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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for subsea electrical connection, comprising at least one junction block, connected to the hose for subsea electrical connection; the junction block comprises at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber, which are isolated from each other; wherein the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure comprises at least one electronic circuit board; at least one first penetrator arranged in the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber; at least one second penetrator arranged in the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure; at least one subsea cable for interconnecting the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber, wherein the at least one subsea cable is connected to the at least one first penetrator and to the at least one second penetrator; and at least one duct for conveying dielectric oil extending between the two ends of the junction block, which are connected to the hose for subsea electrical connection; wherein the duct for conveying dielectric oil passes through the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR HOUSING A PROTOCOL CONVERTER IN A HOSE FOR SUBSEA ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the technical field of subsea equipment technologies. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for subsea electrical connection. Background of the invention

[0002] Previously, injection wells did not have a downhole sensor, PDG (Permanent Downhole Gauge) installed in them, and many were interconnected through manifolds.

[0003] Currently, the wells include a PDG sensor and the reuse of manifolds in the connection to these injection wells generates communication incompatibility.

[0004] In particular, the electronics of several of these manifolds are restricted in their communication protocol, being incompatible with downhole sensors.

[0005] Incompatible communication between the manifold and downhole sensor can limit the reading of well variables, hindering commissioning and startup. Therefore, operating these wells without PDG monitoring compromises their injection. Consequently, production optimization in neighboring wells is also hindered.

[0006] The communication problem can be solved by installing a conversion electronics between the Wet Christmas Tree (WCT) and the manifold. The electronics can interface the two protocols—the manifold and the PDG downhole sensor—enabling communication between them.

[0007] However, using this type of electronics presents a challenge, as it must remain at atmospheric pressure. State of the art

[0008] In the state of the art, there is no evidence of a solution that enables the communication interface between these manifolds and the downhole sensor, PDG for well interconnection.

[0009] Commercially, there are some subsea connection solutions, but none provide a communication interface between these manifolds and the PDG downhole sensor, providing well interconnection. For example, the commercial solutions suite called Digitron from Siemens Energy, Sistema Elétrico (SEM) from Transcontrol, or the Electrical Optical Flying Lead from Teledyne Marine.

[0010] These commercial prior art solutions do not allow the application of electronics for communication interface between the manifold and PDG sensor, as they do not have a structure that provides an atmospheric pressure environment under these conditions. Brief description of the invention

[0011] The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, describes a device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connection, comprising: - at least one junction block, connected to the hose for underwater electrical connection; in which the at least one junction block comprises at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil; in which the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil are isolated from each other; in which the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure comprises at least one electronic board; the device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connection further comprises: - at least a first penetrator arranged in the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil; - at least a second penetrator arranged in the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure;- at least one submarine cable; in which the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure and the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil are interconnected through the at least one submarine cable, in which the at least one submarine cable is connected to the at least one first penetrator and to the at least one second penetrator; and - at least one dielectric oil passage channel extending between the two ends of the junction block, which connect with the hose for submarine electrical connection; in which the dielectric oil passage channel passes through the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of the preferred present invention, the at least one junction block is connected to the hose for underwater electrical connection through at least two connection elements, each arranged at one end of the junction block; wherein the at least two connection elements comprise at least two JIC (Joint Industry Council) connectors.

[0013] Furthermore, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic board has the function of an embedded protocol converter.

[0014] Additionally, according to another alternative and preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure includes at least two lids, which include a double seal; in which the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber includes at least one lid; and the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber receives electrical hose connections for subsea electrical connection through the at least one second penetrator.

[0015] Additionally, the at least one first penetrator receives signals from both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection, through at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil; in which the at least one second penetrator performs the interface between the signals from both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection and the electronic board, through the submarine cable.

[0016] Furthermore, according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the electronic board performs communication protocol conversion of both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection. Brief description of the figures

[0017] In order to complement the present description and obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present invention, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, a set of figures is attached, where in an exemplified, although not limitative, manner its preferred embodiment is represented.

[0018] Figure 1 shows the device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connection.

[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connection.

[0020] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the device for housing a protocol converter in a hose for underwater electrical connection.

[0021] Figure 4 is a detailed view of the junction block, showing the chamber covers. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, as illustrated in figure 1, defines a device for housing a protocol converter 100 in a hose for underwater electrical connection 200, comprising: - at least one junction block 1; in which the at least one junction block 1 comprises at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure 2 and at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil 3; in which the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure 2 and the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil 3 are isolated from each other.

[0023] Furthermore, as complemented by the representation of figures 2, 3 and 4, the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure 2 comprises at least one electronic board 9 with a protocol converter embedded therein; in which the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure 2 includes at least two lids 2.1; in which the at least two lids 2.1 comprise a double seal; in which the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3 includes at least one lid 3.1; and the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3 receives electrical connections from the hose for underwater electrical connection 200, through the at least one second penetrator (5).

[0024] Specifically, the device for housing protocol converter 100 in hose for underwater electrical connection 200 further comprises: - at least a first penetrator 4 and at least a second penetrator 5; wherein the at least one first penetrator 4 is arranged in the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3; wherein the at least one second penetrator 5 is arranged in the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure 2; - at least one submarine cable 6; wherein the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure 2 and the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3 are interconnected via the at least one submarine cable 6, wherein the at least one submarine cable 6 is connected to the at least one first penetrator 4 and to the at least one second penetrator 5;wherein the at least one junction block 1 is connected to the underwater electrical connection hose 200 (EFL, Electrical Flying Lead) via at least two connection elements 7, each arranged at one end of the junction block 1; wherein the at least two connection elements 7 comprise at least two JIC (Joint Industry Council) connectors; wherein the at least one first penetrator 4 receives signals from both ends of the underwater electrical connection hose 200 via the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber 3; wherein the at least one second penetrator 5 interfaces the signals from both ends of the underwater electrical connection hose 200 and the electronic board 9 via the submarine cable 6.

[0025] In particular, the device for housing a protocol converter 100 in a hose for underwater electrical connection 200 additionally comprises: - at least one dielectric oil passage channel 8 extending between the two ends of the junction block 1, which connect with the hose for underwater electrical connection 200; wherein the dielectric oil passage channel 8 passes through at least one pressurized oil-filled chamber 3;

[0026] In this sense, the dielectric oil remains throughout the structure of the device to house a protocol converter 100, for pressure compensation.

[0027] In particular, the electrical connections of the device for housing the protocol converter 100 in the hose for underwater electrical connection 200 can be maintained without blocking the passage of dielectric oil used in the pressure compensation of the hose 200 and connectors of the device for housing the protocol converter 100.

[0028] Therefore, by receiving the signals from both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection 200, the electronic board 9 can perform communication protocol conversion of both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection 200.

[0029] Thus, the present invention provides a junction block 1 coupled to a hose for underwater electrical connection 200 (EFL, Electrical Flying Lead) in a way that does not interrupt its electrical connections or the flow of dielectric oil for pressure compensation.

[0030] In this sense, the junction block 1 of the device 100 of the present invention allows an electronic board 9 of a larger size and complexity to be used. The EFL connected to the device to house the protocol converter 100, together with the onboard electronics 9, can be installed by an underwater vehicle, such as a ROV (Remoted Operated Vehicle) between the ANM and manifold, in a manner transparent to the operation.

[0031] Furthermore, the device for housing protocol converter 100 in hose for underwater electrical connection 200 can be used in underwater applications of up to 2500 meters of water column (249.99 kgf / cm 2 ).

[0032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented herein and will be able to reproduce the invention in the presented embodiments and in other variants, covered by the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Device for housing a protocol converter (100) in a hose for underwater electrical connection (200), characterized in that it comprises: - at least one junction block (1), connected to the hose for underwater electrical connection (200); in which the at least one junction block (1) comprises at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure (2) and at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil (3); in which the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure (2) and the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil (3) are isolated from each other; in which the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure (2) comprises at least one electronic board (9); the device for housing a protocol converter (100) in a hose for underwater electrical connection (200) further comprises: - at least one first penetrator (4) arranged in the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil (3);- at least one second penetrator (5) arranged in the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure (2); - at least one submarine cable (6); wherein the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure (2) and the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber (3) are interconnected via the at least one submarine cable (6), wherein the at least one submarine cable (6) is connected to the at least one first penetrator (4) and to the at least one second penetrator (5); and - at least one dielectric oil passage channel (8); 2 / 3 extending between the two ends of the junction block (1), which connect with the hose for underwater electrical connection (200); in which the dielectric oil passage channel (8) crosses the at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil (3).

2. Device for housing a protocol converter (100) in a hose for underwater electrical connection (200), according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one junction block (1) is connected to the hose for underwater electrical connection (200) through at least two connection elements (7), each arranged at one end of the junction block (1); in which the at least two connection elements (7) comprise at least two JIC (Joint Industry Council) connectors. 3.Device for housing a protocol converter (100) in a hose for underwater electrical connection (200), according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic board (9) comprises a protocol converter embedded therein.

4. Device for housing a protocol converter (100) in a hose for underwater electrical connection (200), according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one dry chamber at atmospheric pressure (2) includes at least two lids (2.1), which include a double seal; in which the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber (3) includes at least one lid (3.1); and the at least one oil-filled pressurized chamber (3) receives electrical connections from the hose for connection. 3 / 3 underwater electrical connection (200) through at least one second penetrator (5).

5. Device for housing a protocol converter (100) in a hose for underwater electrical connection (200), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the at least one first penetrator (4) receives signals from both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection (200), through at least one pressurized chamber filled with oil (3); in which the at least one second penetrator (5) performs the interface between the signals from both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection (200) and the electronic board (9), through the submarine cable (6).

6. Device for housing a protocol converter (100) in a hose for underwater electrical connection (200), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the electronic board (9) performs communication protocol conversion from both ends of the hose for underwater electrical connection (200).

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