Well Tool Shock Absorber with Push-Fit Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shock absorbers in well equipment are either too rigid or too compliant to effectively mitigate the short-duration shock loads from perforating guns, and existing connection methods for well tools are time-consuming and prone to damage.

Innovation Solution

A well tool assembly with interconnected shock absorbers and a shock mitigating connection system that allows for quick assembly without threading, using a connector engagement device to prevent disconnection and absorb shock loads between perforating devices and other well tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional shock absorbers are made rigid to react quickly to shock, then response time is improved, but shock absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidshock transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber uses a dynamic response mechanism where the bore allows rapid initial movement to quickly absorb shock impulses. The geometry of the bore creates varying resistance during compression, providing both quick response and effective shock absorption without requiring the absorber to be either rigid or overly compliant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber's performance is optimized by changing geometric parameters of the bore (cross-sectional area variations along the length) to create different flow resistance at different compression stages. This allows the same component to provide both rapid response and effective shock mitigation across the shock pulse duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If threading is used to connect well tools, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time increases and connector damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system replaces the traditional threaded mechanical fastening system with a friction-grip push-fit mechanism. The connector features a friction surface that, when pushed together, creates sufficient friction to prevent disconnection under operational loads, eliminating the need for threading operations and reducing assembly time while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional shock absorbers are made compliant to absorb shock, then shock absorption capability is improved, but response time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorptionVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively mitigates shock loads and facilitates rapid, damage-free connection of well tools, preventing transmission of shock across the assembly and allowing for efficient deployment of perforating assemblies in wellbores.

Implementation Method 1

a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

conventional shock absorbers are either too rigid to react adequately to the shock, or too compliant to absorb the shock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9206675B2Well tool assemblies with quick connectors and shock mitigating capabilities

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method can include interconnecting a well tool in a well tool assembly with a shock mitigating connection, the interconnecting being performed without threading, and positioning the well tool assembly in a wellbore. A well perforating assembly can include at least two perforating devices, a detonation train extending through the perforating devices, and a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices. A method of assembling a perforating assembly can include, prior to installing the perforating assembly in a wellbore, pushing one perforating device connector into another perforating device connector without threading the connectors together, thereby: a) preventing disconnection of the connectors and b) making a connection in a detonation train. A well system can include a perforating assembly including multiple perforating guns and multiple shock absorbers. Each shock absorber may be interconnected between at least two of the perforating guns.