Abstract: An improved downhole explosive charge carrier is disclosed. The invention uses a unique staggered charge pattern and a mounting configuration which allows the use of a straight, axially-located detonator in order to achieve a greater number of shots per unit length over conventional carriers. The invention also reduces the interference caused by the detonator and the closeness of the shots and thereby increases the performance of the individual charges, allowing smaller charges to be used to achieve the same perforation size.

Abstract: This invention discloses downhole explosive carriers in which the explosive charges are mounted in a unique staggered spiral pattern thereby allowing a greater number of shots that can be fired per unit length while increasing the spacing between explosive charges; the latter advantage further reduces the potential interference between fired shots and pressure change therefore providing a greater perforated hole size. With a 31/2-inch gun perforating through a 41/2- to 5-inch casing, one trip of the present invention downhole provides as much or greater flow area than what could be achieved by two trips of a conventional gun, while eliminating the risk of splitting the casing which can be caused due to multiple shooting. With a 33/8-inch gun perforating a 5-inch trip of the current invention equals two trips of a conventional gun of the same size, plus a 10% improvement in flow rate.

Abstract: An explosive charge carrier is provided which is lowered into a well pipe casing. The carrier includes wear plates that slide along the inner diameter of the pipe and which are biased against the inner wall of the well pipe casing. A string of explosive charges having a density of up to six charges per foot are mounted between disks of the carrier which are separated by 12 inches. Spaced about the periphery of the separated disks are a maximum density of six strings of charges separated by 60.degree. for 36 explosive charges. Alternately, four strings of charges may be spaced about the periphery of the separated disks at a spacing of 90.degree. for 16 explosive charges.

Abstract: An explosive charge carrier is provided which is lowered into a well pipe casing. The carrier includes wear plates that slide along the inner diameter of the pipe and which are biased against the inner wall of the well pipe casing. A string of explosive charges having a density of up to six charges per foot are mounted between disks of the carrier which are separated by 12 inches. Spaced about the periphery of the separated disks are a maximum density of six strings of charges separated by 60.degree. for 36 explosive charges. Alternately, four strings of charges may be spaced about the periphery of the separated disks at a spacing of 90.degree. for 16 explosive charges.