Downhole wet mate connection
A technique is provided that utilizes one or both of a control line actuation mechanism and a connector protection mechanism for use in a wellbore environment. Upon landing a lower well assembly and an upper well assembly at a desired wellbore location, control line connectors are engaged. The control line actuation mechanism and/or connector protection mechanism facilitate the formation of a desirable control line connection.
1. A wellbore system, comprising:
a lower assembly that can be positioned in a wellbore, the lower assembly having a lower control line connector;
an upper assembly engageable with the lower assembly at a downhole location, the upper assembly having an upper control line connector; and
a control line actuation mechanism, the control line actuation mechanism being selectively used to engage the upper control line connector with the lower control line connector subsequent to landing the upper assembly in the lower assembly, wherein the control line actuation mechanism is responsive to pressure applied in an annulus surrounding the upper assembly.
2. The wellbore system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the control line actuation mechanism comprises an electrical actuator to power the engagement of the upper control line connector with the lower control line connector.
3. The wellbore system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the control line actuation mechanism comprises a piston driven by pressure introduced into an atmospheric chamber.
4. The wellbore system as recited in claim 3 , wherein the control line actuation mechanism comprises a fluid filled reservoir coupled with a passageway having a restrictor, the fluid filled reservoir being drained through the passageway via movement of the piston.
5. The wellbore system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the control line actuation mechanism further comprises a pressure blocking member that prevents actuation of the control line actuation mechanism until a sufficient pressure is applied in the annulus.
6. The wellbore system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a connector protection mechanism to prevent debris from entering at least one of the upper and lower control line connectors.
7. The wellbore system as recited in claim 6 , wherein the connector protection mechanism comprises of flapper valve.
8. The wellbore system as recited in claim 6 , wherein the connector protection mechanism comprises a pair of flapper valves positioned to protect the lower control line connector and the upper control line connector.
9. The wellbore system as recited in claim 6 , wherein the connector protection mechanism comprises a sliding cover.