Perforation Flow Lab Services

At its research and development center located in Alvarado, Texas, Jet Research Center operates a Perforation Flow Laboratory to perform API Section IV testing for shaped charges. This unique capability plays an important role in the development of new products. For example, the Perforation Flow Lab can be used to predict a well’s inflow performance or injectivity by firing a shaped charge under the following simulated well conditions:

• Reservoir (pore) pressure
• Wellbore pressure
• Overburden stress
• Type of reservoir rock
• Oil or gas

To further increase the simulation accuracy, the test target is chosen from actual rock (rather than concrete) whose properties mimic the reservoir type. After the charge is fired, fluid or gas is allowed to flow through the test target as a measure of simulated well performance.

In addition to its use as an R&D tool, JRC offers the Flow Lab as a service to its customers. The results of this service are most rewarding when working to mitigate the possibility of incorrect charge selection when working in high profile or complex reservoirs.