Enabling technology: High capacity wet mateable optic Connection

SEA CON® has raised the bar, with the recent introduction of a 8-48 channel Wet Mateable optic Connector (WMC). Based on the highly successful HydraLight wet mateable optic connector design, SEA CON's innovative design leverages the existing HydraLight components, and couples them with an existing multichannel insert, creating a high capacity, highly reliable optic wet mateable connector. This higher density WMC surely resets the bar for what is possible with undersea network architecture. The 24 channel version qualification is complete, with strong production interest from a number of market segments. This paper will provide a technical overview of this innovative product, and suggest possible applications. Key attributes include: Field proven sealing mechanism identical to the highly successful HydraLight design; APC contacts, configurable up to a maximum of 48; Combines HydraLight core design with multi-way insert from our successful G3 6 channel small form factor, wet mateable optic connector; Synthetic mineral oil compensation fluid; Fully compatible elastomers; Oil filled and pressure balanced design; Linear Latching and de-latching mechanism; Standard SEACON® Precision MKII PBOF 13mm Hose interface. This new product combines the highly desirable HydraLight wet mateable optic connector (over 3300 provided), with the multi-channel insert from our successful G3 downhole optical connector. A multi-channel optical insert allows each of the (up to) 8 HydraLight optical positions to be populated with a 6 way insert. This approach preserves the basic mechanics of the HydraLight, including the shells, seals and latching mechanism, and allows for a high density optical connection in a form factor identical to the current HydraLight connector. As is the case with the current HydraLight, the high capacity HydraLight can be equipped in either a ROV style, or a stab plate configuration. In addition, it may be configured with either oil filled hose, or hard cable. This highly innovative new product will be introduced, characterized, and then examples of how it can be used in a number of system applications will be discussed. This high capacity optical WMC is a game changer, and has the ability to reshape what can and cannot be done with subsea optical connectivity.