Igniter Assembly Contact Seal Plug Pressure Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional igniter holders designed for single igniter systems lack sufficient pressure containment, leading to internal pressure and fluid migration during the firing of explosive charges, potentially damaging neighboring components in the tool string during well completion operations.

Innovation Solution

An igniter assembly with a holder housing a single igniter system and a contact seal plug is used, providing additional pressure containment and preventing fluid flow to protect other components, allowing for the use of economical single igniter systems while maintaining safety and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional igniter holders are used without additional sealing, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure containment is insufficient causing fluid migration to neighboring components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure containmentVSAvoidigniter holder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The igniter holder is segmented into multiple functional zones: an igniter receptacle portion for housing the igniter, a through passage for fluid/pressure containment, and a sealed portion with the contact seal plug. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while collectively providing robust pressure containment without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact seal plug acts as an intermediary sealing element disposed within the through passage of the igniter holder. It provides the necessary pressure and fluid containment barrier between the igniter chamber and the adapter/internal passage, preventing fluid migration to neighboring components while maintaining a relatively simple holder structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If single igniter systems are used, then cost is reduced, but pressure containment is insufficient during explosive charge firing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveigniter system costVSAvoidpressure containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact seal plug is installed beforehand in the igniter holder to create a protective barrier. This pre-established sealing provides the necessary pressure containment cushioning during the explosive charge firing process, allowing the use of economical single igniter systems without compromising safety or performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact seal plug serves as a relatively simple, cost-effective sealing component that can be disposed of or replaced. This allows the use of economical single igniter systems while providing adequate pressure containment for the specific application, sacrificing long-term reusability for immediate cost savings and sufficient performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the through passage is left open, then fluid flow path is clear, but fluid migrates beyond the holder to damage neighboring components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveigniter installationVSAvoidfluid migration damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The contact seal plug is placed locally within the through passage at the specific location where sealing is needed. This localized sealing maintains clarity of the fluid flow path where required while preventing fluid migration at the critical interface between the igniter holder and adapter, thus protecting neighboring components without complicating igniter installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively contains pressure and fluids emitted during ignition, protecting components along the tool string and enabling the use of cost-effective single igniter systems without compromising performance or safety.

Implementation Method 1

The contact sealing plug is configured to sealingly engage the through passage to prevent fluid flow out of the through passage beyond the first end of the holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS9598942B2Igniter assembly for a setting tool

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 G&H DIVERSIFIED MFG LP

AI summary

An igniter assembly is disclosed for initiating an explosive charge in a setting tool. In an embodiment, the igniter assembly includes a longitudinal axis, and a holder including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a through passage. In addition, the igniter assembly includes an igniter disposed within the through passage. The igniter comprises a single igniter system. Further, the igniter assembly includes a contact seal plug disposed at least partially within the through passage. The contact sealing plug is configured to sealingly engage the through passage to prevent fluid flow out of the through passage beyond the first end of the holder.