Modular Perforating Gun Assembly With Prewired Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular perforating gun systems require wire connections, which are prone to human error, and initiating cartridges that occupy additional space, necessitating a need for a modular system with pre-assembled switch and pressure bulkhead without wires.
Innovation Solution
A perforating gun system with a prewired loading tube assembly and a selective switch that houses an auto-shunting modular detonator, allowing for easy assembly and operation without wire connections, featuring a cylindrical housing with end fittings for secure detonator reception and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire connections are used in modular perforating gun systems, then electrical connections can be established, but human error increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wire connection step from the assembly process by integrating electrical connections directly into the modular components. The detonator and initiator are designed with built-in electrical contacts that automatically connect when components are assembled, eliminating the need for separate wire splicing operations and reducing human error in electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical connections are pre-established during manufacturing by integrating conductive elements into the modular components. The detonator, initiator, and gun body are pre-assembled with embedded electrical contacts, so that when field personnel assemble the modular components, the electrical connections are already in place, eliminating the need for field wiring operations.
2Reliability
If initiating cartridges are used, then detonation can be initiated, but additional space is occupied in the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the initiator, detonator, and electrical connection components into a single integrated modular assembly. The initiator is built into the gun body with direct electrical contacts, and the detonator is integrated with the shaped charges, eliminating the need for separate initiating cartridges and reducing the overall volume occupied in the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular segments (gun body, initiator, detonator, shaped charges) that can be assembled in the field. This segmentation allows for compact packaging of functional components while maintaining ease of assembly, reducing the space required compared to traditional monolithic designs with separate initiating cartridges.
3Ease of operation
If pre-assembled switch and pressure bulkhead are integrated into the gun, then assembly ease increases and field wiring is eliminated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch and pressure bulkhead are pre-assembled and integrated into the gun body during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly of sub-components eliminates the need for field personnel to assemble or wire these components, significantly simplifying field operations while the manufacturing complexity is contained within the factory environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch and pressure bulkhead are nested within the gun body structure, with the switch integrated into the electrical connection system and the pressure bulkhead incorporated into the structural design. This nesting approach allows multiple functions to be combined in a compact arrangement, simplifying field assembly while requiring sophisticated manufacturing processes.
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
Facilitates easy and reliable assembly of perforating guns with reduced human error and space requirements, ensuring efficient and safe detonation without the need for field wiring.
Implementation Method 1
A shaped charge is a term of art for a device that when detonated generates a focused output, high energy output, and/or high velocity jet. This is achieved in part by the geometry of the explosive in conjunction with an adjacent liner.
Implementation Method 2
When the explosive detonates, the liner metal is compressed into a super-heated, super pressurized jet that can penetrate metal, concrete, and rock.
Implementation Method 3
When the explosive detonates, the liner metal is compressed into a super-heated, super pressurized jet that can penetrate metal, concrete, and rock.
Implementation Method 4
When the explosive detonates, the liner metal is compressed into a super-heated, super pressurized jet
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for inserting a detonator into a door on an end fitting and closing the door into a recess of the end fitting, enabling a quick wireless install of a detonator and resulting in a side-by-side arrangement between the detonator and the detonating cord.