Techniques for Connecting Wellbore Tools in a Tool String

This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/553,376, filed Sep. 29, 2023, which is a national stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2022/059658 filed Apr. 12, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/173,616 filed Apr. 12, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Hydrocarbons, such as fossil fuels (e.g. oil) and natural gas, are extracted from underground wellbores extending deeply below the surface using complex machinery and explosive devices. Once the wellbore is established by placement of casing pipes after drilling, a tool string, with one or more perforating gun assemblies, is lowered into the wellbore, and positioned adjacent one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs in underground formations.

The perforating gun includes explosive charges, typically shaped, hollow or projectile charges, which are initiated to perforate holes in the casing and to blast through the formation to create a pathway for the hydrocarbons to flow. The explosive charges may be arranged in a hollow charge carrier or other holding devices. Typically, the charges are arranged in different phases, such as 60°, 120°, 180°, and any other desired phasing. Once the perforating gun(s) is properly positioned, a surface signal actuates an ignition of a fuse or detonator, which in turn initiates a detonating cord, which detonates the explosive charges to penetrate/perforate the casing and thereby allow formation fluids to flow through the perforations formed and into a production string. Upon detonation of the explosive charges, it is often desirable to retrieve the carrier, associated hardware and any undetonated shaped charges from the casing/wellbore, which may result in obstructions in the wellbore. Sometimes operation of a perforating gun (e.g., detonation of the explosive charges) will cause deformities in the perforating gun and/or casing pipes, resulting in the tool string becoming stuck in the well bore. To salvage unstuck portions of a tool string, oftentimes, tool strings will include a release tool configured to disconnect unstuck portions of the tool string from the stuck portions.

Assembly of a perforating gun for wellbore operations requires assembly of multiple parts. Such parts typically include a housing or outer gun barrel. An electrical wire for communicating from the surface to initiate ignition, a percussion initiator and/or a detonator, a detonating cord, one or more charges which are held in an inner tube, strip or carrying device and, where necessary, one or more boosters are typically positioned in the housing. Assembly of the perforating gun typically includes threaded insertion of one component into another by screwing or twisting the components into place. Tandem seal adapters/subs may be used to connect multiple perforating guns together as part of a tool string. The tandem seal adapters, or tandem subs, are typically configured to provide a seal (e.g., pressure isolation) and mechanical and electrical connection between adjacent perforating guns.

These wellbore operations may be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Accordingly, it may be desirable to develop tool housings that may be efficiently and securely connected together, in order to improve reliability of the tool string and improve operational efficiency in assembling/disassembling the tool string.

According to an aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a device for connecting a first wellbore tool to a second wellbore tool in a tool string. The device may include a receptor assembly and a snap assembly including a snap. The receptor assembly may include a first end, a second end, and a receptor groove. The first end may be configured to couple with the first wellbore tool. The snap assembly may include a first end and a second end, the first end of the snap assembly may be configured to couple with the second end of the receptor assembly, and the second end of the snap assembly may be configured to removably couple with the second wellbore tool. The snap included in the snap assembly may be configured to at least partially extend into the receptor groove included in the receptor assembly to couple the first end of the snap assembly with the second end of the receptor assembly.

In another aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a connector assembly for connecting a first wellbore tool to a second wellbore tool in a tool string. The connector assembly may include a receptor assembly and a snap assembly. The snap assembly may include a receptor assembly first end configured to couple with a the first wellbore tool, a receptor assembly second end, a receptor assembly main body, a receptor assembly interior extending through the receptor assembly main body, the receptor assembly interior including a first receptor assembly portion and a second receptor assembly portion, wherein the first receptor assembly portion is located closer to the receptor assembly first end than the second receptor assembly portion, a first bulkhead conductor disposed in the first receptor assembly portion, and a receptor groove formed in the second receptor assembly portion. The snap assembly may include a snap assembly first end removably couplable to the receptor assembly second end, a snap assembly second end configured to couple with the second wellbore tool, a snap assembly main body, a snap assembly interior extending through the snap assembly main body, the snap assembly interior including a first snap assembly portion and a second snap assembly portion, wherein the first snap assembly portion is located closer to the snap assembly first end than the second snap assembly portion, a conductor pin disposed in the first snap assembly portion, and a snap coupled to an exterior surface of the snap assembly main body, the snap configured to be at least partially received by the receptor groove of the receptor assembly to couple the first end of the snap assembly to the second end of the receptor assembly.

In a further aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a system for connecting a first wellbore tool to a second wellbore tool in a tool string. The system may include a receptor assembly and a snap assembly. The receptor assembly may include a first receptor assembly end configured to couple with the first wellbore tool, a second receptor assembly end, a first receptor assembly electrical contact exposed via the first receptor assembly end, the first receptor assembly electrical contact configured to electrically connect with the first wellbore tool when the first receptor assembly end is coupled with the first wellbore tool, and a second receptor assembly electrical contact exposed via the second receptor assembly end and electrically connected with the first receptor assembly electrical contact, a receptor groove positioned interiorly of the second receptor assembly end. The snap assembly may include a first snap assembly end configured to couple with the second receptor assembly end, a second snap assembly end configured to couple with the second wellbore tool, a snap positioned on an exterior of the snap assembly and configured to at least partially extend into the receptor groove to couple the first end of the snap assembly to the second end of the receptor assembly, a first snap assembly electrical contact configured to establish an electrical connection with the second receptor assembly electrical contact when the first snap assembly end is coupled with the second receptor assembly end, and a second snap assembly electrical contact exposed via the second snap assembly end.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and detailed description. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some exemplary embodiments.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments. It is understood that reference to a particular “exemplary embodiment” of, e.g., a structure, assembly, component, configuration, method, etc. includes exemplary embodiments of, e.g., the associated features, subcomponents, method steps, etc. forming a part of the “exemplary embodiment”.

For purposes of this disclosure, relative terms including, without limitation, “top,” “side,” “bottom,” “rear,” “front,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “within,” “upstream,” “downstream”, and the like are used to aid the description of, e.g., configurations of features as shown in the accompanying figures, and otherwise as the disclosure makes clear. Such relative terms do not imply any particular dimension or delineation of or between features except where the disclosure makes clear.

For purposes of this disclosure, terms including, without limitation, “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used for descriptive purposes only and without limitation with respect to, e.g., an ordering of process steps, function, or configuration.

For purposes of this disclosure, “substantially” means generally consistent with the spirit of the disclosure but without limitation to any particular measure.

For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, an exemplary embodiment will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. It will be understood that this example and other exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are illustrative and not limiting and are provided for illustrating the exemplary features of connector assemblies for connecting wellbore tools.

Wellbore tool strings typically include a plurality of tools, such as release tools, perforating guns, setting tools, and the like, that are assembled together. Assembly of existing tool strings can be time consuming and inefficient. In various embodiments described hereby, a connector assembly may be utilized to enable a single operator to couple a perforating gun to a release tool, improving speed and efficiency.

illustrates exemplary tool string componentsaccording to some embodiments of the current disclosure. The tool string componentsmay form at least a portion of a tool string that extends in an upstreamdirection and a downstreamdirection. The illustrated embodiment includes a release tool, a receptor assembly, a snap assembly, and a perforating gun. In various embodiments, the receptor assemblyand snap assemblymay quickly and efficiently enable the release toolto be coupled to the perforating gun, such as by a single operator. The receptor assemblyand snap assemblymay be collectively referred to as a connector assembly. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In some embodiments, the receptor assemblymay be coupled to the release tooland the snap assemblymay be coupled to the perforating gunat a first location, such as a shop or manufacturing facility. Additionally, an electrical connection may be established between the release tooland receptor assemblywhen they are coupled together and an electrical connection may be established between the snap assemblyand the perforating gunwhen they are coupled together. At a second location (e.g., at the wellbore), the perforating gunmay be coupled to the release toolby axially moving the snap assemblyinto the receptor assembly, and without the need to screw one component on to another. Additionally, an electrical connection may be established between the receptor assemblyand snap assemblywhen they are coupled together. The electrical connections between the components of the tool string componentsmay enable electrical signals (e.g., power and/or communication) to be passed down the tool string, such as for selectively detonating the perforating gun.

Referring back to the illustrated embodiment, at the upstreamend of the tool string components, the release toolmay include an upstream coupler, an electrical contact, a plurality of exhaust ports, and a plurality of openings. The upstream couplermay be utilized to couple the release toolto another wellbore tool. The electrical contactmay enable an electrical connection to be established between the release tooland the wellbore tool connected to the release tool. As discussed in more detail with respect to, the openingsmay be utilized to insert shear pins that couple the release toolto the receptor assembly. Gas generated by a power charge that is positioned in a chamber of the release toolmay be utilized to disconnect the release toolfrom the receptor assembly. Once sufficient pressure is generated by the gas filling the chamber, the shear pins while shear and the receptor assemblywill be pushed away from the release tool. The exhaust portsmay be utilized to vent any remaining gas. At the downstreamend of the tool string components, the perforating gunmay include a downstream coupler. The downstream couplermay be utilized to couple the perforating gunto another wellbore tool, such as another perforating gun(not shown). It will be appreciated that the connector assemblymay be utilized to connect other wellbore tools and is considered within the scope of this disclosure, and as specifically described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/553,376, to which this disclosure claims priority and incorporates by reference.

Generally, a tool string may include a cable head, a casing collar locator, a release tool, one or more perforating guns and a setting tool. The casing collar locator may be utilized for positioning of the tool string, perforating guns, and/or setting tool. In various embodiment, a top or upper region of the tool string may include the cable head, casing collar locator, and release tool and the bottom or lower region of the tool string may include the one or more perforating guns and the setting tool. In various such embodiments the top region may be used multiple times and the bottom region may be single use. In other words, the top region may be pulled out of the wellbore after an operation and reused in another operation. In many embodiments, a connector assemblymay be utilized between the top region and the bottom region of a tool string.

In some embodiments, a tool string may include a plurality of connector assemblies to facilitate quick and efficient assembly of the tool string. For example, a one or more connector assemblies may be utilized to couple the release toolto one or more other wellbore tools, such as a measuring device, telemetry device, and/or a casing collar locator. In such examples, a snap assembly may be coupled to the upstream couplerand a receptor assembly may be coupled to the other wellbore tool, such as a measuring device or telemetry device.

In various embodiments, one or more of the receptor assemblies and one or more of the snap assemblies may be coupled to respective additional wellbore tools at a first location and then the corresponding receptor assemblies and snap assemblies may be coupled together on site (e.g., at the wellbore) to assemble the tool string. In various such embodiments, the first location may be a preferred location and the second location may be a more restricted location, such as due to conditions or available resources. For example, the first location may include a shop with readily available tools and people and the second location may be at the wellbore site where tools and people are not as readily available. However, the final connection of the release toolto the perforating gunmay be required to be made at a different location (e.g., the wellbore site), such as due to safety or transportability concerns. For example, it may be impractical or impossible (e.g., due to physical length) to assemble the tool string offsite. In another example, it may be unacceptably risky, such as due to unintended ignition, to couple various wellbore tools offsite.

illustrates various aspects of a receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the current disclosure. More specifically,illustrates a side view of the receptor assembly,illustrates a cross-sectional view of the receptor assemblyalong cutting line A-A of, andillustrates a side cross-sectional view of the receptor assemblycoupled to the release tool. The receptor assemblymay include a first end, a second end, an axial directionextending between the first endand the second end, and a radial directionorthogonal to the axial direction. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

Referring to, the receptor assemblymay generally include a main body, an exterior, and an interiorextending through the main bodyfrom the first endto the second end. The main bodymay be constructed from a metal, an alloy, a composite, and/or a polymer. For example, the main bodymay be include one or more of steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or ceramic. In various embodiments, materials utilized to construct the main body may be designed to handle pressures in excess of 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). In one embodiment, materials utilized to construct the main body may be designed to handle pressures of 15,000 psi or more.

Working from the first endtowards the second endand according to an embodiment, the exteriorof the main bodyincludes a plurality of annular recesses including a first annular recessand a second annular recess(collectively referred to as annular recesses), a plurality of circular recesses including a first circular recess, a second circular recess, a third circular recess, a fourth circular recess, a fifth circular recess, a sixth circular recess(not shown), a seventh circular recess, and an eighth circular recess(not shown) (collectively referred to as circular recesses), a plurality of openings including a first openingand a second opening(collectively referred to as openings), and a plurality of protrusions including a first protrusionand a second protrusion(collectively referred to as protrusions). In some embodiments, the protrusionsmay engage with corresponding sockets on a snap assemblywhen the receptor assemblyis coupled to the snap assembly(see e.g.,).

The features and components of the exteriorof the receptor assemblymay include a plurality of different portions having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation and connection of the receptor assembly. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to force the receptor assemblyinto alignment or ensure a proper seal with other components (e.g., release tool). It will be appreciated that embodiments may include more or less recesses, protrusions, and/or openings without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, a total of six circular openings instead of eight may surround the main body.

Referring to, the interiorextends from the first endto the second end. In the illustrated embodiment, the dashed line extending radially may separate a first portionof the receptor assemblylocated toward the first endand a second portionof the receptor assemblylocated toward the second end. Generally, at least part of the exterior of the first portionmay be configured to be coupled with an upstream wellbore tool (e.g., release tool) and at least part of the interior of the second portionmay be configured to couple with a downstream wellbore tool (e.g., perforating gunwith snap assemblyattached). Further, the interiorof the first portionmay be utilized to conduct electrical signals between the upstream and downstream wellbore tools.

Accordingly, a snap assembly (e.g., snap assembly) may be inserted into the second portionof the interiorto couple a first wellbore tool with a second wellbore tool and establish an electrical connection therebetween. To this end, the second portionmay include a receptor groovelocated between a first shoulderand a second shoulderand configured for receiving and engaging snaps (e.g., snaps) of the snap assemblyto thus form the connector assembly. Thus, the receptor groovemay be positioned interiorly of and/or exposed via the second endof the receptor assembly. As described in more detail below, such as with respect to, the receptor groovemay receive corresponding snaps (e.g., snaps) of the snap assemblyto couple the receptor assemblyto snap assembly. In several embodiments, the receptor groovemay include a continuous annular recess that extends around the interior. In other embodiments, the receptor groovemay include two or more discrete annular recess sections or pockets. For example, each receptor may include a recess or opening on the interiorthat must be aligned with a corresponding snap (see e.g., snapsof). As also described in more detail below, the openingsmay enable the receptor assemblyto be decoupled from the snap assembly.

Referring back to the first portionof the interior, a bulkhead conductormay be disposed in the first portionof the interior. In the illustrated embodiment, the bulkhead conductormay be inserted into the interiorvia the second endand secured within the first portionwith a retaining nut. The bulkhead conductormay include a first bulkhead contact, a second bulkhead contact, a first biasing member, a second biasing members, and a bulkhead seal. The first bulkhead contactmay be conductively coupled to the second bulkhead contactthough the bulkhead conductorto facilitate the passage of electrical signals. Additionally, the first biasing membermay bias the first bulkhead contactin the axial directionout and away from the first endand the second biasing membermay bias the second bulkhead contactinto the second portionand toward the second end. Accordingly, the second bulkhead contactmay be positioned interiorly of the second endof the receptor assembly. The biasing of the first and second bulkhead contacts,may facilitate a reliable electrical connection between the receptor assemblyand other wellbore tools. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first bulkhead contactmay be exposed via the first endof the receptor assemblyand the second bulkhead contactmay be exposed via the second endof the receptor assembly. As used herein, exposed via may refer to accessed at (e.g., first bulkhead contact) or accessed through (e.g., second bulkhead contact). In some embodiments, the first and second bulkhead contacts,may be referred to as first and second receptor assembly electrical contacts. Further, the bulkhead conductormay include one or more bulkhead sealsconfigured to create a seal between the bulkhead conductorand the interior.

Similar to the exterior, the interiormay include a plurality of components and features having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation and connection of the receptor assembly. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to force the receptor assemblyinto alignment or ensure a proper seal with other components (e.g., snap assembly).

Turning to, the receptor assemblymay be coupled to the release tool. To this end, the release toolmay include a plurality of openingsthat are configured to align with at least a portion of the circular recessesof receptor assembly. One or more shear pins may be installed through the openingsand extend into the corresponding one or more circular recessesto secure the release toolto the receptor assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, a first shear pinis installed into a first openingin the release tooland extends into the circular recessand a second retaining pinis installed into a second openingin the release tooland extends into the circular recess. In one embodiment, the release toolincludes eight openings.

Additionally, a first seal elementis shown in the first annular recessand a second seal elementis shown in the second annular recess. The first and second seal elements,may be configured to create a seal between the release tooland the receptor assembly. Furthermore, the bulkhead contactextends towards and makes an electrical connection with, for instance, a signal wireof the release tool. A holderof the release toolmay be coupled to an end of the power chargeand includes a conductor (e.g., a metal slug) to establish the electrical connection between the signal wireand the bulkhead conductorof the receptor assembly. In various embodiments, the holdermay be formed from a polymer, a composite, and/or a resin. The release toolalso includes a plurality of exhaust portswith exhaust portand exhaust portillustrated in. In some embodiments, the release toolmay include an exhaust port corresponding to each of the openings.

According to an aspect, the shear pins are formed from a frangible material (e.g., copper slugs) and are pressed into the circular recessesto retain connection between the release tooland the receptor assembly, until a sufficient force is exerted (e.g., by buildup of gas released by the power charge) to break the retaining pinsand thus separate the release toolfrom the receptor assembly. To this end, seal elementand seal elementmay facilitate the build up of pressure to shear the shear pins. Once sheared and the receptor assemblyhas moved sufficiently away from the release tool, the exhaust portsare exposed to vent the gas. For example, the venting of gas via exhaust portsmay prevent the release toolfrom being launched up the wellbore and damaging other components of the tool string or becoming stuck. In some embodiments, the power chargemay be configured to conflagrate.

illustrates various aspects of a snap assemblyaccording to some embodiments of the current disclosure. More specifically,illustrates a side view of the snap assembly,illustrates a top view of the snap assembly,illustrates a cross-sectional view of the snap assemblytaken along cutting line C-C of,illustrates a cross-sectional view of the snap assemblytaken along cutting line B-B of,illustrates a cross-section axial view of the snap assemblytaken along cutting line D-D of,illustrate a snapin a perspective view () and a side view (), andillustrates a perspective view of a main bodyof the snap assembly. The snap assemblymay include a first end, a second end, an axial directionextending between the first endand the second end, and a radial directionorthogonal to the axial direction. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

Generally, the snap assemblymay include the main body, an exterior, and an interiorextending through the main bodybetween the first endand the second end. The main bodymay be constructed from a metal, an alloy, a composite, and/or a polymer. For example, the main bodymay be include one or more of steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or ceramic.

Referring toand working from the first endtowards the second end, the exteriorof the main bodyincludes a plurality of annular channels including a first annular grooveand a second annular groove(collectively referred to as annular grooves), and an abutment. The annular groovesare configured to receive a sealing element (not shown), such as an O-ring. An annular channelis positioned between the first endand the second end. According to an embodiment, the channelis positioned between the annular groovesand the abutment. It will be appreciated that the usage of groove and channel, such as in annular groovesand annular channel, is used to differentiate between them and their function and not necessarily their arrangement or shape. In other words, a groove and a channel may generally be used interchangeably.

A plurality of snaps including a first snapand a second snap(collectively referred to as snaps) may be connected to and/or positioned on, the exteriorof the main bodyby positioning each snapwithin the annular channel, such that ends of legsof each snap are positioned opposite each other as will be described in greater detail below, such as with respect to.

As can be seen best in, a plurality of sockets including a first socketand a second socket(see e.g.,) (collectively referred to as sockets), are formed in a forward surface of the abutmentfor receiving protrusionsof the receptor assemblyto properly align the receptor assemblyand snap assembly.

The components and features of the exteriorof the snap assemblymay include a plurality of different portions having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation and connection of the snap assembly. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to force the snap assemblyinto alignment. In another example, the snapsmay include a bevel to translate axial motion as the snap assemblyinserted into a receptor assemblyinto a radial force to displace the snap and enable it to slide into proper position with respect to the receptor (e.g., receptor groove). It will be appreciated that embodiments may include more or less recesses, protrusions, and/or openings without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to, the interiorextends from the first endto the second end. In the illustrated embodiment, the dashed line extending radially () may separate a first portionof the interiorlocated toward the first endand a second portionof the interiorlocated toward the second end. Similar to the release tool receptor assembly, generally, at least part of the exterior of the first portionmay be configured to be coupled with an upstream wellbore tool (e.g., perforating gunwith snap assemblyattached) and at least part of the interiorof the second portionmay be configured to be coupled with a downstream wellbore tool (e.g., perforating gun). Further, the interiorof the first portionmay be used to house a conductor pinwhich is utilized to conduct electrical signals between the upstream and downstream wellbore tools and as described in more detail below.

To couple the receptor assemblywith the snap assembly, the exteriorof the first endof the snap assemblymay be inserted into the interiorof the second endof the receptor assembly). As previously mentioned, the snapsmay be mounted onto the main body, such as via annular channel. Additionally, a first biasing membermay bias the first snapaway from the main bodyin the radial directionand the second biasing membermay bias the second snapaway from the main bodyin the radial direction. In various embodiments, the first biasing membermay be seated within a first boreof the channeland the second biasing membermay be seated within a second boreof the channel. These and other aspects of the snap assemblywill be described in more detail with respect to.

In various embodiments, the socketsmay receive corresponding protrusions (e.g., protrusionand protrusion) when the snap assemblyis coupled to the receptor assembly(see e.g.,). In some embodiments, this may prevent rotation of the snap assemblywith respect to the receptor assembly. Additionally, the second endof the receptor assemblymay contact and/or be adjacent to the abutmentwhen coupled to the snap assembly(see e.g.,). As discussed in more detail with respect to, a locking membermay be installed after the snap assemblyis coupled to the receptor assembly.

The conductor pinmay be disposed in the interiorof the first portion. In some embodiments, the conductor pinmay include a bulkhead conductor, such as bulkhead conductor. A first end of the conductor pinmay include a head having a wider body than the body of the conductor pinitself, which may be exposed via the first endof the snap assembly. Thus, the first end of the conductor pinmay establish an electrical connection with the bulkhead contactof receptor assemblywhen coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the first end of the conductor pinmay be referred to as the first snap assembly electrical contact. Additionally, the conductor pinmay include a second end. In some embodiments, a retaining conductormay be coupled to the second end of the conductor pinto retain the conductor pinwithin the interiorof the first portion

The retaining conductormay include a capand a connector. The connectormay couple to the second end of the conductor pin. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end of the conductor pinis threaded and the connectorincludes corresponding threads that screw onto the second end of the conductor pin. The capmay establish an electrical connection with a downstream tool (e.g., perforating gun). In some embodiments, the retaining conductorand/or the capmay be referred to as the second snap assembly electrical contact and/or the second end of the conductor pin. Further, the retaining conductormay be exposed via and/or positioned interiorly of the second endof the snap assembly. In other embodiments, the second end of the conductor pinmay extend through the retaining conductor. For example, the retaining conductormay include a nut that the conductor pinextends through. In other such embodiments, the retaining conductor may be an insulator instead of a conductor.

In many embodiments, the conductor pinand retaining conductormay form a rigid conductor. In many such embodiments, the conductor pinmay establish electrical connections at the first and second ends with biased conductors (e.g., bulkhead contactof bulkhead conductorin receptor assembly). In many embodiments, coupling biased conductors with rigid conductors may improve the reliability of the electrical connection. Additionally, an insulatormay be disposed in the interiorof the first portionand surround the conductor pin. The insulatormay prevent an electrical connection from being established between the conductor pinand the main body. In some embodiments, the insulatormay include one or more sections to facilitate installation. For example, the insulatormay include a first end section, a middle section, and a second end section. In another embodiments, the insulatormay include a first end section and a second end section.

The second portionof the interiormay include internal threadsconfigured to couple with a downstream tool (e.g., a tandem seal adapter or tandem sub). Further, an annular channelmay be included in the second portionof the interior. In various embodiments, a seal may be disposed in the annular channel to facilitate establishing a seal with the downstream tool. It will be appreciated that an annular channel or channel may be the same or similar to an annular recess or recess. Similar to the exterior, the interiormay include a plurality of components and features having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation of the receptor assembly. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to force a downstream tool into alignment or ensure a proper seal with the snap assembly.

Referring to, the snapsmay extend into one or more receptor recesses in a receptor assembly (e.g., receptor grooveof receptor assembly) when coupled to the receptor assembly. As shown in, the snap(and/or snap) may include a headwith a bevel, a first legwith a first openingand a second legwith a second opening. The bevelmay face towards the first end and facilitate the translation of axial motion into a radial force as the snap assemblyis inserted into the receptor assemblyand the radial force displaces the snapsand enables them to slide into proper position with respect to the receptor groove. For example, when being inserted into the second end of receptor assembly, the bevel of the snapspushing axially against features on the interior(e.g., shoulder, shoulder) of the first portionof receptor assemblymay force the snapsto displace radially inward and, then, biasing membersmay force the snapsto displace radially outward when aligned with the receptor grooveof the receptor assembly.

The snapmay also include a notchlocated in the head. In various embodiments, the notchmay prevent pressure from building up within the snap assembly and/or connector assembly. Additionally, the snapmay include first and second notches,positioned where the first and second legs,connect to the head. These notches may facilitate more efficient manufacturing of the snap. For example, the notches may provide additional clearance for tool utilized to manufacture the snap.

With reference specifically to, a first retaining memberand a second retaining membermay be utilized to secure the snapinto a first slotand second slotformed in the annular channel. Similarly, a first retaining memberand a second retaining membermay be utilized to secure the snapinto the first slotand second slotin the annular channel(see e.g.,). The snapsas well as the retaining members,are described in more detail with respect to.

Thus, the snapsmay be coupled to the main bodyin a manner that allows them to move in and out in the radial direction. In other words, the snapsmay be moveably coupled to the main body. To this end, reference is made to, which illustrates a cross-sectional view along D-D of. The channelin main bodymay include a first slotand a second slotextending laterally on opposite sides as shown inthat extends along a travel path of the snaps. The first snapmay be secured to the main bodyvia first and second retaining members,. More specifically, the retaining membermay extend through the openingand into the slotand the retaining membermay extend through the openingand into the slot. When the snapsare depressed, the interior end of retaining members,may move within the slotand the interior end of retaining members,may move within slot. More specifically, the interior ends of the retaining members may move towards the center of the slots. Additionally, the biasing membermay be seated radially inward of the snapand contact a seatof the snap. According to an aspect, the first biasing memberis partially seated in a boreand the second biasing memberis partially seated in a bore, each of boreandare formed in the channel(see e.g.,). It will be appreciated that snapmay be mounted to the main bodyin an analogous manner.