Abstract: A shaped charge apparatus having an improved liner for a shaped charge constructed from a combination of powdered metal and selected polymer material. Powdered heavy metal and polymer binder is compressively formed into a rigid shaped charge liner under very high pressure. The polymer binder may be in powdered form and or also be used to coat the powdered metal particles prior to compression. The compressed liner may also contain a relatively small percentage of other material to enhance lubrication or corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A disrupter has a plastic box 1 with three semi-cylindrical plastic formers 2 each with a bag 4 containing water. Sheet explosive 13 is applied to the back of the formers. Bags 4 may be filed with materials other than water, for example decontaminent e.g. sodium hypochlorite. The formers may be replaced by a single former with three recesses.

Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge formed from a mixture of powdered heavy metal and a powdered metal binder. The liner is formed by compression of the mixture into a liner body shape. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises a range of 90 to 97 percent by weight of powdered heavy metal, and 10 to 3 percent by weight of the powdered metal binder. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a lubricant is intermixed with the powdered metal binder to aid in the formation of the shaped charge liner. The preferred powdered heavy metal is tungsten, and the preferred powdered metal binder is copper. The powdered metal binder can be comprised of other malleable ductile metals such as bismuth, zinc, tin, uranium, silver, gold, antimony, cobalt, zinc alloys, tin alloys, nickel, or palladium.

Abstract: A method of producing a liner for a shaped charge comprising mixing a composition of powdered metal with plasticizers and binders to form a paste. The paste is then particulated and injected into an injection mold. The paste is molded into a molded liner shape and then chemically treated to remove plasticizers and binders from the molded liner shape. After being removed from the injection mold the molded liner shape is sintered inside of a furnace. The powdered metal composition can be comprised of a mixture of from 60% to 97% by weight of powdered heavy metal and from 40% to 3% by weight of cobalt, or the powdered metal composition can be comprised of a mixture of from 60% to 97% by weight of powdered heavy metal and from 40% to 3% of copper, the preferred heavy metal being tungsten.

Abstract: A segmented, kinetic energy projectile is formed by stacking several liners in a single warhead, for effectively producing a longer penetrator capable of greatly enhancing penetration. Each individual liner forms a separate penetrator, so that the liners are successively fired and allow for a greater overall target penetration. In one embodiment, the flight path of at least one liner is diverted from the flight paths of the other liners, so that the liners could attack several adjacent targets or provide multiple penetrations. The EFP assembly has the additional capability of utilizing a single warhead that incorporates multiple hits mechanisms. The EFP assembly includes multiple liners that are separated by multiple separators. The separators are non-symmetrically disposed relative to each other, in order to divert the liners toward multiple targets. The liners are diverted from a reference trajectory because the separators impart different angles to the liners.

Abstract: A shaped charge for generating a large hole in material such as well casing downhole in a wellbore. A shaped charge liner is oriented about a longitudinal axis, and a disk is positioned at the liner apex. When an explosive material is initiated the liner collapses into a perforating jet. The disk alters the jet formation process and changes the shape and location of a bulge within the perforating jet. Consequently, the shape of the perforating jet retains a larger diameter for generating a larger hole in the material to be perforated or for controlling the penetration depth. The disk surfaces can be flat, concave, convex or other shapes, and the disk composition can be varied to accomplish different design criteria.

Abstract: A tubing and casing cutter is shown which can be assembled in the field from a plurality of pressed segmented pellets of free standing explosive material. The segmented pellets have a liner glued to at least one exposed face thereof. The pellets are glued to a backup plate with two mirror image plates being stacked to form a plate assembly. A plurality of plate assemblies are stacked within a surrounding container to form the cutter. The pressed pellets can also be assembled within a cup-shaped container to form a shaped charge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a blasting apparatus for forming horizontal underground cavities and blasting method using the same. The blasting apparatus includes a metallic body horizontally formed through the center portion of a loading chamber. A delayed detonator and a shaped explosive are loaded in the loading chamber of the body. A connecting ring is formed on the body for connecting the body to a hoisting rope. The blasting method includes the step of loading a detonator lead, a delayed detonator and a shaped explosive in a loading chamber. The blasting apparatus is suspended over a vertical pit by operating a hoisting device. The blasting apparatus suspended by the hoisting rope is lowered to the entrance of a vertical pit, and a detonator lead drawn out of the body is connected to a leading wire. The blasting apparatus and the leading wire connected to the detonator lead drawn out of the body are lowered into the vertical pit at a position where fluid discharges.

Abstract: A liner for a explosive shaped charge, such as those used in perforating operations in oil and gas wells, is formed from a powdered metal mixture that includes molybdenum. The molybdenum allows a higher density liner to be formed to create denser jets for achieving deeper penetration, but without the negative effect that often accompany the use of higher density materials. The molybdenum may be used in the amount of 0.5% to 25% by weight of the metal mixture, with tungsten and other constituents forming the remainder of the mixture.

Abstract: A shaped charge with enhanced performance is provided. In a disclosed embodiment, an oilwell perforator includes a liner which is formed of a metal powder. The metal powder has particles thereof which are coated with metal. The metal powder may be tungsten, and the particles may be coated with metals such as copper, lead, molybdenum, tin, nickel or silver. The resulting liner content by weight may be between approximately 95 and 100% tungsten.

Abstract: A perforating charge case is made by a process that includes cold forming a material into a shape for the perforating charge case. The cold forming produces additional recrystallization nucleation sites in the material. After the cold forming, the material may be annealed to decrease sizes of grains of the material to improve a ductility of the material to increase fragment sizes of the perforating charge case when an explosive that is placed inside the perforating charge case detonates.

Abstract: To remove means of combat such as mines and unexploded ordnance increasing use is made of hollow charges. Inherent in these is the risk of triggering premature ignition since their liners contain metals. According to the invention a hollow charge (4) suitable for eliminating means of combat is configured largely free of metals and has a liner (3) made of an electrically non-conductive, amorphous material. The material of choice is glass, which when configured correspondingly in addition has a projectile-forming effect and thus raises penetration capability. Apart from lowering environmental pollution the use of metal-free devices also eliminates false alarm messages in metal detectors during mine clearance and therefore significantly improves the safety of mine clearance personnel. The support (16) carrying the hollow charge (4) is fitted with a ball joint (13, 14), resulting in high adaptability to the place of use and type of combat means (M) concerned.

Abstract: A shaped charge capsule includes an open-ended casing and a ring. The casing is adapted to house an explosive, and the casing includes a shoulder to receive a cap to close the casing. A rim of the casing at least partially surrounds the shoulder. The ring is adapted to be placed radially inside the rim and crimped with the rim to secure the cap to the casing. The ring is adapted to melt above an approximate predetermined temperature to release the cap from the casing. The cap may alternatively be secured to the casing by an adhesive that decomposes above the approximate predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: A shaped charge apparatus having an improved liner for a shaped charge constructed from a combination of powdered metal and selected polymer material. Powdered heavy metal and polymer binder is compressively formed into a rigid shaped charge liner under very high pressure. The polymer binder may be in powdered form and or also be used to coat the powdered metal particles prior to compression. The compressed liner may also contain a relatively small percentage of other material to enhance lubrication or corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A shaped-charge projectile includes a container in the form of a hollow shell elongated parallel to a projectile axis, with the container having a front end and a back end. A shaped-charge liner is within the container and adjacent to the front end of the container. The shaped-charge liner is a composite material of fibers or particles of a solid reinforcement dispersed in a solid amorphous matrix. An explosive charge is positioned between the shaped-charge liner and the back end of the container. The shaped-charge liner is preferably prepared by infiltration or casting, and assembled with the other elements to make the shaped-charge projectile.

Abstract: Hollow charges are often used for combating moving, lightly armored targets and do not fulfill their task due to relatively small effective charges which arrive at the target. When using blasting charges for civilian purposes, large borings must often be made at inaccessible positions without substantially affecting the environment. A shape charge (8) having a lining (3) which explodes outward in the axial area thereof punches an overcalibrated opening in the target area. A large effective charge (7) or other elements can be inserted through said opening. According to the invention, the delayed ignition of a large effective charge (7) results in a massively increased effect thereof in the target. The ammunition body (1) is provided for use predominantly in combating moving, lightly armored targets, but can also be used for oil exploration and delivery.

Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.

Abstract: A new approach to scabbling of surfaces of structural materials is disclosed. A layer of mildly energetic explosive composition is applied to the surface to be scabbled. The explosive composition is then detonated, rubbleizing the surface. Explosive compositions used must sustain a detonation front along the surface to which it is applied and conform closely to the surface being scabbled. Suitable explosive compositions exist which are stable under handling, easy to apply, easy to transport, have limited toxicity, and can be reliably detonated using conventional techniques.

Abstract: A cartridge containing an explosive charge is inserted at the bottom of a short hole drilled in the rock. The cartridge is held in place or stemmed by a massive stemming bar of high-strength material such as steel. The cartridge incorporates additional internal volume designed to control the application of pressure in the bottom hole volume by the detonating explosive. The primary method by which the high-pressure gases are contained in the hole bottom until relieved by the opening up of controlled fractures, is by the massive inertial stemming bar which blocks the flow of gas up the drill hole except for a small leak path between the stemming bar and the drill hole walls. The stemming bar is preferably connected to a boom mounted on a carrier. A preferred embodiment incorporates an indexing mechanism to allow both a drill and a small-charge blasting apparatus to be used on the same boom for drilling and subsequent charge insertion and firing operations.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly that includes at least one component that is constructed from a composite material and that is impermeable to wellbore fluids. The components may include the outer carrier and/or loading tube of a perforating gun, the connecting tubing of a gun release mechanism, and the gun connector used to attach adjacent perforating guns. The composite material is designed to be very brittle under dynamic impact. The component is made impermeable to wellbore fluids by including an impermeable liner therein. The impermeable liner can be bonded to the inner or outer surface of the component or can be embedded within the component. Since it is brittle under dynamic impact, the composite component shatters into small pieces upon detonation of the perforating gun.

Abstract: Shaped charge assembly for use as part of a perforating gun, particularly, channel finder gun. The shaped charge assembly includes a charge is configured to produce a jet which is substantially non-circular in cross section (in relation to the axial direction of travel of the jet) in which the assembly includes a base that is relatively rigid with respect to the liner of the assembly.

Abstract: A liner for a explosive shaped charge, such as those used in perforating operations in oil and gas wells, is formed from a powdered metal mixture that includes molybdenum. The molybdenum allows a higher density liner to be formed to create denser jets for achieving deeper penetration, but without the negative effects that often accompany the use of higher density materials. The molybdenum may be used in the amount of 0.5% to 25% by weight of the metal mixture, with tungsten and other constituents forming the remainder of the mixture.

Abstract: The perforating device for use in completing a well includes a case, an explosive charge contained in the case, and a generally bowl-shaped liner. The liner is positioned adjacent the explosive charge and has non-uniforrn thickness along its length. The liner further includes a protruding portion near its tip. In another configuration, the liner includes a hole near its tip to expose a portion of the explosive charge.

Abstract: The perforating device for use in completing a well includes a case, an explosive charge contained in the case, and a generally bowl-shaped liner. The liner is positioned adjacent the explosive charge and has non-uniform thickness along its length. The liner further includes a protruding portion near its tip. In another configuration, the liner includes a hole near its tip to expose a portion of the explosive charge.

Abstract: The precursor-follow through kinetic energy explosively formed penetrator assembly greatly enhances target penetration. It is formed of two sections: an initial precursor penetrator followed by a penetrator encapsulating a reactive material. The target will initially be perforated by the precursor penetrator with the second follow through penetrator containing a reactive material causing internal damage through a secondary reaction.

Abstract: A shaped charge for generating a large hole in material such as well casing downhole in a wellbore. A shaped charge liner is oriented about a longitudinal axis, and a disk is positioned at the liner apex. When an explosive material is initiated the liner collapses into a perforating jet. The disk alters the jet formation process and changes the shape and location of a bulge within the perforating jet. Consequently, the shape of the perforating jet retains a larger diameter for generating a larger hole in the material to be perforated or for controlling the penetration depth. The disk surfaces can be flat, concave, convex or other shapes, and the disk composition can be varied to accomplish different design criteria.

Abstract: A thin metal wire 8 is fused and vaporized by a predetermined amount of electrical energy supplied to the thin metal wire 8 for a short period of time, whereby a blasting substance 3 is expanded in volume. Therefore, a vaporization expansion force caused by the fusion and vaporization of the thin metal wire 8 moves a shock delivering member 22, so that the shock delivering member 22, colliding with a to-be-blasted object H1, delivers a shock to the to-be-blasted object H1, thereby blasting the to-be-blasted object H1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery system having an expandable frame carrying explosive charges. The frame includes curved sections which are adjustably moved relative to one another for fitting the explosive charge members to the inside bore of a vertical leg section of the rig. A shaped charge arrangement focuses the explosive charges at a desired location on the rig leg so that when the explosive charge detonates, the rig is cut with minimal invasion of the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A downhole tool, adapted to retain a shaped charge surrounded by a superatmospherically pressurized light gas, is employed in a method for perforating a casing and penetrating reservoir rock around a wellbore. Penetration of a shaped charge jet can be enhanced by at least 40% by imploding a liner in the high pressure, light gas atmosphere. The gas pressure helps confine the jet on the axis of penetration in the latter stages of formation. The light gas, such as helium or hydrogen, is employed to keep the gas density low enough so as not to inhibit liner collapse.

Abstract: A shaped charge is shown with enhanced creep resistance for use in a perforating gun having an elongated spiral strip open to the wellbore through which the charges are attached. The shaped charge is a hollow bodied capsule and hollow bodied cap, both threaded for easy attachment to one another. At least the capsule consists of an alloy of, by weight, between about 4 and 12 percent copper, 2 and 4 percent aluminum, and the balance zinc and impurities.

Abstract: A shaped charge explosive device for defeat of advanced armor is presented. In operation, a conically capped hemispherical liner is collapsed in reverse sequence. Detonation of the base of the hemisphere, done earlier in sequence, produces a thick massive jet for initial penetration as a deep crater, in the armor. The conical liner is collapsed afterward, producing a thin jet which reaches the armor deep into the crater earlier produced, at an increased distance than would be usual without a crater. The increased standoff is a further contribution in destructive improvement since adding travel distance to the target for a destructive jet, up to a point, will increase destruction of the target. Various detonation mechanisms, inhibitors, and judicious use of various high explosives and detonation arrangements, all provide the tools for formation of a desired particular two-jet sequence, to accomplish a desired destructive potential.

Abstract: A shaped charge or explosively formed penetrator liner and a method for producing the liner. The liner is preferably formed from a metal having a fine, uniform grain structure. The liner is preferably produced by an electron beam deposition process.

Abstract: A missile severance device for severing a structural surface member of a body is constructed of a pair of plate members separated by a collapsible liner member ring. An explosive charge is contained with the volume defined by the pair of plate members and the liner member ring. One of the plate members includes a booster explosive charge that serves to detonate the explosive charge so as to collapse the liner member ring and create a directed jet toward the structural surface member intended to be cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a frame carrying an explosive charge. The frame includes a linear and a curved section which are adjustable moved relative to one another for fitting the explosive charge member to the inside bore of a vertical leg section of the rig. A shaped charge arrangement focuses an explosive charge at a desired location on the rig leg so that when the explosive charge detonates, the rig is cut with minimal invasion of the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A shaped charge explosive warhead assembly is composed of a one piece shaped charge liner including an explosive initiation charge, and a main explosive charge which surrounds the shaped charge liner. The one piece shaped charge liner includes a forward thin wall section and an integral tail end section having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry. The forward thin wall section includes wall portions having a trumpet or other selected shape, and the tail end section includes a plurality of symmetrically located spoke-like apertures extending radially from the longitudinal axis of symmetry and further includes a central bore hole extending from an end surface of the tail end section and in communication with the spoke-like apertures. The spoke-like apertures and bore hole of the tail end section are filled with the explosive initiation charge. A detonator is coupled to the explosive initiation charge within the bore hole.

Abstract: A shaped charge for use in perforating formation adjacent a wellbore includes a liner having a substantially non-conical shape (also referred to as bowl-shaped). The liner has first and second layers, with a first layer contacting the main explosive charge. The second layer (made of such materials as copper, silver, gold, and so forth) contributes primarily to formation of a perforating jet while the first layer contains a material that substantially disintegrates upon detonation such that formation of a slug is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: An explosive material-energized plasticized metal slug cutter for use within tubular cylinders, or pipe or similar structures-especially in buried or otherwise inaccessible locations is disclosed. The cutter includes explosive material initially disposed in a particular hourglass or dogbone shape and surrounded by a layer of explosive-plasticizable copper or similar material which becomes both heated to plasticity and imparted with kinetic energy upon explosive material detonation. The hourglass or dogbone shape of the explosive material provides focus or shaping of the copper metal into a confined slug pattern enabling a clean and relatively low expended-energy cutting of a surrounding tubular cylinder into axial segments. The cutter employs a cutting action inclusive of spalling at the outer surface of the cut tubing opposite the region of slug impact.

Abstract: Shaped charge liners are formed from an alloy of nickel, tin, and copper, which is first formed into a powder, and then pressed into strips. The pressed strips of powdered alloy are next sintered and then cold rolled. Thereafter, the powdered, pressed, and sintered alloy strips are formed into shaped charge liners, for example, by stamping. The shaped charge liners may be heat treated either before or after the forming step.

Abstract: A tungsten heavy alloy composition comprising tungsten, iron and elements selected from the groups X, Y and Z and having the formula W.sub.100-p Fe.sub.i X.sub.j Y.sub.k Z.sub.l. Such that "X" is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ni, Mn and Co; "Y" is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo and V; "Z" is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ti and Al; "i" ranges from 5 to 19.5 weight percent; "j" ranges from 0.05 to 6 weight percent; "k" ranges from 0.15 to 5 weight percent; "l" ranges from 0.05 to 4 weight percent; and "p" is the mathematical sum of i, j, k and l, and ranges from 7 to 20 such that "100-p" ranges from 93 to 80 weight percent. The blended powder mixture thus formed is hot consolidated to full density. The hot consolidated blended powder mixture is subjected to a hardening heat treatment.

Abstract: The invention is a shaped charge comprising a housing, a liner, a quantity of explosive inside the housing between the housing and the liner, and a retaining spring in contact with the liner and the housing. The retaining spring is positioned to retain the liner substantially immovably inside the housing and has compressed external dimensions to enable locking engagement with the housing. The retaining spring provides axial force against the liner to compress the explosive and prevent shifting and settling of the explosive. The retaining spring also exerts laterally outward force against the circumference of the liner to reduce effects of thermal contraction on the liner. In the preferred embodiment, the retaining spring comprises a bellville spring. The bellville spring has an internal diameter substantially the same as the maximum diameter of the liner to prevent interference with discharge of the detonating shaped charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative, safe, explosive device. The device has many potential fields of utility, including, but not limited to mining, oil exploration, seismology, and particularly to shaped charges. These shaped charges may be used as a well perforation system using energetic, electrically-activated reactive blends in place of high explosives. The reactive blends are highly impact inert and relatively thermally inert until activated. The proposed system requires no conventional explosives and it is environmentally benign. The system and its components can be shipped and transported easily with little concern for premature explosion. It also needs no special handling or packing. The performance in oil and gas well perforation can be expected to exceed that of conventional explosive techniques.

Abstract: A shaped charge device having at least a double confinement configuration d utilizing a standard shaped charge liner inserted into a hollow cavity in the inner explosive fill. The inner explosive fill is surrounded by an inner confining case which may be made from any metal, ceramic, or composite. The uniqueness of the present invention is the addition of an outer layer of explosive containing an outer confinement case. Also utilized in the device are a booster, and a detonator, held by a centering device, to initiate the device according to standard practice. The device acts to use the outer explosive as a tamping material surrounding the inner confining case material. This will delay the expansion of the inner confinement case and increase the pressure on the liner. Increasing the pressure on the liner will increase the kinetic energy of the resulting penetrator jet.

Abstract: The liner (16) and, optionally, the tamper (12) of a shaped charge and the sheathing of mild detonating cord, ignition cord, delay cord, etc., are advantageously made of a tin-copper- or tin-silver-based alloy that is preferably substantially lead-free and that contains not more than about 1 percent antimony. Certain of these alloys generally contain about 97 to 99.9 percent tin, and from 0.1 to 3 percent copper, and optionally not more than 1 percent antimony. Other embodiments contain from 96 to 99.5 percent tin and from 0.5 to 4 percent silver and are substantially free of antimony. Tin-silver alloys for use in the invention preferably have elongations of about 88 and densities that are generally greater than those of the tin-copper alloys.

Abstract: A flexible linear shaped charge for discharging a high speed jet to penetrate a target comprising an outer housing which includes a sheath and the high speed jet, the high speed jet being integral with the sheath, and an explosive core disposed within the outer housing between the sheath and the high speed jet, the outer housing comprising a low density matrix mixed with a high density heavy metal powder to increase the confinement of the explosive core, thereby improving the performance of the shaped charge.

Abstract: A shaped charge for efficiently transferring energy from an explosive material to generate a deep penetrating jet. The shaped charge liner is formed with a hemispherical first section combined with an elongated second section. The liner second section can be formed as a truncated cone, trumpet, or other shape. The hemispherical first section collapses to generate a high velocity jet portion, and the second section collapses to generate an elongated, deep penetrating jet portion which follows the higher velocity jet portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an explosive charge assembly for cutting tubular members, particularly underwater. The assembly is lowered into the tubular member to a distance where the cut is to be performed. A shaped charge carrier has a pair of parallel circular plates, a casing unitary connected to the plates and a truncated shaped charge liner. An inflatable bladder surrounding the casing expands to create a stand off distance between the wall of the tubular member and the shell of the assembly. A plurality of centralizer members allow to adjust position of the shell in the tubular member prior to detonation.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a large perforation in a target such as a wellbore casing. A liner is positioned within a charge case lowered into a well. An explosive material is initiated to collapse the liner to form a material penetrating jet. A spoiler is positioned proximate to the liner to defocus the liner collapse. The spoiler forms a hollow center in the material penetrating jet and concentrates the energy of the jet into a large annular ring for penetrating the target. The spoiler can comprise a passive spoiler which blocks the full collapse of the liner, or can comprise an active spoiler incorporating a high explosive or an elastic material for counteracting the liner collapse. The spoilers can be spherical, cylindrical, tapered, or another shape to modify the configuration and performance of the material penetrating jet, and a spacer can retain a spoiler in a selected orientation relative to the liner.

Abstract: A shaped charge is provided which includes an elongate container or housing having a concave recess in an upper end thereof. Explosive is located or provided within the container and at least below the concave recess. Detonator means are provided within the container at or adjacent a lower end thereof and spaced apart from and below the concave recess and explosive located therebelow.

Abstract: A penetrating bomb weapon comprising a long hollow cylinder constructed of high strength steel or similar material and including a pointed nose to aid in penetration of media such as concrete, soil, steel or a hardened surface. The cylinder contains an insensitive explosive that is separated into segments by shock attenuating materials so that one segment of the cylinder may detonate without detonating or destroying adjacent segments. The number of segments may be two or more depending on the complexity of the target to be attacked. Initiation of the main charge within each segment is achieved using explosive boosters positioned so that shocks transferred to adjacent segments, and the initiation train of these segments, is minimized. Separation of the segments is accomplished using explosive cutter charges which perforate and/or spall through the case wall of the penetrator bomb.

Abstract: System for clearing both light and heavy obstacles, in which one or more flying metal plates are propelled against heavy obstacles by explosive forces which also expand a folded continous rod member into a curvilinear, generally annular configuration that cuts through light obstacles such as concertina wire in the process of unfolding.