Self-Propelling Perforating Gun with Rocket Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conveyance of perforating guns in hydrocarbon well perforation processes is costly, time-consuming, and complex, requiring additional equipment and external propulsion methods.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled perforating gun system equipped with a propulsion head, such as a rocket motor, that allows the gun to move autonomously through the wellbore, detecting target locations and actuating detonators to perforate the casing or formation without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external conveyance equipment (wireline, coiled tubing, tractor) is used to deploy perforating guns, then the guns can be conveyed through the wellbore, but the operational complexity, cost, and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating gun is equipped with its own propulsion system (rocket motor, propellant charge, or jet engine) that enables it to move autonomously through the wellbore without requiring external conveyance equipment. The gun propels itself by expelling gas or fluid through a nozzle, generating thrust that moves it along the wellbore to the target location for perforation.
2Productivity
If additional conveyance equipment is used to deploy perforating guns, then the guns can be positioned in the wellbore, but the operational time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The self-propelled gun eliminates the time-consuming processes of deploying wireline, coiled tubing, or tractor equipment. The gun is simply dropped or placed into the wellbore and autonomously navigates to the target location, significantly reducing deployment time and enabling faster multi-stage completion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system is pre-installed on the perforating gun before deployment. The propellant is pre-loaded and the rocket motor or jet engine is prepared in advance, allowing the gun to immediately begin self-propulsion upon deployment without requiring external assistance or additional setup time.
3Ease of operation
If external propulsion methods are used to convey perforating guns, then the guns can be moved through the wellbore, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transferring the propulsion function from expensive external equipment (wireline units, coiled tubing rigs, tractor systems) to the perforating gun itself, the operation eliminates the need to rent or deploy these costly conveyance systems. The gun uses its own compact propulsion system, typically powered by propellant that is already part of the gun assembly, thereby reducing operational expenditures.
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 reduces operational complexity and costs by enabling the perforating gun to reach target locations independently, facilitating efficient perforation and reducing the need for external conveyance equipment, thereby streamlining the perforation process.
Implementation Method 1
A self-propelled perforating gun system equipped with a propulsion head, such as a rocket motor
Implementation Method 2
the propulsion head is operable to apply thrust to the perforating gun
Implementation Method 3
The detonated shaped charges form an energetic stream of high-pressure gases and high velocity particles, which perforates the well casing and the adjacent formation
Implementation Method 4
causing detonation of the blasting caps. The exploding blasting caps in turn transfer a detonating wave to a detonator cord which further causes the shaped charges to detonate
Data Source
AI summary
A well system includes a perforating gun having shaped charges and a detonator to controllably detonate the shaped charges. The well system further includes a propulsion head coupled to the perforating gun. The propulsion head is operable to apply thrust to the perforating gun such that the well system is self-propelling.