Abstract: A perforating gun for use in well bores and having a perforating means disposed in a azimuthal dispersion pattern about a vertical axis where the dispersion is characterized by azimuthal spacing of not less than 15.degree. with respect to each of the perforating means in a gun. The penetration pattern of the perforating means is dispersed longitudinally along the gun and rotatively around the circumference of the gun. The circumferential disposition of the shots can be in clockwise spiral or counterclockwise spiral or in a combination of spirals.

Abstract: A well completion method comprising suspending NaCl crystals in the interval of the well bore to be perforated where the NaCl crystals are sized to bridge the perforations when the hydraulic pressure in the well bore exceeds the hydraulic pressure in the earth formation. The perforator is arranged to produce penetrations in the well bore in a radial pattern about the circumference of the well bore so as to effectively penetrate the entire circumference over a short interval. This enhances the perforation of vertical fractures in the earth formations.

Abstract: A method for use in a cased well bore for placing cement in a vertical channel existing in the annulus between the casing and a well bore to seal off vertical channels in a prior cement job. In the method, where a vertical channel exists, the interval of the casing along the vertical channel is perforated circumferentially with the perforations at 15.degree. angles with respect to one another about a vertical axis. The perforations number can be as many as twenty-four over a six foot interval. The interval of the casing is located near a water bearing formation and between permeable zones. A known volume of cement is then pumped through the perforations and into the vertical channel to seal off the annulus between the casing and the well bore and excess cement is reverse circulated out of the well bore.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for determining the free point location in a well bore upon determinable criteria. The free point tool, is disposed in a stuck point and actuated at a plurality of locations along the length of the string of pipe. At each location, the free point indicator is fixed in position and the string of pipe is subjected to a motivating force which produces either an elongation of the pipe string or a twisting of the pipe string. The elongation or the twisting is recorded at the surface as a function of time. The downhole indication of elongation or twisting at the location of the free point indicator is also recorded as a function of time. The time delay and the character of the elongation or twisting is indication of the character of the sticking of the pipe.