Abstract: A propellant container for a perforating gun includes a lower cap, one or more pieces of propellant positioned within the lower cap, wherein at least one of the one or more pieces of propellant defines one or more through-holes, and an upper cap matable with the lower cap to secure the one or more pieces of propellant within the lower cap. A filler material is present within interstitial spaces between the one or more pieces of propellant.

Abstract: A propellant container for a perforating gun includes a lower cap, one or more pieces of propellant positioned within the lower cap, wherein at least one of the one or more pieces of propellant defines one or more through-holes, and an upper cap matable with the lower cap to secure the one or more pieces of propellant within the lower cap. A filler material is present within interstitial spaces between the one or more pieces of propellant.

Abstract: A method of creating and finishing perforations in a hydrocarbon well having a well wall that includes causing a high velocity jet of a material to shoot into the well wall, thereby creating a perforation in the well wall. The method further includes introducing a gas blast into the perforation, for a blast time duration, the gas blast creating an increasing pressure at the perforation until a maximum pressure is reached; and allowing the pressure of the gas blast to undergo a period of rapid decline to a level of less than 50% of the maximum pressure.

Abstract: A propellant container for a perforating gun includes a lower cap, one or more pieces of propellant positioned within the lower cap, wherein at least one of the one or more pieces of propellant defines one or more through-holes, and an upper cap matable with the lower cap to secure the one or more pieces of propellant within the lower cap. A filler material is present within interstitial spaces between the one or more pieces of propellant.

Abstract: A method of creating and finishing perforations in a hydrocarbon well having a well wall that includes causing a high velocity jet of a material to shoot into the well wall, thereby creating a perforation in the well wall. The method further includes introducing a gas blast into the perforation, for a blast time duration, the gas blast creating an increasing pressure at the perforation until a maximum pressure is reached; and allowing the pressure of the gas blast to undergo a period of rapid decline to a level of less than 50% of the maximum pressure.

Abstract: A method of creating and finishing perforations in a hydrocarbon well, starting by shooting a high velocity jet of metal particles into the well wall, thereby creating a perforation in the well wall. After this, a gas blast is pushed into the perforation, for a blast time duration, the gas blast creating an increasing pressure at the perforation, until a maximum is reached, the pressure of the gas then undergoing a period of rapid decline to a level of less than 50% of the maximum pressure. The period of rapid decline takes less than one-sixth of the blast time duration. Accordingly, the time pattern of speed and pressure of the gas blast results in a higher maximum pressure at the perforation, resulting in localized fracturing, emanating from the perforation, which permits a greater flow of hydrocarbons into the perforation and from the perforation into the well.

Abstract: A low profile high energy gas fracturing device, comprising a closed steel tube having a uniform wall thickness, except for having thinned areas that are designed to rupture when subjected to pressure greater than a predetermined level. Propellant is packed into the said steel tube sufficient to create high pressure above said predetermined level, when ignited. Finally, an ignition mechanism passes through said tube, to ignite the propellant.

Abstract: A high energy gas fracturing device, adapted to be lowered into a well. The device comprises a closed tube made of strong material, sized to fit into the well and having at least one sidewall, which defines a set of openings. A set of closure elements seal the openings in a water-tight manner. Also, a charge of propellant is located in the closed tube, the charge achieving best performance if kept dry. Finally, an ignition element contacts the charge.