Annular Connectors for Perforating Guns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Perforating systems face issues with signal communication and detonation reliability due to leakages and damage from high pressures, as well as twisted wires during assembly, which affect the performance and efficiency of perforating operations in wellbores.

Innovation Solution

A perforating system with annular connectors that enable signal transmission and ballistic charge transfer between adjacent perforating guns and connector subs, using male and female connectors with coaxial contact surfaces and interference fits, along with a method for deploying and initiating detonation signals to shape charges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wire connectors are used to provide electrical communication between components, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the wires can become twisted or damaged during assembly and may leak when exposed to high pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical communication reliabilityVSAvoidwire damage and leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electrical signal transmission and ballistic charge transfer into a single connector interface. The annular electrical contact serves dual purposes: transmitting electrical signals and providing a pathway for ballistic detonation, eliminating the need for separate wire connections that are prone to damage and leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The annular electrical contact acts as an intermediary element between adjacent string members. It provides a robust intermediate connection point that facilitates both electrical and ballistic transmission while protecting against the harmful effects of direct wire exposure to high pressure and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If traditional connector subs are used to join perforating guns, then mechanical connection is achieved, but signal transmission and ballistic charge transfer between adjacent members are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidsignal and detonation transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector sub is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a mechanical joining element and a transmission medium for both electrical signals and ballistic charges. The annular electrical contact and associated circuitry are integrated directly into the connector sub structure, enabling it to perform multiple functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the mechanical connection function with signal transmission and ballistic charge transfer functions into a single integrated connector assembly. This eliminates the need for separate components and ensures reliable transmission across the mechanical joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If ports with removable covers are provided for accessing circuits, then assembly and maintenance access is enabled, but the ports may leak when exposed to high pressures downhole

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit access for assembly and maintenanceVSAvoidhigh pressure leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the circuit access function from pressure-exposed ports by providing dedicated access ports specifically for circuitry, separate from the high-pressure fluid pathways. This allows maintenance and assembly access without compromising pressure containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector sub is segmented into distinct functional zones: pressure-containing zones for ballistic charges and fluid pathways, and access zones for electrical circuits. This segmentation allows independent access to circuits without exposing high-pressure components, and vice versa.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures reliable electrical and detonation signal communication between perforating string members, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of perforation operations by preventing leaks and damage, and maintaining consistent contact under high pressure conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second annular electrical contacts are, in an embodiment, coaxially contacting, and the first and second signal members are in electrical communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The first annular electrical contact may be a sleeve and the second annular electrical contact can be a split ring coaxially insertable within the sleeve to form an interference fit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the connectors include attachment for detonator and/or booster charges for transferring ballistic detonations between the perforating gun and connector sub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentUS9175553B2Electric and ballistic connection through a field joint

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A perforating system having annular connectors for attachment between adjacent perforating guns and connectors. The connectors include male and female connectors with respective outer and inner contact surfaces. The connectors also include attachment for electrical detonators and/or booster charges for transferring ballistic detonations between the perforating gun and connector sub.