Autonomous Downhole Perforation Switching for Precise Depth Firing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurate activation of downhole perforation tools is challenging due to delays introduced by surface signaling, complicating precise firing patterns and timing in oil and gas production.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an autonomous electronic switch with a processing unit that autonomously determines activation conditions based on environmental and operating data, using a programmable digital processing unit to apply voltage to detonators when specific criteria are met, independent of surface signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surface signaling is used to activate downhole tools, then control and monitoring capability is improved, but activation timing accuracy deteriorates due to signal transmission delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidactivation timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The downhole tool's electronic switch autonomously monitors depth and environmental conditions, then self-activates the detonator when activation criteria are met, eliminating dependence on surface signaling and removing transmission delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic switch pre-monitors depth and conditions during tool deployment, and pre-activates the detonator when criteria are satisfied, rather than waiting for surface commands, thus achieving timely activation without signal delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If autonomous electronic switch with processing unit is implemented, then activation timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation timing accuracyVSAvoidelectronic switch complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic switch integrates multiple functions (depth monitoring, condition sensing, data processing, and detonator activation control) into a single device, achieving autonomous operation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or simple electrical switches with a programmable electronic switch that uses digital processing to determine activation timing, enabling precise control while consolidating functionality

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

Enables precise and timely activation of downhole tools, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of perforation operations by allowing independent operation based on downhole conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a charge unit comprising a shaped charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShaped charge: Shaped Charge

Implementation Method 2

an initiator attached adjacent to the charge unit and comprising a detonator disposed to energize the shaped charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentUS12473803B2Intelligent switching in downhole tools

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A perforation tool is described herein. The perforation tool has a charge unit comprising a shaped charge; an initiator attached adjacent to the charge unit and comprising a detonator disposed to energize the shaped charge; and a switch attached adjacent to the charge unit and disposed to apply a voltage to the detonator, the switch comprising a processing unit configured to receive data representing depth, compare the received data to a depth target, and apply the voltage to the detonator if the received depth indicates the depth target has been reached. The processing unit can be configured to receive any data that can be converted to depth or any data that can represent an activation condition and apply the voltage when the data indicates the activation condition has been met. The processing unit can be programmed to initiate and operate autonomously in a well independent of surface signals.