Wellbore Perforation Segments With Collar-Triggered Shot Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plug and perf operations for wellbore perforation are inefficient due to the need to remove bridge plugs after fracturing, which prolongs the process and requires returning wireline to the surface for reloading, thereby increasing downtime.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with an elongate body composed of segments, each equipped with perforating shots and a control section that automatically perforates the wellbore casing at predetermined locations using a casing collar locator to trigger discharges, allowing for flexible connectors and anchors to secure segments at desired positions, and a dissolvable bridge plug for seamless operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional plug and perf operations are used with wireline deployment, then perforation can be achieved, but the wireline must be returned to surface for reloading which increases downtime and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperforation operation efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime between zones

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into multiple deployable segments that can be sequentially activated at different wellbore zones. Each segment contains perforating shots and can be independently deployed and activated, allowing continuous operation without retrieving the entire apparatus to surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is pumped down the wellbore in advance and positioned at target zones before perforation activation. The bridge plug is set and segments are prepared for deployment beforehand, enabling immediate perforation activation without time-consuming surface operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If bridge plugs are used for zone isolation during fracing, then zone isolation is achieved, but plugs must be removed after fracing which prolongs the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone isolation capabilityVSAvoidplug removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge plug is constructed from dissolvable metal material that changes its physical properties over time. The material dissolves or degrades after serving its isolation function, eliminating the need for mechanical removal operations and reducing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual plug removal through milling is used, then plugs can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and reduces operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug removal capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge plug is designed as a temporary, disposable component made of dissolvable metal. After performing its isolation function, it automatically dissolves or degrades, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical removal and improving overall operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Manufacturing precision

If conventional perforation methods are used, then casing perforation is achieved, but the process requires manual intervention and slows down operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperforation location accuracyVSAvoidperforation process automation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus incorporates a casing collar locator that detects collar positions and provides feedback to a controller. The controller uses this information to automatically determine when to activate perforating shots, achieving precise perforation location control through automated feedback-based positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus automatically locates casing collars and triggers perforating shots without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the perforation process by detecting collar positions and autonomously activating shots at the correct locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates efficient and time-saving perforation of wellbore casings by automating the perforation process, reducing downtime, and eliminating the need for manual plug removal, thus enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing operations.

Implementation Method 1

The bridge plug may be formed of a dissolvable metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

The protrusion may extend into a separation chamber containing a burst charge capable of discharging the protrusion from the separation chamber when activated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExplosion: Explosion

Implementation Method 3

causing the at least one perforating shots to discharge so as to form passages through the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPerforation: Explosion

Data Source

PatentUS12497868B2Apparatus and method for stimulating a well

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 TORSCH INC

AI summary

An apparatus for perforating a wellbore casing comprises an elongate body having a plurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments having at least one perforating shot and a control section having a casing collar locator and a controller configured to count the number of casing collars located by the casing collar locator and also configured to cause each of the plurality of perforating shots to discharge at a desired location in the wellbore casing.