Modular Perforating Gun Assembly for Flexible Charge Phasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforating guns face challenges in simplifying assembly procedures, providing size-independent components for various gun housings, and achieving adaptable charge phasing with accurate orientation of shaped charges, which are critical for efficient wellbore perforation.
Innovation Solution
A modular perforating gun system with interchangeable and size-independent components, including a centralizer and detonator holder, that allows for flexible charge phasing and orientation, featuring a centralizer body, detonator holder, and charge holders with standardized connections and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional assembly procedures are used for perforating guns, then assembly can be completed, but assembly complexity is high and assembly time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating gun system is divided into modular components including a housing, centralizer, charge holders, and detonator holder that can be assembled in a simplified sequence. Each component has standardized interfaces that reduce assembly complexity while improving assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralizer is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: it centers the detonator holder, provides structural support, and interfaces with the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts and simplifies assembly procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-size components are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but adaptability to different housing diameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer is designed with adjustable or variable parameters such as adjustable radial fins or modular segments that can be configured to match different housing inner diameters. This allows a single component design to adapt to multiple housing sizes without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralizer incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable fins or modular components that can be reconfigured for different housing diameters. This dynamic adaptability allows the same component to serve multiple housing sizes while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional charge orientation methods are used, then assembly is simple, but charge orientation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The charge holders and centralizer incorporate asymmetric features such as keyed interfaces or non-circular cross-sections that provide inherent mechanical guidance for charge orientation. This asymmetric design ensures accurate charge orientation through the geometry of the components themselves rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralizer and charge holders are pre-configured with built-in orientation features during manufacturing. This preliminary action of pre-establishing orientation geometry eliminates the need for complex field adjustments and ensures accurate charge orientation upon assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use within a gun housing of a perforating gun may include a centralizer and a detonator holder. The centralizer may include a centralizer body and a centralizer bore extending through the centralizer body. The detonator holder may be disposed within the centralizer bore and may include a first detonator holder end configured to receive a detonator and a second detonator holder end comprising a detonator holder coupling. The detonator holder may extend through the centralizer and may be mechanically coupled to the centralizer. The centralizer may be configured to engage with an inner surface of the gun housing.