Detonation System Sealed Initiation Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current detonation systems for perforating gun assemblies in hydrocarbon recovery operations face challenges in maintaining reliable electrical connections and protecting electronics within the tandem sub from wellbore fluids and debris generated by explosive charges, leading to frequent replacement and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A detonation system featuring a tandem sub with an electronic switch assembly housed within, a contact pin for signal transmission, and a dart that seals the sub from pressure waves and debris, allowing pre-assembled wiring connections and reuse of the system after detonation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic switch assembly is housed within the tandem sub, then the electrical connections are more reliable and the system can be reused, but the electronics are exposed to wellbore fluids and debris from detonation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidexposure to wellbore fluids and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A bulkhead is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the electronic switch assembly and the detonation environment. The bulkhead physically separates the electronics from the wellbore fluids and debris while allowing the tandem sub to remain reusable and maintaining reliable electrical connections through the bulkhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tandem sub is segmented into distinct zones: a first chamber housing the electronic switch assembly and a second chamber for the detonator. This segmentation isolates the electronics from the explosive environment while maintaining functional connectivity through the bulkhead and wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the tandem sub is designed for reuse after detonation, then operational costs are reduced, but the electronics are vulnerable to damage from pressure waves and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reusabilityVSAvoiddamage from pressure waves and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bulkhead serves as a protective intermediary that shields the electronic switch assembly from pressure waves and debris generated during detonation. This allows the tandem sub to be reused across multiple operations without replacing the electronics, thereby reducing operational costs and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bulkhead is pre-installed to provide protective cushioning before detonation occurs. This beforehand protection prevents direct exposure of the electronics to harmful pressure waves and debris, enabling the system to withstand repeated use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If wiring connections are pre-assembled in the tandem sub, then the system is more efficient and reusable, but the wiring is exposed to damage from detonation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidwiring exposure to detonation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring connections are segmented and routed through the bulkhead, which provides physical protection. The bulkhead acts as a protective barrier that shields the pre-assembled wiring from detonation damage while maintaining the efficiency of pre-assembly and system reusability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system ensures reliable electrical connections and protects internal electronics from wellbore fluids and debris, enabling the reuse of the tandem sub and reducing operational costs by minimizing damage and cleaning requirements.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure wave from the explosive charge impacts the tandem sub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 2

The dart is deformed by the pressure wave... The dart is deformed to sealingly engage the inner conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11255650B2Detonation system having sealed explosive initiation assembly

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 PERFX WIRELINE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A detonation system for a perforating gun assembly. The detonation system includes a tandem sub having a first end and a second opposing end. Each of the first and second ends connects to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and an electronic switch assembly residing within the inner bore. A contact pin also resides within the inner bore of the tandem sub, with the contact pin having a head that extends into the electronic switch assembly and is configured to transmit instruction signals from the surface. A dart is provided near the first end of the tandem sub, with the dart having a base portion and a tip. The dart resides within an end plate, wherein the base portion has an outer diameter that is greater than an inner conduit of the end plate. The dart is configured to seal against the inner bore of the end plate in response to a pressure wave generated by detonation of charges in an adjacent perforating gun, thereby sealing off the tandem sub.