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: 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: A method and means for sealed joinder of case and cap members of a capsular shaped charge wherein mating grooves are formed in adjacent walls of a case and cap and a resilient O-ring is compressively retained therein to hold the case and cap in operative assembly to seal 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 apparatus and method having particular utility in quickly releasing the moorings of large vessels and offshore platforms. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a pair of pyrotechnic cutting torches disposed in a housing included as a structural member in a submerged mooring, such as an anchor chain. The housing divides at one end into a shackle comprising substantially parallel laterally spaced walls, each having an aperture therethrough. A common anchor chain link is inserted between the walls of the shackle and a shackle pin is inserted through the wall apertures and the link to secure the link to the housing. The cutting torches are disposed in the same plane as the link, and the torch nozzles oriented so as to sever the link on both sides of the pin when the torches are ignited, in order to release the chain therefrom. The other end of the housing comprises a clevis, secured to the anchor chain by a Kenter shackle.

Abstract: A cartridge loaded stud gun and a complementary anode attachment fitting provide a system for explosively attaching a sacrificial anode to a subsea structure. The system is capable of being operated by a remote-controlled vehicle, and contains a means for orienting the gun and sensing its alignment in order to prevent firing the gun with the barrel canted relative to the subsea structure, a position which might permit ricocheting of the fired stud.

Abstract: A stacked load of gas-forming pyrotechnic fuel pellets comprising metal, metal oxide and PTFE in varying amounts for use in apparatus for severing conduits in high pressure environments.

Abstract: Methods of severing conduits along planes extending transversely to the axis thereof comprising confining a fuel composition within a fuel chamber in an elongated housing sized for insertion in a conduit, the housing including a plurality of spaced radially extending discharge nozzles communicated with the fuel chamber and positioned to direct fuel reaction products in directions transverse to the axis of the housing, positioning the housing inside a conduit to be severed and igniting the fuel composition confined in the fuel chamber so that reaction products formed therefrom exit the housing by way of the discharge nozzles and impact the conduit thereby severing the conduit. Apparatus and pyrotechnic fuel compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powdered metal casing and an apparatus and method for making the powdered metal casing, which casing is useful for shaped explosive charges for perforating oil and gas wells.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing a conduit along a plane extending transversely through the conduit which includes an elongated housing forming a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart fuel chambers communicated by an impingement passage extending longitudinally between the fuel chambers. A plurality of fuel reaction products discharge nozzles are disposed transversely through the sides of the housing and means are attached to the housing for simultaneously igniting fuel contained in the fuel chambers whereby reaction products formed therefrom travel in opposite directions through the impingement passage and exit the housing by way of the discharge nozzles. Methods of severing conduits using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powdered metal casing and an apparatus and method for making the powdered metal casing, which casing is useful for shaped explosive charges for perforating oil and gas wells.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for severing tubular members whereby one or more shaped charges are positioned adjacent the interior walls of the tubular members and detonated to thereby sever the tubular members. The apparatus of the invention is adapted to be placed within a tubular member and includes a remotely extendible framework having remotely detonatable shaped charges attached thereto. The apparatus is of a size such that when the framework is not extended, the apparatus passes through constrictions contained within the tubular members, and when extended, the framework is positioned transversely to the axis of the tubular member with the shaped charges positioned adjacent the interior walls thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powdered metal casing and an apparatus and method for making the powdered metal casing, which casing is useful for shaped explosive charges for perforating oil and gas wells.