Explosive Carrier End Plates With Self-Centering Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing end plates for charge carriers in petroleum well perforation guns are complex and prone to human error during arming and electromechanical connections, and they require modifications for different perforation methods, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of end plates with elastic centering clips and an axial pin-and-keyhole anchoring system, which automatically center the charge carriers and establish electrical grounding, allowing for quick and correct assembly, and interchangeable designs for Wireline and Tubing-Conveyed Perforation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional end plates are used with manual assembly requirements, then the structure can be simple, but the arming process becomes complex and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The end plates incorporate self-centering clips that automatically center the charge carrier within the gun barrel without requiring manual intervention. The elastic clips engage with the charge carrier's external diameter to maintain precise positioning, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures and reducing human error in the arming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate is divided into functional segments: a central opening for the firing line, peripheral recesses for the self-centering clips, and an external cylindrical surface for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly while improving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If end plates require modifications for different perforation methods, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate design incorporates universal features that work for both Wireline and Tubing-Conveyed Perforation methods. The self-centering clips and anchoring system are configured to accommodate different charge carrier types without requiring separate end plate designs, allowing a single standardized component to serve multiple perforation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate includes a retractable contact pin mechanism that can be extended or retracted based on the specific perforation method being used. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same end plate to adapt to different operational requirements without physical modification, reducing assembly time while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If manual arming procedures are used, then device complexity can be reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to potential human error
Solution Approach 1:
The self-centering clips perform the centering function automatically as the charge carrier is inserted into the gun barrel. The elastic clips engage with the charge carrier's external diameter to maintain precise positioning without requiring manual alignment procedures, significantly improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity to the end plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plates are pre-configured with the self-centering clips and anchoring systems in place before the charge carrier is inserted. This preliminary preparation ensures that the centering and grounding functions are already established, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during the arming operation and improving operational ease.
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 solution simplifies the arming process, reduces human error, ensures accurate assembly, and allows for seamless transition between different perforation methods, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the gun assembly.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating three clips, which, when placed in an adequate fashion on the periphery of said end plates, having been designed with certain elastic properties, automatically center each charge carrier in the respective gun
Implementation Method 2
the top end plate that has a spring-loaded electrical contact pin which function is, on one hand, to assure constant electrical contact with the preceding switch
Data Source
AI summary
Explosive carrier end plates for charge-carriers utilized in guns for the perforation of petroleum producing wells. Each gun is mounted coupled vertically with similar guns inside the casing of the well, and each gun is a hollow cylinder in the interior of which there is a corresponding tubular carrier that has multiple peripheral mountings for a radial placement of the shaped-charges. The carrier is mounted in the gun by means of a top insulating end plate that has a retractable electrical spring contact capable of pushing upwards, and a bottom insulating end plate. The end plates have a centering clip for anchoring in a respective window of the cylindrical wall of the carrier. Both end plates have a single removable insert axially fitted between two tubular inserts, which present reciprocal guiding and positioning means for a pin-keyway slot to enable mounting with the end plate. A pin and groove are provided between the peripheral cylindrical walls of end plates and the gun's wall, for anchoring in and positioning the end plate to guide the exit of each jet of the shaped charges.