Casing Washout Perforating Gun With Variable Charge Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug and abandonment technologies face challenges in achieving optimal perforation and washing conditions, leading to excessive casing damage and non-optimal removal of debris and cement, due to larger perforation hole sizes which are difficult to obtain.
Innovation Solution
A casing washout perforating gun assembly with downhole and uphole charges of varying sizes and orientations, optimized to create smaller and larger openings respectively, combined with engineered fluid flow and additives to enhance turbulence and suspension of solids, facilitating effective washing and plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If larger perforation hole sizes are used to maximize flow area for debris removal and cement pumping, then flow area is improved, but casing damage increases and washing conditions become non-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single large perforation hole into multiple smaller holes arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the total flow area to be maintained or increased while each individual hole remains small enough to avoid excessive casing damage and provide optimal washing conditions for debris removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates different hole sizes and distributions at different locations within the perforation cluster. Larger holes may be positioned in specific areas to maximize flow area where needed, while smaller holes are positioned in other areas to minimize casing damage and optimize washing conditions locally.
2Area of moving object
If larger perforation hole sizes are used to maximize flow area for debris removal and cement pumping, then flow area is improved, but washing conditions become non-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the flow area into multiple smaller holes that create better turbulence and washing conditions. The segmented configuration allows fluid to flow through multiple paths, improving the washing efficiency and removing debris more effectively compared to a single large hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The specific arrangement of multiple holes creates turbulent flow patterns and vortexes that enhance the washing action. This turbulence effect improves the removal of cement and debris from the casing interior, providing optimal washing conditions.
3Productivity
If smaller opening sizes are used downhole to enhance turbulence and suspension of solids, then washing effectiveness is improved, but flow area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention compensates for the reduced flow area of individual small holes by increasing the number of holes in the cluster. The total flow area is maintained or enhanced while each hole remains small enough to create the turbulence and suspension effects needed for effective washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention arranges holes in a specific three-dimensional cluster configuration rather than a simple linear or planar arrangement. This spatial distribution optimizes both the total flow area and the turbulence generation, allowing small holes to achieve high washing effectiveness without significantly reducing overall flow capacity.
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 solution allows for efficient removal of debris and cement while minimizing casing damage, achieving optimal washing conditions and ensuring effective plugging of the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
engineered fluid flow and additives to enhance turbulence and suspension of solids
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a casing washout perforating gun assembly for use in a wellbore. The casing washout perforating gun assembly, in one example, includes a carrier gun body, an uphole plurality of charges supported within the carrier gun body, and a downhole plurality of charges supported within the carrier gun body. According to this example, the uphole plurality of charges have an uphole size or uphole explosive design to perforate uphole openings having uphole opening areas within a wellbore casing, and the downhole plurality of charges have a different downhole size or different downhole explosive design to perforate downhole openings having downhole opening areas within the wellbore casing, and furthermore the downhole opening areas are at least 20 percent less than the uphole opening areas.