Electric submersible pump power cable termination assembly

A power cable termination assembly can include a cable end; a connector end; a longitudinal axis that extends between the cable end and the connector end; a cable securing mechanism; a dielectric material space that includes a volume where the dielectric material space is disposed axially at least in part between the cable securing mechanism and the connector end; and a movable component that moves responsive to a pressure differential where movement of the movable component alters the volume of the dielectric material space.

BACKGROUND

An electric submersible pump (ESP) can be supplied with power via one or more power cables. Such cables may contact fluid such as well fluid that is pumped by the ESP.

SUMMARY

A power cable termination assembly can include a cable end; a connector end; a longitudinal axis that extends between the cable end and the connector end; a cable securing mechanism; a dielectric material space that includes a volume where the dielectric material space is disposed axially at least in part between the cable securing mechanism and the connector end; and a movable component that moves responsive to a pressure differential where movement of the movable component alters the volume of the dielectric material space. A method can include operating an electric submersible pump system to pump fluid where the electric submersible pump system includes a power cable terminated by a power cable termination assembly; responsive to a change in a pressure differential between a dielectric material in the power cable termination assembly and the fluid being pumped, actuating a pressure compensation mechanism in the power cable termination assembly; and responsive to the actuating, reducing the pressure differential. A system can include a first power cable termination assembly; a second power cable termination assembly; a power cable operatively coupled to the first power cable termination assembly and to the second power cable termination assembly; and an electric submersible pump operatively coupled to the second power cable termination assembly where at least one of the first power cable termination assembly and the second power cable termination assembly includes a pressure compensation mechanism that includes a component that is movable where movement of the component alters volume of a dielectric material space in the at least one power cable termination assembly. Various other examples of equipment, techniques, etc. are described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows examples of geologic environments120and140. InFIG. 1, the geologic environment120may be a sedimentary basin that includes layers (e.g., stratification) that include a reservoir121and that may be, for example, intersected by a fault123(e.g., or faults). As an example, the geologic environment120may be outfitted with any of a variety of sensors, detectors, actuators, etc. For example, equipment122may include communication circuitry to receive and to transmit information with respect to one or more networks125. Such information may include information associated with downhole equipment124, which may be equipment to acquire information, to assist with resource recovery, etc. Other equipment126may be located remote from a well site and include sensing, detecting, emitting or other circuitry. Such equipment may include storage and communication circuitry to store and to communicate data, instructions, etc. As an example, one or more satellites may be provided for purposes of communications, data acquisition, etc. For example,FIG. 1shows a satellite in communication with the network125that may be configured for communications, noting that the satellite may additionally or alternatively include circuitry for imagery (e.g., spatial, spectral, temporal, radiometric, etc.).

FIG. 1also shows the geologic environment120as optionally including equipment127and128associated with a well that includes a substantially horizontal portion that may intersect with one or more fractures129. For example, consider a well in a shale formation that may include natural fractures, artificial fractures (e.g., hydraulic fractures) or a combination of natural and artificial fractures. As an example, a well may be drilled for a reservoir that is laterally extensive. In such an example, lateral variations in properties, stresses, etc. may exist where an assessment of such variations may assist with planning, operations, etc. to develop the reservoir (e.g., via fracturing, injecting, extracting, etc.). As an example, the equipment127and/or128may include components, a system, systems, etc. for fracturing, seismic sensing, analysis of seismic data, assessment of one or more fractures, etc.

As to the geologic environment140, as shown inFIG. 1, it includes two wells141and143(e.g., bores), which may be, for example, disposed at least partially in a layer such as a sand layer disposed between caprock and shale. As an example, the geologic environment140may be outfitted with equipment145, which may be, for example, steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) equipment for injecting steam for enhancing extraction of a resource from a reservoir. SAGD is a technique that involves subterranean delivery of steam to enhance flow of heavy oil, bitumen, etc. SAGD can be applied for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), which is also known as tertiary recovery because it changes properties of oil in situ.

As an example, a SAGD operation in the geologic environment140may use the well141for steam-injection and the well143for resource production. In such an example, the equipment145may be a downhole steam generator and the equipment147may be an electric submersible pump (e.g., an ESP).

As illustrated in a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1, steam injected via the well141may rise in a subterranean portion of the geologic environment and transfer heat to a desirable resource such as heavy oil. In turn, as the resource is heated, its viscosity decreases, allowing it to flow more readily to the well143(e.g., a resource production well). In such an example, equipment147(e.g., an ESP) may then assist with lifting the resource in the well143to, for example, a surface facility (e.g., via a wellhead, etc.). As an example, where a production well includes artificial lift equipment such as an ESP, operation of such equipment may be impacted by the presence of condensed steam (e.g., water in addition to a desired resource). In such an example, an ESP may experience conditions that may depend in part on operation of other equipment (e.g., steam injection, operation of another ESP, etc.).

In the example environment140, a layer may include particulate material (e.g., solids). For example, consider a layer that includes sand that may be transported with fluid. Such particulate material may be carried by fluid, for example, as driven at least in part by operation of a pump. For example, the equipment147may come into contact with particulate material in fluid. As an example, the equipment147may include one or more mechanisms for handling fluid with particulate material.

Conditions in a geologic environment may be transient and/or persistent. Where equipment is placed within a geologic environment, longevity of the equipment can depend on characteristics of the environment and, for example, duration of use of the equipment as well as function of the equipment. Where equipment is to endure in an environment over a substantial period of time, uncertainty may arise in one or more factors that could impact integrity or expected lifetime of the equipment. As an example, where a period of time may be of the order of decades, equipment that is intended to last for such a period of time may be constructed to endure conditions imposed thereon, whether imposed by an environment or environments and/or one or more functions of the equipment itself.

FIG. 2shows an example of an ESP system200that includes an ESP210as an example of equipment that may be placed in a geologic environment. As an example, an ESP may be expected to function in an environment over an extended period of time (e.g., optionally of the order of years). As an example, one or more commercially available ESPs (such as the REDA™ ESPs marketed by Schlumberger Limited, Houston, Tex.) may be employed in a geologic environment.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the ESP system200includes a network201, a well203disposed in a geologic environment (e.g., with surface equipment, etc.), a power supply205, the ESP210, a controller230, a motor controller250and a VSD unit270. The power supply205may receive power from a power grid, an onsite generator (e.g., natural gas driven turbine), or other source. The power supply205may supply a voltage, for example, of about 4.16 kV.

As shown, the well203includes a wellhead that can include a choke (e.g., a choke valve). For example, the well203can include a choke valve to control various operations such as to reduce pressure of a fluid from high pressure in a closed wellbore to atmospheric pressure. Adjustable choke valves can include valves constructed to resist wear due to high-velocity, solids-laden fluid flowing by restricting or sealing elements. A wellhead may include one or more sensors such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a solids sensor, etc.

As to the ESP210, it is shown as including one or more cables211, a pump212, a gauge213(e.g., including one or more sensors), a pump intake214, a motor215, a pump discharge216and optionally a protector217. As an example, the ESP210may be a cable deployed ESP, for example, where a power cable carries at least a portion of the weight of the ESP210. As an example, during deployment, a power cable may carry the weight of an ESP as it is positioned in a bore in a geologic environment, retrieved from a bore in a geologic environment, etc.

As an example, an ESP motor may be a multiphase motor. For example, an ESP motor can include a three-phase squirrel cage with two-pole induction. As an example, an ESP motor may include steel stator laminations that can help focus magnetic forces on rotors, for example, to help reduce energy loss. As an example, stator windings can include copper and insulation.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the well203may include one or more well sensors220. For example, such sensors may include one or more fiber-optic based sensors that can provide for real time sensing of temperature, for example, in SAGD or other operations. As shown in the example ofFIG. 1, a well can include a relatively horizontal portion. Such a portion may collect heated heavy oil responsive to steam injection. Measurements of temperature along the length of the well can provide for feedback, for example, to understand conditions downhole of an ESP.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the controller230can include one or more interfaces, for example, for receipt, transmission or receipt and transmission of information with the motor controller250, a VSD unit270, the power supply205(e.g., a gas fueled turbine generator, a power company, etc.), the network201, equipment in the well203, equipment in another well, etc.

As shown inFIG. 2, the controller230may include or provide access to one or more modules or frameworks. Further, the controller230may include features of an ESP motor controller and optionally supplant the ESP motor controller250. For example, the controller230may include the UNICONN™ motor controller282marketed by Schlumberger Limited (Houston, Tex.). In the example ofFIG. 2, the controller230may access one or more of the PIPESIM™ framework284, the ECLIPSE™ framework286marketed by Schlumberger Limited (Houston, Tex.) and the PETREL™ framework288marketed by Schlumberger Limited (Houston, Tex.) (e.g., and optionally the OCEAN™ framework marketed by Schlumberger Limited (Houston, Tex.)).

In the example ofFIG. 2, the motor controller250may be a commercially available motor controller such as the UNICONN™ motor controller. The UNICONN™ motor controller can perform some control and data acquisition tasks for ESPs, surface pumps or other monitored wells. The UNICONN™ motor controller can interface with fixed speed drive (FSD) controllers or a VSD unit, for example, such as the VSD unit270.

For FSD controllers, the UNICONN™ motor controller can monitor ESP system three-phase currents, three-phase surface voltage, supply voltage and frequency, ESP spinning frequency and leg ground, power factor and motor load.

For VSD units, the UNICONN™ motor controller can monitor VSD output current, ESP running current, VSD output voltage, supply voltage, VSD input and VSD output power, VSD output frequency, drive loading, motor load, three-phase ESP running current, three-phase VSD input or output voltage, ESP spinning frequency, and leg-ground.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the ESP motor controller250includes various modules to handle, for example, backspin of an ESP, sanding of an ESP, flux of an ESP and gas lock of an ESP. The motor controller250may include any of a variety of features, additionally, alternatively, etc.

In the example ofFIG. 2, the VSD unit270may be a low voltage drive (LVD) unit, a medium voltage drive (MVD) unit or other type of unit (e.g., a high voltage drive, which may provide a voltage in excess of about 4.16 kV). As an example, the VSD unit270may receive power with a voltage of about 4.16 kV and control a motor as a load with a voltage from about 0 V to about 4.16 kV. The VSD unit270may include commercially available control circuitry such as the SPEEDSTAR™ MVD control circuitry marketed by Schlumberger Limited (Houston, Tex.).

As an example, a power cable may be used to power an ESP and terminated with penetrators that act to withstand well head casing pressures. As an example, where a power cable is used to position an ESP, the power cable can be exposed to production fluid along with system weight, pressure and temperature. At a highest level in an operation, an upper cable termination may be functionally responsible for supporting an entire tool string load, providing safe means for an electrical connection to a surface power source, protecting electrical conductors from wellbore environment as they exit the power cable and providing barrier control between the power cable and surface electrical connections.

A power cable tends to be non-homogeneous and to have a lower modulus (cumulatively) than that of steel, for example, posing some challenges in sealing against an outer surface of the cable. A high differential across ends of a power cable may cause, for example, one or more polymeric materials to flow (e.g., creep, etc.) and deform. As an example, a power cable may include voids where, for example, if the power cable is breached, these voids may act as conduits that can allow fluid and gas to migrate (e.g., to terminations, etc.).

As an example, to mitigate various phenomena associated with power cable contact with fluid, a power cable termination assembly may include a pressure compensation mechanism. For example, a pressure compensation mechanism may act in response to a pressure differential to balance pressure in a space, a chamber, a network, etc. within the power cable termination assembly.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly may allow for assembly “post rope socket”. For example, a power cable may be fit to a rope socket and, thereafter, fit into a power cable termination assembly; noting that the rope socket may be part of the power cable termination assembly. For example, a power cable termination assembly may allow a termination to be assembled after the rope socket has passed through an injector head (e.g., used for deployment of the power cable) or, for example, disassembled prior to passing through the injector head during a pull operation. Such an approach may save an operator time and costs in that the power cable does not have to be cut and re-terminated with a new rope socket in order to pass through the injector head.

As an example, due to rig costs, rigless deployment may be employed for an electric submersible pump (ESP) where such deployment includes, at least in part, suspending the ESP via a power cable. For example, power cable-based deployment of an ESP may be performed without a conventional rig, which may help to reduce down time. As an example, an ESP may be deployed via a power cable in an off shore environment and/or a land environment.

FIG. 3shows an example of a system300and an example of a method301. The system300includes an electric submersible pump (ESP)310that can include various features of the ESP210ofFIG. 2. For example, the ESP310includes a pump312, a pump intake314, a pump motor315and a pump discharge316. The system300also includes an uphole pressure compensated termination assembly340and a downhole pressure compensated termination assembly360as well as a cable370(e.g., or cables). As shown in the example ofFIG. 3, the downhole pressure compensated termination assembly360is operatively coupled to the ESP310to operatively couple the cable370to the ESP310, for support and/or for delivery of power (e.g., depending on operational phase, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 3, the method301includes a deployment block302for deployment of the system300, a supply block304for supplying power to the system300, a pump block306for pumping fluid with the system300and a contact block308for contacting fluid and the cable370. Such fluid/cable contact can occur in the uphole pressure compensated termination assembly340and/or in the downhole pressure compensated termination assembly360.

The deployment block302can include deploying the ESP310via the cable370where the cable370is operatively coupled the ESP310. For example, the ESP310may be a cable deployed ESP. In such an example, equipment at a surface location can include a mechanized reel that can carry at least a portion of the cable370and that can be rotatably driven to reel-out and/or reel-in the cable370, for example, to position the ESP310(e.g., in a bore).

As an example, the pump block306can include pumping fluid from a downhole environment to an uphole environment. For example, the supply block304can supply power via the cable700to the electric motor315to rotatably drive a shaft (e.g., or reciprocate a shaft) that is operatively coupled to the pump312. In such an example, fluid can enter the pump intake314, be moved by the pump312and be discharged via the pump discharge316. During operation of the pump312, pressures may be altered at one or more locations, as indicated by pressures P1, P2, P3and P4.

As shown, P1corresponds to an intake pressure, P2corresponds to a discharge pressure, P3corresponds to a pressure at the downhole pressure compensated termination assembly360and P4corresponds to a pressure at the uphole pressure compensated termination assembly340. As an example, the uphole and/or the downhole pressure compensated termination assemblies can respond to changes in pressure (e.g., pressure of fluid in a bore).

FIG. 4shows an example of the pressure compensated termination assembly400, which includes a cable end402, a connector end404, a cable receipt sub-assembly410that includes a shoulder component420, a cable securing sub-assembly430and an electrical connector sub-assembly470. Various features of the pressure compensated termination assembly400maybe defined, at least in part, with respect to a cylindrical coordinate system (e.g., r, z, Θ).

FIG. 5shows an example of a system500that includes the pressure compensated termination assembly400as received by a hanger assembly that includes a spool510and hanger components520. As shown, the shoulder component420is seated by a receptacle formed by one or more of the hanger components520that is seated within a bore of the spool510. The spool510may be mechanically coupled to a component or components such that the pressure compensated termination assembly400carries the weight of a cable and an ESP that is operatively coupled to the cable. For example, the cable370and the ESP310ofFIG. 3may be suspended in a bore via a hanger assembly (e.g., optionally along with another pressure compensated termination assembly360).

In the example ofFIG. 5, the pressure compensated termination assembly400is shown as including a seal mechanism434, a pressure compensation mechanism440that includes an annular piston442as a movable component, a securing mechanism450and a dielectric material space460that may include a dielectric material chamber and a dielectric material network that is in fluid communication with the dielectric material chamber. For example, such a chamber may be disposed axially between a securing mechanism and a connector end of a pressure compensated termination assembly.

As an example, a dielectric material may be fluid such as a liquid or a flowable or semi-flowable gel. As an example, a gel may be a cushioning gel and may optionally be self-healing. As an example, a gel may provide for stress relief and self-healing qualities of a liquid while providing the dimensional stability of an elastomer. Dielectric material may include thermal properties such that the dielectric material changes density with respect to temperature (e.g., over a range of temperatures). In such an example, the dielectric material may expand and contract. As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may respond to expansion and/or contraction of dielectric material. For example, where volume of dielectric material decreases, a pressure compensation mechanism may act to decrease volume of a dielectric material space (e.g., a piston may translate to decrease volume of such a space) and, where volume of dielectric material increases, a pressure compensation mechanism may act to increase volume of a dielectric material space (e.g., a piston may translate to increase volume of such a space).

Sealable ports441-1,441-2and471are also illustrated in the example ofFIG. 5where the ports441-1,441-2and471are in fluid communication with the dielectric material space460. Such ports may be used to introduce dielectric fluid into a dielectric material chamber and a dielectric material network. As an example, one or more ports may be used as one or more inlet ports and one or more ports may be used as one or more outlet ports (e.g., to allow for escape of gas while filling). As an example, one or more ports may be used to apply a vacuum that can be used to draw dielectric material into a chamber, a network, etc. In such an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may optionally include an elastic element such as a spring that may bias a movable component such as a piston such that the piston is limited in its motion and position where a vacuum is applied.

As shown inFIG. 5, the dielectric material space460serves as a space where electrical connections may be made between electrical conductors of a cable and electrical connectors of the electrical connector sub-assembly470. For example, electrical conductors of a cable may be terminated at electrical connectors, which are shown in the example ofFIG. 5as male plugs. Where a cable is a three-phase cable with three electrical conductors, an electrical connector sub-assembly can include three male plugs. As an example, an electrical connector sub-assembly may include female receptacles. As an example, an electrical connector sub-assembly may include a combination of types of electrical plugs, receptacles, etc.

As an example, electrical conductors of a cable may be electrically connected to other conductors within and/or adjacent to a dielectric material chamber such as a dielectric material chamber of the dielectric material space460. A dielectric material may act to insulate conductors within a dielectric material chamber (e.g., and to further insulate where the conductors include one or more of their own respective insulation layers). Where pressure external to a dielectric material space changes, such external pressure may have an effect on dielectric material, components that define a dielectric material space, fluid material that may intrude a dielectric material space, fluid material that may intrude a dielectric material network that is in fluid communication with a dielectric material chamber, etc.

In the example ofFIG. 5, the dielectric material space460includes a network of passages that extend axially to a space that extends to one end of the annular piston442. Axially at the other end of the annular piston442is a space that can be affected by a pressure of fluid such as well fluid. As an example, such a space may be occupied by well fluid. Thus, for example, one end of the annular piston442can be exposed to dielectric material and the other end of the annular piston can be exposed to well fluid. Where a pressure change occurs, the annular piston442may translate and thereby act to “balance” pressure on one end with pressure on another end. Such translation can reduce or increase volume of a dielectric material space such as the dielectric material space460.

As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may optionally be configured to act in part as a dashpot. For example, a pressure compensation mechanism may act as a damper that resists motion via viscous friction that can slow motion and absorb energy.

As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may optionally include an elastic element such as a spring (e.g., or springs). As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may include a spring that applies a biasing force to a piston (e.g., consider the annular piston442), which may act to resist axial displacement of the annular piston where an increase in pressure of well fluid occurs.

As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may optionally be configured to act as a dashpot that is biased by an elastic element or elastic elements (e.g., one or more springs, etc.).

As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may be, or include, one or more bellows. As an example, a bellows may define a space (e.g., by at least one bellows wall). In such an example, the space may be a fluid space where axial lengthening and axial shortening of the bellows causes the volume of the fluid space to change. As an example, a bellows may be a movable component, for example, where a portion of the bellows can translate with respect to ends of the bellows (e.g., consider a multiple diameter bellows). As an example, a bellows may be a movable component, for example, where an end of the bellows can translate with respect to another end of the bellows.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a cable end; a connector end; a longitudinal axis that extends between the cable end and the connector end; a cable securing mechanism (see, e.g., the cable securing mechanism450); a dielectric material space (see, e.g., the dielectric material space460) that includes a volume where the dielectric material space is disposed axially at least in part between the cable securing mechanism and the connector end; and a movable component (see, e.g., the annular piston442) that moves responsive to a pressure differential where movement of the movable component alters the volume of the dielectric material space.

FIG. 6shows an example of a pressure compensated termination assembly600, which includes various features as identified in the example ofFIG. 4. For example, inFIG. 6, the assembly includes a cable end602, a connector end604, a cable receipt sub-assembly610that includes a shoulder component620, a cable securing sub-assembly630and an electrical connector sub-assembly670. The assembly600also includes a seal mechanism634, a pressure compensation mechanism640that includes an annular piston642, a securing mechanism650and a dielectric material space660as well as various ports, including ports641-1and641-2of a housing632and port671of a connector housing674.

As an example, a cable can be terminated by the securing mechanism650of the assembly600, which may be a load bearing rope socket. For example, an end of a cable may be received at the cable end602via a sleeve612that forms a bore613into which the cable may be positioned. The cable can also extend into a bore639formed by a spacer638where the cable may be partially disassembled, for example, such that strands of the cable are secured between rope socket components651,652and654. Conductors of the cable can extend axially to the portion of the dielectric material space660that may be defined in part by boot components. In the example ofFIG. 6, electrical connections may be made between conductors of a cable and conductors of the electrical connector sub-assembly670.

As an example, the assembly600can include various seal elements that can form seals with respect to an outer surface of a cable. For example, the seal mechanism634may be, or include, a packer type of seal element that can be positioned around an outer surface of a cable and, for example, energized by one or more elements (e.g., one or more springs, pusher elements, etc.). As an example, a cable may include an elastomeric outer layer where energizing of one or more elements can form a seal with respect to the outer surface of the cable and the spacer638(e.g., an inner surface of the spacer638that forms the bore639).

As an example, an assembly process can include introducing potting material, for example, to pot components between the seal mechanism634and cable boot seals662and663(e.g., through which conductors of the cable pass). In such an example, the seal mechanism634and the boot seals662and663may define an axial length that may be considered to be a “potted” length of the assembly600. For example, a potting process can form a potted section of the pressure compensated termination assembly600where the potted section may be effectively isolated from the rest of the assembly600, for example, via a potting housing656, the rope socket components651,652and654, the spacer638, the seal mechanism634, one or more potting material ports657, and one or more seal elements653and659(e.g., O-ring seals and backups).

As shown in the example ofFIG. 6, the potting housing656includes the port657, which may be utilized to introduce potting material after a cable is secured via the securing mechanism650. For example, a cable may include strands that can be separated and disposed between the rope socket components651,652and654(e.g., conical shaped nesting components), which are seated by the rope socket component651, which is seated by a rope socket housing655.

As an example, a potting material (e.g., a potting compound) can provide a substantially solid backing for the cable seals662and663to react against; fill an anti-extrusion gap between the cable and the seal mechanism634(e.g., a backup ring, elastomers, chevrons, etc.); fill voids in the potted section of the assembly600, which, in turn, can act to prohibit extrusion of cable polymeric material into a potted area; and encapsulate polymeric material that surrounds conductors (e.g., consider ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM) as a polymeric material) where the conductors exit the rope socket components651,652and654, which may act to prevent swelling of polymeric material and, for example, damage caused by heat and fluid ingress.

As an example, after introduction of potting material, an assembly process can include introducing dielectric material. For example, one or more of the ports641-1,641-2and671may be utilized to introduce dielectric material that can fill, at last in part, the dielectric material space660. Such a dielectric material may be referred to as a dialectic compensating fluid (e.g., consider a liquid or a gel).

As mentioned, where the assembly600is exposed to produced fluid (e.g., well fluid), pressure may be transmitted to the compensating fluid (e.g., the dielectric material) via the annular piston642. In such an example, via the pressure compensation mechanism640, produced fluid is less likely to enter the electrical conductor termination zone due to differential pressure balancing (e.g., which may act to achieve a differential pressure of approximately 0 or within a particular operative pressure range of the annular piston642). As an example, where a cable is breached and fluid transmitted up the cable, its progress can be stopped or delayed due to the lack of a differential pressure (e.g., as a driving force).

In the example ofFIG. 6, the pressure compensation mechanism640includes the annular piston642and a spring648, which are disposed in an annular space that is defined at least in part via an outer surface of a component636and an inner surface of the housing632. As shown, the spring648may be axially located at a fixed end via a stop649. The annular piston642may include one or more annular grooves, for example, that can each receive one or more seal elements. In such an example, one or more seal elements may form a seal with respect to the outer surface of the component636and one or more seal elements may form a seal with respect to the inner surface of the housing632. Such seals can act to isolate dielectric material from well fluid.

As an example, where pressure is greater at a well fluid end of the annular piston642compared to pressure at a dielectric material end of the annular piston642, the annular piston642can translate axially toward the dielectric material chamber of the dielectric material space660in a manner that acts to decrease the volume of a dielectric material network of the dielectric material space660where the dielectric material network is in fluid communication with the dielectric material chamber (e.g., region disposed at least in part between boot components). Characteristics of such translation may be affected by one or more characteristics of the spring648. For example, a stiffer spring (e.g., as characterized by spring constant) will resist movement and act to damp sudden changes in pressure when compared to a spring that is less stiff. Further, a fluid passage (or fluid passages) may be dimensioned to “restrict” fluid flow (e.g., flow of dielectric material) and thereby act to viscously damp sudden changes in pressure.

As an example, various components of a pressure compensated termination assembly may be clamshell components, for example, being of a split design. For example, various components in the assembly400ofFIG. 5are illustrated with surfaces that are not hatched, which may correspond to “split” components. For example, a rope socket housing (see, e.g., the rope socket housing655), and a sleeve (see, e.g., the sleeve612) can be of a split design, which allows them to be assembled post rope socket (e.g., after strands of a cable have been disposed between the components652and654). As an example, various components such as, for example, the shoulder components420and620, the component636, the annular pistons442and642and the housing632may be shaped and sized to slide over the rope socket651.

As an example, a method can include securing strands of a power cable between rope socket components and then securing the rope socket components within a rope socket housing that is a clamshell type of housing (e.g., a two piece housing). As an example, a method can include securing strands of a power cable between two rope socket components and then securing additional strands of the power cable between one of the rope socket components and a clamshell rope socket component. As an example, a rope socket sub-assembly that secures a cable may be translated into a housing. For example, consider the securing mechanism450ofFIG. 5, which may include a cable, be “clamshelled” and then translated downwardly to be seated in a housing. Then the appropriate electrical conductor terminations may be made and the electrical connector sub-assembly470fit to the housing. As an example, one or more housing pieces may be threaded such that they may be operatively coupled during an assembly process.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a cable end; a connector end; a longitudinal axis that extends between the cable end and the connector end; a cable securing mechanism (see, e.g., the cable securing mechanism650); a dielectric material space (see, e.g., the dielectric material space660) that includes a volume where the dielectric material space is disposed axially at least in part between the cable securing mechanism and the connector end; and a movable component (see, e.g., the movable component642) that moves responsive to a pressure differential where movement of the movable component alters the volume of the dielectric material space.

FIG. 7shows an example scenario701and an example scenario703along with a portion of the assembly600ofFIG. 6with a cable707. As shown, in the scenario701, an axial distance ΔzAexists between an end of the annular piston642and an end of the spring648; whereas, in the scenario703, a different axial distance ΔzBexists between an end of the annular piston642and an end of the spring648.

FIG. 8shows a portion of an example of an assembly800, which may be, for example, oriented in a first orientation801with respect to gravity or in a second orientation802with respect to gravity; noting that the assembly800may optionally be oriented at an angle with respect to gravity. As shown, the assembly800includes a pressure compensation mechanism840, a securing mechanism850, a dielectric material space860and an electrical connector sub-assembly870.

As shown inFIG. 8, the assembly800may include various materials such as, for example, dielectric material (M1), potting material (M2), and optionally high specific gravity material (M3). The assembly800may be in contact with fluid such as well fluid (M4). Well fluid (M4) may enter the assembly800or otherwise interact with the assembly800such that the pressure compensation mechanism840may act to balance one or more internal pressures with an external pressure (e.g., pressure of the well fluid (M4)).

Also shown inFIG. 8is a portion of a power cable807that includes conductors808-1,808-2and808-3, which can be insulated conductors. As an example, the power cable807may be suitable for delivery of power to a multiphase electric motor via a plurality of conductors. As to strength (e.g., to support an ESP, weight of the cable, etc.), the power cable807can include strands809-1and809-2, which may be armor strands that are wound about a core of the power cable where the conductors808-1,808-2and808-3are disposed within the core. In the example ofFIG. 8, the strands809-1and809-2may be a first set of strands and a second set of strands. During assembly, these strands may be separated and pulled away from the core of the power cable807and secured via the securing mechanism850, which may be, for example, a rope socket that includes rope socket components851,852and854. In the example ofFIG. 8, potting material (M2) may be included to pot axial ends of at least one or more of the components851,852and854with the strands809-1and809-2secured thereby.

As an example, the securing mechanism850(see, e.g., the component851) may be sealed via one or more seal elements or otherwise separated from (e.g., via one or more barriers, components, etc.) the dielectric material space860(see, e.g., regions labeled dielectric material (M1)). The potting material (M2) may perform various functions and the dielectric material (M1) may perform various functions. The potting material (M2) may be substantially solid (e.g., a hard material), for example, achieved via setting and/or curing of a base or base materials (e.g., epoxy mix, polymerizable material, etc.). The dielectric material (M1) may optionally be in a gel state, which may, for example, expand and/or contract in response to changes in temperature. As an example, consider dielectric material that includes silicone. As an example, dielectric material may be formed of base materials that are combined (e.g., mixed, etc.). As an example, a dielectric strength of a dielectric material may be of the order of about ten or more kV per mm (e.g., of the order of about hundreds of volts per mil).

In the example ofFIG. 8, the assembly800includes a housing810, which may be a multi-piece housing. The housing810may include threads871such that, for example, the housing810can be received by a threaded receptacle of a hanger assembly. In such an example, the assembly800may extend downwardly from the hanger assembly and be in contact with fluid such as, for example, well fluid (M4). While threads are mentioned, a connection mechanism may include threads or other types of features to connect components (e.g., bayonet, etc.). As an example, a power cable termination assembly may be operatively coupled to an end of an electric submersible pump to power at least one electric motor of the electric submersible pump.

As an example, the housing810can include a port811through which external pressure may be communicated. As an example, the port811may be open to well fluid (M4). As an example, a power cable termination assembly may include a port through which external pressure may be communicated and/or may include one or more clearances through which external pressure may be communicated. For example, a seal may be formed prior to deployment of a power cable termination assembly where such a seal may be subject to leakage and intrusion of well fluid. As an example, a well fluid may be a single phase fluid or a multiphase fluid. As an example, a well fluid may be a gas. As an example, a well fluid may be a liquid. As an example, a power cable termination assembly may include one or more elastomeric seal elements that can form one or more elastomeric seals and/or may include one or more metal seal elements (e.g., alloy seal elements) that can form one or more metal-to-metal seals.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly may be exposed to one or more types of environments, which may change over time (e.g., including changes due in part to operation of one or more pumps, etc.). Such exposure may result in leakage, intrusion, further leakage, further intrusion, etc. of well fluid into the power cable termination assembly. Where a pressure compensation mechanism acts to reduce a pressure differential that may be a driving force for movement of material (e.g., fluid, gel, etc.), the pressure compensation mechanism may act to reduce leakage, intrusion, etc. of well fluid, particularly to portions of a power cable termination assembly where individually separated conductors may reside.

As shown inFIG. 8, the housing810houses a boot with boot components862and872that can define in part the dielectric material space860. The housing810also houses a seal element834that is biased by a biasing mechanism835(e.g., a spring, etc.), a movable component842(e.g., an annular piston) and the rope socket components851,852and854of the securing mechanism850where, as mentioned, the rope socket components851,852and854can secure strands809-1and809-2of the cable807(e.g., armor wire strands). For example, the strands809-1may be received between the components851and852and the strands809-2may be received between the components852and854. As mentioned, a cable received in the housing810may be potted using a potting material (M2). For example, potting material (M2) can be disposed at least in part in spaces axially above and below the rope socket components851,852and854.

In an assembly, potting material may perform one or more functions. As an example, potting material may act to protect insulation of a cable, which can include insulation of individually insulated conductors (see, e.g., the conductors808-1,808-2and808-3). As an example, potting material may provide support (e.g., backing, etc.) for a boot component (e.g., consider the boot component862). As an example, potting material may encapsulate one or more portions of a cable or component(s) of a cable such that swelling is reduced. As an example, potting material can fill a space about a cable or cable components such that swelling and/or extrusion of one or more cable materials is restricted (e.g., constrained) and such potting material may reduce risk of damage to a cable or cable components. As an example, potting material may reduce risk of swelling of one or more cable components (e.g., insulated conductors), encapsulate one or more cable components (e.g., portions of one or more insulated conductors) and physically protect one or more cable components.

As an example, where a cable may be constructed of one or more flowable materials (e.g., polymeric materials, etc.), potting material may act to reduce risk of flow (e.g., via an extrusion type of flow, creep, etc.). For example, where the seal element834applies a force to a cable, the potting material (M2) may reduce risk of flow of flowable material of the cable (e.g., from flowing toward the rope socket components851,852and854). In other words, if a space between the cable and the rope socket components851,852and854were filled with a compressible gas, force applied to the cable by the seal mechanism834may cause one or more polymeric materials to flow toward the space as the compressible gas may provide insufficient resistance to such flow. As to the biasing mechanism835, it can bias the seal element834. For example, the biasing mechanism835can apply a pre-load to the seal element834and can allow the seal element834to expand and contract responsive to temperature changes. As an example, the seal element834may thermally expand and maintain a load applied by the biasing mechanism835. As an example, the seal element834and the biasing mechanism835can form a seal mechanism. As an example, a seal mechanism may include one or more additional and/or alternative components, such as, for example, a chevron, a packer, a POLYPAK™ element, a key, etc.

In the assembly800ofFIG. 8, the pressure compensation mechanism840includes the movable component842that can translate axially in an annular space where dielectric material (M1) is to one side of the movable component842and where “heavy” material (M3) and/or well fluid (M4) is to the other side of the movable component842. As an example, the heavy material (M3) may be or include grease that has a specific gravity that exceeds that of an expected well fluid (M4). In such an example, where the assembly800is in the second orientation802, due to gravity, the heavy material (M3) may be retained in at least a portion of the annular space in which the movable component842resides. The presence of the heavy material (M3) can help to lubricate and seal the movable component842in the annular space and resist intrusion of well fluid (M4). As an example, where debris may enter the annular space, the heavy fluid (M3) may encapsulate the debris and viscously damp its ability to move, to apply force to a surface that defines in part the annular space, etc. In the example ofFIG. 8, the movable component842is illustrated as including a plurality of seal elements (e.g., at least an inner element and at least an outer element), which may be or include one or more elastomers. As an example, the movable component842may be defined to have a friction force with respect to surfaces that define the annular space. In such an example, a predetermined pressure force (e.g., a predetermined pressure differential) may be, for example, of the order of tens of pounds per square inch (e.g., a hundred kPa or more).

As shown inFIG. 8, the individual conductors808-1,808-2and808-3pass through at least a portion of the dielectric material space860, which may be defined at least in part by surfaces of the boot components862and872. In the example ofFIG. 8, the boot components862and872include a plurality of sleeve portions with openings through which the respective individual conductors808-1,808-2and808-3may pass, for example, such that the individual conductors808-1,808-2and808-3can be terminated by connectors (see, e.g., the electrical connector sub-assembly470ofFIG. 5). Dielectric material (M1) in the dielectric material space860can help to insulate the individual conductors808-1,808-2and808-3. Where the dielectric material (M1) is viscous and/or in a gel state, the dielectric material (M1) may help to maintain separation between outer surfaces of the individual conductors808-1,808-2and808-3, which can include their own one or more layers of insulating material. The dielectric material (M1) may act as a barrier to well fluid (M4) that may intrude into the dielectric material space860. Where pressure is a driving force for such intrusion, the pressure compensation mechanism840may act to reduce the driving force and thereby reduce risk of well fluid intrusion into the dielectric material space860, which may include a dielectric material chamber and a network of passages that are in fluid communication with the dielectric material chamber. As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may act to delay intrusion of well fluid in a manner that acts to extend lifetime of a power cable termination assembly.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a cable end; a connector end; a longitudinal axis that extends between the cable end and the connector end; a cable securing mechanism (see, e.g., the cable securing mechanism850); a dielectric material space (see, e.g., the dielectric material space860) that includes a volume where the dielectric material space is disposed axially at least in part between the cable securing mechanism and the connector end; and a movable component (see, e.g., the movable component842) that moves responsive to a pressure differential where movement of the movable component alters the volume of the dielectric material space.

FIG. 9shows a portion of an example of an assembly900, which may be, for example, oriented in a first orientation with respect to gravity or in a second orientation with respect to gravity; noting that the assembly900may optionally be oriented at an angle with respect to gravity. As shown, the assembly900includes a pressure compensation mechanism940, a securing mechanism950and a dielectric fluid space960.

In the example ofFIG. 9, the assembly900may include various materials such as, for example, a dielectric material (M1), a potting material (M2), and optionally a high specific gravity material (M3). The assembly900may be in contact with fluid such as well fluid (M4). Well fluid (M4) may enter the assembly900or otherwise interact with the assembly900such that the pressure compensation mechanism940may act to balance one or more internal pressures with an external pressure (e.g., pressure of the well fluid (M4)).

Also shown inFIG. 9is a portion of a power cable907that includes conductors908-1,908-2and908-3, which can be insulated conductors. As an example, the power cable907may be suitable for delivery of power to a multiphase electric motor via a plurality of conductors. As to strength (e.g., to support an ESP, weight of the cable, etc.), the power cable907can include strands909-1and909-2, which may be armor strands that are wound about a core of the power cable where the conductors908-1,908-2and908-3are disposed within the core. In the example ofFIG. 9, the strands909-1and909-2may be a first set of strands and a second set of strands. During assembly, these strands may be separated and pulled away from the core of the power cable907and secured via the securing mechanism950, which may be, for example, a rope socket that includes rope socket components951,952and954. In the example ofFIG. 9, potting material (M2) may be included to pot axial ends of at least one or more of the components951,952and954with the strands909-1and909-2secured thereby.

As an example, the securing mechanism950(see, e.g., the component951) may be sealed via one or more seal elements or otherwise separated from (e.g., via one or more barriers) the dielectric material space960(see, e.g., spaces labeled dielectric material (M1)). The potting material (M2) may perform various functions and the dielectric material (M1) may perform various functions. The potting material (M2) may be substantially solid (e.g., a hard material), for example, achieved via setting and/or curing of a base or base materials (e.g., epoxy mix, polymerizable material, etc.). The dielectric material (M1) may optionally be in a gel state, which may, for example, expand and/or contract in response to changes in temperature. As an example, consider dielectric material that includes silicone. As an example, a dielectric material may be formed of base materials that are combined (e.g., mixed, etc.). As an example, a dielectric strength of a dielectric material may be of the order of about ten or more kV per mm (e.g., of the order of about hundreds of volts per mil).

In the example ofFIG. 9, the assembly900includes a housing910, which may be a multi-piece housing. The housing910may include threads971such that, for example, the housing910can be received by a threaded receptacle of a hanger assembly. In such an example, the assembly900may extend downwardly from the hanger assembly and be in contact with fluid such as, for example, well fluid. While threads are mentioned, a connection mechanism may include threads or other types of features to connect components (e.g., bayonet, etc.). As an example, a power cable termination assembly may be operatively coupled to an end of an electric submersible pump to power at least one electric motor of the electric submersible pump.

As shown inFIG. 9, the housing910houses a boot with components962and972that can define in part the dielectric material space960. The housing910also houses a seal element934that is biased by a biasing mechanism935(e.g., a spring, etc.), a movable component942(e.g., a bellows) and rope socket components951,952and954of the securing mechanism950where the rope socket components951,952and954can secure strands of a cable (e.g., armor wire strands). For example, a first set of strands may be received between the components951and952and a second set of strands may be received between the components952and954.

As an example, a cable received in the housing910may be potted using a potting material (M2). As shown in the example ofFIG. 9, potting material (M2) can be disposed at least in part in spaces axially above and below the rope socket components951,952and954.

In the example ofFIG. 9, the housing910includes a port911that is in fluid communication with a space internal to the housing910and adjacent to an outer surface of the movable component942. In such an example, the movable component942may be a barrier that physically separates dielectric material (M1) from well fluid (M4), which may enter via the port911. As an example, the movable component942may be a bellows constructed from a material that can withstand physical properties of well fluid (M4). As an example, a bellows may be constructed from a metal, an alloy, a composite material, etc. As an example, a bellows may be constructed from a material that is surface treated to withstand well fluid (M4).

In the example ofFIG. 9, the movable component942may move in a manner that changes the volume of a space interior to the movable component and that changes the volume of a space exterior to the movable component. For example, where pressure of fluid at the port911increases with respect to pressure of dielectric material (M1), the movable component942may expand along a first portion of a bellows wall disposed at a first diameter and contract along a second portion of a bellows wall disposed at a second diameter where the first diameter is less than the second diameter.

As shown inFIG. 9, the individual conductors908-1,908-2and908-3pass through at least a portion of the dielectric material space960, which may be defined at least in part by surfaces of the boot components962and972. In the example ofFIG. 9, the boot components962and972include a plurality of sleeve portions with openings through which the respective individual conductors908-1,908-2and908-3may pass, for example, such that the individual conductors908-1,908-2and908-3can be terminated by connectors (see, e.g., the electrical connector sub-assembly470ofFIG. 5). Dielectric material (M1) in the dielectric material space960can help to insulate the individual conductors908-1,908-2and908-3. Where the dielectric material (M1) is viscous and/or in a gel state, the dielectric material (M1) may help to maintain separation between outer surfaces of the individual conductors908-1,908-2and908-3, which can include their own one or more layers of insulating material. The dielectric material (M1) may act as a barrier to well fluid (M4) that may intrude into the dielectric material space960. Where pressure is a driving force for such intrusion, the pressure compensation mechanism940may act to reduce the driving force and thereby reduce risk of well fluid intrusion into the dielectric material space960, which may include at least a dielectric material chamber (e.g., defined in part by the movable component942and in part by the boot components962and972). As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may act to delay intrusion of well fluid in a manner that acts to extend lifetime of a power cable termination assembly.

As an example, the port911may be located at a different location, as illustrated in an inset diagram. In such an example, the port911may be facing upwardly with respect to gravity such that a heavy material (M3) may be retained within an interior space of the housing910where the heavy material (M3) may be in pressure communication with well fluid (M4). For example, where the heavy material (M3) has a higher specific gravity than the well fluid (M4), the heavy material (M3) may be retained in a space adjacent to the movable component942. In such an example, the heavy material (M3) may be grease that can act to coat, lubricate and protect the movable component942.

As an example, an assembly can include one or more metal-to-metal seals (e.g., consider alloy-to-alloy, metal-to-alloy, etc.). As an example, a bellows may be a movable component of a pressure compensation mechanism where the bellows is constructed of metal (e.g., or alloy).

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a cable end; a connector end; a longitudinal axis that extends between the cable end and the connector end; a cable securing mechanism (see, e.g., the cable securing mechanism950); a dielectric material space (see, e.g., the dielectric material space960) that includes a volume where the dielectric material space is disposed axially at least in part between the cable securing mechanism and the connector end; and a movable component (see, e.g., the movable component942) that moves responsive to a pressure differential where movement of the movable component alters the volume of the dielectric material space.

FIG. 10shows an example of a block diagram of a system1000that includes well fluid1001, a cable1007, a pressure compensation mechanism1040, a dielectric material space1060and a connector1070. As shown, the pressure compensation mechanism1040can compensate for pressure changes that may occur for dielectric material in the dielectric material space1060and the well fluid1001, which may be transmitted in a space that is external to an outer surface of the cable1007.

FIG. 11shows an example of a block diagram of a system1100that includes well fluid1101, a cable1107, a pressure compensation mechanism1140, a dielectric material space1160and a connector1170. As shown, the pressure compensation mechanism1140can compensate for pressure changes that may occur for dielectric material in the dielectric material space1160and the well fluid1101, which may be transmitted via a port or ports.

As an example, an assembly can include potting material and dielectric material where the potting material is disposed about a portion of the insulated conductors and where the dielectric material is disposed about another portion of the insulated conductors where the conductors terminate and are electrically connected to connectors. In such an example, the assembly can include a pressure compensating mechanism that can act to balance internal pressure associated with the dielectric material and external pressure associated with fluid external to the assembly (e.g., fluid in a downhole environment such as well fluid).

As an example, an assembly can include potting material and dielectric material where the potting material is disposed about and in direct contact with a portion of the insulated conductors and where the dielectric material is disposed about and in direct contact with another portion of the insulated conductors where the conductors terminate and are electrically connected to connectors. In such an example, the assembly can include a pressure compensating mechanism that can act to balance internal pressure associated with the dielectric material and external pressure associated with fluid external to the assembly (e.g., fluid in a downhole environment such as well fluid).

As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism can include one or more of a piston, a bellows, a diaphragm, etc. As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism can include one or more movable components that move responsive to a pressure differential to increase volume of one space and to decrease volume of another space and, for example, vice versa.

FIG. 12shows the annular piston442(e.g., as a cylindrical wall) and the spring448. As shown, the annular piston442may be part of a dashpot mechanism and the spring448may be part of a spring mechanism. As mentioned, one or more passages may be dimensions to provide for an amount of viscous damping.

FIG. 13shows an example of a bellows1342, which may be utilized as at least part of a pressure compensation mechanism. As an example, a bellows may act in part as a spring and may act in part as a dashpot. As an example, the bellows1342may be positioned in an annular space that is exterior to an outer surface of a cable (see, e.g., the annular space formed by the components632and636ofFIG. 6). As an example, the bellows1342may be positioned to define, at least in part, a dielectric material chamber and/or a dielectric material network that is in fluid communication with a dielectric material chamber. As an example, the bellows1342may be positioned such that the interior can fill with well fluid and such that the bellows1342can expand and contract to change volume of a space that includes dielectric material. For example, the upper end of the bellows1342may be in fluid communication with a port (e.g., sealing the port) such that pressure of fluid communicable via the port can cause the bellows1342to expand and contract and thereby change the volume of a space that include dielectric material.

FIG. 14shows an example of a scenario that includes rope socket components1451,1452,1454as well as a cable1407that includes conductors1408and strands1409and1411, which may be made of metal, alloy, etc. As illustrated inFIG. 14, the strands1409may be separated in part from the cable1407and disposed between conical surfaces of the rope socket components1452and1454and the strands1411may be separated in part from the cable1407and disposed between conical surfaces of the rope socket components1451and1452. As an example, in an assembly potting material may be introduced to pot the cable1407with respect to one or more portions of the rope socket components1451,1452and1454.

FIG. 15shows an example of a method1510that includes an operation block1512for operating an electric submersible pump system to pump fluid where the electric submersible pump system includes a power cable terminated by a power cable termination assembly; an actuation block1514for, responsive to a change in a pressure differential between a dielectric material in the power cable termination assembly and the fluid being pumped, actuating a pressure compensation mechanism in the power cable termination assembly; and a reduction block1516for, responsive to the actuating, reducing the pressure differential.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a cable end; a connector end; a longitudinal axis that extends between the cable end and the connector end; a cable securing mechanism; a dielectric material space that includes a volume where the dielectric material space is disposed axially at least in part between the cable securing mechanism and the connector end; and a movable component that moves responsive to a pressure differential where movement of the movable component alters the volume of the dielectric material space. In such an example, the movable component may be an annular piston or, for example, a bellows.

As an example, a dielectric material space can be or include a dielectric material chamber. As an example, a dielectric material space can include a dielectric material network that is in fluid communication with a dielectric material chamber. As an example, movement of a movable component can alter the volume of a dielectric material chamber. As an example, movement of a movable component can alter the volume of a dielectric material network.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a cable received by a cable end and secured by a securing mechanism. In such an example, the cable can include insulated conductors and the assembly can include a boot that defines, at least in part, the dielectric material space and where the insulated conductors are received by the boot. As an example, a boot may include a lower portion and an upper portion.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include potting material that contacts a cable and that contacts a securing mechanism. As an example, potting material may include one or more polymeric materials. As an example, potting material may be a composite material. As an example, potting material may be processed from a molten and/or liquid state to a solid state (e.g., consider hardening of an epoxy, etc.).

As an example, insulated conductors can include insulation and electrical conductors where the electrical conductors can be conductively coupled to respective connectors at a connector end of a power cable termination assembly. In such an example, at least the electrical conductors can pass through a dielectric material space of the power cable termination assembly where dielectric material is disposed in the dielectric material space.

As an example, a cable termination assembly can include grease, for example, where the grease is disposed at least in part adjacent to a movable component. As an example, such grease may be selected based at least in part on specific gravity and, for example, orientation of the cable termination assembly with respect to gravity. For example, grease may be retained in a space within the cable termination assembly at least in part due to gravity where its specific gravity may be sufficiently high to reduce risk of displacement of the grease by fluid such as well fluid. As an example, grease may act to protect a movable component from a fluid such as well fluid.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a securing mechanism that includes rope socket components. Such an assembly may include a cable that includes strands received by the rope socket components. In such an example, the assembly can include potting material that directly contacts the strands and the rope socket components.

As an example, a method can include operating an electric submersible pump system to pump fluid where the electric submersible pump system includes a power cable terminated by a power cable termination assembly; responsive to a change in a pressure differential between a dielectric material in the power cable termination assembly and the fluid being pumped, actuating a pressure compensation mechanism in the power cable termination assembly; and, responsive to the actuating, reducing the pressure differential. In such an example, the actuating can include translating an annular piston in an annular space that is exterior to an outer surface of the power cable. As an example, actuating can include altering the length of a bellows or at least a portion of a bellows. In such an example, a bellows may be in an annular space that is exterior to an outer surface of the power cable or, for example, in another space (e.g., consider in a space that includes or is adjacent to a dielectric material chamber, etc.).

As an example, a method can include supplying power to an electric motor of an electric submersible pump system via a cable. As an example, a method can include suspending an electric submersible pump of an electric submersible pump system via a power cable termination assembly (e.g., and at least one cable).

As an example, a system can include a first power cable termination assembly; a second power cable termination assembly; a power cable operatively coupled to the first power cable termination assembly and to the second power cable termination assembly; and an electric submersible pump operatively coupled to the second power cable termination assembly where at least one of the first power cable termination assembly and the second power cable termination assembly includes a pressure compensation mechanism that includes a component that is movable where movement of the component alters volume of a dielectric material space in the at least one power cable termination assembly. In such an example, the component can move responsive to a pressure differential between a pressure of dielectric material in the dielectric material space and a pressure external to the at least one power cable termination assembly. In such an example, friction and/or other force may resist movement. As an example, a pressure compensation mechanism may be configured to move at a specified minimum pressure differential. As an example, such a specified minimum pressure differential may be stated in pounds per square inch, pascals or other units.

As an example, a compensation mechanism can include a component movable in a space disposed directly radially exteriorly to an outer surface of a power cable (e.g., within a power cable termination assembly) where movement of the component alters volume of a dielectric material network in the power cable termination assembly.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a cable end; a connector end; a dielectric material chamber disposed between the cable end and the connector end, the dielectric material chamber in fluid communication with a dielectric material network that extends from the dielectric material chamber toward the cable end; a first component that includes an inner surface; a second component that includes a bore for receipt of a power cable and an outer surface where the inner surface of the first component and the outer surface of the second component form an annular space; and a third component disposed in the annular space where movement of the third component in the annular space alters volume of the dielectric material network. In such an example, the assembly can include an exterior shoulder that seats the power cable termination assembly in a hanger for suspension of at least a power cable. As an example, a power cable termination assembly may include one or more coupling mechanisms such as threads, a bayonet, etc. that can operatively couple the assembly to a hanger.

As an example, a power cable termination assembly can include a cable securing mechanism disposed between a dielectric material chamber and a cable end where the cable securing mechanism may be or include a rope socket.

As an example, a component of a power cable termination assembly may be an annular piston. As an example, a component of a power cable termination assembly may be a bellows. As an example, a component may be biased by a biasing mechanism such as, for example, a spring.

As an example, a dielectric material network may include an annular space that includes, for example, a movable component that may move to alter the volume of the annular space. As an example, a movable component can include a dielectric material end for contacting dielectric material and a well fluid end for contacting well fluid.

As an example, one or more methods described herein may include associated computer-readable storage media (CRM) blocks. Such blocks can include instructions suitable for execution by one or more processors (or cores) to instruct a computing device or system to perform one or more actions. As an example, a computer-readable storage medium may be non-transitory and not a carrier wave.

According to an embodiment, one or more computer-readable media may include computer-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to output information for controlling a process. For example, such instructions may provide for output to sensing process, an injection process, drilling process, an extraction process, an extrusion process, a deployment process of a cable operatively coupled to an electric submersible pump, a repositioning process, a pumping process, a heating process, etc.

FIG. 16shows components of a computing system1600and a networked system1610. The system1600includes one or more processors1602, memory and/or storage components1604, one or more input and/or output devices1606and a bus1608. According to an embodiment, instructions may be stored in one or more computer-readable media (e.g., memory/storage components1604). Such instructions may be read by one or more processors (e.g., the processor(s)1602) via a communication bus (e.g., the bus1608), which may be wired or wireless. The one or more processors may execute such instructions to implement (wholly or in part) one or more attributes (e.g., as part of a method). A user may view output from and interact with a process via an I/O device (e.g., the device1606). According to an embodiment, a computer-readable medium may be a storage component such as a physical memory storage device, for example, a chip, a chip on a package, a memory card, etc.

According to an embodiment, components may be distributed, such as in the network system1610. The network system1610includes components1622-1,1622-2,1622-3, . . .1622-N. For example, the components1622-1may include the processor(s)1602while the component(s)1622-3may include memory accessible by the processor(s)1602. Further, the component(s)1602-2may include an I/O device for display and optionally interaction with a method. The network may be or include the Internet, an intranet, a cellular network, a satellite network, etc.

CONCLUSION