Asymmetric Slot Perforating Assembly for Increased Area of Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current perforating technologies have reached the limit of maximizing the area of flow (AOF) using conventional explosives and designs, and unconventional assemblies are cumbersome and incompatible with existing systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of asymmetric perforating assemblies with structural and/or material asymmetry in charge carriers, liners, and explosive charges to create elongated perforations without requiring significant design changes to existing perforating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional explosives and designs are used, then existing perforating systems can be maintained, but the area of flow (AOF) has reached its limit and cannot be maximized further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using an asymmetric liner geometry (e.g., conical or tapered shape) within a conventional symmetric charge carrier. This asymmetric liner redirects the explosive force to create elongated slot perforations instead of circular holes, maximizing AOF while maintaining compatibility with existing symmetric perforating gun systems. The asymmetric profile is achieved through varying the liner thickness or shape along its length, allowing the same charge carrier design to produce enhanced flow areas.
2Productivity
If larger explosives or higher shot densities are used to increase AOF, then area of flow improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the explosive energy through a specifically designed asymmetric liner geometry that focuses the force in particular directions. Instead of using larger explosives throughout, the asymmetric liner shape (such as a conical profile with varying thickness) locally redirects the explosive force to create elongated perforation slots, achieving higher AOF with the same or smaller charge sizes. This localized geometric modification simplifies the overall assembly while improving performance.
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
The asymmetric perforating assemblies increase the area of flow by forming wider perforations, reducing the need for higher shot densities and larger explosives, and enhancing fluid communication in wellbore casings.
Implementation Method 1
an explosive charge disposed between the charge carrier and the liner and supported on the charge carrier
Implementation Method 2
detonating a series of explosive shaped charges adjacent to the production zone
Implementation Method 3
the liner has an asymmetric profile... the asymmetric profile of the liner redirects a portion of the force generated by the explosive charge
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a perforating system including a perforating gun and, more particularly, disclosed are methods and apparatuses using a conical perforating assembly. In one aspect, embodiments relate to a perforating assembly, that includes a charge carrier, a liner disposed in the charge carrier, and an explosive charge disposed between the charge carrier and the liner and supported on the charge carrier, where the liner is supported on the explosive charge, where the perforating assembly has an asymmetric profile.