U.S. patent application number 16/696669 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for exploding bridge wire detonation wave shaper.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hunting Titan, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hunting Titan, Inc.. Invention is credited to Faraidoon Pundole, Christopher Brian Sokolove.
Application Number | 20200095841 16/696669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55064945 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200095841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sokolove; Christopher Brian ;
et al. |
March 26, 2020 |
Exploding bridge wire detonation wave shaper
Abstract
A jet cutter apparatus and method for using a single bridge wire
or a plurality of bridge wires to uniformly detonate a booster and
thereby cause a uniform detonation of the explosives adjacent to
the liners, thereby causing a uniform compression of the liners to
form a uniform plasma jet that is substantially radially
perpendicular to the jet cutter.
Inventors: |
Sokolove; Christopher Brian;
(Midlothian, TX) ; Pundole; Faraidoon; (Sugar
Land, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hunting Titan, Inc. |
Pampa |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hunting Titan, Inc.
Pampa
TX
|
Family ID: |
55064945 |
Appl. No.: |
16/696669 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15325303 |
Jan 10, 2017 |
10519736 |
|
|
PCT/US15/39897 |
Jul 10, 2015 |
|
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16696669 |
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62022751 |
Jul 10, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 3/124 20130101;
E21B 43/117 20130101; F42B 3/12 20130101; E21B 43/1185 20130101;
E21B 29/02 20130101; F42B 1/028 20130101; F42B 3/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 29/02 20060101
E21B029/02; E21B 43/117 20060101 E21B043/117; F42B 3/12 20060101
F42B003/12; E21B 43/1185 20060101 E21B043/1185; F42B 3/22 20060101
F42B003/22; F42B 1/028 20060101 F42B001/028 |
Claims
1. A shaped charge tubing cutter comprising: a substantially
cylindrical housing; a shaped charge explosive having an explosive
and a liner; a detonation wave shaper comprising an explosive
pellet and an exploding bridge wire contained within the explosive
pellet; and wherein the detonation wave shaper fits in a cavity in
the center of the shaped charge explosive.
2. The shaped charge tubing cutter of claim 1 wherein the
detonation wave shaper further comprises a substantially
cylindrical shell encasing the explosive pellet, wherein the
exploding bridge wire is substantially coaxial with the explosive
pellet.
3. A detonation wave shaper comprising: an explosive pellet; and a
plurality of exploding bridge wire segments within the explosive
pellet.
4. The detonation wave shaper of claim 3 wherein the explosive
pellet is substantially cylindrical in shape.
5. The detonation wave shaper of claim 3 wherein the exploding
bridge wire segments are mounted on a printed circuit board.
6. The detonation wave shaper of claim 5 wherein the explosive
pellet is substantially cylindrical in shape.
7. The detonation wave shaper of claim 6 wherein the exploding
bridge wire segments are substantially coaxial with the explosive
pellet cylinder.
8. The detonation wave shaper of claim 3 wherein the exploding
bridge wire segments are arranged substantially end-to-end and
extend through most of the length of the explosive pellet cylinder.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional
application Ser. No. 15/325,303, filed Jan. 10, 2017, which is a
371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/US15/39897, filed
Jul. 10, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/022,751, filed Jul. 10, 2014.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for
controlling the shape of a detonation wave. In some aspects the
invention relates to jet cutters utilizing explosive materials.
More particularly, the invention relates to shaped charge explosive
devices designed primarily for cutting tubulars in a well,
including but not limited to casing, tubing, piping, and
liners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Generally, when completing a subterranean well for the
production of fluids, minerals, or gases from underground
reservoirs, several types of tubulars are placed downhole as part
of the drilling, exploration, and completions process. These
tubulars can include casing, tubing, pipes, liners, and devices
conveyed downhole by tubulars of various types. Combinations of
different tubulars may be lowered into a well for a multitude of
purposes.
[0004] When placing any type of tubular downhole there is a risk
that it can get stuck in the well. This can happen for several
reasons including: the well has partially collapsed, operator
error, or due to the geometry of the drilling path. Once the
tubular becomes stuck, a variety of non-destructive means are
available for the operator of the rig to try and free the tubular.
These include rotating the tubular, jolting the tubular, or simply
pulling up on the tubular until it comes free. However, if these
options are unsuccessful then the operator might have to resort to
using a cutting or severing tool such as a jet cutter to cut the
tubular.
[0005] Tubulars may also be cut in abandonment operations.
Abandonment operations are increasingly subject to regulations for
minimizing the long term environmental impact of abandoned wells.
An operator will often times have to remove miles of tubulars while
contending with cemented equipment, damage in the wellbore, or
other unforeseen difficulties. The jet cutter is a critical tool
that allows the operator to cut and retrieve tubulars from the
well. The demand for cleaner abandoned wells, in conjunction with
the growing number of idle wells in general, is a driving force in
the market for jet cutters.
[0006] A jet cutter is an explosive shaped charge that has a
circumferential V-type shape. The explosive is combined with a
liner. The components are all contained in a housing. The jet
cutter is lowered to the point where the separation of the tubular
is desired. When the jet cutter is detonated, it will generate a
jet of high energy plasma, typically in a 360 degree arc, that will
severe the tubular. Afterwards, the upper portion of the tubular is
pulled out of the well. Then the operator can use a fishing tool to
remove the lower portion of the tubular.
[0007] While other types of tubular cutters are available,
including mechanical cutting devices and chemical cutters, one
application of this invention is on explosive shaped charge jet
cutters that are widely used throughout the oil industry.
[0008] A shaped charge is a term of art for a device that when
detonated generates a focused explosive output. This is achieved in
part by the geometry of the explosive in conjunction with a liner
in the explosive material. Many materials are used for the liner,
some of the more common metals include brass, copper, tungsten, and
lead. When the explosive detonates the liner metal is compressed
into a super heated, super pressurized jet that can penetrate
metal, concrete, and rock.
[0009] The shaped charge explosives in jet cutters are typically
detonated by a booster explosive located in a central cavity
coaxial with the shaped charge. This booster is typically detonated
from the top, causing a detonation wave to travel down the booster
longitudinally. The longitudinal component of the detonation can
cause deflection of the shaped charge jet from the ideal, purely
radial, direction. The longitudinal deflection of the cutting jet
can reduce the effectiveness of the cutter and cause a curved or
cupped cut in the target tubular. A device that could detonate a
jet cutter booster along its entire length simultaneously would
remove any off-axis components of the shaped charge jet.
SUMMARY OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An example of the invention may include a detonation wave
shaper comprising an explosive pellet and an exploding bridge wire
contained within the explosive pellet. A variation of the example
may include the explosive pellet being substantially cylindrical in
shape. The exploding bridge wire may be substantially coaxial with
the explosive pellet cylinder. The exploding bridge wire may extend
through most of the length of the explosive pellet cylinder. The
invention may further comprise a shell surrounding the explosive
pellet. The shell may be composed of a conductive material and the
first end of the exploding bridge wire may be electrically
connected to the shell. A second end of the exploding bridge wire
may be adapted to electrically connect to a fireset.
[0011] Another example of the invention may include a shaped charge
tubing cutter comprising a substantially cylindrical housing, a
shaped charge explosive having an explosive and a liner, a
detonation wave shaper comprising an explosive pellet and an
exploding bridge wire contained within the explosive pellet,
wherein the detonation wave shaper fits in a cavity in the center
of the shaped charge explosive. A variation of the invention may
include the detonation wave shaper further comprising a
substantially cylindrical shell encasing the explosive pellet,
wherein the exploding bridge wire is substantially coaxial with the
explosive pellet.
[0012] Another example of the invention may include a detonation
wave shaper comprising an explosive pellet and a plurality of
exploding bridge wire segments within the explosive pellet. A
variation of the example may include the explosive pellet being
substantially cylindrical in shape. The exploding bridge wire
segments may be substantially coaxial with the explosive pellet
cylinder. The exploding bridge wire segments may be arranged
substantially end-to-end and extend through most of the length of
the explosive pellet cylinder. The example may further comprise a
shell surrounding the explosive pellet. The shell may be comprised
of a conductive material and a first end of the exploding bridge
wire segments that is electrically connected to the shell. A second
end of the exploding bridge wire segments may be adapted to
electrically connect to a fireset. The exploding bridge wire
segments may be mounted on a printed circuit board. The explosive
pellet may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The exploding
bridge wire segments may be substantially coaxial with the
explosive pellet cylinder. The exploding bridge wire segments may
be arranged substantially end-to-end and extend through most of the
length of the explosive pellet cylinder. The exploding bridge wire
segments may be mounted on alternate sides of the printed circuit
board from a first end of the printed circuit board to a second end
of the printed circuit board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a thorough understating of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which reference numbers designate like or similar
elements throughout the several figures. Briefly:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an axial cross-section of an example jet
cutter.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an axial cross-section of an example booster.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an axial cross-section of an example booster.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an axial cross-section close up of an example jet
cutter.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a depiction of the explosive wave moving
perpendicular to bridge wire segments.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a view of the bridge wires mounted onto a printed
circuit board inside a booster.
[0020] FIG. 7a is a view of a tubular with a curved cut.
[0021] FIG. 7b is a view of a tubular with a straight cut.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the following description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clarity, and examples. No unnecessary limitations are
implied and such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and
are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatus and
method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination
with other systems and method steps. It is to be expected that
various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible
within the scope of the appended claims.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example jet cutter 10 containing an
upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12. The lower housing 12
contains a first compression device 13, a first backer plate 14, a
first explosive material 15, a first liner 16, a second liner 17, a
second explosive material 18, a second backer plate 19, and a
second compression device 20. The lower housing 12 also contains an
explosive booster 21 used to initiate the first explosive material
15 and second explosive material 18. Liners 16 and 17 may be
composed of combinations of metals including brass, copper,
tungsten, and lead.
[0024] Existing oilfield pipe cutters are initiated with a typical
50 Ohm detonator placed in close proximity to the booster 21. As
the detonation wave propagates through the booster 21, it advances
along the cutter axis 29 downwards, with the lower housing 12 being
considered lower than the upper housing 11. This advance of
detonation wave is collinear to the axis 29 and perpendicular to
the liner axis 30. The perpendicular motion of the detonation wave
causes the detonation of the second explosive material 18 before
the first explosive material 15, causing the asymmetric collapse of
the first liner 16 and second liner 17. Ideally, both the first
explosive material 15 and the second explosive material 18 would
explode at exactly the same time. The result of asymmetric
detonation is that the pipe is cut in a curved shape 81, see FIG.
7a as opposed to a desired straight perpendicular cut 83 in FIG.
7b.
[0025] A curved cut is undesirable for several reasons. First, the
top of the curved cut typically exhibits greater flare or expansion
of the pipe near the cut. Second, the shortest and most efficient
cut is exactly perpendicular to the pipe. Straightening out the
profile of the cut could increase the depth of the cut for thicker
pipe.
[0026] An exploding bridge wire wave shaper, as depicted in FIG. 2,
can be used to create a perpendicular cutting jet. The booster 21
has a shell 31 and an explosive pellet 32. A bridge wire 33 is
placed in the center of explosive pellet 32 and shell 31. The
bridge wire 33 is confined by the pressed explosive pellet 32. The
bridge wire 33 is terminated at end 34 against the shell 31. A
booster shell 31 in this example is composed of a conductive
material, such as brass. The other end of the bridge wire 33 is
electrically connected to a wire 35 that is further electrically
connected to a fireset or power source (not shown) that provides
the electrical discharge needed to burst or explode the bridge wire
33. When current is applied from the fireset the bridge wire 33
explodes. This explosion causes the explosive pellet 32 to explode
along its entire length. The explosion then moves out radially,
allowing for the detonation of the explosive material 15 and 18 at
the same time. The simultaneous detonation of explosive material 15
and 18 causes the first liner 16 and second liner 17 to collapse on
each other simultaneously as well.
[0027] Another example of the invention is shown in FIG. 3 using a
shorter, discontinuous bridge wire sections electrically connected
in parallel. In this example there are bridge wire segments 51 and
53, located 180 degrees from each other. The bridge wire segments
51 and 53 are mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB) 52. The
bridge wire segments may be soldered into place on the PCB 52.
Furthermore, in this example the segments 51 are offset from the
segments 53. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
more than two sets of bridge wire segments can be used. For
instance, there could be four bridge wire segments located radially
90 degrees from one set to the next. Furthermore, in this example
there are shown five bridge wire segments 51 and five bridge wire
segments 53. However, more or less than five bridge wire segments
may be used. In this example, there are two sets of bridge wire
segments 51 and 53, but there can be variations on this design
including a single set of bridge wire segments or a plurality of
more than two sets of bridge wire segments.
[0028] The discontinuous bride wire design of FIG. 3 can be
installed into a jet cutter as shown in FIG. 4. The leads 54 and 55
eventually connect to a fireset (not shown) that will use an
electrical discharge to explode the bridge wire segments 51 and 53.
The fireset will send a signal to the PCB 52 via leads 54 and 55.
The signal will explode the bridge wire segments 51 and 53. The
explosion will cause the explosive pellet 57 to detonate outwards
radially. The explosion will travel radially in a substantially
uniform fashion such that the explosive wave contacts the radial
edges of explosives 65 and 68 at substantially the same the time.
The explosives 65 and 68 will then start detonating from the inside
out. As the explosive wave travels through explosives 65 and 68 it
will begin subjecting liners 66 and 67 to high intensity heat and
pressure at substantially the same time. The liners 66 and 67 will
be crushed inwards and converted into a plasma jet that explodes
outwards radially along axis 30. The plasma jet will cut through
the lower housing 62 and then cut the surrounding tubular 80 as
shown in FIG. 8b. The uniformity of detonation of the booster
explosive pellet 57, followed by the uniform detonation of the
explosives 65 and 68, combine to cause the near simultaneous
compression of both liners 66 and 67. The near simultaneous
compression of both liners 66 and 67 result in a straight cut in
the tubular 82 as shown in FIG. 7B compared with the prior art
which causes a curved cut 81 as shown in FIG. 7A.
[0029] When the bridge wire segments 51 burst, as shown in FIG. 5,
they will produce shock waves 59 that will travel substantially
perpendicular to the PCB 52. The shock waves 59 will travel at the
same speed such that with each time interval, t1, t2, and t3, the
shock waves stay roughly the same perpendicular distance from their
originating bridge wire segment 51.
[0030] Another example of the discontinuous bridge wire design is
shown in FIG. 6. The PCB 52 is located within the booster explosive
pellet 57. The bridge wire segments 51 are mounted onto the PCB 52
using contact pads 77. When a detonation signal is sent from a
fireset the individual bridge wire segments 51 each explode or
burst, causing explosive pellet 57 to detonate at a plurality of
locations simultaneously. The design allows for the plurality of
detonation points to ensure that the explosive waves are no longer
biased to one end of the booster or the other.
[0031] Although the invention has been described in terms of
particular embodiments which are set forth in detail, it should be
understood that this is by illustration only and that the invention
is not necessarily limited thereto. Alternative embodiments and
operating techniques will become apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. Accordingly,
modifications of the invention are contemplated which may be made
without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.
* * * * *