RADIO FREQUENCY AND FLUID COUPLER FOR A SUBTERRANEAN ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

A radio frequency (RF) and fluid coupler is for a subterranean assembly. The assembly may have a fluid passageway therein, and may include an RF antenna and a coaxial transmission line connected thereto. The coupler may include an electrically conductive hollow body that includes electrically conductive segments connected together in end-to-end relation at respective joints to provide an outer electrical pathway to connect to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line. An elongate conductive member may extend within the electrically conductive hollow body to provide an inner electrical pathway to connect to the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line. A respective dielectric pressure barrier may be between the elongate conductive member and adjacent portions of the electrically conductive hollow body adjacent each of a pair of joints to define a fluid chamber to connect to the fluid passageway. A fluid port may be connected to the fluid chamber.

主权项

1. A radio frequency (RF) and fluid coupler for a subterranean assembly comprising an RF antenna and a coaxial transmission line connected thereto, the coaxial transmission line comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, the subterranean assembly having at least one fluid passageway therein, the RF and fluid coupler comprising:
an electrically conductive hollow body comprising a plurality of electrically conductive segments connected together in end-to-end relation at respective joints to provide an outer electrical pathway to connect to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line; an elongate conductive member extending within said electrically conductive hollow body to provide an inner electrical pathway to connect to the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line; a respective dielectric pressure barrier between said elongate conductive member and adjacent portions of said electrically conductive hollow body adjacent each of a pair of joints to define at least one fluid chamber to connect to the at least one fluid passageway of the subterranean assembly; and a fluid port connected to the at least one fluid chamber.