Wireless Perforating Gun Initiation via Signal Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing perforating systems in oil and gas production rely on wired communication to initiate detonation of shaped charges, which can be cumbersome and limit the ability to selectively detonate individual perforating guns within a long string, and are prone to accidental detonation due to electrical signals.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system is introduced, allowing for the transmission of detonation signals to individual perforating guns or sets of guns using a communication module and controller, enabling selective initiation of perforating guns through pressure or electrical means, with options including mud pulses, radio, high, and low frequency signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired communication is used to initiate detonation of shaped charges, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and prone to accidental detonation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wired mechanical/electrical connection system with a wireless communication system. The wired system that physically connected the surface control to the perforating guns is substituted with wireless signal transmission through the conveyance member, eliminating the physical constraints and safety hazards of wired connections while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the conveyance member from the initiation system. By taking out the need for a physical conveyance member (wire or tubing) to transmit the initiation signal, the system eliminates the cumbersome wiring and reduces the risk of accidental detonation through electrical connections, while still enabling reliable signal transmission through alternative wireless means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If wired communication is used, then signal transmission is achieved, but selective detonation of individual guns is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidselective gun initiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the initiation system into independent, addressable segments. Each perforating gun or group of guns is equipped with its own controller that can be independently addressed and activated. This segmentation allows selective detonation of individual guns or specific groups along the string, providing versatility in initiation patterns while maintaining reliable signal transmission through the wireless communication network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If electrical initiators are used, then detonation initiation is achieved, but risk of accidental detonation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitiator functionalityVSAvoidaccidental detonation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical initiators with pressure-actuated initiators. Instead of using electrical signals that carry the risk of accidental detonation through electrical sparks or faults, the system uses mechanical pressure from the wellbore environment to trigger initiation. This substitution eliminates the electrical hazard while maintaining reliable initiator functionality through pressure-activated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution allows for the selective and controlled initiation of perforating guns, reducing the risk of accidental detonation and enabling repositioning of the perforating system within the wellbore, while providing flexibility in communication methods, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of the perforating process.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting a detonation signal to the communication module, wherein the communication module is configured to transmit a corresponding wireless detonation signal to the controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The perforating gun detonation may be initiated by a pressure source, optionally the pressure source may be from wellbore pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8074737B2Wireless perforating gun initiation

Publication Date: 2011.12.13 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A perforating system and method for wellbore perforating. The system comprises a perforating string having a perforating gun with shaped charges, a communication module for receiving detonation signals, and a controller associated with each perforating gun. The module receives surface signals for gun detonation and wirelessly transmits the signals to selected guns via the associated controllers.