Detonating Cord Depth Stop for Reliable Perforating Gun Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ensuring proper assembly and positioning of detonating cords in perforating guns to ensure reliable detonation, particularly in side-by-side detonators, is challenging due to the need for precise overlap and depth control during assembly, which is often complicated by the risk of accidental detonation during transportation and assembly at the wellsite.
Innovation Solution
A detonator housing with integrated detonating cord receptacle and stop features that allow for precise positioning and secure seating of the detonating cord, ensuring the desired overlap with the detonator, while providing visual confirmation and preventing over-insertion, thus facilitating reliable detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detonating cord is inserted deeply into the detonator housing to ensure proper overlap with the detonator, then the reliability of detonation is improved, but the risk of accidental detonation during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
A depth locating feature (intermediary structure) is introduced between the detonating cord and the detonator housing to control the insertion depth. This feature acts as a mechanical stop that prevents the detonating cord from being inserted too deeply, thereby reducing the risk of accidental detonation while maintaining the required overlap for reliable detonation.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth locating feature is pre-configured in the detonator housing before assembly. This preliminary structure ensures that when the detonating cord is inserted, it automatically stops at the correct depth without requiring precise manual measurement or control, thus preventing accidental detonation while ensuring proper overlap.
2Manufacturing precision
If the detonating cord insertion depth is precisely controlled to ensure optimal overlap with the detonator, then the detonation performance is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth locating feature is designed to automatically control the insertion depth of the detonating cord during assembly. The feature itself serves as the control mechanism, eliminating the need for external measurement tools or complex positioning procedures. The detonating cord inserts itself to the correct depth by engaging with the depth locating feature, thus achieving precise control without increasing assembly complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the detonator housing design is simplified to reduce manufacturing costs, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to precisely position and limit detonating cord insertion depth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The depth locating feature is integrated into the detonator housing as a single unified component rather than being a separate part. This merging of functions allows the housing to simultaneously serve as both the container for the detonator and the depth control mechanism for the detonating cord. The integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining precise depth control capability.
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 ensures reliable and safe assembly of perforating guns by maintaining the correct overlap and depth of the detonating cord, enhancing the reliability and safety of the detonation process.
Implementation Method 1
An explosive train is then initiated to detonate the shaped charges in a predetermined fashion
Data Source
AI summary
A detonator housing facilitates assembly of detonator components of a perforating gun. In an example, the detonator housing comprises a housing body configured for coupling to a charge tube of a perforating gun. A detonator receptacle is formed on the housing body for receiving a detonator. A detonating cord receptacle is formed on the housing body adjacent the detonator receptacle for receiving an end portion of a detonating cord in an overlapping relationship with the detonator. A detonating cord stop is formed on the detonating cord receptacle to limit an insertion depth of the detonating cord within the detonating cord receptacle.