Slip Ring
Definition - What does Slip Ring mean?
Slip Ring is an electromechanical device that can receive current or pass on the current to the brushes on a generator or a motor. This ring allows power and electrical signal transmissions from a stationary structure to a rotating structure. A slip ring is used in any electromechanical system which has to rotate continuously and transfer power and electric currents without any interruptions.
Petropedia explains Slip Ring
In oilfield operations, slip rings are used in offshore oil drilling to transmit medium to low voltages along with electrical signals in the rotating towers which are used for offshore oil and gas drilling operations. This voltage and electrical current is used to power up oil pumps and valves on the ocean floor as well as record data from control systems of FPSO units. Slip rings are available in different sizes having different rotational speeds. Some of the specifications for downhole slip rings are:
Rotational Speed of Slip Ring | Temperature | Pressure | Channel | Voltage | Current | Dimension of slip ring |
Upto 600 RPM | Upto 230 Degree C | 1700 bar | Upto 8 | 250-500 VAC | 2A per channel | ID - 9.5 mm OD - 43.2 mm |
Upto 300 RPM | Upto 230 degree C | 1700 bar | 8 | Upto 100 VAC | 10A per channel | ID - 88.9 mm OD - 97.28 mm |
Upto 20 RPM | Upto 200 degree C | 1700 bar | Upto 20 | Upto 1kVAC | 5A per channel | OD - 47 mm |