Abstract: A system for protecting the transmission of signals from and/or to a tool in a high pressure environment. The system includes a tool connected to a signal transmission line, such as an electrical cable or optical fiber. The signal transmission line is surrounded by a protective tube that is connected to the tool by a connector having a hollow chamber in communication with the interior of the tube. A fluid, such as a dielectric liquid, is disposed within the connector and the tubing at a pressure higher than the environmental pressure. In the event of a leak at, for instance, the connector, the high pressure fluid flows outwardly rather than allowing the inflow of deleterious fluid from the environment.

Abstract: Well surface equipment is provided to seal around the outer surface of portions of tool sections as the tool sections are assembled or disconnected in a portion of the well surface equipment. The portion of the well surface equipment is isolated from wellhead pressure to enhance well operator control during assembly or disassembly of a tool string. Also, if a fluid path is opened up due to activation of the tool string (such as initiation of a detonating cord that is placed in the fluid path), a barrier mechanism is actuated to block fluid communication through this fluid path so that a portion of the well surface equipment can remain isolated from wellhead pressure to enable convenient retrieval and disconnection of tool sections.

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: A viscosity handling system for facilitating the movement of certain fluids. The system utilizes kinetic energy in the form of a rapidly and repetitively moving component that imparts energy in the form of heat to surrounding fluid. The system is particularly useful in applications, such as downhole pumping systems, used to produce hydrocarbon-based fluids from beneath the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A technique includes arranging perforating charges of a perforating gun into groups of adjacent perforating charges. Each perforating charge of each group is aligned in a direction associated with the group. The groups are oriented to form a phasing for the perforating gun.

Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.