Perforation Gun Assembly for Wellbore Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforation gun technologies face challenges when punching large diameter casings, as large diameter guns are impractical due to cost and weight, and small diameter guns provide inconsistent hole sizes and inefficient multiple punches, especially in well abandonment processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple small diameter perforation guns, zero degrees phased and radially aimed, which can punch holes simultaneously along a casing circumference, with top-down or bottom-up firing configurations to ensure precise and efficient cement plug placement without damaging surrounding casings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large diameter perforation gun is used to punch large diameter casing, then the hole size and penetration are sufficient, but the cost and weight become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the perforation task into multiple segments by using multiple small diameter perforation guns instead of one large diameter gun. Each small gun punches holes at specific locations around the casing circumference, and collectively they achieve the required perforation pattern. This segmentation reduces the weight and cost of each individual gun while maintaining overall perforation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple small diameter perforation guns into a single assembled unit that can simultaneously punch holes at multiple locations around the casing. By combining the functions of multiple guns into one integrated assembly, the system achieves the perforation capability of a large diameter gun without the associated weight and cost penalties.
2Weight of moving object
If multiple small diameter perforation guns are used to punch large diameter casing, then the cost and weight are reduced, but the hole size consistency and penetration become inconsistent due to varying distances of charges to casing wall
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by positioning multiple small diameter perforation guns at specific locations around the casing circumference, with each gun optimally positioned to achieve consistent charge-to-wall distance. The guns are arranged radially outward from the wellbore axis, ensuring uniform spacing and consistent perforation quality across all locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point perforation approach to a multi-point distributed approach by arranging perforation guns around the casing circumference. This dimensional expansion from one location to multiple locations allows each small gun to maintain optimal charging distance while collectively covering the entire casing perimeter.
3Weight of moving object
If multiple small diameter perforation guns are used to punch large diameter casing, then the cost and weight are reduced, but multiple punches around the perimeter are required achieving inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple perforation operations into a single simultaneous action by firing all small diameter guns at once. This coordinated simultaneous punching eliminates the need for sequential multiple passes, dramatically improving operational efficiency while maintaining the advantages of using lighter, smaller guns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention ensures continuous useful action by arranging the perforation guns to punch holes at multiple locations around the casing circumference in a single continuous firing event. This eliminates idle time between punches and maintains continuous productive operation throughout the perforation process.
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 consistent punching of large diameter casings, providing adequate flow areas for cement slurry and minimizing collateral damage, thus effectively sealing well zones during abandonment operations.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the perforation guns includes a charge of explosive
Implementation Method 2
The charges include a small amount of high explosive that is shaped to produce a pressure punch
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include a perforating gun assembly. The perforating gun assembly includes an uphole plate and a downhole plate. Additionally, the perforating gun assembly includes a plurality of perforation guns coupled to the uphole plate and the downhole plate. The plurality of perforation guns have a plurality of charges that in operation punch holes in a casing within a wellbore.