Reactive-Material Shaped Charge for Higher-Velocity Borehole Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaped charges used in hydraulic fracturing operations do not effectively utilize reactive materials to enhance the energy imparted on the liner, resulting in suboptimal perforation performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reactive material in contact with the case of the shaped charge to increase the reactive forces, thereby enhancing the energy transfer to the liner, which leads to higher velocity jetting and improved perforation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If reactive material is added to increase reactive forces, then energy transfer to liner is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines reactive material with the explosive material to create a composite propellant system. The reactive material layer is positioned adjacent to the explosive material, and when detonated, it enhances the energy release and reactive forces. This composite approach allows the system to achieve higher energy transfer to the liner while maintaining a relatively simple layered structure that can be manufactured using conventional processes.
2Speed
If reactive material is added to increase reactive forces, then jetting velocity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaped charge is divided into distinct functional layers: an explosive material and an adjacent reactive material layer. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the manufacturing process. The layered structure can be constructed by sequentially placing materials in molds or using coating techniques, making the enhanced design manufacturable with conventional equipment rather than requiring complex integrated structures.
3Strength
If reactive material is added to enhance perforation capabilities, then energy imparted on liner increases, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the propellant system by introducing reactive material with different combustion characteristics. This changes the energy release rate, temperature, and pressure parameters during detonation, resulting in enhanced liner jetting and perforation capability. The parameter changes are achieved through material selection and layer thickness optimization rather than increasing the overall size of the charge, thereby reducing substance loss.
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 addition of a reactive material increases the energy imparted on the liner, resulting in higher velocity jetting and more effective perforations, enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
the explosive material detonates, there may be reactive forces created by explosive gases contacting the case
Implementation Method 2
The reactive material may generate increased pressures in the wellbore and perforations in the formation. The reactive material may generate additional pressure near the case
Implementation Method 3
the liner may collapse and jet at higher velocities than in traditional shaped charges
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations include an apparatus comprising an explosive material configured to detonate; a liner in contact with the explosive material, the liner configured to, after detonation of the explosive material, form jets to perforate a tubular disposed in a subsurface borehole; a reactive material configured to release energy in response to detonation of the explosive material; and a case in contact with a portion of the reactive material and configured to surround the explosive material, the liner, and the reactive material.