Electronic Selector Switch for Perforation Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing perforation systems for oil wells rely on mechanical switches and alternating power polarities to fire successive perforation charges, which can be inefficient and prone to errors, and lack a reliable method to determine the number of unfired charges and confirm firing status.
Innovation Solution
The system employs electronic selector switches and detonators linked by detonating cords, allowing for sequential firing of perforation charge elements without mechanical switches and using voltage drops to determine the number of unfired charges and confirm firing, with a mechanism to destroy electrical connections upon firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical switches and alternating power polarities are used to fire successive perforation charges, then the system can fire multiple charges, but the system becomes inefficient and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with electronic selector switches that use electrical signals to control the firing sequence of perforation charges. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and contact reliability issues inherent in mechanical switches, thereby improving both firing efficiency and reliability. The electronic switching mechanism allows for more precise control and status monitoring of each charge firing event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where voltage drops across the detonator circuits are monitored to determine the firing status of each charge. By measuring the electrical parameters (voltage drops) in real-time, the system can confirm which charges have been fired and which remain unfired, providing reliable feedback that improves overall system reliability and enables accurate tracking of the firing sequence.
2Loss of information
If mechanical switches are used to control perforation charges, then sequential firing is possible, but the system lacks a reliable method to determine the number of unfired charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical feedback through voltage drop measurements across each detonator circuit to determine firing status. This method provides reliable information about which charges have been fired without requiring complex mechanical position sensors or additional mechanical feedback mechanisms, thus reducing information loss while avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical signals as an intermediary to convey firing status information. Instead of using complex mechanical indicators or visual displays, the system uses the electrical characteristics (voltage drops) of the detonator circuits themselves as mediators to communicate firing status, simplifying the overall control system while maintaining reliable information transmission.
3Productivity
If alternating power polarities are used to fire successive charges, then multiple charges can be fired, but the process is inefficient and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the alternating power polarity method with an electronic switching system that uses a single polarity power source controlled by electronic selector switches. This substitution simplifies the operational procedure by eliminating the need to alternate power polarities, making the system easier to operate while improving efficiency through more reliable and faster switching between charges.
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 efficient, sequential firing of perforation charges without mechanical switches and provides a reliable method to determine the status of each charge, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the perforation process.
Implementation Method 1
using voltage drops to determine the number of unfired charges and confirm firing
Implementation Method 2
detonators linked by detonating cords, allowing for sequential firing of perforation charge elements
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a line input for receiving a line power. The circuit further includes a line output for transmitting the line power. The circuit further includes a next-gun-detect output and a next-gun-detect input. The circuit further includes a first detonator connection and a second detonator connection, the second detonator connection being connected to a ground. The line input is coupled to the first detonator connection through a one-polarity-pass component that only allows power of a first polarity to pass. The line input is coupled to the first detonator connection through a detonate-enable switch circuit that is coupled to the next-gun-detect output and the line input. The detonate-enable switch passes power only if (a) the next-gun-detect output is not coupled to the next-gun-detect input and (b) power of a second polarity has previously been applied to the line input while the next-gun-detect output is not coupled to the next-gun-detect input.