Abstract: A method and apparatus for deslagging a cyclone furnace in which a series of flexible hollow tubes are inserted into the combustion chamber and the explosive charges in each hollow tube are detonated sequentially. Each of the hollow tubes is biased outwardly against the accumulated slag and ash in the combustion chamber. The hollow tubes may be formed in arcs or rings in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber, and spacer rings may be positioned between each ring.

Abstract: A tubing cutter apparatus includes a housing or casing member formed of a zirconia ceramic material. The zirconia ceramic material is located at least proximate an explosive charge section, such the detonation of the explosive charge will cause shattering the ceramic section. The tubing cutter may be assembled in a safe manner by establishing ground connections between separate portions of the apparatus. These ground connections established during assembly will prevent the buildup of static electrical charges, which could cause premature detonation of the cutter.

Abstract: An apparatus attenuates a shock, such as an impact load from an explosion, by undergoing plastic deformation and by serially dissipating energy from a plurality of surfaces. In a particular embodiment, the plastic deformation and serial energy dissipation occur in and from a hollow unitary body having a cylindrical wall in which are defined a plurality of longitudinally spaced circumferential grooves. A method of attenuating shock from an explosion in an oil gas well comprises: lowering into the well an explosive connected to a shock attenuating member; detonating the explosive whereby an impact load with a shock wave is generated; and collapsing without severing the member in response to the impact load and dissipating energy of the shock wave from a plurality of surfaces of the member so that the shock wave is attenuated along the member.

Abstract: A perforating gun and method permit a casing or liner within a well to be perforated even within a section obstructed by sand either before or after perforation. The perforating gun comprises a support for carrying a plurality of explosive charges and one or more channels for conducting a fluid through the support, which channels are spaced from where the plurality of explosive charges are carried on the support. A method of perforating a well comprises: lowering a perforating gun into the well; flowing fluid through the perforating gun before or after the perforating gun is detonated; and detonating the perforating gun.

Abstract: A method for removing accumulated ash from the heat exchangers within a steam generator includes introducing a series of high-energy shocks to the tubing panels of the heat exchangers. Explosive cords are attached to the tubing panels at preselected, spaced-apart locations and separately detonated at preselected intervals to establish a vibratory pattern in the tubing panels and thereby separate the ash from the tubing panels.

Abstract: A cutting tool to cut a tubular element in a well is constructed of pellets of less sensitive explosive material detonated by a pellet of a more sensitive explosive material. All the explosive material is packaged in individual packages which qualify for a lower cost, faster, safer transportation classification, but which explosive material is consolidated and assembled at a field location into a cutting tool capable of generating a sufficient force to cut the tubular element. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing 2,6-bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX) which includes the steps of first dissolving crystalline PYX in a primary solvent in which the solvent used is selected from the group consisting of pyridine, dimethylformamide, methylsulfoxide or mixtures thereof. The primary solvent system is then combined with a second solvent in which the PYX is substantially insoluble, but which, in admixture with the primary solvent, forms a true solution of the PYX, referred to as the secondary solution. A third solvent is then added to the binary solvent system, which third solvent is soluble with the binary solvent system but which promotes precipitation of PYX in a form which exhibits improved characteristics as an explosive.

Abstract: A method of testing an explosive charge using a uniform shaped charge testing standard that is simulative of naturally occuring Berea sandstone test specimens. A quantity of zircon sand is mixed with from 3% to 8% by weight of the total mixture of a phenolic resin and then agitated to achieve desired density of the mixture for subsequent controlled heating to cure the mass into a molded shape suitable for explosives testing. An explosive shaped charge is detonated in the proximity of the standard, and the penetration of the shaped charge on the standard is measured.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for perforating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore comprised of at least one encapsulated shaped charge held in the well bore adjacent the formation by a charge carrier optionally selected from a wire carrier or a metal strip carrier. The encapsulated shaped charge includes an ignition end and a capped discharge end, the ignition end having an extension providing cavities for containing opposed portions of a pair of wires. The capped discharge end includes a threaded extension whereby the encapsulated shaped charge can optionally be threadedly attached to a complementary threaded opening in a metal strip carrier. A wire carrier adapter nut is threadedly attached to the capped discharge end extension which provides cavities for containing opposed portions of a pair of additional wires of a four-wire carrier.

Abstract: The compound 1,3,5-trinitro-2,4,6-tripicrylbenzene useful as an explosive.

Abstract: A method for preparing 2,6-bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX) which includes the steps of first dissolving crystalline PYX in a primary solvent in which the solvent used is selected from the group consisting of pyridine, dimethylformamide, methylsulfoxide or mixtures thereof. The primary solvent system is then combined with a second solvent in which the PYX is substantially insoluble, but which, in admixture with the primary solvent, forms a true solution of the PYX, referred to as the secondary solution. A third solvent is then added to the binary solvent system, which third solvent is soluble with the binary solvent system but which promotes precipitation of PYX in a form which exhibits improved characteristics as an explosive.

Abstract: A well perforating gun and method of perforating a subterranean surface within a well bore are provided. The perforating gun comprises a tubular gun body having a plurality of external recesses formed therein and positioned in spaced relationship on a helical path around the peripheral surface thereof. The recesses are all equally spaced one below another relative to the longitudinal axis of the gun body with each successive recess being laterally spaced from a preceding one by an angle of about 150.degree.. Such spacing results in the first recess and every second one of the recesses thereafter lying on a second helical path and being laterally spaced by an angle of about 60.degree., and the first recess and every third one of the recesses thereafter lying on a third helical path and being laterally spaced by an angle of about 90.degree..

Abstract: A shaped charge assembly includes at least one shaped charge having an outer case. The case has a forward end and a rearward end, and has a flange defined thereon. A retaining clip is operably associated with the flange and spans the rearward end of the case for retaining a detonating cord. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining clip also serves to hold the shaped charge in place within a shaped charge carrier.

Abstract: A method and means for sealed joinder of case and cap members of a capsular shaped charge wherein opposing frustoconical shoulders are formed in adjacent walls of a case and cap and a resilient ring is retained therein to hold the case and cap in operative assembly and an elastomeric ring is positioned in a groove in the case member whereby it is under compressive deformation between the case and cap members when joined to seal the shaped charge from external pressures and fluids while allowing relative rotation of case and cap; wherein increasing external pressures, as in the well bore, will increase the sealing effect and strength of joinder of the assembly.

Abstract: An improved shaped charge comprised of a bell-shaped casing, a shaped explosive material disposed within the casing having a cavity formed therein and a liner disposed within the cavity formed of compressed powdered metal is provided. The compressed powdered metal liner includes a coating of an unsaturated organic compound or mixture of such organic compounds thereon whereby the liner is protected from corrosion attack without adversely affecting the performance of the shaped charge. A method of preventing the corrosion of the compressed powdered metal liner of a shaped charge is also provided.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly is provided for use in a perforating gun of the type used to perforate oil or gas wells. The assembly includes at least one shaped charge including an outer case having an outer surface and a first shoulder extending radially outward from the outer surface. The assembly also includes a carrier having an opening therethrough large enough to receive the outer surface of the case, and having a resilient tab extending into the opening for frictionally engaging at least a first portion of the outer surface of the case, and for thereby holding the shaped charge in place relative to the carrier with the shoulder of the shaped charge abutting the carrier.

Abstract: A perforating gun apparatus includes an elongated radially resilient carrier with a plurality of capsule type shaped charges attached to the carrier in a circumferentially phased pattern. The carrier is capable of passing downward through restricted diameter openings and subsequently expanding so as to hold the shaped charges with a near zero standoff from the well bore which is to be perforated.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a strip type carrier having openings therein for receiving shaped charges. Each of the openings includes first and second diagonally opposed pairs of resilient tabs for snugly engaging an outer case of the shaped charge. In a preferred embodiment, every second one of the openings includes first and second elongated cord receiving slots communicated therewith, so that the assembly can be put together without threading a free end of a firing cord through openings in the carrier. Integral intermediate portions of the firing cord can be placed through the alternate openings in the elongated cord receiving slots associated therewith without threading the free ends of the firing cord therethrough.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly includes a strip type carrier having openings therein for receiving shaped charges. Each of the openings includes first and second diagonally opposed pairs of resilient tabs for snugly engaging an outer case of the shaped charge. In a preferred embodiment, every second one of the openings includes first and second elongated cord receiving slots communicated therewith, so that the assembly can be put together without threading a free end of a firing cord through openings in the carrier. Integral intermediate portions of the firing cord can be placed through the alternate openings in the elongated cord receiving slots associated therewith without threading the free ends of the firing cord therethrough.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier assembly is provided for use in a perforating gun of the type used to perforate oil or gas wells. The assembly includes at least one shaped charge including an outer case having an outer surface and a first shoulder extending radially outward from the outer surface. The assembly also includes a carrier having an opening therethrough large enough to receive the outer surface of the case, and having a resilient tab extending into the opening for frictionally engaging at least a first portion of the outer surface of the case, and for thereby holding the shaped charge in place relative to the carrier with the shoulder of the shaped charge abutting the carrier.