Perforating Gun Bulkhead Connector Shockwave Attenuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing perforating gun assemblies face issues with threaded connections being damaged by internal shockwaves during firing, leading to difficulties in disassembling the gun sections after use, which poses safety hazards and requires cumbersome cutting procedures.
Innovation Solution
A threaded bulkhead connection system that attenuates the internal shockwave and pressure spike by using deformable components such as support sleeves and wedges, which absorb and redirect the force away from the threaded connections, preventing damage and facilitating easier disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional threaded connections are used in perforating gun assemblies, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the threaded connections are damaged by internal shockwaves during firing, making disassembly difficult and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a shock-absorbing element between the gun section and the threaded connection that deforms under shockwave pressure, cushioning the impact before it reaches the threads. This prevents thread damage while maintaining connection integrity during firing, and allows easy disassembly afterward since the threads were never damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary component (shock-absorbing element) positioned between the explosive charge/gun section and the threaded connection. This intermediary absorbs and redirects the shockwave force away from the threads, preventing direct damage while maintaining the structural connection during operation, and enabling safe disassembly after firing.
2Strength
If stronger threaded connections are used to withstand shockwaves, then connection strength is improved, but the complexity of the connection system increases and disassembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shock-absorbing function from the threaded connection itself and places it in a separate dedicated component (shock-absorbing element). This allows the threaded connection to remain simple and maintainable while the separate element handles the shockwave absorption, preventing thread damage without increasing connection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By placing the shock-absorbing element in advance of the threaded connection, the system protects the simple threads from shockwave damage without requiring the threads themselves to be more complex or stronger. The cushioning element takes the hit beforehand, keeping the connection system simple while maintaining strength.
3Productivity
If the perforating gun sections are disassembled after use, then the components can be removed from the wellsite, but the damaged threaded connections require cumbersome cutting procedures and pose safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing element provides beforehand cushioning that prevents thread damage during firing. Since the threads are protected from damage, the gun sections can be easily disassembled after use without requiring cutting procedures, improving productivity and eliminating safety hazards associated with cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing intermediary element protects the threaded connection from damage by absorbing and redirecting shockwave forces. This protection enables safe and efficient disassembly after firing without hazardous cutting procedures, as the threads remain intact and functional.
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
The solution effectively reduces the stress on threaded connections, preventing damage and allowing for safer and more efficient disassembly of perforating gun sections, reducing the risk of accidents and simplifying the removal process.
Implementation Method 1
A perforating gun apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a threaded connection capable of attenuating the internal shockwave and instantaneous pressure spike associated with firing a gun section that perforates the casing
Implementation Method 2
A threaded bulkhead connection system that attenuates the internal shockwave and pressure spike by using deformable components such as support sleeves and wedges, which absorb and redirect the force away from the threaded connections
Data Source
AI summary
A perforating gun apparatus comprising a bulkhead connector located between an upper gun body thread and lower gun body thread. The bulkhead connector has seals in sealing arrangement with an upper gun body and a lower gun body with a support sleeve in contact with an inner groove support shoulder on the lower gun body. The support sleeve is radially deformable into the inner groove by a shockwave produced by firing the charges in the lower gun section. The deformation of the support sleeve attenuates the impact of the shockwave on the threaded connection. The bulkhead connector isolates the threaded connection from the pressure spike. The deformed support sleeve attenuates the shockwave from the charges firing in the upper gun section and transfers the resultant force away from the threaded connection.