Device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connection, comprising: at least one junction block connected to a hose for underwater electrical connection; the junction block comprises at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil, which are isolated from each other; wherein the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure comprises at least one electronic board; at least one first throughpass arranged in the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil; at least one second throughpass arranged in the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure; at least one underwater cable for interconnecting the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil, wherein the at least one underwater cable is connected to the at least one first throughpass and to the at least one second throughpass; and at least one dielectric oil passage channel, which extends between the two ends of the junction block connected to the hose for underwater electrical connection; wherein the dielectric oil passage channel passes through the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of underwater equipment technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a device for housing a protocol converter in a flexible hose for underwater electrical connections. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, injection wells did not include downhole sensors or the PDG (permanent downhole pressure gauge) installed in them, and many injection wells were interconnected via manifolds.

[0003] Currently, the wells include PDG sensors, but the reuse of manifolds when connecting to these injection wells has created communication incompatibility issues.

[0004] In particular, the electronics of some of these manifolds are limited in their communication protocols and are incompatible with downhole sensors.

[0005] Incompatibility in communication between the manifold and downhole sensors can limit the reading of well variables, making commissioning and startup more difficult. In this sense, operating these injection wells without PDG monitoring will impair injection performance. Consequently, production optimization of adjacent wells is also compromised.

[0006] The communication problem can be solved by a switching electronics device installed between the subsea production tree (SCT) and the manifold. This electronics device provides an interface between the two protocols of the manifold and the PDG downhole sensor, enabling them to communicate.

[0007] However, using such electronic devices has proven to be a challenge because they must be kept at atmospheric pressure.

[0008] Existing technology

[0009] In the existing technology, there is no evidence to suggest a solution that can realize a communication interface for well interconnection between these manifolds and PDG downhole sensors.

[0010] Commercially available subsea connectivity solutions exist; however, none provide a communication interface between these manifolds and PDG downhole sensors, thus enabling well interconnection. Examples include a commercial solution suite called Digitron from Siemens Energy, electrical systems (SEM) from Transcontrol, and electro-optical flywires from TeledyneMarine.

[0011] These existing commercial solutions cannot enable the application of electronics for the communication interface between the manifold and the PDG sensor because they lack the structure to provide an atmospheric pressure environment under these conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for housing a protocol converter in a flexible hose for underwater electrical connection is described, comprising:

[0013] - At least one connector block connected to the hose used for underwater electrical connection;

[0014] The at least one wiring block includes at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil;

[0015] The at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil are isolated from each other;

[0016] The at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure includes at least one electronic board;

[0017] The device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connection further includes:

[0018] - At least one first penetrator is arranged in the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber;

[0019] - At least one second penetrator, which is arranged in the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure;

[0020] -At least one underwater cable;

[0021] The at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil are interconnected by the at least one underwater cable, wherein the at least one underwater cable is connected to the at least one first through-hole and the at least one second through-hole; and

[0022] - At least one dielectric oil passage extends between the two ends of the connector block connected to the hose for underwater electrical connection; wherein the dielectric oil passage passes through the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one wiring block is connected to a hose for underwater electrical connection via at least two connecting elements, each connecting element being disposed at one end of the wiring block; wherein the at least two connecting elements comprise at least two JIC (Joint Industrial Council) connectors.

[0024] Furthermore, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic board has the function of an embedded protocol converter.

[0025] Additionally, according to another alternative and preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure includes at least two covers, the covers including double seals; wherein the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil includes at least one cover; and the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil receives an electrical connection from a hose for underwater electrical connection via the at least one second through-hole.

[0026] Furthermore, the at least one first pass-through device receives signals from both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection through the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber; wherein the at least one second pass-through device provides an interface between the signals from both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection and the electronic board via an underwater cable.

[0027] Furthermore, according to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the electronic board performs communication protocol conversion between the two ends of the hose used for underwater electrical connection. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To supplement this description and provide a better understanding of the features of the invention, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to the appendix, which illustrate the preferred embodiment in an exemplary and non-limiting manner.

[0029] Figure 1 An apparatus for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connections is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a device for housing a protocol converter within a hose for underwater electrical connections is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 An exploded view of a device for housing a protocol converter within a hose for underwater electrical connections is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A detailed view of the wiring block is shown, revealing the chamber cover. Detailed Implementation

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as follows Figure 1 As shown, the present invention defines an apparatus for housing a protocol converter 100 within a flexible hose 200 for underwater electrical connection, comprising:

[0034] -At least one wiring block 1;

[0035] The at least one wiring block 1 includes at least one dry chamber 2 at atmospheric pressure and at least one pressurized chamber 3 filled with oil;

[0036] At least one dry chamber 2 at atmospheric pressure and at least one pressurized chamber 3 filled with oil are isolated from each other.

[0037] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As indicated by the representation, at least one dry chamber 2 at atmospheric pressure includes at least one electronic board 9 in which a protocol converter is embedded;

[0038] At least one of the dry chambers 2 at atmospheric pressure includes at least two covers 2.1; wherein at least two covers 2.1 include double seals;

[0039] At least one of the oil-filled pressurized chambers 3 includes at least one cover 3.1; and at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3 receives an electrical connection from a hose 200 for underwater electrical connection via at least one second through-hole (5).

[0040] Specifically, the means for housing the protocol converter 100 within the hose 200 for underwater electrical connection further includes:

[0041] - At least one first through-hole 4 and at least one second through-hole 5;

[0042] At least one of the first penetrators 4 is arranged in at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3;

[0043] At least one of the second penetrators 5 is arranged in at least one dry chamber 2 at atmospheric pressure;

[0044] -At least one underwater cable 6;

[0045] At least one dry chamber 2 at atmospheric pressure and at least one pressurized chamber 3 filled with oil are interconnected by at least one underwater cable 6, wherein at least one underwater cable 6 is connected to at least one first through-hole 4 and at least one second through-hole 5;

[0046] At least one of the terminal blocks 1 is connected to a hose 200 (EFL, electric fly wire) for underwater electrical connection via at least two connecting elements 7, each connecting element 7 being arranged at one end of the terminal block 1; wherein at least two connecting elements 7 include at least two JIC (Joint Industrial Council) connectors;

[0047] At least one of the first through-holes 4 receives signals from both ends of the hose 200 for underwater electrical connection through at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3;

[0048] At least one of the second through-holes 5 provides an interface between the signals from both ends of the hose 200 used for underwater electrical connection and the electronic board 9 via the underwater cable 6.

[0049] Specifically, the means for housing the protocol converter 100 within the hose 200 for underwater electrical connection also includes:

[0050] - At least one dielectric oil passage 8 extends between the two ends of the connector block 1 connected to the hose 200 for underwater electrical connection; wherein the dielectric oil passage 8 passes through at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3.

[0051] In this sense, dielectric oil is maintained throughout the entire structure of the device used for the accommodating protocol converter 100 for pressure compensation.

[0052] In particular, the electrical connection of the device for housing the protocol converter 100 in the hose 200 for underwater electrical connection can be maintained without obstructing the passage of pressure-compensating dielectric oil for the hose 200 and the connector for housing the protocol converter 100.

[0053] Therefore, upon receiving signals from both ends of the hose 200 used for underwater electrical connection, the electronic board 9 can perform communication protocol conversion between the two ends of the hose 200 used for underwater electrical connection.

[0054] Therefore, the present invention provides a junction box 1 that is connected to a flexible hose 200 (EFL, electric flywire) for underwater electrical connection, such that it does not interrupt its electrical connection or the flow of dielectric oil for pressure compensation.

[0055] In this sense, the wiring block 1 of the device 100 of the present invention allows for the use of larger and more complex electronic boards 9. The EFL connected to the device for accommodating the protocol converter 100, together with the embedded electronics 9, can be installed between the SCT and the manifold in an operationally transparent manner by an underwater vehicle (e.g., an ROV, a remotely operated vehicle).

[0056] Furthermore, the device for housing the protocol converter 100 in the hose 200 for underwater electrical connection can be used for underwater applications up to 2500 meters of water column (249.99 kgf / cm²).

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand the teachings presented herein and will be able to reproduce the invention in the presented embodiments and other variations within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for housing a protocol converter (100) within a flexible hose (200) for underwater electrical connection, characterized in that, include: - At least one wiring block (1) connected to the hose (200) for underwater electrical connection; The at least one wiring block (1) includes at least one dry chamber (2) at atmospheric pressure and at least one pressurized chamber (3) filled with oil. The at least one dry chamber (2) at atmospheric pressure and the at least one pressurized chamber (3) filled with oil are isolated from each other; The at least one dry chamber (2) at atmospheric pressure includes at least one electronic board (9); The device for housing the protocol converter (100) in a hose (200) for underwater electrical connection further includes: - At least one first penetrator (4) is arranged in the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber (3); - At least one second penetrator (5) is arranged in the at least one dry chamber (2) at atmospheric pressure; -At least one underwater cable (6); The at least one dry chamber (2) at atmospheric pressure and the at least one pressurized chamber (3) filled with oil are interconnected by the at least one underwater cable (6), wherein the at least one underwater cable (6) is connected to the at least one first through-hole (4) and the at least one second through-hole (5); and - At least one dielectric oil passage (8) extends between the two ends of the connector (1) connected to the hose (200) for underwater electrical connection; wherein the dielectric oil passage (8) passes through the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber (3).

2. The apparatus for housing a protocol converter (100) in a flexible hose (200) for underwater electrical connection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one wiring block (1) is connected to the hose (200) for underwater electrical connection via at least two connecting elements (7), each of the connecting elements (7) being arranged at one end of the wiring block (1); The at least two connecting elements (7) mentioned therein include at least two JIC (Joint Industrial Council) connectors.

3. The apparatus for housing a protocol converter (100) in a flexible hose (200) for underwater electrical connection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic board (9) includes a protocol converter embedded therein.

4. The apparatus for housing a protocol converter (100) in a flexible hose (200) for underwater electrical connection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one dry chamber (2) at atmospheric pressure includes at least two covers (2.1), each cover (2.1) including a double seal; The at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber (3) includes at least one cover (3.1); and The at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber (3) receives an electrical connection from the hose (200) for underwater electrical connection through the at least one second through-hole (5).

5. The apparatus for housing a protocol converter (100) in a flexible hose (200) for underwater electrical connection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one first penetrator (4) receives signals from both ends of the hose (200) for underwater electrical connection through the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber (3); The at least one second through-hole (5) provides an interface between the signals from both ends of the hose (200) for underwater electrical connection and the electronic board (9) via the underwater cable (6).

6. The apparatus for housing a protocol converter (100) in a flexible hose (200) for underwater electrical connection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic board (9) performs communication protocol conversion between the two ends of the hose (200) used for underwater electrical connection.

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