Integrated Perforator Sensors for Single-Trip Wellbore Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring wellbore properties during perforation require multiple trips of the perforating system, leading to increased time, cost, and risk of sensor damage due to external attachment and exposure to harsh wellbore conditions.

Innovation Solution

Integration of sensors within the perforating system, allowing real-time measurement of wellbore properties during perforation by positioning them within charge holding tubes or carriers, with protective communication conduits and shields to safeguard against explosive blasts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are attached externally to the perforating system, then measurements can be obtained during perforation, but the sensors are exposed to risk of damage and reduced annular area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore property measurementsVSAvoidsensor damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates sensors within the perforating system by nesting them inside the carrier or charge holding tube. The sensors are positioned in recesses or cavities of the carrier structure, protecting them from external damage while maintaining their measurement capability. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by providing physical protection without compromising measurement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are attached externally to the perforating system, then measurements can be obtained, but additional non-productive time is required for manual attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore property measurementsVSAvoidnon-productive time for sensor attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor attachment function with the perforating system deployment operation. Sensors are pre-integrated into the carrier or charge holding tube during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate manual attachment steps. This merging of functions resolves the time loss contradiction by making sensor integration part of the standard deployment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If multiple trips are made to obtain wellbore measurements, then comprehensive data can be collected, but time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore property data completenessVSAvoidmultiple trips time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system where the perforating system simultaneously performs perforation and measurement functions. The integrated sensors enable the system to collect wellbore property data during the same operation used for perforation, eliminating the need for separate measurement trips. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between data completeness and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of time

If sensors are positioned within charge holding tubes, then real-time measurements are obtained, but protective measures are needed against explosive blasts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time measurement capabilityVSAvoidexplosive blast exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements protective measures beforehand by positioning sensors in shielded locations within the carrier or charge holding tube structure. The carrier design includes recesses, bulkheads, or protective barriers that cushion sensors from explosive blast effects. This prior protection resolves the contradiction by enabling real-time measurement while mitigating blast exposure risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables single-trip perforation and measurement operations, reducing non-productive time and sensor damage risks while providing accurate, real-time data on wellbore conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Shaped charges positioned in the perforating gun may explode to create perforations in the surrounding casing and formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShaped charge explosion: Shaped Charge

Implementation Method 2

When a shaped charge is detonated, a hole may be formed in the casing (and cement and surrounding formation)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExplosion: Explosion

Data Source

PatentUS12480397B1Sensor perforator monitoring

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A perforating system comprising a first carrier. The perforating system comprises a first charge holding tube configured with one or more shaped charges, wherein the first charge holding tube is positioned within the first carrier. The perforating system comprises one or more sensors positioned within the first carrier and configured to obtain one or more measurements of a perforated zone in a wellbore.