RECIPROCATING DEBRIS EXCLUSION DEVICE FOR DOWNHOLE CONNECTORS

摘要

The invention addresses ways to protect the free ends of communication lines from debris during downhole connection. A lower assembly, positioned downhole, has a lower connector with a free end of a communication line. An upper assembly is moved downhole and has an upper connector. A reciprocating member with attached protective cover is mounted for movement on the lower assembly. A second reciprocating member with attached protective cover is mounted for reciprocating movement on the upper assembly. The free ends are connected as the upper and lower assemblies are moved toward one another. Upon disconnection, the upper and lower connectors are moved apart and the reciprocating members return to their initial positions, again protecting the free ends of the communication lines. The covers are preferably biased towards a closed position and return to a closed state upon disconnection.

主权项

1. A method of protecting the free ends of communication lines from debris during downhole connection in a subterranean well, the method comprising:
a) positioning a first downhole assembly, having a first connector with a free end of a first communication line fixed thereto, at a downhole location in the wellbore; b) moving a second downhole assembly, having a second connector with a free end of a second communication line fixed thereto, into the wellbore and relative to the first downhole assembly; c) moving a first reciprocating member mounted for movement on the first downhole assembly from an initial position to an actuated position, the first reciprocating member moving relative to the first connector; d) moving a second reciprocating member mounted for movement on the second downhole assembly from an initial position to an actuated position, the second reciprocating member moving relative to the second connector; e) moving a first protective cover, attached to the first reciprocating member, from an initial position wherein the free end of the first communication line is protected from debris to an open position wherein the free end of the first communication line exposed; f) moving a second protective cover, attached to the second reciprocating member, from an initial position wherein the free end of the second communication line is protected from debris to an open position wherein the free end of the second communication line is exposed; g) connecting the first and second connectors and establishing communication across the free ends of the first and second communication lines; h) disconnecting the first and second connectors; and i) returning the first reciprocating member to its initial position and the first cover to its initial position wherein the free end of the first connector is protected from debris; and j) returning the second reciprocating member to its initial position and the second cover to its initial position wherein the free end of the second connector is protected from debris.