Directional perforating tool

Abstract

This document describes a shaped charge perforation projectile tool for perforating hydrocarbon wells. The shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly described herein includes a tubular electrical conductor and a shaped charge perforation projectile frame disposed around and rotatably engaged with the tubular electrical conductor. The shaped charge perforation projectile frame can be engaged with the tubular electrical conductor using one or more bearings, or the engagement can be bearingless.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 198792, filed November 13, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference and shall be considered part of this specification. Technical Field

[0003] This article describes the perforating tools and components used in hydrocarbon production. Specifically, it describes novel equipment and methods for orienting perforating projectiles within the perforating tool. Background Technology

[0004] A perforation tool is a tool used in oil and gas production to create holes, pathways, and / or fractures in hydrocarbon-bearing geological formations to facilitate the flow of hydrocarbons from the formation into the production well. The tool typically has an explosive perforation projectile molded to inject a jet of reaction products (including hot gas and molten metal) into the formation. The tool has a generally tubular shape and includes a support frame, an ignition circuit, and may include wiring for activating the perforation projectile and transmitting signals and / or data along the tool. The perforation projectile is generally cone-shaped or bell-shaped and is typically activated by delivering energy (such as thermochemical energy and / or electrical energy) to the apex region of the projectile.

[0005] A shaped charge perforating projectile is installed in the perforating tool before it is lowered into the well. Typically, perforation is required at a specific location in a specific direction. Therefore, the tool is usually oriented so that the blast vector from the shaped charge perforating projectile points in the desired direction. Even slight misalignment of the perforating tool can lead to suboptimal perforation. Therefore, methods and apparatus for orienting the perforating tool are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments described herein provide a shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly, the shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly including a tubular electrical conductor and a shaped charge perforation projectile frame, the shaped charge perforation projectile frame being disposed around the tubular electrical conductor and rotatably engaged with the tubular electrical conductor.

[0007] The aforementioned shaped charge projectile frame assembly may further include: a first weight member disposed in a first recess of the shaped charge projectile frame, the first recess extending from a first end of the shaped charge projectile frame to a second end of the shaped charge projectile frame in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaped charge projectile frame, the second end being opposite to the first end; a second weight member disposed in a second recess of the shaped charge projectile frame, the second recess extending from the first end of the shaped charge projectile frame to the second end of the shaped charge projectile frame in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a weight connector connecting the first weight member and the second weight member.

[0008] Other embodiments described herein provide a perforation tool comprising: a shaped charge projectile frame assembly, the shaped charge projectile frame assembly including: a shaped charge projectile frame having at least one shaped charge projectile container and a longitudinal axis not intersecting the shaped charge projectile container; a frame electrical conductor disposed along the longitudinal axis of the shaped charge projectile frame, wherein the shaped charge projectile frame is rotatable about the frame electrical conductor; and a partition assembly including: a partition member having a longitudinal axis and a conduit along the longitudinal axis of the partition member; and a partition electrical conductor disposed in the conduit and coupled to the frame electrical conductor, wherein the shaped charge projectile frame is spaced apart from the partition member.

[0009] Other embodiments described herein provide a shaped charge projectile frame assembly comprising: a shaped charge projectile frame having at least one shaped charge projectile container and a longitudinal axis not intersecting the shaped charge projectile container; an electrical conductor configured to pass through the shaped charge projectile frame along the longitudinal axis; and at least two cylindrical bearings disposed around the electrical conductor, wherein the at least two bearings are rotatable between the electrical conductor and the shaped charge projectile frame. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a perforation tool according to one implementation scheme.

[0011] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the shaped charge projectile frame assembly.

[0012] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of the shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly according to another implementation scheme.

[0013] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view of the shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly according to another implementation scheme.

[0014] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 Isometric view of the shaped charge projectile frame assembly.

[0015] Figure 3B This is an isometric view of a shaped charge projectile frame assembly according to another embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3C This is an isometric view of a shaped charge projectile frame assembly according to another embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating device according to one implementation plan.

[0018] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Detailed view of the partition components. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The perforation tool described herein uses a shaped charge perforating projectile to eject a jet of thermal material from a borehole into the underground formation. The shaped charge perforating projectile is housed within a frame that orients it to guide the jet of thermal material in a desired direction. The shaped charge perforating projectile frame described herein is self-orienting within the perforation tool.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the perforating tool 100 according to the embodiment. The perforating tool 100 has a housing 102, which has a partition section 104, a perforating projectile section 106, and a detonator section 108. The perforating projectile section 106 of the housing 102 has an inner radius smaller than the inner radius of the partition section 104 or the detonator section 108. Therefore, when assembling the perforating tool 100, the perforating projectile section 106 is loaded first, followed by the partition section 104 and the detonator section 108.

[0021] At least one shaped charge perforating projectile frame assembly 110 is disposed in the perforating projectile section 106 of the housing 102. In this case, two identical shaped charge perforating projectile frame assemblies 110 are shown to illustrate the modular structure of the shaped charge perforating projectile frame assembly 110. The shaped charge perforating projectile frame assembly 110 has: a shaped charge perforating projectile frame 112 having a longitudinal axis 114; and a central conduit 116 along the longitudinal axis 114. Frame electrical conductors 118 are disposed along the longitudinal axis 114 to provide electrical connectivity from a first end 120 of the shaped charge perforating projectile frame assembly 110 to a second end 122 of the shaped charge perforating projectile frame assembly 110, the second end 122 being opposite the first end 120. In the embodiment shown herein, each of the first end 120 and the second end 122 has a chamfered edge 124. The chamfered edge 124 is optional. In this configuration, the beveled edge 124 facilitates the assembly of the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 110 into the housing 102. Each shaped charge perforation projectile frame 112 is capable of free rotation within the housing 102 via the operation of one or more bearings disposed between the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 112 and the frame electrical conductor 118, as will be discussed further below.

[0022] In this configuration, the frame conductor 118 is arranged to pass through the conduit 116 and protrude from both ends of the shaped charge frame 112 to provide electrical communication with other components of the perforation tool 100. At a first end 120, the frame conductor 118 has a first connector 126 for connection to an initiator assembly 128 housed in the initiator section 108 of the housing 102. The first connector 126 has an opening 127 for receiving an electrical connector of another component of the perforation tool.

[0023] The detonator assembly 128 has a detonator housing 130 including a longitudinal axis 132, which is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 114 of the shaped charge perforating cartridge frame 112 when the detonator assembly 128 is assembled in the perforating tool 100. The detonator housing 130 has a central conduit 134 provided with a detonator electrical conductor 136. The detonator housing 130 may be made of a non-conductive material. Alternatively, the detonator housing 130 may be made of a conductive material, and an insulator may be provided between the inner wall of the central conduit 134 and the detonator electrical conductor 136 within the central conduit 134.

[0024] The detonator conductor 136 is hollow to accommodate the detonator 138, which is shown inserted into the detonator conductor 136 for operation. A first end 142 of the detonator conductor 136 protrudes from a first end 139 of the detonator housing 130, thereby defining a first end 140 of the detonator assembly 128. The first end 142 of the detonator conductor 136 has an opening 144 to provide fluid communication from the detonator assembly 128 to other parts of the perforating tool 100. Here, the first end 142 of the detonator conductor 136 is inserted into a first connector 126 of the frame conductor 118. The frame conductor 118 is hollow, so the opening 144 of the detonator conductor 136 provides fluid communication to the interior of the frame conductor 118.

[0025] When assembled into the detonator electrical conductor 136, the detonator 138 is connected to a detonator switch assembly 146, which is disposed in or near a second end 148 of the detonator assembly 128 within the detonator housing 130, the second end 148 being opposite the first end 140. The detonator switch assembly 146 has a switch connector 150 electrically connected to the detonator 138, which may pass through the detonator electrical conductor 136 or through another electrical conductor. The detonator assembly 128 has an electrical connector 152 located at the second end 148 of the detonator assembly 128, the connector 152 protruding beyond the detonator housing 130 and defining the second end 148. The electrical connector 152 is generally electrically coupled to the detonator switch assembly 146 to provide electrical continuity from the first end 140 to the second end 148 of the detonator assembly 128. Here, electrical connector 152 is electrically coupled to switch connector 150 via switch circuit 154, which is laterally positioned in the detonator housing 130 near the second end 148 of the detonator assembly 128.

[0026] At the second end 122 of the shaped charge frame assembly 110, the frame conductor 118 has a second connector 156 for connection to the diaphragm assembly 158. The diaphragm assembly 158 includes a diaphragm member 160 having a longitudinal axis 162, which, when the diaphragm assembly 158 is assembled in the perforation tool 100, is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 114 of the shaped charge frame 112 and the longitudinal axis 132 of the detonator housing 130. The diaphragm member 160 has a central conduit 164 disposed along the longitudinal axis 162. The diaphragm member 160 is typically made of a dense material (such as metal) to provide protection against the ballistic release of the shaped charge. When the diaphragm member 160 is made of a conductive material, an insulating liner 166 is disposed in the central conduit 164 and the diaphragm conductor 168 is wired through the insulating liner 166. The partition conductor 168 has a first connector 170 located at a first end 172 for connection to a second connector 156 of the frame conductor 118. The partition conductor 168 has a second connector 174 located at a second end 176 to achieve electrical continuity across the partition assembly 158.

[0027] Electrical conductors 118, 136, and 168, as well as connector 150 of the detonator assembly, provide electrical continuity along the perforation tool 100 from one end to the other. Hollow electrical conductors 136 and 118 also provide ballistic continuity along the central conduit of the detonator housing 130 and the shaped charge perforation cartridge frame 112.

[0028] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of the shaped charge projectile frame assembly 110. In this case, the shaped charge projectile frame 112 has two shaped charge projectile containers 202. A shaped charge projectile 204 is shown inserted into each shaped charge projectile container 202. With only two shaped charge projectile containers 202 present, the containers are positioned 180° azimuthally displaced from each other. In other cases, the shaped charge projectile frame may have three shaped charge projectile containers 202, each 120° azimuthally displaced from the other two.

[0029] Each shaped charge container 202 has an opening 206 located at a central conduit 116, providing a fluid path from the central conduit 116 to the shaped charge container 202. The shaped charge 204 typically has an opening 208 to expose the explosive material of the shaped charge 204 to the central conduit 116 through the opening 206 in the shaped charge container 202. The frame electrical conductor 118 is hollow and has an interior 210 for accommodating a counterweight (not shown) for transferring the ballistics from the perforation tool 100 (…). Figure 1The ballistic energy is received in the interior 210 and transferred along the interior 210 to another adjacent component of the perforating tool 100. The frame conductor 118 has a plurality of lateral openings 212 formed through its outer wall to provide a fluid path from the interior 210 of the frame conductor 118 through openings 206 to the interior of the shaped charge perforating projectile container 202. When the shaped charge perforating projectile 204 occupies one of the shaped charge perforating projectile containers 202, the ballistic energy is transferred through openings 208 of the shaped charge perforating projectile to activate the explosive material of the shaped charge perforating projectile.

[0030] The frame conductor 118 does not contact the shaped charge projectile frame 112. At least one bearing 214 is disposed around the frame conductor 118 to provide rotational movement of the shaped charge projectile frame 112 relative to the frame conductor 118. Here, there are two bearings 214 disposed on either side of the opening 212, but a single bearing may be used across the opening 212 if the bearing also has an opening that allows trajectory transfer into the shaped charge projectile container 202. For example, more than two bearings may also be used if two or more bearings are used instead of one of the bearings 214.

[0031] Bearing 214 is a cylindrical strip disposed between the frame conductor 118 and the shaped charge perforating projectile frame 112. Space is provided between each bearing 214 and the frame conductor 118 and the central conduit 116 of the shaped charge perforating projectile frame 112, allowing each bearing complete rotational freedom between the frame conductor 118 and the shaped charge perforating projectile frame 112. Therefore, each shaped charge perforating projectile frame 112 is within the housing 102 of the perforating tool 100 ( Figure 1 It has complete rotational and translational degrees of freedom.

[0032] The first connector 126 of the frame conductor 118 has an outer radius larger than the outer radius of the central portion 216 of the frame conductor 118. The frame conductor 118 has a shoulder 218 located between the first connector 126 and the central portion 216, the shoulder 218 serving to constrain one of the bearings 214 in the axial direction. A bridging portion 220 of the shaped charge projectile frame 112 extends around the frame conductor 118 between the two shaped charge projectile containers 202. The bridging portion 220 extends between the two bearings 214, so that one of the bearings 214 is engaged between the bridging portion 220 and the shoulder 218, thereby preventing axial movement of the bearing 214 between the bridging portion 220 and the shoulder 218. A retaining ring 221 or other constraint is disposed at the second end 122 around the conductor 118 to constrain axial movement of the other of the bearings 214 between the retaining ring 221 and the bridging portion 220. The shape and size of the frame conductor 118, the shaped charge perforating cartridge frame 112, and the bearing 214 are configured to provide a small space between the bearing 214 and the frame conductor 118 and the shaped charge perforating cartridge frame 112, so that the bearing 214 and the shaped charge perforating cartridge frame 112 can rotate freely relative to the frame conductor 118. Rotation of the frame conductor 118 is prevented by physical coupling through other electrical connectors of other components of the perforating tool 100.

[0033] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of a shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly 250 according to another embodiment. The shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly 250 is similar to... Figure 2A The shaped charge projectile frame assembly 250 has two bearings 252, each of which is disposed within a recess of the shaped charge projectile frame 254. The shaped charge projectile frame 254 is similar to the shaped charge projectile frame 112. The main difference between the two shaped charge projectile frames is that the shaped charge projectile frame 254 is molded onto the bearings 252, so the bearings 252 do not move relative to the shaped charge projectile frame 254. Otherwise, the bearings 252 are similar to the bearings 214. The bearings 252 are generally cylindrical and have end flanges 256 that facilitate holding the bearings 252 within the recesses 258 of the shaped charge projectile frame 254.

[0034] Similar to the shaped charge projectile frame 112, the shaped charge projectile frame 254 has a first end 260 and a second end 262 opposite to the first end 260. The shaped charge projectile frame assembly 250 includes a frame electrical conductor 259 disposed in a central conduit 264 extending along a longitudinal axis 266 of the shaped charge projectile frame 254. The frame electrical conductor 259 has a first connector 126 for placement in the conduit 264 at the first end 260. A bearing 252 at the first end 260 of the shaped charge projectile frame 254 contacts the first connector 126 of the frame electrical conductor 259 to provide rotational support for the shaped charge projectile frame 254 to rotate about the frame electrical conductor 259. The bearing 252 at the second end 262 is spaced apart from the frame electrical conductor 259 at the second end 262, such that the bearing 252 and the frame electrical conductor 259 define an annular gap 268 for receiving an electrical connector of another tool. In this case, the bearing 252 at the second end 262 contacts the electrical connector of the connected tool to provide rotational support for the shaped charge perforation frame 254.

[0035] Figure 2B The electrical conductor 259 has the above-mentioned combination Figure 2A The opening 212 is described herein, but in this case, the opening 212 is aligned to provide a continuous open passage from one shaped charge projectile recess to another shaped charge projectile recess on the opposite side of the shaped charge projectile frame 254. Generally, the opening 212 of the electrical conductor herein is large, such that the accurate configuration of the opening does not substantially impede the ballistic continuity from the interior of the electrical conductor to the shaped charge projectile recess of the shaped charge projectile frame.

[0036] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view of the shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly 280 according to another embodiment. Figure 2C In this design, no bearings are used. The bearingless shaped charge perforating projectile frame 286 is rotatable about the electrical conductor 290. The electrical conductor 290 has one or more external ridges 292, which reduce the radial degree of freedom of the frame 286 while allowing a small rotational movement tolerance. The bearingless shaped charge perforating projectile frame 286 has a washer 282 along its central conduit 116, wherein a shelf 296 protrudes radially inward from the washer 282 to engage with a groove 284 formed in the outer wall of the electrical conductor 290. The washer 282 and the shelf 296 engage with the groove 284 to prevent the frame 286 from moving in the axial direction relative to the conductor 290.

[0037] Generally, the shaped charge projectile frame described herein is coupled to a tubular electrical conductor to allow free rotation about the tubular electrical conductor. The coupling can be facilitated by bearings, or as in... Figure 2CSimilarly, it can be bearingless, where the frame rotates freely around a tubular electrical conductor without the use of bearings. Joints typically include one or more restraints (such as couplings). Figure 2A and Figure 2B The aforementioned retaining ring, or combination Figure 2C The gaskets and shelves maintain a rotatable connection between the shaped charge projectile frame and the tubular electrical conductor. The tubular electrical conductor provides electrical continuity through the shaped charge projectile frame and provides a location for placing a counterweight member to achieve ballistic continuity through the shaped charge projectile frame. The counterweight member is disposed within a recess in the shaped charge projectile frame to provide a centroid of mass displaced from the axis of rotation. The placement and mass of the counterweight member provide control over the orientation of the centroid, allowing the shaped charge projectile frame to self-orient to a desired orientation in a non-axial gravitational field.

[0038] Figure 3A This is an isometric view of the shaped charge projectile frame assembly 110. The shaped charge projectile container 202 is formed as a channel in the body material of the shaped charge projectile frame 112. The shaped charge projectile frame assembly 110 uses one or more weight members 302 coupled to the shaped charge projectile frame 112 to provide self-orientation for the rotatable shaped charge projectile frame 112. In this case, two weight members 302 are shown. Each weight member 302 is disposed in a recess 304 of the shaped charge projectile frame 112. Here, the recess 304 extends from a first end 120 of the shaped charge projectile frame assembly 110 to a second end 122. The one or more weight members 302 cause the center of mass to be radially displaced away from the axis of rotation of the shaped charge projectile frame 112, in this case, the axis of rotation substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis 114 of the shaped charge projectile frame 112. When the perforating tool 100 encounters a gravitational field during well operations where its orientation is not parallel to the longitudinal axis 114 (which is essentially the axis of rotation) of the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 112, the mass moment of the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 112, due to the weight member 302, causes the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 112 to rotate to an orientation defined by the mass distribution of the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 112, which is influenced by the orientation and mass of the weight member 302. In this way, any non-parallel gravitational field causes the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 112 to self-orient.

[0039] Here, two weight members 302 are used. The two weight members 302 are positioned such that the line from the longitudinal axis of one weight member 302 to the longitudinal axis of the other weight member 302 does not intersect the longitudinal axis 114 of the shaped charge projectile frame 112. It should be noted that additional recesses may be provided in the shaped charge projectile frame 112 for additional weight members 302. For example, instead of providing a continuous recess 304 extending from one end of the shaped charge projectile frame 112 to the other, a series of discrete recesses may be provided in the body of the shaped charge projectile frame 112 to allow the insertion orientation to be selected to provide multiple weight members 302 in the desired orientation. Figure 3A The shaped charge projectile frame 112 shown includes two channels of rectangular shape, formed in the body of the shaped charge projectile frame 112 on opposite diameter sides and extending from a first end 120 to a second end 122. Instead of dividing the rectangular channels, additional recesses can be provided in this region for the weight member 302.

[0040] It should also be noted that, such as Figure 3A As shown, the weight member 302 is a cylindrical rod that extends substantially from the first end 120 to the second end 122. In other embodiments, partial weight members with different weights can be inserted into the recess 304 to provide any desired mass moment. For example, a size that can be used is... Figure 3A The weight component 302 comprises half of a weight component and a low-density plug. The weight component can be configured to extend any portion of the length of the recess 304 and can be secured in the recess 304 with the plug to provide a continuous distribution of mass moment for the shaped charge projectile frame 112. This method can provide a continuous directional distribution for the shaped charge projectile frame 112 and can self-orient the shaped charge projectile frame 112 under the influence of a non-parallel gravitational field, causing the shaped charge projectile to point in any desired direction.

[0041] The shaped charge container 202 is formed as a channel within the body of the shaped charge frame 112. Adjacent to the first end 120, each shaped charge container 202 is characterized by a stop 306 that restricts axial movement of the shaped charge 204. Adjacent to the second end 122, each shaped charge container 202 is characterized by an opening 308 for inserting and removing the shaped charge 204. The shaped charge 204 slides laterally within the shaped charge container 202 to the stop 306, and a restraint engages with the shaped charge 204 to secure it in place.

[0042] Figure 3BThis is an isometric view of a shaped charge perforation projectile frame 330 according to another embodiment. The shaped charge perforation projectile frame 330 is similar to other shaped charge perforation projectile frames described herein. Like other shaped charge perforation projectile frames described herein, the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 330 houses a tubular electrical conductor in its central conduit 334. Figure 3B The main difference lies in that the shaped charge projectile frame 330 has three shaped charge projectile recesses 332. In this case, two weight member recesses 304 are located between adjacent shaped charge projectile recesses 332, such that the weight members disposed in the two weight member recesses provide the centroid of mass of the shaped charge projectile frame 330 spaced apart from the axis of rotation passing through the central conduit 334. As in other embodiments herein, the weight member recesses 304 extend from one end of the shaped charge projectile frame 330 to the other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaped charge projectile frame 330. Any of the specific designs illustrated herein may be configured with Figure 3B The three shaped charge projectile recesses shown are illustrated.

[0043] Figure 3C This is an isometric view of a shaped charge projectile frame 360 ​​according to another embodiment. The shaped charge projectile frame 360 ​​receives a tubular electrical conductor similar to those described in other embodiments herein. The shaped charge projectile frame 360 ​​is characterized by two weight member recesses 364 formed on one side of the frame 360 ​​between its shaped charge projectile containers 362 (two in this example), and one recess 364 formed on the other side of the frame 360. Each of the weight member recesses 364 has a tab 366 formed in its outer wall for engaging with a feature (such as a groove) on the outer surface of a weight member disposed in the weight member recess 364. The tab 366 has an internal ridge that fits into a feature portion of the weight member inserted into the recess 364. The ridge engaging the feature portion prevents axial movement of the weight member within the recess 364 to maintain the orientation of the weight member within the recess 364. The tab may be implemented in any of the embodiments described herein.

[0044] In all embodiments of the shaped charge perforating projectile frame and assembly described herein, weight members are used to move the centroid of mass of the shaped charge perforating projectile frame away from the axis of rotation, so that the shaped charge perforating projectile frame will self-orient in the presence of a non-axial gravitational field. The free rotation of the shaped charge perforating projectile frame allows it to adopt an orientation with the lowest gravitational potential when the orientation of the perforating tool changes relative to the gravitational field. Although the orientation of the weight member recesses typically does not change, different weight members with different dimensions (i.e., lengths) and densities can be arranged in the recesses to change the position of the centroid of mass of the frame, thereby changing the self-orientation angle of the frame. Figure 3CIn this case, the use of weight components of different sizes and densities allows the frame 330 to be pre-oriented to present any orientation within a 360° range.

[0045] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating device 400 according to an embodiment. The perforating device 400 includes: a loading tube 402 for receiving explosive perforating projectiles; an initiator module 404 for initiating the release of the explosive perforating projectiles; and a partition member 406 that separates the explosive perforating projectiles in the loading tube 402 from the sensitive electronics of the initiator module 404. The loading tube 402 has a plurality of recesses 408 for receiving explosive perforating projectiles and orienting them in a segmented orientation. Therefore, in this configuration, the perforating device 400 uses one initiator module 404 and one partition member 406 to activate multiple shaped charge perforating projectiles. Here, the recesses 408 are arranged in a spiral configuration pointing in various directions from the central axis of the perforating device 400 to provide segmented release. In this configuration, each recess 408 points in a different direction from the other recesses 408, but some recesses 408 may point in the same direction. Here, each recess 408 points in a direction, and the direction of each recess 408 forms a constant angle with the direction of its neighboring recess 408. That is, in this case, the direction of each recess i forms a constant angle with the direction of its neighboring recess i+1 for all recesses i.

[0046] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A detailed view of the partition member 406. The partition member 406 has a generally cylindrical body 410 or a shape that facilitates containment in a desired shell. In this case, the body 410 of the partition member 406 may be solid or may be nearly hollow. Here, the body 410 has an outer shell 411 having a central plate 412 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body 410. The outer surface of the outer shell 411 has a recess 413 for convenient placement to receive a sealing member 415 for sealing the shell. The central plate 412 provides structural support for the components of the partition member 406, while the hollow configuration of the body 410 reduces weight. The central plate 412 defines a first cavity 414 generally facing a first end 416 of the body 410 and a second cavity 418 generally facing a second end 420 of the body 410. The center plate 412 separates the first cavity 414 and the second cavity 418 such that when the partition member 406 is assembled into the perforating tool, the first cavity 414 faces the first tool member and the second cavity 418 faces the second tool member. Figure 4A In this case, the first chamber 414 faces the detonator module 404 and the second chamber 418 faces the loading tube 402. The partition member 406 can be connected to the housing 402.

[0047] A center plate 412 supports a feedthrough 422, which provides a conductive conduit from a first end 416 to a second end 420 of a partition member 406. The feedthrough 422 has a central hole 425 oriented along the longitudinal axis of the partition member 406, extending through the center plate 412 from a first cavity 414 to a second cavity 418. A first protrusion 424 extends from a first side 426 of the center plate 412 into the first cavity 414, and a second protrusion 428 extends from a second side 430 of the center plate 412 into the second cavity 418. The central hole 425 extends through the center plate 412 along and within the first protrusion 424, and along and within the second protrusion 428 to provide passage through the center plate 412 from the first cavity 414 to the second cavity 418.

[0048] Here, the partition member 406 is asymmetrical. The partition member 406 has a generally cylindrical shape with a central longitudinal axis 401 that is approximately similar to the cylindrical axis. In one aspect, the center of mass of the partition member 406 is closer to a first end 416 than to a second end 420. In another aspect, the partition member 406 does not have a plane of symmetry intersecting the central longitudinal axis 401. For example, the partition member 406 does not have a lateral plane of symmetry.

[0049] An electrical conductor 432 is disposed in a central hole 425 to provide conductivity from a first end 416 to a second end 420 of the partition member 406. The electrical conductor 432 has a lead connector 434 at its first end and a housing connector 436 at its second end, opposite to the first end. When the electrical conductor 432 is mounted in the partition member 406, the lead connector 434 is disposed in a first protrusion 424 and the housing connector 436 extends beyond a second protrusion 428. The electrical conductor 432 is a rod-shaped member extending from the lead connector 434 at the first end to the housing connector 436 at the other end. The housing connector 436 is a hollow cylindrical member with a diameter larger than the diameter of the remainder of the electrical conductor 432, such that the housing connector 436 can receive an electrical connector for another tool into the hollow cylindrical housing connector 436. In some implementations, the housing connector 436 may be described as a “recessed” electrical connector, while the pin connector 434 may be described as a “convex” electrical connector. Here, the pin connector 434 is axially rigid, i.e., there is no axial movement, such as spring compression or extension / retraction.

[0050] An electrical insulator 438 is disposed within a central bore 425 around an electrical conductor 432 to prevent electrical connection between the conductor 432 and the body 410. The body 410 is typically made of steel to provide pressure insulation between the loading tube 402 and the detonator module 404, where the perforating projectile is released. Sensitive electronics are located in the detonator module 404 to control the operation of the tool. In some embodiments where the body 410 may be made of a dense, rigid, non-conductive material such as hard plastic, the electrical insulator 438 may be unnecessary. The electrical insulator 438 has a sealing portion 440 that inserts into a throat 442 extending into the central bore 425. The sealing portion 440 has a recess 444 that accommodates a sealing member 446 to provide a secure fit of the conductor 432 within the central bore 425. The electrical insulator 438 extends from the sealing portion 440 to an inlet portion 447 that receives a housing connector 436 for the conductor 432. The inlet portion 447 has a shape similar to that of the box connector 436, in this case being a hollow cylindrical shape with an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the box connector 436, such that the inner surface of the electrical insulator 438 contacts the outer surface of the box connector 436. Sealing members 415 and 446 provide pressure seals against the hydrostatic pressure of the well environment and pressure seals between adjacent tools.

[0051] Electrical conductor 432 extends beyond the sealing portion 440 of electrical insulator 438 and through the center plate 412, wherein a center hole 425 defines an annular gap 450 around electrical conductor 438. Wall 452 extends radially inward from the inner wall of center hole 425 toward electrical conductor 432 to define gap 450. Electrical conductor 432 further extends into first protrusion 424 and reaches pin connector 434. Thus, electrical insulator 438 extends from housing connector 438 partially along the length of electrical conductor 432 into annular gap 450. Each of electrical insulator 438 and electrical conductor 432 extends beyond second protrusion into second cavity 418 and extends beyond second end of body 410 to provide accessible electrical connection for receiving another tool.

[0052] exist Figure 4B In this embodiment, the loading tube 402 has a connector 452 that can be inserted into a housing connector 438 of the partition member 406. The connector 452 has metal pins 454 and a short metal wire 456 located on the metal pins 454, wherein a molded plastic body 458 positions the metal pins 454 and the short metal wire 456 at the end of the loading tube 402. Inserting the short metal wire 456 into the housing connector 438 of the partition member 406 establishes an electrical connection between the partition member 406 and the loading tube 402.

[0053] A plug connector 460 is disposed within the end of the first protrusion 424 surrounding the lead connector 436 of the electrical conductor 432. The plug connector 460 provides an electrical connection to the wiring contact 462 of the detonator module 404. The plug connector 460 can be an RCA connector or another convenient connector type. The wiring contact 462, connected to the plug connector 460, electrically connects the partition member 406 to the detonator module 404. In this way, an electrical connection is established from the detonator module 404 through the partition member 406 to the loading tube 402.

[0054] return Figure 4A Conductivity is established along the loading tube 402 by connecting a wire (not shown) to connector 452. Connector 452 is a first connector located at a first end 466 of the loading tube 402. The loading tube 402 has a second connector 464 located at its second end 468, opposite the first end. The wire extends along the length of the loading tube 402 from the first connector 452 to the second connector 464 via any convenient path.

[0055] Figure 4A The second loading tube 402 is shown to illustrate its connection to the detonator module 404 at its second end 468. A strip connector 470 is disposed in the central recess 472 of the second connector 464. The strip connector 470 forms electrical contact with the housing 474 of the detonator module 404. The housing provides wiring contacts 462 to the detonator module 404. Figure 4B Electrical connections are made between the housing 404 and a circuit board 476 located at one end of the detonator module 404, the circuit board 476 being connected to the partition member 406 and oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the perforating tool 400. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 474 is made of a non-conductive material, electrical contacts may be provided for connection to a strip connector 470, and electrical conductors may be wired through the housing 474 to connect to the contacts 462 and the circuit board 476.

[0056] The loading tube 402, detonator module 404, and partition component 406 are all assembled inside the housing 407. Figure 4A In the diagram, two adjacent and connected perforation assemblies are shown with housings 407 connected by threaded connectors 409, each end of each housing 407 having threads. Each housing 407 has a first end 403 and a second end 405, the second end 405 opposite the first end 403, wherein each end 403 and 405 is threaded. Here, a partition member 406 is shown connected to each end 403 and 405 of the housing 407. (See again) Figure 4BThe first end 416 of the partition member 406 engages with the first end 403 of the first housing 407, while the second end 420 of the partition member 406 engages with the second end 405 of the second housing 407, which is coupled to the first housing 407. In this configuration, the partition member 406 is connected to each housing via a friction fit using a non-threaded connection, but a threaded connection could be used to connect the partition member 406 to either the first end 403 or the second end 405 of the housing 407.

[0057] During operation, the detonator 480 ( Figure 4A The detonator 480 is disposed in a recess of the detonator module 404. The detonator 480 extends into the central recess 472 of the second connector 464 of the loading tube 402. The transfer charge (not shown) is also disposed in the central recess 472 of the second connector 464. A detonating cord is connected to the transfer charge and is routed along the loading tube 402 to the perforating projectile housed in the loading tube 402. An electrical signal received at the circuit board 476 causes the circuit board to send an electrical signal to activate the detonator 480, which in turn releases the transfer charge. The detonating cord transfers the trajectory of the transfer charge to the perforating projectile housed in the loading tube 402.

[0058] While the foregoing relates to some embodiments of the present invention, other and additional embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the foregoing claims.

Claims

1. A shaped charge projectile frame assembly, comprising: Tubular electrical conductor; A shaped charge projectile frame, the shaped charge projectile frame being disposed around the tubular electrical conductor and rotatably engaged with the tubular electrical conductor; A first weight member is disposed in a first recess of the shaped charge projectile frame. The first recess extends from a first end of the shaped charge projectile frame to a second end of the shaped charge projectile frame in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaped charge projectile frame. The second end is opposite to the first end. A second weight member is disposed in a second recess of the shaped charge projectile frame, the second recess extending from the first end of the shaped charge projectile frame to the second end of the shaped charge projectile frame in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. as well as A weight connector that connects the first weight component to the second weight component.

2. The shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular electrical conductor does not contact the shaped charge perforation projectile frame.

3. The shaped charge perforating projectile frame assembly of claim 1, wherein a plurality of bearings are used to rotatably engage the shaped charge perforating projectile frame with the tubular electrical conductor, and the plurality of bearings includes a first bearing and a second bearing, wherein each of the first bearing and the second bearing is rotatable between the tubular electrical conductor and the shaped charge perforating projectile frame.

4. The shaped charge projectile frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular electrical conductor has a plurality of lateral openings.

5. The shaped charge perforation projectile frame assembly of claim 4, wherein at least one shaped charge perforation projectile container has an opening that mates with at least one of the lateral openings of the tubular electrical conductor, thereby providing a fluid path from the interior of the tubular electrical conductor to the shaped charge perforation projectile container.

6. The shaped charge projectile frame assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first end and the second end has a chamfered edge.

7. The shaped charge projectile frame assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising: At least two cylindrical bearings are disposed around the tubular electrical conductor, wherein the at least two cylindrical bearings are rotatable between the tubular electrical conductor and the shaped charge projectile frame.

8. A perforation tool, comprising: The shaped charge projectile frame assembly as described in claim 1; as well as The partition assembly includes: A partition member having a longitudinal axis and a conduit along the longitudinal axis of the partition member; as well as A partition electrical conductor, wherein the partition electrical conductor is disposed in the conduit and coupled to the tubular electrical conductor. The shaped charge projectile frame is spaced apart from the partition member.

9. The perforating tool of claim 8, further comprising a detonator assembly, the detonator assembly comprising: A detonator housing having a longitudinal axis and a conduit along the longitudinal axis of the detonator housing; as well as A hollow electrical conductor is disposed in the conduit of the detonator housing and coupled to the tubular electrical conductor.

10. The perforating tool of claim 9, wherein the diaphragm electrical conductor has a pin connector that connects to the housing connector of the detonator assembly.

11. The perforating tool of claim 9, wherein the partition member is asymmetrical.

12. The perforating tool of claim 11, wherein the tubular electrical conductor is hollow and has a plurality of lateral openings.

13. The perforating tool of claim 12, wherein at least one shaped charge perforating cartridge container has an opening that mates with at least one of the lateral openings of the tubular electrical conductor, thereby providing a fluid path from the interior of the tubular electrical conductor to the shaped charge perforating cartridge container.

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