ONE-MEGAWATT SUBSEA MATEABLE ELECTRIC CONNECTOR: KEY TO MULTIPHASE PUMP DRIVE ASSEMBLY - NOW FIELD PROVEN

Within the scope of the Poseidon project, a 1 megawatt prototype "wet-make-break" electric connector, was developed and tested. The purpose is to allow easy recovery of the motor pump module from within a subsea multiphase boosting station for maintenance purpose. Based on the field proven conducive linear concept, the preliminary design was modified following experiments performed on four electrical and mechanical physical models. The prototype was then manufactured and submitted to caisson trials, with excellent results. It was then tested subsea, by 150m water depth, together with a prototype motor group, with actual power ranging from 100-1100kW. During this six month period, ten connection-disconnection operations were performed subsea without any loss of insulation on the connector.