NON-PRESSURE COMPENSATED, WET-MATEABLE PLUG FOR FEEDTHROUGH AND OTHER SUBSEA SYSTEMS

摘要

The invention provides a submersible or harsh environment connector for use with electrical, optical or electro-optical cables having first and second connector units which are releasably mateable and that are not pressure compensated. The invention provides a wet-mate without pressure balancing system for making a subsea wet-mate connection. The invention uses a reservoir of fluid and a mechanism energized by mating, such as by a spring, to push that fluid into a small mated connection, discharging an equivalent volume of seawater and creating electrical and/or optical continuity. One-way or back-flow prevent valves ensure there is no return flow of seawater. Typical fluids would be dielectric oil or optical gel.