Abstract: A detonator includes a pyrotechnic material and a first explosive. The pyrotechnic material ignites in response to a percussive impact, and the explosive detonates in response to the ignition of the pyrotechnic material. The detonator may include a plate, and the plate forms a projectile in response to energy released by the ignition of the pyrotechnic material to detonate an additional explosive. A passageway of the detonator may be located between these explosives, and the passageway may include a cross-sectional profile that substantially varies along a path between the explosives.

Abstract: An improved seismic method comprises the steps of generating seismic waves by exploding an explosive composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the explosive composition comprises a first explosive material and an oxidizable metal material, and detecting the seismic waves and/or reflections thereof with seismic detectors. Also disclosed are geophysical survey systems that comprises a seismic energy source comprising a first explosive material and an oxidizable metal material, the seismic energy source being located in a subterranean formation, and a plurality of seismic detectors that are adapted to detect seismic waves generated when the seismic energy source explodes and reflections of these waves. A method of preparing an explosive composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved seismic method comprises the steps of generating seismic waves by exploding an explosive device in a subterranean formation, wherein the explosive device comprises a plurality of explosive elements whereby there is a time delay between the detonations of the individual explosive elements, and detecting the seismic waves and/or reflections thereof with seismic detectors. Also disclosed are geophysical survey systems that comprise a seismic energy source comprising an explosive device that comprises a plurality of explosive elements, the seismic energy source being located in a subterranean formation, and a plurality of seismic detectors that are adapted to detect seismic waves and/or reflections generated when the seismic energy source explodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce interference resulting from activation of explosive devices. One type of interference is charge-to-charge interference, and another type of interference is pre-shock interference between a detonating cord and an explosive, such as a shaped charge. To reduce interference, one or more shock impeding elements are placed proximal one or more explosives to impede propagation of shock caused by detonation of the explosives. The shock impeding elements include a porous material, such as a porous liquid or solid. In another arrangement, a shock barrier may be positioned between a detonating cord and an explosive to reduce pre-shock interference. In yet another feature, an encapsulant may be provided around one or more shaped charges to enhance structural support for the shaped charges.

Abstract: A detonator includes a pyrotechnic material and a first explosive. The pyrotechnic material ignites in response to a percussive impact, and the explosive detonates in response to the ignition of the pyrotechnic material. The detonator may include a plate, and the plate forms a projectile in response to energy released by the ignition of the pyrotechnic material to detonate an additional explosive. A passageway of the detonator may be located between these explosives, and the passageway may include a cross-sectional profile that substantially varies along a path between the explosives.

Abstract: An improved seismic method comprises the steps of generating seismic waves by exploding an explosive device in a subterranean formation, wherein the explosive device comprises a plurality of explosive elements whereby there is a time delay between the detonations of the individual explosive elements, and detecting the seismic waves and/or reflections thereof with seismic detectors. Also disclosed are geophysical survey systems that comprise a seismic energy source comprising an explosive device that comprises a plurality of explosive elements, the seismic energy source being located in a subterranean formation, and a plurality of seismic detectors that are adapted to detect seismic waves and/or reflections generated when the seismic energy source explodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides explosive compositions adapted for use in downhole well applications requiring high temperature explosives that may be exposed to elevated temperatures for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A process for forming granules (e.g., alpha-HMX containing granules) from at least one particulate material comprises the steps of: (a) selecting particulates (e.g., alpha-HMX particulates) having a particle size distribution; and (b) fluidizing the particulates, whereby particulates agglomerate to form granules. Optionally, the particulates can be coated with one or more second materials, such as energetic materials or fuels. If one or more of the second materials comprise polymerizable monomers, the process can optionally further comprise the step of polymerizing those monomers in situ, either before or after the granule is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce interference resulting from activation of explosive devices. One type of interference is charge-to-charge interference, and another type of interference is pre-shock interference between a detonating cord and an explosive, such as a shaped charge. To reduce interference, one or more shock impeding elements are placed proximal one or more explosives to impede propagation of shock caused by detonation of the explosives. The shock impeding elements include a porous material, such as a porous liquid or solid. In another arrangement, a shock barrier may be positioned between a detonating cord and an explosive to reduce pre-shock interference. In yet another feature, an encapsulant may be provided around one or more shaped charges to enhance structural support for the shaped charges.

Abstract: A process for preparing an HMX product comprises the steps of: (a) providing a granule that comprises a plurality of alpha-HMX particles and which has internal void spaces; and (b) sorbing at least one second material into the void spaces in the granule. The second material can be sorbed into the granules by using a vacuum to draw a gas phase comprising the second material into the granule. Alternatively, the second material can be sorbed into the granules by dissolving or dispersing the second material in a liquid solvent, contacting the solvent with the granules, and evaporating the solvent, whereby the second material is sorbed into the granules. Various second materials can be used, such as energetic materials and fuels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing an inner wall of a portion of a casing positioned in a well employs an inflatable sleeve having an outer surface and a conformable composite sleeve of curable composition extending around the outer surface of the inflatable sleeve. The inflatable sleeve is inflated to compress the composite sleeve against the surface of the inner casing wall. A local, activatable energy source, positioned downhole to deliver heat to the composite sleeve, is activated to cure the composite sleeve to form a hardened sleeve. The hardened sleeve presses against the inner wall of the casing portion to create a fluid seal. The embodiments shown have a number of preferred features. The local energy source includes an exothermic heat energy source for generating heat energy to cure the composite sleeve. The composite sleeve includes a mixture of resin and a curing agent, and the exothermic heat source includes thermite. The thermite includes a composition having a metal oxide and a reductant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing an inner wall of a portion of a casing positioned in a well employs an inflatable sleeve having an outer surface and a conformable composite sleeve of curable composition extending around the outer surface of the inflatable sleeve. The inflatable sleeve is inflated to compress the composite sleeve against the surface of the inner casing wall. A local, activatable energy source, positioned downhole to deliver heat to the composite sleeve, is activated to cure the composite sleeve to form a hardened sleeve. The hardened sleeve presses against the inner wall of the casing portion to create a fluid seal. The embodiments shown have a number of preferred features. The local energy source includes an exothermic heat energy source for generating heat energy to cure the composite sleeve. The composite sleeve includes a mixture of resin and a curing agent, and the exothermic heat source includes thermite. The thermite includes a composition having a metal oxide and a reductant.