Downhole Detonation Assembly Spring-Loaded Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stimulation tools in oilfield technology lack safety and efficiency in perforating wellbores for fluid production, as existing methods for creating fractures and perforations are not adequately effective.
Innovation Solution
A detonation assembly for a downhole tool with a detonator housing, connectors, and a trigger mechanism that ensures a secure and reliable electrical connection between the detonator and charge assembly, enabling controlled detonation for efficient perforation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stimulation tools are used for creating perforations, then the basic function of fluid production is achieved, but safety and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detonation assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a detonator housing containing the detonator and trigger mechanism, and a charge assembly containing the explosive charge. These modules are connected through a connector with spring-loaded arms that provide reliable electrical contact. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector with spring-loaded arms acts as an intermediary between the detonator and charge assembly. This intermediary component ensures consistent electrical contact through the spring mechanism, which maintains pressure and reliability during operation, thereby improving both safety and efficiency of the perforation process.
2Reliability
If electrical connection between detonator and charge assembly is made, then detonation can be controlled, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded arms in the connector are self-adjusting and automatically maintain electrical contact pressure. The spring mechanism self-compensates for minor misalignments and wear, ensuring consistent electrical connection without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms. This self-service approach improves connection reliability while keeping the design relatively simple.
3Reliability
If trigger mechanism is positioned in detonator housing, then controlled detonation is achieved, but device compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is merged with the detonator housing, where the trigger is positioned within the same housing that contains the detonator. This merging of components allows for controlled detonation while minimizing the overall volume of the assembly, as the trigger and detonator share the same housing space rather than requiring separate compartments.
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 provides a safe and efficient method for perforating wellbores by ensuring consistent electrical contact and controlled detonation, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of fluid production from subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
The detonator contact has spring-loaded arms extending through openings in the second connection to urge electrical contact with the charge assembly
Implementation Method 2
a detonator positioned in the detonation housing
Implementation Method 3
The perforations may be created by firing charges from the stimulation tool into the wall of the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A detonation assembly of a perforating unit of a downhole tool is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, and includes a charge assembly. The detonation assembly includes a detonator housing positionable in the perforating unit and having an uphole and downhole ends; uphole and downhole connections positioned at the uphole and downhole ends, respectively, of the detonator housing; a detonator positioned in the detonation housing; and a trigger positioned in the detonator housing. The trigger includes a detonation switch and a detonator contact. The detonation switch is communicatively coupled, when in use, between a remote actuator and the detonator contact. The detonator contact is positionable in the downhole connection, and has spring-loaded arms extending through openings in the downhole connection to urge electrical contact with the charge assembly whereby an electrical connection is maintained between the detonator and the charge assembly.