Energy Enhancement Device for Shaped Charge Perforators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaped charge perforator devices do not effectively maximize energy transfer to targets, limiting their penetration and damage capabilities, especially in diverse environments such as oil and gas wells and underwater structures.
Innovation Solution
An energy enhancement device is positioned between the perforator and the target, comprising a reactive material with a high surface area, which is activated by the detonation output to provide additional thermal and chemical energy, enhancing the impact on the target through a coaxial aperture that allows the perforating jet to pass unimpeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional shaped charge perforator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the energy transfer to the target is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shaped charge perforator with an energy enhancement device containing reactive material into a single integrated system. The reactive material is positioned to be activated by the detonation output, merging the kinetic energy delivery function with additional chemical energy release function in one device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy enhancement device incorporates reactive material (such as aluminum powder or other combustible materials) that reacts with the detonation output to produce additional thermal and chemical energy. This composite approach combines conventional explosive materials with reactive materials to achieve enhanced energy transfer to the target.
2Power
If the reactive material surface area is increased, then the energy release rate increases, but the material stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reactive material is provided in the form of powder with high surface area to volume ratio, creating a porous structure that increases the reactive surface area available for rapid energy release when activated by the detonation output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and surface area parameters of the reactive material by using fine powder forms instead of solid blocks. This parameter change enables rapid energy release when activated while the powder can be contained in a stable configuration within the energy enhancement device housing before activation.
3Power
If the energy enhancement device is added, then the kinetic and thermal energy delivered to the target increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy enhancement device with reactive material is nested within or adjacent to the shaped charge perforator structure. The reactive material is contained in a housing that is integrated with the overall device architecture, allowing the additional energy release function to be nested within the existing device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy enhancement device serves multiple functions: it contains the reactive material, provides structural support, directs the detonation output through the aperture, and positions the reactive material for optimal activation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
4Area of moving object
If reactive material in fluid form is used, then the surface area can be increased, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reactive material is provided as a powder with high surface area characteristics, creating a porous structure that provides extensive reactive surface area while maintaining a stable, contained form that does not present the same safety hazards as fluid forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactive material is contained within a housing that provides physical containment and isolation from environmental factors. This creates a controlled environment that prevents premature activation or unwanted reactions, addressing safety concerns while maintaining the high surface area characteristics of the powder material.
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
The energy enhancement device significantly increases the kinetic and thermal energy delivered to the target, causing further damage by generating large volumes of gas and enhancing the perforation process, even in challenging environments like water or oil and gas wells.
Implementation Method 1
Intermetallic compositions, such as for example NiAl, are well known systems for providing thermal energy when activated, such as by thermal or shock means
Implementation Method 2
HDRM compositions are high density materials that when activated, such as by a shock pulse undergo high exothermic reactions
Implementation Method 3
the detonation output from said perforator impinges on said reactive material to provide further thermal energy to the target
Implementation Method 4
It is desirable to increase the surface area of the reactive material. For powders and powder compositions they may use micron-, sub-micron- or nano-powder particle sizes, or bi- multi- modal systems thereof, to achieve a high surface area reactive material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This invention relates to an improved shaped charge perforator, especially an energy enhancement device for a shaped charge perforator, said energy enhancement device located between the perforator and a target, the energy enhancement device comprising a first region comprising a reactive material, and a second region comprising an aperture extending through said energy enhancement device, wherein said energy enhancement device is located coaxial with the perforator, such that in use the formed jet of the perforator, passes through said aperture, and wherein the detonation output from said perforator impinges on said reactive material to provide further thermal energy to the target.