Downhole Ignition Assembly Modular Switch Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole ignition assemblies for well perforation in oil and gas recovery are not reliable and are difficult to reassemble efficiently, leading to the need for multiple spare assemblies and increased time and effort for reassembly.

Innovation Solution

A downhole ignition assembly design featuring a switch container with a longitudinal axis, where a first portion houses a switch circuit transverse to the axis and a second portion contacts an igniter, allowing for easy electrical contact with a tool and facilitating quick reassembly by bypassing the ignition housing in the ground path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional ignition assembly is used, then the tool can be activated downhole, but the assembly is difficult to reassemble and requires extensive cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reassemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ignition assembly is divided into distinct modular components: a reusable housing containing the switch circuit, and a disposable igniter cartridge. This segmentation allows the housing to be separated and reused while the consumable igniter is replaced, dramatically simplifying reassembly procedures and eliminating the need for extensive cleaning of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The consumable igniter component is extracted as a separate replaceable cartridge from the main housing. This extraction allows the housing to be treated as a durable reusable component that requires minimal maintenance, while the igniter cartridge is simply removed and replaced, eliminating complex disassembly and cleaning requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple spare assemblies are kept, then reliability is maintained, but time and effort for reassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of ignitionVSAvoidtime for reassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The design applies local quality by making only the igniter cartridge disposable while the housing remains reusable. This localized disposability maintains reliability through consistent housing performance while reducing time loss by eliminating the need to reassemble or clean the housing, requiring only simple cartridge replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The igniter cartridge is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, while the housing is recovered and reused for subsequent operations. This approach maintains reliability through consistent housing performance while minimizing time and effort by requiring only the simple replacement of the consumable cartridge rather than full reassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If wire connections are used, then electrical contact is established, but extensive cleaning is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The design replaces complex wire connection systems with a simplified mechanical electrical contact system. The switch circuit within the housing establishes electrical contact through robust mechanical interfaces designed for durability and ease of cleaning, eliminating the need for extensive cleaning procedures while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design enhances the reliability and ease of reassembly of downhole ignition assemblies, reducing the need for multiple spare assemblies and minimizing time and effort required for reassembly, while also eliminating the need for wire connections and extensive cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

A wireline delivers electrical energy to a combustible element, thus activating a ballistic discharge that, in turn, sets off the explosives in the tools

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The wall of the drilled well is perforated by activation of explosive charges. A jet of material creates an opening in the wall of the well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentUS12338717B2Downhole ignition assembly

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A downhole ignition assembly is described herein. The downhole ignition assembly has a switch container having a longitudinal axis, the switch container having a first portion that accommodates a switch circuit in an orientation transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second portion that contacts an igniter disposed in the second portion, the first portion having a contact that makes electrical contact with a tool coupled to the downhole ignition assembly.