Perforating Gun Auto-Arming Assembly for Safe Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and deployment of wellbore tools, particularly perforating guns, are hindered by safety regulations that limit pre-assembly due to ballistic concerns, necessitating on-site insertion and arming of initiators/detonators, increasing costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A perforating gun design with a movable initiator and detonating cord configuration biased to a ballistically unarmed position by a spring, allowing pre-assembly and automatic arming upon toolstring assembly, ensuring safety during shipping and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the initiator is provided within the wellbore tool prior to shipment, then pre-assembly work can be performed in the factory, but safety regulations prohibit shipping ballistically armed wellbore tools
Solution Approach 1:
The initiator is designed with movable components that allow it to transition between two stable positions: a ballistically unarmed position during shipping and assembly, and a ballistically armed position after deployment. The initiator holder can move relative to the initiator, and the detonating cord can be positioned to connect to the initiator only when needed, enabling dynamic reconfiguration based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The initiator is pre-installed within the wellbore tool housing before shipment, but in a configuration that does not create ballistic arming conditions. The spring mechanism pre-positions the initiator in an unarmed state, and the arming action is performed later when the tool is deployed to the wellbore site, allowing factory pre-assembly without safety violations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the perforating gun is shipped without an initiator or detonator installed, then safety regulations are complied with, but additional work must be performed at the wellbore site for insertion and connection
Solution Approach 1:
The initiator is pre-installed within the wellbore tool housing before shipment, but in a configuration that does not create ballistic arming conditions. The spring mechanism pre-positions the initiator in an unarmed state, and the arming action is performed later when the tool is deployed to the wellbore site, allowing factory pre-assembly without safety violations.
Solution Approach 2:
The initiator assembly includes a spring mechanism that automatically returns the initiator to its initial unarmed position after use, eliminating the need for manual disassembly or complex arming/disarming procedures. The system self-manages the transition between armed and unarmed states through the mechanical action of the spring and the insertion/removal of the toolstring component.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual arming procedures are used at the wellbore site, then safety can be maintained during handling, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The initiator assembly includes a spring mechanism that automatically returns the initiator to its initial unarmed position after use, eliminating the need for manual disassembly or complex arming/disarming procedures. The system self-manages the transition between armed and unarmed states through the mechanical action of the spring and the insertion/removal of the toolstring component.
Solution Approach 2:
The initiator is designed with movable components that allow it to transition between two stable positions: a ballistically unarmed position during shipping and assembly, and a ballistically armed position after deployment. The initiator holder can move relative to the initiator, and the detonating cord can be positioned to connect to the initiator only when needed, enabling dynamic reconfiguration based on operational requirements.
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 safe pre-assembly and efficient deployment of perforating guns, reducing on-site work and costs by allowing automatic arming during toolstring assembly, while preventing accidental activation during handling.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring positioned within the initiator holder. A relative position of the initiator and the initiator holder may be movable between a first position in which the perforating gun is ballistically unarmed and a second position in which the perforating gun is ballistically armed. The first spring may bias the initiator and the initiator holder to the first position.
Data Source
AI summary
A perforating gun may include a first housing, a charge holder positioned within the first housing and configured to receive a shaped charge, an initiator, a detonating cord configured to detonate the shaped charge, and a first spring positioned within the first housing. A relative position of the initiator and the detonating cord may be movable between a first position in which the perforating gun is ballistically unarmed and a second position in which the perforating gun is ballistically armed. The first spring may bias the initiator and the detonating cord to the first position.