Field application of polymer-based electrical insulation

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for producing an insulated electrical conductor. Electrically uninsulated portions of respective electrical conductors are connected. A joint between the electrically uninsulated portions is coated with a preceramic resin, which is heated to cure the preceramic resin into a green-state insulator that substantially covers the joint.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 351,654, entitled “IN SITU PROCESSING OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE ELECTRICAL INSULATION,” filed Feb. 9, 2006 by Matthew W. Hooker et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This application relates generally to high-temperature electrical insulation. More specifically, this application relates to in situ processing of high-temperature electrical insulation. Certain examples described in detail relate to oil-recovery applications. [0003] In recent years, concerns regarding the availability of sufficient oil to meet demands have been increasing. This is due in part to the fact that global demand for petroleum has been increasing and continues to increase, particularly as developing nations evolve more mature petroleum-consumption patterns that parallel those of developed nations. No n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] Embodiments of the invention provide methods for assisting oil-recovery processes that have thermal aspects. This may be done with a heater cable having a structure that is modified after installation. In particular, the heater cable includes a preceramic resin based composite that is pyrolyzed after deployment to form a ceramic insulator. While the ceramic insulator has material properties that are effective during use of the heater cable, fabrication, transportation, and installation of the heater cable may be simplified significantly when the preceramic resin, which is cured into its green state, is present instead of the ceramic insulator.

Problems solved by technology

This pattern may be problematic by itself.

But coupled with these increases in demand is also a growing recognition that oil recovery itself is likely to become more difficult over time.

The combination of increasing demand and increasing difficulty in production has resulted in a wide acknowledgment that there will be a production shortfall sooner than had previously been anticipated.

Associated with this increase in demand and production difficulties is an increase in the cost of oil which provides impetus and capital for the development of new sources of oil and the associated new production and recovery technology.

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