Controlling the Variables for Quality Perforations and Uniform Fracking

The consistent quality and size of perforations play an essential role in the success of fracking operations. Consistently sized perforations that meet specified diameters provide for a uniform pressure drop throughout a stage, leading to an efficient and effective fracking process. However, this necessary level of quality and consistent holes can only be achieved if variables that impact perforating performance are optimally controlled.

Today, SWM Technology’s breakthrough PerfAlign+™ Self-Orienting Perforating System (combining the proven PerfAlign™ Self-Orienting Gun and AdvancedAlign™ self-orienting charges) is the industry’s leading tool for controlling the variables associated with perforating. This proven system dominates the industry by delivering high-quality, consistently sized holes in thousands of perforating operations. The success of this system is validated by the fact that SWM has sold more than one million PerfAlign guns.

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    Variable #1 – Hole Size

    Consistent hole diameters are a key factor contributing to uniform pressure across all perforations during fracking. The proven accuracy of the PerfAlign Self-Orienting gun provides industry-leading control of the variables that impact hole size, leading to high-value perforating. The left diagram below illustrates how consistent hole diameters allow fracking stimulants to be evenly distributed throughout a stage. By contrast, the presence of varying hole sizes, as illustrated in the right diagram, results in uneven distribution of fluids and proppants.


    Variable #2 – Hole Quality

    SWM’s AdvancedAlign Shaped Charges, designed specifically for self-orienting perforating, provide a second level of hole quality. These charges create “burr-free” perforations, so each hole in a stage presents a consistent coefficient of friction. Maintaining this level of consistency of friction across all holes further contributes to fluids and proppants being uniformly distributed throughout a stage.


    Controlling the Variables for Even Distribution of Fluids and Proppants

    The importance of consistently sized, “burr-free” perforations is further confirmed when one considers the formula for pressure drop across a stage:

    The Importance of Consistent Hole Diameters

    Using the formula for pressure drop above, the hole diameter, “D,” is a critical element of the denominator of this equation. Since “D’s” value is to the 4th power, the consistent or inconsistent diameter of the perforations is obviously a significant factor in the level of pressure drop across each hole in a stage, impacting the efficiency of the fracking operation. If “D” is constant, pressure from hole to hole will be similarly consistent. By contrast, an inconsistent “D” will result in wide-ranging fracking pressures in a stage.

    The Importance of “Burr-Free” Holes

    Cd, the discharge coefficient, is influenced by the burrs surrounding the perforation, so their impact on the consistency of perforations is significant. Since AdvancedAlign charges create “burr-free” perforations, the coefficient of friction variable remains constant over all perforations, and the fluids and proppants can be uniformly distributed throughout the stage.


    More Information and a Deep Dive Into This Subject

    Please let us know if you would like to discuss the science behind the information included in this whitepaper. We encourage you to join us in a discussion of hole consistency and quality.

    Call us at 877-665-8747, email us at sales@swmtx.com, or fill out the contact form above, and we will be in touch.


    A perforating charge and perforating gun on a blue background.

    New Facility in North Dakota

    SWM Technologies Announces New Facility for the Bakken

    SWM recently opened a new location to serve the Bakken region. The facility – located at 13370 Cartwright Loop East, Suite B, Williston, ND – is equipped to meet the area’s full range of perforating equipment requirements – guns, charges, and switches. In addition, this new facility is also an SWM Wireline Supply outlet, offering a wide selection of tools and related products for wireline companies.

    This new location is just one of the many new developments at SWM. We’ve recently introduced the PerfStrike Orientation™ Addressable Switch and our new Advanced Breakdown Shaped Charges™. We will also soon launch a new 2-1/2” diameter PerfAlign™ Self-Orienting Perforating Gun and plan a number of new product developments in Q1 and Q2 of 2025.

    To celebrate the opening of this new facility, SWM will be hosting an open house on Tuesday, October 15th, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. We will be serving gumbo and holding drawings to give away big-screen TVs, coolers, and much more.

    For more information on the new SWM facility in Williston, please call 701-651-6499.


    PerfAlign+™ – The ONLY Self-Orienting Perforating System

    SWM Technologies is the only company to provide a true self-orienting perforating system, matching specially engineered, tested, and proven guns (PerfAlign™ Self-Orienting Gun) and charges (AdvancedAlign™ Charges) into the industry-leading PerfAlign+™ Self-Orienting Perforating System.

    To learn more about the SWM Self-Aligning Perforating System and how it might work for your application, email us at sales@swmtx.com or call us at 877-665-8747.

    The PerfAlign™ Self-Orienting Gun

    The PerfAlign+™ System starts with the PerfAlign™ Self-Orienting Gun. This advanced gun has established a new standard in perforating performance by reducing critical variables in the perforating process. Specifically, PerfAlign’s ability to create uniformly sized holes significantly contributes to an equal distribution of stimulants throughout a stage during fracking.

    The PerfAlign gun rotates freely, so wellbore friction concerns are virtually eliminated. Weight bars are also unnecessary, so there is no issue of orienting the gunstream towards the weight bars. Instead, each PerfAlign gun naturally orients to the center of gravity inside the gun barrel.

    Further proof of the outstanding performance of the PerfAlign is confirmed by data collected from downhole camera imaging during the gun’s perforating runs. In fact, the performance of the PerfAlign is, by far, the most documented of any orientation gun in the industry.

    As an added benefit, the PerfAlign is proven to decrease completion costs by reducing pumping time and the chemicals required to frac a well.

    The superior performance of the PerfAlign is evidenced by over 800,000 units sold.

    Key features of the PerfAlign gun include:


    • Proven in 500,000+ runs, more than any competitive orientation gun
    • Creates uniformly sized perforations
    • Cuts completion costs by reducing pumping time and chemical usage
    • Eliminates wellbore friction concerns
    • Automatically orienting design for accurate perforating
    • Up to 8 shots per gun
    • Able to perforate at any desired angle or orientation

    The PerfAlign perforating gun from SWM Technologies.
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    AdvancedAlign™ Charges

    AdvancedAlign™ Charges are engineered, tested, and proven to improve perforations in self-orienting guns. These charges deliver superior accuracy and consistency when teamed with the SWM PerfAlign™ Gun.

    AdvancedAlign Charges are designed to shoot holes ranging from 0.250 – 0.550 inches, producing the industry’s only “burr-free” perforations. These “burr-free” perforations provide a consistent coefficient of friction, hole-to-hole, ensuring even pressure throughout a stage and a more uniform distribution of stimulants during fracking.

    AdvancedAlign™ Charges Engineered for Your Application

    If you have specific requirements for charge performance, let us know. We’ll gladly custom-develop, test, and produce a charge designed specifically for your application. Just email us at sales@swmtx.com or call us at 877-665-8747.