Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cutting a wellbore tubular are described herein. The apparatus and the method may include an upper section and a lower section mating at a juncture plane defined by a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore tubular. Each section may include a support plate having a passage, a liner positioned adjacent to the support plate, and an energetic material disposed between the support plate and the liner. An initiator having a shaft may be positioned in the passages of the upper section and the lower section.

Abstract: A perforating gun train for perforating two or more zones of interest includes two or more gun sets made up of guns, one or more activators, and other associated equipment. An illustrative apparatus may include a first perforating gun; an activator responsive to the firing of the first perforating gun and a fuse element detonated by the activator; and a second perforating gun that is fired by the fuse element. An illustrative method for perforating a subterranean formation may include forming a perforating gun train using at least a first perforating gun and a second perforating gun; and energetically coupling the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun with an activator.

Abstract: A device for perforating and fracturing a formation in a single trip includes shaped charges and a volume of a gas generator. When activated by detonation of the shaped charges, the gas generator forms a high-pressure gas, which includes steam, that expands to stress and fracture the formation. Suitable gas generating materials include hydrates and hydroxides. Other materials that can be employed with the gas generator include oxidizers and material such as metals that increase the available heat for the activation of the gas generator.

Abstract: A method for perforating a subterranean formation includes positioning a shaped charge and a reactant composite material in a carrier; positioning the carrier in the wellbore; detonating the shaped charge; and disintegrating the reactant composite material using a shock generated by the detonated shaped charge. The method may also include initiating a first deflagration by using carbon and heat resulting from the detonation of the shaped charge and an oxygen component of the disintegrated reactant composite material. A system for performing the method may include a carrier, a shaped charge positioned in the carrier; and a reactant composite material positioned in the carrier. The reactant composite material may be configured to disintegrate upon detonation of the shaped charge.

Abstract: A perforating gun includes a charge tube having shaped charges affixed thereto. Each shaped charge includes a radially outward pointing post adapted to receive a detonator cord. A retention member installed on the post provides a compressive force that energetically couples the detonator cord to the post. The radially outermost portion of the retention member is radially flush with or radially recessed relative to the radially outermost portion of each post. In one embodiment, the retention member has a rounded medial portion, a central opening and a pair of locking tabs that point radially inward to the central opening. Each post may include a slot for receiving the detonator cord and a circumferential groove that is adapted to receive the locking tabs.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dispensing fluid into a wellbore includes a piston element releasably coupled to a housing and a detonator in the housing that applies a force sufficient to release the piston element from the housing when activated. The apparatus also has an intermediate section that mates with the upper section, an elongated member coupled to the piston and that is positioned in a bore of the intermediate section; and a lower section having a housing that mates with the intermediate section. The housing includes at least one opening providing communication between a bore of the housing and an exterior of the housing; and a movable barrier in the lower section. The movable barrier has a first position, wherein the barrier substantially blocks communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening, and a second position, wherein the barrier does not substantially block communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a wellbore energy train may include a firing head, a detonator cord associated with the firing head, and a plurality of serially aligned modules. Each module may include an enclosure, a first portion of a high order detonation material positioned at one end of the enclosure, a second portion of the high order detonation material positioned at the other end of the enclosure, and a low order detonation material interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A method for controlling an energy train generated in a wellbore may include serially aligning a plurality of the modules along the path of the energy train, and detonating at least one of the plurality of modules by detonating a detonator cord.

Abstract: A shaped charge and a method of using such to provide for large and effective perforations in oil bearing sandy formations while causing minimal disturbance to the formation porosity is described. This shaped charge uses a low-density liner having a filler material that is enclosed by outer walls made, preferably, of plastic or polyester. The filler material is preferably a powdered metal or a granulated substance, which is left largely unconsolidated. The preferred filler material is aluminum powder, or aluminum particles, that are coated with an oxidizing substance, such as TEFLON®, permitting a secondary detonation reaction inside the formation following jet penetration. The filled liner is also provided with a metal cap to aid penetration of the gun scallops, the surrounding borehole casing and the cement sheath. The metal cap forms the leading portion of the jet, during detonation.

Abstract: A device for perforating and fracturing a formation in a single trip includes shaped charges and a volume of a gas generator. When activated by detonation of the shaped charges, the gas generator forms a high-pressure gas, which includes steam, that expands to stress and fracture the formation. Suitable gas generating materials include hydrates and hydroxides. Other materials that can be employed with the gas generator include oxidizers and material such as metals that increase the available heat for the activation of the gas generator.

Abstract: A perforating system has a perforating module comprising a unitary body of explosive. The explosive is contained within a non-explosive casing, or liner, having formed indentations and a cover thereover. The indentations, which will transform into explosively formed penetrators (EFP's) upon detonation, have a perimeter shape that allows for improved packing density, e.g., a hexagonal perimeter, which results in relatively little “dead space” wherein no perforating penetrators are generated. In operation, the module provides a relatively dense shot pattern and substantially reduced amount of post-detonation debris that could clog the perforations and/or require remedial clean-up or repeat perforation.

Abstract: A perforating gun train for perforating two or more zones of interest includes two or more gun sets made up of guns, one or more activators, and other associated equipment. An illustrative apparatus may include a first perforating gun; an activator responsive to the firing of the first perforating gun and a fuse element detonated by the activator; and a second perforating gun that is fired by the fuse element. An illustrative method for perforating a subterranean formation may include forming a perforating gun train using at least a first perforating gun and a second perforating gun; and energetically coupling the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun with an activator.

Abstract: A device for perforating and fracturing a formation in a single trip includes shaped charges and a volume of a gas generator. When activated by detonation of the shaped charges, the gas generator forms a high-pressure gas, which includes steam, that expands to stress and fracture the formation. Suitable gas generating materials include hydrates and hydroxides. Other materials that can be employed with the gas generator include oxidizers and material such as metals that increase the available heat for the activation of the gas generator.

Abstract: A carrier tube for use in a wellbore perforating gun has inner and outer layers selected from materials of different, comparative physical properties. The inner layer has a higher compressive strength, and the outer layer has a higher yield strength. The inner layer enables the tube to withstand wellbore compressive pressures, which may, depending upon the material selected, include relatively high pressures, while the outer layer contains any fragments of the inner layer that result upon detonation of the gun. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating a subterranean formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular carrier; a charge tube disposed in the tubular carrier; and at least one shaped charge mounted in the charge tube which includes a casing, an explosive material and a liner enclosing the explosive material within the casing. An apex portion of the liner has a cross-sectional thickness greater than a cross-sectional thickness of any other portion of the liner. The cross-sectional thickness of the apex portion may be at least fifty percent thicker than a cross-section of a portion adjacent the apex portion. A density of the apex portion may be greater than the density of any other portions of the liner.

Abstract: A shaped charge and a method of using such to provide for large and effective perforations in oil bearing sandy formations while causing minimal disturbance to the formation porosity is described. This shaped charge uses a low-density liner having a filler material that is enclosed by outer walls made, preferably, of plastic or polyester. The filler material is preferably a powdered metal or a granulated substance, which is left largely unconsolidated. The preferred filler material is aluminum powder, or aluminum particles, that are coated with an oxidizing substance, such as TEFLON®, permitting a secondary detonation reaction inside the formation following jet penetration. The filled liner is also provided with a metal cap to aid penetration of the gun scallops, the surrounding borehole casing and the cement sheath. The metal cap forms the leading portion of the jet, during detonation.

Abstract: A method for perforating a subterranean formation includes positioning a shaped charge and a reactant composite material in a carrier; positioning the carrier in the wellbore; detonating the shaped charge; and disintegrating the reactant composite material using a shock generated by the detonated shaped charge. The method may also include initiating a first deflagration by using carbon and heat resulting from the detonation of the shaped charge and an oxygen component of the disintegrated reactant composite material. A system for performing the method may include a carrier, a shaped charge positioned in the carrier; and a reactant composite material positioned in the carrier. The reactant composite material may be configured to disintegrate upon detonation of the shaped charge.

Abstract: A device for sealing and anchoring within a tubular member. The device comprises a top swage member disposed within the tubular member, with the top swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. Also included is a first sealing member disposed about the top swage member, with the first sealing member containing a first plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the first sealing member, The device may also include a second sealing member that is attached to the first sealing member, with the second sealing member containing a second plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the second sealing member. A bottom swage member is disposed within the second sealing member, with the bottom swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. The device further comprises a setting apparatus for driving the top swage longitudinally downward relative to the top swage's longitudinal center axis and for driving the bottom swage longitudinally upward relative to the bottom swage's center axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing zonal isolation in a wellbore includes a plurality of interlocking sealing elements having anchor elements at the opposing ends. Each anchor element sealingly engages a wellbore tubular whereas the interlocking sealing elements do not engage any portion of wellbore therebetween. In one exemplary application utilizes a wellhead and lubricator positioned over a wellbore under pressure and a conveyance device for conveying equipment into the wellhead. The first anchor, the second anchor and the plurality of interlocking sealing elements are separately conveyed into the wellbore with the conveyance device and sequentially assembled in the wellbore to provide zonal isolation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a sealing apparatus for use in a tubular member. In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus includes an expandable sleeve and an expandable a toroidal/ring-shaped seal. The seal seats within a circumferential saddle or groove formed in the sleeve. An exemplary seal has an enlarged diameter portion and presents a radially outward sealing surface. During expansion, the enlarged diameter portion is compressed against the tubular member but, at least initially, the remainder of the sealing surface is not compressed. Thus, the pressure associated with the compression is focused on the limited contact area between the seal and the tubular. Continued expansion can increase the contact pressure and/or the amount of contact area. In one arrangement, the seal is configured to provide a gas tight seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a wellbore energy train may include a firing head, a detonator cord associated with the firing head, and a plurality of serially aligned modules. Each module may include an enclosure, a first portion of a high order detonation material positioned at one end of the enclosure, a second portion of the high order detonation material positioned at the other end of the enclosure, and a low order detonation material interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A method for controlling an energy train generated in a wellbore may include serially aligning a plurality of the modules along the path of the energy train, and detonating at least one of the plurality of modules by detonating a detonator cord.