Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the orientation of each perforating gun in a wellbore and using that information in arming and firing each perforating gun in a perforating gun string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a universal plug in cartridge detonator capability in box-by-box perforating guns by providing a tandem sub, having a cartridge detonator assembly, that is capable of connecting to a box end of a perforating gun on one side and connecting to a pinned end of a second perforating gun.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus (115) for detecting and/or measuring a downhole feature (195), such as a fluid/fluid interface, in a well (105). The apparatus (115) comprises a first fluid and/or liquid permeable tube (120). The first tube (120) is porous or (micro)perforated. The apparatus (115) comprises a second fluid and/or liquid impermeable tube (130). The first and second tubes (110, 130) are hollow, and therefore, provide first and second waveguides, respectively.

Abstract: A method for characterizing complexity of rock fracture based on fractal dimension and a device thereof are provided. The method includes steps of: collecting rock fracture samples of a rock, and collecting basic parameters of the rock; determining a fractal dimension of a rock fracture morphology of the rock; calculating the fractal dimension of the rock; calculating a complexity coefficient Fc of rock fracture of the rock; and characterizing a complexity of rock fracture of the rock based on the complexity coefficient Fc of rock fracture of the rock. In the present invention, combined with the fractal geometry theory, fracture complexity coefficient of shale rocks is redefined and calculated to accurately characterize rock fracture morphology, so that characteristics of rock fracture morphology is correctly understood and affecting factors of fracture morphology is analyzed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a tandem sub between two perforating guns where an EB fire pressure switch arms a detonator after the detonation of a first perforating gun and then a subsequent electrical signal can then detonate the second perforating gun.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating a hydrocarbon well are disclosed herein. The hydrocarbon well includes a wellbore that extends within a subterranean formation and a tubular that extends within the wellbore and defines a tubular conduit. The methods include retaining a sealing structure within the tubular conduit and, during the retaining, stimulating a zone of the subterranean formation. Subsequent to the stimulating, the methods include fluidly isolating the zone of the subterranean formation from the uphole region by at least partially sealing the plurality of perforations. Subsequent to the fluidly isolating, the methods include moving the sealing structure in a downhole direction within the tubular conduit. The methods also include repeating the retaining, the stimulating, the fluidly isolating, and the moving a plurality of times to stimulate a plurality of corresponding zones of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Non-aqueous drilling fluids may be removed from a wellbore or tubing nor casing within the wellbore by introducing into the well a biodegradable aqueous fluid comprising banana.

Abstract: A method for the fracking or stimulation of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, said method comprising the steps of: providing a wellbore in need of stimulation; inserting a plug in the wellbore at a predetermined location; inserting a perforating tool and a spearhead or breakdown acid into the wellbore; positioning the tool at said predetermined location; perforating the wellbore with the tool thereby creating a perforated area; allowing the spearhead acid to come into contact with the perforated area for a predetermined period of time sufficient to prepare the formation for fracking or stimulation; removing the tool from the wellbore; and initiating the fracking of the perforated area using a fracking fluid. Also disclosed is a corrosion inhibiting composition for use with the acid composition.

Abstract: A method of increasing hydrocarbon recovery from a wellbore in a tight formation with greater breakdown pressures, the method including using hydro-jetting to effect a plurality of oriented cavities or discoidal grooves in the horizontal portion of the wellbore to overcome near-wellbore stresses, injecting a thermally controlled fluid into the wellbore to alter the temperature of the formation and lower stresses, and then fracturing the formation to generate a series of fractures that can be formed in a planar formation.

Abstract: A tool for use within a subterranean well extending from a wellhead to a subterranean location, wherein the wellhead resides at a first temperature and the subterranean well increases in temperature in a direction from the wellhead to the subterranean location, increasing from the first temperature to a higher second temperature, includes a component including a meltable material. The meltable material is configured to have a solid first state while the meltable material is at the first temperature. The meltable material in the first state has one or more mechanical properties sufficient to avoid mechanical failure of the component and is configured to have a second state when the meltable material is at the second temperature. The meltable material in the second state is lacking the one or more mechanical properties necessary to avoid mechanical failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for separating a fluid conveyance, such as coiled tubing, wherein the apparatus includes an anchor section and a carrier that, when united, create an explosive force, separating the fluid conveyance.

Abstract: A laser cutting tool includes: an optical assembly that includes a laser generator that emits an laser beam; a reflector disposed longitudinally downstream of the laser generator; a reflector reflecting the laser beam emitted from the optical assembly; a focus lens disposed laterally beside the reflector; and a timer for controlling the tool to operate for at least one predetermined amount of time. The focus lens focuses the laser beam after it passes through the reflector.

Abstract: A laser tool apparatus includes a tool body; a fiber optic cable disposed in the tool body, the fiber optic cable including a laser head that emits a laser beam; a reshape optic disposed coaxially downstream of the fiber optic, the reshape optic reshaping the laser beam emitted from the laser head; and a flexible cable attached to the reshape optic. The flexible cable flexibly orients the laser beam at a desired angle within a borehole.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to a low-profile adjustable fastener for charge orientation of a downhole perforating tool. The perforating tool may include a first tubular comprising apertures; a second tubular comprising apertures, the first tubular disposed in the second tubular, wherein the apertures of the first tubular are configured to align with the apertures of the second tubular upon movement of the first tubular; and a fastener comprising: a first component configured to pass through the apertures on a first side of each of the first and second tubulars; and a second component configured to pass through the apertures on a second side of each of the first and second tubulars.

Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of well operations. According to an embodiment, the technique employs a modular assembly configured for coupling with a wellhead assembly. The modular assembly may have a production subassembly and a fracturing subassembly. By way of example, the production subassembly may comprise a connection block positioned for coupling to the wellhead assembly, a production outlet fluidly connected to the connection block, and a valve between the connection block and the production outlet. Additionally, the fracturing subassembly may be releasably coupled to the production subassembly. According to an embodiment, the fracturing subassembly comprises an inlet for receiving fracturing fluids, an outlet coupled to the connection block, and a bore between the inlet and the outlet for communicating a fracturing fluid to a well.

Abstract: A perforating gun system for use in a well casing disposed within a subterranean well includes a plurality of perforating gun sections each having at least one shaped charge. The plurality of perforating gun sections includes an initial perforating gun section and at least one secondary perforating gun section having an activator and a sensor configured to sense an actuation of another of the plurality of perforating gun sections. The sensor is further configured to cooperate with the activator to actuate the at least one secondary perforating gun section upon sensing the actuation of the another of the plurality of perforating gun sections.

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: A downhole tubular cutting system includes a cutter comprising an explosive material configured to cut a tubular. The system further includes a generator body coupled to the cutter on an end of the cutter such that the generator body will be oriented uphole or downhole of the cutter when the cutter is positioned with the tubular. A detonating cord or igniter fuse is disposed around the generator body.

Abstract: A perforation system includes: a perforating tool including a main body and a perforating head disposed within the main body; a wireline electrically coupled to the perforating head; a pulse generator electrically coupled to the wireline; and a power supply electrically coupled to the pulse generator. Upon electrification of the perforating head, a spark discharged from the perforating head arcs to a perforation target location.

Abstract: An example laser tool is configured to operate within a wellbore of a hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation. The laser tool includes one or more optical transmission media as part of an optical path originating at a laser generator configured to generate a laser beam having an axis. The laser tool includes an optical element for receiving the laser beam from the one or more optical transmission media and for output to the hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation. The laser tool includes a purging head for removing dust or vapor from a path of the laser beam. The purging head is for discharging two or more purging gas streams. The purging head may include a coaxial flow assembly and a helical flow assembly. A coaxial purging gas stream may flow in a direction parallel to the axis. A helical purging gas stream may flow in a helical pattern around and substantially along the axis.

Abstract: A device for perforating, packing, and fracturing and a tubing string comprising the device are disclosed, wherein the device comprises an upper connector, a nozzle sleeve, a mandrel, a packer, a lower connector, a first inner sleeve provided inside the upper connector, and a second inner sleeve provided inside the nozzle sleeve, further wherein the upper connector is provided with a fracturing hole, and a nozzle is provided at the nozzle sleeve.

Abstract: A metal wellbore tubular wall of a wellbore tubular, having a cable system arranged on an outside thereof, is to be perforated downhole. The cable system contains a fiber-optic cable, and a magnetic-permeability element with a relative magnetic permeability ?r,m of at least 2,000, such as an electrical steel, is configured along a length of the fiber-optic cable. The cable system is located by sensing the magnetic-permeability element through the metal wellbore tubular wall, using a magetic orienting tool which is being lowered into the wellbore tubular. subsequently, the metal wellbore tubular wall is perforated in a direction away from the cable system.

Abstract: A gun for perforating a casing, liner or tubing of a well comprising multiple perforating charges in a mounting fixture configured to rotate inside a gun carrier and orientate the charges to a predetermined direction relative to the casing, liner or tubing. The mounting fixture and the charges are carried by an orienting tube, and the orienting tube is rotatably supported inside the gun carrier, thereby creating a rotatable assembly for orienting the charges into a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A system or apparatus for use in downhole communication or detection comprises a downhole arrangement defining a throughbore and primary and secondary elements. One of the primary and secondary elements is provided on the downhole arrangement and the other of the primary and secondary elements is provided in the throughbore. The primary and secondary elements are configurable for coupling of an electromagnetic field therebetween. The primary or secondary element which is provided in the throughbore may be provided on a tool such as a shifting tool which is deployable through the throughbore. The secondary element may be configured to provide the electromagnetic field coupled between the first and second elements with one or more characteristic features. The system may be configured for use, in particular though not exclusively, for communicating information to and/or from a downhole tool in an oil or gas well.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a well extending through a subterranean formation includes (a) introducing a first fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation, and (b) introducing a second fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation that is different in composition from the first fracturing fluid, wherein the second fracturing fluid comprises a temporary diverting agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for treatment fluids including an iodide brine. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an oil-based treatment fluid in the form of an invert emulsion comprising an aqueous internal phase and an oil external phase, wherein the aqueous internal phase comprises an iodide brine is provided. The treatment fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of a well bore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: An interchangeable module is configured to be used in an integrated perforating gun and setting tool system. The interchangeable module includes a body having first external threads; an addressable switch located inside the body; and a connection unit located inside the body and configured to electrically connect to an initiating device. The interchangeable module is configured to be used (1) between a first gun cluster and a second gun cluster and (2) between a distal gun cluster and a setting tool.

Abstract: An integrated detonation assembly of a perforating unit includes a detonator assembly and a charge assembly. The detonator assembly is positioned in the outer housing and comprises a bulkhead connected to the outer housing; a charge connector connected to the bulkhead, the charge connection having a connection end; a detonator carried by the charge connector; and a trigger coupled to the detonator and to a remote actuator. The charge assembly is insertable into the outer housing, and comprises a charge tube to support shaped charges therein; a charge feedthru; and a receiver. The receiver is at an opposite end of the charge tube, and has a receptacle shaped to matingly receive the connection end of the charge connector and to engage the trigger whereby, upon insertion of the charge assembly into the outer housing, the receiver is oriented and communicatively secured to the detonator assembly.

Abstract: An inspection tool and associated methods for testing physical and electrical properties of a perforating gun segment, wherein the perforating gun segment is received in a perforating gun segment holder positioned between a first connecting portion and second connecting portion. The inspection tool may be for establishing, testing, and confirming the position of an internal gun assembly and the electrical properties of certain electrical connections of the perforating gun segment. Electrical testing contacts and/or distance sensors may be positioned on one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion for measuring the position of the internal gun assembly and the electrical properties. In an aspect, the inspection tool may include a piston for pushing, via the first connecting portion, the internal gun assembly to a predetermined position, and establishing electrical connections to test the electrical properties of the perforating gun segment.

Abstract: A mechanical gun to gun delay for providing a desired time delay between the firing of a first gun and the firing of a second gun downhole without using a pyrotechnic fuse as the delay.

Abstract: A setting tool for setting an auxiliary tool in a well includes a housing holding a floating piston assembly, the floating piston assembly having a first end and a second end, which is opposite to the first end, an isolation valve assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the housing, where the isolation valve assembly is facing the second end of the floating piston assembly, and a frangible disc located at the first end of the floating piston assembly, to prevent a high-pressure gas to pass through a bore of the floating piston assembly. The floating piston assembly separates the frangible disc from the isolation valve assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a tool joint connection is disclosed comprising a scanning system configured to scan an exterior of a drill string, at least one distance measuring sensor mounted to a movable platform and a computer connected to the scanning system and the at least one distance measuring sensor, wherein the computer is configured to receive data from a scanning of the exterior of the drill string and compare the data from the scanning to a reference to determine a presence of the tool joint connection.

Abstract: A wellbore perforating apparatus and method according to which a perforating gun and a sensor sub are run into a wellbore toward a downhole location at which the wellbore is to be perforated. Detonable components of the perforating gun are energized to perforate the wellbore at the downhole location. An acceleration of the perforating gun and a pressure and a temperature of the wellbore are detected using the sensor sub during a time interval encompassing the energization of the detonable components. The detected acceleration, pressure, and temperature are compared to benchmark energetic responses for both detonation and deflagration events. Based on this comparison, a decision can be made as to whether an incubation period is needed to allow a reaction of the detonable components to weaken before retrieving the perforating gun from the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus housing for a cutting system for radially projecting a flow of heated gas to cut from an internal surface through an external surface of a conduit. The cutting system adapted to be positioned within the conduit comprising an igniter, an extension housing, and the apparatus housing. The apparatus housing has a movable sleeve section and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly comprises a conical head with through holes for evenly dispersing the flow of heated gas. A retainer abuts a diverter. The diverter imposes a 90-degree bend in the direction of the flow of the heated gas to cause the flow of heated gas to move the sleeve section away from the apparatus housing to expose a circumferential diverter gap through which the flow of heated gas projects radially to perform the cutting function. A spindle provides structure for the nozzle assembly and maintains the position of the nozzle assembly in the apparatus housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing operations in a subterranean well with a smart tool include securing the smart tool in line with a tubular string of a well clean out system. The smart tool has a packer, primary slips located downhole of the packer, secondary slips located uphole of the packer, and a circulating valve located uphole of the packer, the circulating value providing a fluid flow path between a central bore of the smart tool and the bore of the subterranean well. The tubular string is moved into the bore of the subterranean well and performing a well clean out operation. The smart tool is releasably anchored in the subterranean well, separating a zone of the bore with the packer, and a well testing operation is performed with the smart tool.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical connection is of the type of a “hot stab” connection. The connection also includes a jagged surface in the form of a scraper, which is capable of cutting through a deposit that could otherwise excessively increase the electrical resistance across the connection. The connection can be used underwater and installed by a diver or ROV, for example, for connecting cathodic protection to a subsea structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing a section of casing or lining from a wellbore. A tubular mandrel has a sliding assembly mounted thereon with grippers coupled to the assembly so that the grippers can be moved between an engaged configuration were they grip the inner wall of the casing section and a disengaged position were they are held away from the inner wall. A switcher is mounted on the mandrel which operates on entering the casing section to lock the grippers in the disengaged position so that cutting of the casing may be done. On pulling the switcher from the casing section, the grippers are automatically engaged and grip the upper end of casing section so that it can be removed. Additional locking arrangements are described which, by rotation, maintain the grippers in the disengaged position regardless of the location of the switcher.

Abstract: An object removal enhancement arrangement including a second object comprising a material configured to enhance degradation of a first object. A resource recovery system including a tubular string disposed in a formation, a first seat disposed in the tubular string, a second seat disposed in the tubular string, an object receivable in the second seat upstream of the first seat, the object comprising a material to enhance degradation of an object receivable in the first seat. A method for enhancing response time for degrading degradable objects in a system including landing a first object on a first seat, pressuring against the first object, landing a second object on a second seat uphole of the first object, releasing a material of the second object to an environment between the first seat and the second seat.

Abstract: A detonation assembly of a perforating unit of a downhole tool is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, and includes a charge assembly. The detonation assembly includes a detonator housing positionable in the perforating unit and having an uphole and downhole ends; uphole and downhole connections positioned at the uphole and downhole ends, respectively, of the detonator housing; a detonator positioned in the detonation housing; and a trigger positioned in the detonator housing. The trigger includes a detonation switch and a detonator contact. The detonation switch is communicatively coupled, when in use, between a remote actuator and the detonator contact. The detonator contact is positionable in the downhole connection, and has spring-loaded arms extending through openings in the downhole connection to urge electrical contact with the charge assembly whereby an electrical connection is maintained between the detonator and the charge assembly.

Abstract: An assembly, including a perforating gun to perforate a subterranean wellbore, and a setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore. In addition, the assembly includes an adapter configured to connect to each of the perforating gun and the setting tool. The adapter includes an outer housing including a single-piece, integrated body that includes a first end configured to directly connect to the perforating gun, a second end configured to directly connect to the setting tool, and an internal passage. In addition, the adapter includes an electrical circuit disposed within the internal passage that is configured to route an electrical signal to cause the setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore.

Abstract: In one aspect, the method comprises providing a perforating gun assembly having a first group of shaped charges on first longitudinal portion of the assembly and a second group of shaped charges on a second longitudinal portion of the assembly. The orientations of the first and second groups are rotationally offset from one another around a longitudinal axis of the perforating gun assembly. The method comprises locating the perforating gun assembly in a wellbore with the first group of shaped charges adjacent a wall of the wellbore at a perforation location, and detonating the shaped charges to form a first perforation channel in the wellbore with a defined first fracture initiation point. The perforating gun assembly is translated in the wellbore to locate the second group of shaped charges oriented towards a defined second fracture initiation point, at a desired axial position with respect to the first fracture initiation point.

Abstract: An example laser tool that operates within a wellbore is configured to combine a purging medium and a laser beam. The laser tool includes an integrator configured to receive the laser beam from a laser head and to combine the laser beam and the purging medium. A conduit is configured to generate a laminar flow from the purging medium and to produce an output that includes the laminar flow and the laser beam. The output is directed by the conduit towards a target within the wellbore. At least part of the laser tool is configured for rotation to cause the output to rotate during application of the output to the target.

Abstract: To optimize the efficiency of a perforating tool system, downhole conditions may be simulated to determine the optimal configuration for the perforating tool system. A simulated wellbore is disposed in a simulated wellbore case and coupled to a formation sample. The simulated wellbore comprises the perforating tool system and one or more filler discs that consume a volume of the simulated wellbore. The filler discs are used to control the dynamic underbalance for a given simulation of a perforating tool system. One or more measurements associated with the perforating tool system along with one or more images may be generated after explosive charges of the perforating tool system are detonated. The perforating tool system may be modified based, at least in part, on the one or more measurements and the one or more images for the specific dynamic underbalance of the simulation.

Abstract: A downhole system includes a controller located at the surface, a gun string located in a wellbore, the gun string including plural gun assemblies, a thru-line connecting the controller to the gun string, and a detonator block attached to a given gun assembly. The detonator block includes an addressable switch assembly. The gun assembly includes an end plate mechanism that electrically connects to the detonator block. The detonator block has at least one spring-loaded contact connected to the thru-line and the end plate mechanism includes a round electrical contact made as a printed circuit board, and the spring-loaded contact touches the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A perforating gun for use in a well casing includes a gun carrier extending along a longitudinal axis; plural charges located inside the gun carrier, in groups of 3, a group of 3 charges being positioned in a first single plane transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a charge holder configured to carry the plural charges, the charge holder configured to be inserted into the gun carrier.

Abstract: A perforating short gun for use in a horizontal well casing. The gun includes a gun carrier and a charge holder to carry shaped charges. The charge holder is inserted into the gun carrier and a selected length of the gun carrier includes internal features created therein to a depth in an inside wall of the gun carrier. The internal features are located and configured to align with a shaped charge, creating a standoff between the shaped charge and the internal feature such that when the charge is detonated it creates an opening through the internal feature.

Abstract: The disclosure herein includes a tubular cutting assembly for cutting a downhole tubular string, which tubular cutting assembly may include: a landing seat capable of being disposed on the downhole tubular string; and a tubular cutting assembly including: a landing mandrel capable of being coupled to the landing seat; a motor disposed below the landing mandrel; and a cutter assembly coupled to the motor.

Abstract: A method for plugging a subterranean well (6), comprising running a perforating tool (1) into the subterranean well and positioning the perforating tool in a well section (L) to be plugged; operating the perforating tool to create a plurality of holes (10) in a part (5) of a casing (4) located in the well section; running a surge tool (2) into the well; operating the surge tool (2) to lower the pressure inside the part (5) of the casing (4) located in the well section (L) and flowing a well fluid from an annulus (11) between the casing (4) and a well formation (7) through the holes (10); and pumping a fluidized plugging material into the well section (L) via a tubing string (9).

Abstract: While a fracturing stack on a well is at fracturing pressure, receiving a perforating string in a section of the center bore of the fracturing stack. The section is a section above a fracturing head of the fracturing stack. While the fracturing stack is at fracturing pressure, sealing the section of the center bore to maintain a fracturing pressure in and below the fracturing head. Equalizing pressure in the section to atmospheric pressure. Receiving, at atmospheric pressure, a well drop in the section. Equalizing pressure in the section to pressure in the fracturing stack below the section. Releasing the well drop into the center bore of the fracturing head and to the well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting and selectively disconnecting within a wellbore first and second portions of a downhole tool string from each other. The apparatus may be a downhole tool having a first connector sub connectable with the first portion of the downhole tool string, a second connector sub connectable with the second portion of the downhole tool string, an internal chamber, and a fastener connecting the first and second connector subs. At least a portion of the fastener fluidly separates the internal chamber into a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion. The first chamber portion is fluidly connected with the space external to the downhole tool. The downhole tool is selectively operable to disconnect the first and second connector subs from each other to disconnect the first and second portions of the downhole tool string from each other.