Subsea connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a subsea connector, in particular to a wet mate subsea connector comprising a plug (1) and a socket (2). The plug comprises a plug body (19) and a shuttle pin (10) movably mounted in a plug contact (18). The socket (2) comprises a socket body and socket pins (24). The connector further comprises a secondary membrane (16) mounted to the plug body and a primary membrane (13) mounted to the plug body outside the secondary membrane. The primary and secondary membranes are spaced apart (17a) from each other in a disconnected state, thereby allowing fluid to flow in a space (20) formed between them. The primary and secondary membranes sealingly engage (17b) in a mated state, thereby forming a continuous protective layer (26) over the socket pins (24) in the mated state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a seabed or underwater connector and a method for operating the connector. Background Technology

[0002] Submarine or underwater connectors are designed to operate below the water surface. Typically, a submarine connector comprises two parts, commonly referred to as a plug and a socket. The socket may include one or more conductor pins, and the plug may include corresponding plug sockets for the socket conductor pins. The connection can be made on the water (dry mating) or on the seabed (wet mating), and the specific design is tailored to whether the connector is a wet or dry mating connector. Submarine connectors have a variety of applications, including power connectors for supplying power to submarine equipment, or control and instrumentation connectors for exchanging data between different parts of submarine equipment or between submarine equipment and surface installations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, a wet-mounted subsea connector includes a plug and a receptacle; wherein the plug includes a plug body and a shuttle pin movably mounted in a socket contact; wherein the receptacle includes a receptacle body and a receptacle pin; the connector further includes a secondary diaphragm mounted on the plug body, and a primary diaphragm mounted on the plug body outside the secondary diaphragm; wherein the primary and secondary diaphragms are spaced apart from each other in an open state, thereby allowing fluid to flow in the space formed therebetween; and wherein the primary and secondary diaphragms are sealingly engaged in an engaged state, thereby forming a continuous protective layer on the receptacle pin in the engaged state.

[0004] The shuttle pin can be located inside the plug body when plugged in, and can be sealed and engaged with the orifices in both the main diaphragm and the secondary diaphragm when disassembled.

[0005] This design improves the reliability of the connector during use and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0006] The profile of the shuttle pin is adapted to engage with a shoulder formed in the corresponding surface of at least one of the main diaphragm and the secondary diaphragm.

[0007] The shuttle pin, which engages with the shoulder of the main diaphragm, allows the shuttle pin to move in response to the movement of the socket pin during insertion and disassembly, thereby causing corresponding movement of the main diaphragm seal and the secondary diaphragm seal.

[0008] The main diaphragm seal may include a double taper angle.

[0009] This helps to compensate for stretching or compression on the shuttle pin while maintaining the correct tapered geometry.

[0010] The secondary diaphragm seal may include a pair of walls with an integral void, particularly walls formed with a Y-shaped, U-shaped or C-shaped geometry.

[0011] When the engagement of the shuttle pin causes the diameter of the thin diaphragm front portion to expand, this helps prevent the internal seal from being squeezed.

[0012] The main dielectric cavity can be formed between the main diaphragm and the secondary diaphragm.

[0013] The secondary dielectric cavity can be formed within the plug body.

[0014] The main diaphragm may also include one or more compliant return springs, particularly elastomeric diaphragm conical springs.

[0015] During insertion, inserting the socket pin into the shuttle pin causes a continuous sheath to be formed on the socket pin up to its root by engaging with the surfaces of the main and secondary diaphragms on either side of the orifice.

[0016] The tapered sealing protrusion at the base of the socket pin is adapted to engage with the surface of the main diaphragm.

[0017] This allows for overtravel during connector insertion. Attached Figure Description

[0018] An example of a submarine connector and related operating method according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 The plug and socket are shown in cross-section in the pre-plugged position;

[0020] Figure 2 The plug is shown in cross-section for more detail;

[0021] Figure 3 Showing Figure 2 More details about the center plug;

[0022] Figure 4 Showing Figure 2 More details about the plug;

[0023] Figure 5 The compliant pin seal in the plugged position is shown; for clarity, the socket is omitted.

[0024] Figure 6 This demonstrates how a continuous sheath is formed on the socket pins in the plug position when a socket is present.

[0025] Figure 7 It shows the use of Figure 2 More details about the plug's diaphragm;

[0026] Figure 8 Showing more details Figure 2 Features of the shuttle pin;

[0027] Figure 9 It shows Figure 2 More details about the main septum;

[0028] Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 More details about the sealing wall of the secondary diaphragm;

[0029] Figure 11 Showing Figure 2 More details about the secondary diaphragm. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The trend toward reducing the total lifecycle cost (TWC) associated with new deepwater oil and gas development (i.e., reducing both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX)) implies a need to improve existing designs, manufacturing processes, and operations. There is a desire for subsea connector systems to be less expensive, relatively quick and easy to install, and to reduce maintenance requirements, or the need for interventions that impact the systems they connect throughout their operational lifespan. Therefore, connectors are required to operate continuously without degradation over longer periods.

[0031] Connectors for different applications can typically be single-channel or multi-channel connectors. For example, a 4-channel connector can be used to transmit power, or a 12-channel connector can be used to transmit data via a suitable subsea instrument interface standard. For analog devices, it can be Class 1; for digital serial devices such as CANopen, it can be Class 2; or, in the case of utilizing Ethernet TCP / IP, it can be Class 3. Other data connectors include fiber optic connectors. Wet-fit control connectors typically have a large number of fine conductor pins to accommodate multiple control signals destined for different parts of the product within a single control cable. For example, multiple subsea sensors on different parts of the equipment, such as flow sensors, temperature sensors, or pressure sensors, each require separate communication paths to be interrogated, monitored, and, if necessary, to power actuators, such as to open or close valves, or to start or stop pumps. Power transmission is required to supply power to subsea equipment to enable it to operate, such as to close valves or drive pumps. Wet-fit power connectors can have single-pin and socket assemblies, or they can be multi-channel connectors, but typically have fewer and larger pins than control or communication connectors.

[0032] This invention provides improvements to the design of connector plugs and sockets to increase reliability and reduce manufacturing costs. Figure 1A typical plug 1 and socket 2 are shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The plug is shown in more detail. A shuttle pin 10 is mounted on a shuttle pin spring 11 for movement. The shuttle pin spring is mounted in the socket contact subassembly 18 and the plug molded body 19. The end 40 of the shuttle pin, away from the shuttle pin spring 11, seals relative to the main diaphragm front seal 12 of the main diaphragm 13 mounted on the plug, while another portion 41 of the shuttle pin 10 seals relative to the secondary diaphragm seal 15 of the secondary diaphragm 16 mounted on the plug. Figure 3 As shown, a gap 17a is formed between the main diaphragm sealing portion 12 and the secondary diaphragm sealing portion 15. The profile of the shuttle pin 10 varies along its length, and in particular, it forms a shoulder that abuts against the corresponding surfaces of the front sealing portion 12 and the rear sealing portion 15.

[0033] Figure 4 Further details of the relationship between the seals 12, 15 and the shuttle pin 10 are shown. A main dielectric oil cavity 20 is formed between the two diaphragms 13, 16, and a secondary dielectric oil cavity 22 is formed within the plug molded body 19. The bend 21 in the main diaphragm 13 provides axial compliance. Figures 1 to 4 The plug shuttle pin and sealing part are shown before being inserted into the connector socket.

[0034] Figure 5 The diaphragm seal after insertion is shown. The gap 17b between the front and rear is closed by the socket pressing action at point A, which causes the plug shuttle pin to retract. A compliant diaphragm conical spring or return spring 23 provides compliance at certain points on the diaphragm away from the shuttle pin seals 12, 15 and the now closed gap 17b. Further details of the interaction between the seals 12, 15 and the socket pins 24 and the plug shuttle pin 10 are shown in... Figure 6 As shown. The tapered profile 25 of the main diaphragm 16 forms a good seal with a large surface area. When the plug and socket are mated, the main seal and the secondary seal engage sealingly, the socket pin 24 includes a continuous silicone sheath 26 formed on the socket pin up to its root, and the tapered sealing protrusion 27 at the root allows for overtravel of the connector mating.

[0035] Figure 7 The conical spring structure that provides a return spring effect for the main diaphragm is shown. The elastomeric conical spring 23 ensures that the compliant front portion of the diaphragm is held in its original position when disassembled. During disassembly, the conical spring and portions of the secondary diaphragm are supported by the front surface (like a hammock) and in frictional cooperation with the socket pins 24, which will pull the diaphragm seals 12, 15 outward at the opening 28.

[0036] As mentioned earlier, the profile of the shuttle pin varies along its length. Figure 8A stepped portion 29 on the shuttle pin is shown to help ensure that the compliant diaphragm 13 remains in its original position after disassembly. A sealing portion 15 of the secondary diaphragm 16 seals relative to a slightly larger diameter portion 30 that extends along the longer portion of the shuttle pin. A grooved post 31 at the end of the shuttle pin furthest from the seal helps anchor the shuttle pin in the insert contact subassembly 18. This geometry helps minimize hydrodynamic resistance as the shuttle pin moves through the oil. The distal portion 32 of the shuttle pin 10 has a reduced diameter to receive the shuttle pin spring 11.

[0037] Figure 9 The details of the double taper angle in the front and rear cones are shown. This double taper angle ensures that the seal maintains its desired tapered shape when the shuttle pin is inserted into the sealing opening. The outline 36 shown is the shape of the seal when the shuttle pin 10 is inserted. Figure 10 The diagram illustrates how the outer and inner thin-walled lips 33 of the secondary sealing portion 15 of the secondary diaphragm are incorporated into a central cavity design, which can be Y, U, or C-shaped, to prevent diaphragm compression between the sealing portions 15 when the shuttle pin 10 is inserted. This compression causes the shuttle pin to extend the diameter of the sealing portion outwards. Compression would impair the ability to seal the shuttle pin and cause unwanted lateral forces that could deflect the shuttle pin 10 off-axis. Figure 11 More details of the sub-diaphragm 16 are shown. The thin sub-diaphragm front diaphragm 34 cooperates with the sealing lip 33 to prevent compression between the seals 12 and 15.

[0038] During the insertion process, as the plug and socket are joined together, the front of the plug engages with the socket in such a way that the gap between the secondary diaphragm and its seal on the shuttle pin, which are typically present on the plug, and the main diaphragm and its seal on the shuttle pin, is closed. As the front of the plug moves toward the socket and the two parts connect, the bends in the diaphragm allow outward movement to permit axial compression of both parts. The front plate of the plug eventually closes this gap, causing a seal to form between the main diaphragm seal and the secondary diaphragm seal. This minimizes the possibility of seawater entering the socket pin 24, which is inserted into the shuttle pin, through the diaphragm seal. If the seal can keep seawater away from the insulating material, the silicone sheath 26 formed around the pin is much less likely to be subjected to electrical stress. Therefore, the electrical stress is confined to a small segment of the socket pin outside the diaphragm. The tapered geometry of the seal, together with the silicone tapered portion acting as a spring, ensures that the seals return to their original shape upon disassembly, thus keeping water out. The stepped portion in the shuttle pin minimizes friction as the shuttle pin resets through the front seal and helps push the front plate forward. Pulling the pin back through the seal provides the force needed to restore the main diaphragm to its original shape.

[0039] The connector has two different taper angles, so that during molding, the different taper angles conform to a single tapered profile. The molded sealing opening is made slightly smaller than the diameter of the shuttle pin and then extended by the shuttle pin to achieve a good seal of material against the shuttle pin. The extended seal is deformed to form the shape of the shuttle pin. There are cut-out portions to prevent distortion of the hole position relative to other holes, and the extra thickness on the outside forms the seal.

[0040] When the two diaphragms are brought together, solid PEEK and silicone provide insulation around the socket pins. Using an all-solid insulation material, instead of oil, means that the insulation will not degrade even if seawater comes into contact with it. Seawater is effectively electrical grounded, and without this solid insulation, it could directly contact the socket pin insulation, causing stress or electrical breakdown. The solid insulation provides far more stable performance than oil, which degrades over time and when exposed to seawater. This arrangement also has the advantage of reduced stroke length and consequently, reduced socket pin length, thus increasing pin strength and simplifying manufacturing.

[0041] This design protects the pins from electrical stress during connection by using stronger, more durable insulation to keep seawater out and withstand electrical stress, eliminating the need for electroplating, which is difficult to achieve in small communication pins. During plug and socket mating cycles, a continuous silicone insulating sheath is provided on the socket pins by axially moving the main seal to contact the secondary seal, extending to the pin root at the PEEK molded pin assembly. In conventional connectors, the main and secondary seals have a permanently dielectric oil-filled gap regardless of mating position, which contributes to defining two separate insulating barriers. In this invention, the plug has the advantages of two separately sealed barriers to reduce the possibility of seawater entering the plug during mating; and barrier wiping and closing of the two seals into a single silicone (typically tubular) barrier independent for each pin. This design no longer relies on dielectric oil, which degrades in performance due to contamination caused by seawater ingress during successive mating / unmating cycles. In addition, connectors must be qualified if the main cavity is submerged in seawater (meaning the socket pins are in direct contact with seawater, which increases electrical stress and the possibility of failure).

[0042] The compliant front diaphragm surface helps to close the main or secondary seal into a continuous silicone insulating tube around the receptacle pin, thereby reducing reliance on dielectric oil for reliable insulation. Conventional connectors have a permanent oil-filled gap between the seals. During successive mating and unmating cycles, the seals can be penetrated by seawater, which reduces dielectric effectiveness. This invention introduces an integral elastomeric return spring to prevent the compliant main front from remaining in a compressed position after unmating. The stepped diameter on the shuttle pin provides support for the elastomeric return spring. By introducing the compliant front surface into the main diaphragm and by promoting the tapered wall profile into the facing main and secondary diaphragm seals, a seal is formed between the seals as the main diaphragm front surface moves inward toward the secondary diaphragm during mating cycles, creating a sealing effect. When not mated, the dielectric oil-filled gap between the main and secondary seals allows diaphragms 13, 16 to compensate properly during mating / unmating cycles. The diaphragm seals 12 and 15 bridge together near the end of the insertion stroke to form a continuous silicone sheath 26 on the socket pin 24, and the seals open upon disassembly. The speed of this opening is aided by the frictional engagement between the seals and the individual socket pins, with the socket pins synchronously pulling the main seal 12 axially outward.

[0043] Conventionally, in a dual-diaphragm arrangement, a cavity is formed between the primary and secondary diaphragms when the connector components are disassembled, and there is no way to effectively close this gap during mating. In this invention, the compliant front portion allows the gap to close during mating, forming a continuous silicone sheath 26 around the receptacle pins. This arrangement reduces reliance on dielectric oil for insulation, which can be contaminated by seawater during repeated mating / disassembly cycles. The opening / closing action of the gap allows for complete compensation / breathing of the diaphragms.

[0044] The tapered sealing geometry 25 at the sealing surface of the orifice bridges gaps 17a and 17b when compressed by the container pin, thus increasing the sealing area and making the mutual sealing less critical to the relative axial positioning of the main and secondary seals. The tapered seal at the base of the socket pin has a protruding geometry at the front of the main diaphragm to provide overtravel for connector insertion. Elastomeric tapered springs 23, molded into the main diaphragm 13 or the secondary diaphragm, or both, help return the front surface to its original position during disassembly. These tapered springs cooperate with the partially supported front surface of the secondary diaphragm 16. While tapered springs can be replaced by other types of energy-storing springs, this design offers the advantages of reducing the overall number of parts and lowering costs by integrating it with another component. The shuttle pin has a stepped diameter portion to help hold the front surface of the main diaphragm in the open position after disassembly. The main diaphragm sealing cone has a double taper angle to compensate for extension / compression on the shuttle pin while maintaining the correct tapered geometry. Because a support plate is provided, the main diaphragm seal is not compressed, whereas this support plate is absent in the secondary diaphragm. The secondary diaphragm seal has a thin-walled lip with an integral gap to prevent compression between seals when the diameter expands during shuttle pin installation. This is also aided by the front portion of the diaphragm sheet.

[0045] Although the invention has been described above with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that all equivalents and / or combinations of the embodiments should be included in this description.

[0046] The examples above are provided for illustrative purposes only and should in no way be construed as limiting the invention disclosed herein. Although the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that the terms used herein are descriptive and illustrative, not restrictive. Furthermore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific devices, materials, and embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed herein; rather, it extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, for example, within the scope of the appended claims. Many modifications can be made to it by those skilled in the art, and changes can be made in various aspects without departing from the scope of the invention, thanks to the teachings of this specification.

[0047] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Although the invention has been detailed and described by way of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other variations therefrom without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wet-mount submarine connector, comprising a plug and a socket; in, The plug includes a plug body and a shuttle pin movably mounted in a socket contact. The socket includes a socket body and socket pins; The connector further includes a secondary diaphragm installed on the plug body, and a primary diaphragm installed on the outside of the secondary diaphragm on the plug body; The main diaphragm and the secondary diaphragm are spaced apart from each other in a disassembled state, thereby allowing fluid to flow in the space formed between them; Furthermore, the main diaphragm and the secondary diaphragm are sealed together in the plugged-in state, thereby forming a continuous protective layer on the socket pins in the plugged-in state. In the disassembled state, the main diaphragm and the secondary diaphragm respectively seal and engage the shuttle pin at the main diaphragm sealing part and the secondary diaphragm sealing part, without contacting the socket pin; while in the plugged state, they respectively seal and engage the socket pin at the main diaphragm sealing part and the secondary diaphragm sealing part, without contacting the shuttle pin.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The shuttle pin is located inside the plug body when plugged in, and seals with the orifices in both the main diaphragm and the secondary diaphragm when detached.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The profile of the shuttle pin is adapted to engage with a shoulder formed on the corresponding surface of at least one of the main diaphragm and the sub-diaphragm.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The profile of the shuttle pin is adapted to engage with a shoulder formed on the corresponding surface of at least one of the main diaphragm and the sub-diaphragm.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The sealing portion of the main diaphragm includes a double taper angle.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The sealing portion of the sub-diaphragm includes a pair of walls with an integral void.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The sealing portion of the sub-diaphragm includes a pair of walls with an integral void, the walls being formed with a Y-shaped, U-shaped, or C-shaped geometry.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The main dielectric cavity is formed between the main diaphragm and the secondary diaphragm.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The secondary dielectric cavity is formed within the plug body.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The main diaphragm also includes one or more compliant return springs.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein, The main diaphragm also includes an elastomeric diaphragm conical spring.

12. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, During insertion, inserting the socket pin into the shuttle pin causes a continuous sheath to be formed on the socket pin up to its root by engaging with the surfaces of the main and secondary diaphragms on either side of the orifice.

13. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The tapered sealing protrusion at the base of the socket pin is adapted to engage with the surface of the main diaphragm.

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