Electrical connector system

Abstract

An electrical connector system is described for use in subsea environments for providing electrical connection through the wellhead into a tubular element with apertures for carrying electrical cables downhole. The system includes a circumferential electrically conductor ring which is coupled to, and insulated from, a tubular subsea element such as a tubing hanger, by an elastomeric electrically insulating sealing element, surrounding the conductor ring. The conductor ring is coupled to an electrical annular connector and is adapted to receive an electrical connector of a horizontally mounted electrical connector assembly which is hydraulically actuated to penetrate the elastomeric element in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element to make electrical contact with the conductor ring. This completes an electrical connection from the electrical connector assembly through the conductor ring to the annular connector which, in turn, is coupled to a cable connected to downhole transducers or electrical equipment. The tubular element and conductor ring fit within a wellhead or tubular casing which has an aligned aperture for receiving the horizontally mounted electrical connector assembly.