Non-detonable shaped charge and activation

• US 10,443,360 B2
• Filed: 09/27/2016
• Issued: 10/15/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (SLB)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (SLB)
• Inventors: Skyler, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Bomar, Shane
• Application Number:
  US15/277,749
• Publication Number:
  US 20180087353A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,113 Days
• CPC Class Codes: C06B 31/00 Compositions containing an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/117 Shaped-charge perforators E21B43/118 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/1185 Ignition systems
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 1/02 Shaped or hollow charges blasting cartridges with cavities in the charge F42B3/08; oil winning using shaped-charge perforators E21B43/116
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 1/032 characterised by the material of the liner
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 1/036 Manufacturing processes therefor F42B33/0214 - F42B33/0292 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42C 15/36 wherein arming is effected by combustion or fusion of an element; Arming methods using temperature gradientsF42C15/31 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42C 15/38 wherein arming is effected by chemical action F42C3/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 5/00 Safety arrangements

Abstract

A non-detonable shaped charge capable of becoming detonable upon activation. The shaped charge may be utilized for use with a perforating gun in oilfield applications. In this regard, during transport and other handling in advance of reaching the application site, the charge may be non-detonable. However, upon an intentionally directed activation, such as through heating, the shaped charge may be detonable.

Claims

1. A method of perforating a well at an oilfield, the method comprising:

loading a shaped charge into a perforating gun in a non-detonable state;

advancing the perforating gun to a target location in the well;

activating the shaped charge to a detonable state; and

perforating the well at the target location with the detonable shaped charge;

wherein the activating comprises;

heating the shaped charge; and

applying a targeted movement to the shaped charge by pivotally extending the shaped charge away from a housing of the perforating gun with a carrier thereof.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the activating comprises exposing the shaped charge to a well condition during the advancing of the gun to the target location.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the activating comprises one of heating the shaped charge, applying a targeted movement to the shaped charge, and initiating a chemical reaction at the shaped charge.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the heating of the shaped charge comprises inducing a substantially solid eutectic mixture of the shaped charge to reach a molten state.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein the heating of the shaped charge encourages mixing of materials from separate fuel and oxidizer material layers of the shaped charge.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the heating of the shaped charge further comprises inducing the mixed materials to reach a eutectic point of solution.

7. The method of claim 5 further comprising assembling the shaped charge at the oilfield from a casing accommodating one of the separate material layers and a liner accommodating the other of the separate material layers in advance of the loading.

8. The method of claim 3 wherein the heating of the shaped charge comprises circulating a heated fluid to the perforating gun from a surface at the oilfield.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the circulating of heated fluid comprises directing steam through a coiled tubing conveyance line supporting the advancing of the gun to the target location.

10. A shaped charge system for perforating a well at an oilfield, the system comprising:

a perforating gun;

a conveyance coupled to the gun for advancement thereof into the well;

a shaped charge secured within the gun, the charge housing oxidizer and fuel components in a non-detonable state relative one another in advance of activation thereof into at least a partially liquid mixture thereof, wherein the perforating gun comprises a carrier for the securing of the shaped charge, the carrier pivotable to introduce a targeted movement to the charge for the activation.

11. The shaped charge system of claim 10 further comprising a thermal line coupled to the shaped charge to induce a temperature at the components for the activation.