Socket Driver for Perforating Gun Barrel Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting perforating gun barrels in hydrocarbon recovery operations are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring frequent assembly and disassembly of threaded connections, which hampers the process of perforating and fracturing in long horizontal wells.
Innovation Solution
A socket driver is designed to quickly and manually connect perforating gun barrels through a tandem sub, utilizing a radial notched profile that engages with slots on the sub's shoulder, allowing for efficient rotation and threading, along with a method that involves sliding the socket driver over the sub's threads to secure the gun barrels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional threaded connections are used to connect perforating gun barrels, then the connection can be made with standard tools, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a socket driver with external threads and a tandem sub with internal threads. This segmentation allows the socket driver to be a separate, specialized tool that can be quickly coupled to the tandem sub, enabling rapid assembly without requiring complex multi-step threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket driver acts as an intermediary tool between the operator and the threaded connection. By providing a dedicated socket driver that interfaces with the tandem sub's internal threads, the system enables quick manual or mechanical coupling, significantly reducing assembly time compared to traditional direct threading methods.
2Ease of operation
If manual threading operations are performed, then no additional powered tools are required, but the connection process becomes labor-intensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The tandem sub is designed with self-aligning features including a shouldered portion with radial slots that automatically engage with corresponding features on the socket driver. This self-service design allows the connection to be made through simple manual insertion and rotation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or powered tools while maintaining high connection efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent assembly and disassembly of threaded connections is required, then the perforating gun can be adapted to different well sections, but the operation becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The socket driver is pre-configured with external threads that match the internal threads of the tandem sub. This preliminary preparation of the connection interface allows for rapid coupling when needed, enabling frequent adaptability to different well sections without time-consuming assembly operations. The pre-designed threaded interfaces ensure that connections can be made quickly and reliably.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket driver for a perforating gun assembly. The socket driver includes a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The second end defines an inner diameter that has a length to extend over a threaded end of the tandem sub. The socket driver is configured to mate with a shoulder along the tandem sub of the perforating gun assembly. Specifically, the socket driver includes a radial notched profile. The notched profile is configured to mate with a radial pattern of slots along the shoulder of the tandem sub. In one aspect, the socket driver is between 3 and 8 inches in length. In one aspect, the first end of the socket driver comprises an opening configured to receive a torque tool. A method of connecting ends of perforating guns using the socket driver is also provided herein.