, C166S065100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179585
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to submergible pumping systems for raising fluids from wells and, particularly, to a selectively engageable connector for connecting a power supply cable to a submergible pumping system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In producing petroleum and other useful fluids from production wells, it is generally known to provide a submergible pumping system for raising the fluids collected in a well. Production fluids enter a wellbore via perforations formed in a well casing adjacent a production formation. Fluids contained in the formation collect in the wellbore and may be raised by the submergible pumping system to a collection point above the earth's surface.
In an exemplary submergible pumping system, the system includes several components, such as a submergible electric motor that supplies energy to a submergible pump. The system may further include additional components, such as a protector, for isolating the motor oil from well fluids. A connector also is used to connect the submergible pumping system to a deployment system. These and other components may be combined in the overall submergible pumping system.
Conventional submergible pumping systems are deployed within a wellbore by tubing, cable, or coiled tubing. Power is supplied to the submergible electric motor via a power cable that runs along the deployment system. For example, with coiled tubing, the power cable is either banded to the outside of the coiled tubing or disposed internally within the hollow interior formed by the coiled tubing.
Power cables typically contain conductors for powering the submergible motor. The motor conductors, typically three conductors, extend along the deployment system to the submergible pumping system where they are hardwired to the motor. The actual conductors may be routed through the connector or alongside the connector.
Regardless of the specific method used for connecting the power cable, the conductors are connected to the motor and the deployment system is attached to the connector prior to deployment of the submergible pumping system. When the conductors of the power cable are connected to the submergible pumping system, the connection point must be prepared carefully to ensure isolation from the relatively hostile environment within a wellbore. For example, if the conductors are routed into the motor, the point of entrance must be rigorously sealed from the fluids and environment in which the submergible motor is disposed. Conventional connection methods for connecting the power cable to the motor are time-consuming and can be subject to failure if careful attention is not paid to sealing any connection points from the wellbore environment.
It would be advantageous to utilize a modular system suited for easy connection of the power cable to the submergible motor or any other components requiring a control input or a communication line.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention features a connector for connecting a submergible pumping system to a deployment system utilized to deploy the submergible pumping system within a wellbore. The connector is designed with a selectively engageable modular plug system that permits easy attachment of the power cable to the submergible pumping system. Specifically, the connector includes an upper assembly having a plurality of conductors disposed therein. The plurality of conductors terminates at a first plug portion. Additionally, the connector includes a lower assembly having a plurality of corresponding conductors disposed therein. The plurality of corresponding conductors terminates at a second plug portion. The first plug portion and the second plug portion are designed for mating engagement, such that the plurality of conductors form a conductive path with the plurality of corresponding conductors.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a submergible pumping system utilizes a modular connector for easy engagement and disengagement of control lines used for the submergible pumping system. The system includes a string of submergible components, including a submergible motor and a submergible pump. The submergible motor is attached to a plurality of electrical leads which terminate at a first plug portion. The system also includes a deployment system for deploying the string of submergible components. A power cable is disposed along the deployment system and includes a plurality of conductors that supply electrical power to the submergible motor. The plurality of conductors terminates at a second plug portion configured for mating engagement with the first plug portion.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for facilitating connection of control lines to a submergible pumping system. The method comprises connecting a plurality of electrical conductors to a submergible motor of the submergible pumping system. The method also includes providing a split in the plurality of electrical conductors proximate the submergible pumping system. A separable plug may then be attached to the plurality of electrical conductors at the split to permit selective engagement and disengagement of the plurality of electrical conductors.
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Kobylinski Lee S.
Scarsdale Kevin T.
Camco International Inc.
Campbell Thor
Fletcher Yoder & Van Someren
Walberg Teresa
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