Perforating Gun Fluid-Driven Deployment and Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional perforating guns used in fracking operations require time-consuming wireline deployment and retrieval, which can be hindered by debris and requires manual handling, limiting efficiency in horizontal wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A perforating gun design featuring an elongate sleeve with a helical groove for fluid flow-assisted descent and fragmentation, equipped with a charge housing containing sensors and explosive charges that detonate radially to create perforations and break into fragments for easy removal by fluid flow, eliminating the need for wireline operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireline deployment is used for perforating guns, then the gun can be deployed and retrieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and is hindered by debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wireline deployment system with a fluid-based delivery system. The perforating gun is carried by fluid flow through the wellbore and deployed using fluid pressure, eliminating the mechanical wireline system that causes time losses and debris interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles to deploy the perforating gun. Fluid pressure is used to propel the gun through the wellbore and to activate the deployment mechanism, replacing the traditional mechanical wireline system with a fluid-powered system that is faster and less susceptible to debris interference.
2Strength
If the perforating gun is made as a single intact structure, then it maintains structural integrity, but retrieval becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating gun is designed with a segmented structure that allows it to break apart after detonation. The sleeve is configured to fragment into multiple pieces, transforming the single intact structure into separable segments that can be easily removed by fluid flow, thereby simplifying retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies the principle of discarding the perforating gun structure after use. The sleeve is designed to fragment and be discarded by fluid flow after the explosive charges have been deployed, eliminating the need for complex retrieval operations while maintaining structural integrity during the operational phase.
3Strength
If the sleeve is made solid and intact, then it protects internal components, but post-detonation removal requires wireline operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with a segmented structure that maintains integrity during operation to protect internal components but is configured to fragment after detonation. This segmentation allows the protective function to be maintained when needed while enabling easy removal by fluid flow after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve transitions from a static, intact protective structure to a dynamic fragmented state after detonation. The structural properties change based on operational phase: intact and protective during deployment and operation, then fragmented and easily removable after use, optimizing both protection and removal efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If manual handling is required for wireline operations, then precise control is achieved, but operational complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating gun system is designed to be self-deploying and self-activating. Fluid pressure automatically propels the gun through the wellbore, positions it, and triggers detonation, eliminating the need for manual wireline handling and reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision through fluid pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical wireline handling is replaced with an automated fluid-based system. Fluid pressure performs the functions of mechanical deployment, positioning, and activation, reducing operational complexity and time requirements while maintaining the precision needed for accurate perforating gun placement and 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 rapid and efficient deployment and retrieval of perforating guns in horizontal wellbores using only fluid pressure, reducing operational time and minimizing interference with downhole operations by fragmenting into easily removable pieces post-detonation.
Implementation Method 1
lowering the tool into the horizontal section of the wellbore using only fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
explosive charges configured to be installed within the charge housing
Implementation Method 3
explosive charges that detonate radially to create perforations
Implementation Method 4
fragmentation, equipped with a charge housing containing sensors and explosive charges that detonate radially to create perforations and break into fragments for easy removal by fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A perforating gun for use in oil and gas operations. The gun is carried to a desired area of a wellbore using only fluid pressure. The gun comprises a charge housing disposed within a removable sleeve. The charge housing comprises a plurality of shaped charges in communication with one or more sensors. The sensors are programmed to initiate the detonation sequence of the shaped charges upon measuring set parameters. Upon detonation, the gun fragments into a plurality of pieces that may be washed away from the detonation site.