Modular Perforating Gun Construction for Flexible Well Perforation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of existing perforating guns to create a large number of perforations in well applications adds substantial expense and complexity, limiting the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
A perforating gun system utilizing modular perforating gun sections made of injection moldable plastic, which can be easily assembled and snapped together to form a perforating gun with desired lengths and orientations, incorporating shaped charge holders and retainers, allowing for flexible construction and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional perforating guns are used to create a large number of perforations, then the number of perforations is sufficient for thorough fracturing, but the expense and complexity of the operation increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating gun is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled together. Each section contains shaped charge holders and can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the desired number of perforations by combining multiple sections rather than using a single complex gun, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections can be assembled and disassembled, allowing for dynamic configuration of the perforating gun. The sections can be arranged in different configurations based on the specific well application requirements, enabling flexible adaptation to different perforation needs without requiring entirely different gun designs.
2Productivity
If traditional perforating guns are used to create a large number of perforations, then the fracturing operation is thorough, but the operational cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the perforating gun into modular sections, the manufacturing cost is reduced. Each section can be produced independently using standardized processes, and only the necessary number of sections are manufactured for each job. This eliminates the need to manufacture expensive complete perforating guns for every application, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining the ability to create sufficient perforations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are designed to be cost-effective and can be easily replaced or reused. Rather than investing in expensive traditional perforating guns for each job, the system uses affordable modular sections that can be assembled and disassembled, reducing the financial burden on operational companies.
3Productivity
If traditional perforating guns are used, then perforations can be created, but the flexibility to create desired orientations and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular sections can be assembled in different sequences and orientations to create various perforation patterns. Each section contains shaped charge holders that can be oriented in different directions, allowing the system to adapt to different well configurations and create perforations with desired orientations tailored to specific fracturing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the perforating gun by assembling and disassembling modular sections. This enables the same basic components to be arranged in different configurations for different applications, providing high flexibility and adaptability without requiring specialized equipment for each orientation requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates perforating operations. According to an embodiment, a perforating gun system utilizes a plurality of modular perforating gun sections which are readily assembled to create a perforating gun with a desired number and orientation of shaped charge holders. In some applications, the modular perforating gun sections may be formed of plastic, e.g. injection moldable plastic, to further reduce costs and provide great flexibility with respect to construction of the desired perforating gun.