Modular Perforating Gun Charge Phasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforating gun systems face challenges in adaptable charge phasing due to rigid charge carriers, which limit the number and orientation of charges, and require complex and time-consuming assembly processes, especially for high phasing arrangements that put excessive stress on detonating cords.
Innovation Solution
A modular perforating gun system with stackable charge holders and a connector system allowing for various phase angles, featuring resilient retention arms and phasing protrusions to securely hold detonating cords and facilitate easy assembly and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid charge carriers are used to hold explosive charges, then the charges can be securely positioned, but the number and orientation of charges are limited and adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charge carrier is divided into multiple modular charge holders that can be independently assembled and configured. Each charge holder can be stacked and connected to form different phasing arrangements, allowing flexible configuration of charge number and orientation without requiring a completely different rigid structure for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge carrier system transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a modular dynamic assembly where charge holders can be stacked, connected, and configured in different phasing arrangements (e.g., 60°, 120°, 180°). This allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connectors.
2Productivity
If complex assembly procedures are used to connect internal components, then reliable connections are achieved, but assembly time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating gun is divided into modular components (charge holders, connectors, initiators) that can be assembled independently and then quickly connected. This modular approach simplifies the overall assembly procedure by breaking down complex assembly tasks into simpler, standardized connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Charge holders are pre-configured with initiators and explosive charges before assembly into the final gun structure. This preliminary preparation allows for quicker final assembly since the complex internal component arrangements are already established in the modular units prior to integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If high phasing arrangements are used to achieve desired charge orientation, then charge orientation is optimized, but excessive stress is placed on detonating cords
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system acts as an intermediary between charge holders, providing a structured pathway for detonating cords. The connectors include cord retention features that securely hold and route the detonating cord through the phasing arrangement, distributing and reducing the stress that would otherwise be concentrated on the cord itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows selection of different phasing parameters (60°, 120°, 180°) based on operational requirements. By providing standardized connector options for different phasing angles, the system optimizes charge orientation for specific applications while maintaining adequate detonating cord stress levels through proper connector design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are used to join charge holders, then modular assembly is enabled, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system uses standardized male and female connector designs that can join any charge holder to any other charge holder regardless of position or orientation. This universal connection approach enables modular assembly and reconfiguration while actually reducing complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector types.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, stackable charge holder for a perforating gun assembly. The charge holder may include a retention socket for locking a detonating cord in place, and a male connector end and a female connector end for connecting to other modular component(s). The retention socket may include oppositely disposed retention arms, each having a shaped sidewall portion and a corresponding flange extending transversely from a top section of the retention arm. The male and female connector ends may respectively include a phasing protrusion and a phasing hole arranged to facilitate various phase angles between components, and a centrally oriented knob connector and a central bore adapted to interconnect.