Systems and Methods for Coupling a Power Cable to a Downhole Motor Using a Penetrator

• Main Authors: RUMBAUGH MICHAEL R, FREY JEFFREY G, SEMPLE RYAN P
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 29.05.2014
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; CURRENT COLLECTORS; ELECTRICITY; LINE CONNECTORS

Systems and methods for providing power to downhole equipment, where an electrical penetrator is installed through the housing of the equipment to provide a high pressure seal between the interior and exterior of the equipment's housing. In one embodiment, the body of the electrical penetrator includes a substantially rigid outer body, an electrically insulating inner body positioned within the outer body, and a set of electrical conductors that extend through the electrically insulating (e.g., glass or ceramic) inner body. Each of the conductors extends through the penetrator body. The inner body is sealed against both the conductors and the outer body by bonding them together, for example. The ends of the conductors which extend into the housing are connected to the motor or other equipment, while the ends of the conductors which to the exterior of the housing are connected to a power cable.