Dissolvable Shaped Charge Liners for Debris-Free Perforation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well perforation methods using shaped charges generate debris that can clog pores and reduce well productivity, despite efforts to minimize debris through various charge designs and systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating dissolvable materials in shaped charge cases, liners, and gun components that dissolve in wellbore fluids, eliminating debris and enhancing well performance by allowing for larger holes and deeper penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If shaped charges are used for perforation, then casing penetration and formation penetration are achieved, but debris is generated that clogs pores and reduces well productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by using biodegradable polymer materials for the shaped charge case and liner. These components are designed to dissolve and disappear after serving their perforation function, eliminating the need for permanent structural materials that would create lasting debris. The biodegradable case and liner break down into harmless substances that do not clog formation pores, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving penetration and avoiding productivity-reducing debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by transitioning from traditional metal materials to biodegradable polymer materials with different chemical and physical properties. The polymer materials have specific dissolution rates and biodegradation characteristics that allow them to function during perforation then gradually break down. This parameter change in material composition and degradation behavior enables the system to achieve penetration while eliminating harmful debris, improving well productivity.
2Strength
If traditional metal materials are used in shaped charge components, then structural strength and durability are maintained, but debris persists in the wellbore and formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using biodegradable polymer composites for the shaped charge case and liner. These composite materials combine the necessary structural strength for withstanding assembly and firing conditions with the ability to biodegrade after use. The composite structure provides adequate mechanical properties during operation while ensuring complete breakdown into harmless substances afterward, thus maintaining both structural integrity and long-term well performance without persistent debris.
3Productivity
If encapsulated shaped charges are used, then bigger holes and deeper penetration are achieved, but more debris is produced compared to non-encapsulated charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle to the encapsulated charge design by making the encapsulating case and liner from biodegradable polymers. This allows the encapsulated charge to deliver its enhanced penetration capability while the encapsulating materials themselves dissolve after use. The biodegradable encapsulation materials break down completely, leaving no persistent debris in the wellbore or formation, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving deeper penetration and minimizing debris quantity.
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 use of dissolvable materials in shaped charge components minimizes debris, increases well productivity, and simplifies completion engineering by eliminating the need for debris cleaning, thereby improving well performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the case, the liner, the primer core, and the explosive comprising a material soluble in a selected fluid
Implementation Method 2
When the explosives are fired, they produce high pressure and high temperature. As a result, the shape charge liners are shot out as jets that can penetrate the casing and the nearby formation.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaped charge includes a charge case; a liner; an explosive retained between the charge case and the liner; and a primer core disposed in a hole in the charge case and in contact with the explosive, wherein at least one of the case, the liner, the primer core, and the explosive comprising a material soluble in a selected fluid. A perforation system includes a perforation gun, comprising a gun housing that includes a safety valve or a firing valve, wherein the safety valve or the firing valve comprises a material soluble in a selected fluid.