Swivel Head Probe for Plasma Blasting Direction Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracking methods using plasma blasting are inefficient due to lack of control over the plasma spark direction and reusability, leading to single-dimensional crack propagation and environmental issues such as contamination of water supplies.
Innovation Solution
A plasma blasting system with a probe having adjustable electrodes separated by a dielectric separator, positioned within a borehole, and a capacitor assembly with a thermally insulative and shock-resistant compound, allowing for multiple blasts and improved control over the plasma blast direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional single chemical explosive blast is used, then single dimension crack propagation is achieved, but productivity is limited and significant downtime is required to place subsequent explosives
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a swivel head mechanism that allows dynamic repositioning of electrodes between blasts. This enables the same probe to perform multiple blasts at different locations without requiring removal and replacement, thereby eliminating downtime associated with placing new explosives while maintaining single-dimension crack propagation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The probe design allows the same physical probe to be reused for multiple blasts after repositioning. Instead of discarding the probe after a single use, the swivel head enables recovery and reuse of the same probe for subsequent blasts, significantly improving productivity while reducing the need for continuous probe replacement
2Productivity
If large amounts of liquid are used in traditional fracking, then rock fractures are created, but environmental contamination of water supplies occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical/chemical explosive system with an electro-hydraulic plasma blasting system. High-voltage electrical discharges create plasma channels that generate shock waves to fracture rock, eliminating the need for large volumes of liquid chemicals and thereby preventing water supply contamination while maintaining effective fracture creation
3Ease of operation
If plasma blasting is used without directional control, then plasma sparks cannot be directed, but device complexity increases with adjustable electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel head mechanism provides dynamic directional control of plasma blasts by allowing the electrode assembly to be repositioned between blasts. This mechanical adjustment capability enables operators to direct plasma sparks precisely where needed without requiring complex multi-electrode configurations, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving directional control
4Reliability
If single use probes are used, then reusability is achieved, but significant downtime is required to place subsequent explosives
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel head mechanism transforms the probe from a single-use device to a reusable multi-purpose tool. By enabling the same probe to be repositioned and reused for multiple blasts at different locations, the system maintains probe reliability while eliminating the productivity loss associated with removing and replacing probes between operations
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 system achieves multi-dimensional crack propagation, reduces liquid usage, and minimizes environmental contamination by enabling precise control over the plasma blast, increasing fracture volume and length while reducing downtime and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor assembly with a thermally insulative and shock-resistant compound, allowing for multiple blasts
Implementation Method 2
plasma blasting system with a probe having adjustable electrodes
Implementation Method 3
at least two of the electrodes are separated by a dielectric separator
Implementation Method 4
capacitor assembly with a thermally insulative and shock-resistant compound
Implementation Method 5
capacitor assembly with a thermally insulative and shock-resistant compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole for oil or gas extraction, an in hole capacitor bank for powering a blast probe, the probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises water. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast.