Abstract: An initiator system for actuating a wellbore setting tool for a plug or a packer. The initiator system includes a firing head that comprises a tubular body defining a bore, wherein the bore has an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. A tubular bulkhead that resides within the bore of the firing head. The initiator system further includes a signal pin that has an elongated shaft residing within the tubular bulkhead. The initiator system also includes an ignition tube forming an ignition chamber between upstream and downstream ends. The upstream end of the ignition tube receives a second end of the tubular bulkhead. The initiator system further includes an ignitor that is in electrical communication with the signal pin. The initiator system also has an explosive component which resides within the ignition chamber at the downstream end, and is configured to initiate when the signal pin transmits an actuation signal to the igniter.

Abstract: A detonator interrupter assembly is provided. The detonator interrupter assembly is designed to inhibit the arming of a detonator within the charge tube of a perforating gun assembly. The detonator interrupter assembly first includes a top end plate. The top end plate is configured to reside between charge tubes. The top end plate has a flange intermediate first and second ends. The detonator interrupter assembly also includes a detonator clip. The detonator clip resides proximate the second end of the top end plate. The detonator clip comprises a first slot configured to receive a detonator cord, and a second slot configured to receive a detonator tube which contains an explosive material. The detonator interrupter assembly also includes an interrupter. The interrupter comprises a handle portion and an opposing blade portion. The blade portion is configured to pass through a through-opening through the flange when an operator removes the interrupter from between the first and second slots.

Abstract: A roller sub for reducing torque along a downhole tool string. The roller sub defines a tubular body comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft defines a bore, with the bore receiving an electrical wire or data cable therein. The tubular body also comprises first threads at the first end for engaging a first wellbore tool, and second threads at the opposing second end for engaging a second wellbore tool. The roller sub further comprises a roller body that is releasably clamped onto the elongated shaft of the cylindrical body between a first shoulder and a second shoulder. The roller body defines a second outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter and comprises at least two bearing members that permit relative rotational movement between the roller body and the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A tandem sub for a perforating gun assembly. The perforating gun assembly is used in a wellbore completion operation. The tandem sub first comprises a tubular body. The tubular body has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and connection threads residing at each of the first and second ends. The tubular body has an internal bore, and tapered shoulders residing along the internal bore proximate each end. Each tapered shoulder defines an angle relative to the central axis of the internal bore. Further, each tapered shoulder forms a race dimensioned and configured to receive roller bearings. The roller bearings may be part of a grounding path. A cage secures the roller bearings against the race.

Abstract: A bulkhead for transmitting detonation signals. The bulkhead is designed for use with a perforating gun assembly. The bulkhead comprises an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a bore extending from the first end to the second end. The bulkhead also includes a signal pin residing within the bore of the bulkhead. The signal pin also has a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. An electrically conductive wire is connected to the second end of the signal pin at the second end of the bulkhead. The bulkhead also comprises an end piece extending from the second end of the bulkhead. The end piece closely holds the conductive wire in place. Preferably, the end piece is over-molded to securely hold the detonator wire.

Abstract: An end plate for a perforating gun assembly. The end plate has a first end defining a first face, and a second end opposite the first end defining a second face. A flange resides between the first face and the second face. The end plate has a first through-opening and a second through-opening. A first bulkhead resides in the first through-opening, and is configured to closely receive a signal transmission pin. A second bulkhead resides in the second through-opening and is configured to closely receive a detonator pin. The signal transmission pin transmits detonation signals through the end plate, while the detonator pin transmits detonation signals back up the wellbore and through the end plate. The end plate may also have an opening along the second face for receiving a ground pin.

Abstract: Bridged bulkheads for a perforating gun assembly. The bridged bulkheads comprise a first bulkhead, a signal transmission pin residing within the first bulkhead, a second bulkhead, a detonator pin residing within the second bulkhead, and a bridge fixedly connecting and spacing apart the first bulkhead and the second bulkhead. Each of the bulkheads is fabricated from an electrically non-conductive material, while each of the pins is an electrically conductive pin. The bridge comprises a body connected to the first and second bulkheads. A signal transmission wire is connected to the signal transmission pin at the first end of the first bulkhead. At the same time, a detonator wire is connected to the detonator pin at the first end of the second bulkhead. The first bulkhead is over-molded to hold the signal transmission wire, while the second bulkhead is over-molded to securely hold the detonator wire.

Abstract: A socket driver for a perforating gun assembly. The socket driver includes a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The second end defines an inner diameter that has a length to extend over a threaded end of the tandem sub. The socket driver is configured to mate with a shoulder along the tandem sub of the perforating gun assembly. Specifically, the socket driver includes a radial notched profile. The notched profile is configured to mate with a radial pattern of slots along the shoulder of the tandem sub. In one aspect, the socket driver is between 3 and 8 inches in length. In one aspect, the first end of the socket driver comprises an opening configured to receive a torque tool. A method of connecting ends of perforating guns using the socket driver is also provided herein.

Abstract: A method of avoiding a frac hit in a hydrocarbon producing field. The method comprises locating a parent wellbore in the hydrocarbon producing field, and then locating a child wellbore in the hydrocarbon producing field. The method also includes running a perforating gun assembly into the child wellbore, wherein the perforating gun assembly comprises a first perforating gun and a second perforating gun, with each defining a gun barrel housing having a first end and an opposing second end. The assembly also includes a tandem sub, with the tandem sub having first and second opposing ends defining a threaded connector, and each end having a side port configured to receive an alignment screw. The method also comprises linearly aligning charges of each of the first and second perforating guns, wherein all charges are aligned in a single direction by rotating one or both of the respective perforating guns relative to the tandem sub.

Abstract: A detonation system for a perforating gun assembly. The detonation system includes a tandem sub having a first end and a second opposing end. Each of the first and second ends is connected to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and a switch housing residing within the inner bore. The tandem sub also has an addressable switch residing within the switch housing with the switch being configured to receive instruction signals from a surface by means of an electric line. The addressable switch is in communication with a signal transmission pin and a detonator pin. The detonator pin sends a detonation signal from the addressable switch to a detonator in an adjacent perforating gun. The wiring connections for the pins may be pre-assembled before the perforating guns are delivered to the field.

Abstract: A detonation system for a perforating gun assembly. The detonation system includes a tandem sub having a first end and a second opposing end. Each of the first and second ends is connected to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and a switch housing residing within the inner bore. The tandem sub also has an addressable switch residing within the switch housing with the switch being configured to receive instruction signals from a surface by means of an electric line. The addressable switch is in communication with a signal transmission pin and a detonator pin. The detonator pin sends a detonation signal from the addressable switch to a detonator in an adjacent perforating gun. The wiring connections for the pins may be pre-assembled before the perforating guns are delivered to the field.

Abstract: A bulkhead assembly for transmitting current to a downhole tool such as a perforating gun. The bulkhead assembly comprises a tubular bulkhead body having a bore therein. The bulkhead assembly also includes an electrical contact pin. The contact pin comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft is fabricated substantially from brass and comprises a plurality of grooves. At the same time, the bore comprises a profile for mating with and receiving the plurality of grooves. This grooved, mating arrangement increases shear strength of the bulkhead assembly. Preferably, a first end of the electrical contact pin is in electrical communication with a wire within a wellbore. The wire transmits electrical signals from an operator at the surface. The shaft comprises a conical portion proximate the first end that frictionally fits into a mating conical profile of the bore. A tandem sub having an improved electrical communication is also provided herein.