Abstract: An assembly for minimizing damaging effects of pressure waves on devices in a wellbore. The assembly comprises a dynamic device disposed in the wellbore and generating pressure waves during actuation; a barrier device disposed in the wellbore and presenting an obstacle to the pressure waves generated by the dynamic device; and an occlusion disposed in the wellbore between the dynamic device and the barrier device which reduces the damaging effects of the pressure waves on the barrier device.

Abstract: A method for communicating a signal to an instrument in a wellbore includes axially accelerating the instrument in a preselected pattern of acceleration. The predetermined pattern corresponds to the signal to be communicated. The axial acceleration of the instrument is detected, and the signal is decoded from the detected axial acceleration. A signal detection system for an instrument in a wellbore includes an accelerometer oriented along a longitudinal axis of the instrument and means for comparing measurements made by the accelerometer to at least one predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An assembly for minimizing damaging effects of pressure waves on devices in a wellbore. The assembly comprises a dynamic device disposed in the wellbore and generating pressure waves during actuation; a barrier device disposed in the wellbore and presenting an obstacle to the pressure waves generated by the dynamic device; and an occlusion disposed in the wellbore between the dynamic device and the barrier device which reduces the damaging effects of the pressure waves on the barrier device.

Abstract: A perforating gun, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises a loading tube and a plurality of charges mounted in the loading tube with at least a portion of the plurality of charges being tilted relative to an axis of the loading tube. Wherein the plurality of tilted charges are tilted relative to the axis to create a selected reactive dynamic force on the perforating gun to counter a detrimental force on the perforating gun in response to detonation of the plurality of charges.

Abstract: A perforating gun includes a plurality of shaped charges located at a first distance from a detonator along a plurality of detonating cords and forming a first group, wherein the first group of shaped charges is configured to be detonated simultaneously. The plurality of detonating cords are of the same length.

Abstract: An apparatus string for use in a wellbore has a plurality of activation modules having first and second ends and containing devices to be activated/initiated downhole. An apparatus string also has a plurality of initiator modules where at least initiator is operatively connected to each activation module and is addressable. Each initiator module may have a safety initiator which when the initiator module is addressed initiates the firing of the shaped charges in the gun module to which it is operatively connected. A wireless transmitter is operatively connected in and integral to the apparatus string for use in transmitting signals to address any initiator module in the apparatus string.

Abstract: A perforating gun that is usable with a well includes at least one perforating charge and a initiator. The initiator includes an explosive ballistic train to the perforating charge(s). The initiator is adapted to physically misalign components of the ballistic train to prevent inadvertent firing of the perforating charge(s) and physically realign the components to arm the ballistic train.

Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore includes plural modules for positioning in the wellbore and including respective interfaces, where the plural modules are configured to perform predefined downhole tasks in the wellbore. The plural modules are associated with respective local power sources. A telemetry subsystem enables communication between at least two of the plural modules, where the communication between the at least two of the plural modules allows one of the two modules to affect an operation of another of the two modules.

Abstract: A detonator assembly for initiating an explosive comprises a power source, an initiator, and a switch coupled between the power source and initiator. The switch has a trigger input responsive to a stimulus to activate the switch, where activation of the switch causes electrical energy to be provided to the initiator. The stimulus comprises at least one of a clock-based stimulus, a pressure stimulus, a light stimulus, an acoustic stimulus, and a vibration stimulus.

Abstract: A technique enables the mitigation of detrimental forces created during perforation procedures. Charges are mounted in a perforating gun at an angle that eliminates at least some of the detrimental forces. The charges are tilted relative to an axis of the perforating gun, and this mitigates the detrimental forces and reduces the potential for damaging the perforating gun and other associated equipment during a perforation procedure.

Abstract: A perforating gun that is usable with a well includes at least one perforating charge and a initiator. The initiator includes an explosive ballistic train to the perforating charge(s). The initiator is adapted to physically misalign components of the ballistic train to prevent inadvertent firing of the perforating charge(s) and physically realign the components to arm the ballistic train.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing oil recovery are disclosed. A method for enhancing oil recovery in a formation includes placing a catalyst in a wellbore; and introducing an oxidizing agent into the wellbore to contact the catalyst such that a hydrocarbon in the formation is oxidized to produce heat and at least one gas. A system for enhancing oil recovery in a reservoir formation includes a catalyst arranged within a well adjacent the reservoir formation; and an oxidizing agent for engaging the catalyst, the oxidizing agent adapted to generate heat and at least one gas when engaging the catalyst and oxidizing a hydrocarbon. The oxidizing agent may be air or oxygen. The catalyst may be one selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, lead, manganese, nickel and metal oxides thereof. Further, the catalyst may be in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: An apparatus string for use in a wellbore is disclosed comprising a plurality of activation modules having first and second ends and containing devices to be activated/initiated downhole. An apparatus string according to the present invention also comprises a plurality of initiator modules where at least initiator is operatively connected to each activation module and is addressable. Each initiator module may comprise a safety initiator which when the initiator module is addressed initiates the firing of the shaped charges in the gun module to which it is operatively connected. A wireless transmitter is provided which is operatively connected in and integral to the apparatus string for use in transmitting signals to address any initiator module in the apparatus string. An apparatus string according to the present invention may be especially useful in perforating operations.

Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore includes plural modules for positioning in the wellbore and including respective interfaces, where the plural modules are configured to perform predefined downhole tasks in the wellbore. The plural modules are associated with respective local power sources. A telemetry subsystem enables communication between at least two of the plural modules, where the communication between the at least two of the plural modules allows one of the two modules to affect an operation of another of the two modules.

Abstract: A method for communicating a signal to an instrument in a wellbore includes axially accelerating the instrument in a preselected pattern of acceleration. The predetermined pattern corresponds to the signal to be communicated. The axial acceleration of the instrument is detected, and the signal is decoded from the detected axial acceleration. A signal detection system for an instrument in a wellbore includes an accelerometer oriented along a longitudinal axis of the instrument and means for comparing measurements made by the accelerometer to at least one predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a gun tube for use in a perforating system. At a first location, which is not the site where perforating operations are to be conducted, the gun tube is completely assembled except for an initiating device. After transporting the gun tube to the site where perforating operations are to be conducted, an initiator is connected and installed via port in the gun tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a wellbore includes running a tool string to an interval of the wellbore, and activating a first component in the tool string to create a transient underbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval. Additionally, a second component in the tool string is activated to create a transient overbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval, or vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of use to control a downhole tool remotely based on the autocorrelation of command sequences. Repeating signals of a priori unknown or undefined shape can be correlated to themselves to reliably distinguish intentional changes from random fluctuations or other operations performed on the well. Using autocorrelation, any fluctuation of pressure of sufficient amplitude can be used to send commands by controlling the timing or the number of repetitions of the sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a wellbore includes running a tool string to an interval of the wellbore, and activating a first component in the tool string to create a transient underbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval. Additionally, a second component in the tool string is activated to create a transient overbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval, or vice versa.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well includes a downhole assembly and an apparatus. The downhole assembly is adapted to respond to a command that is encoded in a stimulus that is communicated downhole. The apparatus is adapted to change a pressure of a gas in communication with the well to generate the stimulus.