Patent Publication Number: US-9850720-B2

Title: Helical control line connector for connecting to a downhole completion receptacle

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with subterranean wells and, more particularly, to a control line connector assembly for downhole use. 
     In the oil and gas industry, control lines are often run along the exterior of production tubing or other wellbore tubulars extended into a wellbore to communicate between a surface location and a downhole location. The control lines, which may include optical fibers, electrical conductors, or hydraulic conduits, enable the transmission of signals, downhole data acquisition, activation and control of downhole devices, and numerous other applications. For example, command and control signals may be sent from a surface location downhole through a control line and to a downhole tool located within the wellbore. In other applications, downhole sensors collect data and relay that data to the surface location through a control line uplink for evaluation or use in the specific well-related operation. In yet other applications, hydraulic pressure is conveyed through the control lines to act on or otherwise actuate one or more downhole tools or devices. 
     Fiber optic control lines, in particular, can provide valuable downhole sensing means in a wellbore environment. For instance, optical fibers are often used to obtain distributed temperature measurements along all or a portion of the wellbore. When used as a temperature sensor, optical fibers provide a more complete temperature profile as compared to discrete temperature sensors. 
     Use of an optical fiber for distributed downhole temperature sensing may be highly beneficial during wellbore completion operations. In a stimulation operation, for instance, a temperature profile may be obtained to determine where injected fluid has entered surrounding formations or zones intersected by the wellbore. This information is useful in evaluating the effectiveness of the stimulation treatment and in planning future stimulation operations. Likewise, use of an optical fiber may also be highly beneficial during production operations. For example, a distributed temperature profile may be used in determining the location of water or gas influx along the sand control screens during production. 
     In a typical wellbore completion, lower portions of the completion string include various tools such as sand control screens, fluid flow control devices, and wellbore isolation devices. Various sensors, such as an optical fiber, may also be included in the lower portions of the completion string. After the completion process is finished, an upper portion of the completion string is separated from the lower portion of the completion string and retrieved to the surface, which simultaneously disconnects the optical fiber from surface communication. Accordingly, if information from the production zones is to be transmitted to the surface during production operations, a connection to the optical fiber in the completion string must be reestablished when production tubing string is installed. This can be done using either a dry or wet mate fiber optic connector, although wet mate connectors are more prevalent in downhole environments. 
     It has been found, however, that wet mating optical fibers in a downhole environment can be quite difficult. Currently, most wet mate connectors use a telescoping metal housing (including male and female portions) that locates, aligns, and washes the face of the connection. In operation, the male and female wet mate housings are first aligned, and then the respective wet mate faces are brought together axially. The male and female wet mate housings are then axially compressed such that an inner housing moves inside an outer housing and the optical fibers align internally within the housings. The telescoping inner and outer housings bring the end faces of each fiber in contact. 
     While generally able to establish optical communication between upper and lower ends of an optical fiber, conventional fiber optic connectors suffer from at least two inherent flaws. First, the mating faces of conventional fiber optic connectors are axially disposed and thereby increasingly prone to soiling by grease, scale, and other debris commonly encountered in the downhole environment. Second, a short length of fiber inside the fiber optic connector is subjected to column loading and is, therefore, prone to buckling or breaking. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a wellbore system that may employ the principles of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary lower control line connector, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exposed side view of the lower control line connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of the lower control line connector of  FIG. 2 , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a planar cross-sectional view of the splitter block of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of a control line connector assembly, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exposed side view of the control line connector assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate isometric views of the box connector and the pin connector of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate cross-sectional side views of the box connector and the pin connector of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate partial cross-sectional side views of another wellbore system that may employ the principles of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate various views of an exemplary dry mate connection assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an enlarged side view of the anchor assembly and upper control line connector of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the anchor assembly engaged with the completion receptacle of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another wellbore system that may employ the principles of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the anchor assembly and completion receptacle of  FIG. 13 , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an exemplary rotation guide that may be used in conjunction with the anchor assemblies of  FIGS. 11 and 13 , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate views of another exemplary connector, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 17A  illustrates an enlarged side view of an anchor assembly and the upper control line connector of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 17B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the anchor assembly of GIG.  17 A engaged with the completion receptacle of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 18A  illustrates an enlarged side view of an anchor assembly and the upper control line connector of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 18B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the anchor assembly of GIG.  18 A engaged with the completion receptacle of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with subterranean wells and, more particularly, to a control line connector assembly for downhole use. 
     The presently disclosed control line connector assembly may be useful in establishing a connection between two ends of a control line configured to convey various forms of communication media into a downhole environment. In some cases, for instance, the control line connector assembly may be configured to establish a connection between the ends of one or more optical fibers. As opposed to conventional control line connection systems that establish connection through relative axial movement of connection housings, the currently disclosed connection assembly is configured to mate opposing ends of the optical fibers in a tangential or curvilinear direction and otherwise through rotation of the opposing connection housings. A retractable cover on one of the connection housings and a corresponding penetrable lid on the opposing connection housing ensure that the resulting connection is substantially free from debris and fouling. Once a connection is established, the optical fibers are maintained in low stress compression, thereby reducing the possibility of buckling or breakage. 
     While the various embodiments of the control line connector assembly detailed herein are generally described in conjunction with coupling optical fibers, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the control line connection system may equally be used in the coupling of other communication media such as, but not limited to, electrical conductors and hydraulic conduits. Moreover, the embodiments of the control line connector assembly may include wet mate or dry mate connectors. A wet mate connection may be mated downhole, while a dry mate connection could be made up during assembly while on a rig floor or otherwise prior to being introduced downhole. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a wellbore system  100  that may employ the principles of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the wellbore system  100  may include an offshore oil or gas platform  102  centered over a submerged oil and gas formation  104  located below the sea floor  106 . A subsea riser or conduit  108  extends from the platform  102  to a wellhead installation  110  arranged at or on the sea floor  106 . The wellhead installation may include one or more blowout preventers  114 . The platform  102  includes a hoisting apparatus  116 , a derrick  118 , a travel block  120 , a hook  122 , and a swivel  124  for raising and lowering pipe strings, such as a production tubing  126 , within the subsea conduit  108 . 
     A wellbore  128  extends through the various earth strata below the sea floor  106 , including the formation  104 . An upper portion of wellbore  128  includes casing  130  that is cemented within the wellbore  128 . Below the casing  130 , the wellbore  128  is depicted as having deviated from vertical into an open hole portion. Disposed in the open hole portion of the wellbore  128  is a completion  132  that includes various tools such as a packer  134 , a seal bore assembly  136 , and one or more sand control screen assemblies, shown as screen assemblies  138   a,    138   b ,  138   c , and  138   d.    
     A lower control line  140  may extend along the exterior of the completion  132 . The lower control line  140  may be a spoolable metal conduit configured to house one or more communication media such as optical fibers, electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, etc. In certain embodiments, the communication media may operate as energy conductors that facilitate power and/or data transmission between one or more downhole tools or sensors (not shown) and a surface location. In other embodiments, the communication media themselves may operate as downhole sensors, such as in the case of optical fibers in single mode or multi-mode. 
     For example, when optical fibers are used as the communication media, the optical fibers may be used to obtain distributed measurements representing a parameter along the entire length of the optical fiber, such as distributed temperature or seismic sensing. In operation, a pulse of laser light from the surface is sent along the optical fiber and portions of the light are backscattered to the surface due to the optical properties of the fiber. The slightly shifted frequency of the backscattered light provides information that may be used to determine the temperature or vibration at the point in the fiber where the backscatter originated. As the speed of light is constant, the distance from the surface to the point where the backscatter originated can also be readily determined. In this manner, continuous monitoring of the backscattered light will provide temperature and/or seismic profile information for the entire length of the optical fiber. 
     A variety of tools or devices may be disposed at the lower end of the string of production tubing  126 , such as a seal assembly  142  and an anchor assembly  144 . An upper control line connector  146  may be arranged on or otherwise attached to the anchor assembly  144 . In some embodiments, the upper control line connector  146  (hereafter “the upper connector  146 ”) may be a wet mate connector, but in other embodiments it may be a dry mate connector, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Extending uphole from the upper connector  146  is an upper control line  148  that extends to the surface within the annulus between the production tubing  126  and the wellbore  128 . The upper control line  148  may be coupled to the production tubing  126  at various locations to prevent damage to the upper control line  148  during installation. 
     Similar to the lower control line  140 , the upper control line  148  may be a spoolable metal conduit configured to house one or more communication media such as optical fibers, electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, etc. In some embodiments, the upper and lower control lines  148 ,  140  will have the same type of communication media disposed therein such that energy and/or signals may be transmitted therebetween following proper connection, as described herein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the completion  132  also includes a completion receptacle  150 . The completion receptacle  150  may be configured to receive, orient, and align the production tubing  126 . In some embodiments, the completion receptacle  150  may also include, provide, or otherwise house a lower control line connector (not shown), and the lower control line  140  may extend therefrom in the downhole direction and through the packer  134  so that it may be operably associated with the sand control screen assemblies  138   a - d . The lower control line connector may be configured to be operatively coupled to the upper connector  146 , thereby establishing a continuous connection between the upper and lower control lines  148 ,  140 . 
     Prior to producing fluids from the formation  104 , such as hydrocarbon fluids, the production tubing  126  and the completion  132  may be operatively and communicably coupled. When properly connected to each other, a sealed communication path is created between the seal assembly  142  and the seal bore assembly  136 , which establishes a sealed internal flow passage from the completion  132  to the production tubing  126 , thereby providing a fluid conduit to the surface for production fluids. In addition, as discussed in greater detail below, the present disclosure enables the communication media associated with the upper control line  148  to be operatively connected to the communication media associated with the lower control line  140 , thereby enabling continuous communication therebetween. In the case of optical fibers, for instance, operatively coupling the upper control line  148  to the lower control line  140  may enable distributed temperature and/or seismic information along the completion  132  to be obtained and transmitted to the surface during any subsequent wellbore operations. 
     Even though  FIG. 1  depicts a slanted wellbore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the control line connectors according to the present disclosure are equally well suited for use in wellbores having other orientations including vertical wellbores, horizontal wellbores, multilateral wellbores or the like. Accordingly, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure. Also, even though  FIG. 1  depicts an offshore operation, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the control line connectors according to the present disclosure are equally well suited for use in onshore operations. Further, even though  FIG. 1  depicts an open hole completion, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the control line connectors according to the present disclosure are equally well suited for use in cased hole completions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an isometric view of an exemplary lower control line connector  200 , according to one or more embodiments. The lower control line connector  200  (hereafter “the lower connector  200 ”) may be associated with the completion  132  of  FIG. 1  and, in some embodiments, may be arranged within the completion receptacle  150  ( FIG. 1 ), as discussed above. The lower connector  200  may be configured to be communicably and operatively coupled to the upper connector  146  ( FIG. 1 ), which process is described in greater detail below. Once this connection is established, the communication media associated with the upper control line  148  ( FIG. 1 ) may be communicably coupled to the communication media associated with the lower control line  140 . As used herein, the phrase “communicably coupled” encompasses both direct and indirect couplings in order to transfer one or more of data, power, and control between the upper and lower control lines  148 ,  200 . More particularly, communicably coupling the upper and lower control lines  148 ,  140  may entail a direct coupling of the communication media extending within each, but may also encompass an inductive coupling or resonant inductive coupling between the corresponding communication media. In such embodiments, the upper and lower connectors  146 ,  200  may be magnetically coupled (or otherwise) such that change in current flow through one wire induces a voltage across the end of another wire through electromagnetic induction. 
     While the terms “upper” and “lower” are used in conjunction with the upper connector  146  and the lower connector  200 , respectively, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such directional terms are not to be considered limiting to the present disclosure, and are used only for reference and differentiation. Rather, the directional configurations of the upper connector  146  and the lower connector  200  may be reversed, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, for instance, the upper connector  146  may alternatively be associated with the completion  132  or any other downhole tool or tool string, and the lower connector  200  may be coupled to the upper control line  148  and otherwise in direct communication with a surface location. Accordingly, since directional configuration is irrelevant, the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may alternatively be characterized as first and second connectors, respectively, or vice versa. 
     As illustrated, the lower connector  200  may include a lower housing  201  that encompasses a body  202  and a shroud  206  that extends about the body  202 . In some embodiments, the lower housing  201  (e.g., the body  202 ) may be generally cylindrical having a central axis  207  and otherwise configured to be disposed about a sub or tubular  208  (shown in dashed) that extends axially from the lower connector  200 . In at least one embodiment, the tubular  208  may be associated with the completion  132  ( FIG. 1 ) and may, for instance, extend to the packer  134  ( FIG. 1 ) of the completion  132 . In other embodiments, the tubular  208  may be associated with any other type of wellbore tubular or work string, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, as will be appreciated, use of the lower connector  200  is not limited to wellbore completion and production operations, but may equally be employed in any other wellbore operation or application, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the lower connector  200  may also be used in conjunction with a test string or reservoir test tool lowered into the well to measure the reservoir size and properties. The lower connector  200  may also be used in well work over operations that involve gauges and test tools placed along a work string to measure reservoir, tubing, and annulus pressures during perforating and stimulating operations. 
     The shroud  206  may be configured to extend about the outer circumference of the body  202 . In some embodiments, the shroud  206  may be configured to hermetically-seal the lower housing  201  so that wellbore fluids are substantially prevented from entering the lower connector  200  and otherwise contaminating the communication media disposed therein. The shroud  206  may be made of any rigid material including, but not limited to, metals, hard plastics, composite materials, and any combination thereof. 
     The lower connector  200  may also include a splitter block  204  coupled to the lower housing  201 . More particularly, the splitter block  204  may be coupled or attached to one axial face or end of the body  202 , and the lower control line  140  may be coupled to the opposing axial face of the splitter block  204  and extend axially therefrom. The splitter block  204  may be coupled to the lower housing  201  in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, threading, mechanically-fastening (e.g., screws, pins, snap rings, etc.), adhesives, and any combination thereof. The lower control line  140  may be coupled to the splitter block  204  in a similar manner. As discussed below, the splitter block  204  may be configured to receive and separate (i.e., split) the various communication media disposed within the lower control line  140  and convey said communication media into the lower housing  201 . Accordingly, the lower control line  140  may be considered to be operatively coupled to the lower housing  201  via the splitter block  204 . 
     The lower connector  200  may further include a box connector  210 . As described below, the box connector  210  may be configured to mate with a pin connector of the upper connector  146  ( FIG. 1 ). The box connector  210  may be at least partially arranged within the lower housing  201  and include a box mating face  212  that protrudes a short distance out of the lower housing  201 . The box mating face  212  may provide or otherwise define one or more holes  214  therein. As illustrated, the box connector  210  may be arranged with respect to the lower housing  201  such that the box mating face  212  generally faces a tangential direction or tangentially with respect to the curvature of the housing  201  and the body  202 . 
     In some embodiments, for instance, the box mating face  212  may be linearly aligned or parallel with the central axis  207  and, therefore, face a truly tangential direction with respect to the housing  201 . In other embodiments, however, the box mating face  212  may be slightly offset from parallel with the central axis  207  and, therefore, face a curvilinear direction with respect to the housing  201  and the body  202 . As used herein, a component (e.g., the box mating face  212 ) that “faces tangentially” or faces in a “tangential direction,” or any variation thereof, is meant to encompass a truly tangential alignment with another component (e.g., the housing  201 ), but also any offset alignment with said components, such as a curvilinear alignment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The tangentially-oriented box connector  210  may prove advantageous and otherwise desirable over axially-oriented mating faces of conventional control line connectors. For instance, tangentially-orienting the box mating face  212  may reduce the potential for the accumulation of dirt, scale, and other wellbore debris on the box mating face  212 , which could obstruct the holes  214  and potentially frustrate the connection of the lower connector  200  to the upper connector  146 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , with continued reference to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is an exposed side view of the lower connector  200 . More particularly, the shroud  206  ( FIG. 2 ) has been removed in  FIG. 3  to expose a conduit chamber  300  that may be defined within the lower housing  201  and otherwise between the body  202  and the shroud  206 . As illustrated, one or more tubular conduits  302  may be arranged within the conduit chamber  300  and extend from the splitter block  204  to the box connector  210 . The tubular conduits  302  may each be made of a semi-rigid, corrosion-resistant material such as, but not limited to, metals, plastics, composite materials, and any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the tubular conduits  302  may be made of a nickel steel alloy (e.g., INCOLOY® 825, 925, 945, and/or INCONEL® 718, G3) or a stainless steel alloy (e.g., stainless steel 316, 304, 410, and/or 440). 
     Each tubular conduit  302  may be configured to house a separate communication medium (e.g., an optical fiber, an electrical conductor, hydraulic fluid, etc.) and otherwise provide a passageway to convey the corresponding communication medium between the splitter block  204  and the box connector  210 . Moreover, each tubular conduit  302  may be communicably and/or operatively coupled to the box connector  210  such that the corresponding communication media extending therein is able to extend into the box connector  210 . For instance, in the case of optical fibers, the optical fiber within a given tubular conduit  302  may be configured to extend at least a short distance into the box connector  210  so as to ensure proper optical communication with an end of an opposing optical fiber. 
     The tubular conduits  302  generally serve to protect the communication media extending between the splitter block  204  and the box connector  210 . In the illustrated embodiment, five tubular conduits  302  are depicted. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, however, that more or less than five tubular conduits  302  (including one) may be employed, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the tubular conduits  302  may be helically wrapped around the body  202  between the splitter block  204  and the box connector  210 . In some embodiments, the tubular conduits  302  may be wrapped around the body  202  once. In other embodiments, the tubular conduits  302  may be wrapped around the body  202  more than once, such as twice, three times, or more than three times. In yet other embodiments, the tubular conduits  302  may be wrapped around the body  202  less than a full revolution, such as a ¼ wrap or a ½ wrap around the body  202 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Especially in the case of optical fibers, winding the tubular conduits  302  about the body  202  may prove advantageous in reducing column loading on the optical fibers once the lower connector  200  is operatively and communicably coupled to the upper connector  146  ( FIG. 1 ). More particularly, contacting the opposing ends of the optical fibers associated with the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may place the optical fibers in axial compression. By wrapping the optical fiber helically around the body  202  (e.g., two, three, four or more revolutions) within the tubular conduits  302 , more axial length of the optical fiber is available to assume any potential axial loads. As a result, the optical fiber may experience lower stress levels when properly connected and will therefore be less prone to breakage. Moreover, the inner diameter of the tubular conduits  302  may be greater than the diameter of an optical fiber. Such a loose fit of the optical fiber within the tubular conduits  302  may allow for some movement during mating to prevent high column loading on the optical fiber. 
     The body  202  may further define or otherwise provide one or more ribs  304  that protrude radially from the outer surface of the body  202  and into the conduit chamber  300 . In some embodiments, the shroud  206  ( FIG. 2 ) may be configured to seat against or otherwise be coupled to the ribs  304 . Accordingly, the ribs  304  may provide radial support for the shroud  206 , and otherwise protect the tubular conduits  302  from compression damage. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs  304  are depicted as a continuous spiraling length that proceeds helically around the body  202 . A corresponding helical passageway may be defined between axially adjacent portions of the spiraling rib  304 , and the tubular conduits  302  may be able to extend within the helical passageway. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the several different variations of ribs  304  may be employed to accomplish the same ends of radially supporting the shroud  206  and simultaneously protecting the tubular conduits  302  from compression damage. For instance, in some embodiments, the spiraling rib  304  need not be a continuous length but may alternatively encompass two or more spiraled sections. 
     In some embodiments, the conduit chamber  300  may be filled with an optical gel (not shown) useful in protecting optical fibers that may be disposed within one or more of the tubular conduits  302  from well fluid contamination. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated, one or more of the tubular conduits  302  may provide or otherwise define a gel inlet  306  that allows the optical gel to flow into the corresponding tubular conduit  302  and to the box connector  210 . More particularly, upon mating with the pin connector (not shown) of the upper connector  146  ( FIG. 1 ), the box connector  210  may be configured to move a short distance into the lower housing  201  (e.g., the conduit chamber  300 ). In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the box connector  210  is depicted in an extended configuration, where the box mating face  212  extends a short distance out of the lower housing  201 . When properly mated to the pin connector, however, the box connector  210  may be moved further into the lower housing  201  until assuming a retracted configuration (shown in  FIG. 6  below). 
     Movement of the box connector  210  to the retracted configuration increases the fluid pressure within the conduit chamber  300 , which may hydraulically force optical gel to flow into the tubular conduits  302  via corresponding gel inlets  306 . The box connector  210  may be spring loaded and otherwise biased to maintain the box connector  210  in its extended configuration. Accordingly, upon disconnecting the box connector  210  from the pin connector, the box connector  210  may be configured to autonomously return to the extended configuration. Moving back to the extended configuration, however, may generate a pressure differential between the conduit chamber  300  and the exterior of the lower housing  201 . Unless alleviated, this pressure differential could draw in sand, scale or other wellbore debris into the conduit chamber  300 . 
     In order to alleviate the generated pressure differential, in at least one embodiment, the lower connector  200  may further include a gel reservoir  308  configured to inject or otherwise provide additional optical gel into the conduit chamber  300  upon disconnecting the box connector  210 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the gel reservoir  308  may be arranged within the conduit chamber  300 . In other embodiments, however, the gel reservoir  308  may be arranged outside of the lower housing  201 , but nonetheless in fluid communication with the conduit chamber  300 . The gel reservoir  308  may include a fluid actuator (not shown), such as a piston or a bladder, housed within the gel reservoir  308  and configured to autonomously pump additional optical gel  310  into the conduit chamber  300  upon sensing the pressure differential caused by the disconnection of the box connector  210 . Actuation of the fluid actuator may be configured to compensate for the loss of the optical gel into the tubular conduits  302  when the box connector  210  moves back to the extended position. Accordingly, every time the box connector  210  is pumped (i.e., moved between extended and retracted configurations), the fluid actuator may be configured to correspondingly move and provide additional optical gel  310  to the conduit chamber  300  to compensate for the optical gel that previously flowed into the tubular conduits  302 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , with continued reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , illustrated are cross-sectional views of the lower connector  200  and the splitter block  204 , respectively, according to one or more embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 4A  depicts a partial side cross-sectional view of the lower housing  201  and the splitter block  204  of the lower connector  200 , and  FIG. 4B  depicts a planar cross-sectional view of the splitter block  204 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4A , the shroud  206  may be operatively coupled to the body  202  in order to define the conduit chamber  300  therebetween. The ribs  304  are also depicted as providing radial support to the shroud  206  and otherwise forming a passageway within the conduit chamber  300 . As mentioned above, the tubular conduits  302  may be configured to extend between the splitter block  204  and the box connector  210  within the passageway(s) formed by the ribs  304 . The shroud  206  may be coupled to the body  202  (and/or the ribs  304 ) in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, threading, mechanically-fastening (e.g., screws, pins, snap rings, etc.), adhesives, and any combination thereof. As can be seen in  FIG. 4A , the lower connector  200  maintains a low profile (i.e., relatively small radial thickness), which may prove advantageous in downhole applications where radial space is limited. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , the splitter block  204  may include or otherwise define a control line port  402  configured to receive and seat the lower control line  140  (shown in dashed). The splitter block  204  may further define or otherwise provide one or more communication media pathways  404  that extend from the control line port  402 . The communication media pathways  404  may be drilled into the splitter block  204  or otherwise integrally formed therein during manufacturing (i.e., molds, castings, etc.). Each communication media pathway  404  may be configured to receive and convey a separate communication medium (e.g., an optical fiber, an electrical conductor, hydraulic fluid, etc.) to a corresponding tubular conduit port  406 . Each tubular conduit port  406  may be configured to receive and seat a corresponding one of the tubular conduits  302 . The tubular conduits  302  may be operatively coupled to a given tubular conduit port  406  via a variety of ways including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, threading, mechanically-fastening (e.g., screws, pins, snap rings, etc.), adhesives, and any combination thereof. 
     In embodiments where an optical fiber constitutes the communication medium run through a given communication media pathway  404 , a pressure seal may be made on the optical fiber to prevent wellbore fluids from entering the given communication media pathway  404 . More particularly, an optical fiber  408  is depicted in  FIG. 4B  as extending within one of the communication media pathways  404 . At or near the corresponding tubular conduit port  406 , a pressure seal  410  may be generated. The pressure seal  410 , for example, may be a glass bead fused to the optical fiber  408  and otherwise sealed into the splitter block  204  to provide a pressure seal capable of withstanding wellbore pressures and any fluid pressure within the upper and lower control lines  148 ,  140  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , with continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , illustrated is a side view of an exemplary control line connector assembly  500 , according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the control line connector assembly  500  (hereafter “the assembly  500 ”) may include the upper connector  146  and the lower connector  200 . The upper connector  146  may be similar in some respects to the lower connector  200 , and therefore may be best understood with reference thereto. For instance, similar to the lower connector  200 , the upper connector  146  may include an upper housing  501  that may encompass a body  502  and a shroud  506  that extends about the body  502 . The upper housing  501  may be generally cylindrical having a central axis  507  and otherwise configured to be disposed about a sub or tubular  508  (shown in dashed) that extends axially from the upper connector  146 . In at least one embodiment, the tubular  508  may be a production tubular, such as the production tubing  126  of  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the tubular  508  may be associated with any other type of wellbore tubular or work string, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The upper control line connector assembly  500  may also include a splitter block  504  that may be coupled or attached to one axial face or end of the upper housing  501 , and the upper control line  148  may be coupled to the opposing axial face of the splitter block  504  and extend axially therefrom. The splitter block  504  may be coupled to the upper housing  501  (e.g., the body  502 ) in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, threading, mechanically-fastening (e.g., screws, pins, snap rings, etc.), adhesives, and any combination thereof. The upper control line  148  may be coupled to the splitter block  504  in a similar manner. Similar to the splitter block  204  of the lower connector  200 , the splitter block  504  may be configured to receive and separate (i.e., split) the various communication media disposed within the upper control line  148  and convey the communication media into the upper housing  501 . Accordingly, the upper control line  148  may be considered to be operatively coupled to the upper housing  501  via the splitter block  504 . 
     The shroud  506  may be configured to extend about the outer circumference of the body  502 . In some embodiments, the shroud  506  may be configured to hermetically-seal the upper housing  501  so that wellbore fluids are substantially prevented from entering the upper connector  146  and otherwise damaging the communication media disposed therein. The shroud  506  may be made of any rigid material including, but not limited to, metals, hard plastics, composite materials, and any combination thereof. 
     The upper connector  146  may further include a pin connector  510  configured to mate with the box connector  210  of the lower connector  200 . The pin connector  510  may include or otherwise define a pin mating face  512 . Similar to the box mating face  212  of the box connector  210 , the pin connector  510  may be arranged with respect to the upper housing  501  such that the pin mating face  512  generally faces a tangential direction or is tangentially-oriented with respect to the curvature of the upper housing  501  and the body  502 . For instance, the pin mating face  512  may be linearly aligned or parallel with the central axis  507  and, therefore, face a truly tangential direction with respect to the upper housing  501 . In other embodiments, however, the pin mating face  512  may be slightly offset from parallel with the central axis  507  and, therefore, face in a curvilinear direction with respect to the upper housing  501  and the body  502 . As described below, the pin mating face  512  may be configured to be angularly aligned with and engage the box mating face  212  of the box connector  210  during coupling of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200 . Accordingly, during mating of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200 , the central axes  507 ,  207  of the upper and lower housings  501 ,  201 , respectively, may be substantially coaxial. 
     The upper housing  501  may further include an upper axial mating face  514   a  configured to engage a lower axial mating face  514   b  of the lower housing  201  during coupling of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200 . As illustrated, the upper and lower axial mating faces  514   a,b  may be angled or otherwise complementarily spiraled such that they may be helically-aligned similar to the engagement of mechanical threads. One or more grooves, slots, castellations, or other similar structural features (not shown) may be defined on one or both of the upper and lower axial mating faces  514   a,b  and may be configured to channel or otherwise move debris away from the upper and lower axial mating faces  514   a,b  during mating. Such grooves or slots may prove advantageous in removing debris that may otherwise frustrate proper coupling of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200 . 
     To establish a connection between the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200 , the upper and lower axial mating faces  514   a,b  may first be brought into axial engagement. This may be accomplished by moving one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  in the axial direction until the upper axial mating face  514   a  engages the lower axial mating face  514   b . Once the upper and lower axial mating faces  514   a,b  are axially engaged, one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may be angularly rotated with respect to each other in order to bring the pin mating face  512  into angular engagement with the box mating face  212 . The angle or curvature of each axial mating face  514   a,b  allows the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  to be aligned axially and rotated until the box mating face  212  is rotationally engaged with the pin mating face  512 . 
     The assembly  500  may prove advantageous in having the box and pin mating faces  212 ,  512  arranged away from the axial direction where sand, scale, and other wellbore debris may otherwise obstruct proper connection between the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200 . Rather, the box and pin mating faces  212 ,  512  of the assembly  500  are configured to be angularly aligned and subsequently mated with angular rotation instead of axial translation. As discussed in more detail below, further angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may serve to establish a connection between the communication media of the upper and lower control lines  148 ,  140 . 
     In some embodiments, angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may be accomplished by manually rotating one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200 . This may be done, for example, by rig hands on a rig floor or otherwise prior to introducing the assembly  500  into the downhole environment. In other embodiments, angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may be accomplished by rotating the upper connector  146  as connected to the tubular  508  (e.g., the production tubing  126  of  FIG. 1 ). This may be done, for example, by rotating the tubular  508  from a surface location. In yet other embodiments, angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may be accomplished by allowing gravitational forces to act on the angled axial mating faces  514   a,b . More particularly, the angle of the axial mating faces  514   a,b  may allow axial loading assumed by the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  to be converted into angular rotation of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  as the axial mating faces  514   a,b  slidingly engage each other. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , with continued reference to  FIG. 5 , illustrated is an exposed side view of the assembly  500 . The assembly  500  is depicted in a coupled configuration, where the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  have been successfully mated. The shrouds  206 ,  506  ( FIG. 5 ) have been removed in  FIG. 6  to expose the conduit chamber  300  defined within the lower housing  201  and a conduit chamber  600  defined within the upper housing  501 . Similar to the conduit chamber  300  of  FIG. 3 , the conduit chamber  600  may be defined between the body  502  and the shroud  506  of the upper housing  501 . 
     Moreover, one or more tubular conduits  602  may be arranged within the conduit chamber  600  and extend from the splitter block  504  to the pin connector  510 . The tubular conduits  602  may be similar to the tubular conduits  302  of the lower connector  200 . For instance, each tubular conduit  602  may be configured to house a separate communication medium (e.g., an optical fiber, an electrical conductor, hydraulic fluid, etc.) and otherwise provide a passageway to convey the corresponding communication medium between the splitter block  504  and the pin connector  510 . 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, the tubular conduits  602  may be helically wrapped around the body  502  between the splitter block  504  and the pin connector  510 . In some embodiments, the tubular conduits  602  may be wrapped around the body  502  once. In other embodiments, the tubular conduits  602  may be wrapped around the body  502  more than once, such as twice, three times, or more than three times. In yet other embodiments, the tubular conduits  602  may be wrapped around the body  502  less than a full revolution, such as a ¼ wrap or a ½ wrap around the body  502 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The number of tubular conduits  602  disposed in the conduit chamber  600  may match the number of tubular conduits  302  disposed in the conduit chamber  300 , such that the communication media from the lower control line  140  may be appropriately coupled to the communication media from the upper control line  148 . Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, however, that more or less than five tubular conduits  602  (including one) may be employed, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The tubular conduits  602  may each be communicably and operatively coupled to the splitter block  504 , which allows the communication media from the upper control line  148  to be separated and extend into corresponding tubular conduits  602 . The splitter block  504  may be similar to the splitter block  204  described above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4B , and therefore will not be described again in detail. 
     The upper housing  501  may further define or otherwise provide one or more ribs  604  that protrude radially from the outer surface of the body  502  and into the conduit chamber  600 . The ribs  604  may be similar to the ribs  304  of the lower connector  200 . For instance, the ribs  604  may encompass a continuous spiraling length that proceeds helically around the body  502 , and a corresponding helical passageway may be defined between axially adjacent portions of the spiraling rib  604  where the tubular conduits  602  may be able to extend. Moreover, the shroud  506  ( FIG. 5 ) may be configured to seat against or otherwise be coupled to the ribs  604 , which may provide radial support for the shroud  506  and otherwise protect the tubular conduits  602  from compression damage. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , with continued reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , illustrated are cross-sectional isometric views of the box connector  210  and the pin connector  510 , according to one or more embodiments. More particularly, the box connector  210  and the pin connector  510  are depicted in tangential (or curvilinear) alignment and otherwise prepared to be mated in accordance with the present disclosure. The remaining portions of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  are omitted for clarity. 
     As illustrated, the pin connector  510  may include a retractable cover  702  that is movable between an extended configuration, as shown in  FIG. 7A , and a retracted configuration, as shown in  FIG. 7B . In some embodiments, the retractable cover  702  may be spring biased and otherwise naturally biased to the extended configuration. In other embodiments, the retractable cover  702  may be pinned or otherwise secured in the extended configuration with one or more shearable devices (not shown), such as one or more shear pins or rings. In order to move the retractable cover  702  to the retracted configuration, an axial load may be applied on the retractable cover  702  until the associated shearable device fails. 
     The pin mating face  512  may be defined on the end of the retractable cover  702  and otherwise configured to engage the box mating face  212  of the box connector  210 . In some embodiments, the box mating face  212  may be sealed in order to protect the one or more holes  214  defined in the box connector  210  from the inadvertent influx of sand, scale, and/or other wellbore debris. In one embodiment, the box connector  210  may include a lid  704  (shown in dashed) that may be used to seal the box mating face  212 . While shown in  FIG. 7A  as extending about the end of the box connector  210 , the lid  704  may equally be a plate secured to the box mating face  212 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In other embodiments, box mating face  212  may be sealed by arranging a plug within each hole  214 . Similar to the function of the lid  704 , the plugs may be configured to prevent the inadvertent influx of wellbore debris into the holes  214 . In yet other embodiments, a combination of both the lid  704  and plugs disposed in the holes  214  may be used, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The sealing properties of the lid  704  or plugs may be characterized as a sealing interface on the box mating face  212 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7B , the pin connector  510  may further include one or more hypodermic tubes  706  that extend from the pin connector  510 . Each hypodermic tube  706  may be a needle-like structure that defines a central passageway that facilitates the conveyance of communication media (e.g., optical fiber) therethrough. As illustrated, when the retractable cover  702  is in its extended configuration ( FIG. 7A ), the hypodermic tubes  706  may be generally housed within the retractable cover  702 . While moving the retractable cover  702  to its retracted configuration ( FIG. 7B ), however, the hypodermic tubes  706  may be configured to penetrate the pin mating face  512  and thereby extend out of the retractable cover  702 . Accordingly, at least the pin mating face  512  of the retractable cover  702  may be made of a semi-rigid material, such as rubber, that may be able to be penetrated by the hypodermic tubes  706 . Moreover, the hypodermic tubes  706  may be made of a material that is rigid enough to penetrate the material of the pin mating face  512 , such as a metal or a plastic. 
     In  FIG. 7B , the retractable cover  702  is depicted in its retracted configuration and the lid  704  is omitted for convenience in viewing the hypodermic tubes  706 . In exemplary operation, however, the retractable cover  702  may be moved from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration through engagement between the pin mating face  512  and the box mating face  212 . More particularly, and with brief reference again to  FIG. 5 , once the upper and lower axial mating faces  514   a,b  are axially engaged, one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may be angularly rotated with respect to each other. Rotating the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may bring the pin mating face  512  into angular alignment and engagement with the box mating face  212 . Further angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may overcome the spring force of the retractable cover  702  (or otherwise shear any shearable devices used to secure the retractable cover  702  in place) and begin to move the retractable cover  702  from its extended configuration to its retracted configuration. As the retractable cover  702  is moved to the retracted configuration, the hypodermic tubes  706  may penetrate and otherwise extend through the pin mating face  512 . 
     During this process, and as the retractable cover  702  moves to the retracted configuration, the pin mating face  512  remains in contact with the box mating face  212 . After penetrating the pin mating face  512 , continued angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may force the hypodermic tubes  706  into the corresponding holes  214  defined on the box connector  210 . In the event the box connector  210  further utilizes the lid  704  ( FIG. 7A ), or plugs disposed within the holes  214 , the hypodermic tubes  706  may further be configured to penetrate such structures. Accordingly, the lid  704  and the plugs may also be made of a semi-rigid material, such as rubber, that may be penetrated by the hypodermic tubes  706 . 
     After penetrating the lid  704  (or plugs in the holes  214 ), the hypodermic tubes  706  may proceed to extend into the box connector  210 , and thereby provide a conduit from the pin connector  510  to the box connector  210  for the introduction and/or coupling of communication media. As will be appreciated, the hypodermic tubes  706  may prove advantageous in preventing debris from fouling the connection between the box and pin connectors  210 ,  510 . More particularly, wellbore debris (e.g., sand, particulates, metal shavings, scale, etc.) may interpose the angular engagement between the pin mating face  512  and the box mating face  212 . Having the hypodermic tubes  706  penetrate the pin and box mating faces  512 ,  212  may serve to wipe the hypodermic tubes  706  clean from such wellbore debris such that an unobstructed communication media connection may be achieved within the box connector  510 . Moreover, the hypodermic tubes  706  are able to bypass the wellbore debris trapped between the box and pin mating faces  212 ,  512  without obstructing the coupling of the communication media. 
     In some embodiments, during the above-described mating process, the box and pin connectors  210 ,  510  may be ultimately secured together using a type of hydraulic quick coupling. For instance, in at least one embodiment, a portion of the pin connector  510  may be configured to extend a short distance over the box connector  210  as the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  are angularly rotated with respect to each other. The resulting hydraulic quick coupling engagement may be manually disconnected upon returning to the surface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , with continued reference to  FIGS. 7A-7B , illustrated are cross-sectional side views of the box connector  210  and the pin connector  510 , according to one or more embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 8A  depicts the box connector  210  and the pin connector  510  in a separated configuration, and  FIG. 8B  depicts the box connector  210  and the pin connector  510  in a mated configuration. Similar to  FIG. 7B , the retractable cover  702  in  FIG. 8A  is depicted in its retracted configuration, but would otherwise be moved to the retracted configuration upon engagement with the box mating face  212 . Moreover, the lid  704  ( FIG. 7A ) is also omitted, but could otherwise be included to seal the box mating face  212 . 
     As illustrated, the box connector  210  may further include a needle guide  802  and an alignment feature  804 . During mating, the needle guide  802  may be configured to receive and align the one or more hypodermic tubes  706  with the alignment feature  804 . In  FIG. 8B , the hypodermic tube  706  is depicted as being received within the needle guide  802 . As will be appreciated, the number of needle guides  802  defined in the box connector  210  may equal the number of hypodermic tubes  706 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , for instance, the box connector  210  would include five needle guides  802  in order to accommodate the five hypodermic tubes  706 . Embodiments are contemplated herein, however, where the pin connector  510  includes more or less than five hypodermic tubes  706  (including one), therefore necessitating a corresponding more or less than five needle guides  802  in the box connector  210 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The alignment feature  804  may extend from or otherwise communicate with the needle guide  802  within the box connector  210 . Accordingly, the number of alignment features  804  provided in the box connector  210  may be equal to the number of needle guides  802 . Each alignment feature  804  may be configured to align a corresponding communication media (e.g., optical fiber, electrical conductor, hydraulic fluid, etc.) extending from the pin connector  510  with the communication media extending from the box connector  210 . In some embodiments, the box connector  210  may encompass two halves that can be mated together, and the alignment feature  804  may be a milled, cast, or molded channel defined in the opposing halves. The channel may assume an arcuate shape that accommodates the curvature of the box connector  210 . Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the diameter or size of the channel may be designed so as to accommodate a single optical fiber. For instance, the diameter of the channel may be about 0.010 inches. 
     In other embodiments, however, the alignment feature  804  may be made of or defined by a set of elongate geometric shapes disposed within or otherwise forming an integral part of the box connector  210 . For instance, as depicted in the inset graphic in  FIG. 8A , the alignment feature  804  may encompass at least three cylinders or rods  806  that may be tightly packed together so as to define an elongate gap  808  therebetween. Similar to the dimensions of the channel discussed above, the size of the resulting elongate gap  808  may be large enough and otherwise designed to accommodate the thickness of a single optical fiber (e.g., about 0.010 inches). Moreover, in order to accommodate the curvature of the box connector  210 , the rods  806  may be bent or arcuate in shape. 
     As illustrated, the pin connector  510  may further provide or otherwise define one or more communication paths  810  that lead to a corresponding one or more conduit seats  812 . Each conduit seat  812  (one shown) may be configured to receive and seat a corresponding hypodermic tube  706 . Accordingly, the number of conduit seats  812  provided in the pin connector  510  may be equal to the number of hypodermic tubes  706  employed. The communication paths  810  may be configured to convey the communication media (e.g., optical fiber, electrical conductor, hydraulic fluid, etc.) into the corresponding hypodermic tubes  706 . 
     An exemplary process or method of mating the box connector  210  and the pin connector  510  is now provided. Successfully mating the box and pin connectors  210 ,  510  may result in the successful mating of communication media (e.g., optical fibers, electrical conductors, hydraulic fluids or conduits, etc.) extending between the box and pin connectors  210 ,  510 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a continuous optical fiber is to be generated by mating the box and pin connectors  210 ,  510 . More particularly, an upper optical fiber  814   a  is depicted as extending within the pin connector  510  and at least partially into the hypodermic tube  706 . In at least one embodiment, the upper optical fiber  814   a  may originate from the upper control line  148  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) as extended through the splitter block  504  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) and corresponding one of the tubular conduits  602  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). A lower optical fiber  814   b  is also depicted as extending within the box connector  210  and at least partially into the alignment feature  804 . In at least one embodiment, the lower optical fiber  814   b  may originate from the lower control line  140  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) as extended through the splitter block  204  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) and corresponding one of the tubular conduits  302  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     In  FIG. 8A , the retractable cover  702  is again depicted in its retracted configuration, but would otherwise be moved from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration via engagement between the pin mating face  512  and the box mating face  212 . Once the pin mating face  512  is brought into angular alignment and engagement with the box mating face  212 , as generally described above, further angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) may commence moving the retractable cover  702  from its extended configuration to its retracted configuration. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the angular rotation may overcome the spring force of the retractable cover  702 . In other embodiments, however, the angular rotation may serve to shear the shearable device(s) used to secure the retractable cover  702  in place. As the retractable cover  702  is moved to the retracted configuration, the hypodermic tubes  706  may be forced to penetrate and otherwise extend through the pin mating face  512 . 
     In  FIG. 8B , after penetrating the pin mating face  512 , continued angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) may force the hypodermic tubes  706  into the corresponding holes  214  and needle guides  802  defined in the box connector  210 . Once extended into the needle guides  802 , the hypodermic tubes  706  may facilitate a continuous conduit that extends from the pin connector  510  to the box connector  210  in order to optically communicate the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b . Further angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) may allow the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b  to telescope toward each other within the alignment feature  804 . 
     More particularly, added angular rotation by one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) may force or move the pin connector  510  back into the upper housing  501  ( FIG. 6 ) of the upper connector  146  a short distance. Such movement of the pin connector  510  may allow the upper optical fiber  814   a  to telescope or extend out of the corresponding hypodermic tube  706 , through the needle guide  802  of the box connector  210  and into the alignment feature  804 . Likewise, added angular rotation by one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  may also force or move the box connector  210  back into the lower housing  201  ( FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 ) of the lower connector  200  a short distance. Such movement of the box connector  210  may allow the lower optical fiber  814   b  to extend further into the alignment feature  804  and into optical communication with the upper optical fiber  814   a . Accordingly, during the mating process, the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b  may be configured to remain stationary while the pin and box connectors  510 ,  210  move further into their respective housings  501 ,  201 . Moreover, as discussed above, movement of the box connector  210  may also pump optical gel into the corresponding tubular conduits  302  ( FIGS. 3 and 6 ) and subsequently into the box connector  210 . 
     In some embodiments, the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b  may be moved into contact with each other within the alignment feature  804 . As discussed above, contacting the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b  may place the optical fibers  814   a,b  in axial compression. However, since the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b  may be helically wrapped around their respective bodies  502 ,  202  within corresponding tubular conduits  602 ,  302 , more axial length of the optical fibers  814   a,b  is available to assume any potential axial loads. As a result, the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b  may experience lower stress levels when properly connected. 
     In other embodiments, however, the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b  may be in optical communication with each other within the alignment feature  804 , but not into physical contact with each other. In such embodiments, the inner wall of the alignment feature  804  may be cladded or otherwise configured to provide total internal reflection between the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b . As a result, optical communication between the upper and lower optical fibers  814   a,b  may nonetheless be achieved. 
     To disconnect or de-mate the box and pin connectors  210 ,  510  the above-described process can be reversed, including rotating one or both of the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) in a direction opposite the direction used to mate the upper and lower control line connectors  146 ,  200 . As angularly rotated in the opposing direction, the retractable cover  702  begins to move back into the extended configuration ( FIG. 7A ) and the hypodermic tubes  706  are drawn out of the holes  714 . In some embodiments, the holes may be configured to autonomously close or seal as the hypodermic tubes  706  are drawn out in order to prevent the influx of wellbore debris into the box connector  210 . Moreover, as the retractable cover  702  moves back to the extended configuration, the hypodermic tubes  706  may also be retracted back into the retractable cover  702 . During this process, in at least one embodiment, the retractable cover  702  may be configured to wipe and clean the surface of the hypodermic tubes  706  so as to remove any wellbore debris that may have contaminated the hypodermic tubes. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , illustrated is a partial cross-sectional side view of another wellbore system  900  that may employ the principles of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. Similar to the wellbore system  100  of  FIG. 1 , the wellbore system  900  includes a wellbore  902  that extends through various earth strata  904  from a sea floor  906 . A subsea riser or conduit  908  extends from a wellhead installation  910  arranged on the sea floor  906 . The wellbore  902  may be lined with casing  912  and secured in place with, for example, cement  914 . 
     A wellbore tubing  916  may be extended into the wellbore  902  and may include any type of wellbore pipe, such as production tubing or drill pipe. The wellbore tubing  916  may be extended into the wellbore  902  and, as described herein, configured to mate with a completion assembly  918  already disposed or otherwise arranged within the wellbore  902 . The completion assembly  918  may be similar to the completion  132  of  FIG. 1  and, therefore, may include a completion receptacle  920  configured to receive, orient, and align the wellbore tubing  916 . The completion receptacle  920  may further include, provide, or otherwise house a lower control line connector (not shown), such as the lower control line connector  200  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, the lower control line connector may be arranged within the completion receptacle  920 . In other embodiments, however, such as is described herein below with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the lower control line connector may be arranged on the exterior of the completion receptacle  920 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     A lower control line  922  may extend downhole from the completion receptacle  920  so that it may be operably associated with one or more sand control screen assemblies, similar to the sand control screen assemblies  138   a - d  of  FIG. 1 . As with the lower control line  140  of  FIG. 1 , the lower control line  922  may extend along the exterior of the completion assembly  918  and may house and otherwise convey one or more communication media such as optical fibers, electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, etc. 
     As illustrated, various wellbore tools and/or devices may be coupled to or otherwise arranged on the wellbore tubing  916  at various locations. For instance, a tubing hanger  924  may be arranged on the wellbore tubing  916  and configured to engage a reduced diameter portion of the wellhead installation  910 , and thereby axially secure or “hang” the wellbore tubing  916  within the wellbore  902  from the wellhead installation  910 . The wellbore tubing  916  may further include an upper isolation packer  926  and a travel joint  928 . The upper isolation packer  926  may be configured to engage the inner wall of the wellbore  902  (i.e., the casing  912 ) and thereby provide fluid isolation between portions of the wellbore above and below the upper isolation packer  926 . The travel joint  928  may be configured to expand and/or contract axially, thereby effectively lengthening and/or contracting the axial length of the wellbore tubing  916  such that the tubing hanger  924  may accurately locate and hang off the wellhead installation  910 . 
     An anchor assembly  930  may also be arranged on the wellbore tubing  916  at or near a distal end thereof. The anchor assembly  930  may be similar to the anchor assembly  144  of  FIG. 1 . As described in more detail below, the anchor assembly  930  may be configured to be stabbed into and otherwise connected to the completion receptacle  920 . Once properly connected to the completion receptacle  920 , the anchor assembly  930  may be tested for connectivity, after which the travel joint  928  may telescope or “stroke” down to effectively shorten the axial length of the wellbore tubing  916  so that the tubing hanger  924  can locate and land on the wellhead installation  910 . The upper isolation packer  926  may then be set to secure the wellbore tubing  916  within the wellbore  902 . 
     An upper control line  932  may extend along the exterior of the wellbore tubing  916  and may be coupled or clamped to the production tubing  916  at various locations to prevent damage to the upper control line  932  during installation. The upper control line  932  may be similar to the upper control line  148  of  FIG. 1  and may, therefore, include or otherwise house one or more communication media such as optical fibers, electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, etc. 
     One or more dry mate connector assemblies  934  (two shown as first and second dry mate connector assemblies  934   a  and  934   b ) may be disposed on or otherwise arranged along the wellbore tubing  916 . As described in more detail below, the dry mate connector assemblies  934   a,b  may be used to couple opposing lengths or portions of the upper control line  923  and thereby effectively extend the communication media further downhole along the exterior of the wellbore tubing  916 . Each dry mate connector assembly  934   a,b  includes upper and lower dry mate connectors that may be made up (i.e., connected) on the rig floor during assembly of the wellbore tubing  916 . 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated, the dry mate connector assemblies  934   a,b  may be arranged between axially adjacent components or wellbore tools arranged on the wellbore tubing  916 . For example, the first dry mate connector assembly  934   a  may be axially arranged on the wellbore tubing  916  between the upper isolation packer  926  and the travel joint  928 , and the second dry mate connector assembly  934   b  may be axially arranged on the wellbore tubing  916  between the travel joint  928  and the anchor assembly  930 . 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dry mate connector assemblies  934   a,b  may be placed between components or wellbore tools arranged on the wellbore tubing  916  when a continuous length of the control line  932  cannot be used or is otherwise infeasible to use. More particularly, the control line  932  may be fed off a drum or spool to facilitate efficient installation on the wellbore tubing  916  in the minimum amount of time. Some equipment requires the control line  932  to be fed through a pressure port to make a pressure tight seal; i.e., the upper isolation packer  926 . The control line  932  must be threaded through the pressure port and a fitting slipped on the control line  932  to make the fluid-tight seal. It would be quite difficult to feed upwards of 3,000 feet of control line  932  through the upper isolation packer  926 . Accordingly, the control line  932  is alternatively severed before and after completion equipment that requires a pressure seal. Such equipment is shipped with a partial length of control line cable installed, and the dry mate connector assemblies  934   a,b  may provide a reliable means of connecting the control line  932  where severed. 
     The wellbore system  900  may further include an upper control line connector  936  coupled to or otherwise extending from the anchor assembly  930 . The upper control line connector  936  may be similar to the upper control line connector  146  of  FIG. 1  and, therefore, may be a wet mate connector or a dry mate connector, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The upper and lower control lines  932 ,  922  may have the same type of communication media disposed therein such that energy and/or signals may be transmitted therebetween following proper connection. The lower control line connector disposed within (or without) the completion receptacle  920  may be configured to be operatively coupled to the upper control line connector  936 , and thereby establish a continuous connection between the upper and lower control lines  932 ,  922 . 
     Once properly connected, a sealed communication path is created between the wellbore tubing  916  and the completion assembly  918 , thereby providing a fluid conduit to the surface for production fluids. In addition, as discussed herein, properly coupling the wellbore tubing  916  and the completion assembly  918  enables the communication media associated with the upper control line  932  to be operatively and communicably connected to the communication media associated with the lower control line  922 . In the case of optical fibers, for instance, operatively coupling the upper control line  932  to the lower control line  922  may enable distributed temperature and/or seismic information along the completion assembly  918  to be obtained and transmitted to the surface during any subsequent wellbore operations. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-10C , with continued reference to  FIGS. 9A-9B , illustrated are various views of an exemplary dry mate connection assembly  1000 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly,  FIG. 10A  depicts an exploded plan view of the dry mate connection assembly  1000  (hereafter “assembly  1000 ”),  FIG. 10B  depicts a cross-sectional side view of the assembly  1000 , and  FIG. 10C  depicts a plan view of the assembly  1000  securing a dry mate connector assembly  934 . The assembly  1000  may be used to couple opposing ends of the upper control line  932  ( FIG. 10C ) via a dry mate connection. Accordingly, the assembly  1000  may be used to couple upper and lower dry mate connectors of one of the dry mate connector assemblies  934   a,b  of  FIGS. 9A-9B , and thereby extend the upper control line  932  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ) further downhole within the wellbore  902  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the assembly  1000  may include a clamp base  1002  arranged about the outer surface of the wellbore tubing  916 . In some embodiments, the clamp base  1002  may extend about the entire outer circumference of the wellbore tubing  916 , and thereby form a sleeve-like sheath that can be coupled or otherwise attached to the wellbore tubing  916 . In other embodiments, the clamp base  1002  may extend only partially about the outer circumference of the wellbore tubing  916 . The clamp base  1002  may be coupled to the wellbore tubing  916  via a variety of coupling techniques including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, heat shrinking, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rings, clamps, etc.), industrial adhesives, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, however, the clamp base  1002  may not be coupled to the wellbore tubing  916 , but may instead be free floating about the outer surface thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The assembly  1000  may further include a clamp guide ring  1004  which, in some embodiments, may form an integral part of the clamp base  1002  and otherwise define a radial protrusion or extension that extends radially from the outer circumferential surface of the clamp base  1002 . In other embodiments, however, the clamp guide ring  1004  may be coupled or otherwise attached to the outer circumferential surface of the clamp base  1002  via a variety of coupling techniques including, but not limited to, welding, brazing, heat shrinking, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rings, clamps, etc.), industrial adhesives, or any combination thereof. 
     The clamp guide ring  1004  may be an annular ring disposed about the clamp base  1002  and may define an axial channel  1006 . As discussed below, the axial channel  1006  may be used to accommodate or otherwise receive the splitter block of a dry mate connector. In other embodiments, the clamp guide ring  1004  may encompass two stanchions angularly offset from each other about the clamp base  1002 , and the axial channel  1006  may be defined between the two stanchions. In yet other embodiments, the clamp base  1002  may be omitted altogether from the assembly  1000 , and the clamp guide ring  1004  may instead be coupled directly to the outer surface of the wellbore tubing  916 . 
     The assembly  1000  may further include a retaining ring  1008  configured to secure the dry mate connection for downhole use. Similar to the clamp guide ring  1004 , the retaining ring  1008  may be an annular ring that defines or otherwise provides an axial channel  1010  used to accommodate or otherwise receive the splitter block of a dry mate connector. In some embodiments, the retaining ring  1008  may be a crimp ring configured to be crimped about the outer surface of the clamp base  1002  or the wellbore tubing  916  in order to secure the dry mate connection for downhole use. In other embodiments, however, the retaining ring  1008  may be mechanically fastened to the outer surface of the clamp base  1002  or the wellbore tubing  916  in order to secure the dry mate connection for downhole use. 
     More particularly, as illustrated, the retaining ring  1008  may define or otherwise provide one or more threaded holes  1012  configured to be aligned with one or more threaded holes  1014  defined in the clamp base  1002 . Once properly aligned, corresponding mechanical fasteners (not shown), such as screws or bolts, may be extended into the threaded holes  1012 ,  1014  in order to secure the dry mate connection for downhole use. In embodiments where the clamp base  1002  is omitted from the assembly  1000 , the threaded holes  1014  may alternatively be defined in the wellbore tubing  916 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In yet other embodiments, the threaded holes  1014  may be omitted from the assembly  1000 , and the threaded mechanical fasteners may instead be configured to directly penetrate the clamp base  1002  or the wellbore tubing  916  during installation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10C , the assembly  1000  is depicted as securing the dry mate connector assembly  934  to the wellbore tubing  916 . The dry mate connector assembly  934  may be substantially similar to the control line connector assembly  500  described above with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6  and therefore will be best understood with reference thereto. More particularly, the dry mate connector assembly  934  may include an upper dry mate connector  1016  substantially similar to the upper connector  146  of  FIGS. 5-6 , and a lower dry mate connector  1018  substantially similar to the lower connector  200  of  FIGS. 5-6 . Moreover, the upper and lower dry mate connectors  1016  and  1018  may include upper and lower splitter blocks  1020  and  1022 , respectively, that are substantially similar to the upper and lower splitter blocks  504  and  204  of  FIGS. 5-6 , respectively. A first or upper portion  1024  of the upper control line  932  may extend from the upper splitter block  1020 , and a second or lower portion  1026  of the upper control line  932  may extend from the lower splitter block  1022 . 
     While the terms “upper” and “lower” are used in conjunction with the upper dry mate connector  1016  and the lower dry mate connector  1018 , respectively, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such directional terms are not to limit the present disclosure, and are used only for reference and differentiation. Rather, the directional configurations of the upper dry mate connector  1016  and the lower dry mate connector  1018  may be reversed, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, since directional configuration is irrelevant, the upper and lower dry mate connectors  1016 ,  1018  may alternatively be characterized as first and second dry mate connectors, respectively, or vice versa. 
     In some embodiments, the upper dry mate connector  1016  may include a pin connector (not shown) substantially similar to the pin connector  510  of  FIGS. 5, 6, 7A-7B, and 8A-8B , and the lower dry mate connector  1018  may include a box connector (not shown) substantially similar to the box connector  210  of  FIGS. 5, 6, 7A-7B, and 8A-8B . In other embodiments, the disposition of the pin and box connectors may be reversed, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The upper dry mate connector  1016  may define or otherwise provide an upper axial mating face  1028  configured to engage a lower axial mating face  1030  of the lower dry mate connector  1018 . As illustrated, the upper and lower axial mating faces  1028 ,  1030  may be angled or otherwise complementarily spiraled such that they are helically-aligned similar to the engagement of mechanical threads. 
     The upper dry mate connector  1016  may further define or otherwise provide an upper angular mating face  1032  configured to engage a lower angular mating face  1034  of the lower dry mate connector  1018 . The upper and lower angular mating faces  1032 ,  1034  may be substantially similar to the box and pin mating faces  212 ,  512  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In some embodiments, for instance, the upper angular mating face  1032  may be similar to the pin mating face  512  and the lower angular mating face  1034  may be similar to the box mating face  212 , or vice versa. 
     To establish a connection between the upper and lower dry mate connectors  1016 ,  1018 , the clamp base  1002  may first be arranged on the wellbore tubing  916  at a location where the dry mate connector assembly  934  is to be mounted or disposed. The upper dry mate connector  1016  may then be arranged on the clamp base  1002 , and the upper splitter block  1020  located within the axial channel  1006  of the clamp guide ring  1004 . In embodiments where the clamp base  1002  is omitted, the clamp guide ring  1004  may instead be coupled directly to the wellbore tubing  916  and the upper dry may connector  1016  may then be arranged such that the upper splitter block  1020  is located within the axial channel  1006  of the clamp guide ring  1004 . 
     The lower dry mate connector  1018  may then be brought into proximity of the upper dry mate connector and the upper and lower axial mating faces  1028 ,  1030  may be brought into axial engagement. This may be accomplished by moving the lower dry mate connector  1018  axially until the lower axial mating face  1030  engages the upper axial mating face  1028 . Once the upper and lower axial mating faces  1028 ,  1030  are axially engaged, one or both of the upper and lower dry mate connectors  1016 ,  1018  may be angularly rotated with respect to each other in order in order to bring the upper and lower angular mating faces  1032 ,  1034  into angular engagement with each other. The angle or curvature of each axial mating face  1028 ,  1030  allows the upper and lower dry mate connectors  1016 ,  1018  to be aligned axially and rotated until the upper angular mating face  1032  is rotationally engaged with the lower angular mating face  1034 . As generally described above with reference to  FIGS. 5, 6   7 A- 7 B, and  8 A- 8 B, further angular rotation of one or both of the upper and lower dry mate connectors  1016 ,  1018  may serve to establish a connection between the communication media of the upper and lower portions  1024 ,  1026  of the upper control line  932 . 
     Once connection between the upper and lower dry mate connectors  1016 ,  1018  is established, the retaining ring  1008  may then be used to secure the connection. More particularly, the retaining ring  1008  may be moved axially along the wellbore tubular  916  until the lower splitter block  1022  is located within the axial channel  1010 . In some embodiments, the axial channel  1010  of the retaining ring  1008  may include a shoulder  1036  configured to engage the axial end of the lower splitter block  1022 . The shoulder  1036  may allow the lower portion  1026  of the upper control line  932  to extend through the axial channel  1010 , but prevent the lower splitter block  1022  from doing so. 
     Once the shoulder  1036  is placed in axial engagement with the axial end of the lower splitter block  1022 , the retaining ring  1008  may be secured against movement. In some embodiments, as described above, the retaining ring  1008  may be crimped to the outer surface of the clamp base  1002  or the wellbore tubing  916  in order to secure the dry mate connector assembly  934 . In other embodiments, however, corresponding mechanical fasteners  1035  (i.e., screws, bolts, etc.) may be threaded into the threaded holes  1012 ,  1014 . In other embodiments, the mechanical fasteners  1035  may be threaded into the threaded holes  1012  and penetrate the clamp base  1002  or the wellbore tubing  916  in order to form the threaded holes  1014 . 
     Because of its helical design, the dry mate connector assembly  934  may exhibit an outer diameter that is smaller than conventional dry mate connections. For instance, conventional dry mate connections add approximately an additional 1.5 inches in diameter to the wellbore tubing  916 , whereas the exemplary dry mate connector assembly  934  of the present disclosure adds only about 0.375 inches in diameter to the wellbore tubing  916 . In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the clamp guide ring  1004  and the retaining ring  1008  may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the dry mate connector assembly  934 . As a result, the clamp guide ring  1004  and the retaining ring  1008  may be configured to protect the upper and lower dry mate connectors  1016 ,  1018  from being damaged during run-in into the wellbore  902  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , with continued reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , illustrated is an enlarged side view of the anchor assembly  930  and upper control line connector  936 , according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the anchor assembly  930  may include a mandrel  1102  that extends longitudinally from the wellbore tubing  916  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ) and otherwise from a locator sub  1106  coupled to the wellbore tubing  916 . The upper control line connector  936  (hereafter “the upper connector  936 ”) may be generally arranged at the distal end of the mandrel  1102 . 
     The anchor assembly  930  may further include a plurality of longitudinally-extending collet latch fingers  1104  arranged about the mandrel  1102  and extending from the locator sub  1106 . As discussed below, the collet latch fingers  1104  may be configured to locate and engage a corresponding collet profile defined on the inner walls of the completion receptacle  920  ( FIG. 9B ), and thereby accurately position the anchor assembly  930  with respect to the completion assembly  918  ( FIG. 9B ). 
     The anchor assembly  930  may also include a seal assembly  1108 , similar to the seal assembly  142  of  FIG. 1 . The seal assembly  1108  may include a plurality of seal rings  1110  (three shown as first, second, and third seal rings  1110   a ,  1110   b  and  1110   c ). Each seal ring  1110   a - c  may include a metal ring body and at least two radial seals  1112  molded or otherwise disposed thereon. The radial seals  1112  may be made of a material selected from the following: elastomeric materials, non-elastomeric materials, metals, composites, rubbers, ceramics, derivatives thereof, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the radial seals  1112  may be O-rings or the like. In other embodiments, however, the radial seals  1112  may be a set of v-rings or CHEVRON® packing rings, or other appropriate seal configurations (e.g., seals that are round, v-shaped, u-shaped, square, oval, t-shaped, etc.), as generally known to those skilled in the art, or any combination thereof. 
     The seal rings  1110   a - c  may be configured to help facilitate the transfer of one or more communication media from the upper control line  932  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ) extending along the wellbore tubing  916  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ) to the lower control line  922  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ) extending along the completion assembly  918  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ). In one embodiment, for instance, communication media in the form of one or more hydraulic conduits  1114  (shown as first and second hydraulic conduits  1114   a  and  1114   b ) may be conveyed to corresponding hydraulic ports  1116  defined in the mandrel  1102  between axially adjacent seal rings  1110   a - c . The radial seals  1112  may prevent hydraulic fluid conveyed within the hydraulic conduits  1114   a,b  and to the hydraulic ports  1116  from migrating past the seal rings  1110   a - c  in either axial direction. Rather, the hydraulic fluid may be sealed between axially adjacent seal rings  1110   a - c  and thereby conveyed to corresponding hydraulic ports associated with the completion receptacle  920  ( FIG. 9B ). 
     In another embodiment, communication media in the form of one or more electrical conductors  1118  (one shown) may be conveyed to or otherwise electrically coupled to one or more of the seal rings  1110   a - c . More particularly, the electrical conductors  1118  may be conveyed to electrical connectors  1120  disposed between axially adjacent radial seals  1112  on one or more of the seal rings  1110   a - c . In at least one embodiment, the radial seals  1112  may be molded or bonded directly onto the electrical connectors  1120 . In the depicted embodiment, the electrical conductor  1118  is conveyed to the electrical connector  1120  of each seal ring  1110   a - c , but may alternatively be conveyed to less than each seal ring  1110   a - c , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Upon stabbing the anchor assembly  930  into the completion receptacle  920  ( FIG. 9B ), the electrical connectors  1120  may be configured to make an electrical connection with corresponding electrical receptors associated with the completion receptacle  920 . Such an electrical connection may be much like a brush-type electrical connection. 
     As mentioned above, the upper connector  936  may be a wet mate or dry mate connector configured to mate with a lower control line connector disposed within the completion receptacle  920  ( FIG. 9B ) and thereby establish a continuous connection between one or more communication media of the upper and lower control lines  932 ,  922  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper connector  936  is a wet mate connector used to convey communication media in the form of one or more optical fibers  1122 . In other embodiments, however, the upper connector  936  may equally accommodate one or more hydraulic conduits  1114   a,b  and/or electrical conductors  1118 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The optical fibers  1122  may extend within the mandrel  1102  until entering the upper connector  936  at a corresponding splitter block (not shown). In at least one embodiment, as illustrated, the optical fibers  1122  may exit the mandrel  1102  and subsequently be helically wrapped or coiled about the mandrel  1102  prior to entering the upper connector  936 . Helically wrapping the optical fibers  1122  about the mandrel  1102  may allow the upper connector  936  to rotate, as described below, without severing or compromising the optical fibers  1122 . The optical fibers  1122  may extend within the upper connector  936  until reaching an angular mating face  1124  and corresponding connector. In some embodiments, the connector may be a pin connector, such as the pin connector  510  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In other embodiments, however, the connector may be a box connector, such as the box connector  210  of  FIGS. 2-6 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     As illustrated the upper connector  936  may further include a rotation guide  1126  configured to guide the upper connector  936  into angular engagement with a lower control line connector (not shown) of the completion receptacle  920  ( FIG. 9B ). More particularly, the upper connector  936  may be movably mounted on the mandrel  1102  and otherwise able to rotationally translate with respect to the mandrel  1102 . One or more radial bearings or bushings (not shown) may be arranged between the upper connector  936  and the mandrel  1102  in order to help facilitate rotational movement of the upper connector  936 . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated, the rotation guide  1126  may include an arcuate groove  1128  defined in the housing  1130  (similar to the housings  201 ,  501  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of the upper connector  936 . A rotation pin  1132  may be coupled to the mandrel  1102  and extend radially outward therefrom and through the arcuate groove  1128 . As the upper connector  936  rotates with respect to the mandrel  1102 , the rotation pin  1132  may follow the arcuate groove  1128  to guide the upper connector  936  in its rotation and also limit the amount of angular rotation that the upper connector  936  may assume. 
     In exemplary operation, when axial compression is applied on the distal end of the upper connector  936 , such as when the upper connector  936  is moved into axial engagement with a lower control line connector, the upper connector  936  may be urged to rotate in the direction A. More particularly, the distal end of the upper connector  936  may include an axial mating face  1134  similar to the axial mating faces  514   a,b  of  FIG. 5  and, therefore, angled or otherwise helically spiraled. Upon engaging a complimentarily spiraled axial mating face (not shown) of the lower control line connector, the opposing angled axial mating faces may allow the axial loading assumed by the upper connector  936  to be converted into angular rotation in the direction A as the axial mating faces slidingly engage each other. 
     In other embodiments, however, as will be discussed below with reference to  FIG. 15 , the rotation guide  1126  may include and otherwise encompass a helical ring and shroud engagement, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The helical ring and shroud engagement may operate in a substantially similar manner to allow the upper connector  936  to rotate with respect to the mandrel  1102  and mate with a lower control line connector. In yet other embodiments, the rotation guide  1126  may be omitted and the upper connector  936  may instead be physically rotated from a surface location via interconnection with the mandrel  1102  and the wellbore tubing  916  ( FIGS. 9A-9B ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , with continued reference to  FIGS. 9A-9B and 11 , illustrated is a cross-sectional side view of the anchor assembly  930  as engaged with or otherwise coupled to the completion receptacle  920  of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the upper control line  932  extends to the anchor assembly  930  and one or more communication media may extend into the locator sub  1106  and/or the mandrel  1102 . Similarly, one or more communication media may extend within the completion receptacle  920  to the lower control line  922 , which extends from the completion receptacle  920  and further downhole along the exterior of the completion assembly  918  ( FIG. 9B ). 
     In order to mate or otherwise couple the anchor assembly  930  to the completion receptacle  920 , the anchor assembly  930  may be extended or “stabbed” into the completion receptacle  920  in an axial direction B. As the anchor assembly  930  extends into the completion receptacle  920 , the seal rings  1110   a - c  may engage a seal bore  1202  defined on an inner wall of the completion receptacle  920 . The radial seals  1112  ( FIG. 11 ) of the seal rings  1110   a - c  may be configured to generate fluidic seals against the seal bore  1202  so that fluids are unable to migrate in either axial direction across the seal rings  1110   a - c . Continued movement of the anchor assembly  930  in the direction B allows the collet latch fingers  1104  arranged about the mandrel  1102  to locate and engage a corresponding collet profile  1204  defined on the inner wall of the completion receptacle  920 . In at least one embodiment, the collet profile  1204  may be a threaded profile. With the collet latch fingers  1104  engaged with the collet profile  1204 , the anchor assembly  930  will be generally prevented from moving in a direction opposite the direction B. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor assembly  930  may continue in the direction B until an anchor shoulder  1205  defined on the mandrel  1102  engages an opposing receptacle shoulder  1207  defined on the completion receptacle  920  and stops the axial movement. In any event, stabbing the anchor assembly  930  into the completion receptacle  920  may serve to axially align the seal rings  1110   a - c  with corresponding hydraulic ports and electrical connection means provided on the seal bore  1202 . As illustrated, the seal rings  1110   a - c  may be configured to communicably couple the one or more hydraulic conduits  1114   a,b  with corresponding hydraulic conduits  1206   a,b  arranged or otherwise provided in the completion receptacle  920 . The hydraulic conduits  1206   a,b  may then extend to the lower control line  922 , thereby effectively extending the hydraulic communication media from the upper control line  932  to the lower control line  922 . 
     Similarly, the seal rings  1110   a - c  may be configured to communicably couple the one or more electrical conductors  1118  with one or more corresponding electrical conductors  1208  arranged or otherwise provided on the seal bore  1202 . Transfer of electricity between the electrical conductors  1118 ,  1208  may be accomplished via the corresponding electrical connectors  1120  ( FIG. 11 ) of each seal ring  1110   a - c . More particularly, upon stabbing the anchor assembly  930  into the completion receptacle  920 , the electrical connectors  1120  facilitate electrical communication between the corresponding electrical conductors  1118 ,  1208  much like a brush-type electrical connection. The electrical conductors  1208  may then extend to the lower control line  922 , thereby effectively extending the electrical communication media from the upper control line  932  to the lower control line  922 . 
     As illustrated, the completion receptacle  920  may further include a lower control line connector  1210  arranged therein and otherwise configured to mate with the upper connector  936 . The lower control line connector  1210  (hereafter “the lower connector  1210 ”) may be substantially similar to the lower control line connector  200  of  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4A  and therefore may be best understood with reference thereto. Mating the upper and lower connectors  936 ,  1210  may serve to effectively extend the optical fibers  1122  from the upper control line  932  to the lower control line  922 . 
     As described above, the upper connector  936  may be configured to rotate with respect to the mandrel  1102  upon assuming an axial load while the anchor assembly  930  is stabbed into the completion receptacle  920 . More particularly, as the anchor assembly  930  moves in the direction B, the axial mating face  1134  of the upper connector  936  may eventually engage a corresponding axial mating face  1212  defined on the lower connector  1210 . Similar to the axial mating face  1134 , the axial mating face  1212  of the lower connector  1210  may be angled or otherwise helically spiraled such that axial engagement of the complimentarily spiraled axial mating faces  1134 ,  1212  may convert the axial loading assumed by the upper connector  936  into angular rotation whereby the axial mating faces  1134 ,  1212  slidingly engage each other. 
     Since the upper and lower connectors  936 ,  1210  may be substantially similar to the upper and lower connectors  146 ,  200  described herein above, mating and otherwise communicably coupling the upper and lower connectors  936 ,  1210  may be accomplished as generally described above with reference to  FIGS. 5, 6, 7A-7B, and 8A-8B , and therefore will not be described again in detail. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor assembly  930  may further include a spring  1214  arranged between the mandrel  1102  and the housing  1130  of the upper connector  936 . The spring  1214  may be a helical compression spring configured to bias the upper connector  936  back to its run-in configuration upon disconnection with the lower connector  1210 . Moreover, as briefly mentioned above, while  FIGS. 11 and 12  depict only the optical fibers  1122  being extended through the upper and lower connectors  936 ,  1210 , it will be appreciated that the upper and lower connectors  936 ,  1210  may equally accommodate one or more hydraulic conduits  1114   a,b  and/or electrical conductors  1118 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , with continued reference to  FIGS. 9A-9B, 11, and 12 , illustrated is a partial cross-sectional side view of another wellbore system  1300  that may employ one or more principles of the present disclosure. The wellbore system  1300  may include a wellbore  1302  extending through various earth strata and penetrating at least one subterranean formation  1304 . The wellbore  1302  may be lined with casing  1306  and secured in place with, for example, cement (not shown). In at least one embodiment, a cement plug  1308  may be formed at the bottom of the casing  1306 . In other embodiments, however, the wellbore system  1300  may be deployed or otherwise operated in an open-hole section of the wellbore  1302 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. One or more perforations  1310  may be formed in the casing  1306  at or near the formation  1304  and configured to provide fluid communication between the formation  1304  and the interior of the wellbore  1302 . 
     As illustrated, a completion assembly  1312  may be extended into the wellbore  1302  and may include one or more sand control screen assemblies  1314  (one shown) similar to the sand control screen assemblies  138   a - d  of  FIG. 1 . In at least one embodiment, the completion assembly  1312  may be a gravel pack completion and, therefore, may be referred to herein as a gravel pack completion  1312 . The gravel pack completion  1312  may include a gravel pack packer  1316  including slips  1318  configured to support the gravel pack completion  1312  within the casing  1306  when deployed. 
     Disposed below the gravel pack packer  1316  is a circulating valve assembly  1320  that may include a circulating sleeve  1322  (shown in dashed lines) movably arranged therein. The circulating sleeve  1322  may be movable between a closed position, where the circulating sleeve  1322  occludes one or more flow ports  1324  defined in the circulating valve assembly  1320 , and an open position, where the circulating sleeve  1322  has moved axially to expose the one or more flow ports  1324 . In some embodiments, a sump packer  1326  may be disposed below the sand control screen assemblies  1314  around a lower seal assembly  1328 . The gravel pack completion  1312  may be lowered into the wellbore  1302  until engaging the sump packer  1326 . In other embodiments, the gravel pack completion  1312  may be lowered into the wellbore  1302  and stung into the lower seal assembly  1328 . In yet other embodiments, the sump packer  1326  may be omitted from the wellbore system  100  and the tubing may instead be blanked off at its bottom end. In yet other embodiments, the sump packer  1326  may be an isolation packer between zones in a multi-zone gravel pack system. In at least one embodiment, the gravel pack completion  1312  may be a completion with stand-alone screens where the well is not gravel packed. Moreover, the sump packer  1326  may be an open hole packer separating open hole zones with stand-alone screens. 
     The gravel pack completion  1312  may further include a completion receptacle  1330  arranged at its proximal or uphole end. The completion receptacle  1330  may be configured to receive and otherwise mate with an anchor assembly  1332  extended within the wellbore  1302  on wellbore tubing  1334 . The anchor assembly  1332  may include an upper control line connector  1336  configured to mate with a lower control line connector  1338  associated with the completion receptacle  1330 . The operation and design of the upper and lower control line connectors  1336 ,  1338  may be substantially similar to the upper and lower connectors  146 ,  200  of  FIGS. 5, 6, 7A-7B, and 8A-8B  and therefore will not be described again in detail. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated, the upper and lower control line connectors  1336 ,  1338  may be arranged or otherwise disposed on the exterior of the anchor assembly  1332  and the completion receptacle  1330 , respectively. In other embodiments, however, the upper and lower control line connectors  1336 ,  1338  may be arranged within the anchor assembly  1332  and the completion receptacle  1330 , respectively, similar to the configuration of the upper and lower connectors  936 ,  1210  of  FIGS. 11 and 12 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the upper control line connector  1336  may include the rotation guide  1126 , described above with reference to  FIG. 11 , and configured to guide the upper control line connector  1336  into angular mating engagement with the lower control line connector  1338 . 
     As illustrated, an upper control line  1340  may extend to the upper control line connector  1336  (hereafter “the upper connector  1336 ”), and a lower control line  1342  may extend downhole from the lower control line connector  1338  (hereafter “the lower connector  1338 ”). The upper and lower control lines  1340 ,  1342  may be configured to house and otherwise convey one or more communication media (e.g., optical fibers, electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, etc.). The upper and lower connectors  1336 ,  1338  may be configured to mate, as described herein, so that the communication media can be effectively extended from the upper control line  1340  to the lower control line  1342  and further downhole within the wellbore  1302 . In the case of optical fibers as communication media, for instance, operatively coupling or mating the upper and lower connectors  1336 ,  1338  may enable the real-time collection of distributed temperature and/or seismic information along the gravel pack completion  1312  during any subsequent wellbore operations, and such information may be transmitted to the surface for consideration by a well operator. 
     In some embodiments, the gravel pack completion  1312  may be run into and installed in the wellbore  1302 , following which a gravel packing treatment may be undertaken to prepare the wellbore  1302  for production operations. Following the gravel packing treatment, the wellbore tubing  1334  may be extended downhole until the anchor assembly  1332  is stabbed into or otherwise coupled and sealed into the completion receptacle  1330 . During this process the upper connector  1336  may be rotated into mating engagement with the lower connector  1338 , and thereby communicating the lower control line  1342  with the upper control line  1340 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , with continued reference to  FIG. 13 , illustrated is cross-sectional side view of the anchor assembly  1332  as engaged with the completion receptacle  1330 , according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the upper and lower control line connectors  1336 ,  1338  are depicted as being arranged or otherwise disposed on the exterior of the anchor assembly  1332  and the completion receptacle  1330 , respectively. The upper control line  1340  extends to the anchor assembly  1332  and one or more communication media  1402  may extend from the upper control line  1340  and into the upper connector  1336 . Similarly, one or more communication media  1402  may extend from the lower connector  1338  to the lower control line  1342 , which extends further downhole past the completion receptacle  1330  along the exterior of the gravel pack completion  1323  ( FIG. 13 ). While the communication media  1402  may encompass any of the communication media discussed herein, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication media  1402  may be optical fibers. 
     As illustrated, the anchor assembly  1332  may include a mandrel  1404  having one or more seals  1406  disposed on an outer surface thereof. The seals  1406  may be similar to the radial seals  1112  of  FIG. 11  and therefore configured to generate a fluidic seal against a seal bore  1408  defined on an inner wall of the completion receptacle  1330  so that fluids are unable to migrate in either axial direction. In other embodiments, the seals  1406  may alternatively be arranged on the seal bore  1408 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The anchor assembly may further include a locator sub  1410  and a plurality of longitudinally-extending collet latch fingers  1412  arranged about the mandrel  1404  and extending from the locator sub  1410 . The collet latch fingers  1412  may be configured to locate and engage a corresponding collet profile  1414  defined on the inner walls of the completion receptacle  1330 , and thereby accurately position the anchor assembly  1332  with respect to the gravel pack completion  1312  ( FIG. 13 ). In at least one embodiment, the collet profile  1414  may be a threaded profile. 
     The upper connector  1336  may be movably mounted on the mandrel  1404  and otherwise able to rotationally translate with respect to the mandrel  1404 . One or more radial bearings or bushings (not shown) may be arranged between the upper connector  1336  and the mandrel  1404  in order to help facilitate rotational movement of the upper connector  1336 . 
     As illustrated, the rotation guide  1126  includes the rotation pin  1132  as extended through the arcuate groove  1128  defined in a housing  1416  (similar to the housings  201 ,  501  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of the upper connector  1336 . In some embodiments, the rotation pin  1132  may be coupled to or otherwise extending radially from a splined ring  1415 . The splined ring  1415  may be movably disposed about the mandrel  1404  and otherwise movably arranged on one or more splines  1418  defined on the mandrel  1404 . The splines  1418  may extend axially along the mandrel  1404  and through corresponding grooves  1420  defined axially through the splined ring  1415 . 
     To mate or otherwise couple the anchor assembly  1332  to the completion receptacle  1330 , the anchor assembly  1332  may be extended or “stabbed” into the completion receptacle  1330  in the axial direction B. As the anchor assembly  1332  extends into the completion receptacle  1330 , the seals  1406  may engage and seal against the seal bore  1408 . Continued movement of the anchor assembly  1332  in the direction B allows the collet latch fingers  1412  arranged about the mandrel  1404  to locate and engage the corresponding collet profile  1414  defined on the inner wall of the completion receptacle  1330 . With the collet latch fingers  1412  engaged with the collet profile  1414 , the anchor assembly  1332  will generally be prevented from moving in a direction opposite the direction B. 
     The upper connector  1336  may be configured to rotate with respect to the mandrel  1404  upon assuming an axial load while the anchor assembly  1332  is stabbed into the completion receptacle  1330 . More particularly, as the anchor assembly  1332  moves in the direction B, an axial mating face  1422  of the upper connector  1336  may eventually engage a corresponding axial mating face  1424  defined on the lower connector  1210 . The axial mating faces  1422 ,  1424  may be angled and/or otherwise helically spiraled such that axial engagement of the complimentarily spiraled axial mating faces  1422 ,  1424  may convert the axial loading assumed by the upper connector  1336  into angular rotation whereby the axial mating faces  1422 ,  1424  slidingly engage each other. 
     Once an axial load is applied on the upper connector  1336 , as axially engaging the lower connector  1338 , the splined ring  1415  and associated rotation pin  1132  begins to translate axially along the splines  1418 . Moving the splined ring  1415  along the splines  1418  urges the upper connector to rotate as the rotation pin  1132  follows the arcuate groove  1128  defined in the housing  1416 . Rotation of the upper connector  1336 , in turn, provides mating engagement with the lower connector  1338 . The upper and lower connectors  1336 ,  1338  may be substantially similar to the upper and lower connectors  146 ,  200  described herein above. Accordingly, mating and otherwise communicably coupling the upper and lower connectors  1336 ,  1338  may be accomplished as generally described above with reference to  FIGS. 5, 6, 7A-7B, and 8A-8B , and therefore will not be described again in detail. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor assembly  1332  may further include a first spring  1426  arranged between the splined ring  1415  and a stop ring  1428  disposed about the mandrel  1404  uphole from the splined ring  1415 . The spring  1426  may be a helical compression spring configured to bias the splined ring  1415  and, therefore, the upper connector  1336  back to its run-in configuration upon disconnection with the lower connector  1338 . In some embodiments, a second spring  1430  may be used to maintain a shroud  1432  axially engaged with the upper connector  1336  so that debris is prevented from obstructing the axial translation of the splined ring  1415  along the splines  1418 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , illustrated is an exemplary rotation guide  1500  that may be used in conjunction with one of the above-described anchor assemblies  930 ,  1332 , according to one or more embodiments. The rotation guide  1500  may be similar in some respects to the rotation guide  1126  of  FIG. 11 . More particularly, the rotation guide  1500  may be configured to guide an upper connector (e.g., one of the upper connectors  146 ,  936 ,  1336 ) into angular engagement with a lower connector (e.g., of the lower connectors  200 ,  1210 ,  1338 ) associated with one of the completion receptacles  920 ,  1330  ( FIGS. 9B and 13 ). 
     As illustrated, the rotation guide  1500  may include a helical ring  1502  movably coupled to a helical shroud  1504 . The helical ring  1502  may include a helical protrusion  1506  defined on its outer surface and configured to slidingly engage a helical groove  1508  defined in the inner surface of the helical shroud  1504 . The helical ring  1502  may be coupled or otherwise attached to a mandrel  1510  (e.g., the mandrels  1102 ,  1404  of  FIGS. 11 and 14 , respectively), and the helical shroud  1504  may be coupled or otherwise attached to an upper connector  1512  (e.g., the upper connectors  936 ,  1336  of FIGS,  11  and  14 , respectively). 
     Once an axial load is applied on the upper connector  1512 , as axially engaging a lower connector (not shown), for example, the helical shroud  1504  may be urged to rotate with respect to the helical ring  1502 , and thereby having the upper connector  1512  rotate with respect to the mandrel  1510 . Rotation of the upper connector  1512 , in turn, provides mating engagement with the lower connector, as described herein above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16A , illustrated is an exposed side view of another exemplary connector  1600 , according to one or more embodiments. The connector  1600  may be either an upper connector, similar to the upper connector  146  of  FIG. 1 , or a lower connector, similar to the lower connector  200  of  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4A . For purposes of this discussion, however, the connector  1600  may be similar to the lower connector  200  of  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4A  and therefore will be best understood with reference thereto, where like numerals represent like elements not described again in detail. Similar to the lower connector  200  of  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4A , the connector  1600  may include the conduit chamber  300  defined within the lower housing  201  between the body  202  and the shroud  206  ( FIG. 2 ). Three tubular conduits  302  are depicted as being arranged within the conduit chamber  300  and extend from the splitter block  204  to the box connector  210 . Each tubular conduit  302  may be configured to house a separate communication medium, such as an optical fiber or hydraulic fluid. 
     Unlike the lower connector  200 , however, the connector  1600  may further include an induction coil  1602  helically wrapped around the body  202 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the induction coil  1602  may be arranged about the body  202  radially outward from the helically-wrapped tubular conduits  302  and the ribs  304 . The induction coil  1602  may comprise one or more electrical conductors  1604  (two shown) wound multiple times about an induction housing  1606 . In the illustrated embodiment, the induction housing  1606  is depicted as being disposed radially-outward from the tubular conduits  302  and the ribs  304 . In other embodiments, however, the induction housing  1606  and/or the electrical conductors  1604  may be arranged at other locations on the connector  1600 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, in at least one embodiment, the induction coil  1602  may be generally arranged at the end of the connector  1600 , such as adjacent the box connector  210 . Such an embodiment may prove advantageous in applications that use wired drill pipe, which often uses an inductive coil at the threads to make an electrical connection along with a mechanical threaded connection. In such embodiments, the matable induction coils may be communicably coupled either in the axial direction or when rotationally coupled. 
     The electrical conductors  1604  may be made of any material that current is able to flow through. In at least one embodiment, for example, the electrical conductors  1604  are made of copper wire and may be insulated. In other embodiments, however, the electrical conductors  1604  may be made of aluminum and may comprise wires or strips of graphene and carbon fiber nanotubes, without departing from the scope of the disclosure The induction housing  1606  may be made of any rigid materials including, but not limited to, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. In other embodiments, the induction housing  1606  may be made of a ferritic material or a ceramic-magnetic material, both of which may help increase the electromagnetic transmission range in the radial direction for the induction coil  1602 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16B , illustrated is a partial side cross-sectional view of the lower housing  201  and the splitter block  204  of the connector  1600 . As depicted in  FIG. 16B , the induction coil  1602  is encased within the connector  1600  beneath the shroud  206 . In some embodiments, the shroud  206  may be made of a non-magnetic material such as, but not limited to, plastic, Teflon, or other elastomers, aluminum, stainless steel, or brass so that electromagnetic transmission from the induction coil  1602  will not be impeded. Moreover, the induction housing  1606  is shown as separating the electrical conductors  1604  from the tubular conduits  302 . 
     According to the present disclosure, the induction coil  1602  may be configured to be communicably coupled (i.e., inductively coupled) to a second induction coil on an adjacent matable connector. Accordingly, when the connector  1600  is communicably coupled with a mating connector, such the upper connector  146  as is described above with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the mating connector may include a second induction coil (not shown) configured to inductively mate with the induction coil  1602 . The design and configuration of the second induction coil may be similar to the design and configuration of the induction coil  1602  as described herein and otherwise include one or more conductors helically wound multiple times about an induction housing. 
     Once inductively coupled with the second induction coil, the first induction coil  1602  may be able to transfer electrical power and/or signals thereto without requiring physical contact between the two induction coils. The strength of the inductive coupling between two induction coils can be increased by placing them close together on a common axis, such as the central axes  507 ,  207  of the upper and lower housings  501 ,  201  of  FIG. 5 , so that the magnetic field of the first induction coil  1602  passes through the second induction coil. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the induction coil  1602  may be connected to an oscillating circuit that produces a resonant magnetic field. In such embodiments, the electrical conductors  1604  and the induction housing  1606  may be more compact in size since a ferritic material is not needed. The secondary or receiving induction coil may be connected to a resistive load with a distributed capacitance. The two induction coils may be tuned to operate at the same resonant frequency, and the resonant coupling of the two magnetic fields in the induction coils enables the efficient transfer of electrical power. Moreover, resonant coupling allows the two induction coils to be spaced radially or axially apart, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , with continued reference to  FIGS. 16A and 16B , illustrated is an enlarged side view of another embodiment of the anchor assembly  930  and the upper control line connector  936  described above with reference to  FIGS. 9A-9B, 11, and 12 . The anchor assembly  930  and the upper control line connector  936  (hereafter “the upper connector  936 ”) are essentially the same as described above, and therefore like numerals represent like elements that will not be described again. 
     Unlike the anchor assembly  930  and the connector  936  described above, however, an induction coil  1702  may be included in the connector  936 . The induction coil  1702  may be similar to the induction coil  1602  of  FIGS. 16A and 16B  and, therefore, may include one or more electrical conductors  1704  wound multiple times about an induction housing (not labeled). Similar to the electrical conductors  1604 , the electrical conductors  1704  may be made of any material that current is able to flow through such as, but not limited to, copper wire. Moreover, the associated induction housing may be made of a material that allows electromagnetic transmission in the radial direction and may include, but is not limited to, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, a ferritic material, a ceramic-magnetic material, and any combination thereof. 
     Along with the optical fibers  1122 , the electrical conductors  1704  may comprise communication media extended within the mandrel  1102  until entering the upper connector  936  at a corresponding splitter block (not shown). In at least one embodiment, as illustrated, the optical fibers  1122  and the electrical conductors  1704  may exit the mandrel  1102  and subsequently be helically wrapped or coiled about the mandrel  1102  prior to entering the upper connector  936 . Helically wrapping the optical fibers  1122  and the electrical conductors  1704  about the mandrel  1102  may allow the upper connector  936  to rotate, as described above, without severing or compromising the optical fibers  1122  and the electrical conductors  1704 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17B , with continued reference to  FIG. 17A , illustrated is a cross-sectional side view of the anchor assembly  930  and the connector  936  of  FIG. 17A  as engaged with or otherwise coupled to the completion receptacle  920  of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the upper control line  932  extends to the anchor assembly  930  and one or more communication media may extend into the locator sub  1106  and/or the mandrel  1102 . Similarly, one or more communication media may extend within the completion receptacle  920  to the lower control line  922 , which extends from the completion receptacle  920  and further downhole along the exterior of the completion assembly  918  ( FIG. 9B ). 
     Moreover, the lower completion receptacle  920  further includes an inductive coil  1706  configured to inductively mate with the inductive coil  1702 . The inductive coil  1706  may be similar to the inductive coil  1702  and may include one or more electrical conductors  1708  wound multiple times about an induction housing (not labeled). Mating the anchor assembly  930  to the completion receptacle  920  or, in other words, mating the connector upper control line connector  936  with the lower control line connector  1210 , may be accomplished as described above, and therefore will not be repeated here. At least one difference, however, is that upon mating the upper and lower control line connectors  936 ,  1210 , the first induction coil  1702  may be inductively coupled to the second induction coil  1706  and thereby able to transfer electrical power and/or signals thereto without having physical contact therebetween. The strength of the inductive coupling between two induction coils  1702 ,  1706  can be increased by tuning the first and second induction coils  1702 ,  1706  to resonate at the same frequency. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , with continued reference to  FIGS. 16A-16B and 17A-17B , illustrated is an enlarged side view of another embodiment of the anchor assembly  930  and the upper connector  936  described above with reference to  FIGS. 9A-9B, 11, and 12 . As with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17A-17B , the anchor assembly  930  and the upper connector  936  are essentially the same as described above, and therefore like numerals represent like elements that will not be described again in detail. Unlike the anchor assembly  930  and the connector  936  described above, however, an induction coil  1802  may be included in the anchor assembly  930 . 
     The induction coil  1802  may be similar to the induction coils  1602  and  1702  of  FIGS. 16A-16B and 17A-17B , respectively, and therefore may include one or more electrical conductors  1804  wound multiple times about an induction housing  1805 . Similar to the electrical conductors  1604 , the electrical conductors  1804  may be made of any material that current is able to flow through such as, but not limited to, copper wire. Moreover, the induction housing  1805  may be made of a material that allows electromagnetic transmission in the radial direction and may include, but is not limited to, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, a ferritic material, a ceramic-magnetic material, and any combination thereof. The electrical conductors  1804  may comprise communication media extended within the mandrel  1102  until entering the induction housing  1805  whereupon they may be helically wrapped about the housing  1805  multiple times. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18B , with continued reference to  FIG. 18A , illustrated is a cross-sectional side view of the anchor assembly  930  and the connector  936  of  FIG. 18A  as engaged with or otherwise coupled to the completion receptacle  920  of  FIG. 9B , according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the upper control line  932  extends to the anchor assembly  930  and one or more communication media may extend into the locator sub  1106  and/or the mandrel  1102 . Similarly, one or more communication media may extend within the completion receptacle  920  to the lower control line  922 , which extends from the completion receptacle  920  and further downhole along the exterior of the completion assembly  918  ( FIG. 9B ). 
     Moreover, the lower completion receptacle  920  further includes an inductive coil  1806  configured to inductively mate with the inductive coil  1802 . The second inductive coil  1806  may be similar to the first inductive coil  1802  and may include one or more electrical conductors  1808  wound multiple times about an induction housing (not labeled). Upon stabbing the anchor assembly  930  into the completion receptacle  920 , the first induction coil  1802  may be inductively coupled to the second induction coil  1806  and thereby able to transfer electrical power and/or signals thereto without having physical contact therebetween. The strength of the inductive coupling between two induction coils  1802 ,  1806  can be increased by tuning the first and second induction coils  1802 ,  1706  to resonate at the same frequency. 
     As will be appreciated, the foregoing embodiments describing inductive coupling may prove especially advantageous in wire drill pipe applications. 
     In such applications, the inductive coupling may facilitate the transfer of data and power along the drill pipe and into casing assemblies and the like that extend even further downhole. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein include: 
     A. A wellbore system that includes a wellbore tubing having an anchor assembly arranged at a distal end thereof, an upper control line connector coupled to the anchor assembly and having a first housing and a first connector at least partially disposed within the first housing, the first connector providing a first angular mating face that faces tangentially with respect to the first housing, an upper control line operatively coupled to the first housing and providing one or more first communication media that extend through the first housing to the first angular mating face, a completion assembly disposed within a wellbore and having a completion receptacle arranged at a proximal end thereof to receive the anchor assembly, a lower control line connector coupled to the completion receptacle and having a second housing and a second connector at least partially disposed within the second housing, the second connector providing a second angular mating face that faces tangentially with respect to the second housing, and a lower control line operatively coupled to the second housing and providing one or more second communication media that extend through the second housing to the second angular mating face, wherein the one or more first communication media is communicably coupled to the one or more second communication media by angularly rotating one or both of the first and second connectors with respect to each other to angularly engage the first and second angular mating faces and subsequently mate the first and second connectors. 
     B. A method that includes introducing a wellbore tubing into a wellbore, the wellbore tubing having an anchor assembly arranged at a distal end thereof and an upper control line connector coupled to the anchor assembly and having a first housing and a first connector at least partially disposed within the first housing, inserting at least a portion of the anchor assembly into a completion receptacle of a completion assembly disposed within the wellbore, the completion receptacle including a lower control line connector that has a second housing and a second connector at least partially disposed within the second housing, angularly rotating one or both of the first and second control line connectors with respect to each other and thereby angularly aligning a first angular mating face provided on the first connector with a second angular mating face provided on the second connector, wherein the first angular mating face faces tangentially with respect to the first housing and the second angular mating face faces tangentially with respect to the second housing, and mating the first and second connectors by further angularly rotating one or both of the first and second control line connectors with respect to each other, and thereby communicably coupling one or more first communication media in the first control line connector with one or more second communication media in the second control line connector. 
     Each of embodiments A and B may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination: Element  1 : wherein the first and second connectors are one of wet mate or dry mate connectors. Element  2 : wherein the one or more first and second communication media are communication media selected from the group consisting of optical fibers, electrical conductors, and hydraulic fluid. Element  3 : further comprising a first splitter block coupled to the first housing and configured to operatively couple the first control line to the first housing and convey the one or more first communication media into the first housing, and a second splitter block coupled to the second housing and configured to operatively couple the second control line to the second housing and convey the one or more second communication media into the second housing. Element  4 : further comprising a first conduit chamber defined within the first housing between a first body and a first shroud that extends about the first body, a second conduit chamber defined within the second housing between a second body and a second shroud that extends about the second body, one or more first tubular conduits arranged within the first conduit chamber and extending from the first splitter block to the pin connector, the one or more first tubular conduits providing corresponding passageways for the one or more first communication media to communicate with the pin connector, and one or more second tubular conduits arranged within the second conduit chamber and extending from the second splitter block to the box connector, the one or more second tubular conduits providing corresponding passageways for the one or more second communication media to communicate with the box connector. Element  5 : wherein the one or more first tubular conduits are helically wrapped around the first body, and wherein the one or more second tubular conduits are helically wrapped around the second body. Element  6 : wherein the first housing further defines a first axial mating face and the second housing further defines a second axial mating face, and wherein the first axial mating face engages the second axial mating face upon mating the first and second connectors and the first and second axial mating faces are complementarily angled. Element  7 : wherein the first connector is a pin connector and the second connector is a box connector, the wellbore system further comprising one or more holes defined in the second angular mating face of the box connector, a retractable cover arranged on the pin connector, the first angular mating face being defined on an end of the retractable cover, and one or more hypodermic tubes extending from the pin connector and configured to extend into the one or more holes when the pin connector mates with the box connector, wherein the retractable cover is movable between an extended configuration, where the one or more hypodermic tubes are arranged within the retractable cover, and a retracted configuration, where the first angular mating face engages the second angular mating face and the one or more hypodermic tubes penetrate the first angular mating face and extend into the one or more holes. Element  8 : wherein the anchor assembly includes a mandrel and the upper control line connector is arranged at a distal end of the mandrel, and wherein the lower control line connector is disposed within the completion receptacle. Element  9 : wherein the anchor assembly includes a mandrel and the upper control line connector is arranged about the mandrel, and wherein the lower control line connector is disposed on an outside surface of the completion receptacle. Element  10 : wherein the upper control line connector is able to rotate with respect to the mandrel, the wellbore system further comprising a rotation guide coupled to the upper control line connector and configured to guide the upper control line connector into angular engagement with the lower control line connector. Element  11 : wherein the completion assembly is a gravel pack completion including one or more sand control screen assemblies disposed thereon. 
     Element  12 : wherein the one or more first and second communication media are communication media selected from the group consisting of optical fibers, electrical conductors, and hydraulic fluid. Element  13 : wherein the anchor assembly includes a mandrel and the upper control line connector is arranged at a distal end of the mandrel, and wherein the lower control line connector is disposed within the completion receptacle, the method further comprising axially aligning the first connector with the second connector, engaging a first axial mating face defined on the first housing with a second axial mating face defined on the second housing, wherein the first and second axial mating faces are complementarily angled, and slidingly engaging first axial mating face against the second axial mating face as the first control line connector is angularly rotated with respect to the second control line connector. Element  14 : wherein the anchor assembly includes a mandrel and the upper control line connector is arranged about the mandrel, and wherein the lower control line connector is disposed on an outside surface of the completion receptacle, the method further comprising axially aligning the first connector with the second connector, engaging a first axial mating face defined on the first housing with a second axial mating face defined on the second housing, wherein the first and second axial mating faces are complementarily angled, and slidingly engaging first axial mating face against the second axial mating face as the first control line connector is angularly rotated with respect to the second control line connector. Element  15 : wherein the upper control line connector is able to rotate with respect to the mandrel, the method further comprising guiding the upper control line connector into angular engagement with the lower control line connector with a rotation guide coupled to the upper control line connector. Element  16 : wherein the second angular mating face is a box connector and has one or more holes defined therein and the first connector is a pin connector that includes a retractable cover having the first angular mating face defined thereon, and wherein mating the first connector to the second connector further comprises angularly engaging the first angular mating face on the second angular mating face with the retractable cover in an extended configuration, wherein one or more hypodermic tubes extend from the first connector within the retractable cover, penetrating the first angular mating face with the one or more hypodermic tubes as the retractable cover is moved toward a retracted configuration, and extending the one or more hypodermic tubes into the one or more holes as the retractable cover is moved toward the retracted configuration. Element  17 : wherein extending the one or more hypodermic tubes into the one or more holes further comprises penetrating a sealed interface on the second angular mating face that prevents an influx of debris into the one or more holes. Element  18 : wherein extending the one or more hypodermic tubes into the one or more holes further comprises extending the one or more hypodermic tubes into one or more needle guides defined within the second connector, aligning the one or more hypodermic tubes with a corresponding one or more alignment features provided within the second connector, and aligning within each alignment feature one of the one or more first communication media extending from the first connector with one of the one or more second communication media extending within the second connector. Element  19 : wherein the one of the one or more first communication media is a first optical fiber and the one of the one or more second communication media is a second optical fiber, the method further comprising moving the first connector into the first housing a first distance as one or both of the first and second connectors are angularly rotated with respect to each other, telescoping the first optical fiber out of a corresponding one of the one or more hypodermic tubes and into one of the one or more alignment features as the first connector moves the first distance, moving the second connector into the second housing a second distance as one or both of the first and second connectors are angularly rotated with respect to each other, telescoping the second optical fiber within the one of the one or more alignment features as the second connector moves the second distance, and optically communicating the first optical fiber with the second optical fiber within the one of the one or more alignment features. Element  20 : wherein the one or more first communication media extends from a surface location within an upper control line to the first housing, and wherein the one or more second communication media extends from the second housing within a lower control line and downhole from the completion receptacle. Element  21 : wherein the completion assembly is a gravel pack completion including one or more sand control screen assemblies and the lower control line extends across the one or more sand control screen assemblies, the method further comprising obtaining at least one of distributed temperature data and seismic data along the gravel pack completion with the lower control line. Element  22 : wherein the anchor assembly includes a mandrel having one or more seal rings arranged thereon and one or more hydraulic ports defined between axially adjacent seal rings, and wherein inserting at least the portion of the anchor assembly into the completion receptacle further comprises engaging the one or more seal rings on a seal bore defined on an inner wall of the completion receptacle, generating a seal against the seal bore with one or more radial seals disposed on the one or more seal rings, axially aligning the one or more hydraulic ports with one or more corresponding hydraulic ports defined on the seal bore, axially aligning the electrical conductors of the one or more seal rings with corresponding electrical conductors provided on the seal bore, conveying hydraulic fluid from the anchor assembly to the completion receptacle via the one or more hydraulic ports and the one or more corresponding hydraulic ports, and transferring electricity from the electrical conductors of the one or more seal rings to the corresponding electrical conductors of the seal bore. 
     Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.