Vigor Drilling Explains Perforating Gun Usage in Oil Fields

Chinese oilfield equipment maker China Vigor Drilling Oil Tools and Equipment Co., Ltd. has released a briefing explaining various types of perforating guns and their role in opening up oil wells for production. The process is critical for allowing reservoir fluids to flow into the wellbore.

Perforating guns are used to create holes through the well casing and cement that seals the wellbore. This is necessary to access underground oil. Conventional drilling methods are insufficient for creating the deep and wide perforations required, leading to the use of explosive-driven devices. These guns use shaped explosives to create the necessary openings efficiently.

The briefing outlines three primary types of perforating guns. Retrievable hollow guns secure charges within a steel tube and may leave some debris. Expendable guns use individual, sealed cases for each charge, minimizing debris left in the well. Semi-expendable guns utilize wire carriers or metal bars to retrieve charges, removing most of the explosive-generated debris. These are also noted for increased durability and reusability.

Perforating guns are manufactured in various sizes for diverse applications. Oil and gas companies focus on cost reduction by protecting their assets. Vigor Drilling suggests that protecting thread components on perforating guns extends their lifespan and maintains charge integrity by keeping them dry. The briefing references MSI Pipe Protection Technologies for custom thread protectors designed for maintaining reusable perforating guns.