SUBSEA SENSOR ASSEMBLIES

摘要

Sensor assemblies, electrical penetrator assemblies and associated methods are provided for monitoring operational characteristics of subsea rotating devices such as subsea motors and pumps. Pressure-compensated proximity sensors configured to withstand subsea pressures are disposed adjacent a subsea rotating shaft for directly monitoring a position of the rotating shaft during dynamic operation thereof. A sensor tip assembly includes a sensor cap and a sensing element therein configured to produce a signal indicative of a distance between the sensor cap and the rotating shaft. A substantially incompressible fluid is disposed within a fluid reservoir within a sensor housing, and fluidly communicates with the sensor cap such that at least a portion of an internal pressure within the sensor housing is applied to interior portions of the sensor cap. The sensor housing is configured such that the internal pressure increases in response to an increase in an external pressure of the sensor housing.

主权项

1. A pressure-compensated proximity sensor assembly, comprising:
a proximity sensor tip assembly including a proximity sensor cap at an end thereof and a sensing element disposed at least partially within the proximity sensor cap, the sensing element configured to produce a signal indicative of a distance between a reference point on the proximity sensor tip assembly and a reference point on a target proximate the proximity sensor cap; and a sensor housing connected to the proximity sensor cap, the sensor housing defining a fluid reservoir containing a substantially incompressible fluid therein, the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with interior portions the proximity sensor cap such that at least a portion of an internal pressure on the substantially incompressible fluid within the fluid reservoir is applied to the interior portions of the proximity sensor cap; and wherein the sensor housing is configured such that the internal pressure on the sensor housing and the substantially incompressible fluid contained therein increases in response to an increase in an external pressure on the sensor housing.