Reloadable Interlocking Perforation Gun for Downhole Reuse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Perforation guns used in oil and gas wells are designed as disposable tools due to damage and deformation during the perforation process, rendering them unfit for reuse, which increases equipment costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A reloadable, reusable interlocking perforation gun system (IPG) with interlocking gun bodies that allow for multiple uses, featuring interlocking barrels to minimize recoil and vibration, and accommodate various penetrators and propellants, enabling consistent performance and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable perforation guns are used, then safety and reliability are improved, but equipment costs and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The perforation gun is divided into two separable halves that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the gun to be reused by simply separating the halves for maintenance and then reassembling them for the next operation, transforming a disposable tool into a reusable system without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire gun after single use, the invention recovers and reuses the gun halves by separating them for maintenance and then reassembling them. This recovery process eliminates the need for continuous replacement while maintaining the safety standards of disposable tools.
2Strength
If disposable perforation guns are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gun into two halves, the invention enables selective maintenance and reuse of the same components across multiple operations. This reduces the frequency of replacing entire guns, thereby lowering equipment costs while maintaining structural integrity through proper maintenance of the segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers the gun halves after each use for maintenance and reuse, instead of discarding the entire gun. This recovery approach reduces material waste and equipment costs while preserving the structural integrity of the reused components through appropriate maintenance procedures.
3Loss of substance
If reusable perforation gun is designed, then equipment costs are reduced, but damage and deformation occur during use
Solution Approach 1:
The gun is segmented into two separable halves that can be removed from each other. This segmentation allows the halves to be separated and maintained individually, enabling the detection and repair of damage without affecting the entire gun structure. The separable design facilitates maintenance that prevents deformation and extends the service life of the gun.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers the gun halves for maintenance and reuse, allowing damaged components to be repaired and restored to their original condition. This recovery process enables the gun to be reused multiple times while managing and mitigating damage, reducing the frequency of replacement and lowering equipment costs.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If interlocking barrels are used, then recoil and vibration are minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gun is divided into two halves with interlocking barrels that can be separated and reassembled. This segmentation creates a simplified interlocking mechanism compared to a monolithic design, as the separation and reassembly process is straightforward. The interlocking barrels of the segmented halves provide the necessary structural support to minimize recoil and vibration during firing.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable gun halves with interlocking barrels can be recovered and reassembled for repeated use. The interlocking mechanism, while present, is simplified by the separable design, allowing the gun to be maintained and reused without the complexity of a permanent monolithic structure. The interlocking feature remains functional to minimize harmful effects during operation.
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 IPG system enhances perforation efficiency and reduces equipment costs by allowing multiple uses, maintaining performance and stability under high pressures, and facilitating data acquisition through smart technology deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The explosion generated by the shaped charges creates significant shock and vibration, which results in permanent deformation of the gun components.
Implementation Method 2
the explosion creates high temperatures and pressures that result in the warping and distortion of the gun body or tube
Data Source
AI summary
A reloadable, reusable, downhole interlocking gun and perforation system having two interlocking bodies that each include multiple receivers and barrels. The interlocking bodies are configured to interlock together with each other so that a receiver of one of the interlocking bodies is aligned with a corresponding barrel of the other of the interlocking bodies. Each of the receivers is configured to receive a respective projectile for firing out of the barrel that is aligned with the receiver.