Abstract: A composite drill gun for use in a wellbore environment can include a detonation housing containing a detonation source, a composite carrier containing one or more encapsulated charges, and a detonation train connecting the detonation source to the encapsulated charges. The detonation source and each individual encapsulated charge are all sealed with respect to the wellbore environment, and thus the carrier need not be sealed with respect to the wellbore environment. The carrier can be made out of composite materials without worry of leaks into the interior of the carrier, as the detonation source and encapsulated charges are all sealed with respect to the wellbore environment. The composite carrier can be easily drilled out of the wellbore after detonation.

Abstract: As assembly for a pressure-restrictor plate for a partially loaded perforating gun is provided. The assembly can include a charge tube positioned in a loaded-gun section of a partially loaded perforating gun. The assembly can also include a pressure-restrictor plate positioned in a blank-gun section of the partially loaded perforating gun and adjacent to the charge tube. The assembly can further include a rod for securing the pressure-restrictor plate in a position, the rod having a first end that is coupled to the pressure-restrictor plate and a second end that is coupled to an end plate positioned within the partially loaded perforating gun.

Abstract: A composite drill gun for use in a wellbore environment can include a detonation housing containing a detonation source, a composite carrier containing one or more encapsulated charges, and a detonation train connecting the detonation source to the encapsulated charges. The detonation source and each individual encapsulated charge are all sealed with respect to the wellbore environment, and thus the carrier need not be sealed with respect to the wellbore environment. The carrier can be made out of composite materials without worry of leaks into the interior of the carrier, as the detonation source and encapsulated charges are all sealed with respect to the wellbore environment. The composite carrier can be easily drilled out of the wellbore after detonation.

Abstract: As assembly for a pressure-restrictor plate for a partially loaded perforating gun is provided. The assembly can include a charge tube positioned in a loaded-gun section of a partially loaded perforating gun. The assembly can also include a pressure-restrictor plate positioned in a blank-gun section of the partially loaded perforating gun and adjacent to the charge tube. The assembly can further include a rod for securing the pressure-restrictor plate in a position, the rod having a first end that is coupled to the pressure-restrictor plate and a second end that is coupled to an end plate positioned within the partially loaded perforating gun.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assembling a perforating gun string in a wellbore. One method includes assembling a first perforating gun assembly into a lubricator, connecting the lubricator to a blowout preventer coupled to a wellhead, lowering the first perforating gun assembly on a conveyance into the blowout preventer, engaging the first perforating gun assembly with sealing rams of the blowout preventer, detaching the conveyance from the first perforating gun assembly and removing the conveyance from the blowout preventer, disconnecting the lubricator from the blowout preventer, assembling a second perforating gun assembly into the lubricator, re-connecting the lubricator to the blowout preventer, lowering the second perforating gun assembly into the blowout preventer and attaching the second perforating gun assembly to the first perforating gun assembly, and repeating the process to form a perforating gun string.

Abstract: Perforating assemblies and perforating safety systems capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The perforating assemblies can include an isolation device that is capable of preventing a detonation train when the assemblies are in a first orientation and allowing a detonation train when the perforating assemblies are in a second orientation. The isolation device can be automatically reoriented or reconfigured upon a change in the orientation of the perforating assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a wellbore comprises a housing, at least one perforating charge disposed within the housing, a detonation cord coupled to the at least one perforating charge, and a booster coupled to an end of the detonation cord. The booster comprises a booster body having a first end and a second end, a cavity defined within the booster body between the first end and the second end, an explosive material disposed within the cavity adjacent the first end, and a locking feature disposed adjacent the second end, where the locking feature is configured to allow the booster to engage the end of the detonation cord in a first direction and resist movement in a second direction.

Abstract: Perforating assemblies and perforating safety systems capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The perforating assemblies can include an isolation device that is capable of preventing a detonation train when the assemblies are in a first orientation and allowing a detonation train when the perforating assemblies are in a second orientation. The isolation device can be automatically reoriented or reconfigured upon a change in the orientation of the perforating assembly.

Abstract: Perforating assemblies and perforating safety systems capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The perforating assemblies can include an isolation device that is capable of preventing a denotation train when the assemblies are in a first orientation and allowing a denotation train when the perforating assemblies are in a second orientation. The isolation device can be automatically reoriented or reconfigured upon a change in the orientation of the perforating assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a wellbore comprises a housing, at least one perforating charge disposed within the housing, a detonation cord coupled to the at least one perforating charge, and a booster coupled to an end of the detonation cord. The booster comprises a booster body having a first end and a second end, a cavity defined within the booster body between the first end and the second end, an explosive material disposed within the cavity adjacent the first end, and a locking feature disposed adjacent the second end, where the locking feature is configured to allow the booster to engage the end of the detonation cord in a first direction and resist movement in a second direction.

Abstract: Perforating assemblies and perforating safety systems capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The perforating assemblies can include an isolation device that is capable of preventing a denotation train when the assemblies are in a first orientation and allowing a denotation train when the perforating assemblies are in a second orientation. The isolation device can be automatically reoriented or reconfigured upon a change in the orientation of the perforating assembly.