US008091477B2
`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 8,091,477 B2
`(0) Patent No.:
`Jan. 10, 2012
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Brookset al.
`
`(54)
`
`INTEGRATED DETONATORSFOR USE
`WITH EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: James E. Brooks, Manvel, TX (US);
`Nolan C. Lerche,Stafford, TX (US);
`Anthony F. Veneruso, Missouri City, TX
`(US)
`(73) Assignee: Schlumberger Technology
`:
`Corporation, Sugar Land, TX (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 811 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/711,809
`(22)
`Filed:
`Oct. 6, 2004
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2005/0178282 Al
`Aug. 18, 2005
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3.670.653 A *
`6/1972 Luntetal
`102/210
`3,721,884 A *
`3/1973 Thakore wees.
`1. 361/251
`
`3,913,224 A * 10/1975 Preissinger etal.
`........... 29/832
`
`6/1976 Mohr veces .. 361/260
`3,963,966 A *
`
`wo... 102/218
`4,227,461 A * 10/1980 Beezley etal.
`“ oats
`qTaor'os0 ‘ : Doss jonessettee
`Koken wees
`421,
`
`8/1985 Malone accesses 313/325
`4,538,088 A *
`(Continued)
`
`CN
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2178346 Y
`9/1994
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`R.L. Wahlers , C.Y.D. Huang, M.R. Heinz and A.H. Feingold; Low
`Profile Ltcc Transformers; Presented at the International Microelec-
`tronics and Packaging Society IMAPS, Symposium; Denver, CO;
`Sep. 4-6, 2002.
`
`.
`.
`;
`;
`Primary Examiner — Michael David
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Dan Hu; Kevin McGott
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A detonator assembly includes a capacitor, an initiator, a
`transformer and an addressable chip. The initiatoris electri-
`cally connected to the capacitor, the transformer is mechani-
`cally and electrically connected to the capacitor and the
`addressable chip is mechanically andelectrically connected
`to the transformer. The initiator may be bondedorfusedto the
`capacitor, and the transformer may be bondedorfusedto the
`Capacitor. The capacitor, initiator, transformer and address-
`able chip form a unified integrated detonating unit.
`
`56 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`(51)
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/304,205,
`filed on Nov. 26, 2002, now Pat. No. 7,549,373.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/521,088,filed on Feb.
`19, 2004, provisional application No. 60/333,586,
`filed on Nov. 27, 2001.
`Int.Cl
`(2006.01)
`F.‘OB 310
`(2006.01)
`F42C 11/00
`(2006.01)
`F230 7/00
`102/202.7: 102/202.14: 102/206:
`(52) US. Cl
`102/207: 102/215: 102/217: 102/218: 102/275.11.
`361/248: 361/249: 361/25 1: 361/252
`;
`(58) Field of Classification Search........... 102/202.5,
`102/202.7, 202.14, 206, 207, 210, 215, 217,
`102/218, 275.11; 361/248, 249, 251, 252
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`100
`
`
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`US 8,091,477 B2
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`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`RE32,888 E *
`3/1989 Kirby etal. cccscssnee 102/217
`
`x
`.
`4,829,899 A
`5/1989 Wikeretal.
`. 102/206
`4,870,902 A * 10/1989 Simonet al. cases 102/201
`5,309,841 A
`5/1994 Hartman etal.
`5,341,742 A *
`8/1994 Alfordetal. 0... 102/202.8
`5,347,929 A *
`9/1994 Lerche etal. ow... 102/202.14
`5,369,579 A
`11/1994 Anderson
`5,436,791 A
`7/1995 Turano
`5,444,598 A
`8/1995 Aresco
`5,725,242 A *
`3/1998 Belau etal. ce 280/735
`5,731,538 A
`3/1998 O’Brienetal.
`:
`5,908,365 A *
`6/1999 LaJaunie et al. oo... 175/4.56
`6,173,651 Bl
`1/2001 Pathe
`6,179,064 Bl
`1/2001 Vaynshteyn
`:
`6,199,484 Bl
`3/2001 Martinez-Tovar et al.
`we
`6,272,965 B1*
`8/2001 Baginski et al. oo... 86/1.1
`6,302,024 Bl
`10/2001 Swart et al.
`6,318,267 B1* 11/2001 Swartetal. ou, 102/202.5
`6,356,455 B1*
`3/2002 Carpenter 0... 361/793
`6,385,031 Bl
`5/2002 Lerche etal.
`
`,
`
`5/2002 Brooksetal.
`6,386,108 Bl
`:
`10/2002 Liuet al. oe 102/206
`6,470,803 BL*
`7/2003 Johnsonetal.
`......0... 166/370
`6,598,682 B2*
`6)
`affenschmid
`}
`«
`6,903,938 B2™ 6/2005 Watfenschmudt ........... 361/779
`
`3/2007 Chaseetal. oo. 102/217
`7,191,706 B2*
`7,236,345 B1*
`6/2007 Roesler etal. oo... 361/247
`2004/0003743 Al
`1/2004 Brooksetal.
`2006/0144278 AL*
`7/2006 GereZ wo. 102/202.5
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0555651 Al
`8/1993
`EP
`0561499 Al
`9/1993
`EP
`2253683 A
`9/1992
`GB
`2352261 A
`1/2001
`GB
`2357825 A
`7/2001
`GB
`2388420 A
`11/2003
`GB
`WO 00/20820 A2
`4/2000
`WO
`WO 01/46638 Al
`6/2001
`WO
`02099356 A2
`12/2002
`wo
`:
`:
`* cited by examiner
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`FIG
`
`. 1B
`
`1AFIG
`
`100
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
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`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`FIG. 3
`
` SS. 308N
`
`
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
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`Sheet 3 of 10
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`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`204
`
`FIG. 6
`
`114
`
`404
`
`402
`
`KKMi(vwillliViMidiillldlélhhbdbddldlldbed
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 8A
`
`800
`
`814
`
`812
`
`806
`
`810
`
`808
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
`
`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`FIG. 8B
`
`SURFACE
`
`FIG. 9
`
`OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE TIME ——>
`
`
`SLEEP |
`
`mee fT
`DISCONNECT}
`FIRE po
`SENSE AND
`
`SLEEP|disconnect} FIRE
`SENSE AND
`
`SENSE AND
`
`SLEEP
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10
`
`9
`
`2012
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`Lavldd=Y3d5518SONIDYVHO
`
`145f808-YANYOSSNVUL
`HOLIMS-ONOIN
`YOLIOVEVD="39¥W10AHOIH
`
`YOLSISSYYOLSISAYOLE
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`(Y3141L934)3doid
`
`
`“SEAMALVLS01901
`J1aVSSSydaqvNn
`
`OL‘SIA
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`dIH9OLYAMOd
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`JOVLIOAM01
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`JOVIIOA
`
`YOLVINOSY
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`dIHOF1aVSSayNdav
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`cle
`
`NOILOSLOUd
`
`dalla
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`La1Sd
`
`YOLIOWdVO
`
`
`
`
`
`(68ehsomevl808YANYOISNVYL
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`(Y31s1L93y)3doId
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`YANYOISNYYL
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`7LINDYIO‘YSOOIML
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`bb‘Old
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`JOVLIOAHOIH-
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`5n(alINIHOWN/HOLIMS
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`Flavsszuaaysa
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`ONIDYVHOYOLSISSYYOLSISSYoLg=Y303518
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`

`-OUOINHOLSOBO=(valle)3000_aGaroswOIVINOSY
`
`
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`——LINOUIDfY3991YL
`oudvayoYANYOISNVYLdIHOOL
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
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`Sheet 8 of 10
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`US 8,091,477 B2
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`ld
`
`Ol4L03130Z8Id
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`YaNOASNVYL
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`FIG. 13A
`
`
`
`
`JET CUTTER
`
`CENTRAL
`
`CUTTER
`EXPLOSIVE
`
`EXPLOSIVE
`PELLET
`
`FIG. 13B
`
`
`
`
`JET CUTTER
`
`AX
`
` CENTRAL
`
`CUTTER
`EXPLOSIVE
`
`EXPLOSIVE
`PELLET
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 10, 2012
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`FIG. 14A
`
`SHOT BY SHOT
`
`FIG. 14B
`
`CENTRAL
`AXIS
`
`BASE
`
`FIG. 14C
`
`expLosive CPU
`PELLET
`
`EXPLOSIVE EXPLOSIVE
`MATERIAL
`PELLET
`
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`

`1
`INTEGRATED DETONATORSFOR USE
`WITH EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
`
`2
`energy source, with one end ofthe resistor being electrically
`connected to oneof the electrodes.
`
`US 8,091,477 B2
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`In some example embodiments, resistors are formed on the
`surface of the capacitor with thick-film deposition. For
`example, one type ofresistor is a charging resistor. Another
`type of resistor is a bleed resistor that connects the two elec-
`trodes. The surface of the capacitor is used to attach electri-
`This claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of US.
`cally a switch and/or an initiator, such as an exploding foil
`Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/521,088, entitled,
`“MICROELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES,” filed on
`initiator (EFI).
`In other example embodiments, an improved detonator
`Feb. 19, 2004. This is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.
`No. 10/304,205, filed Nov. 26, 2002, which claimsthe benefit
`includes an EFI,switch, capacitor, bleedresistor, transformer,
`and addressable chip integrated to form a monolithic unit
`under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Applica-
`tion Ser. No. 60/333,586, entitled, “INTEGRAL CAPACI-
`having the size of a conventional hot-wire detonator. The
`TOR DISCHARGEUNIT,’filed on Nov. 27, 2001.
`monolithic unit may also includealineprotectionfilter and an
`explosive.
`In another example embodiment, an improved detonator
`may be embedded in a tubing cutter or used to initiate the
`firing of a tubing cutterorjet cutter. Alternatively, an embodi-
`mentof the improved detonator maybeusedto initiate one or
`more shaped charges.
`Other features and embodiments will become apparent
`from the following description, from the drawings, and from
`the claims.
`
`20
`
`invention relates generally to activating
`The present
`devices, and more particularly to an integrated detonator for
`use in activating explosives.
`Explosives are used in many types of applications, such as
`hydrocarbon well applications, seismic applications, military
`armament, and mining applications. In seismic applications,
`explosives are dischargedat the earth surface to create shock
`waves into the earth subsurface so that data regarding the 25
`characteristics of the subsurface may be measured by various
`FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate two tool strings according to
`sensors. In the hydrocarbon well context, a common type of
`some embodiments of the invention.
`explosive that is used includes shaped charges in perforating
`FIG. 2 is a schematic electrical diagram of a detonator
`guns. The shaped charges, when detonated, create perforating
`jets to extend perforations through any surrounding casing or 30 assembly that can be usedin thetool string according to FIG.
`1A or 1B.
`liner and into the surrounding formation to allow communi-
`cation offluids between the formation and the wellbore. Also,
`in a well, other tools may also contain explosives. For
`example, explosives can be used to set packers or to activate
`other tools.
`To detonate explosives, detonators are used. Generally,
`detonators can be of two types: electrical and percussion. A
`percussion detonator responds to some type of mechanical
`force to activate an explosive. An electrical detonator
`respondsto a predefined electrical signal to activate an explo-
`sive. One type of electrical detonator is referred to as an
`electro-explosive device (EED), which may include hot-wire
`detonators, semiconductor bridge (SCB) detonators, explod-
`ing bridge wire (EBW)detonators, or exploding foil initiator
`(EFT) detonators.
`With certain types ofelectrical detonators, a local electrical
`source is placed in the proximity of the detonator. Such an
`electrical source may be in the form of a capacitor discharge
`unit that includes a capacitor that is charged to a predeter-
`minedvoltage. In responseto an activation signal, the charge
`stored in the capacitor is discharged into another device to
`perform a detonation operation. Typically, due to the rela-
`tively large amount of energy that is needed, the capacitor
`discharge unit can be quite large, which leads to increased
`sizes of housings in downholetools that contain such capaci-
`tor discharge units. Further, because of relatively large sizes,
`the efficiencies of conventional capacitor discharge units are
`reduced due to increased resistance and inductance of elec-
`trical paths in a detonator.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`35
`
`FIG.3 is a perspective view of the detonator assembly.
`FIG.4 is a bottom view of the detonator assembly.
`FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a capacitor in the deto-
`nator assembly.
`FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two different types of switches used
`in the detonator assembly of FIG.2.
`FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrates an embodimentof the micro-
`
`40
`
`switch of the present invention as used in an integrated deto-
`nator device.
`
`FIG.9 illustrates an example of the addressable function-
`ality of an embodimentofthe integrated detonator device of
`FIGS. 8A and 8B.
`
`FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the
`voltage step-up transformer of the integrated detonator
`device.
`FIG. 11 illustrates an embodimentof the triggered spark
`gap circuitry of the integrated detonator device.
`FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the piezoelectric
`transformerof the integrated detonator device.
`FIG. 13A-B illustrate an embodimentofthe jet cutter ofthe
`integrated detonator device.
`FIGS. 14A-C illustrate an embodiment of the present
`invention for use in detonating a shaped charge or a set of
`shaped charges in a shot-by-shot operation to achieve selec-
`tive firing.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In general, an improved detonator is provided that is
`smaller in size andthat is moreefficient. For example, in one
`embodiment, a detonator assembly includes an energy source
`(e.g., a capacitor) having a surface, the energy source further
`having electrodes. A resistor is formed on the surface of the
`
`65
`
`In the following description, numerousdetails are set forth
`to provide an understanding of the present invention. How-
`ever, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
`present invention maybepracticed without these details and
`that numerousvariations or modifications from the described
`
`embodiments maybepossible.
`As used herein, the terms “connect”, “connection” “con-
`nected”, “in connection with”, and “connecting” are used to
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`US 8,091,477 B2
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`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`3
`mean “in direct connection with”or “in connection with via
`another element”;
`the terms “mechanically connect’,
`“mechanical connection”, and “mechanically connected”,
`“tn mechanical connection with”, and “mechanically con-
`necting” meansin direct physical connection to form a mono-
`lithic unit such as bonded, fused, or integrated; and the term
`“set” is used to mean “one element” or “more than oneele-
`
`4
`detonated in response to an activating signal or voltage sup-
`plied down the electrical cable 38, or fired in any desired
`sequence or with any desired delay. This is contrasted to the
`arrangement of FIG. 1A, where detonation of successive
`shaped charges 26 is delayed by the speed of a detonation
`wavetraveling down the detonating cord 24.
`Although the arrangement of FIG. 1B includes multiple
`detonating assemblies 36, as comparedto the single detonator
`ment”; the terms “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”,
`assembly 22 in the arrangement of FIG. 1A,the smallsize of
`“upwardly” and downwardly”, “upstream” and “down-
`stream”; “above”and “below”; and other like terms indicat-
`the detonating assemblies 36 according to some embodi-
`ments allows such detonating assemblies to be included in the
`ing relative positions above or below a given point or element
`perforating gun 32 without substantially increasing the size of
`are used in this description to more clearly describe some
`the perforating gun 32.
`embodiments of the invention. However, when applied to
`As noted above, in one embodiment, an electrical signalis
`equipment and methods for use in wells that are deviated or
`providedto thefiring head 22 or 30 to activate the perforating
`horizontal, such terms mayreferto a left to right, rightto left,
`gun 20 or 32. However,in alternative embodiments, the acti-
`or otherrelationship as appropriate. As used here, the terms
`vating signal can be in the form of pressure pulse signals,
`“up” and “down”; “upper” and “lower”; “upwardly” and
`hydraulic pressure, motion signals transmitted downthe car-
`downwardly”; “above” and “below”; and other like terms
`rier line 12, and so forth.
`indicating relative positions above or below a given point or
`Instead of perforating strings, detonator assemblies
`elementare used in this description to more clearly describe
`according to some embodiments can be used in other types of
`some embodiments of the invention. However, when applied
`tool strings. Examplesofothertoolstrings that contain explo-
`to equipmentand methodsfor use in wells that are deviated or
`sives include the following: pipe cutters, setting devices, and
`horizontal, or when such equipmentare at a deviatedorhori-
`so forth. Also, detonator assemblies according to some
`zontal orientation, such terms mayreferto a left to right, right
`embodiments can also be used for other applications, such as
`to left, or other relationship as appropriate.
`seismic applications, mining applications, demolition, or
`Referring to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of a tool string
`military armamentapplications. In seismic applications, the
`includesa perforating string having a perforating gun 20 and
`detonator assembliesare ballistically connected to explosives
`a firing head 18. The perforating string is attached at the end
`of a carrier line 12, such as a wireline, electrical cable, slick-
`used to generate sound wavesinto the earth sub-surface for
`determining various characteristics of the earths sub-surface.
`line, tubing, and so forth. In the embodimentof FIG. 1A,the
`As noted above, in one embodiment, the detonator assem-
`firing head 18 includes an exploding foil initiator (EFT) deto-
`bly 22 includes an EFI detonator assembly. EFIs include an
`nator assembly 22 according to one embodiment. As dis-
`exploding foil “flyer plate” initiator or an exploding foil
`cussed below, the EFI detonator assembly 22 includes an
`“bubble activated” initiator. Other types of detonator assem-
`integrated assembly of a capacitor discharge unit (CDU)and
`blies can use other types of electrical initiators, such as
`EFI. It should be noted, in the embodiments using wireline or
`exploding bridge wire (EBW)initiators and semiconductor
`tubing to suspendthe perforating string, a downhole battery
`bridge (SCB)initiators.
`may be used to supply powerto the EFI.
`As shownin FIG.2, an electrical schematic diagram of one
`Moregenerally,the integrated capacitor discharge unit has
`embodiment of a detonator assembly 100. The detonator
`a capacitor and a charging andbleedresistor. The integrated
`capacitor discharge unit includes a thick-film circuit that elec- 40 assembly 100 can beeither the detonator assembly 22 of FIG.
`trically connects the capacitor and theresistor, as well as other
`1A or the detonator assembly 36 of FIG. 1B. The detonator
`components.
`assembly 100 includesa capacitor discharge unit (CDU) 102,
`The detonator assembly 22 is coupled to a detonating cord
`an EFI 104, and a high explosive (HE) 106.
`24, which is connected to a number of shaped charges 26.
`The CDU 102 includes a capacitor 108, a charging resistor
`Activation of the detonator assembly 22 causes initiation of 45 110, and a bleed resistor 112. In addition, the CDU 102
`the detonating cord 24, which in turn causes detonation ofthe
`includes a switch 114 for coupling charge stored in the
`shaped charges 26. Detonation of the shaped charges 26
`capacitor 108 to the EFI 104 to activate the EFI 104. When
`causes the formation of perforating jets from the shaped
`activated, the EFI 104 produces a flyer that is propelled at
`charges 26 to extend openings into the surrounding casing 10
`usually hyper-sonic velocity and traverses a gap 116 to impact
`and to extend perforation tunnels into the surrounding forma-
`the high explosive 106. In some embodiments, the flyer may
`tion 14.
`be fabricated from a metal-foil or polymer-foil material. The
`FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of the perforating
`impact of the flyer against the high explosive 106 causes
`string, which includesa firing head 30 and a perforating gun
`detonation of the explosive 106. The explosive 106 is ballis-
`32. The perforating gun 32 also includes multiple shaped
`tically coupledto either the detonating cord 24 (FIG. 1A)or
`charges 34. However, instead of the shaped charges 34 being
`to an explosive of a shaped charge 34 (FIG. 1B). In some
`connected to a detonating cord, each shaped charge 34 is
`embodiments, the internal resistance of the capacitor may be
`associated with a respective local detonator assembly 36. In
`sufficient and a separate charging resistance not necessary.
`one embodiment, each of the detonator assemblies 36
`The capacitor 108 is charged by applying a suitably high
`includes EFI detonator assemblies that are configured simi-
`DC voltage at line 118. The voltage is supplied through the
`larly to the detonator assembly 22 of FIG. 1A. The detonator
`charging resistor 110 into the capacitor 108. The charging
`assemblies 36 are connected by an electrical cable 38, which
`resistor 110 is provided for limiting current(in case ofa short
`provides anelectrical signal to the detonator assemblies 36 to
`in the capacitor 108 or elsewhere in the CDU 102). The
`activate such detonator assemblies. The firing head 30
`charging resistor 110 also providesisolation of the CDU 102
`receives a remote commandfrom elsewhere in the wellbore
`from other CDUsinthetoolstring.
`16 or from the surface of the wellbore.
`The bleed resistor 112 allows the charge in the capacitor
`A benefit offered by the perforating string ofFIG. 1B is that
`108 to bleed away slowly. This is in case the detonator assem-
`the shaped charges 34 can be substantially simultaneously
`bly 100 is not fired after the tool string has been lowered into
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`US 8,091,477 B2
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`electrically connected to the electrode 204, while the other
`end 308 of the resistor 110 is electrically connected to a
`contact pad 310. The contact pad 310 allows electrical con-
`nection of charging the resistor 110 with the electrical wire
`210.
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`the wellbore. The bleed resistor 112 prevents the CDU 102
`from becoming a safety hazard whena tool string with un-
`fired detonator assemblies 100 have to be retrieved back to
`well surface.
`In other embodiments, other detonator assemblies with
`The material and geometry (thickness, length, width) of
`other types of energy sources (other than the capacitor 108)
`each resistor 110 and 112 are selectedto achievea targetsheet
`can be employed.
`resistance so that desired resistance values of resistors 110
`The detonator assembly 100 includes an integrated assem-
`and 112 can be achieved. In other embodiments, instead of
`bly of the CDU 102 and EFI 104 to provide a smaller deto-
`thick-film or thin-film resistors, other types of resistors that
`nator assembly package as well as to improveefficiency in
`can be deposited, bonded, or otherwise formedonthe capaci-
`performanceof the detonator assembly 100. Efficient CDUs
`tor housing can be used.
`need to have fast discharge times (such as nanosecondreac-
`To form the resistors on a surface (or surfaces) of the
`tion rates through a low inductance path) through the EFI with
`capacitor housing, a groove or notch can be formed in the
`low energy loss (low resistance). One way to increase the
`outer surface(s) of the capacitor housing, followed by the
`efficiency is to reduce as muchaspossible the inductance (L)
`deposition or introduction of resistance material into the
`and resistance (R) of the total circuit in the discharge loop of
`groove or notch. Alternatively, a resistive material may be
`the CDU 102. By integrating the CDU 102 into a smaller
`silk-screened or printed onto the surface(s), or other tech-
`package,
`the inductance and resistance can be reduced,
`niques may be used.
`thereby improvingthe efficiency of the CDU 102.
`FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation ofthe layers ofthe
`the
`According to some embodiment of the invention,
`capacitor 108. Electrically conductive layers 312 are con-
`charging resistor 110 and bleedresistor 112 are implemented
`nected to thefirst electrode 204, while electrically conductive
`as resistors formed on a surface ofthe capacitor 108. Further,
`layers 314 are connected to the electrode 206. In some
`in some embodiments, the switch 114 is also integrated onto
`embodiments, the electrically conductive layers 312 and 314
`the surface of the capacitor 108, which further reduces the
`overall size of the CDU 102.
`are formedof a metal, such as copper, silver-palladium alloy,
`or other electrically conductive metal. Dielectric layers are
`FIG. 3 shows the CDU 102 according to one embodiment.
`provided between successive layers 312 and 314.
`The capacitor 108 in one embodiment includes a ceramic
`According to one embodiment, the switch 114 (FIG.2) is
`capacitor, which has an outer ceramic housing 202 formed of
`a ceramic material. However, in other embodiments, other
`implementedas an over-voltage switch. As shownin FIG.6,
`one embodimentof the over-voltage switch 114 includes a
`types of capacitors can be used. The capacitor 108 includes a
`first electrically conductive layer 402 and a second electri-
`first group of one or moreelectrically conductive layers that
`are connected to one electrode, referred to as a cathode. A
`cally conductive layer 406. Interposed between the electri-
`cally conductive layers 402 and 406 is an insulating (dielec-
`second group of one or more electrically conductive layers in
`tric)
`layer 404.
`In one example implementation,
`the
`the capacitor 108 are connected to another electrode of the
`capacitor, referred to as an anode. One or more layers of 35 electrically conductive layers 402 and 406 are formed of
`dielectric material are provided between the cathode and
`copperorotherelectrically conductive metal. In one example
`anode electrically conductive layers. The cathode layers,
`implementation,the insulating layer 404 is formed of a poly-
`anode layers, and dielectric layers are provided inside the
`imide material.
`outer housing 202 of the capacitor 108. As shownin FIG.3,
`The insulating layer 404 has a thickness and a doping
`the capacitor 108 hasa first electrode 204 and second elec- 40 concentration controlled to cause the switch 114 to activate at
`trode 206. The electrodes 204 and 206 form the cathode and
`a selected voltage difference betweenelectrically conductive
`anode of the capacitor 108.
`layers 402 and 406. Once the voltage crosses over some
`The capacitor electrode 206 is electrically contacted to an
`predefined threshold level, the insulating layer 404 breaks
`electrical wire 208. Another electrical wire 210 is connected
`downto electrically connectthe first and secondelectrically
`to anodeofthe chargingresistor (not shown in FIG. 3), which 45 conductive layers 402 and 406 (thereby closing the switch
`is formed on the lower surface 212 of the capacitor 108.
`114).
`Further, the EFI 104 is attached on an upper surface 222 of
`Optionally, the breakdown voltage of the insulating layer
`the capacitor 108. One side of the EFI 104 is connected by an
`404 can be controlled by having the geometry of overlapping
`electrically conductive plate 215 to the electrode 206 of the
`electrically conductive layers 402 and 406 be somewhat
`capacitor 108. The other side of the EFI 104 is electrically 50 pointed to increase the potential gradient at the points. Fur-
`connected to an electrically conductive plate 214, whichis in
`ther, depositing a hard metal such as tungsten on contact areas
`turn connected to one side ofthe switch 114. The otherside of
`of the first and second electrically conductive layers 402 and
`406 can prevent burn-back ofthe electrically conductive lay-
`ers. The contact areas are providedto electrically connect the
`electrically conductive layers 402 and 406 to respective
`wires. The hardened metal also provides for a moreefficient
`switch. Also,
`for increased efficiency,
`the gap distance
`between points is made small, such as on the order of a few
`thousandsof an inch.
`
`the switch 114 is electrically connected by another electri-
`cally conductive plate 216 to the capacitor electrode 204.
`Electrical connections are provided by thick-film deposition,
`or other equivalent methods. Any number of types of small
`switches can be used, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`6,385,031 and U.S. Ser. No. 09/946,249,filed Sep. 5, 2001,
`both hereby incorporated by reference. Also, the EFI may
`include an integral switch as part of its construction.
`A bottom view of the CDU 102 is shown in FIG. 4. The
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`bleed resistor 112 and chargingresistor 110 are both arranged
`as thick-film or thin-film resistors on the lower surface 212 of
`
`the capacitor 108. One end 302 of the bleed resistor 112 is
`electrically connected to the electrode 204, while the other
`end 304 of the resistor 112 is electrically connected to the
`electrode 206. One end 306 of the charging resistor 110 is
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`FIG.7 illustrates another type of switch 114. This alterna-
`tive switchis a triggered switch that adds anotherelectrically
`conductive layer that is connected to a trigger voltage. As
`shown in FIG.7, the triggered switch 114 includes top and
`bottom electrically conductive layers 410 and 414,in addition
`to an intermediate electrically conductive layer 412. Insulat-
`ing layers 416 and 418 are provided between successively
`electrically conductive layers. In operation, a high voltage
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`providing for identification and inventory control. Addition-
`(reference to ground) with a fast rise time is applied to the
`ally, embodiments ofthe detonator maybe rated for operation
`trigger anode 412. The trigger voltage has sufficient ampli-
`in temperatures up to approximately 340° F. Higher tempera-
`tude to cause the insulating layers 416 and 418 to break down
`tures (up to approximately 500° F.) may be achieved with the
`to allow conduction betweenthe top and bottom electrically
`inclusion of a thermal-delay vessel. Still other embodiments
`conductive layers 410 and 414.
`of the detonator maybe fluid desensitized, radio frequency
`In other embodimentsofthe detonatorofthe present inven-
`safe, and/or protected from unintended surface power.
`tion, micro-switches may be integrated to form a small, low-
`With respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an embodimentof the
`cost detonator utilizing Exploding Foil Initiator technology.
`detonator assembly 800 may include a capacitor 808 (cylin-
`For example, in one embodiment, a micro-switchable EFI
`drical or rectangular) formed from a dielectric/polarized
`detonator is small enough to fit inside a standard detonator
`material having a built-in (e.g., thick film) bleed resistor on
`housing, thereby simplifying logistics and packaging, easing
`one end and having a EFI and micro-switch mounted on the
`assembly, and improving overall reliability while replacing
`other end. The EFT maybe fused or bonded to the capacitor
`the less safe hot-wire detonator. A “micro-switch” may be
`used as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/708,182, filed Feb. 13,
`808 and a micro-switch for activating the EFI may be located
`onthe samesubstrate as the EFIor, alternatively, on a separate
`2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Such a
`substrate. The micro-switch maybe an over-voltage type ina
`micro-switch may include, butis not limited to, a microelec-
`miniaturized chamber, and, in some embodiments, the micro-
`tromechanical system (MEMS) switch, a switch made with
`switch may be enhanced by carbon nanotubesas described in
`microelectronic techniques similar to those used to fabricate
`US. Ser. No. 10/708,182.
`integrated circuit devices, a bistable microelectromechanical
`Still with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an embodiment of
`switch, a spark gap switch, a switch having nanotubeelectron
`the detonator assembly 800 mayalso include a step-up trans-
`emitters (e.g., carbon nanotubes), a metal oxidesiliconfield-
`former 810 as illustrated in the circuit diagram of FIG. 10.
`effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate field-effect
`The transformer may be fabricated such that it is fused or
`transistor IGFET), and other micro-switching devices.
`bondeddirectly to the capacitor 800. The transformer may be
`With respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in general, an embodi-
`capable of receiving a low-voltage input (e.g., 5 to 30 volts)
`mentofthe present invention may include a small, monolithic
`and stepping up to a high voltage output(e.g., 1400 volts) via
`detonator 800 with all components integrated into a single
`a separate high-voltage diode. In some embodiments, the
`unit. The components mayinclude, but are not limited to: an
`transformer may be fabricated from a metallic, ceramic, or
`integrated capacitor discharge unit 808 including a charging
`ceramic-ferrite material having high magnetic permeability
`resistor and bleederresistorthat are fused or bonded together
`characteristics using a conventional wire windprocess or low
`with a micro-switch and aninitiator(e.g., an EFI, EBW, SCB,
`temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) process using silk-
`hot-wire, or other initiator), an initiating explosive 806, a
`screened conductor coils.
`conventional explosive 804 (e.g., PETN, RDX, HMX,
`Further with respect to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 10, a