Shock Sensing Tool for Well Perforating String
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to accurately measure strains, pressures, and accelerations during well perforating, leading to unreliable estimations for designing perforating string components and increasing the risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A shock sensing tool with a fluid pressure-balanced tubular structure, equipped with strain sensors, pressure sensors, and accelerometers, is integrated into the perforating string to measure shock effects, providing data for preventing damage and improving future design reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used during well perforating, then the equipment is simpler and easier to operate, but the measurement precision of strains, pressures, and accelerations is insufficient leading to unreliable estimations
Solution Approach 1:
The shock sensing tool is nested within the perforating string assembly, with multiple sensors (strain sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers) nested within the tubular structure. This allows precise measurements to be obtained without significantly increasing the overall device complexity, as the sensors are integrated into the existing perforating string architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid pressure-balanced tubular structure serves as an intermediary medium between the external environment and the sensors. This mediator protects the sensors from direct exposure to extreme pressures and shocks while still allowing accurate measurement of these parameters, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring the sensors to be directly exposed to harsh conditions.
2Reliability
If no shock sensing tool is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the reliability of preventing damage to perforating string components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shock sensing tool provides real-time feedback on strains, pressures, and accelerations experienced by the perforating string components. This feedback mechanism allows for monitoring of critical parameters and enables timely interventions or design adjustments to prevent damage, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock sensing tool is installed in advance within the perforating string, allowing measurements to be taken before damage occurs. The data collected during actual perforating operations provides preliminary information about shock effects, which can then be used to improve future designs and prevent damage in subsequent operations.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors are integrated into the tubular structure, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a pressure-balancing medium, protects the sensors, and serves as a mounting platform for multiple different sensors (strain sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures for each sensor type, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while improving the completeness of shock effect measurements.
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 shock sensing tool enables accurate measurement of shock effects on perforating string components, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing the design of new perforating string components by providing reliable data for both current and future designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor which senses load in the structure
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor which senses pressure external to the structure
Implementation Method 3
a generally tubular structure which is fluid pressure balanced
Data Source
AI summary
A shock sensing tool for use with well perforating can include a generally tubular structure which is fluid pressure balanced, at least one strain sensor which senses strain in the structure, and a pressure sensor which senses pressure external to the structure. A well system can include a perforating string including multiple perforating guns and at least one shock sensing tool, with the shock sensing tool being interconnected in the perforating string between one of the perforating guns and at least one of: a) another of the perforating guns, and b) a firing head.