Perforating Gun Train Sequential Firing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for perforating subterranean formations are inefficient and costly due to the need for multiple trips into the well to perforate zones, increasing rig and personnel time, and are limited by capacity, reliability, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A firing control device with an initiator, time delay mechanism, and frangible elements that use energetic materials to detonate a first perforating gun, which initiates the firing of a second gun, allowing for controlled and efficient perforation of multiple zones with adjustable time delays between firings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips into the well are used to perforate different zones separately, then each zone can be perforated with dedicated equipment, but rig and personnel time increase significantly and operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple perforating guns into a single gun train assembly that can perforate multiple zones in one continuous operation. The gun train includes first and second perforating guns with associated detonators and detonator cords, allowing sequential firing of multiple guns without retrieving the equipment between zones, thus merging what would otherwise require separate trips into the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple perforating guns in a train configuration before entering the wellbore. The gun train is assembled with detonators and detonator cords connected in advance, and the system is designed to automatically sequence the firing of each gun as it passes through different zones, eliminating the need for repeated equipment deployment and retrieval.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trips into the well are used to perforate zones separately, then equipment can be optimized for each specific zone, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the perforating system into modular gun units that can be assembled in a train configuration. Each gun in the train can be configured for specific zone requirements while maintaining overall system integration through standardized coupling mechanisms and sequential firing control, allowing zone-specific optimization without requiring completely separate systems for each zone.
3Device complexity
If conventional firing systems are used with limited capacity, then system design is simplified, but the ability to perforate multiple zones efficiently is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional firing system that can handle multiple zones and different gun configurations within a single operational framework. The gun train system with sequential firing capability serves multiple functions: it can perforate multiple zones, accommodate different gun types, and maintain controlled firing sequences, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 of multiple subterranean formations by allowing simultaneous or sequential firing of perforating guns with controlled time delays, reducing the need for multiple well trips and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an energetic material, positioned within the housing, that detonates in response to a firing signal to thereby generate a shock wave or pressure pulse
Implementation Method 2
the energetic material that, when detonated, generates a shock wave or pressure pulse that is applied to the firing pin
Implementation Method 3
The fuse element may deflagrate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A perforating gun train for perforating two or more zones of interest includes two or more gun sets made up of guns, one or more activators, and other associated equipment. An illustrative apparatus may include a first perforating gun; an activator responsive to the firing of the first perforating gun and a fuse element detonated by the activator; and a second perforating gun that is fired by the fuse element. An illustrative method for perforating a subterranean formation may include forming a perforating gun train using at least a first perforating gun and a second perforating gun; and energetically coupling the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun with an activator.