Helical Perforating Gun Holding Device for Fragmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforating gun systems are limited by the need for manual withdrawal after perforation, are unstable, and have low shot density due to the design of hollow charges and holding devices, which restricts their length and stability under pressure loads.
Innovation Solution
A perforating gun system with hydraulically sealed hollow charges and a holding device featuring a pattern of holes along helices, made from materials like stainless steel or aluminum, which breaks down into small fragments upon detonation, allowing it to remain in the borehole and maintain high stability and shot density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hollow charges are secured in a traditional encapsulated holding device, then the perforating gun maintains structural stability and can withstand pressure loads, but the system requires manual withdrawal after perforation and cannot remain in the borehole
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is segmented into multiple sections with holes arranged in helical patterns, allowing the structure to break down into small fragments upon detonation while maintaining stability during operation. The helical arrangement of holes creates a segmented structure that disintegrates predictably into small pieces that form a compact deposit.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall thickness of the pipe is optimized to a specific range (2-8 mm, preferably 3-5 mm) to achieve the right balance between structural stability during operation and complete fragmentation upon detonation. This parameter change allows the device to transition from a stable structure to small fragments that remain in the borehole.
2Device complexity
If the holding device is designed with a simple pipe structure without expensive separators and seals, then the system reduces complexity and cost, but traditional designs require withdrawal after use
Solution Approach 1:
The simple pipe structure is designed with helically arranged holes that create a segmented pattern. This segmentation allows the pipe to break down into small fragments upon detonation without requiring complex separators or seals, achieving both simplicity and the ability to remain in the borehole.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed as a disposable component that breaks down into small fragments after use. By accepting that the device will be destroyed and remain in the borehole, the design can use simpler, less expensive materials and structures without needing complex retrieval mechanisms.
3Productivity
If hollow charges are positioned close to one another to increase shot density, then more charges per foot are achieved, but the holding device requires more precise positioning and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The helical arrangement of holes in the pipe creates a segmented pattern that naturally positions hollow charges close together at regular intervals. This segmented structure provides inherent positioning guidance, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing while maintaining high shot density.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical pattern introduces a curved, three-dimensional arrangement of holes around the pipe circumference. This curvature allows charges to be positioned closely in three dimensions while the helical geometry provides natural alignment and positioning tolerance.
4Reliability
If the pipe wall thickness is reduced to enable breakdown into small fragments, then the device can remain in the borehole after detonation, but the structural stability and pressure load capacity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe wall thickness is optimized to a specific range (2-8 mm, preferably 3-5 mm) that provides the right balance between structural stability during operation and complete fragmentation upon detonation. This parameter change allows the device to transition from a stable structure to small fragments that remain in the borehole.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical arrangement of holes creates stress concentration points that segment the pipe structure. This segmentation allows the pipe to break down predictably into small fragments upon detonation while maintaining adequate structural integrity during normal operation and pressure loading.
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 system achieves a high shot density and stability, allowing the perforating gun to remain in the borehole after detonation, reducing withdrawal costs and maintaining structural integrity under pressure loads, with the fragments forming a low-height deposit, thus eliminating the need for manual retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
by detonation of hollow charges, a detonating cord or other explosive material, the perforating gun is broken down into the smallest of pieces or parts
Implementation Method 2
the holding device including at least one pipe or tube, on the circumferential surface of which the holes are arranged either on at least one helix or on multiple, parallel extending helices
Data Source
AI summary
A perforating gun of a perforating gun system is provided including hollow charges positioned within a holding device. The holding device includes holes in which the hollow charges are inserted and secured. In an embodiment, the holes are arranged on at least one helix. In a further embodiment, the perforating gun provides collapsible and fragmentable components that minimize debris remaining in a wellbore upon detonation of the charges.