Shock Resistant Perforating Tool Signal Transfer Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional perforators used in wellbores are prone to failure due to shock interference between multiple units, leading to unintended firing when detonating shaped charges, especially in wells with long gaps between zones.

Innovation Solution

A signal transfer module with an initiator, igniter, and fuse configuration, secured by shock attenuators, is used to connect perforator units, allowing controlled energy transfer and minimizing shock-induced activations, ensuring precise and independent firing of each unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional perforator units are used to perforate multiple zones, then the wellbore can be perforated at different intervals, but the shock from one unit can unintentionally cause firing of other units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-zone perforation capabilityVSAvoidunintended firing prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating shock attenuators and isolators into the signal transfer module design before deployment. These components are pre-positioned to absorb and attenuate shock waves from adjacent perforator units, preventing unintended firing while allowing controlled signal transmission for reliable multi-zone perforation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If spaced apart perforator units are used in wells with long gaps between zones, then each zone can be perforated independently, but shock interference between units increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for long gap zonesVSAvoidshock interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an intermediary approach by introducing a signal transfer module with shock attenuators and isolators that act as mediators between spaced-apart perforator units. This intermediary structure allows the system to maintain flexibility for long gap zones while filtering out harmful shock interference, enabling independent perforation of each zone without unintended activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If shock attenuators are added to the signal transfer module, then unintended firing is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled firing accuracyVSAvoidsignal transfer module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating shock attenuators and isolators into a unified signal transfer module assembly. This combines multiple functions (signal transmission, shock attenuation, and isolation) into a single integrated component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining controlled firing accuracy and preventing unintended activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively prevents unintended detonations, ensuring reliable and controlled perforation of wellbores by attenuating shock and vibrations, allowing for precise timing and reduced risk of interference between perforator units.

Implementation Method 1

an isolator securing the fuse body in the bore of the enclosure, wherein the isolator includes at least one shock attenuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock attenuation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

an initiator positioned adjacent to the first perforator unit and at least partially in the enclosure, the initiator configured to generate a shock wave when initiated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock wave generation: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 3

the fuse positioned in the enclosure and configured to be initiated by the low order output of the igniter, the fuse outputting a high order output from the output end of the enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentUS20240003231A1Shock Resistant Perforating Tool for Multizone Completions

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 OWEN OIL TOOLS LP

AI summary

An apparatus for perforating a wellbore includes a plurality of perforator units that includes a first perforator unit and a second perforator unit; and a signal transfer module connecting the first perforator unit to the second perforator unit. The signal transfer module includes an enclosure having a bore, an input end, and an output end, an initiator positioned adjacent to the first perforator unit and at least partially in the enclosure, an initiator, an igniter, a fuse, and an isolator. The initiator generates a shock wave when initiated. The igniter is positioned in the enclosure and generates a low order output upon receiving the shock wave generated by the initiator. The fuse is positioned in the enclosure and is initiated by the low order output of the igniter. The fuse outputs a high order output from the output end of the enclosure. The isolator secures the fuse body in the bore of the enclosure. The isolator includes a shock attenuator. Only the shock attenuator physically connects the fuse to the enclosure.