Electrically Actuated Explosives Downhole Perforation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing and perforation methods in subterranean operations face challenges due to the use of volatile and expensive explosive materials, which pose safety risks and require complex equipment, and lack control over perforation creation and fracture extension.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrically actuated, excited, or ignited charge carriers with Digital Solid State Propulsion technology, which provides stable and controlled perforations and fractures, reducing unintended explosions and allowing for multiple uses until depletion, enabling precise control over perforation creation and fracture extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional explosive materials are used for perforation and fracturing, then perforation effectiveness is achieved, but safety risks increase due to volatility and sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of explosive activation from shock-initiated (traditional) to electrically-initiated (digital). The explosive material itself remains similar, but its activation mechanism is transformed to be controlled by electrical signals, allowing for safer handling and more precise control while maintaining perforation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/shock-based initiation system with an electrical/digital control system. Instead of using mechanical impact or shock waves to trigger explosives, the system uses electrical signals to activate the explosive material, eliminating the need for complex mechanical initiation equipment and reducing safety hazards associated with handling sensitive explosives
2Strength
If conventional explosive fracturing is used, then formation fracture is achieved, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical initiation equipment with simple electrical signaling equipment. The electrical initiation system requires only basic electrical components (wires, power sources, control units) compared to the complex mechanical shock generation equipment traditionally required, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fracture creation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical signal as an intermediary between the control system and the explosive material. This electrical intermediary simplifies the connection and control mechanism, replacing complex mechanical linkages with straightforward electrical circuits that are easier to control and monitor
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional explosives are used, then perforation is achieved, but control over perforation creation and fracture extension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, all-or-nothing explosive initiation into a dynamic, controllable process. Electrical signals can be timed, sequenced, and adjusted in intensity, allowing operators to control exactly when and how each explosive element is activated. This enables precise control over perforation creation and fracture extension timing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or sequential electrical signaling to activate explosive elements in a controlled sequence. Rather than simultaneous activation, the system can trigger explosives at different times and locations, enabling precise control over the progression and direction of fracture extension
4Productivity
If volatile explosive materials are used, then fracturing effectiveness is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter of the explosive material from shock-sensitive to electrically-responsive. This allows the use of less sensitive, more stable explosive compositions that are cheaper and safer to handle, while maintaining the same fracturing effectiveness through controlled electrical initiation
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
This approach enhances safety, reduces costs, and provides greater control over perforation and fracture creation, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing damage, and can be reused multiple times for efficient well repair and abandonment processes.
Implementation Method 1
The explosive material is electrically actuated, excited, or ignited
Implementation Method 2
detonating the explosive charge to shatter a formation
Data Source
AI summary
Electrically ignitable and electrically controllable explosive material (EIECEM) may be disposed within a shaped charge for deployment downhole. An explosion of the EIECEM is controlled by limiting the duration of excitation at the EIECEM, for example, the duration that an electrical source provides an electrical charge, electrical current or electrical signal. The shaped charge may be insulated from an electrical source to prevent explosion of the EIECEM and coupled to the electrical source to create ignite or explode the EIECEM. A plurality of shaped charges may be disposed downhole and may be ignited or exploded in any suitable order. The EIECEM may be ignited multiple times such that multiple explosions are created. The explosion of the EIECEM creates or extends a perforation or fracture in a formation. The shaped charges may be arranged to create a shaped perforation or fracture, such as a slot-shaped fracture.