Fiber Optic Wetmate Connector Debris Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-stage well completions face challenges in forming dependable and repeatable control line connections between upper and lower completion assemblies due to susceptibility to debris contamination during the mating process.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a debris prevention architecture that includes spring-loaded blocks, flushing systems, and various debris prevention and removal devices such as grommet covers, split septum sleeves, and coiled brushes to protect and clean communication line connectors, ensuring reliable connections and preventing damage from debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wet-mate connection is made between upper and lower completion assemblies, then communication of signals is enabled, but connectors become susceptible to debris contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddebris contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing debris prevention devices (such as covers, seals, and protective barriers) that are pre-installed on connectors before they are exposed to the wellbore environment. These protective elements are in place during the mating operation to prevent debris from contaminating the connector interfaces, thereby ensuring reliable connections without requiring post-connection cleaning or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If connectors are exposed during mating operation, then connection can be made, but connectors are vulnerable to debris and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemating operationVSAvoiddebris and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs intermediary protective devices such as debris prevention covers, seals, and barriers that act as mediators between the connectors and the contaminated wellbore environment. These intermediaries allow the mating operation to proceed while maintaining protection of the connector interfaces, enabling easy operation without exposing connectors to harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If debris prevention devices are added to protect connectors, then connector integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector integrityVSAvoiddebris prevention architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the debris prevention function into multiple discrete, modular components such as individual covers, seals, and protective barriers that can be independently installed and maintained on different connectors. This modular approach allows for targeted protection where needed while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through standardized, replaceable elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables continuous real-time monitoring and reliable communication along the entire well length, allowing for repeated mating and demating cycles while maintaining connector integrity and preventing contamination, thus enhancing the reliability of downhole connections.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded block configured to protect the second communication line connector from debris and damage. In use, as the stinger is moved into engagement with the receptacle, the stinger is configured to push the spring-loaded block downward to expose the second communication line connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a flushing system configured to flush at least one of the first communication line connector and the second communication line connector with clean flushing fluid during both a mating operation of the first and second communication line connectors and a demating operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flushing: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

One of the alignment keys can include a spring latch configured to engage a latch key on the spring-loaded block to hold the spring-loaded block in a position covering the second communication line connector. As the stinger is moved into engagement with the receptacle, the stinger is configured to deflect the spring latch out of engagement with the latch key

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12104440B2Fiber optic wetmate

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided to facilitate connection of multiple stage completions. A first completion stage is deployed at a wellbore location. Subsequently, the next completion stage is moved downhole into engagement with the first completion stage. The completion stages each have communication lines that are coupled together downhole via a wetmate connection. Debris prevention and removal devices and methods are also provided.