Abstract: A method for thermal processing bullets to yield a refined grain structure, the method includes obtaining one or more bullets, disposing the one or more bullets within a chamber having a temperature gradient between ambient temperature and cryogenic temperature, the chamber having a plurality of temperature zones, moving the one or more bullets between the plurality of temperature zones of the chamber at a predetermined rate, and returning the one or more bullets to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method involves determining an expansion charge able to selectively expand, without perforating or cutting through, a wall of a tubular in a wellbore. The method includes determining conditions in the wellbore, including hydrostatic pressure bearing on the tubular in the wellbore, and a physical characteristic of the tubular. At a second location other than the wellbore, at least one of the conditions determined in the wellbore is reproduced, and a test tubular is provided at the second location. A test expansion charge able to expand, without perforating or cutting through, the wall of the test tubular, is determined based on the determined conditions. The determined test expansion charge is positioned within the test tubular, and is then actuated to expand the wall of the test tubular radially outward, without perforating or cutting through the wall, to form a test protrusion in the wall of the test tubular.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes running a downhole system into a downhole environment that comprises a wellbore, and the downhole system is configured such that a reusable plug of the downhole system is positioned uphole of a perforation gun of the downhole system, then, with the perforation gun, perforating a casing at a stage of the wellbore, and the perforating is performed using a projectile, and the perforating is performed by firing the projectile from a chamber of the perforation gun.

Abstract: An explosive device configured for outputting a quasi-planar shock wave includes: a body structure having a proximal end and an opposing distal end, and within which (a) an initiation device chamber; (b) a donor charge having a geometric shape correlated with first cone having an internal void exhibiting a geometric shape correlated with a second cone, wherein a first base of the first cone and a second base of the second cone reside in a common plane and have a common center point; (c) a non-explosive wave shaper filling the void; and (d) an acceptor charge are sequentially disposed adjacent to each other in a direction toward the distal end. Perpendicular to the central axis, a maximum lateral span of each of the wave shaper, the donor charge, and the acceptor charge coincide. The acceptor explosive charge mass does not laterally extend to a set of body structure outer walls.

Abstract: A non-detonable shaped charge capable of becoming detonable upon activation. The shaped charge may be utilized for use with a perforating gun in oilfield applications. In this regard, during transport and other handling in advance of reaching the application site, the charge may be non-detonable. However, upon an intentionally directed activation, such as through heating, the shaped charge may be detonable.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for autonomously or semi-autonomously conveying downhole oil and gas wellbore tools and performing downhole oil and gas wellbore operations are disclosed. The exemplary devices, systems, and methods may include an untethered drone that substantially disintegrates and/or dissolves into a proppant when shaped charges that the untethered drone carries are detonated. Two or more untethered drones, wellbore tools, and/or data collection devices may be connected in an untethered drone string and detonated for efficiently performing wellbore operations and reducing the amount of debris left in the wellbore after such operations.

Abstract: A wellbore system for perforating a subterranean formation including a dissolvable perforating gun that may be wirelessly operated to fire at a predetermined wellbore location and thereafter fragmented and dissolved with wellbore fluids. The perforating gun may take the form of a strip gun with an elongated rod or other charge holder carrying a plurality of exposed perforating charges thereon. The exposed shaped charges may each be equipped with an individual charge cover or filler material disposed over a liner that forms a jet when the shaped charge is detonated. A wiper to facilitate pumping the perforating gun through the wellbore and may include an initiator for detecting a signal or condition indicative of the perforating gun having reached a predetermined location to cause the perforating gun to fire.

Abstract: A detonator positioning device for use with a detonator in a perforating gun assembly is described. The detonator positioning device may be configured for electrically contactably forming an electrical connection within the perforating gun housing by contact. The detonator positioning device may include a body having a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending between the first and second ends. The central bore may be adapted for receiving one or more electrically contactable components of a detonator. The detonator positioning device can align at least one of the one or more electrically contactable components to form an electrical connection with a bulkhead assembly.

Abstract: A perforation tool for use in a well bore is described herein. The perforation tool comprises a housing; a plurality of frames that fit inside the housing, each frame having a cylindrical shape with a central axis and a plurality of liners, each liner having an axis perpendicular to the central axis, wherein the axes of the liners of each frame are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the frames are axially stackable; an electrical conductor disposed along a central passage of each frame; a plurality of shaped charges secured in the liners of the frames; a bulkhead member disposed in the housing and forming a seal with the housing; and an initiator module disposed in the housing with the bulkhead member between the initiator module and the plurality of frames.

Abstract: Munitions structures comprising one or more high strength reactive alloys, in particular reactive bulk metallic glasses, have significant amounts of inherent chemical energy. This energy may be discharged by subjection of the munitions structure to rapid impulsive loading and fragmentation in the presence of oxygen and/or nitrogen. A munitions structure can be configured in both large and small penetrators, e.g. warheads and bullets, with increased lethality. The lethality of these munitions structures is augmented by means of rapidly and simultaneously imparting both mechanical energy (kinetic energy through impact and fragmentation) and chemical energy (blast and/or fireball) to a target. A high-strength reactive alloy can substitute at least in part one or both of explosives and inert structural materials in conventional munitions systems to improve performance and reduce parasitic weight of structural casing.

Abstract: An explosive downhole tool includes a housing having an upper housing part on one side of a window section and a lower housing part on an opposite side of the window section. An explosive charge is provided within the housing for at least one of cutting and expanding the wall of the tubular. The outer surface of at least one of the upper and lower housing part is rounded so as to be devoid of corners. The rounded surface eliminates the presence of sharp corners that may catch on restrictions or protrusions in a wellbore so that the downhole tool is more easily conveyable within a wellbore. Another explosive downhole tool includes fins extending from the housing. The fins have a height that decreases in a direction away from the housing. The shape of the fins enables the downhole tool to be more easily conveyable within the wellbore.

Abstract: An explosive initiator retention assembly comprises a pair of opposed shell elements. The shell elements have a pair of spaced-apart passages, each configured to receive an elongated initiator having a cylindrical form. Each passage has a rotation inhibitor element configured to rotationally engage an initiator, such the initiators are retained against rotation.

Abstract: A compact energetic-breaching apparatus is provided. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus is configured to receive energetic materials for use in energetic breaching. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may comprise a housing body with a receptacle to receive energetic materials. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may further comprise a tamping material. The compact energetic-breaching apparatus may further comprise a metal liner which collapses upon detonation to form a cutting jet.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for autonomously or semi-autonomously conveying downhole oil and gas wellbore tools and performing downhole oil and gas wellbore operations are disclosed. The exemplary devices, systems, and methods may include an untethered drone that substantially disintegrates and/or dissolves into a proppant when shaped charges that the untethered drone carries are detonated. Two or more untethered drones, wellbore tools, and/or data collection devices may be connected in an untethered drone string and selectively detonated for efficiently performing wellbore operations and reducing the amount of debris left in the wellbore after such operations.

Abstract: Aspects and features include a system and method for wellbore perforation analysis and design. The system takes into account geomechanical considerations. In some examples the system determines wellbore parameters associated with a wellbore in a formation, calculates a current effective stress value associated with a hole in the formation, and determines a maximum effective stress value and a minimum wellbore pressure value. The system can then produce perforating job parameters to maximize a perforation while maintaining at least the minimum wellbore pressure value. In some examples, the system makes use of a parts database to determine job parameters that can implemented based on available parts.

Abstract: A shaped charge for use in a well perforating tool includes at least one explosive component fabricated by an additive manufacturing process such as three-dimensional printing. The additive manufacturing process may facilitate the production of complex geometries including voids and/or density gradients in the explosive materials that, when detonated, produce a specific penetration effect in a wellbore. The explosive materials may be deposited individually as a pellet, or may be deposited on one or both of a case and a liner acting as a scaffold during the additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An initiator assembly for a perforating gun includes a detonator configured to detonate a shaped charge of the perforating gun when ballistically coupled to the shaped charge, wherein the detonator includes a detonator housing that receives an explosive material and a detonator electrical connector extending from the detonator housing, and a switch assembly configured to detonate the detonator after receiving a firing signal, wherein the switch assembly includes a switch housing and a switch electrical connector received in the switch housing, wherein one of the detonator electrical connector and the switch electrical connector is insertable into the other of the detonator electrical connector and the switch electrical connector to form an electrical connection between the detonator and the switch assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a shaped charge retainer to a shaped charge and connecting that to a charged tube in a perforating gun for use downhole.

Abstract: A shaped charge assembly for selectively expanding a wall of a tubular includes a housing comprising an outer surface facing away from the housing and an opposing inner surface facing an interior of the housing. First and second explosive units are each symmetrical about an axis of revolution. Each explosive unit includes an explosive material formed adjacent to a backing plate and includes an exterior surface facing and being exposed to the inner surface of the housing. An aperture extends along the axis from one backing plate to the other backing plate. An explosive detonator is positioned along the axis adjacent to, and externally of, the one backing plate. The first and second explosive units comprise a predetermined amount of explosive sufficient to expand, without puncturing, at least a portion of the wall of the tubular into a protrusion extending outward into an annulus adjacent the wall of the tubular.

Abstract: A field filled, flexible linear charge system for cutting through material by explosive detonation; the system including a flexible carcass for application to a surface; the carcass adapted for filling with an explosive compound at a site of use.

Abstract: A method of sealing and securing of a shaped charge comprising a casing having a detonator, an explosive filler disposed within the casing having a cavity formed therein, and a liner disposed over the explosive filler. The method includes coating at least one portion of the shaped charge with a curable sealant, and exposing the curable sealant to radiation to cure the curable sealant. The radiation may be in the ultraviolet range and have a wavelength in a range of from about 200 to about 400 nanometers. In addition, the at least one portion of the shaped charge that is coated with the curable sealant may be a surface of the liner, a joint between the liner and the casing, over the detonator, or any combination thereof. The liner may comprise a metallic liner.

Abstract: An explosive system and corresponding method employ a number of explosive portions, each of sub-critical dimensions so that initiation of the portion would result in incomplete detonation. A selectively-deployable spacer arrangement or deployment mechanism is deployed between a storage state in which gaps or misalignments are maintained between the explosive portions so that the explosive system remains undetonatable, and a detonable state in which the portions are brought together sufficiently to function as a combined explosive charge having effective dimensions larger than critical dimensions, rendering the explosive system detonatable.

Abstract: A metal magnalium thermite pellet for creating heated gas is presented. The metal magnalium thermite pellet is insertable into a cutting apparatus and/or a high power igniter that releasably secures to the cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus for radially projecting a flow of heated gas to cut from an internal surface through an external surface of a conduit for oil, gas, mining, and underwater pressure sealed tool applications. The metal magnalium thermite pellet comprises a metal magnalium thermite composition consisting of between 1 to 44 percent magnalium alloy, between 1 to 44 percent aluminum, between 40 to 60 percent iron oxide, and between 10 to 20 percent polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A solid rocket motor comprises a pressure vessel, a solid propellant structure within the pressure vessel, and a flight termination system overlying the pressure vessel. The flight termination system comprises a shaped charge configured and positioned to effectuate ignition of an inner portion of the solid propellant structure and a reduction in an ability of the pressure vessel to withstand a change in internal pressure. Another solid rocket motor, a multi-stage rocket motor assembly, and a method of destroying a launch vehicle in flight are also described.

Abstract: A shaped charge liner including a composition of metal powders. Each metal powder may include one or more grain sizes, which may be different from other powder grain sizes. The metal powders may include transition metal powders, non-transition metal powders, and a bronze metal powder. The metal powders may include a malleable binding metal powder, such as bronze, and a non-malleable binding metal powder. A shaped charge including such liners is also disclosed, as well as a method of making the shaped charge liner, and a shaped charge including such shaped charge liner.

Abstract: A shape charge venting apparatus and method for venting gases generated during deflagration. The venting apparatus and method including vent grooves inside the shape charge providing a pathway for deflagration gases to escape the shape charge. The venting apparatus and method also may include using a retainer ring in addition to the vent groove in order to hold the components of the shape charge in place. The venting of the gases during deflagration facilitates pressure relief within the shape charge and increases safety from accidental detonation during a fire.

Abstract: A simultaneous linear initiation mechanism (SLIM). The SLIM includes a first layer. The first layer includes a port, where the port passes through the first layer and is configured to receive a first high explosive. The SLIM also includes a second layer. The second layer includes one or more traces, where the one or more traces include channels within the second layer configured to receive a second high explosive and two or more destination points, where the two or more destination points are the terminal ends of the one or more traces. The SLIM further includes one or more saddle blocks. The one or more saddle blocks include one or more traces, where the one or more traces include channels within the saddle block configured to receive a third high explosive and multiple outlets, where the multiple outlets are configured to receive the third high explosive.

Abstract: A dual-function penetrator liner for a multifunctional warhead. A dome-shaped outer portion is disposed in an inner front end of a warhead body to be concave in a direction opposite to a direction in which the warhead body is fired. A fastening portion is disposed in an outer circumferential direction of the outer to fasten the outer portion to the warhead body. A conical central portion is enclosed by the outer portion to protrude in a direction opposite to the direction in which the warhead body is fired. The outer portion and the central portion are concentric.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for launching objects into a wellbore. The apparatus generally includes a first object container and a container actuator. The first object container includes first compartments. The container actuator is adapted to displace the first object container so that respective ones of the first compartments are sequentially aligned with an opening. When the respective ones of the first compartments are sequentially aligned with the opening, objects loaded into the respective ones of the first compartments are sequentially launchable through the opening and into the wellbore. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a second object container including second compartments and being positionable above the first object container so that the respective second compartments are aligned with the respective first compartments.

Abstract: An explosive charge assembly comprises a casing, a first liner, a second liner, a first explosive charge disposed between the casing and the first liner, and a second explosive charge disposed between the first liner and the second liner. The first liner and the second liner are configured to form a single jet upon detonation of the first explosive charge and the second explosive charge.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the destruction of electronically stored information and/or components that incorporated sensitive technology or that contain sensitive information upon the occurrence of one or more predetermined events. The system and method of the present invention is particularly suited for the safeguarding of electronically stored information and/or classified technology in systems deployed in an operational environment. The system and method of the present invention be incorporated into drones, full size aircraft, any type of vehicle, mines, missiles, torpedos, bombs, phones, cameras, robots, satellites or other spacecraft, computers, hard drives, thumb drives, switches, routers, bugs, brief cases, safes, and generally any device that utilizes components on which sensitive data is stored or components that utilize technology that should only be accessed by authorized personnel.

Abstract: This patent relates to lined shaped explosive devices, in particular it relates to linear Shaped Charges (SC), more particularly it relates to a Fluted or Scalloped Linear Shaped Charge. The fluted linear SC, unlike a standard linear SC produces hydrodynamic penetration, higher jet velocities, higher mass jets and deeper penetration. The fluted linear device disclosed herein produces greater compression and convergence of the liner material because of the partial radial collapse of the concave flutes. Further, the fluted linear SC is equipped with a simultaneous initiation of the full length of the explosive driving the liner, providing smooth detonation wave front along the full length of the fluted linear liner.

Abstract: An outer tube for a perforating gun is provided that includes an inner wall and an outer wall and also a wall thickness (D) and a length (L), wherein the outer tube has a hardness over its entire longitudinal extent along the length (L) and its transverse extent along the wall thickness (D), wherein the hardness of the outer tube is reduced, in at least one region, to an extent (T) measured from the outer wall to the inner wall, wherein, in this region, the outer tube has a reduced hardness (HV) on its outer wall, said reduced hardness being reduced in this region by at least 5% in relation to the hardness (H) of the inner wall.

Abstract: An extraction charge for threats buried underground includes a housing, a shaped charge disposed in the housing at one end thereof, and a canister disposed in the housing and spaced apart from the shaped charge. The canister defines an open-ended tubular pathway and includes an explosive material housed in a region of the canister that circumscribes the tubular pathway. A delay detonator is coupled to the shaped charge and to the explosive material.

Abstract: A shaped charge produces an explosive jet utilizing a cylindrical liner surrounded by tracks of explosives. The tracks of explosives are located on the curved surface of the cylindrical liner in a spiral. The tracks of explosives are wrapped around the cylindrical liner in a spiral at an angle to the charge axis. The angle is determined as an angle that assures that the flow speed of the collapsing cylindrical liner is subsonic compared to the sound speed in the material of the collapsing cylindrical liner. The angle also can be selected and varied to directly control the speed of a non-stretching jet, as well as a velocity gradient to produce a stretching jet.

Abstract: A bullet comprising a compacted mixture of copper powder comprising particles that are physically bonded to each other to form a cohesive and ductile microstructure is disclosed. Methods of making such a bullet through powdered metallurgy techniques, which provide sufficient properties to allow the bullet to be loaded into a cartridge and crimped without fracture are also disclosed. Such bullets have sufficient strength to maintain their integrity during firing but may fragment upon impact and can be formulated lead-free.

Abstract: In a device for measuring a fill level of a liquid in a reservoir with an ultrasonic sensor, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is arranged at the bottom end of a damping cup with a measuring tube, wherein electronic components are assigned to the ultrasonic sensor, the electronic components are encapsulated in sealing manner against the liquid that is to be measured between a floor of an electronics installation space and a cover arranged above the floor, so that the electronics installation space forms and encapsulated area. At least one support is provided inside the electronics installation space and connects the cover in force-fitting manner with the electronics installation space.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus. The apparatus includes a substrate body that includes a top end, an opposing bottom end and a curved outer surface positioned there between, and a clear sight bore aperture centered at a longitudinal axis of the substrate body. The apparatus further includes a trunk line aperture defined in the outer surface of the substrate body. The trunk line aperture has a first end positioned at a top end of the substrate body, off-center from the longitudinal axis. The first end of the trunk line aperture is configured to couple to a detonator. The apparatus further includes a plurality of helical track apertures defined in the outer surface of the substrate body. A respective first end of each helical track aperture is coupled to the trunk line aperture. The apparatus further includes a plurality of termination apertures defined in the outer surface of the substrate body adjacent the bottom end of the substrate body.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dynamic pressure created during detonation of a shaped charge comprises: positioning the shaped charge in a wellbore, wherein the shaped charge comprises a main explosive load, wherein a substance is included in the main explosive load or is positioned adjacent to the main explosive load, wherein the substance increases or decreases the dynamic pressure or increases or decreases the duration of a pressure pulse created during detonation of the shaped charge; whereas a substantially identical shaped charge without the substance does not increase or decrease the dynamic pressure nor increase or decrease the duration of the pressure pulse during detonation. A method of controlling the balance of a portion of a wellbore comprises: positioning the shaped charge in the portion of the wellbore; and creating a desired balance in the portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A disclosed example embodiment includes a shaped charge for use in a well perforating system. The shaped charge includes a housing having a discharge end and an initiation end. A liner is positioned with the housing. A main explosive is positioned within the housing between the liner and the initiation end of the housing. The liner has a radially outwardly disposed concave section having a progressively decreasing wall thickness in the direction from the initiation end to the discharge end of the housing and a radially inwardly disposed convex section having a progressively increasing wall thickness in the direction from the initiation end to the discharge end of the housing such that the liner is radial momentum balanced and operable to form a coherent jet having a hollow leading edge following detonation of the shaped charge.

Abstract: A charge tube for use with a perforating tool that includes a tubular member having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and a passage extending between the first end and the second end, and a receptacle extending through the outer surface of the tubular member for receiving a shaped charge, wherein the tubular member includes a reduced diameter section, and a first expanded diameter section disposed at the first end of the tubular member, the first expanded diameter section having a greater diameter than the reduced diameter section, and wherein the reduced diameter section and the first expanded diameter section of the tubular member are monolithically formed.

Abstract: A method for forming a perforation is disclosed. The method comprises positioning a perforating gun at a desired location in the formation. The perforating gun comprises a gun body and a charge carrier. The method further comprises disposing one or more shaped charges within the charge carrier. The one or more shaped charges comprise an outer case, an inner liner, and an explosive material retained between the outer case and the inner liner. The outer case of the shaped charge comprises one or more predefined fracture lines. The method further comprises detonating at least one shaped charge, wherein detonating the at least one shaped charge forms one or more perforations in the formation.

Abstract: A munition includes a composite case, a blast cone housed by the composite case, a grenade aft of the blast cone and housed by the composite case, a first attenuator forward of the blast cone, and a second attenuator aft of the blast cone and forward of the grenade.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a casing, a liner disposed within an opening of the casing and an explosive disposed between the casing and the liner. The liner is made of a metal powder blend that includes a spheroidized metal powder. The spheroidized metal powder includes a spheroidized tungsten powder. The metal powder blend may further include a binder and a lubricant. The binder includes copper or lead. The lubricant includes graphite.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a casing defining an interior volume, wherein the casing is prepared by sintering a metal powder or a mixture of metal powders; a liner located in the interior volume; and an explosive between the liner and the casing. A method for manufacturing a shaped charge casing includes the steps of mixing a metal powder or a metal powder mixture with a binder to form a pre-mix; pressing the pre-mix in a mold to form a casing green body; heating the casing green body to a first temperature to vaporize the binder; raising the temperature to a second temperature in an inert or reducing atmosphere to sinter the metal powder or the metal powder mixture to produce the shaped charge casing.

Abstract: The shaped composites of the present disclosure have metal powder bonded with glass powder. This feature provides the advantages of metal, metal powder, or glass composite materials, without suffering from the disadvantages. The composite is prepared with simple sintering methods, and can easily be formed into any number of desired shapes with dimensional characteristics and ingredients suited to a particular application.

Abstract: A shaped charge liner including a composition of powders. The composition may include one or more of an aluminum metal powder and a titanium metal powder, a bronze metal powder, a tungsten metal powder and a graphite powder. Each powder of the composition may include grain size ranges that are different from one or more other powder grain size ranges. The bronze metal powder may include two or more different grain size ranges, and in some instances three or four different grain size ranges. A method of making the shaped charge liner and shaped charge with such liner having the composition of powders is also disclosed, as is a shaped charge including such shaped charge liner.

Abstract: An explosive charge assembly comprises a casing, a first liner, a second liner, a first explosive charge disposed between the casing and the first liner, and a second explosive charge disposed between the first liner and the second liner. The first liner and the second liner are configured to form a single jet upon detonation of the first explosive charge and the second explosive charge.

Abstract: A shaped charge comprising a case, a liner positioned within the case, and an explosive filled within the case. The liner is shaped with a subtended angle ranging from 100° to 120° about an apex, a radius, and an aspect ratio such that a jet formed with the explosive creates an entrance hole in a well casing. The jet creates a perforation tunnel in a hydrocarbon formation, wherein a diameter of the jet, a diameter of the entrance hole diameter, and a width and length of the perforation tunnel are substantially constant and unaffected with changes in design and environmental factors such as a thickness and composition of the well casing, position of the charge in the perforating gun, position of the perforating gun in the well casing, a water gap in the wellbore casing, and type of the hydrocarbon formation.

Abstract: A shaped charge that includes a case, a liner positioned within the case, and an explosive filled within the case. The liner is shaped with a subtended angle ranging from 100° to 120° about an apex, a radius, and an aspect ratio such that a jet formed with the explosive creates an entrance hole in a well casing. The jet creates a perforation tunnel in a hydrocarbon formation, wherein a diameter of the jet, a diameter of the entrance hole diameter, and a width and length of the perforation tunnel are substantially constant and unaffected with changes in design and environmental factors such as a thickness and composition of the well casing, position of the charge in the perforating gun, position of the perforating gun in the well casing, a water gap in the wellbore casing, and type of the hydrocarbon formation.