Perforating Apparatus Center of Gravity Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforating technologies face challenges in reliably orienting shaped charges in a subterranean wellbore to specific directions, often resulting in undesired perforations due to friction and debris, especially in deviated or horizontal wells, and the presence of communication conduits or control lines.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically adjustable weight system is integrated into the perforating apparatus, allowing for precise adjustment of the center of gravity of the charge holder or charge tube, enabling the apparatus to rotate and position shaped charges in desired circumferential directions within the wellbore by relocating discrete weights relative to circumferentially distributed openings or slots, ensuring accurate perforation orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the gun carrier is laterally biased or rotatably supported with offset center of gravity to orient charges in desired directions, then perforation direction control is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to friction and debris in the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the center of gravity adjustable and repositionable during operation. The weight system can be dynamically reconfigured to change the center of gravity position, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different well conditions and communicate conduit locations, thereby maintaining reliable orientation control without being fixed in a single configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of center of gravity position by adding or repositioning weights. This allows the center of gravity to be adjusted to different locations along the charge holder, enabling reliable orientation control in various well configurations while avoiding communication conduits
2Device complexity
If fixed center of gravity orientation is used to achieve desired perforation directions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when communication conduits or control lines are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the weight system into multiple discrete, separable weights that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of the center of gravity without requiring a completely complex redesign, as each weight can be independently placed at different locations along the charge holder
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the center of gravity position, allowing the system to adapt to different well conditions and communication conduit locations. The weights can be repositioned during operation to change the orientation of the shaped charges, providing versatility while maintaining manageable device complexity
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
This solution enables reliable and precise orientation of shaped charges in desired directions while avoiding undesired orientations, such as those towards control lines or other hazards, enhancing the accuracy and safety of well perforation processes.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically adjustable weight system operable to adjust the center of gravity of the charge holder such that gravity will cause the charge holder to rotate within the gun carrier to position the at least one shaped charge in a desired circumferential direction relative to the well
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A perforating apparatus (100) used to perforate a subterranean well. The perforating apparatus (100) includes a generally tubular gun carrier (106) and a charge holder (104) rotatably mounted within the gun carrier (106). At least one shaped charge (102) is mounted in the charge holder (104) and is operable to perforate the well upon detonation. A dynamically adjustable weight system (124) is operably associated to the charge holder (104). The dynamically adjustable weight system (124) is operable to adjust the center of gravity (120) of the charge holder (104) such that gravity will cause the charge holder (104) to rotate within the gun carrier (106) to position the at least one shaped charge (102) in a desired circumferential direction relative to the well prior to perforating.