Abstract: A system for initiating a charge downhole in a wellbore includes a first donor charge detonable to produce a first detonation wave, a second donor charge detonable to produce a second detonation wave, and an acceptor charge detonable by either the first detonation wave or the second detonation wave. The system also includes a donor charge barrier separating the first donor charge from the second donor charge. The donor charge barrier includes heat dissipative and conduction characteristics for preventing deflagration from spreading between the first donor charge and the second donor charge. The system also includes an acceptor charge barrier separating the acceptor charge from the first donor charge and the second donor charge. The acceptor charge barrier includes Shockwave impedance characteristics for conveying the first detonation wave or the second detonation wave to the acceptor charge to detonate the acceptor charge.

Abstract: A system for initiating a charge downhole in a wellbore includes a first donor charge detonable to produce a first detonation wave, a second donor charge detonable to produce a second detonation wave, and an acceptor charge detonable by either the first detonation wave or the second detonation wave. The system also includes a donor charge barrier separating the first donor charge from the second donor charge. The donor charge barrier includes heat dissipative and conduction characteristics for preventing deflagration from spreading between the first donor charge and the second donor charge. The system also includes an acceptor charge barrier separating the acceptor charge from the first donor charge and the second donor charge. The acceptor charge barrier includes Shockwave impedance characteristics for conveying the first detonation wave or the second detonation wave to the acceptor charge to detonate the acceptor charge.

Abstract: A method involving introducing a perforation string into a wellbore passing through a subterranean formation, the perforation string having a perforation gun and a releasable tracer, the releasable tracer being releasable in response to a fluid produced from the subterranean formation contacting the nearby perforation string. The method includes perforating, with the perforation gun, a surface of the wellbore and withdrawing fluid from a wellbore. The method further includes allowing the releasable tracer to release from the perforation string after the fluid produced from the formation contacts the perforation string and flows toward an entrance of the wellbore. Finally, measuring at least one of an amount or presence of the releasable tracer thereby indicating at least one of an amount or presence of the fluid produced from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method involving introducing a perforation string into a wellbore passing through a subterranean formation, the perforation string having a perforation gun and a releasable tracer, the releasable tracer being releasable in response to a fluid produced from the subterranean formation contacting the nearby perforation string. The method includes perforating, with the perforation gun, a surface of the wellbore and withdrawing fluid from a wellbore. The method further includes allowing the releasable tracer to release from the perforation string after the fluid produced from the formation contacts the perforation string and flows toward an entrance of the wellbore. Finally, measuring at least one of an amount or presence of the releasable tracer thereby indicating at least one of an amount or presence of the fluid produced from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods are provided which permit pressure tested multiple perforating gun modules to be interconnected into gun assemblies, without disturbing any pressure-bearing seals of the modules. Prior to assembling the gun assembly, the seals of the modules are pressure tested. The pressure tested modules are then connected to each other without disconnecting or otherwise breaking any of the pressure-bearing seals of the modules.

Abstract: A system is provided for selectively perforating multiple zones in a well either simultaneously, or in series, having isolation barriers, or packers, located between the perforating multiple zones, without moving the system with respect to the well. The system includes a tubing string which carries at least a first and a second perforating gun. At least a first and a second pressure actuated firing head are associated with the first and second perforating guns, respectively. A first and second packer for isolating the perforating guns from each other. A source of actuating fluid pressure for the firing head is provided, which may be the bore of the tubing string. A first selective communication device is provided for isolating the second firing head from the source of actuating fluid pressure until after the first perforating gun has been fired, and for then communicating the second firing head with the source of actuating fluid pressure in response to firing of the first perforating gun.

Abstract: A system is provided for performing multiple operations on a well in response to multiple fluid pressure increases. The system includes first and second pressure actuated firing heads and a source of actuating fluid pressure for the firing heads. A first selective communication device is provided for isolating the second firing head from the source of actuating fluid pressure until after the first firing head has been actuated and for then communicating the second firing head with the source of actuating fluid pressure in response to actuation of the first firing head. This system is particularly adapted for allowing pressure testing of a well upon a first fluid pressure increase, followed by perforation of the well upon a second fluid pressure increase.

Abstract: A system is provided for selectively perforating multiple zones in a well on a single trip into the well. The system includes a tubing string which carries at least a first and a second perforating gun. At least a first and a second pressure actuated firing head are associated with the first and second perforating guns, respectively. A source of actuating fluid pressure for the firing head is provided, which may be the bore of the tubing string. A first selective communication device is provided for isolating the second firing head from the source of actuating fluid pressure until after the first perforating gun has been fired, and for then communicating the second firing head with the source of actuating fluid pressure in response to firing of the first perforating gun. The first firing head provides a time delay during which the actuating fluid pressure may be bled off prior to the firing of the first perforating gun.