Asymmetric Shaped Charge Orientation for Transverse Wellbore Fracturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wellbore perforating technologies do not effectively optimize downhole transverse fracturing to maximize reservoir contact, leading to suboptimal production from subterranean formations.

Innovation Solution

The use of a wellbore perforating device with a plurality of shaped charges held by a holder, whereupon detonation, the charges form jets that intersect a common plane transversely to the wellbore at a predetermined radial distance, with outer charges tilted and azimuthally phased relative to an inner charge to enhance fracture initiation and propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional shaped charges are used with standard orientation, then the device structure is simple, but the reservoir contact and fracture propagation are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereservoir contactVSAvoidcharge orientation configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaped charges are oriented asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the holder, with specific tilt angles and azimuthal phases designed to direct charge jets toward a common transverse plane. This asymmetric configuration optimizes fracture initiation and propagation patterns to maximize reservoir contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional radial charge orientation to a three-dimensional configuration where charges are tilted at specific angles and phased azimuthally. This multi-dimensional orientation strategy directs jets to intersect a common transverse plane, creating optimized fracture patterns that enhance reservoir contact beyond simple radial perforation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If shaped charges are tilted and phased to optimize fracture propagation, then reservoir contact is maximized, but the manufacturing and assembly precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture propagationVSAvoidcharge tilt and phase angle

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each shaped charge is assigned specific local orientation parameters (tilt angle and azimuthal phase) tailored to its position on the holder. This localized optimization ensures that each charge contributes maximally to fracture propagation while maintaining overall system coherence, with charges oriented to direct jets toward a common transverse plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention systematically varies charge orientation parameters (tilt angles and azimuthal phases) based on positional coordinates along the holder. By changing these parameters in a controlled manner, the system achieves optimized fracture propagation patterns while providing clear manufacturing specifications for each charge location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If multiple gun sections are connected in series to extend perforation coverage, then the treated interval increases, but the device assembly and alignment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreated intervalVSAvoidgun section assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The perforating device is divided into multiple modular gun sections that can be connected in series. Each section contains a holder with shaped charges configured to intersect a common transverse plane. This segmentation allows extended treated intervals while maintaining consistent charge orientation geometry across multiple sections, facilitating systematic assembly and alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each gun section is designed as a universal module with standardized interfaces and consistent charge orientation characteristics. The holders in different sections are arranged to maintain the same charge jet intersection geometry, allowing multiple sections to function together as an integrated system for extended interval treatment without increasing per-section complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration maximizes reservoir contact by optimizing the intersection of charge jets with the wellbore, reducing pressures required for fracturing and improving connectivity between fractures and the well casing, thereby enhancing production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Radially oriented shaped charges on the perforating gun are detonated to perforate the surrounding well casing and formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShaped charge: Shaped Charge

Implementation Method 2

Upon detonation of the charges, charge jets intersect a common plane extending transversely to the holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Implementation Method 3

optimizing downhole transverse fracturing to thereby maximize reservoir contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS8327746B2Wellbore perforating devices

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Wellbore perforating devices are disclosed. In one example, a wellbore perforating device includes a plurality of shaped charges and a holder that holds the plurality of shaped charges so that upon detonation the charges intersect a common plane extending transversely to the holder.