Tandem Sub Assembly for Perforating Gun Signal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic fracturing systems face reliability issues due to misalignment and contamination of igniter components during assembly, leading to errors and increased operational time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A tandem sub assembly that integrates a cartridge assembly and primary igniter within a common housing, reducing the risk of misalignment and contamination, and simplifying the assembly process by preassembling sensitive components in a controlled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If igniter components are assembled in the field at interfaces, then the system can be deployed, but misalignment and contamination occur leading to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cartridge assembly and primary igniter into a single integrated tandem sub assembly. The cartridge assembly is received within the tandem sub housing, and the primary igniter is positioned to engage with the cartridge assembly's contact. This merging eliminates the need for separate field assembly of these sensitive components, preventing misalignment and contamination while maintaining signal transmission reliability.
2Reliability
If igniter components are assembled in a controlled environment, then misalignment and contamination are reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct modular components: the tandem sub with integrated cartridge assembly and primary igniter, the intermediate sub, and the setting tool. Each module can be pre-assembled and tested in a controlled environment, then deployed as a complete unit. This segmentation reduces on-site assembly complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of controlled-environment assembly for sensitive components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for igniter assembly, then flexibility in deployment is maintained, but operational time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary assembly of the cartridge assembly and primary igniter within the tandem sub in a controlled environment before deployment. The tandem sub is pre-configured with the cartridge assembly received within its housing and the primary igniter positioned for engagement. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming field assembly operations while maintaining deployment flexibility through the modular design that can be integrated into existing gun strings.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for perforating a downhole formation includes a perforating gun, coupled to a downhole conveyance system, the perforating gun including an explosive charge and an uphole contact. The assembly also includes a tandem, coupled to the perforating gun proximate the uphole contact, the tandem including a cartridge assembly communicatively coupled to the downhole contact and a primary igniter communicatively coupled to the cartridge assembly. The assembly further includes an intermediate sub, coupled to the tandem opposite the perforating gun, the intermediate sub receiving at least a portion of the primary igniter, the intermediate sub having a fuse and secondary igniter. The assembly also includes a setting tool coupled to the intermediate sub, the setting tool receiving a setting signal via the secondary igniter.