Electricity: conductors and insulators – Conduits – cables or conductors – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-10
2001-08-14
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Conduits, cables or conductors
Combined
Reexamination Certificate
active
06274816
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a welded connector for connecting two lengths of insulated electrical conductors which are encased in metal tubings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,855,062 and 5,979,881 describe methods and apparatus for manufacturing long lengths of insulated electrical conductors which are enclosed in metal tubings. As used in this description, the term “slickline” refers to a long length of insulated electrical conductor such as a wire or fiber optics, which is enclosed in an equally long length of metal tubing. Such slicklines are useful in various applications, for example, in well bores for providing electrical power and/or making various measurements from various types of instruments. Generally, while slicklines maybe manufactured in various lengths, for example only, 10,000 feet, this may not be sufficient for use in well bores where oil and gas wells are being drilled at depths in excess of 20,000 feet. Therefore, in order for slicklines to be used in environments which are in excess of their manufacturing length, it is necessary to connect two or more slicklines together. This will entail using a connector to connect the first and second slicklines and a connector to connect the second and additional slicklines if such are needed.
A preponderance of the deep wells currently being drilled or planned will be drilled offshore where very high per inch pressures will be encountered. Therefore, any connector used must be able to withstand all downhole pressures and permit no leakage.
One troublesome problem in downhole well logging in high pressure environments is the use of complex thread patterns, gaskets and O-rings which often fail. Another problem is the use of connectors which are not suitable for field installation and still another problem is the use of expensive and complicated types of connectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a welded connector for connecting two insulated conductors enclosed in metal tubings together in which the connector is able to withstand high pressures and permit no fluid leakage without the use of flexible seals and O-rings which have a tendency to fail.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a connector which can serve to repair damaged slicklines by merely cutting away the damaged parts, thread the ends, and install the present conductor which can be done in the field.
Yet a still further object is the provision of a connector which can be easily manufactured at low cost and on disassembly can be discarded at minimal expense.
Yet a further object of the present invention is the provision of a welded connector for sealably and fixedly connecting ends of first and second slicklines together in which the slicklines each include a first electrical insulated conductor enclosed in a first metal tubing and a second electrical insulated conductor enclosed in a second metal tubing, respectively.
The connector includes a first support ring threadably secured to the exterior of the first metal tubing and a second support ring threadably secured to the exterior of the second metal tubing. A housing having first and second ends encloses the ends of the first and second slicklines and the first and second support rings. The first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor are electrically connected together inside of the housing forming an electrical connection and the electrical connection is encased in a plastic seal.
The connector further includes a first compression ring slidably enclosing the end of the first slickline and threadably connected to the first end of the housing and a second compression ring slidably enclosing the end of the second slickline and threadably connected to the second end of the housing.
The first compression ring is sealably welded to the first slickline and to the first end of the housing and the second compression ring is sealably welded to the second slickline and to the second end of the housing thereby providing a seal and fixably connecting the connector to the first and second slicklines.
Yet a further object of the present invention is the provision of separator means positioned between the first and second support rings such as separator rods for facilitating the assembly of the connector.
Still a further object of the present invention is the provision of a trough supported from the separator means for initially supporting the plastic seal around the electrical connection.
Still a further object of the present invention is wherein the first compression ring abuts the first support ring and the first end of the housing, and the second compression ring abuts the second support ring and the second end of the housing.
Other and further objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of a presently preferred embodiment ofthe invention, given for the purpose of disclosure, and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4515991 (1985-05-01), Gupta
patent: 4668038 (1987-05-01), Burnett et al.
patent: 4985598 (1991-01-01), Bubica et al.
patent: 5399810 (1995-03-01), Hayami
patent: 5855062 (1999-01-01), Kendall, Jr.
patent: 5979881 (1999-11-01), Kendall, Jr.
patent: 6069320 (2000-05-01), Rocci et al.
Fulbright & Jaworski
Nguyen Chau N.
Reichard Dean A.
LandOfFree
Welded connector for insulated conductors in metal tubings does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Welded connector for insulated conductors in metal tubings, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Welded connector for insulated conductors in metal tubings will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2518004