Perforating Gun Assembly With Isolated Pass-Through Firing Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforating gun assemblies face challenges in effectively connecting multiple perforating guns in series due to the limitations of traditional thread-based connections, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential electrical interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pass-through element surrounded by an insulating sleeve, which transfers firing signals between perforating guns while being electrically isolated from the grounded tandem, combined with resiliently deformable banana pin connector plugs for secure mechanical and electrical connections, enhances the assembly's reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thread-based connections are used to join perforating guns, then the assembly process is simple, but electrical interference and connection reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tandem component as an intermediary element between adjacent perforating guns. This tandem includes a pass-through element surrounded by an insulating sleeve, which mediates the electrical connection while providing galvanic isolation. The insulating sleeve acts as a mediator that prevents direct electrical contact between the grounded outer bodies of adjacent guns, thereby eliminating electrical interference while maintaining signal transmission through the conductive pass-through element.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the threaded outer body for mechanical connection, the insulating sleeve for electrical isolation, and the conductive pass-through element for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the insulating sleeve and conductive element working together to provide both galvanic isolation and electrical connectivity where needed.
2Reliability
If threaded outer bodies are used for mechanical connection, then assembly is straightforward, but electrical isolation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the conductive pass-through element is surrounded by the insulating sleeve, which in turn is received within the threaded outer body. This nested arrangement provides multiple layers of functionality: the innermost conductive element transmits signals, the middle insulating sleeve provides galvanic isolation, and the outer threaded body enables mechanical connection. This nesting resolves the contradiction by integrating electrical isolation within the existing threaded connection framework.
3Productivity
If multiple perforating guns are connected in series, then perforation coverage is improved, but electrical interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve acts as an intermediary barrier between adjacent perforating guns in the series connection. By surrounding the conductive pass-through element, it prevents galvanic contact and electrical interference while allowing the firing signal to pass through the enclosed conductive path. This enables multiple guns to be connected in series without the electrical interference that would otherwise accumulate along the gun string.
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 configuration allows for reliable and efficient transfer of firing signals between perforating guns, ensuring synchronized detonation and improved perforation performance by minimizing electrical interference and mechanical failure risks.
Implementation Method 1
The perforating gun assembly includes shaped charges that, when fired, are formed into high-velocity jets that penetrate through the wellbore casing
Implementation Method 2
The electrical connector plug includes an outwardly bowed middle portion that is resiliently deformable—also referred to as a banana pin connector plug
Implementation Method 3
The tandem includes a threaded outer body... Each tandem includes opposing socket openings for receiving the banana pin connector plug from adjacent perforating guns
Data Source
AI summary
An improved perforating gun assembly. The perforating gun assembly includes an alternating sequence of perforating guns and tandems. Each perforating gun includes two contact housings, and each contact housing includes an electrical connector plug protruding in an axial direction. The electrical connector plug includes an outwardly bowed middle portion that is resiliently deformable—also referred to as a banana pin connector plug. The banana pin connector plug is received within a socket opening in an electrically conductive pass-through element that is centrally received within the tandem. The pass-through element is surrounded by an insulating sleeve, such that the pass-through element is electrically isolated from an electrically grounded portion of the tandem and transfers a firing signal from a first perforating gun to a second perforating gun.