Abstract: A wellbore perforating system including a multi-component universal initiator. The universal initiator is a “plug and play” initiator able to accommodate a wide range of perforating gun system.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a tool via shifting of a first portion with respect to a second portion. A release mechanism initially is engaged between the first portion and the second portion to hold the second portion relative to the first portion in a first operational position. The release mechanism is secured in this initial position by an electrical resistor. By selectively applying sufficient electrical power to the electrical resistor, the electrical resistor disintegrates and allows release of the release mechanism. As a result, the first portion and the second portion may be shifted to a second operational position.

Abstract: A wellbore perforating system including a multi-component universal initiator. The universal initiator is a “plug and play” initiator able to accommodate a wide range of perforating gun system.

Abstract: A technique facilitates controlled detonation in well environments and other types of environments. Electronics for controlling detonation of a pellet of explosive material are mounted on a structure, such as a circuit board. The pellet is operatively coupled with the electronics and positioned to extend outwardly from the structure. Another explosive component is arranged across the pellet at a predetermined angle, e.g. a right angle, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pellet. In well applications or other applications utilizing shaped charges, the explosive component may be coupled to the shaped charge via a detonator cord.

Abstract: A detonator device includes a mechanism for shifting between an out-of-line orientation, wherein initiation of a detonator does not result in initiation of the explosive train, and an in-line orientation, wherein initiation of the detonator results in initiation of the explosive train.

Abstract: A technique facilitates controlled detonation in well environments and other types of environments. Electronics for controlling detonation of a pellet of explosive material are mounted on a structure, such as a circuit board. The pellet is operatively coupled with the electronics and positioned to extend outwardly from the structure. Another explosive component is arranged across the pellet at a predetermined angle, e.g. a right angle, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pellet. In well applications or other applications utilizing shaped charges, the explosive component may be coupled to the shaped charge via a detonator cord.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a tool via shifting of a first portion with respect to a second portion. A release mechanism initially is engaged between the first portion and the second portion to hold the second portion relative to the first portion in a first operational position. The release mechanism is secured in this initial position by an electrical resistor. By selectively applying sufficient electrical power to the electrical resistor, the electrical resistor disintegrates and allows release of the release mechanism. As a result, the first portion and the second portion may be shifted to a second operational position.

Abstract: A wellbore tool string includes a perforating gun having a plurality of explosive perforating charges and a shock mitigation tool. The shock mitigation tool including a tubular body having a top end, a bottom end, and a chamber; a barrier disposed proximate the bottom end in communication with the chamber; and a plurality of actuators connected with the body proximate to the top end of the body, each actuator opening a port in the body providing fluid communication with the chamber when the plurality of actuators are activated.

Abstract: A method for tracking a wellbore tool includes: obtaining a first image of the wellbore using an imager associated with the tool; obtaining a second image of the wellbore using the imager after a selected time period; matching the first image with the second image by shifting one of the first and second images; determining an amount of the shifting; and comparing the amount of the shifting with a reference distance to determine a distance of tool movement. A method for tracking a wellbore tool includes: obtaining an image of a wellbore feature using a first imager associated with the tool; moving the tool in the wellbore; and registering a distance of tool movement when the image of the wellbore feature is detected by a second imager spaced apart from the first imager, wherein the distance of tool movement equals a spacing between the first and second imagers.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a loading tube for a perforating gun for use in a perforating system. At a first location, e.g., a shop, which is not the location at which perforating operations will be conducted, the loading tube is completely assembled. The completely assembled loading tubing is then transported to a second location where perforating operations are to be conducted. In one embodiment, an RF-safe initiator, wiring, a detonating cord and a plurality of shaped charges are installed into the loading tube at a first location. The RF-safe initiators may comprise an exploding foil initiator or an exploding bridge wire. A process for assembling a loading tube for a single-shot perforating gun is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a loading tube for a perforating gun for use in a perforating system. At a first location, e.g., a shop, which is not the location at which perforating operations will be conducted, the loading tube is completely assembled. The completely assembled loading tubing is then transported to a second location where perforating operations are to be conducted. In one embodiment, an RF-safe initiator, wiring, a detonating cord and a plurality of shaped charges are installed into the loading tube at a first location. The RF-safe initiators may comprise an exploding foil initiator or an exploding bridge wire. A process for assembling a loading tube for a single-shot perforating gun is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wellbore tool string includes a perforating gun having a plurality of explosive perforating charges and a shock mitigation tool. The shock mitigation tool including a tubular body having a top end, a bottom end, and a chamber; a barrier disposed proximate the bottom end in communication with the chamber; and a plurality of actuators connected with the body proximate to the top end of the body, each actuator opening a port in the body providing fluid communication with the chamber when the plurality of actuators are activated.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein involve apparatuses for actuating a downhole tool. In one implementation, the apparatus may include a pressure sensor for receiving one or more pressure pulses and an electronics module in communication with the pressure sensor. The electronics module may be configured to determine whether the pressure pulses are indicative of a command to actuate the downhole tool. The apparatus may further include a motor in communication with the electronics module. The motor may be configured to provide a rotational motion. The apparatus may further include a coupling mechanism coupled to the motor. The coupling mechanism may be configured to translate the rotational motion to a linear motion. The apparatus may further include a valve system coupled to the coupling mechanism. The valve system may be configured to actuate the downhole tool when the valve system is in an open phase.

Abstract: A method for tracking a wellbore tool includes: obtaining a first image of the wellbore using an imager associated with the tool; obtaining a second image of the wellbore using the imager after a selected time period; matching the first image with the second image by shifting one of the first and second images; determining an amount of the shifting; and comparing the amount of the shifting with a reference distance to determine a distance of tool movement. A method for tracking a wellbore tool includes: obtaining an image of a wellbore feature using a first imager associated with the tool; moving the tool in the wellbore; and registering a distance of tool movement when the image of the wellbore feature is detected by a second imager spaced apart from the first imager, wherein the distance of tool movement equals a spacing between the first and second imagers.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a loading tube for a perforating gun for use in a perforating system. At a first location, e.g., a shop, which is not the location at which perforating operations will be conducted, the loading tube is completely assembled. The completely assembled loading tubing is then transported to a second location where perforating operations are to be conducted. In one embodiment, an RF-safe initiator, wiring, a detonating cord and a plurality of shaped charges are installed into the loading tube at a first location. The RF-safe initiators may comprise an exploding foil initiator or an exploding bridge wire. A process for assembling a loading tube for a single-shot perforating gun is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing oil recovery are disclosed. A method for enhancing oil recovery in a formation includes placing a catalyst in a wellbore; and introducing an oxidizing agent into the wellbore to contact the catalyst such that a hydrocarbon in the formation is oxidized to produce heat and at least one gas. A system for enhancing oil recovery in a reservoir formation includes a catalyst arranged within a well adjacent the reservoir formation; and an oxidizing agent for engaging the catalyst, the oxidizing agent adapted to generate heat and at least one gas when engaging the catalyst and oxidizing a hydrocarbon. The oxidizing agent may be air or oxygen. The catalyst may be one selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, lead, manganese, nickel and metal oxides thereof. Further, the catalyst may be in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein involve apparatuses for actuating a downhole tool. In one implementation, the apparatus may include a pressure sensor for receiving one or more pressure pulses and an electronics module in communication with the pressure sensor. The electronics module may be configured to determine whether the pressure pulses are indicative of a command to actuate the downhole tool. The apparatus may further include a motor in communication with the electronics module. The motor may be configured to provide a rotational motion. The apparatus may further include a coupling mechanism coupled to the motor. The coupling mechanism may be configured to translate the rotational motion to a linear motion. The apparatus may further include a valve system coupled to the coupling mechanism. The valve system may be configured to actuate the downhole tool when the valve system is in an open phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a wellbore includes running a tool string to an interval of the wellbore, and activating a first component in the tool string to create a transient underbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval. Additionally, a second component in the tool string is activated to create a transient overbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval, or vice versa.

Abstract: A detonator assembly for initiating an explosive comprises a power source, an initiator, and a switch coupled between the power source and initiator. The switch has a trigger input responsive to a stimulus to activate the switch, where activation of the switch causes electrical energy to be provided to the initiator. The stimulus comprises at least one of a clock-based stimulus, a pressure stimulus, a light stimulus, an acoustic stimulus, and a vibration stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of use to control a downhole tool remotely based on the autocorrelation of command sequences. Repeating signals of a priori unknown or undefined shape can be correlated to themselves to reliably distinguish intentional changes from random fluctuations or other operations performed on the well. Using autocorrelation, any fluctuation of pressure of sufficient amplitude can be used to send commands by controlling the timing or the number of repetitions of the sequence.