This paper presents one application of a simulation tool that predicts tubing-conveyed perforating gunshock loads reliably. The tool enables completion engineers to evaluate the sensitivity of gunshock loads to changes in gun type, charge type, shot density, tubing size and length, rathole length, use of shock absorbers, and placement of packers, among others.The simulation tool described in this paper helps engineers to identify perforating jobs that have a risk of gunshock related damage, such as bent tubing and unset packers. When predicted gunshock loads are large, changes to the perforating equipment or job execution parameters are sought to reduce gunshock loads and the associated risks.Comparisons between predicted wellbore pressure and actual fast-gauge pressure data are available in related SPE articles. These comparisons show that predicted wellbore pressure transients are very reliable both in magnitude and time. Peak sustained pressure amplitudes at the gauges are on average within 10% of software-simulated values. For cases where shock absorbers were used, residual deformations of crushable elements correlate well with the peak axial loads predicted by the software. The software is able to simulate perforating job designs in a short time, which allows engineers to optimize perforation jobs by reducing gunshock loads and equipment costs.The ability to predict and reduce gunshock-induced damage in perforating operations is very important because of the high value of typical wells. With the software tool described in this paper engineers can optimize perforation jobs by minimizing the risk of gunshock-related damage and the associated non-productive time (NPT).

Each month thousands of perforating jobs are executed without problems; however, certain wells are susceptible to gunshock damage if they are perforated with inappropriate gun systems. This paper presents the application of a simulation program that predicts perforating gunshock loads reliably. This simulation program enables us to evaluate gunshock loads for any perforating job, including gunshock loads sensitivities to changes in gun type, charge type, shot density, tubing or cable size and length, rathole length, use of shock absorbers, and placement of packers, among others.This simulation program helps engineers to identify perforating jobs that have a risk of gunshock related damage, such as bent tubing, unintentional weak-point pull outs, failures in gun release systems, and unset packers. When predicted gunshock loads are large, changes to the perforating equipment or job execution parameters are sought to reduce gunshock loads and the associated risks. For example, in this paper we present a typical case where a simple change to the guns charge loading transforms a high-risk perforating operation into a very safe one.A large number of comparisons between predicted wellbore pressure and field fast-gauge pressure data are available in related SPE articles. These comparisons show that predicted wellbore pressure transients are very good, and in most cases where shock absorbers were used, residual deformation of crushable elements correlate well with the peak loads predicted by this simulation program. Additionally, this program is able to simulate perforating job designs in a short time, allowing engineers to optimize perforating jobs in a timely manner.The ability to predict gunshock-induced damage in deepwater perforating operations is very important because of the high cost of typical wells and rig time. With the gunshock simulation capabilities presented in this paper, engineers can optimize perforating jobs by reducing gunshock loads, thereby the risk of gunshock-related damage and non-productive time.