Sealed Detonation System for Perforating Gun Tandem Sub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current detonation systems for perforating gun assemblies in hydrocarbon recovery operations face challenges in protecting electronic switches within tandem subs from wellbore fluids and debris generated by detonation, leading to equipment damage and increased operational costs due to frequent replacement of electronics.

Innovation Solution

A detonation system with a tandem sub that includes an addressable switch housed within a switch housing, sealed by end plates and pins to prevent fluid and debris ingress, allowing pre-assembled wiring connections and reusable electronics, utilizing a signal transmission pin to deliver detonation signals while maintaining mechanical and fluidic sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic switch assembly is exposed to the wellbore environment during detonation, then the detonation system can operate without complex sealing mechanisms, but the electronic components are damaged by wellbore fluids and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic component integrityVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tandem sub is divided into separate functional sections: a sealed electronic switch assembly housing, a detonator assembly, and open perforating gun sections. The electronic switch assembly is isolated within a sealed housing that prevents wellbore fluid and debris contact, while still allowing the system to function as an integrated detonation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealed housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the electronic switch assembly and the harsh wellbore environment. This housing includes sealed openings with pins that transmit mechanical forces while blocking fluid and debris ingress, enabling the electronics to operate reliably without direct exposure to damaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the tandem sub is made reusable by sealing the electronic components, then operational costs are reduced, but the sealing mechanism must prevent fluid and debris ingress during detonation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetandem sub reusabilityVSAvoidwellbore fluid and debris ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic switch assembly housing is pre-sealed with gaskets and sealed openings before the detonation process. Pins are pre-installed in these sealed openings to provide mechanical sealing that prevents wellbore fluid and debris from reaching the electronic components during subsequent detonation operations, enabling the tandem sub to be reused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Gaskets are used to create flexible seals within the electronic switch assembly housing, forming a barrier that prevents wellbore fluids and debris from penetrating into the sealed environment where the electronic components operate, thereby protecting the electronics while allowing tandem sub reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If wiring connections are pre-assembled in the tandem sub, then field assembly time is reduced, but the wiring must be protected from damage during detonation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring connection assemblyVSAvoidwiring damage from detonation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring connections are nested within the sealed electronic switch assembly housing, which protects them from external damage. The pins that provide mechanical sealing also serve to protect the wiring from wellbore fluid and debris ingress, allowing pre-assembled wiring to remain intact during detonation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11402190B2Detonation system having sealed explosive initiation assembly

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 PERFX WIRELINE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A detonation system for a perforating gun assembly. The detonation system includes a tandem sub having a first end and a second opposing end. Each of the first and second ends is connected to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and a switch housing residing within the inner bore. The tandem sub also has an addressable switch residing within the switch housing with the switch being configured to receive instruction signals from a surface by means of an electric line. The addressable switch is in communication with a signal transmission pin and a detonator pin. The detonator pin sends a detonation signal from the addressable switch to a detonator in an adjacent perforating gun. The wiring connections for the pins may be pre-assembled before the perforating guns are delivered to the field. The detonation system utilizes a carrier end plate, wherein the end plate and pins seal off the tandem sub from wellbore fluids and debris following detonation of explosive charges in an associated perforating gun.