Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter includes a minimal contact suspension to isolate the cutter explosive from the housing and sub structure. A charge detonation booster main-cavity is located on the juncture of the charge truncation planes. Explosive in the booster main-cavity is detonated by a shielded primer path. Explosive density in the primer path is less than the main-cavity density. A dense, powdered metal SC liner and an abruptly stepped jet window in the tubing cutter housing improve performance. The axial span of the jet window is preferably aligned with the axial span between the liner bases. A testing apparatus and procedure inexpensively verifies downhole performance.

Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing support structure whereby all explosive pellets are inserted within or extracted from a tubular housing as a singular unit. Electrically initiated exploding wire detonators (EBW) are positioned at opposite ends of the tubular housing for simultaneous detonation by a capacitive firing device. The housing assembly includes a detachable bottom nose that permits the tool to be armed and disarmed without disconnecting the detonation circuitry. Because the tool is not sensitive to stray electrical fields, it may be transported, loaded and unloaded with the EBW detonators in place and connected.

Abstract: A method of determining the extent of detonation of a Well Perforating Gun is disclosed. The Perforating Gun is positioned in a borehole and the detonation is initiated at one point on the essentially curvilinear array of explosive charges. Seismic waves emanate from the series of explosions, propagate away from the Perforating Gun and are detected at a distance away from the Perforating Gun using seismic receivers consisting of single or arrayed transducers of conventional design. The seismic receivers may be placed at or near the earth's surface and/or in one or more boreholes. The recorded seismic waves are processed and analyzed, and may be decomposed through a novel inversion process. The combined results are further analyzed to determine the extent of detonation including whether the gun fired or not, and if there was a misfire or partial misfire, the quantitative extent of the detonation.

Abstract: A set of seismic detectors is distributed throughout a defense zone in communication with a set of attack or other controllable devices. A seismic signal source controlled by a zone defense coordinator communicates at scheduled times to the seismic detectors and through them to the associated devices to convey mission critical information. The seismic detectors and the attack devices are controlled singularly and/or collectively by self-contained processors. The seismic source may be at a fixed site and is substantially repeatable as well as controllable. The system may be specially adapted to a wide range of terrains including land and water; and from very shallow to very deep water. Targets may be characterized in terms of their typical seismic signatures and the same hardware system used for seismic communication may be also programmed for target detection and device activation.

Abstract: A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated. The seismic communication system may also be used, as a component within a multi-functional well seismic system, for seismic reservoir monitoring or seismic monitoring of well operations.

Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter includes a minimal contact suspension to isolate the cutter explosive from the housing and sub structure. A charge detonation booster main-cavity is located on the juncture of the charge truncation planes. Explosive in the booster main-cavity is detonated by a shielded primer path. Explosive density in the primer path is less than the main-cavity density. A dense, powdered metal SC liner and an abruptly stepped jet window in the tubing cutter housing improve performance. The axial span of the jet window is preferably aligned with the axial span between the liner bases. A testing apparatus and procedure inexpensively verifies downhole performance.

Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing support structure whereby all explosive pellets are inserted within or extracted from a tubular housing as a singular unit. Electrically initiated exploding wire detonators (EBW) are positioned at opposite ends of the tubular housing for simultaneous detonation by a capacitive firing device. The housing assembly includes a detachable bottom nose that permits the tool to be armed and disarmed without disconnecting the detonation circuitry. Because the tool is not sensitive to stray electrical fields, it may be transported, loaded and unloaded with the EBW detonators in place and connected.

Abstract: A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated. The seismic communication system may also be used, as a component within a multi-functional well seismic system, for seismic reservoir monitoring or seismic monitoring of well operations.

Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter performance test apparatus and procedure comprises a plurality of test coupons, preferably fabricated from a pipe wall section of the test subject. The coupons are configured with a height greater than the axial length of the shaped charge device and a width greater than the nine wall thickness. These coupons are secured around a circular perimeter with the width plane radiating from the perimeter and the thickness edges in parallel alignment. The circular perimeter diameter corresponds to the shaped charge diameter. A shaped charge cutter is centrally positioned within the coupon encirclement and discharged. Penetration of the cutter plasma into the coupons is measured directly. In variation, the entire assembly is encased, subjected to hydraulic pressure corresponding to a desired well depth and discharged.

Abstract: A method of determining the extent of detonation of a Well Perforating Gun is disclosed. The Perforating Gun is positioned in a borehole and the detonation is initiated at one point on the essentially curvilinear array of explosive charges. Seismic waves emanate from the series of explosions, propagate away from the Perforating Gun and are detected at a distance away from the Perforating Gun using seismic receivers consisting of single or arrayed transducers of conventional design. The seismic receivers may be placed at or near the earth's surface and/or in one or more boreholes. The recorded seismic waves are processed and analyzed, and may be decomposed through a novel inversion process. The combined results are further analyzed to determine the extent of detonation including whether the gun fired or not, and if there was a misfire or partial misfire, the quantitative extent of the detonation.

Abstract: A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated.

Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter includes a minimal contact suspension to isolate the cutter explosive from the housing and sub structure. A charge detonation booster main-cavity is located on the juncture of the charge truncation planes. Explosive in the booster main-cavity is detonated by a shielded primer path. Explosive density in the primer path is less than the main-cavity density. A dense, powdered metal SC liner and an abruptly stepped jet window in the tubing cutter housing improve performance. The axial span of the jet window is preferably aligned with the axial span between the liner bases. A testing apparatus and procedure inexpensively verifies downhole performance.

Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing support structure whereby all explosive pellets are inserted within or extracted from a tubular housing as a singular unit. Electrically initiated exploding wire detonators (EBW) are positioned at opposite ends of the tubular housing for simultaneous detonation by a capacitive firing device. The housing assembly includes a detachable bottom nose that permits the tool to be armed and disarmed without disconnecting the detonation circuitry. Because the tool is not sensitive to stray electrical fields, it may be transported, loaded and unloaded with the EBW detonators in place and connected.

Abstract: An inflatable packer including a tubular mandrel, a pair of collars secured to the mandrel, and an inflatable sleeve connected between the collars about the mandrel. The exterior surface of the mandrel underlying the sleeve is roughened to increase the coefficient of friction between the mandrel and the sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing an inflatable packer including a mandrel and a sleeve for insertion into a fluid filled well bore. The method includes pressure testing the sleeve and its connection with the mandrel with a gas without introducing any incompressible fluid between the area of contact between the sleeve and mandrel. The method also includes the filling any pressure vulnerable areas in the packer not in the area of contact of the sleeve and mandrel with an incompressible fluid.

Abstract: The detonating bore in the rear wall of a shaped charge case is outwardly convex. A powdered explosive is compacted into the case through the open front opposite the detonating bore, causing the portion which enters the convex end of the bore from within the case to be less compacted and less dense, for increased sensitivity and more reliable detonation.

Abstract: An explosive safe-arming apparatus for use with a perforating gun which includes a fixed barrier disposed between a detonator explosive and a booster explosive, and a movable barrier disposed between laterally facing portions of the detonator and booster explosives. Upon actuating the movable barrier, either a predetermined perforator disarming operating position or perforator arming operating position are obtained.