Abstract: Method and apparatus by which a gun firing head is maintained free of debris. An upper tubing string runs downhole in a cased borehole to a packer device. A jet gun, having a firing head located at the upper end thereof, is connected to a lower tubing string. A vent assembly is connected in series relationship within the lower string, and underlies the packer device. A barrier is contained within the lower tubing in underlying relationship to the vent and isolates the tubing interior immediately above the gun from contact with well fluids. A gun firing device is run from the surface, downhole through the packer device, and penetrates the barrier to gain access to the gun firing head, whereupon the gun is detonated, thereby perforating the casing and penetrating the payzone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sidewall core gun attached to the lower end of a drill string, enabling the taking of core samples from within a deviated borehole. The gun also includes an improved charge assembly, including a detonatable core and one or more deflagratable cartridge assemblies for propelling a coring bullet from the gun to the sidewall of the borehole. Coring bullets imbedded in the sidewall remain connected to the gun via steel cables, whereby the bullets may be retrieved by raising the drill string.

Abstract: Method and apparatus by which a gun firing head is maintained free of debris. An upper tubing string runs downhole in a cased borehole to a packer device. A jet gun, having a firing head located at the upper end thereof, is connected to a lower tubing string. A vent assembly is connected in series relationship within the lower string, and underlies the packer device. A barrier is contained within the lower tubing in underlying relationship to the vent and isolates the tubing interior immediately above the gun from contact with well fluids. A gun firing device is run from the surface, downhole through the packer device, and penetrates the barrier to gain access to the gun firing head, whereupon the gun is detonated, thereby perforating the casing and penetrating the payzone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detonating high explosive devices downhole in a well. A high explosive device includes a detonating cord having a first end and a second end. A first device is provided for initiating a detonation of a detonating cord at its first end and a second device is provided for initiating a detonation of the detonating cord at its second end.

Abstract: A device for actuating an explosive charge downhole in a wellbore. The device includes a combustive reaction initiator actuated in response to a first pressure condition in a portion of the wellbore and an explosive charge actuator. A time delay device is provided wherein a combustive reaction is initiated by the initiator and continues for a time delay period providing sufficient time for an operator to alter the first pressure condition to a second pressure condition desired at the time of explosive actuation. The delay device is operative at the end of the time delay period after initiation to actuate the explosive charge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sidewall core gun attached to the lower end of a drill string, enabling the taking of core samples from within a deviated borehole. The gun also includes an improved charge assembly, including a detonatable cord and one or more deflagratable cartridge assemblies for propelling a coring bullet from the gun to the sidewall of the borehole. Coring bullets imbedded in the sidewall remain connected to the gun via steel cables, whereby the bullets may be retrieved by raising the drill string.

Abstract: A perforating gun has a charge carrier assembly housed therein comprised of a plurality of charge holders connected together in tandem. Shaped charges are supported within each of the charge holders, such that the corresponding charges of each holder are circumferentially and vertically spaced apart from one another to forn a predetermined pattern. The individual charge holders describe a polyhedron whose bases or ends describe equal polygons, and whose lateral faces are rectangular and include a centrally located aperture which is adapted to receive a shaped charge in supported relationship therewithin.

Abstract: A perforating gun is suspended downhole in a cased borehole, in underlying relationship relative to a packer device, and adjacent to a hydrocarbon-bearing formation to be completed. A connecting tubing interconnects the gun with the packer device, and includes a rupture barrier therebetween which prevents debris from accumulating within a gun firing head. An upper tubing string is removably connected to the packer device and forms a passageway which extends from the surface of the earth, down through the packer, and to the gun firing head. The upper tubing string includes a seal means and an extension tube which sealingly engages the packer device and penetrates the rupture barrier to provide a passageway through which the gun can be fired from the surface of the earth. This combination of elements prevents malfunction of the gun when the tool is left downhole for an appreciable length of time.

Abstract: A perforating gun is suspended downhole in a cased borehole, in underlying relationship relative to a packer device, and adjacent to a hydrocarbon-bearing formation to be completed. A connecting tubing interconnects the gun with the packer device, and includes a rupture barrier therebetween which prevents debris from accumulating within a gun firing head. An upper tubing string is removably connected to the packer device and forms a passageway which extends from the surface of the earth, down through the packer, and to the gun firing head. The upper tubing string includes a seal means and an extension tube which sealingly engages the packer device and penetrates the rupture barrier to provide a passageway through which the gun can be fired from the surface of the earth. This combination of elements prevents malfunction of the gun when the tool is left downhole for an appreciable length of time.