Perforation Detonation Module With RF-Shielded Compressive Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforation tools for hydrocarbon wells require complex arming and firing circuits, increasing the complexity and risk of unwanted detonations due to separate electrical connections and RF noise interference.
Innovation Solution
A detonation module with a fluid-sealed housing containing a switch circuit, shielding circuit, and annular electrical contacts that establish both electrical and ballistic connectivity upon assembly, using compressive members and RF mitigation components to simplify the activation process and prevent unwanted firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate arming and firing circuits are used to prevent unwanted firing, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the arming and firing circuits into a single integrated circuit board assembly. The circuit board includes both the arming circuit with its switch and the firing circuit with its switch, along with RF shielding, all integrated into one compact unit. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the safety benefits of separate arming and firing functions through proper circuit design and RF mitigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF shielding as an intermediary element to prevent unwanted firing caused by electromagnetic interference. The shielding circuit board is positioned between the antenna and the arming/firing circuits to block RF signals that could inadvertently trigger the detonator, thus maintaining safety without adding operational complexity.
2Device complexity
If integrated electrical and ballistic connectivity is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but safety risks may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates electrical and ballistic connectivity functions into a single circuit board assembly that includes both the arming and firing circuits along with RF shielding. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining safety through careful circuit design that prevents cross-contamination between electrical and ballistic pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of integrated connectivity into a benefit by using RF shielding to protect the integrated circuit from electromagnetic interference. The shielding transforms the risk of unwanted firing from integration into a controlled environment, ensuring that the simplified architecture does not compromise safety.
3Reliability
If RF shielding is added to mitigate noise, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RF shielding function with the arming and firing circuits into a single integrated circuit board assembly. The shielding circuit board is integrated alongside the other circuits, sharing the same physical platform and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of RF noise mitigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides arming control, firing control, and RF shielding all in one integrated unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining firing accuracy through effective RF noise mitigation.
Data Source
AI summary
A detonation module for a perforation tool includes an end that may receive and couple to a ballistic transfer unit of the perforation tool, a detonator, a switch circuit electrically coupled to the detonator, an electrical contact electrically coupled to the switch circuit, and an electrically conductive, compressive member that may couple to the ballistic transfer unit of the perforation tool and form a compressive electrical connection between the electrical contact and the ballistic transfer unit. The electrical contact is disposed between the detonator and the electrically conductive, compressive member.