Wellhead Penetrator Actuating Seal for Cable Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for extending power cables through wellheads face challenges due to harsh environments and high pressures, leading to potential leakage and failure points in electrical conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead penetrator is designed with a mandrel, housing, and sealing element that actuates from a first state to a second state in response to a downward force, allowing for a sealed path for electrically-conductive cables through the wellhead, preventing leakage and maintaining conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a cable is extended through the wellhead to power the ESP, then the ESP can be reliably powered, but fluid leakage may occur through the cable penetration point
Solution Approach 1:
The cable penetration system is divided into separate functional segments: the wellhead body, the cable conduit with sealing elements, and the cable itself. This segmentation allows the sealing elements to be specifically positioned at the interface between the wellhead and cable, isolating the power transmission function from the sealing function while preventing fluid leakage through the penetration point.
2Reliability
If spliced connections are made through the wellhead for cable continuity, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but failure points are created in the electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The cable conduit is nested within the wellhead body, providing a protected pathway for the cable. The sealing elements are nested within the conduit structure, creating a hierarchical arrangement that protects the electrical connection while maintaining simplicity. This nested structure eliminates the need for complex external splicing arrangements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the wellhead environment is sealed to prevent leakage, then fluid containment is improved, but cable installation and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable conduit is designed with dynamic sealing capability, allowing the sealing elements to adapt to cable installation and removal operations. The seals can accommodate cable movement during installation while maintaining fluid containment, and allow for cable replacement when needed, thus providing both fluid containment and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead penetrator includes a mandrel configured to be positioned in a tubing hanger, a wellhead, or both. The wellhead penetrator also includes a housing positioned at least partially within the mandrel. The housing defines a housing bore formed axially therethrough that is configured to receive upper and lower portions of a cable. The upper and lower portions are separated by a gap. The wellhead penetrator also includes a sealing element positioned at least partially within the mandrel and below the housing. The wellhead penetrator is configured to actuate from a first state to a second state in response to a downward force being exerted on the lower portion of the cable. The wellhead penetrator in the first state has the lower portion of the cable positioned at least partially within the housing such that a splice connection exists between the upper and lower portions of the cable.