Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining a desired compressive force on seals in an electrical junction such as a pothead connector for an ESP motor. In one embodiment, insulated conductors of a power cable extend into a housing of a connector. The insulated conductors pass through an upper insulator, a set of elastomeric boot seals, and a lower insulator. O-rings are positioned between the upper insulator and the housing of the pothead connector. The lower insulator is secured to the upper insulator by a set of bolts and springs that urge the lower insulator toward the upper insulator, compressing the boot seals. The bolts are threaded into the upper insulator and are tightened to compress the springs against the lower insulator. The compression of the boot seals between the insulators maintains a desired range of contact pressure against the seals despite changes in the seal dimensions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining a desired compressive force on seals in an electrical junction such as a pothead connector for an ESP motor. In one embodiment, insulated conductors of a power cable extend into a housing of a connector. The insulated conductors pass through an upper insulator, a set of elastomeric boot seals, and a lower insulator. O-rings are positioned between the upper insulator and the housing of the pothead connector. The lower insulator is secured to the upper insulator by a set of bolts and springs that urge the lower insulator toward the upper insulator, compressing the boot seals. The bolts are threaded into the upper insulator and are tightened to compress the springs against the lower insulator. The compression of the boot seals between the insulators maintains a desired range of contact pressure against the seals despite changes in the seal dimensions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a pothead connector that couples a power cable to the motor of an ESP system, wherein a heat dissipation structure is provided on the connector to increase the transfer of heat from the connector to the surrounding well fluid. In one embodiment, the connector has a housing through which conductors from the power cable extend to a set of terminals which are configured to mate with complementary terminals of the motor. Heat dissipation structures such as fins are provided on the connector housing to facilitate the transfer of heat from the connector to the surrounding well fluid. Baffles or flow diverters may be positioned near the fins to cause turbulence or increased fluid flow near the fins, thereby increasing the heat transfer and improving the cooling of the pothead connector.