Downhole Wet Connection System Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet connection systems for downhole equipment in oil or gas wells often fail due to high pressures, temperatures, and corrosive environments, leading to frequent connector failures, especially in the insulation of electrical conductors, and require laborious and expensive procedures for inspection and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongate conduits and connection blocks with self-supporting conductors that can be remotely connected and disconnected, using a hydraulic ram to seal the connection, allowing for independent deployment and recovery of equipment and conductors, and flushing with dielectric fluid to prevent contamination and facilitate inspection and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wet connection systems are used to enable in-situ connection and disconnection of downhole equipment, then equipment can be recovered without removing production tubing, but connector failures occur frequently due to high pressure, temperature, and corrosive environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the conductor into separate segments: a fixed upper portion and a replaceable lower portion with the connector. This allows the connector to be replaced independently without recovering the entire production tubing string, addressing both the need for easy in-situ operation and improved reliability through component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric fluid circulation system that changes the environmental parameters around the connector. By flushing the connector region with dielectric fluid, the system creates a more stable electrical environment that reduces failures caused by the harsh downhole conditions of high pressure, temperature, and corrosive fluids.
2Ease of repair
If damaged connectors are repaired by recovering the entire production tubing string, then connector damage can be addressed, but the process becomes laborious and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is segmented into replaceable portions, allowing the lower portion with the damaged connector to be withdrawn and replaced independently. This eliminates the need to recover the entire production tubing string, dramatically reducing repair time and cost while maintaining full repair capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables extraction of only the necessary conductor portion containing the damaged connector, rather than extracting the entire production tubing assembly. The conductor can be pulled through the production tubing from the top, and the damaged section replaced without disturbing the production tubing string.
3Reliability
If conductors are permanently cemented into the borehole with the casing, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but conductor replacement and maintenance become extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor system is segmented into a permanently fixed upper portion and a replaceable lower portion. The upper portion maintains stable electrical connection to the surface infrastructure, while the lower portion with the connector can be independently replaced, combining connection stability with maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable conductor portion is nested within the production tubing, allowing it to be deployed and replaced through the existing production tubing bore without removing the production tubing itself. This nested arrangement maintains stable connections while enabling easy replacement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and efficient remote connection and disconnection of downhole equipment, reduces maintenance costs by allowing individual conductor inspection and replacement without disturbing the production tubing, and prolongs equipment life through fluid circulation and sealing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
using a hydraulic ram to seal the connection
Implementation Method 2
flushing with dielectric fluid to prevent contamination
Data Source
AI summary
A wet connection system suitable for use in hydrocarbon wells preferably comprises one or more elongate, small diameter conduits (50) which extend down the wellbore (2) and terminate adjacent a locating structure (11) on the production tubing (10). Equipment (70) deployed at the locating structure is connected to one or more self supporting conductors (30) which extend down the conduits from the wellhead (5). Preferably the conductors are retractable and the conduits are sealingly connected to the equipment, allowing the equipment and conductors to be deployed and recovered independently of each other and to be flushed with dielectric oil (99) pumped down the conduits after re-connection.