U.S. patent application number 14/505263 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-07 for extra low profile cable protectors.
The applicant listed for this patent is GE Oil & Gas ESP, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Le, Aaron Noakes.
Application Number | 20160097243 14/505263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54291726 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160097243 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noakes; Aaron ; et
al. |
April 7, 2016 |
Extra Low Profile Cable Protectors
Abstract
A pumping system useful for pumping fluids from a subterranean
formation to a surface facility includes a first component and a
second component connected to the first component with a neck
flange. The pumping system further includes a motor lead cable that
provides electrical power from the surface facility to the pumping
system and a cable protector connected to the neck flange that
secures the motor lead cable to the first and second components.
The cable protector includes a first clamp section and a second
clamp section. The second clamp section includes a lead cable
recess that extends in a longitudinal direction along the exterior
of the second clamp section and a band recess that extends in a
circumferential direction along the exterior of the second clamp
section. A tie or band resides in the band recess and extends
around the circumference of the cable protector to secure the motor
lead cable within the lead cable recess.
Inventors: |
Noakes; Aaron; (Oklahoma
City, OK) ; Le; James; (Oklahoma City, OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GE Oil & Gas ESP, Inc. |
Oklahoma City |
OK |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54291726 |
Appl. No.: |
14/505263 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/105 ;
166/113; 166/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 17/206 20130101;
E21B 43/12 20130101; E21B 17/026 20130101; E21B 17/10 20130101;
E21B 17/04 20130101; E21B 17/028 20130101; E21B 43/128
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 17/10 20060101
E21B017/10; E21B 43/12 20060101 E21B043/12; E21B 17/02 20060101
E21B017/02; E21B 17/20 20060101 E21B017/20; E21B 17/04 20060101
E21B017/04 |
Claims
1. A cable protector comprising: a first clamp section; and a
second clamp section, wherein the second clamp section further
comprises: a lead cable recess that extends in a longitudinal
direction along the exterior of the second clamp section; and a
band recess that extends in a circumferential direction along the
exterior of the second clamp section.
2. The cable protector of claim 1, wherein the second clamp section
further comprises an auxiliary line recess that extends in a
longitudinal direction along the exterior of the second clamp
section.
3. The cable protector of claim 1, wherein the band recess
intersects the lead cable recess in an orthogonal manner.
4. The cable protector of claim 1, wherein the cable protector
further comprises a hinge and wherein the first clamp section and
second clamp section are each attached to the hinge.
5. The cable protector of claim 4, wherein the second clamp section
comprises a latch recess and wherein the first clamp section
comprises a latch projection that fits within the latch recess.
6. The cable protector of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of bumpers located along the exterior of the second clamp section
adjacent the auxiliary line recess.
7. The cable protector of claim 1, further comprising a band that
resides within the band recesses and extends around the
circumference of the cable protector.
8. A pumping system for use in pumping fluids from a subterranean
formation to a surface facility, the pumping system comprising: a
first component; a second component connected to the first
component, wherein the second component is connected to the first
component with a neck flange; a motor lead cable that provides
electrical power from the surface facility to the pumping system;
and a cable protector connected to the neck flange, wherein the
cable protector comprises: a first clamp section; and a second
clamp section, wherein the second clamp section further comprises:
a lead cable recess that extends in a longitudinal direction along
the exterior of the second clamp section, wherein the motor lead
cable is located within the lead cable recess; a band recess that
extends in a circumferential direction along the exterior of the
second clamp section; and a band that resides in the band recess
and extends around the circumference of the cable protector to
secure the motor lead cable within the lead cable recess.
9. The pumping system of claim 8, wherein the first component is a
motor.
10. The pumping system of claim 9, wherein the second component is
selected from the group consisting of motors, pumps and seal
sections.
11. The pumping system of claim 8, further comprising auxiliary
lines that extends from the surface facility to the pumping
system.
12. The pumping system of claim 11, wherein the cable protector
further comprises: an auxiliary line recess that extends in a
longitudinal direction along the exterior of the second clamp
section; and wherein the auxiliary lines resides within the
auxiliary line recess.
13. The pumping system of claim 8, wherein the band recess
intersects the lead cable recess in an orthogonal manner.
14. The pumping system of claim 8, wherein the cable protector
further comprises a hinge and wherein the first clamp section and
second clamp section are each attached to the hinge.
15. The pumping system of claim 14, wherein the cable protector of
claim 4, wherein the second clamp section comprises a latch recess
and wherein the first clamp section comprises a latch projection
that fits within the latch recess.
16. The pumping system of claim 8, wherein the cable protector
further comprises a plurality of bumpers located along the exterior
of the second clamp section adjacent the auxiliary line recess.
17. A pumping system for use in pumping fluids from a subterranean
formation to a surface facility, the pumping system comprising: a
first component; a second component connected to the first
component, wherein the second component is connected to the first
component with a neck flange; a third component connected to the
second component, wherein the third component is connected to the
second component with a neck flange; a motor lead cable that
provides electrical power from the surface facility to the pumping
system; and a first cable protector connected to the neck flange
between the first and second components, wherein the first cable
protector comprises: a first clamp section; and a second clamp
section, wherein the second clamp section further comprises: a lead
cable recess that extends in a longitudinal direction along the
exterior of the second clamp section, wherein the motor lead cable
is located within the lead cable recess; a band recess that extends
in a circumferential direction along the exterior of the second
clamp section; and a band that resides in the band recess and
extends around the circumference of the cable protector to secure
the motor lead cable within the lead cable recess; and a second
cable protector connected to the neck flange between the second and
third components, wherein the second cable protector comprises: a
first clamp section; and a second clamp section, wherein the second
clamp section further comprises: a lead cable recess that extends
in a longitudinal direction along the exterior of the second clamp
section, wherein the motor lead cable is located within the lead
cable recess; a band recess that extends in a circumferential
direction along the exterior of the second clamp section; and a
band that resides in the band recess and extends around the
circumference of the cable protector to secure the motor lead cable
within the lead cable recess.
18. The pumping system of claim 17, wherein the first component is
selected from the group consisting of motors, pumps and seal
sections.
19. The pumping system of claim 18, wherein the second component is
selected from the group consisting of motors, pumps and seal
sections.
20. The pumping system of claim 19, wherein the third component is
selected from the group consisting of motors, pumps and seal
sections.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of submersible
pumping systems, and more particularly, but not by way of
limitation, to a mechanism for securing a motor lead cable to the
pumping system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Submersible pumping systems are often deployed into wells to
recover petroleum fluids from subterranean reservoirs. Typically,
the submersible pumping system includes a number of components,
including one or more fluid filled electric motors coupled to one
or more high performance pumps located above the motor. When
energized, the motor provides torque to the pump, which pushes
wellbore fluids to the surface through production tubing. Each of
the components in a submersible pumping system must be engineered
to withstand the inhospitable downhole environment.
[0003] Power is supplied to the electric motor from surface
facilities through a power cable. In many applications, a motor
lead cable is used to connect the terminal end of the power cable
to the electric motor. The motor lead cable typically includes an
armored exterior that prevents damage from contact with the
wellbore or components within the pumping system. The motor lead
cable may include flattened profiled that fits within the limited
space between the larger components of pumping system and the
wellbore.
[0004] In the past, the motor lead cable has been secured to the
exterior surface of the pumping system with bands or ties. Placing
the motor lead cable in an exposed position along the exterior of
the pumping system may cause damage to the motor lead cable in the
event the pumping system rubs against the wellbore during
installation, removal or during operation. Accordingly, there is a
need for an improved mechanism for securing the motor lead cable to
the pumping system. It is to this and other deficiencies in the
prior art that the preferred embodiments are directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In preferred embodiments, the present invention includes a
pumping system useful for pumping fluids from a subterranean
formation to a surface facility. The pumping system includes a
first component and a second component connected to the first
component with a neck flange. The pumping system further includes a
motor lead cable that provides electrical power from the surface
facility to the pumping system and a cable protector connected to
the neck flange that secures the motor lead cable to the first and
second components. The cable protector includes a first clamp
section and a second clamp section. The second clamp section
includes a lead cable recess that extends in a longitudinal
direction along the exterior of the second clamp section and a band
recess that extends in a circumferential direction along the
exterior of the second clamp section. A tie or band resides in the
band recess and extends around the circumference of the cable
protector to secure the motor lead cable within the lead cable
recess.
[0006] In another aspect, the preferred embodiments of the present
invention provide a cable protector for use in securing a cable to
a pumping system. The cable protector includes a first clamp
section and a second clamp section. The second clamp section
further includes a lead cable recess that extends in a longitudinal
direction along the exterior of the second clamp section and a band
recess that extends in a circumferential direction along the
exterior of the second clamp section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a submersible pumping system constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the motor lead cable
connected to the motor with a cable protector constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the cable protector of
FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 provides an end view of the cable protector of FIG.
2.
[0011] FIG. 5 provides a side view of the cable protector of FIG.
2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] In accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention, FIG. 1 shows an elevational view of a pumping
system 100 attached to production tubing 102. The pumping system
100 and production tubing 102 are disposed in a wellbore 104, which
is drilled for the production of a fluid such as water or
petroleum. As used herein, the term "petroleum" refers broadly to
all mineral hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, gas and combinations
of oil and gas.
[0013] The pumping system 100 preferably includes a series of
interconnected components that collectively produce fluids from the
wellbore 104. The various components within the pumping system 100
may be connected by a neck flange 106 that has a smaller external
diameter than the adjacent components. In preferred embodiments,
the components include a pump 108, a motor 110 and a seal section
112. The production tubing 102 connects the pumping system 100 to
surface facilities. Although the pumping system 100 is primarily
designed to pump petroleum products, it will be understood that the
present invention can also be used to move other fluids. It will
also be understood that, although each of the components of the
pumping system are primarily disclosed in a submersible
application, some or all of these components can also be used in
surface pumping operations.
[0014] Generally, the motor 110 is configured to drive the pump
108. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pump 108 is a
turbomachine that uses one or more impellers and diffusers to
convert mechanical energy into pressure head. In alternate
embodiments, the pump 108 is configured as a positive displacement
pump. The pump 108 includes a pump intake 118 that allows fluids
from the wellbore 104 to be drawn into the pump 108. The pump 108
forces the wellbore fluids to the surface through the production
tubing 102.
[0015] The motor 110 receives power from a surface-based facility
through power cable 114 and motor lead cable 116. In a particularly
preferred embodiment the motor lead cable 116 extends from the
motor 110 to a point adjacent the production tubing 102. The
pumping system 100 further includes one or more cable protectors
118 that secure the motor lead cable 118 to the pumping system 100.
Although not visible in FIG. 1, the pumping system 100 may further
include one or more auxiliary lines 120 that provide a basis for
telemetry between the pumping system 100 and surface-mounted
facilities, for chemical injection near the pumping system 100 or
for other purposes.
[0016] It will be noted that although the pumping system 100 is
depicted in a vertical deployment in FIG. 1, the pumping system 100
can also be used in non-vertical applications, including in
horizontal and non-vertical wellbores 104. Accordingly, references
to "upper" and "lower" within this disclosure are merely used to
describe the relative positions of components within the pumping
system 100 and should not be construed as an indication that the
pumping system 100 must be deployed in a vertical orientation.
[0017] Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is a perspective view of
cable protector 118 holding the motor lead cable 116 and auxiliary
lines 120 adjacent to the motor 110 and seal section 112. It will
be noted that the motor lead cable 116 and auxiliary lines 120 are
depicted in a pre-installation condition in which the leads of the
motor lead cable 116 and auxiliary lines 120 have not yet been
connected to the appropriate terminals on the motor 110. As noted
in FIG. 2, the cable protector 118 is configured to be installed
around the neck flange 106 between the motor 110 and seal section
112. In this way, the outer diameter of the cable protector 118 is
approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the motor 110
and seal section 112.
[0018] Turning to FIGS. 3-5, shown therein are perspective, end and
side views, respectively, of a presently preferred embodiment of
the cable protector 118. The cable protector 118 generally includes
a first clamp section 122 and a second clamp section 124 connected
by a hinge 126. The hinge 126 includes a pin 128 (not visible in
FIG. 3) that permits the first clamp section 122 and second clamp
section 124 to open and close about the hinge 126. In the preferred
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-5, the closure of the first clamp
section 122 and second clamp section 124 creates a substantially
cylindrical interior surface 130. The interior surface 130 is sized
to be placed around a neck flange 106 between two adjacent
components within the pumping system 100. For the purposes of this
disclosure, the cable protector 118 will be understood to have a
longitudinal axis that extends through the center of the cable
protector 118 and along the length of the pumping system 100.
[0019] The first clamp section 122 preferably includes a latch
projection 132 that includes a bolt hole 134 and bolt recess 136.
The second clamp 124 preferably includes a latch recess 138 and
threaded bore 140. The latch recess 138 is configured to accept the
latch projection 132 in a manner that creates an alignment between
the bolt hole 134 and threaded bore 140 when the first and second
clamp sections 122, 124 are approximated (as best depicted in FIG.
5). A threaded fastener 142 (shown in FIG. 5) can be used to secure
the first clamp section 122 to the second clamp section 124 in the
closed position. As noted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bolt recess 136
allows the threaded fastener 142 to be concealed within the first
clamp section 122 when threaded into the second clamp section 124
such that the threaded fastener 142 does not extend to the outer
diameter of the cable protector 118.
[0020] The second clamp section 124 includes an anti-rotation tab
144 that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the
cable protector 118 and is designed to fit between screw heads on
adjacent neck flanges 106 to prevent the rotation of the cable
protector 118. The second clamp section 124 further includes an
upper body 146. The upper body 146 is preferably wider than the
lower portions of the first and second clamp sections 122, 124. In
a first preferred embodiment, the upper body 146 includes a lead
cable recess 148 that extends longitudinally across the exterior of
the upper body 146 and is sized and configured to accept a portion
of the motor lead cable 116. The upper body 146 may also include
auxiliary line recesses 150 that also extend longitudinally along
the exterior of the upper body 146. The auxiliary line recess 150
is sized and configured to accept a portion of the auxiliary lines
120. To protect the auxiliary lines 120 and motor lead cable 116,
the upper body 146 further includes bumpers 152 that extend above
the lead cable recess 148 and auxiliary line recess 150. The
bumpers 152 prevent the motor lead cable 116 and auxiliary lines
120 from contacting the wellbore 104 during installation, removal
or operation of the pumping system 100.
[0021] As best depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the cable protector
118 also includes a band recess 154 that extends circumferentially
around the exterior of the first and second clamp sections 122, 124
and is configured to accept a tie or band 156 (shown in partial
cutaway in FIG. 5). The band 156 secures the motor lead cable 116
and auxiliary lines 120 within the lead cable recess 148 and
auxiliary line recess 150, respectively. The band recess 154
conceals the band 156 from contact with external objects. The cable
protector 118 may also include a fastener recess 158 (shown in FIG.
4) within the band recess 154 of the first clamp section 122. The
fastener recess 158 provides a void in which a band fastener 160
can be concealed. Suitable band fasteners 160 include buckles,
worm-gear closures and Oetiker clasps.
[0022] Thus, the band recess 154 extends circumferentially around
the exterior of the cable protector 118 and intersects the lead
cable recess 148 and auxiliary line recess 150 in an orthogonal
relationship. The lead cable recess 148 and auxiliary line recess
150 are preferably sized so that the motor lead cable 118 and
auxiliary lines 120 are each captured within the corresponding
recess below the intersecting band recess 154. Because the band 156
holds the motor lead cable 116 and auxiliary lines 120 in
corresponding recesses within the cable protector 118, the extent
of compression applied by the band 156 is limited by the band
recess 154. The moderation of the compression applied by the band
156 reduces the risk of damaging the motor lead cable 116 and
auxiliary lines 120 with too much force applied by the band 156. In
this way, the cable protector 118 provides a low profile and
durable mechanism for holding the motor lead cable to the pumping
system 100 that is easy to install.
[0023] It is to be understood that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the
present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description,
together with details of the structure and functions of various
embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only,
and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of
structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the
present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general
meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings
of the present invention can be applied to other systems without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
* * * * *