A hypervelocity projectile launcher for well perforation
Current oil well perforation techniques use low- to medium-velocity gun launchers for completing wells in soft rock. Shaped-charge jets are normally used in harder, more competent rock. A device to create a much higher velocity projectile was designed. This launcher will provide an alternative technique to be used when the conventional devices do not yield the maximum well performance. It is an adaptation of the axial cavity in a high explosive (HE) annulus design, with the axial cavity being filled with a low density foam material. Two configurations were tested; both had an HE annulus filled with organic foam, one had a projectile. Comparison of the two shots was made. A time sequence of Image Intensifier Camera photographs and sequential, orthogonal flash x-ray radiographs provided information on the propagation of the foam fragments, the first shock wave disturbance, the projectile motion and deformation, and the direct shock wave transmission from the main HE charge. DYNA2D calculations were made to assist in the experimental interpretation. 25 refs., 9 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/MA
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5451732
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-89-2546; CONF-891214-5; ON: DE89015287
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Hypervelocity impact symposium, San Antonio, TX (USA), 12-14 Dec 1989
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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