Modular Perforation Tool with Rotatable Charge Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perforation tools for oil and gas recovery are cumbersome to transport and assemble, with limited flexibility in directing the discharge due to separate transportation of firing and explosive components and challenging securement of shaped charges.
Innovation Solution
A modular perforation tool comprising a one-piece housing with integrated charge and detonator receptacles, and a frame with rotatable shaped charge holders, allowing for flexible discharge directionality and simplified assembly, enabling transport in a single parcel and scalable configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the firing impulse sub-assembly is transported separately from the explosive sub-assembly, then safety during transportation is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The perforation tool is divided into separate transportable components (firing impulse sub-assembly and explosive sub-assembly) that can be transported independently to meet safety regulations, yet designed with complementary interfaces that enable straightforward field assembly into a functional unit
Solution Approach 2:
The frame with charge receptacles is positioned inside the housing, and the detonator is housed within the firing impulse sub-assembly. This nested arrangement allows compact packaging during transport while maintaining organized assembly relationships for field construction
2Manufacturing precision
If shaped charges are secured at specific positions in the perforating gun, then discharge directionality is improved, but flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be rotatable within the housing, allowing the shaped charges to be dynamically repositioned to different orientations. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various discharge direction requirements while maintaining precise angular positioning through controlled rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The charge receptacles are pre-configured at specific angular positions on the frame with precise geometric relationships to the detonator location. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the frame is rotated to a desired orientation, the shaped charges are already positioned for accurate discharge directionality without requiring additional adjustment during operation
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are integrated into a one-piece housing, then transportability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing, frame mounting structure, sealing elements, and electrical connection components are merged into a single integrated one-piece housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be handled during transport while the modular internal structure (with the frame as a separate insertable component) maintains reasonable manufacturing complexity by allowing the housing to be produced as a single molded or machined piece
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
Enhances transportability, simplifies assembly, and provides flexible discharge directionality, improving operational efficiency and safety by integrating components and allowing for precise orientation of shaped charges.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive material communicatively coupled with the first electrical contact
Implementation Method 2
a frame comprising a charge receptacle between the first end of the frame and the second end of the frame to accommodate at least a portion of a shaped charge
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a well bore is described herein. The apparatus includes a one-piece housing having a length in an axial direction from a first end to a second end, and end wall and a sidewall defining a cavity within the housing. The apparatus also includes a frame inside the cavity. The frame includes a charge receptacle, a detonator receptacle, a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The apparatus further includes a conductive material coupled with the first electrical contact.