GE Oil & Gas has completed the qualification of its upgraded 36 kV high voltage wet mate connector.
Mecon WM 36/500 can be used with equipment such as transformers, switchgears, variable speed drives and motor loads.
“Our Mecon Wet Mate 36/500 connector is designed to provide highly reliable connections of subsea high voltage equipment. Unlike conventional stab-type connectors, we deploy a unique connection process that ensures that we are in full control of the electrical environment inside the connector before completing the electrical connection,” said Alisdair McDonald , subsea power & processing leader at GE Oil & Gas.
GE uses the same patented technology for all its Mecon WM connectors. A flushing process is performed after the connector halves are brought together and before the electrical connections are completed.
Firstly, the connector is flushed with seawater to remove any contaminants, then by fresh water, alcohol, and finally dielectric fluid, the company explained.
In addition Mecon WM 36/500 can act as an isolation switch at rated system voltage and can be used to verify system health prior to commissioning or to find faults after failure.
The connector has been certified for operation up to 36 kV and 500 amperes in water depths down to 10,000 ft or 3,000 m.