| 摘要 |
The present invention relates to an apparatus for protecting and insulating an electrical connection in a hazardous area adjacent a wellhead barrier of a well enclosing fluids. The electrical connection is between a first electrical conductor extending from a non-hazardous area and a second electrical conductor extending through the wellhead barrier. The second electrical conductor includes a conductive portion circumscribed by insulation. The apparatus is comprised of a unit for electrically and mechanically coupling the first and second electrical conductors together forming the electrical connection. A breather boot is provided for protecting and insulating the electrical connection. The breather boot includes an inner cavity for containing the electrical coupling unit, a first opening for receiving the first electrical conductor and a second opening for receiving the second electrical conductor. The insulation is terminated within the breather boot. A header space is located where the insulation is terminated within the second opening. A gas block seal passage is provided adjacent the header space allowing passage of the conductive portion of the second electrical conductor from the second opening to the electrical coupling unit. A breather passage is provided which allows fluid communication between the header space and the area surrounding the breather boot. The breather passage and the header space are filled with a dielectric compound so that in the event well fluids escape between the insulation and conductive portion of the second electrical conductor the well fluids will escape without migrating through the gas block seal passage.
|
