Abstract: An external gap assembly for a gap sub includes a plurality of non-conductive spacer rings and a plurality of high-strength conductive spacer rings arranged in an alternating pattern about an exterior of the gap sub, a non-conductive external gap seal sleeve disposed beneath the spacer rings that electrically insulates the conductive spacer rings from upper and lower conductive portions of the gap sub, and a plurality of seals disposed between an internal diameter of an upper conductive portion and an interior diameter of a lower conductive portion of the gap sub and the non-conductive external gap seal sleeve. Advantageously, the resistance of the non-conductive gap may be controllably increased, compression and torque on the stack may be controlled, and conductive drilling fluids may be prevented from penetrating the gap sub, thereby enhancing transmission efficiency.

Abstract: An electrical insulated threaded connection includes a conductive box with a plurality of internal threads, a conductive pin with a plurality of external threads, and a double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve disposed between the conductive pin and box. The double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve comprises a plurality of external threads that mate with the plurality of internal threads of the conductive box and a plurality of internal threads that mate with the plurality of external threads of the conductive pin. In certain embodiments, the double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve fills a full volume between the plurality of internal threads of the conductive box and the plurality of external threads of the conductive pin, and there are no voids or pockets between any of the mating threads.

Abstract: An electrical insulated threaded connection includes a conductive box with a plurality of internal threads, a conductive pin with a plurality of external threads, and a double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve disposed between the conductive pin and box. The double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve comprises a plurality of external threads that mate with the plurality of internal threads of the conductive box and a plurality of internal threads that mate with the plurality of external threads of the conductive pin. In certain embodiments, the double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve fills a full volume between the plurality of internal threads of the conductive box and the plurality of external threads of the conductive pin, and there are no voids or pockets between any of the mating threads.