The present invention relates generally to connector cables for blow out preventers and other oilfield service equipment and in a specific though non-limited embodiment to reliably secure methods and means for attaching PBOF cables or the like to associated subsea oilfield equipment.
Pressure balanced oil filled (PBOF) cables are employed in marine-based rig environments, and are typically disposed near the ocean floor. The connectors interface with multiple one-atmospheric and other pressure compensated vessels housing electrical interfaces disposed between a plurality of electronic controls and a plurality of sensors. The assembly is designed to supply power and communication links between a multiplex subsea control system's various points of distribution (“MUX POD”).
Design of the cable assembly and associated interface to the one-atmospheric housing is very important, as a faulty assembly can render a MUX POD or sensor inoperable and cause downtime attributable to troubleshooting the fault or defect and/or replacing or maintaining any deleteriously affected parts or systems. Even a single day of such downtime can cost an operator hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per day.
Toward the terminus of a connection cable, which in an illustrative embodiment might comprise a PBOF cable, a hose fitting is typically present for the purpose of connecting the hose to the cable connector plug (CCP). The prior industry standard comprised hose fittings connected to the hose by metal banding, and to the CCP by means of a mutually threaded, reciprocally disposed receptor. Water ingression into the PBOF cable through the mentioned connection would frequently cause electrical failure in the cable, thereby rendering it inoperable. Structures of the prior art also allow the CCP to vibrate loose when exposed to harsh subsea conditions.
There is therefore a longstanding but currently unmet need for more durable, reliable fittings that prevent water ingression and protect the assembly from electrical shorts and system vibrations in a manner superior to the prior art.
A cable connector attachment is provided, the attachment including at least a hose fitting, the hose fitting being swedged into an associated cable and threaded into a CCP; and a set screw, wherein the set screw is inserted into the hose fitting to ensure the CCP cannot vibrate loose.
The present invention comprises creating a secure connection by swedging a hose fitting into the cable. The hose fitting is threaded into the CCP, and a set screw is inserted into the hose fitting to ensure the CCP cannot vibrate loose. In certain embodiments the set screw is a tapered screw, so that greater force is applied to the terminus end, thereby ensuring a tighter and more secure, reliable fit.
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The foregoing specification is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to describe all possible aspects of the present invention. Moreover, while the invention has been shown and described in detail with respect to several exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that minor changes to the description, and various other modifications, omissions and additions may also be made without departing from either the spirit or scope thereof.
The instant U.S. non-provisional application claims the benefit of prior U.S. provisional application No. 62/583,225 filed Nov. 8, 2017, the entirety of which is commonly owned and hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62583225 | Nov 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16184241 | Nov 2018 | US |
Child | 17668688 | US |