Oilfield Initiation Block with Booster for Detonator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detonator systems for downhole operations face challenges in reliably connecting detonators to detonating cords, particularly in preventing accidental detonations due to fluid ingress and ensuring secure, crimpless connections.
Innovation Solution
An initiation block with a body having distinct chambers for the detonator and detonating cord, featuring a booster positioned to generate high-order outputs and an opening for fluid communication, allowing for selective detonation while preventing energy transfer in the presence of liquids, and a method involving a work string and downhole tool for controlled activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct connection between detonator and detonating cord is made, then the connection is simple and reliable, but the risk of accidental detonation from fluid ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The initiation block is divided into separate chambers: a first chamber for the detonator and a second chamber for the detonating cord. This segmentation physically isolates the two components, preventing direct fluid pathways between them while maintaining reliable connection through the controlled passage system.
Solution Approach 2:
A booster is introduced as an intermediary component between the detonator and detonating cord. The booster receives the detonation signal from the detonator and transfers it to the detonating cord through a controlled passage, acting as a mediator that eliminates direct exposure to fluids while ensuring reliable energy transfer.
2Reliability
If a booster is added to ensure high-order energy transfer, then the detonation reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The booster is integrated directly into the passage structure of the initiation block, merging the energy transfer function with the structural framework. This combining approach ensures high-order energy transfer through the booster while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the existing passage geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The booster serves as a focused intermediary that concentrates and directs energy through the passage with high efficiency. Its placement within the passage structure ensures reliable high-order energy transfer to the detonating cord without requiring complex external systems or additional components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an opening is provided for fluid communication, then the risk of accidental detonation is reduced, but the potential for fluid interference with detonation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the initiation block provides localized fluid communication at a specific position that allows fluid ingress without creating direct pathways to the detonator or booster. This localized quality ensures accidental detonation is prevented while maintaining detonation initiation reliability through the controlled chamber and passage design.
Solution Approach 2:
The initiation block's segmented chamber design isolates the detonator and booster from direct fluid exposure through the opening. The first chamber contains the detonator while the opening provides fluid communication to the exterior, and the passage system ensures that even if fluid enters, it cannot reach the explosive components to cause accidental detonation.
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
Enables reliable, controlled connections and detonations in downhole tools by preventing accidental ignition from fluid ingress and ensuring direct, high-order energy transfer to the detonating cord, enhancing operational safety and precision.
Implementation Method 1
Electric detonators operate by passing a current through a detonation resistor, which generates heat when current is applied. When sufficient heat is built up in the detonation resistor, the heat triggers a surrounding explosive charge
Implementation Method 2
a booster positioned in the first bore and proximate to the first face, the booster positioned along the passage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An initiation block for connecting a detonator with a detonating cord may have a body having a first face opposing a second face; a first chamber extending between the opposing faces and through the body, the first chamber being formed by a first bore serially arranged with a second bore, the second bore being shaped to seat the detonator adjacent to the second face; a second chamber extending between the opposing faces and through the body, the second chamber being parallel with the first chamber, the second chamber shaped complementary to the detonating cord; a passage providing communication between the first chamber and the second chamber; a booster positioned in the first bore and proximate to the first face, the booster positioned along the passage; and an opening formed in the body, the opening providing communication between an exterior of the body and a portion of the chamber between the booster and the detonator.