Perforating Gun Ballistic Interrupt Shutter for Premature Detonation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wellbore perforation operations face issues with premature detonation of perforating guns due to radio frequencies, human error in surface wiring, and exposure to stray currents or electrostatic discharge, which can lead to unintentional initiation of explosive charges.

Innovation Solution

A wellbore perforating device with a ballistic interrupt shutter, comprising a metallic layer adjacent to a thermoplastic material, is used to prevent premature detonation, and the wiring is pre-completed off-site to reduce surface errors and interference risks, with a method involving the insertion of an initiator into a loading tube and controlled release of the shutter for detonation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wiring of the initiator to the perforating gun is performed at the surface near the well site, then the operation can be completed on-site, but this increases the likelihood of human error during the wiring process and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-site wiring capabilityVSAvoidwiring error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The initiator is pre-wired to the perforating gun at a dedicated manufacturing facility before delivery to the well site. This preliminary wiring action eliminates the need for on-site wiring operations, thereby reducing human error and time consumption while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the initiator is exposed to radio frequencies from cell phones or other electromagnetic sources, then communication and operation can proceed normally, but this can cause unintentional detonation of the explosive charges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic environment compatibilityVSAvoidpremature detonation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The initiator is designed with radio frequency shielding and filtering mechanisms that convert the potentially harmful electromagnetic environment into a safe operating condition. The shielding materials and circuit design allow normal radio frequency communication while blocking frequencies that could trigger unintentional detonation, thus transforming the harmful electromagnetic presence into a benign condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the initiator is connected to the wireline for command transmission, then remote control is enabled, but stray currents or electrostatic discharge on the wireline can unintentionally detonate the initiator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote command capabilityVSAvoidinitiator stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An isolator or barrier device is introduced between the wireline and the initiator to prevent stray currents and electrostatic discharge from reaching the initiator. This intermediary component allows command signals to pass through while blocking harmful electrical transients, thus enabling remote control while maintaining initiator stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a ballistic interrupt shutter is added to prevent premature detonation, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetonation control safetyVSAvoidinitiator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ballistic interrupt shutter function is extracted as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed and removed. This extraction allows the safety feature to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the initiator's core structure, enabling flexible configuration based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 prevents unintentional detonation and reduces the likelihood of human error during surface operations by ensuring controlled initiation of perforating charges, enhancing safety and efficiency in wellbore perforation services.

Implementation Method 1

A ballistic interrupt shutter can be disposed between the detonator and the detonator cord. The ballistic interrupt shutter can prevent firing of the detonator cord.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier blocking:

Implementation Method 2

The ballistic interrupt shutter can include a metallic layer disposed adjacent a layer of thermoplastic material.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10077641B2Perforating gun with integrated initiator

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A wellbore perforating device includes at least one perforating charge and an initiator. The initiator can include a ballistic train adapted to fire the at least one perforating charge. The ballistic train can include a detonator and a detonator cord. A ballistic interrupt shutter can be disposed between the detonator and the detonator cord. The ballistic interrupt shutter can prevent firing of the detonator cord.