Abstract:
In a subassembly electrical isolation connector for interconnecting sections of a tubular drill rod, said subassembly having an electrically insulated connector for and between spaced-apart connector sections to transmit drilling forces therethrough,  
     the use of a sealing membrane for sealing an insulated spacing in said electrically insulated connector to prevent ingress of pressurized drilling mud into said connector and shorting out said spaced-apart sections of said connector, said sealing membrane overlapping said connector sections as a continuous sleeve and having at least its sleeve ends sealed to respective portions of said connector sections to activate thereby said sealing membrane.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to a subassembly electrical isolation connector for interconnecting adjacent tubular drill rods of a drilling system used in drilling bore holes in earth formations. More particularly, improvements are provided in such connector systems for enhancing the sealing system and for increasing the interior diameter of the subassembly connector.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    There is a continuing demand to enhance the functioning of the electrical components and mechanical components associated with the transmission of electromagnetic signals from a location at great depths in the earth to the earth&#39;s surface. Such communication is used in various types of drilling operations, such as measuring while drilling (MWD) and/or logging while drilling (LWD). Other situations, which warrant communication with the earth surface, is during the inspection and evaluation of bore holes. Such communication is particularly important when carrying out directional drilling such as under river beds, subways, unusual earth formations and tapping oil reservoirs. It is important at all times to know precisely the location of the drill bit. A significant effort has been made to develop electrical instruments which are capable of transmitting signals at the drill face or inspection face back to the earth&#39;s surface. Some systems involve the use of the lower portion of the drill string as an antenna for purposes of transmitting via electromagnetic waves, information to the earth&#39;s surface, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,141. Such system does not involve the use of an isolation subassembly in the drill string.  
           [0003]    Various types of devices which are mounted on the outside of the drill string for monitoring surrounding conditions and/or used in communication are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,684,946 to Geoservices and 5,467,832 to Schlumberger Technology Corporation. The problem with mounting communication devices and sensing devices on the exterior of the drill string is that, particularly with directional drilling, the exterior devices are damaged by striking the formations about the bore hole.  
           [0004]    In order to enhance communication with the earth&#39;s surface, it is preferred to electrically isolate drill string components so that electromagnetic signals can be developed for data telemetry. This is achieved by a subassembly connector which electrically isolates adjacent drill string components so that the isolated components provide the two terminals of an antenna to which an alternating current is applied in developing the electromagnetic signal for transmission to the earth&#39;s surface. Examples of such connectors are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,138,313 to Haliburton Company; 5,163,714 to Geoservice and Canadian patent application 2,151,525 to McAllister Petroleum Services, Ltd. The various types of subassemblies provide for electrical isolation which are particularly useful in bore hole inspection, but may be subject to failure when used, for example, in directional drilling. It has been found that the drill string, and in particular the subassembly connector, is subjected to extreme torsion compression, tension, and bending moments during directional drilling. Such extreme forces can result in connector failure, usually at the weakest point in the subassembly. The connectors of these patents and patent application may fail due to overstressing and possibly break up at their weakest point. The connectors may even fail to the extent, particularly those of the U.S. patents, that retrieval of the drill bit and other components below the subassembly cannot be achieved.  
           [0005]    Various types of outer sleeves are provided for subassembly connections such as described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,313. The outer sleeve is a machined component which is threaded to other components of the subassembly to provide an outer member. In order to transmit the torque through the connector, a hexagonal gap block is provided.  
           [0006]    Other sleeve arrangements are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,186,807; 4,496,174 and 5,163,714. The arrangement of U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,807 has an outer sleeve which is threaded onto the balance of the components to form a complete structure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,174 correspondingly discloses an outer sleeve which forms part of the structure and is clamped and sealed in place. The torque transmitting of the interengaged sleeves is provided by either a serpentine connection or a lug type connection. U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,714 describes an outer sleeve seal system with interconnected coupling sections.  
           [0007]    In accordance with an object of an aspect of this invention, a subassembly electrical isolation connector is provided which has an improved seal mechanism and torque transfer devices which provide for increased interior diameter of the passageway through the connector.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a subassembly electrical isolation connector for interconnecting adjacent tubular drill rods of a drilling system used in drilling bore holes in earth formations electrically isolates the interconnected drill rods. The connector comprises a sealing membrane for sealing the insulated gap between a first connector and a second connector of the subassembly. The sealing membrane preferably is in the shape of a sleeve overlapping the insulated gap between the connectors with at least its respective ends secured to the respective connector to energize the seal, such that the pressure of the drilling mud ensures seal integrity.  
           [0009]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, in a subassembly electrical isolation connector for interconnecting sections of a tubular drill rod, the subassembly has an electrically insulated connector for and between spaced- apart connector sections to transmit drilling forces therethrough,  
           [0010]    the use of a sealing membrane for sealing an insulated spacing in electrically insulated connector to prevent ingress of pressurized drilling mud into the connector and shorting out the spaced apart sections of the connector, the sealing membrane overlapping the connector sections as a continuous sleeve and having at least its sleeve ends sealed to respective portions of the connector sections to activate thereby the sealing membrane.  
           [0011]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, in a sub assembly electrical isolation connector for interconnecting sections for a tubular drill rod, an electrically insulated connector for and between spaced-apart connector sections,  
           [0012]    the connector comprises spaced-apart interfitting components provided on the spaced-apart connector sections and electrically insulating force transmitting components provided between and determining spacing of the spaced apart sections,  
           [0013]    electrically insulating force transmitting components provided between and determining spacing between the spaced-apart sections, and  
           [0014]    an electrically insulative material injected into a space defined between the spaced-apart sections. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings wherein:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of an insulated subassembly having overlapping connector portions;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 2A, 2B and  2 C are sections through the torque transfer device of FIG. 1;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of the subassembly of FIG. 1, partly assembled and showing the injection of insulative material into the space between the overlapping first and second connectors;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a side plan view of an alternative arrangement for the interconnected insulated subassembly;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the connection gap between the first and second connectors;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of ceramic spacers positioned between the spaced-apart first and second connectors;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views and top views of a ceramic spacer;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the gap between the first and second connectors filled with insulating material;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9A is a section through and FIG. 9B is a side view of a first embodiment for the first and second connector coupling;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 10A is a section and FIG. 10B is a side view of the second connector coupling;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 11A is a section and FIG. 11B is a side view of the second connector coupling;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 12A is a section and FIG. 12B is a side view of the second connector coupling;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 13 is a section through the sealing system of the insulated gap of FIG. 4;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 14 is an alternative embodiment for the seal for the insulated gap;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 15 is another alternative embodiment for the seal of the insulated gap; and  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 16 is a section through an alternative embodiment of the invention having a molded rubber seal. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]    As described in applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,353 and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/240,140 filed Jan. 29, 1999, various types of overlapping subassembly connection systems are described and which are insulated so that they may be used in signal transmission. Although these systems function very well in most environments, there are circumstances which require better sealing mechanisms and which provide for larger internal diameters through the subassembly to increase drilling mud flow. A sealing system, in accordance with this invention, has been developed which withstands extreme conditions and which provide for enlarged internal diameters of the subassembly. With reference to FIG. 1, a subassembly  10  is shown having a housing  12  as the first connector and mandrel  14  as the second connector of a subassembly. As is appreciated, the first connector  12  is connected to an upper drill string and connector  14  is connected to a lower drill string. In accordance with this particular embodiment, the first connector  12  is connected to the second connector  14  by the use of a nut  16  which is threaded onto the second connector by mating threads  18 . The nut is threaded in place by engaging internal hex head  20 . A gap  22  is defined between the first connector  12  and the second connector  14  in the region in which they overlap. This area is injected with a suitable insulative material to ensure that the components do not contact during use and short out, thereby impairing the operation of the antenna  24  which extends through a wash tube  26 . The insulative material is preferably an adhesive which enhances the structural integrity of the subassembly connectors  12  and  14 . At the distal end of the wash tube  26  is a floatable seal  28  where oil is inserted in chamber  30  through oil fill plug  32 .  
         [0033]    In order to achieve alignment of the first connector  12  with the second connector  14 , suitable alignment shoulders  34  and  36  are provided which work in conjunction with additional alignment shoulders  38  and  40 . A suitable torque transmitting device, which is electrically non-conductive, is provided between first connector  12  and second connector  14  in the annular region  42 . Possible configurations for the torque transmitting devices are shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A through 2C.  
         [0034]    The gap at alignment shoulder  34  between the first connector  12  and the second connector  14  is sealed, in accordance with this invention, by a sleeve  44  which is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. The sleeve is preferably of a durable waterproof polymeric material such as rubber, the sleeve fits over the open portion and alignment shoulder  34  to ensure that pressurized mud on the exterior of the subassembly does not permeate past shoulder  34  and underneath first connector  12  to thereby short out the insulated gap between first connector  12  and second connector  14 . The sleeve is of a sufficient length to at least cover the inner connection at  34 . The sleeve is secured to the respective connector ends to energize the seal. In accordance with this particular embodiment, this is accomplished by the use of wire  46  or the like, which are wrapped about the end  48  of the first connector  12  to secure the sleeve to the first connector. Wire  50  is used in a similar manner to connect the other end of the sleeve to the second connector  14 . Placed over the seal is a customary outer composite coating  52  which protects the seal by resisting abrasion and the like in the region of the seal due to the turning of the subassembly in a drill hole. Further details of the composite coating are described, for example, in applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,353, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference. It is appreciated that the composite coating  52 , which may be of a specialized setting polymeric material and high tensile cord, can develop microcracks which allow pressurized mud to permeate the composite coating  52 . The presence of the high pressure mud can the find its way to the seal  44  and apply exterior pressure to the seal. However, due to the energization of the seal, extra pressure on the outside of the sleeve only increases the sealing capacity of the sleeve to prevent any further ingress of drilling mud between the first connector  12  and the second connector  14 . Additional pressure from the drilling mud greatly enhances the effectiveness of the sleeve seal.  
         [0035]    To transfer the torque from the first connector  12  to the second connector  14  and hence through the drill string, various alternatives are suggested in FIGS. 2A through 2C. All these particular embodiments may generally be referred to as spline arrangements. In FIG. 2A, the first connector  12  overlaps the second connector  14 . A space  52  is defined between the first and second connectors which is filled with insulated material in a manner to be discussed with respect to FIG. 3. In the region  42  of FIG. 1, the first and second connectors  12  and  14  are provided with a plurality of mating recesses  54  and  56  which, when aligned, define longitudinally extending circular bores. Circular pins  58  are provided in these longitudinally standing bores which are electrically non-conductive or electrically insulative and have sufficient structural integrity to resist the shear forces applied on connector  14  by connector  12  in rotating the drill string. Suitable pins for placement in the bores may be made of high tensile polymeric materials and most preferably ceramic materials.  
         [0036]    An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 2B for interconnecting the first connector  12  to the second connector  14 . The space  52  is defined between the connectors. The first connector  12  has a series of longitudinally extending channels  60  formed therein and the connector  14  has correspondingly mated lugs  62  provided thereon. At the fitment between the lugs and grooves, longitudinally extending bores  64  are provided in which circular pins  66  are placed. The pins may be of the same material as referenced in FIG. 2A, such as high tensile polymeric materials in ceramics. The pins are placed in compression and should they fail, the lug portion  62  of the second connector interfere with the recess edges  68  to ensure that the drill string continues to rotate.  
         [0037]    The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2C has the first connector  12  engaging a series of lugs  70  on the second connector  14  within recesses  72  of the first connector  12 . The circumferentially arranged lugs  70  extend axially less than the recesses  72 . The spaces are filled with rectangular-shaped torque transfer pins  74 . These are, as well, placed in compression and should they fail, the lugs  70  still engage the edges of the recesses  72  to transfer the torque from the first connector  12  to the second connector  14 .  
         [0038]    The insulative space  22  between the first connector  12  and the second connector  14  is referenced in FIG. 3. An injection device  76  is provided within the nut  16  which secures the first connector  12  to the second connector  14 . The nut  16  includes a plurality of passageways  78  which extend from the interior  80  of the nut and are in communication with the space  22  on the outside of the nut. That space  22  extends from the seals  82  at the rear portion of the nut all the way along the inside diameter  84  of the first connector member to the final set of seals  34 . This space  22  is injected with an insulative material which is preferably an adhesive to ensure that the first connector member  12  is not in electrical contact with the second connector member  14 . The injection device  76  is provided with a first line  86  and a second line  88 . Insulative materials, such as non-electrically conductive epoxy material, is injected through line  86  and a vacuum is drawn in line  88 . The polymeric material enters the device  76  and passes through channel  78  into the space  22 . The vacuum drawn in line  88  encourages the polymeric material to fill the space  22  completely to maintain a space between the first connector  12  and the second connector  14  and thereby electrically isolate them. When the injection of the polymeric material is complete, injection device  76  is withdrawn and the wash tube with antenna is completed as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0039]    The assembly procedure for the subassembly of FIG. 1 is conducted sequentially to ensure proper alignment and fitment of the components. The alignment shoulders and keys are all made of a high strength non-conductive material. Alignment shoulders  34  and  36  are rings and may be slid onto the first connector or mandrel  12 . Alignment shoulder  38  is a split ring in two halves so that it can be installed into a groove adjacent to the splines  42 . Preferably at this juncture, the splines are recesses in the first connector  12  and are fitted with the keys. The housing is then slid over the mandrel and is positioned axially and diametrically by the alignment shoulders  34 ,  36  and  38 . Alignment shoulder  40 , at the other end of the spline and inserted keys, is then placed in position. The straight nut  16  is then inserted into the first connector  12  and then threaded onto the second connector  14 . The straight nut  16  bottoms out simultaneously on the second connector  14  and the alignment shoulder  40 . The housing is now held in correct alignment between the first connector  14  and the straight nut  16  with the use of the alignment shoulder.  
         [0040]    The isolation gap  22 , that now exists between the inside diameter of the first connector  12 , the outside diameter of the second connector  14  and the straight nut  16 , provides an insulative space. An O-ring may be used at alignment shoulder  34  to seal this side of the gap for purposes of epoxy injection. A second O-ring may be used at the end of the straight nut  16  to also seal for purposes of epoxy injection. As described with respect to FIG. 3, the epoxy device  76  is placed within the straight nut. Vacuum is applied in the injection of the epoxy until epoxy begins to flow back through the vacuum tubing  88 . At that juncture, the valve controlling vacuum in line  88  is shut off. Epoxy is continued to be injected under pressure, usually in the range of  50  psi, to ensure maximum fill in minimizing any trapped air pockets in the isolation gap  22 . The epoxy is then left to cure under pressure. Once the epoxy has cured, the injection device  76  is removed and the assembly completed with the wash pipe and antenna, including injection of the silicone oil or other non-conductive fluid to provide for a suitable seal at  28 . This seal may be of the movable type as described with respect to applicant&#39;s aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/240,140 filed Jan. 29, 1999.  
         [0041]    The elastomer sleeve  44  is then stretched over the first connector or second connector ends and secured in place with circumferential windings  46  and  50 , as discussed with respect to FIG. 1. Such windings act to energize the seal. Alternatively, a polymer sleeve of a larger diameter may be brought over either end and heat shrunk in place. Circumferential winding may then optionally be used to energize the seal. A further alternative to the seal is to provide compression molding of suitable elastic material about the exterior insulated juncture of the first and second connectors. Compression molding has the advantage of not requiring circumferential windings or other forms of seal energization. The compression molding ensures that the sleeve of resultant material is prestressed such that when pressure of any drilling mud enters the surrounding area, the pressure on the seal increases its sealing effectiveness.  
         [0042]    The subassembly is then coated with a protective non-conductive composite material  52 . This material serves to provide an insulated length on the outside diameter of the subassembly; that is, approximately 1 meter or more, and also serves to protect the sealing sleeve from damage during drilling, as caused by the casing, open hole formation, cuttings, drilling fluid, erosion and the like. The use of the elastomeric/polymer sleeve, or any other type of sealing sleeve, eliminates the requirement for ceramic coating as described in applicant&#39;s previous U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/240,140 filed Jan. 29, 1999.  
         [0043]    Turning to FIG. 4, an alternative arrangement to the spline type of system is provided for transmitting torque from a first connector  90  to a second connector  92  through a serpentine-like interconnection  94 . This serpentive connection provides a plurality of interdigitated fingers. The first and second connectors  90  and  92  have end portions  96  and  98 , respectively, for connection to the respective upper and lower drill strings. Their intermediate portions  100  and  102  have machined surfaces to provide flats  104  and  106  which interact with the composite wrap to prevent rotation thereof and which is discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 13. Annular grooves  108  and  110  are included which provide locators for the wire connection of the sealing sleeve to the first and second connectors. The serpentine connection  94  is shown in more detail in FIG. 5. The first connector  90  has machined in its end portion  112  a serpentine-shaped edge  114 . Correspondingly, connector  92  has machined in its end portion  116  a mating serpentine edge  118 . Along the serpentine-shaped edges  114  and  118  are opposing recesses  120  and  122  which define bores  124  extending through the wall portions of the first and second connectors. Preferably, these bores  124  extend radially through the respective wall portions. To complete the interconnection of the first connector  90  to the second connector  92 , ceramic spacers or buttons  126  are located in the bores  124  to eliminate any play between the spaced apart edges  114  and  118  of the respective connectors. The ceramic spacers are shown in more detail in FIGS. 7A and 7B. As shown in these views, the ceramic spacers  126  are cylindrical and have a length equivalent to the wall thickness of the respective connectors  90  and  92 . As will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 13, the space between the edges  114  and  118  of the connectors  90  and  92  is filled with an insulating epoxy material  128 . Such material is injected into this space between edges  114  and  118  and as well, along the length of the inner sleeve, to be discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 13. The resulting completed connection, as shown in FIG. 8, thus comprises spaced apart interlocking tongues  130  for the first connector and  132  for the second connector, where the defined space between the tongues is maintained by the ceramic spacers  126  and the injected set polymeric material, such as epoxy  128 . This provides a very secure connection which cannot be pulled apart axially and, providing its radial movement is constrained, such as by an inner and/or outer keeper sleeve, readily transmits torque from the first connector to the second connector.  
         [0044]    It is appreciated that the serpentine connection  94  may be incorporated in the first and second connectors in various ways. In this respect, attention is directed to FIGS. 9 through 12 which exemplify four different types of couplings. With reference to FIG. 9A, the serpentine connection is cut transversely along the wall  134  which, when completed, defines the first and second connectors. The transverse cuts are shown by dotted lines  136  which may be machined by various techniques, such as milling, laser cutting, high pressure water stream cutting and the like. The transverse cutout is shown in FIG. 9B where interlocking tongues  130  and  132  are provided for connectors  90  and  92 . The connection may be unlocked by simply sliding connector  90  laterally relative to connector  92 . It is appreciated that the gap  138  provided by the machined cutting has the bores provided therein to accommodate the ceramic spacers and, as well, is injected with epoxy to complete the connection.  
         [0045]    With reference to FIG. 10A, the subassembly wall  134  is cut transversely as shown by dotted lines  140 . Only the cut is done on the bias as shown by dotted line  142  in FIG. 10B. The bias cut prevents uncoupling by simply moving the connectors  90  and  92  laterally of one another. However, the connectors can be uncoupled by rotating one relative to the other so that the couplings spiral apart. Again, as will be discussed with respect to FIG. 13, an inner sleeve and/or an outer sleeve is used to complete the coupling. The advantages of a bias cut are twofold. When the subassembly flexes, the bias cut helps reduce relative movement between the interlocking profiles. When the gap has the ceramic spacers included in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 8, and the epoxy material is injected in the gap, the resistance to tension compression and torque is dependent on the mechanical properties of the material between the interlocking profiles. The stress between the interlocking profiles will be reduced at the interconnection, as determined by the ceramic spacers, by increasing the surface area of the joint interfaces. This is readily accomplished by machining the cuts with an angular bias in the manner shown in FIG. 10.  
         [0046]    With respect to radially directed cutting of the profile, a permanent connection is provided, where completing the connection is achieved with the use of inner and/outer sleeves. As shown in FIG. 11A, the tube wall  134  is cut radially as indicated by dotted lines  142 . The usual bores are placed in the cutout to accommodate the ceramic spacers. The radially directed cuts  142  may also be cut on a bias  144 , as shown in FIG. 12B. The bias cuts extend radially through the tube wall  134  as shown in FIG. 12A. The benefit of the bias cut for the radially extending machined cutout  144  is the same as that with respect to FIG. 10; namely, reduction of movement and increase in strength.  
         [0047]    Various embodiments for the completed connections are shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and  15 . The functioning of the interlocking isolation subassembly is a sum of discrete insulating and mechanical components forming a system to provide electrical isolation and the necessary structural rigidity for the drilling process. These features are achieved by the interconnection and seal as demonstrated in FIGS. 13 through 15. As well the interior space for the drilling mud may be increased and/or the thickness of the exterior composite wrap may be increased. With reference to the section of FIG. 13, the first connector  90  is interconnected to the second connector  92 . The gap  146  at the serpentine connection  94  is shown which may be the gap  138 ,  142  or  144  of the various embodiments between interlocking tongues  130  and  132 . As previously discussed, to secure the interlocking of the inter-digitated fingers  130  and  132 , an internal non-magnetic keeper sleeve of structural material, such as metal, is provided at  148 . The sleeve extends along the respective interior surfaces  150  and  152  of the first and second connectors  90  and  92 . Between the sleeve  148  and the interior surfaces  150  and  152  is a small gap  154  which is filled with the epoxy by injection through the gap  146  at the serpentine connection  94 . The sleeve is assembled within the interconnected connectors  90  and  92  and sealed at its respective ends. A vacuum may then be drawn through gap  146  and an injector system, located about the outer periphery  156  and  158  of the respective connectors, to permit injection of the insulated material in the gaps  146  and  154 . As with the system of FIG. 3, a suitable vacuum is drawn and once epoxy shows up in the vacuum line, the vacuum is shut off and the epoxy is then pressurized to about  50  psi and set to complete the interconnection. By virtue of the injected epoxy material, the inner sleeve  148  becomes a structural member of the subassembly transferring torque from the first connector  90  to the second connector  92  in addition to that transferred by the ceramic spacers.  
         [0048]    The exposed gap  146  is then sealed with a suitable sealing membrane  160 , which is a polymeric sleeve or the like placed over the completed connection, followed by their respective ends wire wrapped at  162  and  164 . This is done to energize the seal should any pressurized drilling mud find its way through the composite wrap. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, an outer non-magnetic, metallic keeper sleeve  166  is provided to reinforce the connection and prevent any lateral movement at the serpentine interconnection  94 . A composite wrap  168  is then provided over the entire assembly to provide the necessary resistance to wear and final sealing of the assembly. As discussed with respect to FIG. 4, the flats  104  ensure that the composite wrap  168  does not rotate relative to the first and second connectors  90  and  92 . The use of an outer non-magnetic, metallic sleeve  166  is preferable but not essential to the arrangement. It is appreciated that the outer sleeve  166  could be used in place of the inner sleeve  148  to provide yet another alternative to that structure. Regardless of whether there is an inner sleeve  148 , the customary wash pipe  170  is provided on the interior of the subassembly to contain and direct the flow of the drilling mud. Its ends are sealed in the customary manner and the antennae extend through the space. The connector  90  is isolated from the connector  92 . In the event that the inner sleeve  148  is of a conductive non-magnetic material, the injected epoxy in the space  154  insulates the inner sleeve from the tube connectors. Similarly, the outer sleeve  166 , as it encompasses the sealing membrane  165  is insulated from the tube connectors.  
         [0049]    An alternative arrangement for the connectors  90  and  92  is shown in FIG. 14. The gaps  146  and  154  are filled with injected epoxy comprising of the usual inner sleeve  148  and inner wash pipe  170 . In this arrangement, the outer sleeve  166  is provided over the exterior surfaces  156  and  158  of the first and second connectors. The gap  172  between the outer sleeve  166  and the outer surfaces of the connector is also filled with insulative epoxy material to prevent the sleeve  166  from electrically shorting out connectors  90  and  92 . The sealing membrane  165  is then placed over the sleeve  166  and energized by wire wraps  162  and  164 . To complete the connection, the usual composite wrap is provided. This arrangement provides additional structure adjacent to the connector tongues  130  and  132  to secure the connection.  
         [0050]    In respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14, where the outer sleeve  166  is applied to the connection, it is understood that the outer sleeve has to be applied over the connection, because the connection cannot be disassembled. If it is disassembled, it cannot be reconnected with the sleeve in place. Unless of course the recessed area beyond the connection space  146  to either side, thereof, is longer than the length of the sleeve. It is therefore understood that a split sleeve may be located about the connection. By extending the sleeve outwardly, it may be snapped over the connection where the integrity of the sleeve is completed by the outer composite wrap  168 . Alternately, the sleeve  148  may be the only sleeve and the outer sleeve  166  eliminated. The rubber sleeve  165  remains in place over which the composite wrap is applied.  
         [0051]    With respect to the alternative assembly of FIG. 15, the usual gap  146  is filled with epoxy as is the gap  154  between the inner sleeve  148  and the interior surfaces of connectors  90  and  92 . The usual wash pipe is also in place. The outer portion of the connection may be wrapped in a composite wrap  174  which completes the connection. The thinner composite wrap is then sealed with the sealing membrane  165  and wire wrapped at  162  and  164 . To complete the connection, additional composite wrap  168  is provided.  
         [0052]    As previously mentioned, there are benefits in molding a rubber sleeve about the connection of the first connector to the second connector. An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 16 where the standard wash pipe  180  is inserted within the mandrel  182 . The outer sleeve  184  is positioned over the mandrel  182  with a space  186  provided between the two components. In accordance with the other embodiments, this space is injected with an insulating material which also functions as an adhesive to bond components together but at the same time electrically insulate them. Step  188  is provided on the interior surface  190  of the sleeve to act as a stop for the plastic ring  192  of the subassembly. In accordance with this embodiment, a rubber sleeve  194  is molded onto the mandrel  182  and underneath the outer sleeve  184  up to the sealing ring  192 . In accordance with standard practice, the thickness of the outer sleeve above the molded sleeve  194  is filled with the composite resin and fibre wrap  196 . There are significant advantages to this design. The rubber bonds to the mandrel and the outer sleeve to form a high pressure seal in area  198  and at the same time provides electrical isolation between the components for a significant length along the mandrel beyond the outer sleeve, usually in the range of 20 to 30 inches. The significant benefit is that the outside diameter of the assembly may be greatly decreased by the thickness of the rubber in the composite coating which can equate to ⅜ of an inch less wall thickness compared to the alternative devices of the previous figures. This is quite significant in decreasing the diameter of the sub while maintaining the structural integrity of the same. The smaller diameter sub may then be used for various types of work such as re-entry in which the existing cased wellbore is used in horizontal drilling or in directional legs of a wellbore. An additional benefit of bonding the rubber as opposed to a slip on sleeve of the other embodiments is that if there is a tear in the slip on sleeve the drilling fluid will pass through and invade the subassembly. On the other hand, with a bonded sleeve, the tear will allow fluid to contact the metal surface in that region but will not allow it to invade the rest of the subassembly.  
         [0053]    An additional benefit to the bonded rubber sleeve is that it is securely anchored in place. The wellbore acts upon the composite coating  196  around the rubber sleeve  194  which in turn acts upon the sleeve with the torsion and axial forces. Such forces may cause a slip on sleeve to move or rotate which could lead to a sealing failure. On the other hand, the molded sleeve will resist this movement because of the bonding to the mandrel and at least to the overlap portion of the outer sleeve and regions  198 .  
         [0054]    Accordingly, a sealing membrane greatly simplifies interconnection of the components compared to the applicant&#39;s prior connectors of the aforementioned US patent applications and as well relative to the prior art. In addition to simplifying the connection, the overall wall thickness of the connector is reduced. This allows for either increased internal diameter for the wash pipe and hence, increased drilling mud flows, or increased thickness of the outer composite wrap, which is particularly advantageous in extreme drilling environments. The sealing membrane has the significant advantage, in that as pressurized fluids invade the connector, the increased pressure merely increases the effectiveness of the seal to ensure that there is no breakdown in the electrical isolation of one connector from the other and hence, signal transmission continues. The various types of interconnections for the subassemblies transfer torque and are cost effective to manufacture. Even in the event of a breakdown, the interconnection ensures that continued rotation of the subassemblies occur and that a retrieval of all of the electronics related to the transmission can be obtained.  
         [0055]    Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims