Downhole Junction Box Integrating Clamp and Electrical Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing junction boxes for downhole tools in oil and gas wells face challenges in providing a reliable seal for electrical connections, leading to potential gas and oil migration, which compromises the insulation and reliability of the system, and there is a need for a more secure mechanical connection to withstand axial loads and shocks.
Innovation Solution
A junction box design with a body member having intersecting ports for securing downhole tools, mechanical connections, and electric connectors, along with a clamp assembly that includes hinge and fastener mechanisms to grip the tubing securely, ensuring reliable electrical communication and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional clamps are used to attach downhole tools to tubing, then the tools can be secured on the tubing, but the connection is insufficient to withstand large axial loads and shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamp assembly and junction box into a single integrated unit. The junction box body serves as both the electrical connection housing and the mechanical attachment device to the tubing. This integration ensures that the electrical connections are directly supported by the strong mechanical bond to the tubing, eliminating the weakness of separate clamp attachments that cannot withstand axial loads and shocks.
2Reliability
If electrical connectors are exposed in the junction box, then electrical connection is established, but gas and oil can migrate compromising insulation and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a sealed, protected environment within the junction box body that isolates the electrical connectors from the external downhole environment containing gas and oil. The sealed enclosure maintains an inert protective atmosphere around the electrical connections, preventing harmful fluid migration while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity between tools.
3Ease of operation
If multiple downhole tools are connected externally to tubing, then installation is simplified, but the tools are exposed to large axial loads and shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function and mechanical attachment function into a single integrated junction box assembly. This merger allows tools to be connected to the tubing through a unified structure that provides both electrical connectivity and robust mechanical support, eliminating the vulnerability of externally mounted tools while maintaining installation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for connecting at least two downhole tools to a section of tubing, the clamp assembly having a first clamp part and a second clamp part. The first and second clamp parts having ends, sides, and inner and outer surfaces extending between the sides. A first clamp part end has at least two mechanical connections defining ports for receiving and securing downhole tools, wherein one of the ports is a read-out port. A hinge assembly connects the first clamp part to the second clamp part and is configured to permit the first clamp part and the second clamp part to be moved to a closed position and an open position. A fastener connects clamp sides when the first clamp part and the second clamp part are in the closed position. When in a closed position, the first and second inner clamp surfaces grip the exterior surface of the tubing.