Wireless Downhole Perforating Gun Carrier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional perforating gun systems require complex electrical wiring for connectivity, which is time-consuming to install and prone to failure points.
Innovation Solution
A downhole perforating gun system featuring a wire-free design with non-wired electrical components and conductive interfaces, allowing for quick and reliable assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical wiring is used to connect perforating guns, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but assembly time increases and reliability decreases due to multiple connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connection functions into a single integrated body conductor that extends through the entire gun carrier. This eliminates the need for multiple separate wire connections between components, reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity throughout the string of guns.
Solution Approach 2:
The body conductor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connectivity between the detonator, switch, and feedthrough, acts as a structural support element within the carrier, and enables the gun to be part of a larger string configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple wire connections are made between components, then electrical connectivity is established, but the number of potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from separate wire assemblies and integrates it directly into the body conductor structure. This eliminates multiple discrete connection points where wires could fail, while maintaining ease of assembly through the simplified integrated design.
3Reliability
If complex wiring systems are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical conductor with the structural body of the gun carrier, creating a unified component rather than separate wiring systems. This integration dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity between all necessary components.
4Ease of manufacture
If wired systems are used, then electrical connectivity is established, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body conductor is manufactured as an integrated part of the gun carrier assembly, eliminating the need for separate wiring steps during manufacturing and assembly. This single-component approach simplifies both manufacturing processes and field assembly operations.
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 wire-free design simplifies manufacturing, reduces assembly time, and enhances reliability by eliminating potential wiring issues, while also allowing for modular components and easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a detonator comprising a first wireless conductive contact, and a switch disposed within the carrier at an axial position between the bulkhead and the second end of the carrier and comprising a second wireless conductive contact in electrical communication with the inner body conductor, a third wireless conductive contact in electrical communication with the feedthrough, and a fourth wireless conductive contact in electrical communication with the first wireless conductive contact of the detonator
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole perforating gun system provides wireless electrical communication between an inner body conductor, a switch, a detonator, and a feedthrough. Ends on gun carriers of the system couple together end-to-end at end connections. Internal tapered thread is defined in an interior of each carrier's first end, and external tapered thread is defined externally on each carrier's second end. The internal tapered thread of one carrier can thread to the external tapered thread of another carrier. A metal-to-metal contact and/or an annular seal can seal the carriers' interiors from an external environment, and bulkheads can seal between the carrier's interiors at the end connections. Each bulkhead can have a feedthrough conductor to electrically conduct across the end connections. A bulkhead flange can be captured between a distal face and an internal shoulder at the end connection, and a switch can be disposed on the bulkhead.