Triangular Void Seal for Submersible Pump Motor Leads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of motor lead connectors in electrical submersible pumps (ESP) is compromised due to leakage issues, leading to costly repairs or replacements when the ESP needs to be retrieved from the well.
Innovation Solution
A submersible well pump assembly featuring an electrical receptacle with an annular groove and an elastomeric seal ring, where the motor lead connector's rim deforms to create a triangular void, ensuring a secure sealing engagement between the seal ring and the groove, preventing dielectric lubricant and well fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gasket on the motor lead connector surrounds the terminals and seals to the receptacle, then electrical connection is achieved, but leakage of dielectric oil and well fluid occurs compromising reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from a gasket-based system to a deformation-based system. The rim of the connector housing deforms the elastomeric seal ring during assembly, creating a metal-to-elastomer interference fit that prevents leakage. This parameter change from static gasket sealing to dynamic deformation sealing resolves the reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal ring acts as an intermediary between the rigid metal rim and the receptacle groove. The deformable nature of the elastomeric material allows it to mediate the connection, filling gaps and creating a reliable seal that prevents both dielectric oil and well fluid leakage while maintaining electrical isolation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the motor lead connector uses a traditional gasket seal, then assembly is straightforward, but the seal fails under hydrostatic pressure leading to costly repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing action is performed preliminarily during the assembly process itself. As the connector housing is inserted into the receptacle groove, the rim automatically deforms the elastomeric seal ring to create the seal before the connector is fully installed. This preliminary deformation action ensures seal integrity is established during assembly rather than requiring separate sealing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing rim serves its dual function of both structural support and sealing activation. During normal operation, the rim maintains the seal by continuing to deform the elastomeric ring, making the connector self-servicing for seal maintenance without requiring external intervention or additional sealing components.
3Ease of repair
If the ESP is retrieved for repair due to connector leakage, then the leakage problem is fixed, but operational time is lost and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable elastomeric seal ring provides a cushioning effect that accommodates manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations. By designing the seal to be inherently more robust and tolerant of dimensional variations, the patent prevents leakage before it occurs, eliminating the need for retrieval and repair while maintaining ease of assembly.
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
The solution enhances the reliability of the motor lead connector by maintaining a tight seal, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements, thus minimizing operational costs and ensuring continuous pump functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A rim on the housing inserts into the groove into deforming engagement with the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A submersible well pump assembly has a pump and an electrical motor for driving the pump. The motor has an electrical receptacle with a base and a central bore containing a plurality of motor electrical terminals. An annular groove in the base encircles the central bore and has a closed bottom. A motor lead extends to the motor for supplying power to the motor. An electrical connector on an end of the motor lead has a rim that inserts into the groove. Either the forward edge of the rim or the bottom of the groove is conical, defining an annular void within the groove that is triangular in cross section when the rim is fully inserted into the groove. A seal ring is located in the void of the groove and is deformed by the forward edge of the rim into sealing engagement.