New robust connector meets ever higher temperature and pressure environments

Rampart Products has specified Victrex HT polymer for a new HPHT (high pressure-high temperature) KTK (Kintec*) electrical connector for the efficient and safe transmission of power and data during the drilling process. Used in oilfield equipment, the reliability of the multi-pin connector is crucial to reducing costly downtime. The material as well as the connector has been tested beyond industry standards in real-world environment simulations. During material selection and the development of the moulding process, both companies worked closely together, enabling the company to introduce its first connector using Victrex PAEK polymer. As oil reserves continue to be depleted, the industry is being forced to find oil in unconventional places that can expose equipment and components to higher temperatures and pressures as well as aggressive corrosive elements. “Customers using epoxy connectors face a couple of potential issues,” explains Ed Beshoory, president of Rampart Products. “Consequently, we were looking into high performing materials capable of meeting multiple requirements. As a result, we are now using for the first time a Victrex material, Victrex HT polymer, due to its consistent properties and processing. The education and processing support Victrex provided in the development phase have convinced us at Rampart to also look at other Victrex high performing polymers for future applications, enabling us to offer connectors with the performance properties we are looking for.” The new connector had to be rated for temperatures beyond 200C and pressures at 20,000psi providing also a reliable electrical connection while protecting expensive sensors and electronics. Additional requirements included compatibility with industry-standard pin patterns, extended mating cycles and assembly efficiencies. To prove the reliability of the multi-pin connector made with the material, the company gained data from using a new test vessel. It allows real-world operational settings to test the performance at both high temperature and high pressure simultaneously in a precise manner. Alternative evaluation strategies might typically be to test the connector at an appropriate temperature but at minimal pressure, or at high pressure and room temperature.