Abstract: An electrical connection system for providing an electrical signal to a detonator of a perforating gun is provided. The system includes a tandem sub operatively coupled to a gun housing and having a sub body having a bore defined therethrough, a bulkhead assembly having a bulkhead electrical connector securable within the bore, and a printed circuit board assembly. The PCB assembly includes a cartridge having a connection bore adapted to receive the bulkhead electrical connector and define a sliding connection between the cartridge and the bulkhead assembly, and an addressable switch located within the cartridge body and in electrical communication with the bulkhead electrical connector. The detonator is located within the cartridge body and is in electrical communication with the addressable switch. The bore, the bulkhead electrical connector, the cartridge and the detonator are concentrically disposed relative to one another and extend along a common axis.

Abstract: A demolition container including a demolition container having a demolition container aperture formed therethrough and defining a demolition container aperture shoulder, wherein a demolition liner is insertable into the demolition container aperture and interaction between the demolition liner and the demolition container aperture shoulder maintains the demolition liner in an appropriate position within the demolition container aperture; and a demolition container cap having an extending cap coupling portion extending from a portion of a cap portion, wherein demolition container cap aperture is formed through the demolition container cap, and wherein the demolition container and the demolition container cap may optionally be attached or coupled to one another, via interaction of the recessed coupling portion of the demolition container and the extending cap coupling portion of the demolition container cap.

Abstract: A detonator for initiating a firing of a shaped charge in a gun is configured to include a housing having first and third conducting portions and a second insulating portion, which is sandwiched between the first and third conducting portions; an initiator located fully inside the first conducting portion or the third conducting portion; a first electrical line electrically connecting the initiator to an internal wall of the third conducting portion; and a second electrical line electrically extending from the initiator to the first conducting portion, through the entire second insulating portion.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a shaped charge inlay includes an upper edge that extends inward and horizontal to an edge of a shaped charge casing associated with a shaped charge. The shaped charge includes an existing liner and the shaped charge inlay further includes a body that extends inward toward an apex of the existing liner. The shaped charge inlay may be disposed above the existing liner in the shaped charge, to disrupt collapse of the existing liner upon detonation of the shaped charge and thereby change the geometry of a perforating jet and resulting perforation created by the shaped charge. The perforation holes formed by shaped charges having the shaped charge inlay may have geometries that include constant open areas to flow in the target when the perforating gun is centralized or decentralized in a wellbore casing.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a shaped charge liner including an apex end and a base end and defining a main liner axis that passes through the apex and base ends, the liner being rotationally symmetric about the main liner axis wherein the liner has discrete rotational symmetry about the main liner axis.

Abstract: A perforating tool including a body, a first lid and a second lid, the first lid attachable to one end of the body and the second lid attachable to an opposite end of the body, to define an interior cavity of the body. The interior cavity has an air-tight seal with an exterior environment surrounding the body. In some aspects, one or more plates are disposable within the interior cavity such that the one or more plates are situated apart from an explosive charge when the explosive charge is disposed in the interior cavity, the one or more plates occupying part of a total interior volume of the interior cavity and thereby reducing a free interior volume inside the body.

Abstract: A perforating gun module may include a gun housing including a housing chamber and a shaped charge positioning device provided in the housing chamber. The shaped charge positioning device may include a shaped charge holder and a detonator holder provided axially adjacent to the shaped charge holder. The shaped charge positioning device may be a singular and monolithic piece of non-metal material. A perforating gun module string may include a first perforating gun module directly coupled to a second perforating gun module. Each perforating gun module may include a gun housing with a housing chamber, a shaped charge holder provided in the housing chamber, and a detonator holder provided axially adjacent to the shaped charge receptacle. The shaped charge holder and the detonator holder may comprise a singular and monolithic piece of non-metal material.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments may relate to perforating gun assemblies configured for use in unconventional wells, for example in rock formations with low permeability. In some embodiments, the perforating gun assembly may include a perforating gun housing and at least one shaped charge positioned in the perforating gun housing. The shaped charge and the perforating gun housing may be jointly configured to improve total target penetration in unconventional wells by 20-100%. Related method embodiments may be used to improve the performance of unconventional wells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing one or more shaped charges in a single plane, using a shaped charge housing containing a cluster of one or more shaped charges, with the apex ends facing each other, arrayed about the center axis of a gun body, and detonated from a single initiator located in the middle of the cluster of the one or more shaped charges, the shaped charge housing can be one of many shaped charge housings coupled together to perforate in a plurality of single planes.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a shaped charge inlay includes an upper edge that extends inward and horizontal to an edge of a shaped charge casing associated with a shaped charge. The shaped charge includes an existing liner and the shaped charge inlay further includes a body that extends inward toward an apex of the existing liner. The shaped charge inlay may be disposed above the existing liner in the shaped charge, to disrupt collapse of the existing liner upon detonation of the shaped charge and thereby change the geometry of a perforating jet and resulting perforation created by the shaped charge. The perforation holes formed by shaped charges having the shaped charge inlay may have geometries that include constant open areas to flow in the target when the perforating gun is centralized or decentralized in a wellbore casing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a loading tube to be used in a perforating gun. The loading tube is capable of securely engaging with shaped charges while maintaining the structural integrity and being made by injection molding.

Abstract: A perforating tool assembly may be modularized by providing modular charge segments to provide for multiple configurations of shaped charges without the requirement of excess inventory. The modular charge segments may comprise any number of modular charge holder segments and modular charge spacer segments which are configured to provide for different spacings and offsets of shaped charges disposed within the modular charge holder segments. The modular charge holder segments include slots and locking tabs to allow for the differing offsets between charges. The modular charge holder segments may comprise a slit that allows the modular holder segment to be flexed or deflected to permit the loading and downloading of shaped charges. The modular charge segments may comprise a plastic or rubber material to provide for safer deployment of shaped charges downhole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing one or more shaped charges in a single plane, arrayed about the center axis of a gun body, and detonated from a single initiator in a shaped charge cluster assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of articles, using glass failure generated pulses. The apparatus and method is directed towards the hardening and compaction of an elongated cylindrical article surrounded by a glass sleeve in a confined arrangement. The apparatus includes a striker for striking the glass sleeve to create an explosive reaction that pressure-treats the cylindrical article, thereby causing the hardening and compaction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hardening and compacting an inner face of a cylindrical opening of a structure. The apparatus and method is directed towards the hardening and compaction of an elongated cylindrical opening by surrounding the inner face of the cylindrical opening with a glass tube, and initiating an explosive volume expansion of the glass. This in turn, creates a compressive force that acts on the inner face to compact and harden the surface.

Abstract: A fire control unit includes a control module and first terminals that are designed to receive a firing line to which a set of electronic detonators is linked additionally includes second terminals that are designed to receive a synchronization line to which a second fire control unit is linked, and a switch that may be configured according to multiple configurations such that the controller may be connected to or disconnected from the first terminals or the second terminals, respectively, and that the first terminals and the second terminals may be connected to or disconnected from one another.

Abstract: A carrier for at least one shaped charge, the carrier being disposable in use within an oil, gas, water or steam well bore. The carrier comprises a housing at least partially formed from a composite material which is non-frangible in normal use. The composite material component of the housing is arranged substantially to contain debris created within the carrier as a result of firing of the at least one shaped charge. The housing may be entirely of composite material or may comprise in inner metallic housing and an outer overwrap of composite material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a detonating cord against a shaped charge.

Abstract: A box by pin perforating gun system using swaged down gun bodies, a removable cartridge to hold a detonator and switch, and an insulated charge holder as an electrical feed-through.

Abstract: A perforating tool includes an encapsulated shaped charge that has a bulkhead with a reduced wall thickness section, a plate having a shallow recess, and a detonating cord having an energetic core. The energetic core forms the plate into an explosively formed perforator when detonated. The plate is positioned to direct the explosively formed perforator into the reduced wall thickness section.

Abstract: A perforating tool includes a charge holder connected to a work string and a perforator fixed in a charge holder disposed along the work string. The perforator includes a cylindrical case, an explosive material, a metal cap, and a detonating cord. The case has a bulkhead at a first end, an open mouth at a second end, and an interior volume. The first end includes a post having a slot. The explosive material is disposed in the interior volume. The metal cap covers the open mouth of the case and has a disk section defined by a separator ring. The separator ring has a structurally weakened zone that encircles the disk section. The detonating cord is received in the slot of the post.

Abstract: A perforating gun includes a carrier, an explosive charge positioned within the carrier, a detonator positioned within the carrier, and a switch positioned within the carrier. The detonator detonates the explosive charge when the detonator receives power. The switch actuates between at least a first position and a second position. The switch transmits power to the detonator when the switch is in the first position, and the switch transmits power to a pyrotechnic device when the switch is in the second position. The pyrotechnic device detonates or deflagrates when the pyrotechnic device receives power.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for reducing over penetration of a tubular with a shaped charge.

Abstract: A severance tool for severing a target is described. The severance tool comprises a housing, a plurality of focused energetics, each focused energetic adapted to release energy in a preferred direction and a trigger mechanism adapted to detonate the focused energetics. The focused energetics are aligned such that, on impact with a target comprising a material, the energy released by one of said focused energetics cooperates with the energy released by another of said focused energetics to establish a separating force within the target material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a perforating gun used for hydraulic fracturing applications in a wellbore and has an outer tube having several recesses of a second kind. The recesses of a second kind are configured to absorb shock waves from a shape charge in the perforating gun to reduce the numbers of cracks that form on the perforating pun. In some embodiments, the recesses of a second kind have a variety of shapes and sizes to aid in the absorption of shock waves.

Abstract: A perforating gun has shaped charges that can generate a high-pressure gas. A valve sub connects to the perforating gun and a reservoir sub connects to the valve sub. The valve sub has an enclosure with a port. A mandrel in the enclosure has a piston head and a fluid path extending at least partially through the mandrel. A sleeve is slidably mounted on the mandrel and selectively blocks fluid flow through the port. A pressure chamber in the sleeve receives the generated high-pressure gas via the fluid path. The sleeve slides toward the perforating gun after a predetermined pressure is created by the generated high-pressure gas in the pressure chamber. The reservoir sub may have at least one chamber in fluid communication with the interior of the valve sub.

Abstract: Wellbore subassemblies usable to create a flowpath between a formation and a wellbore can include an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve positioned internal to and external of a core, the core having sockets containing charge assemblies. Upon actuation of the charge assemblies, the inner and outer sleeves are both simultaneously penetrated to form a fluid flowpath between the interior of the subassembly and the formation exterior to the subassembly. The structure of the subassembly can enable it to be lowed and used as part of a tubular conduit string both before and after perforation, the charge assemblies being unobtrusively embedded within the wall of the subassembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool (10) to be submerged into a well fluid from a top of a well, comprising a first tool section (21), a tool housing (3) having an inner face (4), a downhole communication module (1) for communicating through a well fluid in a downhole well to operate the downhole tool, comprising a piezoelectric transceiver (5) having a first face (6) and a second face (7) and being arranged in the tool housing, wherein an element (8) is arranged between the piezoelectric transceiver and the tool housing, and the element is arranged in abutment with the first face of the piezoelectric transceiver and the inner face of the housing, so that the tool housing acts as a transducer when the piezoelectric transceiver is activated and enlarges in a radial direction of the tool housing, forcing the tool housing outwards and sending a signal through the well fluid. The present invention also relates to a downhole system and a communication method.

Abstract: A method for abandonment of a subsea well includes: setting a packer of a lower cementing tool against a bore of an inner casing at a location adjacent to an outer casing; fastening a pressure control assembly (PCA) to the subsea wellhead; hanging an upper cementing tool from the PCA and stabbing the upper cementing tool into a polished bore receptacle of the lower cementing tool; perforating a wall of the inner casing below the packer; perforating the inner casing wall above the packer by operating a perforator of the upper cementing tool; and pumping cement slurry followed by a release plug through bores of the cementing tools. The release plug engages and launches a cementing plug from the lower cementing tool. The cementing plug drives the cement slurry through the perforations below the packer and into an inner annulus formed between the inner casing and the outer casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improved gravity drainage in a hydrocarbon formation, the method comprising: drilling a production well along a substantially horizontal production layer of a reservoir; drilling a perforation well above the production well, either in the production layer or in a layer separated from the production layer by a fluid barrier; perforating the formation adjacent the perforation well to provide a fluid flow path to or within the production layer; inducing gravity drainage through the fluid flow path; and producing fluids collected in the production well.

Abstract: A one trip system for perforating and fracking multiple intervals uses a releasable barrier. The barrier can be an inflatable. A pressure booster system is associated with the BHA so that the existing hydrostatic pressure is boosted when the gun or portions thereof are fired. After firing in one interval, the BHA is raised and the barrier is redeployed and the pattern repeats. Instruments allow sensing the conditions in the interval for optimal placement of the gun therein and for monitoring flow, pressure and formation conditions during the fracturing. Circulation between gun firings cleans up the hole. If run in on wireline a water saving tool can be associated with the BHA to rapidly position it where desired. A multitude of perforation charges mounted in the BHA can be selectively fired by selected corresponding detonator based on a predetermined sequence or surface telemetry command.

Abstract: A technique facilitates severing and sealing of a tubing, such as a tubing string located in a wellbore. The tubing is combined with a mechanism constructed to sever and seal the tubing. The mechanism comprises an internal explosive charge and an external explosive charge mounted inside and outside the tubing, respectively. The internal explosive charge is of sufficient size to sever the tubing upon detonation. Additionally, the external explosive charge is sized and oriented to collapse and seal at least one of the severed ends of the tubing once those severed ends are formed via detonation of the internal explosive charge.

Abstract: A one trip system for perforating and fracking multiple intervals uses a releasable barrier. The barrier can be an inflatable. A pressure booster system is associated with the BHA so that the existing hydrostatic pressure is boosted when the gun or portions thereof are fired. After firing in one interval, the BHA is raised and the barrier is redeployed and the pattern repeats. Instruments allow sensing the conditions in the interval for optimal placement of the gun therein and for monitoring flow, pressure and formation conditions during the fracturing. Circulation between gun firings cleans up the hole. If run in on wireline a water saving tool can be associated with the BHA to rapidly position it where desired. A multitude of perforation charges mounted in the BHA can be selectively fired by selected corresponding detonator based on a predetermined sequence or surface telemetry command.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in a wellbore during a perforating operation can include positioning a perforating tool within the wellbore, where the perforating tool comprises a gun and an energetic chamber. The method can also include igniting an energetic within the energetic chamber to generate a propellant. The method can further include igniting at least one charge within the gun, where the at least one charge is ignited toward a wall of the wellbore adjacent to the gun. The method can also include directing the propellant from the energetic chamber into the gun.

Abstract: A breaching device for cutting through a substrate. There are several embodiments of the breaching device. In one embodiment, the device includes a hub assembly with a rotatable ring and a plurality of RM feed assemblies attached to the ring. In another embodiment, the device includes a disc, wherein the disc is rotatable and includes a plurality of slots, a shaft joined to the disc about which the disc rotates and a plurality of RM feed assemblies attached to the disc and arranged in the slots thereof. In another embodiment, the device includes a plurality of carts linked together, wherein each of the carts includes a cart body to which is coupled to an idler wheel, a wheel with an in-wheel motor and a platform and for each cart, a RM feed assembly retained on the platform. The RM feed assemblies include ejecta nozzles that may be positioned at selectable angles.

Abstract: A shaped charge casing cutter is constructed with the cutter explosive formed into radial section modules aligned in a toroidal cavity between a pair of housing plates. The center sections of the plates are contiguously aligned with opposite parallel surfaces of a center disc. The plate rims are offset from respective center disc planes in opposite directions from each other to form a toroidal cavity. The toroidal cavity is enclosed by a circumferential belt secured to said plate rims. V-grooved shaped charge explosive in the form of multiple pi sections is distributed about the cavity to intimately contact a pair of frusto-conical liners.

Abstract: A shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the cutter explosive material packed intimately around an axially elongated void space that is continued through a heavy wall boss portion of the upper thrust disc. The boss wall is continued to within a critical initiation distance of a half-cuter junction plane. An explosive detonator is positioned along the void space axis proximate of the outer plane of the upper thrust disc. Geometric configurations of the charge thrust disc and end-plate concentrate the detonation energy at the critical initiation zone.

Abstract: A perforating system that transfers a detonation wave between adjacent perforating guns by converting shockwave energy to electrical energy. An explosive is provided on an end of a detonating cord that is coupled to shaped charges, so that a detonation wave traveling in the detonation cord will initiate detonation in the shaped charges and then in the high explosive. The explosive is disposed adjacent a pair of members that are energized so that a magnetic field is formed between the members. When the explosive detonates, the resulting shock wave pushes one of the members into the space between the members to compress the magnetic field. Compressing the magnetic field produces an electrical potential usable to initiate a detonation wave in another detonating cord for perpetuating the detonation wave along the perforating system.

Abstract: A shape charge holder includes a platform where all the charges are symmetrically positioned about equidistance from each adjacent charge and about an equal distance from a center point. The center point is generally the centroid of the platform. The holder has an explosive bridge fixture which enables simultaneous detonation of at least three shape charges. The charges are angularly mounted in sockets having holes through the platform. When detonated, each jet formed by the exploding shape charge proceeds to a convergence point located orthogonal to the platform. The holder includes a supporting structure that establishes a standoff distance of the platform/charges from a target. In operation, the explosive fixture is attached to each charge and is filled with an explosive that extends to each charge. The explosive fixture includes a single igniter assuring that when the explosive is detonated, so are the shape charges.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a gun string assembly within a wellbore and perforating the wellbore using the gun string assembly. The gun string assembly comprises a plurality of perforating guns coupled in series. A first perforating gun of the plurality of perforating guns comprises a first portion of shaped charges, and a second perforating gun of the plurality of perforating guns comprises a second portion of shaped charges operably associated with a secondary pressure generator. The first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured in the gun string assembly to provide a pressure transient comprising one or more pressures at a location in the wellbore that meet one or more thresholds.

Abstract: A breaching device that may be used to create a linear and, if desired, continuous, cut or breach in a metal structure. The cut or breach created may be non-linear in shape and not deviate from the functionality of the device. The device includes a plurality of containers joined together, such as by a metal wire or the like to form a series of cutting charges. One or more of the containers includes Reactive Material (RM) that may be ignited electronically or some other activation mechanism. The containers that do contain RM are sealed with the RM therein and preferably fabricated to be sufficiently heat resistant so that the RM is only ignited intentionally. The RM that is contained in the containers may be fired simultaneously, sequentially or in a programmed pattern, depending on the requirements of the application.

Abstract: A method comprises: a. determining a configuration of a gun string, b. determining, by a computer, a pressure transient at a location in a wellbore, c. comparing the one or more pressures with the one or more pressure thresholds at the location, and d. perforating the wellbore with the gun string using the determined configuration of the gun string when the one or more pressures meet the one or more pressure thresholds at the location. The location in the wellbore has one or more pressure thresholds, and the pressure transient comprises one or more pressures.

Abstract: A shaped charge casing 1 designed to be nested to reduce overall volume, which benefits storage or carriage. A lid portion 5 is connected at 8 to a body portion 9 by means of a screw thread. A shaped charge liner 12 can be positioned onto lip 11. The lid portion 5 and body portion 9 can be separated to allow filling or unpacking of explosive material.

Abstract: A downhole tool gun string assembly comprises a first perforating gun operable to generate a first pressure at a first location in a wellbore, wherein the first perforating gun comprises a first plurality of perforating charges; a second perforating gun operable to generate a second pressure at a second location in the wellbore, wherein the second pressure is different from the first pressure and the second perforating gun comprises a second plurality of perforating charges, and wherein at least one of the second plurality of perforating charges is operably associated with a secondary pressure generator, where the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured to maintain a pressure at a selected location in the wellbore below a threshold when the first and second perforating guns are activated substantially concurrently.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure comprises a carrier adapted to be deployed in a wellbore; a shaped explosive charge mounted on the carrier, the shaped charge comprising an explosive disposed inside of a case; and a conically shaped liner having an apex and a base disposed with the explosive in the case, the liner comprising an electromagnetically formed portion. The electromagnetically formed portion may comprise a thickness at the apex that is different from a thickness at the base.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic charges that include an explosion generator and an explosive having an outer surface divided into n segments, each segment having kq multiple ignition points for the explosive, k and q being integer numbers greater than 1. The kq multiple ignition points for the explosive are linked by ignition lines forming, for each segment, at least two interleaved partial networks for synchronous ignition of the kq multiple ignition points, each of the partial synchronous ignition networks being linked to a respective partial network detonator.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use in a wellbore. The perforating gun assembly includes a carrier gun body and a charge holder disposed within the carrier gun body. A plurality of shaped charges are supported within the carrier gun body. A secondary pressure generator is operably associated with at least one of the shaped charges. The secondary pressure generator optimizes the wellbore pressure regime immediately after detonation of the shaped charges by controlling the dynamic underbalance created by the empty gun chambers to prevent excessive dynamic underbalance which may detrimentally effect the perforating operation.

Abstract: Wellbore perforating devices are disclosed. In one example, a wellbore perforating device includes a plurality of shaped charges and a holder that holds the plurality of shaped charges so that upon detonation the charges intersect a common plane extending transversely to the holder.

Abstract: A radial-linear shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the booster explosive packed intimately into a booster aperture that is bored axially through the charge upper end plate. The cutter explosive is initiated at the interface between the upper margin of the cutter explosive and the contiguous inside surface of the upper end plate. This interface is within a critical initiation distance from the half charge juncture plane. In one embodiment, a half charge liner is configured as the assembly of two, coaxial, frusto-cones with the smaller cone diverging from the half charge juncture plane at a smaller angle than the outer cone. In another embodiment, the liner thickness increases from the juncture plane out to the liner perimeter.

Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with a pressurizable gun body. The gun body can be pressurized prior to deployment in a wellbore, or while in the wellbore. Pressurizing the gun body can include adding fluid into the gun body, such as a pressurized gas, a liquid, or combustion products. A seal diaphragm can be used to transfer wellbore pressure into the gun body.