Device for protection of electrical subsea connectors against penetration of seawater
First Claim
1. In a subsea electrical connector having a male member, said male member having an insertion member, and a female member, said female member having a cavity for receiving said male insertion member, the improvement comprising:
- a reservoir containing a pressurized ferromagnetic fluid, said reservoir being in communication with said female cavity thereby allowing said ferromagnetic fluid to communicate with said female cavity, said ferromagnetic fluid being maintained at a pressure greater than that of the surrounding seawater; and
a permanent magnet assembly surrounding said female cavity and being capable of preventing said ferromagnetic fluid from leaking out of said female cavity.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for protecting an electrical subsea connector from seawater and increasing the magnetic conductivity in an inductive type electrical subsea connector is disclosed. The device is made up of a reservoir containing an oil-based ferromagnetic fluid under pressure. The reservoir is in communication with the female cavity of the connector and the female cavity is equipped with permanent magnets to prevent the magnetic fluid from leaking out. The ferromagnetic fluid is at a pressure exceeding the pressure of the surrounding seawater.
27 Citations
12 Claims
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1. In a subsea electrical connector having a male member, said male member having an insertion member, and a female member, said female member having a cavity for receiving said male insertion member, the improvement comprising:
- a reservoir containing a pressurized ferromagnetic fluid, said reservoir being in communication with said female cavity thereby allowing said ferromagnetic fluid to communicate with said female cavity, said ferromagnetic fluid being maintained at a pressure greater than that of the surrounding seawater; and
a permanent magnet assembly surrounding said female cavity and being capable of preventing said ferromagnetic fluid from leaking out of said female cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12)
- a reservoir containing a pressurized ferromagnetic fluid, said reservoir being in communication with said female cavity thereby allowing said ferromagnetic fluid to communicate with said female cavity, said ferromagnetic fluid being maintained at a pressure greater than that of the surrounding seawater; and
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9. A subsea electrical connector comprising:
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(a) a male member having an insertion member; (b) a female member having a cavity for receiving said male insertion member; (c) a reservoir containing a ferromagnetic fluid in communication with said female cavity; (d) means for pressurizing said ferromagnetic fluid to a pressure greater than that of the surrounding seawater; and (e) a magnet assembly surrounding said female cavity and preventing said ferromagnetic fluid from leaking out of said female cavity. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification