Large shaped charge perforating tool

Abstract

A perforating tool features a housing having a longitudinal axis, an initiator module in the housing, the initiator module having a firing circuit, an electrical contact at the longitudinal axis, and an initiator housing, and a shaped charge carrier in the housing, the shaped charge carrier having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a recess for receiving a shaped charge between the first end and the second end, the recess having a wide end and a narrow end, wherein the longitudinal axis is between the wide end and the narrow end, a first electrical contact at the first end, the first electrical contact being at the longitudinal axis, a second electrical contact at the second end, the second electrical contact being at the longitudinal axis, an electrical conductor connecting the first contact and the second contact, and a ballistic path coupling the initiator housing to the narrow end of the recess.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 198794, filed November 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and shall be considered a part of this specification. Technical Field

[0003] The implementation schemes described herein generally relate to formation perforation tools for oil and gas extraction. Specifically, the implementation schemes here relate to perforation tools with continuous phasing capability adapted to large shaped charge perforating projectiles. Background Technology

[0004] Perforation tools are used in oil and gas extraction to create holes, passages, and / or fractures in hydrocarbon-bearing geological formations to facilitate the flow of hydrocarbons from the formation into the well for extraction. These tools typically feature explosive perforation projectiles, which are shaped to deliver a jet of reaction products, including hot gases and molten metal, into the formation. The tools have a generally tubular profile and include a support frame, ignition circuitry, and wiring for activating the perforation projectile and transmitting signals and / or data along the tool. The perforation projectile typically has a cone-like or bell-shaped shape and is usually powered by an electrical conductor positioned at the narrow end of the projectile and connected by wires to an ignition source and other shaped-charge perforation projectiles.

[0005] Larger perforating projectiles produce larger perforations and are therefore generally preferred. Conversely, smaller tools require smaller, less expensive holes and are also preferred. Therefore, there is always a need for perforating tools that maximize the size of the perforating projectile with the smallest possible diameter.

[0006] The flexibility of perforation tools is also desirable. Typically, it is desired to perforate in one direction or another, or in multiple directions. The ability to perforate in more than one direction, and even to select the direction during operation, is very useful. Therefore, there is always a need for perforation tools that can flexibly phase the firing angle of large shaped charge projectiles within small tools. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments described herein provide a perforation tool comprising: a container having a longitudinal axis; an initiator module within the container, the initiator module having an ignition circuit, an electrical contact at the longitudinal axis, and an initiator housing; and a shaped charge perforating projectile frame within the container, the shaped charge perforating projectile frame having a first end; a second end opposite the first end; a groove for receiving the shaped charge perforating projectile between the first end and the second end, the groove having a wide end and a narrow end, wherein the longitudinal axis is between the wide end and the narrow end; a first electrical contact at the first end, the first electrical contact being located at the longitudinal axis; a second electrical contact at the second end, the second electrical contact being located at the longitudinal axis; an electrical conductor connecting the first contact and the second contact; and a ballistic path connecting the initiator housing to the narrow end of the groove.

[0008] Other embodiments described herein provide a frame for a shaped charge projectile, the frame comprising: a body having a central longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end; a housing for the shaped charge projectile having a wide end and a narrow end, wherein the central longitudinal axis is between the wide end and the narrow end; an electrical conductor disposed in a passage through the periphery of the frame from the first end to the second end; and a ballistic path disposed in the frame adjacent to the narrow end of the housing and fluidly connected to an opening in the first end of the frame.

[0009] Other embodiments described herein provide a partition member for a perforating tool, the partition member comprising: a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end; and an electrical conductor disposed within the cylindrical body from the first end to the second end, the electrical conductor having a pin connector at the first end and a box connector at the second end. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features of this disclosure described above, a more specific description of the disclosure, which has been briefly outlined above, can be obtained by referring to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments only and should not be construed as limiting its scope, allowing for other equally effective embodiments.

[0011] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of a perforation tool 100 according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The rear view of the frame shown.

[0013] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Isometric view of the electrical contacts of the frame shown.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an energy module that can be used in a perforation tool according to one implementation scheme.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating tool according to another embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating tool according to another embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating tool according to another embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating tool according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Two different uses of a shaped charge perforation projectile frame according to another embodiment are shown.

[0020] Figure 8A and Figure 8B It shows in Figure 7A and Figure 7B How can weights be used in a frame to provide partial rotation angle self-orientation of the frame?

[0021] Figure 9 Showing downhole tools Figure 8A and Figure 8B The use of self-orienting frames in the presence of non-axial gravitational fields.

[0022] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating device according to one implementation scheme.

[0023] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A Detailed view of the partition components.

[0024] Figure 11A This is a perspective side view of the energy module according to another implementation scheme.

[0025] Figure 11B This is a perspective side view of the modular shaped charge projectile frame.

[0026] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used as appropriate to indicate common elements in the figures. It is conceivable that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated into other embodiments without further description. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The perforation tool described herein uses a frame that accommodates a large perforation projectile extending through the tool's diameter. The tool is generally tubular or cylindrical and provides ballistic and electrical transfer integrated into the frame. Some embodiments described herein are also indexable, allowing a separate frame to direct the perforation projectile in selectable directions while maintaining ballistic transfer and electrical connectivity.

[0028] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of a perforation tool 100 according to one embodiment. The perforation tool 100 uses one or more frames 102 to hold a shaped charge perforating projectile within a container 104. The tool 100 is deployed in a well drilled into a formation. When activated, the shaped charge perforating projectile generates a jet of reaction products that pierce the container 104 and penetrate the formation to facilitate resource recovery from the formation. The container 104 has an outer wall 105 with a thickness reduction zone 107 adjacent to a frame cavity 109 of the container 104. The frame cavity 109 is defined by a flange 111 extending inwardly from the outer wall 105. The flange 111 supports the frames 102 at a desired location adjacent to the thickness reduction zone 107 and may extend completely around the circumference of the container 104, or partially, or segmentally, around the circumference of the container 104. The thickness reduction zone 107 may form a band around the container 104. Therefore, the thickness reduction region 107 can be a continuous region of the outer wall 105 of the outer container 104. In some cases, the flange 111 can be replaced by a short protrusion extending inward from the outer wall 105. The thickness reduction region 107 can also be a region that partially extends around the container 104. The thickness reduction region 107 allows reaction products to penetrate the container 104. The use of a band around the circumference of the container 104 allows the frame 102 to be positioned in any desired rotational orientation to provide a jet in the desired direction.

[0029] Typically, a frame for a shaped charge projectile has one or more grooves to hold the projectile. The grooves are usually conical or bell-shaped, or another shape that generally tapers from a wide edge at the wide end receiving the projectile to a narrow apex assembling the corresponding tip. The projectile frame has a generally cylindrical shape, with its central axis aligned with or coinciding with the central axis of the container during installation. The grooves also have a central axis that is generally perpendicular to the central axis of the frame. The grooves typically have a wide end and a narrow end defining the apex of the groove. The shape of the grooves is generally defined to conform to the shape of the projectile to be installed in the groove.

[0030] In some cases, the wide and narrow ends of the groove are on the same side of the frame's central axis, with the apex close to the central axis, allowing various types of communication to be deployed along the frame's central axis. In this way, the apex of a shaped charge perforating projectile can be positioned near the frame's central axis, thus enabling activation using communication along the frame's central axis. In other cases, the apex of the groove is between the frame's central axis and the groove's wide end. This typically allows for the positioning of multiple grooves around the perforating projectile frame's axis, possibly at the same axial coordinate, with a single communication path for all grooves extending along the central axis. This configuration limits the size of the perforating projectile that can be mounted in the perforating tool.

[0031] Other tools feature large shaped-charge perforating projectiles, where the central axis of the frame lies between the narrow and wide ends of the groove, allowing the projectile body to extend substantially from one side of the tool to the other. This type of projectile allows for the firing of larger, more penetrating projectiles using relatively small tools, but the central communication conduit feature described above is unavailable in such frames. The tool described herein for large shaped-charge perforating projectiles utilizes a frame that integrates electrical and ballistic communication within a modular construction, which in many cases can be freely rotated to any orientation.

[0032] Tool 100 has a generally cylindrical shape and defines a longitudinal axis 106. In the perforating tool 100, frames 102 have a generally cylindrical shape, and when the frames are deployed in tool 100, their central axis coincides with the longitudinal axis 106. Each frame 102 has a groove 108 for holding a shaped charge projectile. When the frame 102 is deployed in tool 100, the longitudinal axis 106 lies between the narrow end 110 and the wide end 112 of the groove 108. Therefore, Figure 1A The groove 108 in the frame 102 can hold a larger shaped charge projectile than the frame with the groove not extending through the longitudinal axis 106.

[0033] The frame 102 is typically made of plastic or another material with a certain degree of flexibility. The frame 102 may be molded or 3D printed, for example, from a tough but flexible plastic such as polypropylene or polyurethane.

[0034] The groove 108 is configured to hold a shaped charge projectile (not shown) having a wide end and a narrow end. The shaped charge projectile is fitted into the groove 108, with the wide end of the projectile at the wide end 112 of the groove 108 and the narrow end at the narrow end 110 of the groove 108. The wide end 112 of the groove 108 has an edge 156 that generally secures the shaped charge projectile within the groove 108. The wide end 112 of the groove 108 also has a protrusion 158 that bends to capture the wide end of the shaped charge projectile, thereby securing the projectile into the groove 108. The edge 156 of the groove 108 may have finger-like notches 157 to facilitate insertion and removal of the shaped charge projectile. The narrow end 110 of the groove 108 has an opening 119 for electrical and / or ballistic communication at the tip of the shaped charge projectile.

[0035] The perforating tool 100 has one or more energy modules 114, with a partition member 116 at either end of each energy module 114. When using multiple energy modules, the partition member 116 separates one energy module 114 from its neighboring modules. The partition member 116 is a rigid, solid block, typically made of steel, which is fitted into the end of the container 104 to seal the energy modules 114 inside the container 104. The partition member 116 minimizes the transmission of energy from the energy modules 114 beyond the partition member 116. The partition member 114 can be connected to the container 104 using either a threaded connection or a non-threaded connection. A non-threaded connection is shown here.

[0036] As described above, the energy module 114 includes one or more perforation projectile frames 102 and an initiator module 118 located between the perforation projectile frames 102 and the bulkhead member 116. The initiator module 118 contains circuitry that generates an electrical pulse that activates the shaped charge perforation projectile in the recess 108. The circuitry is typically housed in a circuit board 120 oriented transversely to the central axis 106 of the tool 100. The electrical pulse is used to activate a detonator 122 housed in the initiator module 118 and electrically coupled to the circuit board 120.

[0037] In this configuration, the detonator module 118 has two locations for accommodating the detonator 122. For example... Figure 1A As shown, the first detonator housing 124 is located in the peripheral area of ​​the detonator module 118. The detonator 122 is... Figure 1AThe device is shown mounted in a first detonator housing 124. An opening 126 of the detonator housing 124 is aligned with an opening 128 of the frame 102. Opening 126 provides fluid communication between the detonator housing 124 and the cartridge case housing 127 of the frame 102. An activation cartridge case 130 is disposed in the opening 128 of the frame 102. Activation of the detonator 122 generates an energy release that propagates through the opening 126 of the detonator housing 124 to the opening 128 of the frame 102 and activates the cartridge case 130. Activation of the cartridge case 130, in turn, generates an energy release that propagates through the opening 119 at the narrow end 110 of the recess 108 and activates a shaped charge projectile disposed in the recess 108.

[0038] Frame 102 provides electrical connections from the detonator module 118 to other modules that can be mounted in tool 100. Frame 102 has an electrical conductor 132 extending from a first end 134 of frame 102 to a second end 136 of frame 102 opposite to the first end 134. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The rear view of frame 102. Figure 1C An electrical conductor 132 is shown. The electrical conductor 132 is a strip or wire having a first end 138 located at a first end 134 of the frame 102 and a second end 140 located at a second end 136 of the frame 102. The electrical conductor 132 is angled in a square "U" shape such that ends 138 and 140 can be located near the center of the respective sides of the frame 102, while a central portion 141 of the electrical conductor 132 between the first end 138 and the second end 140 is located near one side of the frame 102 and forms an angle with the first side 138 and the second side 140. The electrical conductor 132 is configured such that the central portion 141 is located in a channel 142 on one side of the frame 102, thus allowing the electrical conductor 132 to be detachably integrated with the frame 102. Specifically, the electrical conductor 132 can be detached from the frame 102 by sliding it out of the channel 142. If necessary, one or both of the first end 138 and the second end 140 may be straightened relative to the central portion 141 to facilitate insertion or removal. For example, before insertion, one of the first end 138 or the second end 140 may be substantially parallel to the central portion 141 for insertion into the passage 142. After insertion into the passage 142, the "unbent" end may be bent towards the central portion on one side of the frame 102. Similarly, for removal of the electrical conductor 132, one end may be "unbent" to allow for easy removal.

[0039] The first end 138 of the electrical conductor 132 is located near the center of the first end 134, where the central axis 106 intersects the first end 134, and the second end 140 is located near the center of the second end 136, where the central axis 106 intersects the second end 136. The electrical conductor 132 extends from its first end 134 to its second end 136 around the periphery of the frame 102. The electrical conductor 132 is a leaf spring type contact, with its first end 138 and second end 140 extending at an angle away from the corresponding first end 134 and second end 136 of the frame 102. When the frame 102 is positioned in the container 104, the ends 138 and 140 of the electrical conductor 132 contact other electrical components of the tool 100 and bend to provide a contact force for a secure electrical contact. In this way, electrical continuity across the frame 102 is maintained. The ends 138 and 142 are shown with a connectivity enhancement feature 143, in this case, which is a comb-like finger-like structure that makes the ends 138 and 142 appear as fingers. Any connectivity-enhancing feature can be used, including different shapes and compositions. For example, a coating or dots of a highly conductive material such as gold can be applied to the electrical conductor 132 to enhance connectivity. Alternatively, a brush-like or wool-like conductive material can be used at the ends 138 and 140 to enhance electrical connectivity.

[0040] Electrical conductor 132 provides electrical continuity from the central region of the first end 134 along the periphery of the frame 102 to the central region of the second end 136. The leaf spring end of electrical conductor 132 provides a resilient, deformable electrical contact to ensure electrical continuity between the two ends of the frame. In other embodiments, the resilient electrical contact may be located in the central regions of the first and second ends 134, and the resilient electrical contact may be electrically coupled to the electrical conductor disposed within the frame in a non-removable manner. The resilient electrical contact may be any type of spring, such as a leaf spring or a coil spring, and may be electrically coupled to the electrical conductor at any location between the central region and the peripheral region of the frame end. Different types of resilient electrical contacts may be used at the ends of the frame if desired.

[0041] Refer again Figure 1A The electrical conductor 132 can be electrically coupled to the detonator module 118 by contacting an electrical component 144 disposed along the central axis 106. The electrical component 144 extends from a contact surface at a first end 146 of the detonator module 118 to an electrical assembly 148 at a second end 150 of the detonator module 118. The electrical component 144 contacts the electrical conductor 132 of the frame 102 at the first end of the detonator module 118 to provide electrical feed to the frame 102.

[0042] Frame 102 can be stacked with other frames. Specifically, more than one frame 102 can be included in the perforation tool. Figure 2This is an exploded view of an energy module 200 for use in a perforating tool according to one embodiment. The energy module 200 is characterized in that an initiation module 118 has two shaped-charge perforating projectile frames 102, namely a first shaped-charge perforating projectile frame 102A and a second shaped-charge perforating projectile frame 102B. The initiation module 118, the first shaped-charge perforating projectile frame 102A, and the second shaped-charge perforating projectile frame 102B have alignment features for maintaining alignment of the ballistic communication path, which activates the shaped-charge perforating projectiles in frames 102A and 102B. Each of frames 102A and 102B has a support 208 for engaging with an opening 210 to maintain alignment. The initiator module 118 also has one of the openings 210 for alignment with the first shaped-charge perforating projectile 204.

[0043] The alignment features maintain the alignment of the ballistic communication path. Specifically, the first perforating projectile frame 102A and the second perforating projectile frame 102B each have a cartridge case 127 and an opening 128. Together with the first detonator case 124, the opening 128 and the cartridge case 127 provide a fluid communication path from the first detonator case 124 to the narrow end of the groove 108 of the first perforating projectile frame 102A and the second perforating projectile frame 102B to activate the perforating projectiles in the frames 102A and 102B. The alignment features can take any form or configuration, such as a pump, a strut, a protrusion, etc., and the opening can also take any corresponding shape. It should be noted that any number of perforating projectile frames 102 can be used in this manner in the energy module 200.

[0044] Here, the struts 208 extend in a direction parallel to the central axis 106. Each strut 208 is spaced arbitrarily from the longitudinal axis 106. In this configuration, each strut 208 and each opening 210 is located near the outer edges of frames 204 and 206, and the detonator module 202. Thus, all components of the energy module 200 can be kept aligned. If a specific alignment is desired within the container 104 (FIG. 1), a notch 212 in the edge of the detonator module 202 can be engaged with a ridge (not shown) that can be provided along the inner wall of the container 104 to align all components of the energy module.

[0045] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating tool 300 according to another embodiment. The detonator module 108 has a second detonator housing 302 positioned along the central axis of the detonator module 108, which coincides with the central axis 106 of the tool 300. The second detonator housing 302 is a tubular member capable of holding a detonator such as detonator 122. Here, the second detonator housing 302 is a "half-tube" in which detonator 122 rests, with clamps 304 holding detonator 122 within the half-tube. Electrical leads 310 from detonator 122 can be guided to circuit board 120 in any convenient manner. In this case, the leads are guided through peripheral openings 307 into electrical assembly 148.

[0046] In the perforation tool 300, the detonator 122 is not physically aligned with the cartridge case 130, but is instead centered along the central axis 106 of the tool 300. The ballistic transfer from the detonator 122 to the cartridge case 130 is achieved by guiding a combustible conduit 306 between the detonator 122 and the cartridge case 130 through a gap 308 between the frame 102 and the initiator module 118. The gap 308 is maintained by a spacing force provided by an electrical conductor 132. As described above, the end of the electrical conductor 132 is configured as a leaf spring to provide the spacing force maintaining the gap 308. The combustible conduit 306 may be a detonating cord or other combustible conduit, and is guided from a location near the detonator and the end of the electrical conductor 132 to a location near the cartridge case 130 within the cartridge case housing 127. Upon activation of the detonator 122, energy is transferred to the combustible conduit 306 and along it to the cartridge case 130, which in turn activates the shaped charge perforating projectile in the frame 102. In such embodiments, frame 102 can be oriented in any desired direction to provide a perforated jet in the desired direction while maintaining electrical and ballistic continuity. To achieve this rotatability, the combination described above can be eliminated. Figure 2 The aforementioned alignment feature, or in other embodiments, may provide a plurality of openings 210 in the detonator module 118 to engage with the strut 208 in a plurality of transposition orientations.

[0047] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of a perforation tool 400 according to another embodiment. The perforation tool 400 uses multiple shaped charge perforation projectile frames 402. The shaped charge perforation projectile frames 402 differ slightly from frame 102 in that each frame has an opening 128 providing ballistic transfer to the cartridge 130, but each frame 402 also has an outlet 404 of a conduit 127 providing a fluid pathway for the cartridge 130 of one frame 402 to transfer energy through the conduit 127 of the frame to the cartridge of the adjacent frame 402. Any number of frames 402 can be used in this way to activate any number of shaped charge perforation projectiles. Electrical continuity is provided across all frames 402 through electrical contact of conductors 132 of adjacent frames 402. In this case, a combination of the above-described... Figure 2 The alignment features described are used to maintain the alignment of pipe 127. It should be noted that although the detonator 122 is... Figure 4 The detonator 122 is shown in a central position, but using a second detonator housing 302 and a combustible conduit 306, the detonator 122 can be located within the first detonator housing 124. It should also be noted that in the case of multiple frames used in the energy module, such as... Figure 4 As shown, each frame will have a corresponding thickness reduction region 107 in the outer wall 105 of the container 104.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a perforation tool 500 according to another embodiment. Tool 500 uses an energy module 502 with features different from those of other perforation tools described above. Energy module 502 has a detonator module 504 with a hollow pin connector 506 at a first end 508 of the detonator module 504. As in other embodiments herein, a circuit board 120 is located at a second end 510 of the detonator module 504.

[0049] Energy module 502 uses a shaped charge projectile frame 512, which has a pocket-type electrical connector 514 at a first end 513 of the frame 512. The pocket connector 514 is characterized by recesses 516 therein for a plurality of bearings 518. In this case, the bearings 518 are cylindrical roller bearings. The pocket connector 514 is connected to an electrical conductor 132 (…). Figure 1C ), not shown in Figure 5In order to provide electrical continuity across frame 512, the pin connector 506 of the detonator module 504 engages with the pocket connector 514 by insertion into a recess 516. Here, the pin connector 506 is axially rigid and has no axial movement capability such as spring loading or extension / retraction. A bearing 518 contacts the pin connector 506, thereby providing electrical continuity between the detonator module 504 and frame 512. In some embodiments, instead of multiple roller bearings, a single belt bearing configured as a hollow cylinder may be used as the bearing in the recess 516. In other embodiments, the pin connector 506 and the pocket connector 514, which may be a cassette connector, make direct electrical contact without the use of bearings, and the pin connector 506 is able to rotate within the pocket connector 514 while maintaining electrical connection.

[0050] Ballistic continuity is provided by a channel 540 formed through frame 512. Frame 512 has an outer wall 520 that houses a shaped charge projectile within a recess 522. Recess 522 has a wide end 524 and a narrow end 526. The outer wall 520 has a thin portion 528 at the wide end 524 and a thick portion 530 at the narrow end 526. The thickness of the thick portion 530 increases from a midpoint of the outer wall 520 (approximately midway between the narrow end 526 and the wide end 524) toward the narrow end 526. Channel 540 extends from pouch connector 514 to the cartridge case 127 adjacent to the narrow end 526 of recess 522. Channel 540 provides fluid communication between the second detonator housing 302 and the cartridge case 127 and is shaped and positioned to support ballistic continuity from the detonator to the cartridge case 130. Pin connector 506 has a passage 550 formed therein along its longitudinal axis. Passage 550 is in fluid communication with the second detonator housing 302. The pocket connector 514 has an opening 552 providing fluid communication between the channel 540 and passage 550. Passage 550, opening 552, and channel 540 thus provide a continuous fluid path from the second detonator housing 302 to the cartridge case housing 127. Activation of the detonator 122 in the second detonator housing 302 delivers ballistic energy along passage 550, which is then delivered through opening 552 and along channel 540 to the cartridge case housing 127, thereby activating the shaped charge projectile in the cartridge case 130 and recess 522.

[0051] Frame 512 has a pin connector 554 at its second end 553, opposite the first end 513. Pin connector 554 is substantially similar to pin connector 506 and is adapted to engage with a pocket connector of another component. Here, partition member 556 is shown connected to frame 512 via a pocket connector 558, which is substantially similar to pocket connector 514 of frame 512. Pin connector 554 also has a longitudinal passage 555 for achieving fluid continuity if fluid continuity at pin connector 554 is required.

[0052] Frame 512 has an optional second channel 560 extending from cartridge housing 127 to pin connector 554. With the second channel 560, channel 540 is the first channel, and both the first and second channels 540 provide a fluid path through frame 512 from pocket connector 506, through the narrow end 526 of recess 522, through cartridge housing 127 to pin connector 554; that is, a continuous fluid path through frame 512 from first end 528 to second end 553. The optional second channel 560 can be used to provide ballistic continuity across frame 512, such that activation of cartridge 130 provides ballistic energy transfer from frame 512 to another component connected to frame 512 (such as another frame 512). Because the pin connectors and pocket connectors 506, 514, 554, and 558 are rotatably engaged using roller bearings, frame 512 can be freely rotated to any angle while maintaining electrical continuity. Passage 550, opening 552, and channel 540 provide fluid continuity at any rotation angle of frame 512, and second channel 560 and passage 555 provide outlet fluid continuity from cartridge case 127 to pin connector 554 at any rotation angle of frame 512. In this way, frame 512 has complete electrical and ballistic continuity and can be rotated to any angle to guide the projectile of shaped charge projectile in any desired direction.

[0053] As mentioned above, frame 512 uses a similar Figure 1C The conductor 132 is an electrical conductor, which is detachably disposed in a passageway through the frame along one side of the frame 512. Figure 1BThe passage extends around the recess 522 and has openings at the first end 528 and the second end 553 of the frame 512. Electrical conductors provide electrical continuity across the frame from the pocket connector 514 to the pin connector 554. Channel 540, the cartridge case 127, and the second channel 560 form a second passage through the frame 512 from the first end 528 to the second end 553 to achieve ballistic continuity. The second passage extends from the central region of the first end 528 adjacent to the narrow end of the recess 522 to the central region of the second end 553. The passage 550 of the pin contact 506 of the detonator module 504, together with the opening 552 in the pocket connector 514 of the frame 512, provides fluid communication between the second passage through the frame and the second detonator case 302 of the detonator module 504. In this way, electrical and ballistic continuity are integrated into the frame 512. It should be noted that ballistic conduits can be used in channels 540 and 560, or combustible materials can be directly inserted into channels 540 and 560 for ballistic transfer.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating tool 600 according to another embodiment. Figure 6 The perforating tool uses an energy module 602, which includes an initiator module 504 and two shaped charge perforating cartridge frames 512 connected together to demonstrate the electrical and ballistic continuity characteristics of the initiator module 504 and the frames 512. Here, the first frame 512A is connected to the initiator module 504 via a pin-pocket electrical connector, wherein the pin connector 506 of the initiator module is connected to the pocket connector 514A of the first frame 512A, the pin connector 554A of the first frame 512A is connected to the pocket connector 514B of the second frame 512B, and the pin connector 554B of the second frame is connected to the pocket connector 558 of the partition member 556. Channels 540A and 560A of the first frame 512A provide fluid communication from the second detonator housing 302 of the initiator module 504 to a longitudinal passage 555A of the first frame 512A, which in turn is in fluid communication with channels 540B and 560B of the second frame 512B. The continuous fluid pathway from the detonator 122 in the detonator module 504 to the cartridge cases 130A and 130B of frames 512A and 512B activates the shaped charge projectiles in frames 512A and 512B when the detonator 122 is activated. The electrical and fluid continuity integrated into frames 512A and 512B, along with the rotatable nature of the pin-pouch connectors, provides the ability to rotate frames 512A and 512B to any angle, which may be the same or different for both frames 512A and 512B, while maintaining electrical and ballistic continuity.

[0055] Figure 7A and Figure 7BTwo different uses of the shaped charge perforation projectile frame 700 according to another embodiment are shown. Figure 7A The shaped charge projectile frame 700 is shown from its first end 712, and Figure 7B The shaped charge projectile frame 700 is shown from its second end 714. The shaped charge projectile frame 700 is similar to... Figure 5 The shaped charge projectile frame 512 has a first rotatable electrical connector 702 at a first end 712 and a second rotatable electrical connector 704 at a second end 714 that can be connected to the first rotatable electrical connector 702. The rotatable electrical connectors 702 and 704 can be any type of rotatable connector. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The pin-pocket connector is an example. When installed in downhole tools, rotatable electrical connectors 702 and 704 provide free rotation of the frame 700.

[0056] The frame 700 has a plurality of openings 706 formed in its first end 712. The first end 712 has a substantially solid first disk 708, with a first rotatable connector 702 located at the center of the first disk. The openings 706 are formed in the peripheral region of the first disk 708. The second end 714 also has a substantially solid second disk 710, with a second rotatable connector 704 located at the center of the second disk. The second disk 710 also has a plurality of openings 716. When two of the frames 700 are installed in a downhole tool, the openings 706 and 716 can be used as alignment features. Because the frames 700 are freely rotatable while maintaining electrical and fluid continuity, one frame 700 can be installed in the downhole tool with a first angular orientation, and the second frame 700 can be installed in the same downhole tool with a second angular orientation different from the first angular orientation. To prevent unwanted rotation of the frame 700, a pin may be installed extending from one of the openings 716 of the first frame 700 of the downhole tool to one of the openings 706 of the second frame 700 of the downhole tool to maintain the angular orientation of the frame 700. If necessary, a similar opening may be provided at one end of the detonator module 504 to lock rotation of the frame 700 relative to the detonator module 504.

[0057] Openings 706 and 716 can also be used to provide self-orientation for the frame 700. A weight 718 can be installed in either opening 706 or opening 716. When the frame 700 is in a generally non-vertical orientation, the weight 718 can provide an imbalance in the mass distribution of the frame 700, resulting in gravity-induced self-orientation of the frame 700. The weight 718 causes the frame 700 to rotate about the rotatable connectors 702 and 704, moving the weight 718 to its lowest position, thereby orienting the frame 700 containing the shaped charge projectile at a desired angular orientation to deliver the projectile in the desired direction. As shown in Figure 7, multiple openings 706 and 716 can be used to provide self-orientation of the frame 700 in multiple directions.

[0058] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This illustrates how weights 718 can be used in frame 700 to provide partial angular self-orientation of frame 700 through rotation. Here, two weights 718 are used to provide partial angular orientation between angular orientations provided by using a single weight 718. Here, the two weights provide an imbalance of mass distribution moving to the position of lowest gravitational energy. With 10 openings 706 and 716 at either end of frame 700, up to 20 weights 718 can be inserted into the openings to provide a vast number of unique orientations for frame 700 in a non-axial gravitational field. Of course, any number of openings can be provided in frame 700. For example, frame 700 may have only one opening, or only two openings, or any integer number of openings. The size of the openings can be designed to provide space for the desired number of openings. The weights 718 are made of a dense material such as a dense metal, which can significantly alter the mass distribution of frame 700.

[0059] Figure 9 The use of a self-orienting frame 700 in a downhole tool in the presence of a non-axial gravity field is illustrated. Here, a first frame 700A has a first weight 718A in an opening 706A at a first end 712A of the first frame 700A, and a second frame 700B has a second weight 718B in an opening 706B at a first end 712B of the second frame 700B. The two weights 718A and 718B are positioned in different openings, resulting in different mass distributions for the two frames 700A and 700B. Upon encountering a non-axial gravity field, the two frames 700A and 700B rotate to the lowest gravity energy position, where the weights 718A and 718B are at their lowest positions. This causes the frames to self-orient to different angular orientations, as indicated by arrow 902. Two frames 700 are shown here, but any number of frames can be used in an energy module of a downhole tool to provide directional projectiles in a selected direction using a self-orienting shaped charge perforation projectile frame.

[0060] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view of a perforating device 1000 according to one embodiment. The perforating device 1000 has a loading tube 1002 for holding explosive perforating projectiles, an initiator module 1004 for launching projectiles that detonate the explosive perforating projectiles, and a partition member 1006 that separates the explosive perforating projectiles in the loading tube 1002 from the sensitive electronics in the initiator module 1004. The loading tube 1002 has a plurality of grooves 1008 for receiving explosive perforating projectiles and orienting them in a phased orientation. Thus, in this configuration, the perforating device 1000 uses one initiator module 1004 and one partition member 1006 to activate a plurality of shaped charge perforating projectiles. Here, the grooves 1008 are arranged in a helical pattern pointing in various directions from the central axis of the perforating device 1000 to provide phased projectiles. In this configuration, each groove 1008 points in a different direction than the others, but some grooves 1008 may point in the same direction. Here, each groove 1008 points in a certain direction, and the direction of each groove 1008 forms a constant angle with the direction of its neighboring groove 1008. That is, in this case, the direction of each groove i forms a constant angle with the direction of its neighboring groove i+1 for all grooves i.

[0061] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A detailed view of the partition member 1006. The partition member 1006 has a generally cylindrical body 1010, or a shape conducive to being housed in a desired housing. As in this case, the body 1010 of the partition member 1006 may be solid, or it may be mostly hollow. Here, the body 1010 has a housing 1011 and a central plate 1012 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body 1010. The outer surface of the housing 1011 has grooves 1013 for easy placement to receive a sealing member 1015 to abut against the housing for sealing. The central plate 1012 provides structural support for the components of the partition member 1006, while the hollow configuration of the body 1010 reduces weight. The central plate 1012 defines a first cavity 1014 generally facing a first end 1016 of the body 1010 and a second cavity 1018 generally facing a second end 1020 of the body 1010. The center plate 1012 separates the first cavity 1014 and the second cavity 1018, such that when the partition member 1006 is assembled into the perforating tool, the first cavity 1014 faces the first tool member and the second cavity 1018 faces the second tool member. Figure 10A In this case, the first chamber 1014 faces the detonator module 1004 and the second chamber 1018 faces the loading tube 1002.

[0062] A center plate 1012 supports a feedthrough 1022, which provides a conductive passage from a first end 1016 of a partition member 1006 to a second end 1020. The feedthrough 1022 has a central hole 1025 oriented along the longitudinal axis of the partition member 1006, extending from a first cavity 1014 through the center plate 1012 to a second cavity 1018. A first protrusion 1024 extends from a first side 1026 of the center plate 1012 into the first cavity 1014, and a second protrusion 1028 extends from a second side 1030 of the center plate 1012 into the second cavity 1018. The central hole 1025 extends along and within the first protrusion 1024, through the center plate 1012, and along and within the second protrusion 1028, to provide a path from the first cavity 1014 through the center plate 1012 to the second cavity 1018.

[0063] The partition member 1006 is asymmetrical here. The partition member 1006 has a generally cylindrical shape, with its central longitudinal axis 1001 generally resembling the axis of a cylinder. On one hand, the center of mass of the partition member 1006 is closer to the first end 1016 of the partition member 1006 than to the second end 1020 of the partition member 1006. On the other hand, the partition member 1006 does not have a plane of symmetry intersecting the central longitudinal axis 1001. For example, the partition member 1006 does not have a plane of lateral symmetry.

[0064] An electrical conductor 1032 is disposed in a central hole 1025 to provide conductivity from a first end 1016 to a second end 1020 of the partition member 1006. The electrical conductor 1032 has a pin connector 1034 at its first end and a cartridge connector 1036 at its second end opposite the first end. When the electrical conductor 1032 is mounted in the partition member 1006, the pin connector 1034 is disposed in a first protrusion 1024 and the cartridge connector 1036 extends beyond a second protrusion 1028. The electrical conductor 1032 is a rod-shaped member extending from the pin connector 1034 at the first end to the cartridge connector 1036 at the other end. The cartridge connector 1036 is a hollow cylindrical member with a diameter larger than the diameter of the rest of the electrical conductor 1032, such that the cartridge connector 1036 can accommodate an electrical connector for another tool within the hollow cylindrical cartridge connector 1036. In some embodiments, the box connector 1036 may be described as a “concave” electrical connector, while the pin connector 1034 may be described as a “convex” electrical connector. Here, the pin connector 1034 is axially rigid and has no axial movement capability such as spring loading or extension / retraction.

[0065] An electrical insulator 1038 is disposed within a central bore 1025 surrounding an electrical conductor 1032 to prevent electrical connection between the electrical conductor 1032 and the body 1010. The body 1010 is typically made of steel to provide pressure insulation between the loading tube 1002 (where projectiles are fired) and the detonator module 1004 (where sensitive electronics are located to control tool operation). In some embodiments, where the body 1010 may be made of a dense, rigid, non-conductive material such as rigid plastic, the electrical insulator 1038 may not be necessary. The electrical insulator 1038 has a sealing portion 1040 that inserts into a throat 1042 extending into the central bore 1025. The sealing portion 1040 has a groove 1044 that receives a sealing member 1046 to provide a secure fit to the electrical conductor 1032 within the central bore 1025. Electrical insulator 1038 extends from sealing portion 1040 to inlet portion 1047 of cassette connector 1036, which houses electrical conductor 1032. Inlet portion 1047 is shaped similarly to cassette connector 1036, in this case as a hollow cylinder with an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of cassette connector 1036, such that the inner surface of electrical insulator 1038 contacts the outer surface of cassette connector 1036. Sealing members 1015 and 1046 provide pressure seals against hydrostatic pressure in a well environment, as well as pressure seals between adjacent tools.

[0066] An electrical conductor 1032 extends through a central plate 1012 beyond the sealing portion 1040 of an electrical insulator 1038, wherein a central hole 1025 defines an annular gap 1050 around the electrical conductor 1038. A wall 1052 extends radially inward from the inner wall of the central hole 1025 toward the electrical conductor 1032 to define the gap 1050. The electrical conductor 1032 further extends into a first protrusion 1024 to reach a pin connector 1034. Thus, the electrical insulator 1038 extends partially from the cassette connector 1038 along the length of the electrical conductor 1032 into the annular gap 1050. Each of the electrical insulator 1038 and the electrical conductor 1032 extends beyond a second protrusion into a second cavity 1018 and beyond a second end of the body 1010 to provide accessible electrical connection for adaptation to another tool.

[0067] exist Figure 10B In this embodiment, the loading tube 1002 has a connector 1052 that can be inserted into a cassette connector 1038 of the partition member 1006. The connector 1052 has a metal pin 1054 and a metal protrusion 1056 on the metal pin 1054, wherein an overmolded plastic body 1058 positions the metal pin 1054 and the metal protrusion 1056 at the end of the loading tube 1002. Inserting the metal protrusion 1056 into the cassette connector 1038 of the partition member 1006 establishes an electrical connection between the partition member 1006 and the loading tube 1002.

[0068] A plug connector 1060 is disposed within the end of the first protrusion 1024 surrounding a pin connector 1036 of the electrical conductor 1032. The plug connector 1060 provides an electrical connection to the wire contact 1062 of the detonator module 1004. The plug connector 1060 may be an RCA connector or another convenient type of connector. The wire contact 1062, connected to the plug connector 1060, electrically connects the partition member 1006 to the detonator module 1004. In this way, an electrical connection is established from the detonator module 1004, through the partition member 1006, to the loading tube 1002.

[0069] Return to Figure 10A Conductivity is established along the loading tube 1002 by connecting a wire (not shown) to connector 1052. Connector 1052 is a first connector located at its first end 1066 of the loading tube 1002. The loading tube 1002 has a second connector 1064 located at its second end 1068 opposite the first end. The wire is connected from the first connector 1052 to the second connector 1064 along any convenient path across the length of the loading tube 1002.

[0070] exist Figure 10A The second loading tube 1002 is shown to illustrate its connection to the detonator module 1004 at its second end 1068. A connector 1070 is disposed in the central recess 1072 of the second connector 1064. The connector 1070 makes electrical contact with the housing 1074 of the detonator module 1004. The housing provides wire contacts 1062 with the detonator module 1004. Figure 10B The electrical connection between the housing 1004 and a circuit board 1076 located at one end of the detonator module 1004, the circuit board being connected to the partition member 1006 and oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the perforating tool 1000, is also described. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 1074 is made of a non-conductive material, electrical contacts may be provided for connection to the connector 1070, and electrical conductors may be guided through the housing 1074 to connect to the wire contact 1062 and the circuit board 1076.

[0071] The loading tube 1002, the detonator module 1004, and the partition component 1006 are all assembled inside the housing 1007. Figure 10A In the diagram, the housings 1007 of two adjacent and connected perforation assemblies are shown connected by a threaded connection 1009, with each end of each housing 1007 having a thread. Each housing 1007 has a first end 1003 and a second end 1005 opposite to the first end 1003, wherein each end 1003 and 1005 is threaded. Here, a partition member 1006 is shown connected to each end 1003 and 1005 of the housing 1007. (See again) Figure 10BThe first end 1016 of the partition member 1006 engages with the first end 1003 of the first housing 1007, while the second end 1020 of the partition member 1006 engages with the second end 1005 of the second housing 1007, which is connected to the first housing 1007. In this case, the partition member 1006 uses a friction fit to connect to each housing in a non-threaded connection, but a threaded connection can be used to connect the partition member 1006 to either the first end 1003 or the second end 1005 of the housing 1007.

[0072] During operation, the detonator 1080 ( Figure 10A The detonator 1080 is disposed in a recess in the detonator module 1004. The detonator 1080 extends into the central recess 1072 of the second connector 1064 of the loading tube 1002. A transfer charge (not shown) is also disposed in the central recess 1072 of the second connector 1064. A detonating cord is connected to the transfer charge and guided along the loading tube 1002 to the perforating projectile held therein. An electrical signal received at the circuit board 1076 causes the circuit board to send an electrical signal to activate the detonator 1080, which in turn detonates the transfer charge. The ballistic detonation of the transfer charge is transmitted via the detonating cord to the perforating projectile held in the loading tube 1002.

[0073] Figure 11A This is a perspective side view of an energy module 1100 according to another embodiment. The energy module 1100 is a modular assembly having multiple shaped charge projectile frames 1102 connected together. Here, each shaped charge projectile frame 1102 holds one shaped charge projectile, similar to... Figure 2 A shaped charge projectile frame 1102. Each shaped charge projectile frame 1102 has at least two forks 1104 at a first end 1106 of the frame 1102, and a matching number of openings 1108 at a second end 1110 of the frame 1102 to receive the forks 1104 of another frame 1102. In this way, multiple frames 1102 can be connected together to form a shaped charge projectile frame assembly 1100. Similar to... Figure 2 The support 208, fork 1104, and opening 1108 align and maintain the alignment of the frame 1102. The frame 1102 can be rotated using the rotation methods and apparatus described herein.

[0074] It should be noted that the shaped charge projectile frame 1102 can accommodate more than one shaped charge projectile. Figure 11BThis is a perspective side view of a modular shaped charge frame 1152, similar to the shaped charge frame 1102, holding four shaped charge projectiles. Here, the four frames 1102 are yoke-connected to form the modular frame 1152. The frame 1152 uses detonating cords to achieve ballistic continuity from the initiator module to the four shaped charge projectiles, and various electrical continuity methods described elsewhere herein can be used. Each of the frames 1102 has a peripheral conduit 1154 extending adjacent to a narrow end of each shaped charge projectile receptacle in each frame 1102. The conduit 1154 forms a continuous path along the periphery of the modular frame 1152 to accommodate detonating cords or other ballistic transfer mechanisms. As described herein, the frame 1152 can also be engaged or connected to the initiator module and diaphragm members described herein, can be rotated using the rotation methods and devices described herein, and can be self-oriented using weight members to adjust the center of gravity.

[0075] At least one of the shaped charge perforating projectile frames 1102 has an opening 1112 at a first end 1106, a second end 1108, or both, to receive a weight component 1114 to allow the energy module 1100 to self-orient, as described elsewhere herein. Ballistic continuity is achieved in the shaped charge perforating projectile frame 1102 using the methods and apparatus described herein. Each of the frames 1102 has an external conduit 1116 extending along its axial direction along the outer radius 1118 of the frame 1102. The external conduits 1116 of the connected frames 1102 form a single external conduit 1120 along the outer radius 1118 of the frame 1102 from a first end 1122 of the energy module 1100 to a second end 1124 of the energy module 1100 opposite the first end.

[0076] Similar to Figure 1C The electrical conductor 1126 of the electrical conductor 132 can be configured to extend from the first end 1122 through the external conduit 1120 to the second end 1124. The electrical conductor 1126 configured in this way provides electrical continuity from the first end 1122 to the second end 1124 of the energy module 1100. According to... Figure 11A In this way, any number of frames 1102 can thus be locked together to house the shaped charge projectile in the energy module between the detonator module and the bulkhead member.

[0077] While the foregoing relates to embodiments of the present invention, other and additional embodiments of the present disclosure may be contemplated without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A perforation tool, comprising: A container with a longitudinal axis; The detonator module in the container includes an ignition circuit, electrical contacts along the longitudinal axis, and a detonator housing; and The shaped charge projectile frame in the container has: First end; The second end, opposite to the first end; A groove for receiving a shaped charge projectile between the first end and the second end, the groove having a wide end and a narrow end, wherein the longitudinal axis is between the wide end and the narrow end; A first electrical contact at the first end, the first electrical contact being located at the longitudinal axis; A second electrical contact at the second end, the second electrical contact being located at the longitudinal axis; An electrical conductor, wherein the electrical conductor connects the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact; as well as A ballistic path that connects the detonator housing to the narrow end of the groove.

2. The perforating tool of claim 1, wherein the detonator housing is positioned along the longitudinal axis.

3. The perforating tool of claim 1, wherein the shaped charge perforating projectile frame is rotatable relative to the detonator module within the container.

4. The perforating tool of claim 1, further comprising an asymmetrical diaphragm member, wherein the shaped charge perforating projectile frame is located between the diaphragm member and the detonator module.

5. The perforating tool of claim 4, wherein the electrical conductor is detachably disposed in a longitudinal passage at the periphery of the frame.

6. The perforating tool of claim 1, wherein the ballistic path includes a detonating cord.

7. The perforating tool of claim 1, wherein the shaped charge perforating projectile frame further includes an opening for receiving a weight.

8. The perforating tool of claim 5, wherein each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is a leaf spring contact.

9. A frame for a shaped charge projectile, the frame comprising: The main body has a central longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end; A housing for a shaped charge projectile, the housing having a wide end and a narrow end, wherein a central longitudinal axis is located between the wide end and the narrow end; An electrical conductor is disposed in a passageway through the periphery of the frame from the first end to the second end of the frame; as well as A ballistic path is disposed in the frame adjacent to the narrow end of the housing and fluidly connected to an opening in the first end of the frame.

10. The frame of claim 9, wherein the ballistic path is further fluidly connected to an opening in the second end of the frame.

11. The frame of claim 10, wherein the opening at the first end of the frame is located at the central longitudinal axis and the opening at the second end of the frame is located at the central longitudinal axis.

12. The frame of claim 9, wherein the electrical conductor is in the shape of a flat strip, and its first end is located adjacent to the central region of the first end of the frame, and its second end is located adjacent to the central region of the second end of the frame.

13. The frame of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second ends of the electrical conductor is elastic.

14. The frame of claim 13, wherein each of the first and second ends of the electrical conductor is a leaf spring.

15. The framework of claim 11, further comprising: A first channel fluidly connects the cartridge case to the opening in the first end of the frame; And a second channel that fluidly connects the cartridge case to the opening at the second end of the frame.

Images