Force-Balanced Shaped Charge Perforating for Angled Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforating technologies using perpendicular charges in casing strings create forces that can damage conveyance methods such as wireline, slickline, and coiled tubing, and induce tensile stress on tubing and connections, limiting the ability to shoot charges at angles other than perpendicular to the tubing/casing axis.
Innovation Solution
Employing a force-balanced perforating gun system with shaped charges oriented in opposing directions that counteract forces, allowing charges to be shot at angles relative to formation stress planes, thereby maximizing connectivity in the formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perpendicular charges are used in casing strings, then perforation effectiveness is achieved, but forces are created that damage conveyance methods and induce tensile stress on tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by positioning charges in opposing directions (e.g., upward and downward facing charges) to create counteracting forces. The force from upward-facing charges balances the force from downward-facing charges, resulting in net force cancellation that prevents damage to conveyance methods while maintaining perforation effectiveness.
2Productivity
If charges are shot at angles other than perpendicular to tubing axis, then connectivity in formation is maximized, but tensile stress on tubing and connections is induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses counterweight principle to balance the lateral forces generated by angled charges. By positioning charges at angles in opposing directions (e.g., angled upward and angled downward), the lateral force components cancel each other out, allowing angled perforation for improved connectivity without inducing harmful tensile stress on tubing and connections.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If opposing charges are used to balance forces, then damage to conveyance is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charge array into distinct groups with different orientations (e.g., upward-facing charges, downward-facing charges, angled charges). Each segment is positioned and oriented to contribute to force balance, allowing systematic management of charge configurations to achieve force cancellation while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Minimizes damage to conveyance systems and enables shooting charges at desired angles, enhancing connectivity and increasing hydrocarbon production in deviated wellbores.
Implementation Method 1
the charges may be detonated. Upon detonation, the charges may form jets that may cause perforations through the casing string, the cement, and a portion of the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
the charges may be detonated. Upon detonation, the charges may form jets
Implementation Method 3
at least two shaped charges positioned to fire in opposing directions, wherein each shaped charge is oriented at an angle that is not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the perforating tool
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to force-balanced perforating tools that employ opposing non-perpendicular shaped charge orientations. A perforating tool includes at least two shaped charges positioned to fire in opposing directions, wherein each shaped charged is oriented at an angle that is not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the perforating tool.