Perforation Device Trajectory-Altering Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforation devices, such as shape charge perforation devices, face limitations in forming multiple perforations within downhole tubing, especially in horizontal wellbores, due to their length constraints and the need for multiple guns or time-consuming processes like jet perforating.
Innovation Solution
The development of perforation devices equipped with a magazine, barrel, and trajectory-altering structures that allow for the sequential firing and trajectory modification of projectiles, enabling the formation of multiple perforations without the need for extensive device length or multiple guns, by altering the trajectory of projectiles to penetrate the tubing effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If shape charge perforation devices are used to form multiple perforations, then the number of perforations increases, but the length of the device becomes prohibitively long
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the perforation function into multiple cartridges, each containing a projectile and propellant charge. Instead of using one long device with all charges, the system uses a magazine to store multiple separate cartridges that are fired sequentially from a single barrel, dividing the system into modular units that can be stored compactly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cartridges are nested within the magazine assembly, which is integrated into the perforation device. The cartridges are stacked or arranged in a compact configuration within the magazine, allowing multiple perforation charges to be contained within a compact overall device structure rather than requiring a linear arrangement.
2Quantity of substance
If shape charge perforation devices are made long to accommodate multiple charges, then more perforations can be formed, but the device cannot move through horizontal wellbore regions
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the storage function (magazine) from the firing function (barrel), allowing cartridges to be stored in a compact nested arrangement rather than spread out linearly. This segmentation enables the device to maintain a compact overall length suitable for navigating horizontal wellbore sections while still carrying multiple perforation charges.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging multiple charges along the length of the device (one dimension), the magazine stores cartridges in a compact three-dimensional arrangement, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to pack multiple cartridges within a short axial length, enabling the device to fit through horizontal wellbore restrictions.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple perforating guns are used to form numerous perforations, then the number of perforations increases, but the device complexity and deployment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single perforation device is designed to perform the function of multiple guns by incorporating a magazine that holds multiple cartridges. The single barrel fires sequentially from the magazine, allowing one universal device to create multiple perforations that would otherwise require multiple separate guns, simplifying deployment and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine-action-barrel system enables continuous firing of multiple projectiles from a single device without requiring retrieval and replacement of guns between shots. The action automatically cycles through the magazine, providing continuous useful action to create multiple perforations in sequence, eliminating idle time between operations.
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
This solution allows for the creation of numerous perforations within downhole tubing, including horizontal regions, without the length constraints of traditional devices, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple perforating guns or time-consuming processes, thereby improving fluid communication between the subterranean formation and the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
Each cartridge includes a propellant configured to accelerate the projectile through the barrel upon firing of the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
The trajectory-altering structure is configured to receive the selected projectile from the muzzle and to act upon the selected projectile such that, upon exiting the trajectory-altering structure, the selected projectile defines a modified trajectory that differs from the muzzle trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
Perforation devices including trajectory-altering structures and methods of utilizing the same. The perforation devices include a magazine, a barrel, a trajectory-altering structure, and an action. The magazine is configured to contain a plurality of cartridges. The barrel extends between a breech, which is configured to receive a selected cartridge of the plurality of cartridges that includes a selected projectile, and a muzzle, which is configured, upon firing of the selected cartridge, to permit the selected projectile to exit the barrel at a muzzle velocity and with a muzzle trajectory. The trajectory-altering structure is configured to act upon the selected projectile such that, upon exiting the trajectory-altering structure, the selected projectile defines a modified trajectory that differs from the muzzle trajectory. The action is configured to transfer the selected cartridge from the magazine to the breech of the barrel and fire the selected cartridge.