Electronic Initiation Simulator for Wellbore Circuit Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and natural gas industries face challenges in precisely determining the number of perforating guns and initiators for wellbore operations, particularly at greater depths, and in ensuring the electrical connections and communication between them before deploying the tool string, which can result in inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic initiation system with a series of electronic ignition circuits and an indicator is developed, allowing for the simulation of the control circuitry in a wellbore tool string, enabling testing of the circuit output without deploying the tool string, and ensuring sufficient firing energy for perforation guns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the tool string is deployed into the wellbore without prior testing, then the operation can proceed quickly, but the risk of electrical connection failures and insufficient firing energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a simulation system that allows testing of electronic ignition circuits and electrical connections before the actual tool string is deployed into the wellbore. The simulation device replicates the electrical characteristics of the perforating guns and initiators, enabling operators to verify circuit functionality, check connections, and confirm sufficient firing energy in advance, thereby eliminating the need to deploy an inadequate tool string.
2Reliability
If the tool string is tested before deployment, then the reliability of electrical connections is improved, but the time and complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or simulation of the actual tool string's electrical system. The simulation device replicates the essential electrical characteristics of multiple perforating guns and initiators connected in series, allowing testing of the firing circuit without requiring the complete physical tool string. This copying approach reduces the complexity of the testing system while maintaining its effectiveness.
3Reliability
If more perforating guns and initiators are deployed to ensure adequate coverage, then the perforation effectiveness is improved, but the cost and complexity of the tool string increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system enables operators to test and verify the electrical connections and firing energy of the exact number of perforating guns planned for deployment. By identifying and correcting electrical connection issues or insufficient energy levels in the simulation phase, operators can ensure that each gun in the tool string will function properly, thereby maintaining perforation effectiveness with the intended number of guns rather than requiring additional units as a safety margin.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic initiation system for use with a firing panel may include an input connector, a plurality of electronic ignition circuits (EICs) operably coupled together in series, and an indicator operably coupled to an output of each EIC of the plurality of EICs. A first EIC of the plurality of EICs may be operably coupled to the input connector. The indicator is configured to generate an indication in response to an output of an EIC of the plurality of EICs satisfying a predetermined condition.