An explosive charge detonated in the borehole to break up large pieces of junk to facilitate removal

An explosive charge detonated in the borehole to break up large pieces of junk to facilitate removal

• A. Junk shot
• B. Perforating charge
• C. Shaped charge
• D. Explosive device

Answer: (A)

Clearing downhole junk with an explosive is a junk shot. This technique uses a charge loaded with loose metal pieces (the “junk”) so that when it detonates, the additional fragmentation material and the resulting high-pressure pulse break apart large debris and help push it out of the borehole. It’s specifically aimed at removing obstructions, not at cutting metal or forming perforations. Perforating charges are meant to create holes in the casing to connect to the formation, using a focused jet to punch through metal. A shaped charge is designed to concentrate energy to cut through materials like casing. An explosive device, while generic, doesn’t describe the intended function for clearing junk. So, the scenario described matches a junk shot.

Clearing downhole junk with an explosive is a junk shot. This technique uses a charge loaded with loose metal pieces (the “junk”) so that when it detonates, the additional fragmentation material and the resulting high-pressure pulse break apart large debris and help push it out of the borehole. It’s specifically aimed at removing obstructions, not at cutting metal or forming perforations. Perforating charges are meant to create holes in the casing to connect to the formation, using a focused jet to punch through metal. A shaped charge is designed to concentrate energy to cut through materials like casing. An explosive device, while generic, doesn’t describe the intended function for clearing junk. So, the scenario described matches a junk shot.