Wellbore Tubular Denting Using Colliding Axial Pressure Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating circumferential dents in wellbore tubulars using shaped charges result in excessive debris, require multiple charge housings, and do not effectively form additional dents between primary dents.
Innovation Solution
A tool with axially separated charge housings and simultaneous detonation of shaped charges generates radial and axial pressure waves, causing additional dents by colliding axial pressure waves, reducing debris and improving sealing capabilities with fewer parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple charge housings are used to create multiple dents, then the number of dents increases, but the device complexity and amount of debris increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple charge housings into a single charge housing that generates multiple pressure waves. Instead of using separate charge housings for each dent, a single charge housing generates both radial and axial pressure waves that work together to create multiple longitudinally separated circumferential dents, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to create multiple dents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces axial pressure waves propagating along the longitudinal axis in addition to the traditional radial pressure waves. This adds a new dimension (axial direction) to the pressure wave generation, enabling the creation of multiple dents along the longitudinal direction from a single charge housing, thus reducing the number of charge housings needed
2Reliability
If traditional shaped charges are used, then dents are formed, but excessive debris is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the pressure wave generation by introducing axial pressure waves in addition to radial pressure waves. This parameter change allows for more controlled and efficient dent formation that achieves the required sealing capability while minimizing material disruption and debris generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would traditionally be wasted axial energy in the charge housing into useful axial pressure waves that contribute to dent formation. By directing axial pressure waves along the longitudinal axis, the system utilizes previously unused energy to create additional dents while reducing the need for multiple charge housings and minimizing debris
3Quantity of substance
If axial pressure waves are utilized, then additional dents are formed between primary dents, but the mechanism is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radial and axial pressure wave generation within a single charge housing design. Instead of requiring separate mechanisms for radial and axial wave generation, the invention integrates both functions into one unified charge housing, simplifying manufacturing while achieving multiple dent formation
Solution Approach 2:
The charge housing is designed to perform multiple functions: generating radial pressure waves for circumferential dent formation and generating axial pressure waves for longitudinal dent separation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process
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 method efficiently forms multiple circumferential dents with less debris, enhancing sealing capabilities without additional charge housings, and optimizing the use of axial pressure waves for dent formation.
Implementation Method 1
generating a first radial pressure wave from the first charge housing, in a first plane transverse to the longitudinal tool axis
Implementation Method 2
generating a first axial pressure wave propagating along the longitudinal tool axis toward the second charge housing
Implementation Method 3
the first and second axial pressure waves collide and thereby cause a third circumferential dent between the first and second circumferential dents
Data Source
AI summary
An energetics tool is inserted downhole in a wellbore tubular, which has a string of at least two axially separated shaped charges. With this tool N axially separated circumferential dents are created, using a string of only M=(N+1)/2 axially separated charges. N is an odd number of 3 or higher. Two additional axially separated dents may be created for each additional axially separated shaped charge that is added to the string. For example, by simultaneously detonating two shaped charges, it is possible to create three axially separated dents. By simultaneously detonating three shaped charges that are axially separated from each other, it is possible to create five axially separated dents. The shaped charges are contained in charge housings that are mechanically interconnected with a longitudinal connecting rod. The shaped charges are simultaneously detonated, whereby pressure waves from neighboring shaped charges interact to cause the additional dents.