U.S. patent application number 16/848508 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-14 for systems and methods for injecting electrical cables with a fluid.
This patent application is currently assigned to Instrument Manufacturing Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Instrument Manufacturing Company. Invention is credited to Wayne J. Chatterton, Benjamin Thomas Lanz, Charles William Shannon, Matthew Helm Spalding.
Application Number | 20210320445 16/848508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004884608 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210320445 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lanz; Benjamin Thomas ; et
al. |
October 14, 2021 |
Systems and Methods for Injecting Electrical Cables with a
Fluid
Abstract
An adapter probe configured for injecting fluid (e.g., liquid,
gas) into at least one electrical cable. Particularly for injecting
an electrical cable with a fluid when the electrical cable is
affixed to a separable connector (e.g., elbow separable connector).
Separable connector may be configured to connect sources of energy
(e.g., transformer, circuit breaker) with distribution systems via
electrical cable (or cable section).
Inventors: |
Lanz; Benjamin Thomas;
(Ellington, CT) ; Chatterton; Wayne J.;
(Cambridge, OH) ; Spalding; Matthew Helm;
(Cornelius, NC) ; Shannon; Charles William;
(Ramona, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Instrument Manufacturing Company |
Manchester |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Instrument Manufacturing
Company
Manchester
CT
|
Family ID: |
1000004884608 |
Appl. No.: |
16/848508 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 4/56 20130101; H01R
13/005 20130101; F16L 15/008 20130101; H01R 13/42 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/00 20060101
H01R013/00; H01R 4/56 20060101 H01R004/56; H01R 13/42 20060101
H01R013/42; F16L 15/00 20060101 F16L015/00 |
Claims
1. A method for introducing fluid to an electrical cable affixed to
a first port of a separable connector, the method comprising:
disconnecting the separable connector from a source of energy;
confirming the cable is a candidate for injection; removing an
electrical probe from a termination port of the separable
connector; affixing an adapter probe to the termination port of the
separable connector, wherein the connection port and the
termination port are in communication; and introducing a fluid
through the adapter probe into the separable connector via the
adapter probe at the terminal port for receipt within the
electrical cable at the connection port.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adapter probe is releasably
engaged with the separable connector.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the adapter probe is threadingly
engaged with a cable connector positioned within the separable
connector and in communication with the electrical cable.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the adapter probe includes a
passageway extending from a proximal end of the adapter probe to a
distal end of the adapter probe, and wherein introducing the fluid
comprises urging fluid through the passageway into a cavity of the
separable connector.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the adapter probe includes a
sealing element disposed about an outer surface of the adapter
probe that interfaces with a sealing interface of the separable
connector to create a seal that prevents fluid from escaping the
cavity between the outer surface of the adapter probe and an inner
surface of the separable connector.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprises: removing the adapter
probe after the fluid is introduced into the electrical cable;
reinstalling the electrical probe in the separable connector at the
terminal port; and reconnecting the separable connector to the
source of energy.
7. A system for introducing fluid to an electrical cable, the
system comprising: a separable connector having a connecting port
and a termination port, wherein the electrical cable is affixed to
the connecting port and the termination port is configured to be
connected to a terminal of a power device, the connecting and
termination ports are in communication with each other; in a first
state, the separable connector includes an electrical probe
associated with the termination port configured for electrical
connection with the terminal of the power device; and in a second
state, the separable connector includes an adapter probe associated
with the termination port in place of the probe, the adapter probe
is configured to introduce a fluid into the electrical cable via
the termination port.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the adapter is releasably engaged
with the separable connector.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the adapter is threadingly
engaged with a cable connector positioned within the separable
connector and in communication with the electrical cable.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the adapter port includes a
passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and the
fluid is introduced into the electrical cable via the
passageway.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the adapter probe includes a
sealing element disposed about an outer surface of the adapter
probe that interfaces with a sealing interface of the separable
connector to create a seal that prevents fluid from escaping the
cavity between the outer surface of the adapter probe and an inner
surface of the separable connector.
12. The system of claim 7, wherein a body of the adapter probe has
an cylindrical portion and a connecting feature portion, the
cylindrical portion extending between the proximal end and the
connecting feature portion and the connecting feature portion
extending between the distal end of the cylindrical portion.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the connecting feature portion
has diameter that is less than the diameter of the cylindrical
portion and includes a threaded portion for interfacing with an
engagement portion of a cable connector disposed in the separable
connector.
14. An adapter probe configured to introduce a fluid into a
separable connector, the adapter probe comprising: a body having a
proximal end and a distal end, the body being configured and
dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into the a
through-hole of a cable connector in a separable connector, the
separable connector being configured to be connected to a terminal
of a power device; a passageway extending through the body from the
proximal end to the distal end to provide a pathway through which
fluid flows into a cavity of the separable connector; and a fluid
engagement feature positioned with respect to the proximal end of
the adapter probe body, the fluid engagement feature is configured
to introduce the fluid through the passageway into the cavity of
the separable connector.
15. The adapter probe of claim 14, wherein the body defines a
length between three inches (3'') and twelve inches (12'').
16. The adapter probe of claim 14, wherein the passageway defines a
diameter between 1/64 of an inch (0.015625'') and 1/4 of an inch
(0.25'').
17. The adapter probe of claim 14, further comprising a connecting
feature positioned with respect to the distal end of the body.
18. The adapter probe of claim 17, wherein the connecting feature
is configured to threadingly engage with the through-hole of the
cable connector in the separable connector.
19. The adapter probe of claim 18, wherein the cable connector is
affixed to an electrical cable.
Description
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and
methods for injecting fluid into at least one electrical cable.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typical load and dead break separable connectors or cable
terminations (herein referred to as a "separable connectors") are
used to connect medium or high voltage underground electrical
cables to sources of energy and or sources of loads. The separable
connectors typical include a termination port with an electrical
pin or probe (herein referred to as an "electrical probe") for
electrically connecting the electrical cable to the source of
energy or load. The separable connector typically includes a
connection port through which the electrical cable is inserted to
operable connect the electrical cable to the probe. Separable
connectors generally have an elbow configuration where the angle
between the termination port and the connection port is a right
angle (90.degree.). However, separable connectors can have other
configurations, such as a "T" type or even a "live front"
configuration. There are at least two (2) types of elbow
applications: load break and dead break.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure provides advantageous systems,
devices, and methods for injecting fluid (e.g., liquid, gas) into
at least one electrical cable. For example, the systems, devices,
and methods can provide for injecting an electrical cable with a
fluid when the electrical cable is affixed to an existing separable
connector (e.g., elbow connector). The existing separable connector
may or may not have a special modification for a fluid injection
system via an access port disposed between the termination port and
the connection port. However, exemplary embodiments do not require
the access port, but rather facilitate injection of fluid into the
electrical cable via the termination port.
[0004] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure,
the separable connector can be removed from the source or load and
the existing electrical probe can be removed from the separable
connector. An adapter probe can be configured and adapted to
interface with the separable connector and replace the removed
electrical probe. The adapter probe can facilitate connection of
the separable connector to a fluid injection system. The adapter
probe can include a distal end and a proximal end, and can include
a passageway that extends at least partially between the distal end
and the proximal end. The distal end and/or the proximal end may
include features/elements for connecting with an adjacent device
(e.g., connector, hose, pipe, adapter, junction, fluid feed tank,
conduit, discard/vacuum tank). The separable connector with the
adapter probe installed therein can be connected to a fluid feed
tank at one end of the electrical cable to place the electrical
cable in fluid communication with a fluid feed tank via separable
connector and the adapter probe. At the other end of the electrical
cable, another separable connector with the adapter probe in place
of the electrical probe can be connected to a discard/vacuum tank
to place the electrical cable in fluid communication with a
discard/vacuum tank via the separable connector with the adapter
probe.
[0005] In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, a method for introducing fluid to an electrical cable
is disclosed. The method can include (i) disconnecting a
termination port of a separable connector from a source of energy;
(ii) removing an electrical probe from the termination port of the
separable connector; (iii) affixing an adapter probe to the
termination port of the separable connector, wherein the
termination port is in fluid communication with a connection port
of the separable connector; and (iv) introducing a fluid through
the adapter probe into the separable connector via the termination
port for receipt within insulation of an electrical cable inserted
in the connection port.
[0006] In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, a fluid injection system for introducing fluid to an
electrical cable is disclosed. The system can include a separable
connector having a connection port and a termination port, wherein
the electrical cable is inserted into the connection port and the
termination port is configured to be connected to a terminal of a
source of energy. The connection and termination ports are in fluid
communication with each other. In a first state, the separable
connector can include an electrical probe associated with the
termination port to facilitate electrical connection with the
terminal of the power device. In a second state, the separable
connector can include an adapter probe associated with the
termination port in place of the electrical probe, the adapter
probe can be configured to introduce a fluid into insulation of the
electrical cable via the termination port.
[0007] In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, the adapter probe can be releasably engaged with the
separable connector. For example, the adapter probe can be
threadingly engaged with a cable coupler positioned within the
separable connector and in fluid communication with the insulation
of the electrical cable.
[0008] In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, the adapter probe can be configured to introduce a
fluid into a separable connector. The adapter probe can include a
body having a proximal end and a distal end, which can be
configured and dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into
the termination port of a separable connector and to form a seal
between the body and the termination port. The body can be
configured with a passageway extending through the body from the
proximal end to the distal end to provide a pathway through which
fluid can flow into the termination port beyond the seal and can be
released within the sealed chamber of the separable connector. A
fluid engagement feature can be positioned with respect to the
proximal end of the body and can be configured to introduce the
fluid through the passageway into the cavity of the separable
connector. The pathway can also allow fluid to flow out of the
termination port from the sealed chamber of the separable
connector. A fluid engagement feature can be positioned with
respect to the proximal end of the body and can be configured to
receive the fluid output through the passageway.
[0009] In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, the body of the adapter probe can define a length
between three (3) inches and twelve (12) inches. The disclosed
passageway may define a diameter between one sixteenth ( 1/16) inch
and one (1) inch.
[0010] Additional advantageous features, functions and
implementations of the fluid injection, devices, systems and
methods will be apparent from the description of exemplary
embodiments described below, particularly when read in conjunction
with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] The systems and methods of the present disclosure will be
better understood on reading the description which follows, given
solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to
the drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a
separable connector without the adapter probe, electrical cable, or
cable coupler to enhance the visualization of the cavity, according
to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a
separable connector with an electrical probe removed, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2B schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a
separable connector with an adapter probe attached, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 3A schematically depicts a perspective view from the
proximal end of an adapter probe according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 3B schematically depicts a perspective view from the
distal end of an adapter probe according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cable injection system
assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for introducing
fluid into an electrical cable, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 6 depicts another example adapter probe according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 7 depicts yet another example adapter probe according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0021] FIG. 8 depicts still another example adapter probe according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, like parts are marked
throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference
numerals, respectively. Drawing figures are not necessarily to
scale and in certain views, parts may have been exaggerated for
purposes of clarity.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a housing of a separable connector 10.
The separable connector 10 can include a connection port 24 and a
termination port 26, which can be in communication with each other
to create a cavity 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity 28
can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with the
connection port 24 and the termination port 26. The separable
connector 10 show in FIG. 1 is an elbow connector where the
connection port 24 extends along a longitudinal axis A.sub.1 and
the termination port 26 extends perpendicularly relative to the
connection port along a longitudinal axis A.sub.2. The cavity can
include a sealing interface 18 corresponding to a reduced area of
the cavity proximate to an elbow portion of the separable connector
10 that can interface with a probe when the probe is inserted into
the separable connector 10 to create a seal between an outer
surface of the probe and an inner surface of the separable
connector 10 at the sealing interface 18.
[0024] FIG. 2A depicts an example separable connector 10 (e.g.,
elbow connector) configured to connect an electrical cable 12 to a
power terminal 11 of a source of energy (e.g., transformer, circuit
breaker). The electrical cable 12 includes, in part, a conductive
core 14 surrounded by an insulation layer 16. The conductive core
14 may include electrically conductive strands. The electrical
cable 12 may be rated for any medium voltage (MV) or high voltage
(HV) class. The cavity 28 of the separable connector 10 houses the
electrical cable 12 including the insulation layer 16, the
conductive core 14, a cutback gap 34, and a cable connector 20,
each of which can be inserted through the connection port 24 into
the cavity 28. The cavity 28 also partially houses an electrical
probe 15 or an adapter probe 50 (FIG. 2B) through the termination
port 26. The electrical probe 15 or the adapter probe 50 can be at
least partially engaged with the cable connector 20.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, one end of the electrical cable
12 can be received via a connection port 24 of the separable
connector 10 and the cable connector 20 of the separable connector
10 can electrically and mechanically connect the exposed portion of
the conductive core 14 of the electrical cable 12 to the electrical
probe 15 configured to be received by a termination port 26 to
connect the electrical probe 15 to the separable connector 10. The
connection between the electrical probe 15, cable connector 20, and
the conductive core 14 can be encompassed by the housing of the
separable connector 10. As shown in FIG. 2A, the electrical probe
15 is disconnected and removed from the separable connector 10.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, engagement between the cable
connector 20 and the conductive core 14 can produce the cut back
gap 34 between the cable connector 20 the insulation layer 16
having a length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A1. For
example, the gap 34 can have a length of approximately 1/32 of an
inch to approximately 1 inch. The gap 34 can, at least in part,
facilitate the transmission of injection fluid (e.g., liquid, gas)
for receipt by the electrical cable 12 between the conductive core
14 and the insulation layer 16, as is explained in more detail
below. The cable connector 20 can include the engagement portion 22
(e.g., a threaded portion), which can be positioned in close
proximity to the termination port 26. The engagement portion 22 can
be at least partially aligned with the longitudinal axis A2 of the
termination port 26. The engagement portion 22 can extend at least
partially through the cable connector 20 so as to create a through
hole.
[0027] The electrical probe 15 is configured to, at least in part,
electrically connect the power terminal 11 to the electrical cable
12. The electrical probe 15 can be a solid conductive rod or shaft
that is inserted into the separable connector 10, and the separable
connector 10 can be installed over the power terminal 11 such that
the electrical probe 15 electrically and mechanically engages the
power terminal to electrically couple the electrical cable 12 to
the power terminal 11 via the cable connector 20. The electrical
probe 15 can be removed from the separable connector and replaced
with an adapter probe, as described herein. For example, the
electrical probe 15 can be threadingly engaged with an engagement
portion 22 of the cable connector 20 such that the electrical probe
15 can unscrewed to disengage the electrical probe 15 from the
cable connector 20 and the separable connector 10.
[0028] FIG. 2B shows the separable connector 10 of FIG. 2A with the
electrical probe 15 removed and an adapter probe 50 engaged with
the cable connector 20 of the separable connector 10 in place of
the electrical probe 15. As shown in FIG. 2B, the engagement
portion 22 of the separable connector 10 can be configured and
adapted to at least partially receive the adapter probe 50, which
may include a corresponding engagement portion (e.g., a threaded
portion 64 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) that is configured to
interface with the engagement portion 22 (e.g., the engagement
portion of the adapter probe 50 threadingly engages the engagement
portion 22 of the cable connector 20). The adapter probe 50 can
have a passageway 62 formed therein. During this engagement a
pathway can be created that extends through the passageway 62 of
the adapter probe 50 and continues through the through-hole in the
cable connector 20 and into the cavity 28. The adapter probe 50 can
include a groove/indent formed about an outer surface of the
adapter probe 50. A sealing element, such as an O-ring 21, can be
disposed at a groove/indent to assist in creating an air/liquid
tight seal at the termination port 26 between the outer surface of
the adapter probe 50 and the inner surface of the separable
connector 10.
[0029] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate an embodiment of the adapter probe 50.
The adapter probe 50 can include a body 52 that extends along a
longitudinal axis A.sub.3 a distance L.sub.1 measured parallel to
the longitudinal axis A.sub.3 between a proximal end 58 and a
distal end 60. For example, the body 52 can have a length L.sub.1
of between approximately three (3) inches and approximately twelve
(12) inches. The body 52 includes a cylindrical portion 68 and a
connecting feature portion 56. The cylindrical portion 68 of the
body 52 defines outer cylindrical surface 54, which has an outer
diameter D.sub.1, and extends a length L.sub.3 from the proximal
end to the connecting feature portion 56, measured parallel to the
longitudinal axis A.sub.3. Although depicted and being described as
a cylindrical portion, exemplary embodiments of the portion 68 of
the adapter probe 50 may be defined as other shapes. The connecting
feature portion 56 is configured to at least partial engage with
the cable connector 20 (FIG. 2B). The connecting feature portion 56
can be positioned at the distal end 60 of the adapter probe 50 and
can extend a distance L.sub.2 from the distal end 60 to the
cylindrical portion 68, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis
A.sub.3. The connecting feature portion 56 can have an outer
diameter D.sub.2, which can be equal to or less than the outer
diameter D.sub.1 of the cylindrical portion 68 of the body 52. The
diameter D.sub.2 can be sized to correspond to the through-hole of
the engagement portion 22 of the cable connector 20. The diameter
of D.sub.1 can be sized such that it matches, is slightly less
than, or slightly greater than a diameter of the sealing interface
18 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the diameter D.sub.2 can be
greater than the diameter D.sub.1 or the diameter D.sub.2 can vary
or taper from one end to the other. The connecting feature portion
56 can be axially positioned along the longitudinal axis A.sub.3 so
that it is coaxially aligned with the remainder of the body 52. It
should be appreciated that the connecting feature portion 56 may be
integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 68 or can be
attached/fixed to the cylindrical portion 68 of the body 52. The
connecting feature portion 56 can include a corresponding
attachment feature to engage the engagement portion 22 of the cable
connector 20. For example, the connecting feature portion 56 can
include a threaded portion 64, which is configured to threadingly
engage with the correspondingly threaded engagement portion 22 of
the cable connector 20.
[0030] Adapter probe 50 can define the passageway or through-hole
62 that can extend axially through a center of the body 52 along
the longitudinal axis A.sub.3 to create a channel that extends from
and is open at the proximal end 58 to the distal end 60 of the
adapter probe 50. The passageway 62 can have an inner diameter
D.sub.3, which is less than D.sub.1 and D.sub.2. For example, the
inner diameter D.sub.3 can be between approximately 1/64 of an inch
to approximately 1/4 of an inch. When the adapter probe 50 is
mechanically engaged with the cable connector 20, the passageway 62
may be configured to transfer fluid through the passageway and into
cavity 28 of the separable connector 10 or transfer fluid from
within the cavity out of the separable connector 10. The proximal
end 58 may be further configured to interface with one or more
fluid delivery devices (e.g., hose, pipe, fastener, conduit) and/or
one or more fluid vacuum or discard devices.
[0031] The adapter probe 50 can define one or more sealing
features/elements, such as the O-ring 21, which may be positioned
with respect to at least one surface of the adapter probe 50. For
example, the sealing feature/element may be positioned about the
outer surface 54 of the body 52. The sealing feature/element 66 may
include an O-ring 21 for sealing a space between the adapter probe
50 and the sealing interface 18 of the separable connector 10 to
create a fluid tight seal when adapter probe 50 is connected to
cable connector 20 such that fluid cannot escape from the cavity 28
between the outer surface of the adapter probe and the inner
surface of the separable connector 10. As described herein, the
O-ring 21 may be positioned partially in a groove/indent 19 to, in
part, assist in maintaining the position of the O-ring 21 to create
a fluid tight seal when adapter probe 50 is inserted into the
termination port 26 and connected to cable connector 20 (FIG.
2B).
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a cable injection system 400. As depicted
in FIG. 4, the cable injection system 400 may include at least one
separable connector 10 operable coupled to the electrical cable 12
via the connection ports 24 and 24', as described herein. In an
exemplary embodiment, the cable injection system 400 includes at
least two separable connectors 10 and 10' and the electrical cable
12 extending between the two separable connectors 10 and 10' to
electrically couple the two separable connectors 10 and 10'. In
normal operation, the separable connectors 10 and 10' can each
include electrical probes and can be connected to power terminals
11 and 11' of power devices (e.g., sources of energy or loads),
respectively, where the electrical probe in each separable
connector 10 and 10' electrically connects the electrical cable 12
to each of the power devices. When fluid is to be injected into the
insulation of the electrical cable 12, which may be buried
underground or otherwise inaccessible, one or both separable
connectors 10 and 10' can be removed from the terminal(s) of the
power device(s) and the electrical probe(s) can be removed. The
adapter probes 50 and 50' can be inserted into the termination
port(s) 26 and 26' of the separable connectors 10 and 10',
respectively, in place of the removed electrical probe(s). For
example, as shown in FIG. 4, in a non-limiting configuration, one
of the adapter probes 50 is coupled to the separable connector 10
and one of the adapter probes 50' is coupled to the separable
connector 10'. The adapter probes 50 and 50' are inserted into the
termination port(s) 26 and 26' of the separable connectors 10 and
10'. The separable connectors 10 and 10' with the adapter probes
inserted therein can be placed in fluid communication with a feed
tank 402 and a discard tank 408 by way of fluid conduit 405 and
310, respectively. The feed tank 402 can be filled with fluid to be
forced into the electrical cable 12 under pressure and/or the
discard tank 408 can be under vacuum pressure to draw the fluid
from the electrical cable 12.
[0033] For illustrative purposes, the feed tank 402 can be a supply
tank and discard tank 408 can be a waste tank. The feed tank 402
can be in fluid communication with the electrical cable 12 via the
fluid conduit 405, which can be in direct or indirect communication
with the adapter probe 50, and the adapter probe 50 can be in
direct or indirect contact with the separable connector 10.
Particularly, the feed tank 402 can include one or more
valves/fittings 404 that are in fluid communication with the first
fluid conduit 405. The discard tank 408 may be in fluid
communication with electrical cable 12 via the fluid conduit 310,
which can be in direct or indirect communication with the adapter
probe 50, and the adapter probe 50 can be in direct or indirect
contact with separable connector 10'. Particularly, the discard
tank 408 may include one or more valves/fittings 410 that are in
fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 310.
[0034] Injection fluid 406 stored in the feed tank 402 can be
injected into the electrical cable 12. The injection fluid 406 can
be injected into the electrical cable 12 between the insulation
layer 16 and the conductive core 14 under pressure via the adapter
probe 50 of the separable connector 10. The fluid can be injected
at varying pressures (e.g., 0.2 MPa to 0.4 MPa). The injection
fluid 406 can pass through the adapter probe 50 of the separable
connector 10 and into the cavity 28 of the separable connector 10.
The injection fluid 406 may come in contact with the cable
connector 20, the cavity 28, the gap 34, the conductive core 14,
and/or the insulation layer 16. As the above-mentioned the
injection fluid 406 passes through the electrical cable 12 and
exits out of the separable connector 10' (e.g., via the adapter
probe 50 inserted into the separable connector 10'. Shown, as
discard fluid 412, the injection fluid can come in contact with the
insulation layer 16, the conductive core 14, the gap 34, the cavity
28, the cable connector 20, and the adapter probe 50 in the
separable connector 10' before being output through the fluid
conduit 310 and discharged into the discard tank 408. The injection
fluid 406 can pass through the electrical cable 12 and may include
water and other residual fluid (e.g., injection fluid) present
within the electrical cable 12 and as such may become discard fluid
412.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of
injecting a fluid into an electrical cable. While the process of
using the adapter probe 50 is described with reference to the cable
injection system 400, it should be appreciated that exemplary
embodiments of the adapter probe 50 are not limited to the assembly
or configuration described with reference to FIG. 4. The process
described herein with reference to FIG. 5 is merely illustrative of
one of the many potential uses for the adapter probe 50.
[0036] At step 500, an electrical cable (e.g., electrical cable 12)
is identified for receiving injection of a fluid (e.g., based on
whether the electrical cable meets minimum criteria to inject a
fluid and electrical test determines no insulation defects are
present). At step 502, separable connectors (e.g., separable
connectors 10) connected to the ends of the electrical cable are
disconnected from electrical terminals of power devices. At step
504, electrical probes (e.g., electrical probes 15) are removed
from separable connectors (e.g., from termination port 26 of
separable connector 10). At step 506, adapter probes (e.g., adapter
probe 50) are inserted into the separable connectors in place of
the electrical probes at each end of the electrical cable. At step
508, an injection fluid (e.g., liquid, gas 406) is introduced
through one of the adapter probes at a first end of the electrical
cable into separable connector for receipt within the electrical
cable. At step 510, the injection system (e.g., injection system
400) is monitored for injection fluid receipt within the electrical
cable and discard fluid (e.g., discard fluid 412) discharged at a
discard tank (e.g., discard tank 408) at a second end of the
electrical cable. At step 512, upon completing the injection of
fluid into the electrical cable, the injection system is removed
and the adapter probes are removed probes. At step 514, the
electrical probes are reinstalled back into separable connectors
(or new electrical probes are installed). At step 516, the
separable connectors with the electrical probes are reconnected to
electrical terminals of the power devices.
[0037] Further, in operation, separable connector 10 may be
configured to connect sources of energy (e.g., transformer, circuit
breaker) via electrical cable (or cable section) 12. The sources of
energy interface with a probe positioned within the termination
port 26 of the separable connector 10. To begin, the separable
connector 10 is removed from a power terminal 11. Then, the probe
is removed from separable connector 10. In some instances, probe
may be engaged with the cable connector 20, which is further
engaged with the electrical cable 12. The probe may be unscrewed
from the cable connector 20, however, additional removal techniques
may be used. The above can be repeated as necessary for remaining
separable connectors 10, if any. Then, with the source of energy
disconnected, engage the adapter probe 50 at least partially with
the separable connector 10 (e.g., termination port 26), as
discussed herein. Particularly, the adapter probe 50 may be at
least partially inserted into termination port 26 and even more
particularly, adapter probe 50 may be threadingly engaged with
termination port 26 and/or cable connector 20. The above can be
repeated as necessary for remaining separable connectors 10. Affix
one end of the one or more fluid conduits to the adapter probe 50
and the other end to one or more fluid tanks (e.g., feed tank,
discard tank). For example, affix the first fluid conduit 405 to
the first adapter probe 50 which is in communication with the
electrical cable 12. Then, affix the second fluid conduit 310 to
the second adapter probe 50', which is in communication with the
electrical cable 12 and the first adapter probe 50. Inject an
injection fluid from the feed tank 402 into the first fluid conduit
405 into the electrical cable 12. Injecting the injection fluid can
force discard fluids (e.g., water, residual fluid) that are within
the electrical cable 12 into the discard tank 408 by way of second
fluid conduit 310. Once satisfied with the injection process,
disconnect the necessary injection components and attach the probe
to the separable connector 10 and to the power terminal 11, as
known in the art and outlined above with respect to the removal of
probe.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an adapter probe
50A. The adapter probe 50A. The adapter 50A can define a first
adapter body 52A and a second adapter body 113. The first adapter
body 52A can be identical to the body 52 of the adapter probe 50
except that a proximal end of the first adapter body 52A is
operatively coupled to the second adapter body 113, which extends
perpendicularly with respect to the first adapter body 52A. The
proximal end of the first adapter body 52A interfaces with the
second adapter body 113 at approximately the middle of the length
of the second adapter body 113 such that the adapter probe 50A has
an T-shaped configuration.
[0039] The first adapter body 52A can define the passageway or
through-hole 62 described herein. The second adapter body 113 can
define a passageway or through-hole 124 that may extend axially
through a center of the body 113 along the longitudinal axis
A.sub.4 to create a channel. The passageway 62 of the first adapter
body can be open at the proximal end and distal end and can be in
fluid communication with the passageway 124 of the second adapter
body 113. In some embodiments, one end of the second adapter body
113 can be capped or closed to terminate the passageway 124. In
some embodiments, both ends of the second adapter body 113 can be
open to the passageway 124. An open end of the second adapter body
113 can be configured to interface with one or more fluid carrying
devices (e.g., hose, pipe, fitting, conduit) for introducing fluid
into the passageway 124 and passageway 62 or for receiving fluid
from the passageway 62 and passageway 124. For example, the adapter
probe 50A can be configured to provide fluid, through the
passageways 124 and 62 to the electrical cable 12 when the adapter
probe 50A is inserted into the termination port of separable
connector 10 and the electrical cable is inserted into the
connection terminal of the separable connector 10.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrate another embodiment of an adapter probe
50B. The adapter probe 50B can define a first adapter body 52B and
a second adapter body 218. The first adapter body 52A can be
identical to the body 52 of the adapter probe 50 except that a
proximal end of the first adapter body 52A is operatively coupled
to the second adapter body 218, which extends perpendicularly from
the proximal end of the first adapter body 52B such that the
adapter probe 50B has an L-shaped configuration.
[0041] The first adapter body 52B can define the passageway or
through-hole 62 described herein. The second adapter body 218 can
define a passageway or through-hole 226 that may extend axially
through a center of the second body portion 218 along the
longitudinal axis A.sub.1 to create a channel. The passageway 62 of
the first adapter body 62 can be open at the proximal end and can
be in fluid communication with the passageway 226 of the second
adapter body 218. An open end 220 of the second adapter body 218
can be configured to interface with one or more fluid carrying
devices (e.g., hose, pipe, fitting, conduit) for introducing fluid
into the passageway 226 and passageway 62 or for receiving fluid
from the passageway 62 and passageway 226. For example, the adapter
probe 50B can be configured to provide fluid, through the
passageways 226 and 62 to the electrical cable 12 when the adapter
probe 50B is inserted into the termination port of separable
connector 10 and the electrical cable is inserted into the
connection terminal of the separable connector 10.
[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of an adapter probe
50C. The adapter probe 50C can at least partially engage with the
termination port 26 of the separable connector 10 when the
electrical probe is removed. The adapter 50C can be a plug formed
of a resilient material, such as a polymer (e.g., rubber). The plug
can have a generally truncated cone configuration, where a proximal
end 312 forms a base on the truncated cone. A diameter of the plug
can be at least partially tapered radially inwardly along from the
proximal end 312 to a distal end 314. The adapter 50C can further
define the passageway 308 that can extend between and open to the
proximal end 312 and distal end 314. In an exemplary embodiment,
the passageway 308 can extend through a central axis of the adapter
probe 50C. The adapter probe 50C and passageway 308 can be
configured to interface with one or more fluid carrying devices 320
(e.g., hose, pipe, fitting, conduit) to introduce fluid into the
passageway 308 or for receiving fluid from the passageway 308. For
example, the adapter probe 50C can be configured to provide fluid,
through the passageways 308 to the electrical cable 12 when the
adapter probe 50C is inserted into the termination port of
separable connector 10 and the electrical cable is inserted into
the connection terminal of the separable connector 10.
[0043] As will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art,
the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in
all respects as illustrative and not prescriptive nor
restrictive.
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