Abstract: A shock tube package system and a method of deploying a shock tube package system is provided. The system includes a coreless bundle of shock tubing. The system further includes an outer covering disposed about the periphery of the bundle of shock tubing. In an embodiment, the outer covering is made from a flexible or elastic material such as a textile.

Abstract: An explosive cord is disclosed. In various embodiments, the explosive cord includes a tube having a tube inner surface and a tube outer surface, the tube inner surface defining a hollow interior that extends along a length of the tube; a carrier fiber disposed within the hollow interior of the tube, the carrier fiber having a carrier fiber exposed surface area; and a reactive material disposed on the carrier fiber exposed surface area.

Abstract: A shock tube package system and a method of deploying a shock tube package system is provided. The system includes a coreless bundle of shock tubing. The system further includes an outer covering disposed about the periphery of the bundle of shock tubing. The outer covering being made from a flexible or ela In an embodiment, the outer covering is made from a flexible or elastic material such as a textile.

Abstract: A detonating cord for using in a perforating gun includes an explosive layer and an electrically conductive layer extending around the explosive layer. The electrically conductive layer is configured to relay a communication signal along a length of the detonating cord. In an embodiment, a protective jacket extends around the electrically conductive layer of the detonating cord. The detonating cord may be assembled in a perforating gun to relay a communication signal from a top connector to a bottom connector of the perforating gun, and to propagate a detonating explosive stimulus along its length to initiate shaped charges of the perforating gun. A plurality of perforating guns, including the detonating cord, may be connected in series, with the detonating cord of a first perforating gun in communication with the detonating cord of a second perforating gun.

Abstract: A pressure relief system comprises a pressurized vessel containing a fuel source and comprising a thermal pressure relief device, a heat shield coating disposed on an outer surface of the pressurized vessel, a sensor in thermal communication with the heat shield and configured to receive thermal energy from the heat shield, and an electronic control module electrically coupled to the sensor and the thermal pressure relief device. The sensor, responsive to receiving a threshold amount of thermal energy from the heat shield coating, may transmit a signal to the electronic control module. The electronic control module may activate the thermal pressure relief device in response to the signal.

Abstract: A shock tube package system and a method of deploying a shock tube package system is provided. The system includes a coreless bundle of shock tubing. The system further includes an outer covering disposed about the periphery of the bundle of shock tubing. In an embodiment, the outer covering is made from a flexible or elastic material such as a textile.

Abstract: A detonating cord for using in a perforating gun includes an explosive layer and an electrically conductive layer extending around the explosive layer. The electrically conductive layer is configured to relay a communication signal along a length of the detonating cord. In an embodiment, a protective jacket extends around the electrically conductive layer of the detonating cord. The detonating cord may be assembled in a perforating gun to relay a communication signal from a top connector to a bottom connector of the perforating gun, and to propagate a detonating explosive stimulus along its length to initiate shaped charges of the perforating gun. A plurality of perforating guns, including the detonating cord, may be connected in series, with the detonating cord of a first perforating gun in communication with the detonating cord of a second perforating gun.

Abstract: A variable stand-off distance explosive cord assembly for a casing is disclosed. In various embodiments, the assembly includes an explosive cord configured for positioning at a stand-off distance from the casing and a thermally responsive material configured to vary the stand-off distance from a first distance to a second distance.

Abstract: A detonating cord for using in a perforating gun includes an explosive layer and an electrically conductive layer extending around the explosive layer. The electrically conductive layer is configured to relay a communication signal along a length of the detonating cord. In an embodiment, a protective jacket extends around the electrically conductive layer of the detonating cord. The detonating cord may be assembled in a perforating gun to relay a communication signal from a top connector to a bottom connector of the perforating gun, and to propagate a detonating explosive stimulus along its length to initiate shaped charges of the perforating gun. A plurality of perforating guns, including the detonating cord, may be connected in series, with the detonating cord of a first perforating gun in communication with the detonating cord of a second perforating gun.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technique pertains to in-line explosive trains, and, more particularly, to a dynamic switch for use in an in-line explosive train. In a first aspect, the presently disclosed technique includes a method for use in arming an in-line explosive train comprising: arming two S&A circuits independently of one another; transitioning each arming circuit to a dynamic control start state to initiate a pair of state machines, each state machine associate with a respective one of the S&A circuits; transitioning through the states of the state machine to turn a switch on and off. In a second aspect, the presently disclosed technique includes a dynamic safety switch for use in an in-line explosive train comprising: a pair of S&A circuits; a pair of state machines entering a predetermined cycle upon indication to arm from both the S&A circuits and cooperatively transitioning through the cycle; and a switch controlled by the cooperative transition of the state machines.

Abstract: A timing element for an initiator is made from a reactive polymeric material such as, e.g., a glycidyl azide polymer. The reactive polymeric material may include pulverulent oxidizer additives, such as ammonium, perchlorate and/or ferric oxide. The oxidizer additives are used to increase the rate of reaction and the output spark of the polymer material. The timing element serves to delay the travel of an initiation signal between an input, such as a signal transmission input line, and an explosive output charge, for a predetermined period of time, usually about 5 to about 10,000 milliseconds, e.g., about 9 to about 9600 milliseconds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for propagating the detonation effect from one detonation cord (5) to another, whereby the detonation cords (5) comprise respective boosters (4) at their ends. The booster of one detonation cord and the booster of the other detonation cord to which the detonation effect should be propagated are arranged with their front faces joining each other. The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device which allows propagation also under unfavorable conditions while requiring only few individual parts. For this purpose, at least one booster of two adjacent detonation cords is subjected to a force acting in the direction of the other booster, thereby ensuring constant contact of the front faces (15) of the adjacent boosters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging for a detonation cord that is used especially for igniting shaped charged perforators in perforation guns utilized in the oil and natural gas industry. According to the invention, the detonation cord is wound on one plane as a flat coil. Also disclosed is a method for examining whether a detonation cord has faulty points. Said method is characterized in that the detonation cord is subjected to an x-ray examination in the packaging before being delivered.

Abstract: A signal transmission tube may be made by disposing a reactive polymeric material within a confinement tube and leaving a portion of the tube interior unoccupied. The tube may be formed by disposing a layer of paint comprising the reactive polymeric material on the interior surface of the confinement tube, extruding the confinement tube over an elongate rod that comprises the reactive polymeric material. The rod preferably has a high surface area configuration, e.g., the rod may comprise a longitudinal bore therethrough or may be star-shaped, cross-shaped, etc. Alternatively, the signal transmission tube may be made from the reactive polymeric material. Optionally, a sheath may be extruded over the tubular reactive polymeric material. In various embodiments, the confinement tube or sheath may be configured to be fractured or substantially consumed by the reaction of the reactive polymeric material. Optionally, the reactive polymeric material may comprise a glycidyl azide polymer.

Abstract: A detonating device includes a high explosive portion comprising high explosive; a low explosive portion comprising low explosive; and a transition portion between the high explosive portion and the low explosive portion, wherein the transition portion comprises a mixture of high explosive and low explosive.

Abstract: A detonating fuse includes at least one CNT wire shaped structure. The at least one CNT wire shaped structure includes a plurality of CNTs and an oxidizing material. The oxidizing material is coated on an outer surface of each of the CNTs.

Abstract: A shipping cap is provided for use with a shielded mild detonating cord (SMDC) having an explosive tip that contains a volume of explosive material. The shipping cap is coupled to a portion of the SMDC to define a sealed free volume region about the SMDC's explosive tip. The size of the free volume region is a function of the volume of explosive material contained in the explosive tip. The shipping cap's wall strength in the free volume region is defined by a factor of safety that is a function of the yield strength of the material used to construct the cap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detonating cord (10) having a core (12) of reactive material and a composite jacket around the core, and the method of its manufacture. The composite jacket includes an interior jacket (14) in contact with the core and a sacrificial jacket (20) disposed over the interior jacket. The sacrificial jacket prevents the cord from being cut off by the detonation of another detonating cord of like core load disposed adjacent thereto. The sacrificial jacket is separable from the interior jacket beneath it under the force of the adjacent detonating cord, thus absorbing energy and allowing the first detonating cord to remain intact. The detonating cord may have a core load of not more than 3.2 grams/meter (15 grains/ft) or, optionally, less than 1.25 g/m (6 grains/ft). The interior jacket may be free of metal jacket layers. Optionally, the outer cross-sectional diameter of the cord may be not more than about 3.8 mm (0.15 inch) so that it can be inserted into a standard detonator.

Abstract: An explosive matrix assembly is provided in which a single detonating cord is configured into a first set of at least five parallel sets of paired portions lying in the same plane, with adjacent parallel pairs being spaced about two inches apart. The detonating cord is further configured so that there is a second set of at least five more parallel portions that are substantially orthogonal to the first set and that lie on top of the first set. Finally, the detonating cord is further configured so that there is a pair of portions that operably secure the matrix to an appropriate explosive initiator.

Abstract: The connector block allows the transmission of the shock wave that travels along the donor tube (1) to several receiver tubes (4), setting between them a delay device (6) with its corresponding pyrotechnic delay formula (8), and an explosive charge (9), all these components being integrated within the body (4) of the connector block in such a way that the explosive charge (9) is parallel and adjacent to the receiver tubes (10), which are on a parallel plane to said explosive charge and are positioned at right angles to it, inside which a detonator is housed. The explosive charge (9) is positioned so that all the tubes (10) held in the slot (11) are initiated in similar conditions, without suffering the effects of structural differences, thus achieving a homogeneous and safe initiation that does not produce metal shrapnel that could damage the receiver tubes (10).

Abstract: The velocity of detonation of an explosive such as detonating cord (18, 22) is controlled by the addition of a diluent to the explosive, e.g., to the core of the detonating cord (18, 22). An explosively inert diluent, or a diluent comprised of an explosive of lower brisance than the principal explosive comprising the core of the detonating cord, will serve to reduce the velocity of detonation. Such reduced velocity of detonation has beneficial effects in certain operations, including cleaving rock (10), wherein it is observed to significantly reduce radial cracks (24) and stickers (26) (long radial cracks) in the vicinity of the boreholes (12) in which the low-velocity detonating cord (18, 22) is functioned to cleave the rock (10). The low-velocity detonating cord also facilitates leaving behind a smoother face in cutting trenches and tunnels through rock.

Abstract: A downhole perforating device includes: a perforating gun having incorporated therein at least two shape charges; an elongated detonating cord incorporated with the perforating gun and extending along a length of the perforating gun, the detonating cord including: a flexible jacket surrounding an explosive; and a communication medium extending within or attached onto the flexible jacket layer.

Abstract: A downhole perforating device includes: a perforating gun having incorporated therein at least two shape charges; an elongated detonating cord incorporated with the perforating gun and extending along a length of the perforating gun, the detonating cord including: a flexible jacket surrounding an explosive; and a communication medium extending within or attached onto the flexible jacket layer.

Abstract: A small diameter shock tube of unique internal surface configuration such that the powder loading per meter of tubing can be higher than achieved with conventional shock tube. The outside diameter of the tube is less than 0.10?, preferably 0.085? with inner and outer layers of different polymeric material bonded together in a coextrusion process. The inside surface of the shock tube has radially inwardly projecting ribs or protuberances that result in an increase of the internal perphi of the inner surface cross section achieving a 30% increase so that powder loading per meter of the tube can be kept in a safe range.

Abstract: Percussive signal transmission tubes, of contrasting color, are joined along adjacent longitudinally extending portions by an adhesive bead of polymeric material. The tubes can be separated in the field and are provided on spools without any sheath. A small diameter (0.10 inch) tube can be used to reduce the size of the spool, or increase the length of tubing wound on the spool. An apparatus for assembling the product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Percussive signal transmission tubes, of contrasting color, are joined along adjacent longitudinally extending portions by an adhesive bead of polymeric material. The tubes can be separated in the field and are provided on spools without any sheath. A small diameter (0.10 inch) tube can be used to reduce the size of the spool, or increase the length of tubing wound on the spool. An apparatus for assembling the product is also disclosed.

Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cut-off barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.

Abstract: A system for deploying detonating cord from a reel that allows the user to tell at a glance whether he has left on the reel sufficient cord to complete the task. Before wrapping the cord on the drum, the detonating cord is marked incrementally. Once wrapped the user will have a visual indication of the number of feet, yards, or meters left on the reel.

Abstract: A segmented explosive device capable of producing a shock wave front upon being exploded by a detonation impulse generated by a selectively operable control device and communicated to the explosive device by a transmission line coupled between the control device and the explosive device. The explosive device has a first charge segment and a second charge segment disposed in an assembled relationship. The first charge segment has a first abutment surface formed on a portion of the exterior thereof and a cavity recessed in the first abutment surface. An output end of the transmission line is received by the cavity and contacts the first charge segment. The cavity of the first charge segment can be configured to dispose explosive material in the path of a plasma zone propagating through voids internal of the explosive device to facilitate advance detonation of the explosive material before a shock wave front trailing the plasma zone reaches the explosive material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rigid reactive cord such as a detonating cord (10) that includes a core (38) of an energetic material and a rigid non-metal sheath (40) disposed about the core. The cord (10) is sufficiently rigid so that it can be inserted through a material to be fractured or through passages formed therein. A method of using the rigid reactive cord for the removal of combustion residue from boiler tubes is also presented.

Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cutoff barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.

Abstract: A booster to relay a detonation train from a detonating cord to another booster includes an explosive and a shell. The shell has an open end to receive an end of the detonating cord and an indented closed end that is adapted to form a projectile to strike the other booster when the explosive detonates. The explosive may include at least fifty percent by weight of NONA, and in some embodiments, the explosive may be primarily NONA.

Abstract: An ignitor for setting off an incendiary device. The ignitor includes a container into one end of which is placed a charge of thermite. A shock tube is inserted into the other end of the container and when initiated, sends a shock wave into the container to cause ignition of the thermite. In order to prevent accidental ignition from an electrical charge, in a preferred embodiment an electrically conducting filler material surrounds the shock tube within the container, which preferably is crimped around the filler material.

Abstract: An initiator (14c) for a secondary explosive receptor charge is provided by forming a length of detonating cord (14) into a helical coil containing a plurality of windings with a cutoff barrier provided by, e.g., a separating rib (46) between adjacent windings. The adjacent windings may be not more than about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) apart. The detonating cord (14) may be wound about a spindle (16) which may optionally provide the separating rib (46). The coil may be a tapered coil which may define a taper angle of e.g., from about 2 to 4 degrees. Alternatively, the coil may be a cylindrical coil, or the cord may be configured in a planar spiral. Optionally, the detonating cord in the helical coil may have a core of explosive material with a loading of less than 15 grains per foot of the cord, e.g., less than 12 grains per foot of the cord, or a loading in the range of from 8 to 12 grains per foot of the cord. The coil may consume about six inches of the cord.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device of connection and delay between detonating cords and/or between an igniter and detonating cords, including a cavity divided up in two parts, the internal walls of which are coated with a very flammable material; a means for blocking one or several detonating cords in each of the parts; and a means for communicating between the two parts. The two parts are separated by a partition and the communication means includes a track containing a slowly and regularly burning material, extending outside the cavity walls between openings communicating with each of the two cavity parts.

Abstract: A linear ignition system for a metal-sheathed linear explosive including in one embodiment the ends of two metal-sheathed linear explosives are connected by a non-electrically conductive sleeve leaving a gap between the ends, and a Pyrofuze® bridge connects the metal-sheath of one end to the metal sheath of the other end. Electrical contacts are made to the two metal sheaths and application of current to the electrical contacts ignites the Pyrofuze® bridge and the linear explosives. Embodiments can also include an explosive mixture in the gap, using a hotwire bridge, or including booster increments for initiating detonating explosives. The linear ignition systems offer robust, easy-to-install linear explosive devices for applications in automotive, commercial or military aircraft safety systems, other military and aerospace applications, and commercial blasting.

Abstract: A tubular charge holder assembly for a perforating gun made of a tube having a plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed openings. The pairs of openings are formed over a length of the tube, wherein the each pair has a larger and a smaller opening. A shaped charge is located within the pairs of openings in the tubular charge holder so that at least a portion of the rim of a front face of the shaped charge extends out of the larger opening and at least a portion of a rear face of the shaped charge extends out from the smaller opening of the tube. A detonating cord is helically wrapped around the outside surface of the tube such that the detonating cord is positioned so that the cord is proximate to the rear surface of each of the shaped charges installed within the tube. A substantially semi-circular clip is positioned on the outside surface of the tube proximate each of the shaped charges.

Abstract: A shock tube connector system comprises a substantially cylindrical detonator having a longitudinal axis a block body receiving the detonator therein, and an end cap. The detonator includes an axisymmetric exterior shell including a cylindrical main section, a cylindrical explosive end portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the main section, and a transition portion connecting the main section and the explosive end portion of the shell. An explosive charge is contained within the explosive end portion of the shell and is distributed along the longitudinal length of the explosive end portion. The explosive charge preferable comprises two portions of lead azide or a first charge portion of lead azide and PETN and a second charge portion of PETN. An initiating shock tube is operatively connected to the explosive charge via a delay element. The block body includes a housing within which the main section of the detonator is received.

Abstract: A shock tube connector system comprises a substantially cylindrical detonator having a longitudinal axis a block body receiving the detonator therein, and an end cap. The detonator includes an axisymmetric exterior shell including a cylindrical main section, a cylindrical explosive end portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the main section, and a transition portion connecting the main section and the explosive end portion of the shell. An explosive charge is contained within the explosive end portion of the shell and is distributed along the longitudinal length of the explosive end portion. The explosive charge preferable comprises two portions of lead azide or a first charge portion of lead azide and PETN and a second charge portion of PETN. An initiating shock tube is operatively connected to the explosive charge via a delay element. The block body includes a housing within which the main section of the detonator is received.

Abstract: A signal transmission fuse is made of a tube (36) which encases a support tape (14) having a reactive coating (18′) which is adhered to one side of the tape by a binder. A method of making the signal transmission fuse includes depositing on the support tape (14) a reactive paint (18) including a binder, which paint dries to form a reactive coating (18′). The coated support tape (14′) is then folded, i.e., formed into a channel configuration, to provide an inner concave side of the tape on which the reactive coating (18′) has been disposed. The coated support tape is then enclosed, e.g., within an extruded plastic tube (36). One side of the support tape may be made of a first material (14a) to which the reactive coating adheres, and a second side may be made of a second material (14b) which bonds or adheres to the inner surface (36a) of the plastic tube (36) enclosing the coated support tape (14′).

Abstract: A shock tube connector system comprises a substantially cylindrical detonator having a longitudinal axis a block body receiving the detonator therein, and an end cap. The detonator includes an axisymmetric exterior shell including a cylindrical main section, a cylindrical explosive end portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the main section, and a transition portion connecting the main section and the explosive end portion of the shell. An explosive charge is contained within the explosive end portion of the shell and is distributed along the longitudinal length of the explosive end portion. The explosive charge preferable comprises two portions of lead azide or a first charge portion of lead azide and PETN and a second charge portion of PETN. An initiating shock tube is operatively connected to the explosive charge via a delay element. The block body includes a housing within which the main section of the detonator is received.

Abstract: A detonating cord has a core of highly brisant PBXN-8 explosive surrounded by an inner braided layer of polyamide yarn, a flexible sealing sleeve of silicone rubber coated with glue, and an outer braided layer of polyamide yarn adhered to the sealing sleeve. Booster cups may be crimped to opposite ends of detonating cord to place booster charges adjacent the core to assure more reliable detonation of associated ordnance. The method of manufacture of detonating cord calls for providing a core of explosive PBXN-8 slurry, weaving an inner braided layer of polyamide yarn on the core, squeezing moisture out of the core of explosive PBXN-8 slurry during the weaving of the inner braided layer, applying a flexible sleeve of silicone rubber on the inner braided layer, coating glue on the flexible sleeve, and weaving an outer braided layer of polyamide yarn on the glue. Optionally, squeezing the core of explosive PBXN-8 slurry between rollers may be desirable to further remove excess moisture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-electric initiator tip for use with a non-electric shock tube initiation device. The initiator tip of the present invention comprises an inner electrode, an outer electrode, and a conductive component electrically coupled to the inner and outer electrodes for applying current to the inner and outer electrodes to thereby cause a percussion spark to be generated. When the initiator tip is connected to an initiation device, the conductive component of the initiator tip is electrically coupled to electronics in the initiation device such that, when the initiation device is actuated, the electronics in the initiation device in conjunction with a power supply cause a voltage differential to be generated between the inner and outer electrodes and a percussion spark to be produced. The percussion spark initiates gun powder contained in a shock tube mounted to the initiator tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flares and other solid propellant devices, rockets or the like, equipped with an igniter or igniter system which is based in whole in part on an extruded igniter stick.

Abstract: A signal transmission fuse is made of a tube (36) which encases a support tape (14) having a reactive coating (18′) which is adhered to one side of the tape by a binder. A method of making the signal transmission fuse includes depositing on the support tape (14) a reactive paint (18) including a binder, which paint dries to form a reactive coating (18′). The coated support tape (14′) is then folded, i.e., formed into a channel configuration, to provide an inner concave side of the tape on which the reactive coating (18′) has been disposed. The coated support tape is then enclosed, e.g., within an extruded plastic tube (36). One side of the support tape may be made of a first material (14a) to which the reactive coating adheres, and a second side may be made of a second material (14b) which bonds or adheres to the inner surface (36a) of the plastic tube (36) enclosing the coated support tape (14′).

Abstract: A low energy fuse in extruded as a single ply primary tube 1 from a plastic resin blend with particulate energetic material 2 being internally distributed in a manner known per se, said resin blend comprising a major amount of an orientable polymer, for example, linear low density polyethylene to provide structural integrity and a minor amount of a modifier to impart enhanced particle retentive properties to the tube and preferably also containing a polymer or copolymer to impart melt strength and aid in tube extrusion.