Abstract: A shaped charge perforating apparatus (50) for perforating a subterranean well is disclosed. The shaped charge perforating apparatus (50) comprises a support member (62) having a plurality of shaped charge mounting locations each having shaped charge (56) positioned therein. Each of the shaped charges (56) has an initiation end and a discharge end. The initiation end of each shaped charge (56) is coupled to a detonator cord (70). The shaped charges (56) are enclosed in a carrier (52) having a plurality of recesses (54) spaced on an exterior surface thereof and having contoured bottom surfaces (80). Each of the recesses (54) is longitudinally and radially aligned with the discharge end of one of the shaped charges (56).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for increasing hydrocarbon production from a production well by determining a bedding plane (permeability anisotropy) of a hydrocarbon bearing formation and using a perforating tool to form in the formation holes having an essentially elliptical or elongated cross-section with the longest axis of said elliptical or elongated cross-section oriented perpendicular to said bedding plane (or in direction of the lowest permeability).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for completing a subterranean well bore in at least one subterranean formation. At least one perforating gun assembly is positioned on the outside of casing in a subterranean well bore. A suitable signal, such as a hydraulic, electric or wave signal, is transported to the perforating gun assembly so as to detonate one or more explosive charges in the perforating gun assembly which are aimed toward the casing. At least one wall in the casing is perforated thereby establishing fluid communication through the wall of the casing. Usually, cement surrounding the casing and a subterranean formation surrounding the casing are also perforated to establish fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for perforating a casing in a hydrocarbon well so as to avoid perforating in a direction where a cable resides. A mass of metallic material is clamped to the casing at a predetermined offset angle with respect to the cable. The angular position of the metallic mass is detected using a detector placed inside the casing. Then, a perforating gun is oriented based on the detected angular position of the metallic mass and the predetermined offset angle. Finally, the casing is perforated so as to avoid damage to the cable. The cable comprises a number of electrical conductors and is used to communicate with permanent sensors located on the cable in the vicinity of the casing to be perforated.

Abstract: A stinger is fabricated with an orientating key. The stinger is lowered into a wellbore and remains atop a downhole assembly. The angular orientation of stinger with respect to the downhole assemble is also adjustable prior to entering the wellbore. The stinger acts as a guide for coupling an alignment skirt. The alignment skirt is fabricated with an alignment slot for receiving the orientation key. The alignment skirt is lowered onto the stinger and, as inclines on the skirt engage the orientation key, the alignment skirt is rotated until the alignment slot receives the orientation key. The alignment skirt and stinger are then fully coupled. The angular orientation of the orientation key can be determined by coupling an alignment skirt to the stinger, where a directional tool is affixed to the alignment skirt and performs a directional survey.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to novel devices and methods to minimize the production of sand in subterranean environments; in particular, in poorly consolidated formations, sand is often co-produced along with the desired fluid (e.g., oil); sand production is undesirable, hence in the present Invention, elliptically shaped perforations of a particular orientation are created in the casing (or directly into the formation in the case of an uncased wellbore) that lines wellbore drilled through the formation, to improve near-wellbore stability of the formation, hence minimizing sand intrusion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of orienting a tool in a wellbore includes running an orientation string into the wellbore, the orienting string including a positioning device, a measurement device (e.g., a gyroscope), and the tool. The orientation string is positioned in a predetermined interval in the wellbore. The azimuthal orientation of the orientation string is measured with the measurement device. The orientation string is removed from the wellbore, and a tool string is run into the wellbore, the tool string including substantially similar components as the orientation string such that the tool string follows substantially the same path as the orientation string.