# A Review of Failures and Malfunctions in Hydraulic Sandblasting Perforation Guns
## 1 Introduction  
Hydraulic sandblasting perforation is a technique that combines high-pressure fluid and high-velocity abrasive particle jets, playing a pivotal role in oil and gas well completion and production enhancement. This approach utilizes high-pressure fluid jets loaded with sand particles to effectively erode reservoir rock, thus creating highly efficient flow channels and reducing flow resistance for hydrocarbons. Compared to mechanical and electrically powered perforation methods, hydraulic sandblasting perforation offers distinct advantages, as well as certain limitations. Mechanical perforation uses steel bullets or impact drill bits to penetrate the reservoir, which is simple and mature in operation but prone to mechanically damaging the formation and exhibiting limited efficiency in hard rock formations [1]. Electrically powered perforation generates perforation tunnels throughdirectional explosive blasts at high temperatures and pressures--this process is rapid and efficient, yet it may introduce thermal fractures and micro-damage to the surrounding formation rock, potentially undermining reservoir integrity [2]. In contrast, hydraulic sandblasting perforation leverages the impact of high-pressure fluid, mitigating thermal damage to the reservoir while avoiding the safety hazards associated with explosives. Moreover, by adjusting the nozzle design, this technique can flexibly control perforation tunnel morphology. Compared with traditional perforation methods, hydraulic sandblasting is particularly advantageous in adapting to complex geological conditions, minimizing thermal damage, and optimizing the pore structure of the reservoir--making it especially suitable for hard and low-permeability formations [3]. However, with the widespread application of hydraulic sandblasting techniques, the performance of perforation guns has come under increasing scrutiny. Challenges such as erosion wear, high-pressure leakage, and vibration-induced fatigue have emerged, directly affecting perforation efficiency and downhole operational safety [4]. Despite these challenges, a clear gap remains in existing research regarding the combined or \"multi-factor coupling\" effects of erosion, leakage, and vibration on overall perforation gun performance. Previous studies have often addressed these issues in isolation, leaving unanswered questions about how these mechanisms interact in real-world downhole conditions and how best to optimize design and operational parameters concurrently. Therefore, this review aims to fill that gap by systematically examining the interplay among surface erosion, high-pressure leakage, and vibration-induced fatigue. Specifically, we focus on how these factors collectively influence the tool's service life and reliability, and we identify research opportunities for integrative, data-driven, and intelligent solutions. In recent years, research on hydraulic sandblasting perforation guns has primarily focused on three areas (Figure 1). First, the patterns and mitigation strategies related to surface erosion wear have received considerable attention. Studies have identified nozzle geometry and flow velocity as critical factors influencing erosion rates, and the use of abrasion-resistant materials--such as tungsten carbide coatings--has proven effective in extending the service life of perforation guns [5]. Second, improvements in high-pressure leakage prevention have been pursued by employing flexible sealing materials and dynamically adaptive sealing structures to enhance seal durability and reliability. Such measures are crucial for maintaining operational safety and stability under high-pressure conditions [6]. Third, the issue of mechanical vibration and fatigue in perforation guns has attracted attention, as vibration-induced fatigue can significantly affect the service life and performance of mechanical components [7].