Integrated Shaped Charge Canister for Faster Perforation Tool Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and removal of shaped charges from perforation tool frames increase assembly time and complexity, leading to higher costs.

Innovation Solution

Integration of explosive material directly into a cylindrical charge canister with expansion portions, eliminating the need for separate casing and modular units, and allowing for pre-loading of charges and connectors within the tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If shaped charges are installed into frames with retention features, then the charges are securely held within the frame, but assembly time increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge retentionVSAvoidframe complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shaped charge and its retention features into a single integrated canister unit. The canister includes a body with an interior cavity that houses the shaped charge, and the charge is retained within the canister through integrated retention features rather than requiring separate frame structures. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex external frames while maintaining secure charge retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If shaped charges are installed into frames with retention features, then the charges are securely held within the frame, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge retentionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shaped charge is pre-installed into the canister during manufacturing, with the retention features already in place to secure the charge. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming field installation operations, as the charge is already securely retained in the canister before deployment to the well site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular shaped charge units are used, then the charges can be individually installed and removed, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge modularityVSAvoidoverall system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the perforation system into modular canister units, each containing a shaped charge with integrated retention features. Each canister is a self-contained module that can be independently handled and deployed. This segmentation provides modularity for flexible configuration while keeping each individual unit simple and avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs, and enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the need for field installation of charges and connectors.

Implementation Method 1

The tools generally have explosive charges shaped to project a jet of reaction products, including hot gases and molten metal, into the formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShaped charge: Shaped Charge

Implementation Method 2

The charges are generally activated by delivering energy, such as thermochemical energy and/or electrical energy, to an apex region of the charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentUS12405097B2Shaped charge integrated canister
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP
  • US12405097B2 patent drawing
  • US12405097B2 patent drawing
  • US12405097B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charge canister for a perforation tool has a cylindrical body with an expansion portion extending along a radius of the cylindrical body, the expansion portion having a narrow portion at a first end of the expansion portion and a wide portion at a second end of the expansion portion opposite from the first end. An explosive material is disposed within the expansion portion in direct contact with an interior surface thereof.