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ITT's BIW Connector Systems brand introduces breakthrough electrical penetrator technology at ESP Workshop 2015

Tuesday, 21 Apr 2015

Patented k-PaC™ Technology offers unprecedented high-performance, pressure-balanced approach for increased product lifetimes in harsh well environments


SANTA ANA, Calif., April 21, 2015 – ITT Corporation (NYSE:ITT) and its BIW Connector Systems brand will introduce a sophisticated new electric submersible pump (ESP) cable penetrator technology at the Society of Petroleum Engineers' ESP Workshop, booth 50-52, April 22-24 in The Woodlands, Texas.

ITT's BIW Connector Systems' k-PaC™ Technology is the result of years of research, development and extensive lab and field-testing. The patented technology answers a pressing need for increased product lifetimes and reliability in the upstream artificial lift market, while also offering significantly improved ease of use and installation in the field. Read the white paper here.

"Harsh well environments such as deep-offshore and steam-assisted gravity drainage in remote locations are the new norm, and downhole ESP pump systems must be able to operate longer and in tougher conditions," said John Dutil, general manager of ITT's Interconnect Solutions Oil & Gas business unit. "k-PaC™ Technology offers  a unique, highly engineered solution to this customer problem, which will help enable a breakthrough in this market."

Applicable to a variety of electrical penetrator systems, k-PaC™ Technology establishes a pressure balance between the well conditions and the electrical connection. This balance eliminates forces on the cable and connector insulators and prevents conductive well fluids from damaging the connection. Eliminating these common sources of failure in existing penetrator technology allows systems with k-PaC™ Technology to operate with a longer life in harsher conditions, thereby ensuring continuous oil production.

BIW employed a new, ultra-harsh testing regime for new products based on
k-PaC™ Technology and found they are capable of performing for extended periods in well conditions of more than 15000 psi and 500 degrees Fahrenheit/260 degrees Celsius. The technology is also more resistant to rapid decompression and repetitive pressure cycles, and protects against corrosive gases.
    
k-PaC™ Technology represents a disruptive new approach that will provide a significant capability boost when applied to a wide range of electrical feedthru products. BIW will launch two such products, the Presta™ family of mechanical splices and the Metal-Lok™ Ultra penetrator system, at the 2015 ESP Workshop.

For more than 40 years, BIW Connector Systems has connected the world to energy sources in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, helping energy companies meet the growing demand of their global customers. Our products provide reliable electrical penetration through well barriers and ensure the high performance and safe operation of submerged electrical pumps.