New SBP MUX Connector Ratings Push The Downhole Envelope
Submitted by: I-Newswire
2012-03-14 00:40:18
Deepsea drilling will be an essential part of providing the future global energy needs. By upgrading the performance specifications of it's SBP connectors. SEA CON Worldwide helps to open up new drilling possibilities.
San Diego (OPENPRESS) March 13, 2012 - As the need to explore and drill in ever deeper waters to deliver new oil and gas resources to the worlds energy markets increases year on year.
Technology has developed which support operation in downhole, hp/ ht and deep water environments. efficiency of operation is a great demand placed on the technology which provides the power and data connections from subsea operations to the surface.
SEA CON worldwide has been industry leaders and innovators providing new developments in the field of MUX cable terminations and connectors to the gas and oil industry globally.
The MUX or multiplex type of connector and cable termination does not rely on an external source or compensator system to deliver the required level of internal over pressure balencing in the conncetor assembly so that the external pressure can not breach the assembly.
The extreams of depth at which these types of connectors operate, very often at over 10,000 ft mean that the connector assembly must also be armored against potential damage from external forces.
The SEA CON team have updated the SBP MUX connector and cable termination range to facilliate drilling at extra depth and pressures. THe SBP range is a group of positively pressurized, deepwater MUX cable connectors with integral armor termination assembly.
The upgraded SBP range includes a series of modifications to enable continued operations at greater depths. Constant pressure is maintained in the connector assembly via dual oil filled chambers this in turn is supported by dual barrier seals.
Advanced conductor boot sealing technology assures functionality even if the SBP Series connector is water-flooded.In support of this system is a series of spring loaded pistons designed to maintain positive internal pressure. these springs deters water ingress from conductor interstices and other sources.
Operationally the SBP MUX connectors are tested to a depth rating of 5,300 psi equivalent to a depth of 12,000ft.
Variants of the SBP range are availble in an elctro-optical hybrid configuration which can deliver single mode or multi mode optical communication functions.
The SBP series is 28.2" in length and has a diameter of 8" the design life span of the grade 5 Titanium housing and internal components is 20 years.
The SBP connectors are filed installable giving them a greater degree of flexibility in their use.
In recent testing SEA CON perfomed an extended three month operations test where the connector operated successfully and continuously whilst water flooded. The equivalent pressure used for testing specifications was 8,00 psi at eqivalent depth of 17,500ft.
The SBP Series Connector was designed to be an integral part of the MUX umbilical cable termination system. The
6,000lb Armor Termination is integral to the connector body allowing the tensioned cable loads to be carried through
the connection interface. The SBP connector is a flange mounted configuration allowing for good load transfer using
16, ½-20 x 1 -1/4 LG HEX SCT Cap Screws.
