Compact pulsed power design considerations for oil well applications

Summary form only given. There are numerous industrial applications that have been developed using pulsed power systems that can be used in the oil industry for down well applications. Such applications include plasma blasting, drilling, plasma cleaning, rock fracturing, welding, and as a perforation tool power source. However, the environment down in a well is extremely harsh. Additional, the pulsed power system must fit within a small diameter of less than 12.5 cm. This paper will discuss the obstacles, challenges, and limitations to using pulsed power at the high temperatures and pressures such systems will experience at depths of 3-6 km.