Tandem Sub Perforating Cartridge Eliminating Internal Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perforating guns require complex assembly and electrical wiring, leading to potential errors and damage during deployment in well sites, especially in harsh environments, and necessitate manual wire connections, which are time-consuming and risky.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an EB Fire cartridge with dual diodes and pressure switches to eliminate the need for internal wiring, using the charge tube as a conductor and featuring end fittings for detonator transfer, with modular design and interchangeable components to reduce assembly complexity and eliminate subs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wire connections are used for electrical activation, then the system can be activated electrically, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual wire connection operations with a mechanical insertion system. The cartridge is inserted into the gun body through a loading port, and electrical contacts are automatically engaged through mechanical interfaces on the cartridge, eliminating the need for manual wire splicing and reducing assembly time while maintaining electrical activation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed with self-contained electrical contacts that automatically engage with corresponding contacts in the gun body upon insertion. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for external wiring operations and ensures reliable electrical connection without manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex assembly procedures are used, then the system can be fully assembled, but quality control becomes difficult and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: the gun body, the cartridge, and the loading port. The cartridge contains all necessary electrical and explosive components in a self-contained unit. This segmentation allows for standardized interfaces and simplified assembly procedures while maintaining quality control through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves multiple functions: it contains the explosive charge, provides electrical activation through integrated contacts, and enables mechanical insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, improving quality control while maintaining system versatility
3Reliability
If traditional subs and wiring are used, then the system can be assembled, but the tool length increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical activation system, explosive charge, and mechanical connection functions into a single integrated cartridge. This eliminates the need for separate subs and wiring assemblies, reducing overall device complexity and assembly steps while maintaining full system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed to be inserted into the gun body through a loading port, with electrical contacts nested within the cartridge that engage with corresponding contacts in the gun body. This nested design consolidates multiple components into a compact arrangement, reducing tool length and assembly complexity
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces the risk of electrical issues, and allows for efficient deployment by eliminating the need for manual wire connections and subs, enhancing quality control and safety while reducing tool length for easier wellbore introduction.
Implementation Method 1
detonating the second perforating gun with an electrical signal, wherein the detonation of the second arms the cartridge within the tandem sub, and detonating the first perforating gun with an electrical signal using the armed cartridge
Implementation Method 2
using the charge tube as a conductor to eliminate through wires
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for using a tandem sub between two perforating guns where an EB fire pressure switch arms a detonator after the detonation of a first perforating gun and then a subsequent electrical signal can then detonate the second perforating gun.