Tandem Sub Perforating Gun Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforating gun systems for subterranean wells are lengthy, making them difficult to introduce into deviated or horizontal wells and requiring complex tool assemblies in harsh wellsite environments, and lack efficient initiation methods.
Innovation Solution
A tandem sub with a plug and play cartridge detonator assembly that allows for electrical initiation of detonating cords, reducing the need for complex connections and enabling remote detonation of perforating guns through a signal wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical initiation methods are used for perforating guns, then reliable detonation can be achieved, but the tool assembly becomes complex and lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical initiation systems with an electrical initiation system using a cartridge detonator that is electrically fired through a signal wire. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical connections and components while maintaining reliable detonation initiation, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical initiation methods are used for perforating guns, then reliable detonation can be achieved, but the tool length increases making deployment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cartridge detonator system replaces lengthy mechanical initiation assemblies, significantly reducing the overall tool length. The electrical signal wire provides a compact initiation path compared to mechanical transmission components, enabling deployment in deviated and horizontal wells where short tool length is critical.
3Reliability
If complex tool assemblies are used for initiation, then reliable detonation can be achieved, but deployment in deviated or horizontal wells becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical initiation system with cartridge detonator and signal wire replaces complex mechanical assemblies, creating a streamlined tool that is easier to deploy in challenging well geometries. The reduced complexity and length improve handling and placement operations in deviated and horizontal wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge detonator design provides a universal initiation solution that can be applied across different perforating gun configurations and well types, including vertical, deviated, and horizontal wells. This multi-functional approach simplifies deployment procedures across diverse operational scenarios.
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 solution reduces tool length and complexity, facilitating easier deployment in challenging well geometries and providing a reliable, efficient method for initiating perforating guns, thereby simplifying the completion process and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
allows for electrical initiation of detonating cords, reducing the need for complex connections and enabling remote detonation of perforating guns through a signal wire
Implementation Method 2
A shaped charge is a term of art for a device that when detonated generates a focused output, high energy output, and/or high velocity jet
Implementation Method 3
when the explosive detonates, the liner metal is compressed into a super-heated, super pressurized jet that can penetrate metal, concrete, and rock
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing a universal plug in cartridge detonator capability in box-by-box perforating guns by providing a tandem sub, having a cartridge detonator assembly, that is capable of connecting to a box end of a perforating gun on one side and connecting to a pinned end of a second perforating gun.