Abstract: An explosives delivery vehicle for delivering a booster for initiating an explosion of an explosive material in a hole in a floor of a mine pit to an operative depth in the hole. The vehicle comprises a storage assembly for storing a plurality of the boosters, a booster loading assembly for (i) supporting the booster in a delivery position above the hole and (ii) moving the booster downwardly into the hole and inserting the booster at an operative depth in the hole; and a delivery assembly for transporting the booster from the storage assembly to the loading assembly.

Abstract: Methods for predicting a structural response and failure of a liner for a well can include receiving geometric properties of the liner; receiving structural properties of the liner; receiving material properties of the liner; developing a numerical model of the liner; calibrating one or more parameters of the constitutive model representing the material of the liner, the calibrating including: determining a numerical burst pressure failure; determining a numerical collapse failure pressure; and simulating the structural response and failure of the numerical model subjected to an expected non-uniform pressure loading of the well, where the numerical model is used to predict the structural response and failure of the liner when installed in the well.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a shaped charge liner including an apex end and a base end and defining a main liner axis that passes through the apex and base ends, the liner being rotationally symmetric about the main liner axis wherein the liner has discrete rotational symmetry about the main liner axis.

Abstract: A power charge (12) for a setting tool is composed of a propellant (16) and an igniter (32) embedded in the propellant (16). The propellant (16) is a homogeneous mixture of combustible components, an oxidizer and an epoxy binder, which together provide a continuous mass of solid form. The propellant (16) has an exterior (14) which, together with an outward face (36) of the igniter (32), is exposed and provides the outer surface of the power charge (12). A protuberant rib (28) extends along the length of the exterior (14) in a spiral-shaped pattern and provides a stand-off spacer between the power charge (12) and the setting tool. The igniter (32) has a main body portion (52) and an annular-shaped protrusion (48) which extends laterally outward from the main body portion (52) and into the propellant (16) to retain the igniter (32) within the propellant (16). The entire power charge (12) is formed of combustible materials.

Abstract: A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, a flow area of the flow path increasing in a direction from the first wellbore toward the second wellbore. An explosive assembly for use in a well can include an explosive device having multiple explosive charges, the explosive charges producing longitudinal shock waves that collide with each other and result in a laterally directed shock wave, and a shield that focuses the laterally directed shock wave into a predetermined angular range of less than 360 degrees. A method of establishing fluid communication between wellbores can include forming a flow path from one wellbore to another wellbore, the flow path intersecting an uncased portion of the second wellbore.

Abstract: A method for the suppression of coal seam fires provides for the location and determination of the boundaries of a coal seam fire, directing access to the coal seam, preparation of the coal seam prior to suppression and the suppression of the fire within the coal seam using a foam mixture, the method providing minimal impact and disruption to the surface above the coal seam fire.

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 thermal battery positioned in a wellbore can be force activated by a device. The device can include a body coupled to a thermal battery positioned in a wellbore. The body can include a piston retained at a first position in an inner area of the body. The piston can move from the first position to a second position in response to a force applied to the body. The thermal battery can be activated by moving the piston to the second position.

Abstract: A magnetic marking method includes drilling a borehole and marking a position along an uncased section of the borehole with a magnetic marker comprising a magnetic rare earth alloy. A magnetic marker for open hole use includes an unconsolidated mass of high remanence, magnetized material that comprises a magnetic rare earth alloy. The magnetic marker for open hole use also includes a suspension fluid suited for conveying the magnetized material through a drill string bore into an open borehole. A magnetic marker for a casing terminus includes a magnet comprising a magnetic rare earth alloy and an attachment mechanism that secures the magnet to a casing shoe. Such magnetic markers for open hole use or a casing terminus can be used for borehole intersection operations.

Abstract: Systems for delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering explosives with variable densities and methods of varying the energy of explosives in a blasthole are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of precursor components (or compositions thereof) that can be combined with one or more additional components (or compositions thereof) to form an explosive composition. The disclosed precursor components (or compositions thereof) can be handled and transported safely to a particular location where they can be mixed with liquid fuel to form an explosive composition. In particular disclosed embodiments, the precursor components (or compositions thereof) can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an oxidizer component, a metal component, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An improved frac plug apparatus and method for setting a plug in a downhole. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inner cone shaped member having a first end and a second end, the inner cone shaped member having a generally increasing outer diameter from the first end, and an expandable outer sleeve having a first end and a second end, the first end of the expandable outer sleeve adapted to receive the first end of the inner cone shaped member and the second end of the expandable outer sleeve having a plurality of fingers joined at their tips at predetermined break points. In use, upon receiving the first end of the inner cone shaped member further into the expandable outer sleeve, the fingers of the expandable outer sleeve are adapted to break at their tips at their predetermined break points and expand outwardly to engage a surface of the downhole.

Abstract: A well system can include a completion string adjacent to a target formation and a service tool extending within the completion string. When the service tool is in an aligned position with respect to the completion string, the service tool can prevent fluid communication between the target formation and a return conduit to facilitate fluid slurry injection. In such an alignment, a reader of the service tool is positioned within a threshold distance of a tag of the completion string to receive an indicator from the tag. From the tag, the reader receives confirmation that the service tool and the completion string are properly aligned. A pulser of the service tool transmits a signal to a surface location to convey the confirmation. A user may then pump the fluid slurry through an internal fluid flow passage of the service tool to the target formation.

Abstract: Example apparatus, methods, and systems described for cutting tubulars in a downhole environment. In an example apparatus, energetic cutters are housed within a carrier. In some embodiments, the carrier is a cylindrical, tubular member. Radial energetic cutters are positioned at the ends of the carrier and linear energetic cutters are positioned between the radial energetic cutters. Initiation of the energetic cutters results in tubular fragments that fall downhole.

Abstract: Explosive geologic fracturing methods, devices, and systems can be used in combination with other geologic fracturing means, such as hydraulic fracturing methods, devices and systems, or other fluid-based fracturing means. An exemplary method comprises introducing an explosive system into a wellbore in a geologic formation, detonating the explosive system in the wellbore to fracture at least a first portion of the geologic formation adjacent to the wellbore, and introducing pressurized fluid into the wellbore to enhance the fracturing of the first portion of the geologic formation. Such multi-stage fracturing can further enhance the resulting fracturing of geologic formation relative to explosive fracturing alone.

Abstract: In disclosed explosive units for use in a wellbore, the casing can include a tubular outer body comprising grooves, pockets, or other variances in thickness that create stress concentrations that promote shear and tensile fragmentation instead of ductile expansion of the casing, which can negatively impact permeability of a wellbore. In other embodiments, the casing can comprise non-ductile and/or reactive material which responds to explosive or high temperature loading by brittle failure, disintegration, melting, burning, and/or chemically reacting with the energetic materials and/or the borehole environment. Such embodiments can enhance the permeability of the wellbore after detonation.

Abstract: A method of loading a blast hole, the method comprising the step of applying a composition to a blast hole wherein the composition provides a barrier layer between an explosive loaded in the blast hole and water in the blast hole.

Abstract: A technique facilitates analysis of hydraulic fractures. A plurality of explosive pellets is constructed for delivery into fracture or fractures of a subterranean formation. Each explosive pellet comprises an explosive material combined with an initiating member working in cooperation with a friction sensitive pyrotechnic mixture. Crushing or otherwise actuating the initiating member initiates the friction sensitive pyrotechnic mixture which, in turn, ignites the explosive material to produce explosive signals. The explosive signals may be monitored to obtain data related to the fracture or fractures.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon bearing formation bounded by at least one nonbearing formation comprises inserting a tubular into a wellbore formed in the hydrocarbon bearing formation. The tubular defines proximal and distal ends and further has a sidewall defining inner and outer surfaces and a tubular bore, where an annulus is defined between the outer surface of the sidewall and the inner surface of the wellbore. A detonator is disposed in the annulus through at least a portion of the hydrocarbon bearing formation. A first fluid including a first explosive is pumped through the tubular bore into a selected portion of the annulus. An isolation material is inserted in the annulus between an entrance of the wellbore and the first explosive fluid. The explosive fluid is detonated with the detonator.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the structure of a void sensitized liquid energetic material, which method comprises defining the material in terms distribution function, the distribution function representing the fraction of liquid energetic material that occurs at a given point within the void sensitized liquid energetic material.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising a liquid energetic material and sensitizing voids, wherein the sensitizing voids are present in the liquid energetic material with a non-random distribution, wherein the liquid energetic material comprises (a) regions in which the sensitizing voids are sufficiently concentrated to render those regions detonable and (b) regions in which the sensitizing voids are not so concentrated and wherein the explosive composition does not contain ammonium nitrate prill.

Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention there is provided a method of stemming a blast hole with a super absorbent polymer. The method includes providing a super absorbent polymer substance as a gelled length in the blast hole. The gelled length provides a pressure wave reflecting stem, to increase the efficiency of an explosive during blasting, with the explosive being located in the blast hole.

Abstract: A downhole stimulation tool comprising an outer housing exhibiting apertures extending therethrough, opposing propellant structures within the outer housing, and at least one initiator adjacent each of the opposing propellant structures. Each of the opposing propellant structures comprise at least one higher combustion rate propellant region, and at least one lower combustion rate propellant region longitudinally adjacent the at least one higher combustion rate propellant region. Additional downhole stimulation tools and methods of stimulating a producing formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing an explosive composition comprising a liquid energetic material and sensitizing voids, the sensitizing voids being present in the liquid energetic material with a non-random distribution, which method comprises: providing a flow of liquid energetic material; and delivering sensitizing voids into the flow of liquid energetic material in a series of pulses to provide regions in the liquid energetic material in which sensitizing voids are sufficiently concentrated to render those regions detonable and regions in the liquid energetic material in which the sensitizing voids are not so concentrated.

Abstract: A mobile manufacturing and delivery platform that is adapted to provide in a blasthole an explosive composition comprising a liquid energetic material and sensitizing voids, the sensitizing voids being present in the liquid energetic material with a non-random distribution. The platform comprises a storage tank for the liquid energetic material; at least two delivery lines for conveying respective streams of the liquid energetic material from the storage tank; a void delivery system for producing sensitizing voids in at least one of the streams of liquid energetic material; a mixer for mixing the streams of liquid energetic material to produce the explosive composition; and a blasthole loading hose. The mixer may be provided at the end of the loading hose. A blasting method employs the platform to manufacture and deliver the explosive composition into a blasthole, which composition is subsequently detonated.

Abstract: A high energy pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of pressure balanced explosive pellets along a unitizing central tube that is selectively separable from a tubular external housing. The explosive pellets are loaded serially in a column and in full view along the entire column as a final charging task. Detonation boosters are pre-positioned and connected to detonation cord for simultaneous detonation at opposite ends of the explosive column. Devoid of high explosive pellets during transport, the assembly may be transported with all boosters and detonation cord connected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat generator for well stimulation, comprising a tubular fuel vessel (22) with two or more mutually separated, closed segments (23) arranged in longitudinal succession and each at least partly filled with fuel (30), and at least one igniter (40) for ignition of the fuel in at least one of the segments (23), wherein the ends of the segments are connected such that the fuel in a subsequent segment is ignitable owing to the evolution of heat in the course of burnoff of the fuel in a preceding segment. The invention further relates to a process for well stimulation using an inventive heat generator.

Abstract: A degradable composition including magnesium-based materials doped with metals, metalloids, and/or compounds, where the composition has a hardness in excess of 80 BHN, and methods of using the same (for example, as a constituent of a treatment fluid of a subterranean formation) are described. The degradable composition may be a shaped composition that degrades in environments typically encountered downhole, such as oilfield environments/conditions and/or fluids. Compositions including magnesium-based materials and various manufacturing processes to produce a composition including the magnesium-based materials in a desired shape are also described.

Abstract: A method for preparing a charging plan for rock cavern excavation, in which plan drill hole locations for a round to be drilled in a tunnel face are determined in a predetermined coordinate system by using a drilling plan created by means of a computer-assisted design program. The method determines pull-out of a round on the basis of the locations of the hole ends and the topography of the rock remaining after a round blast, and designs or modifies a charging plan for a subsequent round on the basis of the thus determined pull-out.

Abstract: A method for locating planned markers within a log containing borehole data parses log data to locate an uncertainty region for a planned marker. A fingerprint match is located for the planned marker in the located uncertainty region. The located fingerprint match is saved. A determination is made if additional planned markers are present and returns to the step of parsing for a next planned marker if additional planned markers are present.

Abstract: A slick water fracturing fluid including a brine, an inorganic nitrate, a nitrogen reducing bacteria, a scale inhibitor selected from the group consisting of a polyacrylate polymer, a polyacrylate copolymer, a polyacrylate terpolymer, and mixtures thereof, and a friction reducer, wherein the friction reducer is a polyacrylamide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mobile platform for the delivery of bulk explosives to a blast hole. One embodiment of the platform provides the ability to obtain weight information relating to the contents of a tank that is associated with the platform and that, in operation, contains either the bulk explosive or a constituent of the explosive. The platform comprises a vehicle with a frame, a tank, a load cell structure for connecting the frame and the tank and providing weight data relating to the contents of the tank, and a suspension system that prevents relative movement of the frame and the tank that could compromise the load cell structure. Another embodiment of the platform provides a tank for holding an explosive composition and a rotary shaft that supports a mixing blade that mixes the explosive composition within the tank. The platform further comprises bearing structure for supporting the rotary shaft that is located to deter any of the explosive composition from entering the bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an explosive composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of: an oxidizer component, a hydrocarbon fuel component containing emulsifier, and a bulking agent being a fuel-type waste material in a solid particulate form substantially lacking rough surfaces and sharp edges. Preferably the composition is of an ammonium nitrate based emulsion and a pelletised bulking agent. It also involves a method of providing an explosive composition to a blast site using a conventional mobile processing unit (MPU), being a truck having separate compartments adapted for holding fuel oil, dry ammonium nitrate prill, and ammonium nitrate based emulsion, where a compartment instead holds particulate waste material. It also concerns a method of blasting soft and wet ground, which comprises injecting into one or more blast holes in the soft and wet ground a sufficient quantity of the composition, and then setting off the composition.

Abstract: An auxiliary cartridge for use in rock breaking is disclosed which comprises an elongate body, an end closure at each end of the body and a charge of combustible material in the space defined by the body and the end closures. One of the end closures includes a frangible membrane which closes off a charge of combustible chemicals. On being subjected to the pressure of an external ignition of fast burning combustible material, the membrane fails and permits flame to flash through it from externally of the auxiliary cartridge to internally thereof thereby to ignite said charge.

Abstract: An explosive cartridge comprising: an explosive composition; a deactivating agent that is capable of desensitising the explosive composition; and a barrier element that prevents contact between the explosive composition and the deactivating agent and that is adapted to be at least partially removed on use of the explosive cartridge.

Abstract: An explosives container comprising a flexible inner bag within a flexible outer bag, the outer bag comprising a first end and a second end and a booster compartment located on an external surface of the outer bag, adjacent the second end. An explosive composition can be located within the inner bag and, in use, the booster compartment contains an explosive booster and serves to maintain the explosive booster in close contact with the explosives composition. The explosives container further comprises an elongate sheath extending substantially between the first end and the second end of the outer bag and serving to house and protect a detonator cord from damage or dislodgement.

Abstract: A method of blasting rock, in mining for recoverable material, comprising drilling blastholes in a blast zone loading the blastholes with explosives and then firing the explosives in the blastholes in a single cycle of drilling, loading and blasting. The blast zone comprises a high energy blast zone in which blastholes are partially loaded with a first explosive to provide a high energy layer of the high energy blast zone having a powder factor of at least 1.75 kg of explosive per cubic meter of unblasted rock in the high energy layer and in which at least some of those blastholes are also loaded with a second explosive to provide a low energy layer of the high energy blast zone between the high energy layer and the adjacent end of those blastholes, said low energy layer having a powder factor that is at least a factor of two lower than the powder factor of said high energy layer.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and insulation medium for inserting and insulating a charge medium within a borehole includes a charge tube comprised of an elongate tube having a length and diameter sufficient for containing a desired quantity of a charge medium. A charge medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially filling the charge tube. An insulation medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially encapsulating the charge tube and substantially filling an annular space between the charge tube and the borehole for insulating the charge tube from a downhole environment in which the charge tube is to be inserted. A detonator is inserted within the charge medium proximate a distal end of the charge tube and a charge cable extends from the detonator through the charge tube and exits from the charge tube.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a gun string assembly within a wellbore and perforating the wellbore using the gun string assembly. The gun string assembly comprises a plurality of perforating guns coupled in series. A first perforating gun of the plurality of perforating guns comprises a first portion of shaped charges, and a second perforating gun of the plurality of perforating guns comprises a second portion of shaped charges operably associated with a secondary pressure generator. The first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured in the gun string assembly to provide a pressure transient comprising one or more pressures at a location in the wellbore that meet one or more thresholds.

Abstract: Systems for delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering explosives with variable densities and methods of varying the energy of explosives in a blasthole are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: A cartridge for breaking rock which includes a tubular housing in which is formed a first compartment. The cartridge includes a first energetic composition inside the first compartment and a primer which is exposed to the first energetic composition. The cartridge includes a second compartment inside the tubular component and a plunger inside the tubular component which is movable under explosive force towards the primer. The cartridge still further includes a second energetic composition inside the second compartment and an actuator and a fuse for initiating the second energetic composition. The actuator has an area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the plunger and is movable, by movement of the plunger, towards the primer, and in that the primer is initiated by the actuator only when liquid fills a volume enclosed at least partly by surfaces of the actuator and of the primer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and to exploration and production of water resources, in particularly, for stimulation of fluid flow to the well, e.g., for higher oil production, productivity index, and recovery factor. The disclosed device and method can be used for higher permeability of the pay zone due to creation of a network of microcracks in the bottomhole formation zone and facilitates to increase the flow of oil, or other fluids, from the reservoir to the well. Generation of cyclic pressure pulses with varied amplitude and time parameters and proper localization of pulses in space through mechanism of convective combustion provides a “soft” impact upon the wellbore without risk of damage or formation consolidation; the said impact is achieved by using a device which is a downhole cyclic pressure generator operating by a consecutive combustion of layers of compositions having different combustion rates.

Abstract: A method comprises: a. determining a configuration of a gun string, b. determining, by a computer, a pressure transient at a location in a wellbore, c. comparing the one or more pressures with the one or more pressure thresholds at the location, and d. perforating the wellbore with the gun string using the determined configuration of the gun string when the one or more pressures meet the one or more pressure thresholds at the location. The location in the wellbore has one or more pressure thresholds, and the pressure transient comprises one or more pressures.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a charge case; a liner; an explosive retained between the charge case and the liner; and a primer core disposed in a hole in the charge case and in contact with the explosive, wherein at least one of the case, the liner, the primer core, and the explosive comprising a material soluble in a selected fluid. A perforation system includes a perforation gun, comprising a gun housing that includes a safety valve or a firing valve, wherein the safety valve or the firing valve comprises a material soluble in a selected fluid.

Abstract: Wireless detonator systems present opportunities for controlled blasting of rock without the encumbrances of physical wired connections at the blast site. Disclosed herein are wireless detonator assemblies, which sense the state of environmental condition(s) of their immediate vicinity, and which are active to receive and/or process a command signal to FIRE only if the environmental condition(s) are deemed suitable or appropriate according to predetermined parameters. Also disclosed are improved methods of blasting involving such wireless detonator assemblies, as well as corresponding wireless electronic primers.

Abstract: A method of blasting plural layers of material (38, 40, 42, 44) in a blastfield (16) that reduces the amount of mechanical excavation required to expose a lower layer of material. The method includes using rows of equally spaced blastholes (18, 20, 22, 24) that pass through all of the layers and additional intermediate rows of blastholes (26, 28) that pass down only through top layer (40). Each blasthole is capped with stemming material and includes one or more decks of explosives material (46) and detonators (48), with air decks or inert stemming (45) separating adjacent explosives decks (46). The detonators in layer (40) are detonated first in order from row (18) rearwards to throw a substantial amount of the blast material from layer (40) forwardly of free face (12) onto floor (34).

Abstract: An inflatable borehole plug comprising an inflatable fluid tight bag with a storage container containing an inflation fluid in a compressed state located within the fluid tight bag. The storage container has a first actuator and a second actuator located at opposite ends thereof to initiate release of inflation fluid and hence effect expansion of the fluid tight bag. Choice of the vertical orientation of the first and second actuators and of which or both are activated provides differing rates of release of the inflation fluid and corresponding different rates of inflation of the fluid tight bag.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a blast hole which method comprises the steps of: drilling a blast hole; placing explosives in the blast hole; filling the blast hole with a stemming material comprising a cement composition and water wherein the weight ratio of water to solids content of the stemming material is at least about 1:1.

Abstract: A downhole tool gun string assembly comprises a first perforating gun operable to generate a first pressure at a first location in a wellbore, wherein the first perforating gun comprises a first plurality of perforating charges; a second perforating gun operable to generate a second pressure at a second location in the wellbore, wherein the second pressure is different from the first pressure and the second perforating gun comprises a second plurality of perforating charges, and wherein at least one of the second plurality of perforating charges is operably associated with a secondary pressure generator, where the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured to maintain a pressure at a selected location in the wellbore below a threshold when the first and second perforating guns are activated substantially concurrently.