Modular Initiator Quick Connect for Perforating Guns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Perforating systems face challenges in shipping and storage due to the risks associated with high explosives and the complexity of connecting initiators to detonation cords, particularly in inclement weather, which poses safety risks and increases assembly time in the field.
Innovation Solution
A modular perforating gun initiator with a separate electronic igniter and high explosive component that uses a quick connect assembly for easy coupling, allowing for safe shipping and storage of each component separately and simplifying the assembly process by enabling quick connection of the electronic igniter to the high explosive before deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If initiators are shipped and stored as integrated units with high explosives and electrical components coupled together, then the assembly process is simplified, but shipping and storage become highly regulated and pose safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The initiator is divided into separate modules: an electronic igniter module containing electrical components and a high explosive module containing the explosive charge. These modules can be shipped and stored separately, reducing regulatory concerns and safety risks, then quickly connected in the field using a quick-connect mechanism that requires minimal manual manipulation of the explosive material.
2Adaptability or versatility
If initiators are connected to detonation cords in the field by retrieving, cutting, and crimping, then customization is possible, but the process becomes problematic in inclement weather and increases assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The detonation cord is pre-attached to the high explosive module during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field technicians to perform cutting and crimping operations. The pre-assembled module can be quickly connected to the perforating gun without manual manipulation of the detonation cord, significantly reducing assembly time and eliminating weather-related problems.
3Ease of operation
If initiators are fully loaded into perforating guns before shipping, then deployment is simplified, but personnel safety is compromised during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into inactive components (perforating gun with shaped charges and pre-attached detonation cord) and active components (high explosive module with electronic igniter). The gun can be prepared and shipped without the high explosive, keeping personnel safe during handling and transport. The high explosive module is added later in a controlled environment, minimizing exposure time and safety risks.
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
This solution reduces regulatory concerns, enhances technician safety, and minimizes the time required for gun assembly by allowing separate shipping and storage of the electronic and high explosive components, facilitating safer and more efficient field operations.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge 18 is made from a conductive material and includes generally a narrowed portion that heats and disintegrates under the applied current load
Implementation Method 2
An amount of high explosive 22 is disposed in a housing 24 adjacent the frangible bridge 18 which is ignitable in response to the energy dissipated during the frangible bridge 18 disintegration. Combustion of the high explosive 22 is readily transferred to the adjacent detonation cord 26
Implementation Method 3
The shaped charges 8 are typically connected to a detonating cord, which when detonated creates a compressive pressure wave along its length that initiates shaped charge detonation
Implementation Method 4
Included with the perforating gun 6 are shaped charges 8 that typically include a housing, a liner, and a quantity of high explosive inserted between the liner and the housing. When the shaped charge high explosive is detonated, the force of the detonation collapses the liner and ejects it from one end of the charge 8 at very high velocity in a pattern called a 'jet' 12. The jet 12 perforates the casing and the cement and creates a perforation 10
Data Source
AI summary
An initiator for initiating detonation in a detonation cord of a perforating system, where the initiator comprises a modular electronic igniter that quick connects into a portion of high explosive. The high explosive is disposed in a housing having an end of detonation cord crimped therein. The electronic igniter may be shipped to the field and/or stored separate from the high explosive then the two may be assembled just prior to deploying the perforating gun assembly in a wellbore. Various methods of quick connecting the electronic igniter to the high explosive may be used.