Integrated Perforating Gun Adapter for Wellbore Plugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional completion operations for subterranean wellbores require multiple adapter pieces to couple setting tools and perforating guns, increasing the risk of failures and complexity due to excessive component length and difficulty in maneuvering through deviated boreholes.
Innovation Solution
A single, integrated plug and shoot firing head adapter housing connects a perforating gun and a setting tool along a tool string, reducing the number of components and length, and includes an electrical circuit to actuate both tools, allowing simultaneous plugging and perforation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple adapter pieces are used to couple setting tools and perforating guns, then the connection is achieved, but the risk of failures and complexity increase due to excessive component length and difficulty in maneuvering through deviated boreholes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate adapter pieces into a single integrated adapter housing that couples both the setting tool and perforating gun. This single housing contains all necessary connection interfaces and electrical circuitry, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components and reducing overall assembly complexity while improving reliability by reducing potential failure points at connection interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If multiple adapter pieces are used to couple setting tools and perforating guns, then the connection is achieved, but the complexity increases due to excessive component length and difficulty in maneuvering through deviated boreholes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple long adapter pieces into one compact integrated housing, significantly reducing the overall length of the tool assembly. This shorter, integrated design improves maneuverability through deviated boreholes by reducing the rigid length that must be navigated through angled sections, while the integrated design eliminates intermediate connection points that would add to the effective length and complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple adapter pieces are used to couple setting tools and perforating guns, then the connection is achieved, but the risk of failures increases due to excessive component length and difficulty in maneuvering through deviated boreholes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate adapter components into a single integrated housing, reducing the total length of the adapter assembly. This shorter, unified design reduces the number of connection interfaces and potential failure points, thereby improving reliability while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities for coupling setting tools and perforating guns.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly, including a perforating gun to perforate a subterranean wellbore, and a setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore. In addition, the assembly includes an adapter configured to connect to each of the perforating gun and the setting tool. The adapter includes an outer housing including a single-piece, integrated body that includes a first end configured to directly connect to the perforating gun, a second end configured to directly connect to the setting tool, and an internal passage. In addition, the adapter includes an electrical circuit disposed within the internal passage that is configured to route an electrical signal to cause the setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore.