High Shot Density Perforating Gun Charge Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaped charge holders for perforating guns often require multiple detonators, leading to increased costs and variability in assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A shaped charge holder design featuring a circular arrangement of five or more charges with coaxially aligned detonation and firing ends, connected via a single main detonating cord and bi-directional boosters, allowing for simultaneous initiation of all charges in one plane, reducing the need for multiple detonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple detonators are used to initiate shaped charges, then each charge can be reliably detonated, but the assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detonators are merged into a single detonator that simultaneously initiates all shaped charges. The patent describes a configuration where one detonator with multiple detonating cords replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate detonators, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable initiation of all charges.
Solution Approach 2:
A single detonator is designed to perform multiple functions by simultaneously initiating multiple shaped charges. The detonator system incorporates multiple detonating cords that can trigger different charges, making one device serve the role of multiple detonators and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple detonators are used for shaped charges, then each charge can be independently controlled, but cost variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detonators are consolidated into a single detonator unit, reducing the total number of expensive components required. This merging approach lowers material costs and reduces variability associated with assembling multiple detonator units, while still providing reliable initiation capability for all shaped charges.
3Quantity of substance
If shaped charges are arranged in a circular plane with coaxial alignment, then shot density increases, but the detonation coordination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detonating cords from a single detonator are coordinated to simultaneously initiate charges arranged in a circular pattern. This merging approach simplifies the detonation coordination system compared to using multiple independent detonators, as one detonator controls the timing and sequence of all charges.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped charges are arranged in a circular plane with coaxial alignment, creating a symmetric geometric configuration. This circular arrangement allows for uniform distribution of charges and simplifies the detonation coordination by providing radial symmetry, where all charges are equidistant from the center detonator.
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 design enables simultaneous detonation of all shaped charges, reducing assembly complexity and cost variability while ensuring precise and coordinated explosive sequences.
Implementation Method 1
A single main detonating cord is attached to each charge detonating cord with the booster between the main detonating cord and each charge detonating cord
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for shaped charges is shown and described. The charge holder facilitates a high shot density for use with a perforating gun. The shaped charges are arranged to direct explosive force axially outward from a perforating gun. The plurality of radially spaced charges are designed to result in an annular ring of blast effect in any metal tubing associated with the oil/gas extraction operation as well as any concrete conduits in which the tubing is disposed.