Shock resistant perforating tool for multizone completions
An apparatus for perforating a wellbore includes a plurality of perforator units that includes a first perforator unit and a second perforator unit; and a signal transfer module connecting the first perforator unit to the second perforator unit. The signal transfer module includes an enclosure having a bore, an input end, and an output end, an initiator positioned adjacent to the first perforator unit and at least partially in the enclosure, an initiator, an igniter, a fuse, and an isolator. The initiator generates a shock wave when initiated. The igniter is positioned in the enclosure and generates a low order output upon receiving the shock wave generated by the initiator. The fuse is positioned in the enclosure and is initiated by the low order output of the igniter. The fuse outputs a high order output from the output end of the enclosure. The isolator secures the fuse body in the bore of the enclosure. The isolator includes a shock attenuator. Only the shock attenuator physically connects the fuse to the enclosure.
1 . An apparatus for perforating a wellbore, comprising:
a plurality of perforator units that includes at least a first perforator unit and a second perforator unit; and
a signal transfer module connecting the first perforator unit to the second perforator unit, the signal transfer module including:
an enclosure having a bore, an input end, and an output end,
an initiator positioned adjacent to the first perforator unit and at least partially in the enclosure, the initiator configured to generate a shock wave when initiated,
an igniter positioned in the enclosure and adjacent to the initiator, the igniter configured to generate a low order detonation upon receiving the shock wave generated by the initiator, wherein the initiator and the igniter are configured to interact principally through a non-projectile activation,
a fuse positioned in the enclosure and configured to be initiated by the low order detonation of the igniter, the fuse outputting a high order detonation from the output end of the enclosure, and,
an isolator securing the fuse in the bore of the enclosure using at least one motion transmitting connection, wherein every motion transmitting includes at least one shock attenuator,
wherein the at least one shock attenuator attenuates at least one of: shock and vibration,
and wherein the attenuation is at least enough to prevent activation of the fuse.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a holder receiving an end of the fuse, wherein the isolator includes a plug connected to the enclosure, wherein a gap separates the fuse from an inner surface of the enclosure, wherein the at least one shock attenuator includes a first shock attenuator and a second shock attenuator, and wherein the at least one motion transmitting connection includes:
a first motion transmitting connection formed by the plug and the first shock attenuator; and
a second motion transmitting connection formed by the holder, the second shock attenuator, and the plug.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the isolator includes a plug into which a portion of the fuse is received, wherein the plug is connected to the enclosure, and wherein the at least one shock attenuator connects to the plug.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one shock attenuator includes a first shock attenuator and a second shock attenuator.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the initiator is a sealed initiator.
6 . A method for perforating a wellbore, comprising:
conveying a perforating tool along the wellbore toward a desired target depth, wherein the perforating tool includes:
a plurality of perforator units that includes at least a first perforator unit and a second perforator unit; and
a signal transfer module connecting the first perforator unit to the second perforator unit, the signal transfer module including:
an enclosure having a bore, an input end, and an output end,
an initiator positioned adjacent to the first perforator unit and at least partially in the enclosure, the initiator configured to generate a shock wave when initiated,
an igniter positioned in the enclosure and adjacent to the initiator, the igniter configured to generate a low order detonation upon receiving the shock wave generated by the initiator wherein the initiator and the igniter are configured to interact principally through a non-projectile activation,
a fuse positioned in the enclosure and configured to be initiated by the low order detonation of the igniter, the fuse outputting a high order detonation from the output end of the enclosure, and,
an isolator securing the fuse in the bore of the enclosure using at least one motion transmitting connection, wherein every motion transmitting connection includes at least one shock attenuator;
minimizing detrimental contact between the fuse and the enclosure using the at least one shock attenuator, wherein the at least one shock attenuator attenuates at least one of: shock and vibration, wherein the attenuation is at least enough to prevent activation of the fuse, the attenuation minimizing detrimental contact between the fuse and the enclosure using the at least one shock attenuator;
positioning the perforating tool at the desired target depth; and
firing the perforating tool.
7 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising a holder receiving an end of the fuse, wherein the isolator includes a plug connected to the enclosure, wherein a gap separates the fuse from an inner surface of the enclosure, wherein the at least one shock attenuator includes a first shock attenuator and a second shock attenuator, and wherein the at least one motion transmitting connection includes:
a first motion transmitting connection formed by the plug and the first shock attenuator; and
a second motion transmitting connection formed by the holder, the second shock attenuator, and the plug.
8 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the isolator includes a plug into which a portion of the fuse is received, wherein the plug is connected to the enclosure, and wherein the at least one shock attenuator connects to the plug.
9 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the at least one shock attenuator includes a first shock attenuator and a second shock attenuator.
10 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the initiator is a sealed initiator.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one shock attenuator has an effective modulus of elasticity between 2 MPA and 60 MPA (300 PSI to 9000 PSI) at standard room temperature.
12 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the at least one shock attenuator has an effective modulus of elasticity between 2 MPA and 60 MPA (300 PSI to 9000 PSI) at standard room temperature.