Perforating Gun with Integrated Packer and Marker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perforating guns for hydrocarbon wells are not cost-efficient for perforating and fracturing subterranean formations, necessitating a more effective and economical solution.
Innovation Solution
A well tool with a propulsion device, marker reader, anchoring mechanism, and firing mechanism that uses pressurized fluid to position and fire perforating guns at target depths within the wellbore, ensuring safe and controlled detonation through pressure differential and safety devices, and allows for hydraulic fracturing by sealing off the perforations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional perforating guns are used, then perforation function is achieved, but cost-efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the perforating gun includes both the perforating charge mechanism and the sealing element (packer) in one unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate tools, reducing overall operation costs while maintaining reliable perforation and sealing functions. The merged design allows simultaneous achievement of perforation and formation isolation without requiring additional equipment runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforating gun is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform perforation, seal the formation, and potentially fracture the formation through integrated mechanisms. This universal design replaces multiple specialized tools with one versatile device, improving cost-efficiency by reducing the number of required equipment runs while ensuring each function is performed reliably through dedicated components within the unified structure.
2Productivity
If perforating guns are detonated to create communication channels, then wellbore-formation communication is established, but safety risks increase due to premature activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the detonator and the perforating charge. This safety system includes a safety element that must be activated or removed before the actual detonation can occur, preventing premature activation. The intermediary safety mechanism ensures that the perforating operation proceeds efficiently while eliminating the risk of accidental detonation during tool deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system is designed to require preliminary activation steps before the perforating charge can detonate. The safety element must be triggered or disarmed as a prerequisite condition for the actual perforation operation. This preliminary safety action ensures that the tool is properly secured and ready before any explosive event occurs, maintaining both productivity and safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are used for perforation and fracturing, then each function is performed, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the perforating gun with the sealing element (packer) into a single integrated tool. This combination eliminates the need to run separate perforating and sealing tools, simplifying the overall tool string while maintaining the ability to perform both perforation and formation isolation functions. The integrated design reduces operational complexity and cost without sacrificing functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated perforating gun is designed to perform multiple functions: perforation through the casing and cement, sealing the formation with the packer element, and potentially initiating hydraulic fracturing. This universal tool replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability to perform various well completion operations in a single run.
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 efficient and cost-effective perforation and fracturing operations by ensuring precise targeting and safe detonation of perforating guns, improving communication between the wellbore and formation while allowing for hydraulic fracturing with high fluid barrier effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a propulsion device to move the perforating gun along the wellbore, the propulsion device being configured to generate a pressure differential
Implementation Method 2
an anchoring mechanism to hold the perforating gun
Implementation Method 3
with shaped charges positioned in the charge tube
Implementation Method 4
shaped charges positioned in the charge tube
Implementation Method 5
a seal element positioned at a distal end of the perforating gun opposite the firing end
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A well tool (60) includes a perforating gun (108), a sealing element (130), at least one pressure sensor (150), a detector (132), a controller (152), and an anchor (134). The perforating gun (108) perforates the wellbore tubular in response to a firing signal. The sealing element (130) is connected to the perforating gun (108) and generates a pressure differential thereacross. The at least one pressure sensor (150) is associated with the sealing element (130) and detects a surface transmitted pressure signal. The detector (132) detects at least one marker (70) positioned along the wellbore (12) and which includes a perforating marker (70) associated with a perforating depth. The controller (152) is in signal communication with the at least one pressure sensor (150) and the detector (132) and is configured to transmit the firing signal to the perforating gun (108) only after: (i) the at least one pressure sensor (150) detects the surface transmitted pressure signal, and (ii) the detector (132) detects the perforating marker (70). The anchor (134) is connected to the perforating gun (108) and selectively locks the perforating gun (108) to the wellbore tubular.