Cluster Gun System for Reduced Wellbore Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perforating guns used in subterranean well completion are lengthy, making them difficult to introduce into wellbores, especially in highly deviated or horizontal wells, and require complex tool assemblies in harsh wellsite environments.
Innovation Solution
A perforating gun assembly with a cluster design comprising cylindrical halves that form a shaped charge cluster, allowing for orthogonal perforation planes, reduced length, and simplified assembly, featuring a threaded interface, contact retainer nut, and spring-loaded contact pin for efficient detonation and reduced tool complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional perforating guns are used, then complete perforation function is achieved, but tool length becomes excessive making introduction into wellbores difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating gun is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected end-to-end. Each section contains a subset of the total shaped charges, allowing the overall tool length to be reduced while maintaining the complete perforation function through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs orthogonal perforation planes arranged in a cluster configuration. Multiple shaped charges are oriented at right angles to each other, creating perforations in different spatial dimensions. This allows the tool to achieve comprehensive formation penetration without requiring excessive length in a single direction.
2Productivity
If complex tool assemblies are used, then complete perforation function is achieved, but assembly complexity increases in harsh wellsite environments
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into standardized modular sections with consistent interfaces. Each module contains shaped charges, detonators, and connecting mechanisms in a standardized configuration, simplifying assembly procedures in harsh wellsite environments while maintaining complete perforation coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated modular units. The shaped charges, detonators, and structural elements are combined into self-contained sections that function as complete units, reducing the number of separate assembly steps and interfaces required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gun designs are used, then perforation coverage is achieved, but tool assembly and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes orthogonal clusters of shaped charges arranged in three-dimensional space. Charges are oriented in perpendicular planes (X, Y, and Z directions), enabling comprehensive formation penetration from multiple angles simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach provides superior perforation coverage while maintaining relatively simple linear tool geometry and assembly procedures.
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 cluster design reduces tool length, simplifies assembly, and enables efficient orthogonal perforation in wellbores, improving well completion efficiency and reducing site operations complexity.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded contact pin for efficient detonation
Implementation Method 2
threaded interface, contact retainer nut
Implementation Method 3
A shaped charge is a term of art for a device that when detonated generates a focused output, high energy output, and/or high velocity jet
Implementation Method 4
when the explosive detonates, the liner metal is compressed into a super-heated, super pressurized jet that can penetrate metal, concrete, and rock
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for containing one or more shaped charges in a single plane, arrayed about the center axis of a gun body, and detonated from a single initiator in a shaped charge cluster assembly.