Perforating Gun Detonator Assembly With Interrupter for Safe Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional perforating gun systems require detonators to be assembled at the wellsite, increasing assembly time and costs due to the risk of inadvertent detonation during transport, which is mitigated by preassembling a detonator assembly with an interrupter to ensure safe transport and efficient assembly.
Innovation Solution
A perforating gun system with a detonator assembly that includes a detonator holder and an interrupter positioned between the detonator and det cord, allowing preassembly and safe transport, minimizing assembly time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detonator is assembled with the perforating gun at the wellsite, then the risk of inadvertent detonation during transport is eliminated, but the assembly time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detonator assembly is pre-assembled with the interrupter in place at the manufacturing location, allowing the complete assembly to be safely transported to the wellsite. The interrupter is already positioned to block the ballistic connection, enabling preliminary assembly without safety risks during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components: the detonator assembly (detonator holder with interrupter) and the det cord. The interrupter acts as a segmented barrier that can be independently positioned to block or permit the ballistic connection between the detonator and det cord, allowing safe transport in assembled state with quick activation at wellsite.
2Loss of time
If the detonator is preassembled with the perforating gun, then assembly time and costs are reduced, but the risk of inadvertent detonation during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupter serves as an intermediary component between the detonator and det cord. It physically blocks the ballistic connection during transport, allowing the detonator to be safely pre-assembled with the perforating gun. The interrupter can be quickly removed or repositioned at the wellsite to establish the connection when needed.
3Reliability
If the interrupter is positioned to block the ballistic connection, then safe transport is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupter is extracted as a separate, removable component from the detonator assembly. This allows the interrupter to be independently positioned to block the ballistic connection during transport, while being easily removable at the wellsite to activate the system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 enables safe preassembly of detonator assemblies, reducing assembly time and costs by preventing inadvertent detonations during transport, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the detonator is configured to detonate the one or more shaped charges in response to receiving a firing signal from the electrical switch
Data Source
AI summary
A perforating gun system includes a cylindrical outer housing, a charge carrier assembly receivable in the outer housing, wherein the charge carrier assembly includes a charge carrier defining an interior configured to at least partially receive one or more shaped charges, a first endplate coupled to a first end of the charge carrier, and a second endplate coupled to a second end of the charge carrier, and wherein the first endplate defines a switch receptacle for at least partially receiving an electrical switch and a detonator receptacle for receiving a detonator such that the detonator is configured to detonate the one or more shaped charges in response to receiving a firing signal from the electrical switch.