Abstract: A perforating gun assembly may include a first perforating gun housing, a first shaped charge provided within the first perforating gun housing, and an alignment sub coupled to the first perforating gun housing. The alignment sub may include a first sub body and a second sub body rotatably coupled to the first sub body.

Abstract: A tandem seal adapter (TSA) for use with a wellbore tool may include a TSA body including a first end and a second end opposite the first end in an axial direction, a bore extending through the TSA body from the first end to the second end, an electrical contact assembly provided within the bore, the electrical contact assembly being configured to provide electrical connectivity through the bore. The electrical contact assembly may include a bulkhead provided within the bore. An axial position of a maximum outer diameter of the TSA body may overlap with the bulkhead in the axial direction. A portion of the bore overlapping in the axial direction with an entirety of the TSA body having an outer diameter equal to the maximum outer diameter may have a constant bore diameter.

Abstract: A detonation system for a perforating gun assembly. The detonation system includes a tandem sub having a first end and a second opposing end. Each of the first and second ends connects to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and an electronic switch assembly residing within the inner bore. A contact pin also resides within the inner bore of the tandem sub, with the contact pin having a head that extends into the electronic switch assembly and is configured to transmit instruction signals from the surface. A dart is provided near the first end of the tandem sub, with the dart having a base portion and a tip. The dart resides within an end plate, wherein the base portion has an outer diameter that is greater than an inner conduit of the end plate. The dart is configured to seal against the inner bore of the end plate in response to a pressure wave generated by detonation of charges in an adjacent perforating gun, thereby sealing off the tandem sub.

Abstract: A bulkhead assembly for transmitting current to a downhole tool such as a perforating gun. The bulkhead assembly comprises a tubular bulkhead body having a bore therein. The bulkhead assembly also includes an electrical contact pin. The contact pin comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft is fabricated substantially from brass and comprises a plurality of grooves. At the same time, the bore comprises a profile for mating with and receiving the grooves. This grooved, mating arrangement increases shear strength of the bulkhead assembly. Preferably, a first end of the electrical contact pin is in electrical communication with a wire within a wellbore. The wire transmits electrical signals from an operator at the surface. The shaft comprises a conical portion proximate the first end that fits into a mating conical profile of the bore. A tandem sub having an improved electrical communication is also provided.

Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.

Abstract: A downhole system includes a switch sub holding a gun switch and an adapter attached to the switch sub and holding an igniter switch. The gun switch is configured to detonate a detonator, and the igniter switch is configured to ignite an igniter system.

Abstract: Perforation devices including trajectory-altering structures and methods of utilizing the same. The perforation devices include a magazine, a barrel, a trajectory-altering structure, and an action. The magazine is configured to contain a plurality of cartridges. The barrel extends between a breech, which is configured to receive a selected cartridge of the plurality of cartridges that includes a selected projectile, and a muzzle, which is configured, upon firing of the selected cartridge, to permit the selected projectile to exit the barrel at a muzzle velocity and with a muzzle trajectory. The trajectory-altering structure is configured to act upon the selected projectile such that, upon exiting the trajectory-altering structure, the selected projectile defines a modified trajectory that differs from the muzzle trajectory. The action is configured to transfer the selected cartridge from the magazine to the breech of the barrel and fire the selected cartridge.

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

Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.

Abstract: The present invention is essentially a portable seismic survey device and method using reflection seismology for mapping subterranean formations. The device includes an upper assembly, a firing pin operably associated with a firing pin actuator, a lower assembly including a cartridge holder capable of retaining a blasting cartridge, and a detonation sensor capable of detecting detonation of the blasting cartridge. The detonation sensor transmits a signal to an event marking device to trigger a recordation of detonation time and geographic location of the seismic survey device. A seismic wave is generated upon detonation which is then reflected back toward seismometers. Data from the event marking device and seismometers can then be processed to provide geological formation information.

Abstract: A select fire system and method for controlling operations in a gun string assembly includes perforating guns and switch subs mechanically connected in the gun string assembly. Each of the switch subs includes a switching element, input links and output links. The switch subs and perforating guns communicate with each other through the input and output links. The switching elements keep track of the state of the sub and switches states based on trigger conditions such as environment conditions, perforating gun conditions, or input conditions from surface.

Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.

Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.

Abstract: Fiber optic enabled casing collar locator systems and methods include a wireline sonde or a coil tubing sonde apparatus configured to be conveyed through a casing string by a fiber optic cable. The sonde includes at least one permanent magnet producing a magnetic field that changes in response to passing a collar in the casing string, a coil that receives at least a portion of the magnetic field and provides an electrical signal in response to the changes in the magnetic field, and a light source that responds to the electrical signal to communicate light along an optical fiber to indicate passing collars.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use with a perforating system having a contact terminal that connects to a perforating signal line when inserted into a receptacle end of a perforating gun. A detonator may be included in an end of the cartridge assembly for initiating a detonating cord in the perforating gun. The cartridge assembly is a modular unit that replaces the manual connections made when assembling a string of perforating guns. The cartridge assembly may optionally include a controller switch for controlling current flow through the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Explosive carrier end plates for charge-carriers utilized in guns for the perforation of petroleum producing wells. Each gun is mounted coupled vertically with similar guns inside the casing of the well, and each gun is a hollow cylinder in the interior of which there is a corresponding tubular carrier that has multiple peripheral mountings for a radial placement of the shaped-charges. The carrier is mounted in the gun by means of a top insulating end plate that has a retractable electrical spring contact capable of pushing upwards, and a bottom insulating end plate. The end plates have a centering clip for anchoring in a respective window of the cylindrical wall of the carrier. Both end plates have a single removable insert axially fitted between two tubular inserts, which present reciprocal guiding and positioning means for a pin-keyway slot to enable mounting with the end plate.

Abstract: This invention provides a structure for gunpowder charge in multi-frac composite perforation devices that is easy to assemble and transport while the charge volume of gunpowder is increased. In one embodiment of the present invention, an triplet outer gunpowder box is attached onto the outer wall of the charge frame and comprises one middle gunpowder box charged with gunpowder of certain burning rate, and two side-hung gunpowder boxes charged with gunpowder of another burning rate. The two side-hung gunpowder boxes are separately located on the two sides of the middle gunpowder box and are connected with the middle gunpowder box as a unit. The middle gunpowder box is located at a position corresponding to the perforating charge, and has an inner groove for orienting the perforating charge and a through hole through which the jet flow passes.

Abstract: An isolation sub for use in a perforating system that includes a pressure activated firing head. The isolation sub is set between the pressure source that is used to initiate the firing head. A pressure regulator in the sub is responsive to fluctuations in pressure difference between the pressure source and wellbore and isolates the firing head when the pressure difference is at or approaches a designated pressure difference that could initiate the firing head. The pressure regulator includes a spring loaded piston that seals the firing head from the source pressure before the pressure difference activates the firing head.

Abstract: A perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.

Abstract: A perforation tool e.g. for perforation of a formation, a well or the like downhole by detonation of a charge. The perforation tool has at least one charge and at least one switch for detonation of the charge. The switch has a housing, at least one contact, a shaft having a first end with a fastening member enabling a slidable fastening of the shaft in a predetermined position in relation to the tool and a second end for extending into the housing, and a conductor provided on the shaft enabling an electrical current to be conducted between the contact and the for detonation of a charge when the shaft extends within the housing.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for one trip perforating and treating a wellbore, the bottom hole assembly including: a tool body including an outer surface and an upper end; a fluid passage extending into the tool body from the upper end; a valve to provide (i) in one orientation fluid access from the fluid passage to an outlet port opening to the outer surface and (ii) in another orientation fluid access from the fluid passage to a perforating gun actuation fluid supply channel while sealing fluid access from the fluid passage to the outer surface; an annular sealing member encircling the outer surface below the outlet port; and a perforating gun carried below the resettable, annular sealing member and hydraulically actuable to detonate by fluid communication through the perforating gun actuation fluid supply channel.

Abstract: A system for use in borehole completion is provided and includes a perforating sub, a firing sub having a first port and an interior and including a firing assembly disposable within the interior and operably coupled to the perforating sub and a drilling fluid barrier, which is formed with a second port and is displaceable toward a position at which the first and second ports align to form a fluid path through the interior that is sufficiently pressurizable to actuate the firing assembly, a drop plug selectively engageable with the drilling fluid barrier to enable displacement thereof to the position in response to applied pressures and an isolation sub, into which the drop plug is receivable following disengagement thereof from the drilling fluid barrier.

Abstract: A perforation tool assembly is provided. The perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.

Abstract: Application of the method and device to a water well will permanently seal the well casing in order to prevent hydraulic cross-contamination with other water wells in the area. The method employs a string to explosive modules in spaced relation along the depth of a well casing. This weighted string of explosive modules is lowered into the well casing, wet concrete should then be introduced into the casing, after which the explosive elements are detonated sequentially, starting at the top of the well. Detonation of the elements in such a manner should force the wet concrete or cement out through the well casing perforations, so that the well casing will be entirely captured within the cured concrete. The individual explosive elements are made from detonating cord and metallic ball bearings wrapped into bundles, and then the bundles are bound in suitable adhesive tape.

Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided for use in oilfield operations to detonate an explosive downhole including a capacitor discharge unit and initiator electrically connected together to form a single unit. Further, provided is a method of fabricating an integrated detonator. Additionally, a method of use for an integrated detonating unit is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus string for use in a wellbore has a plurality of activation modules having first and second ends and containing devices to be activated/initiated downhole. An apparatus string also has a plurality of initiator modules where at least initiator is operatively connected to each activation module and is addressable. Each initiator module may have a safety initiator which when the initiator module is addressed initiates the firing of the shaped charges in the gun module to which it is operatively connected. A wireless transmitter is operatively connected in and integral to the apparatus string for use in transmitting signals to address any initiator module in the apparatus string.

Abstract: A perforating system and method for wellbore perforating. The system comprises a perforating string having a perforating gun with shaped charges, a communication module for receiving detonation signals, and a controller associated with each perforating gun. The module receives surface signals for gun detonation and wirelessly transmits the signals to selected guns via the associated controllers.

Abstract: A system (100) for selective activation of explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) includes a surface controller (102), a downhole controller (106) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the surface controller over a first communication link (108) and a plurality of downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the downhole controller (106) over a second communication link (112). One or more sensors (162) are operably associated with the downhole controller (106) and one of the explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) is operably associated with each of the downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) such that, responsive to a detonation event, the sensors (162) detect the intensity level of the detonation which is communicated from the downhole controller (106) to the surface control (102) over the first communication link (108).

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a casing string including a first module and a second module, each including a gun assembly. The first module is positioned longitudinally adjacent the second module on the casing string. Each module contains a firing assembly for igniting the gun assembly in the first module, a remote signaler to remotely detonate the firing assembly, and ballistic transfer assembly for igniting the gun assembly in the second module. The ballistic transfer assembly includes a booster charge.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes: a charge case; an explosive disposed inside the charge case; and a liner for retaining the explosive in the charge case, wherein the liner is fabricated from a material soluble with a selected dissolving fluid (e.g., an acid, an acid matrix, an injection fluid, a completion fluid, and/or a wellbore fluid). A method for perforating in a well includes the steps of: disposing a perforating gun in the well, wherein the perforating gun comprises a shaped charge having a charge case, an explosive disposed inside the charge case, and a liner for retaining the explosive in the charge case, wherein the liner is fabricated from a material soluble with a selected dissolving fluid; detonating the shaped charge to form a perforation tunnel in a formation zone; and exposing the material comprising the liner to the selected dissolving fluid.

Abstract: A wellbore tool string includes a perforating gun having a plurality of explosive perforating charges and a shock mitigation tool. The shock mitigation tool including a tubular body having a top end, a bottom end, and a chamber; a barrier disposed proximate the bottom end in communication with the chamber; and a plurality of actuators connected with the body proximate to the top end of the body, each actuator opening a port in the body providing fluid communication with the chamber when the plurality of actuators are activated.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably coupled to the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). A carrier (106) contains the shaped charges (102). The carrier (106) includes at least one discharge location corresponding to the discharge ends of the shaped charges (102) when the perforating apparatus (100) is in its operable position. The discharge location has first and second material layers (122, 124) wherein the second material layer (124) exhibits resilient recovery such that an opening created by a jet formed from detonating one of the shaped charges (102) in the second material layer (124) is smaller than an opening created by the jet in the first material layer (122), thereby retaining debris in the perforating apparatus (100) with the second material layer (124).

Abstract: A perforating gun gravitational orientation system includes a perforating gun and a swivel device connected to the perforating gun to permit rotation of the perforating gun within casing, and the perforating gun spaced apart from the casing by the swivel device. Another perforating gun gravitational orientation system includes the swivel device having an axis of rotation which is spaced apart from a center of gravity of the perforating gun. Yet another perforating gun gravitational orientation system includes the swivel device having an axis of rotation which is spaced apart from a center axis of the perforating gun.

Abstract: Disclosed is a casing conveyed perforating system and methods for externally perforating a wellbore and casing. The perforating system is attached to the outside of the casing and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the wellbore. The perforation may be accomplished using two groups of charges, which are contained in protective pressure chambers, however, may use only one group of bi-directional charges. Each pressure chamber may be positioned radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs, which conveniently serve to center the casing within the wellbore. One group of charges may be aimed inward in order to perforate the casing, while the other group of charges is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably coupled to the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). A carrier (106) contains the shaped charges (102). The carrier (106) includes at least one discharge location corresponding to the discharge ends of the shaped charges (102) when the perforating apparatus (100) is in its operable position. The discharge location has first and second material layers (122, 124) wherein the second material layer (124) exhibits resilient recovery such that an opening created by a jet formed from detonating one of the shaped charges (102) in the second material layer (124) is smaller than an opening created by the jet in the first material layer (122), thereby retaining debris in the perforating apparatus (100) with the second material layer (124).

Abstract: A firing assembly for activating a perforating device comprising a module having a first chamber and a second chamber. The firing assembly comprises a firing head for transferring ballistic energy to the perforating device, said firing head having a detonator and a plurality of ballistic charges, said detonator coupled to at least one of said first gun assembly and said second gun assembly a remote telemetry device for sending a detonation signal, a transmission medium for transmitting said detonation signal to said firing head, and a receiving device for receiving said detonation signal and a processor for interpreting said detonation signal and activating said detonator.

Abstract: A system includes a well tool for deployment in a well, a controller, and a link coupled between the controller and the well tool. The well tool comprises plural control units, each of the plural control units having a microprocessor and an initiator coupled to the microprocessor. Each microprocessor is adapted to communicate bi-directionally with the controller. The controller is adapted to send a plurality of activation commands to respective microprocessors to activate the respective control units. Each activation command containing a unique identifier corresponding to a respective control unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for externally perforating a well-bore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing itself and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the well bore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges which are contained in protective pressure chambers which are arranged radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs which conveniently serve to center the casing within the well bore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly (110) for creating communication paths for fluid between a formation (114) and a cased wellbore (116) includes a housing, a detonator and a detonating cord (136). The perforating gun assembly (110) includes one or more substantially axially oriented collections of shaped charges (122, 124, 126) each of which is operably associated with the detonating cord (136). A perforation (152, 154) is formed in the formation (114) as a result of the interaction of jets (141, 142) formed upon the detonation of at least two shaped charges (122, 126) that create a weakened region (148) in the formation (114) followed by the detonation of at least one shaped charge (124) that forms a jet (150) that penetrated through the weakened region (148).

Abstract: Disclosed is a casing conveyed perforating apparatus and method for externally perforating a wellbore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the wellbore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges, which are contained in protective pressure chambers. Each pressure chamber is positioned radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs, which conveniently serve to center the casing within the wellbore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of oil wells and in particular to the explosive and other devices that are used to perforate oil well casings and hydrocarbon bearing rocks in order to create channels through which oil and gas can flow into the well bore. Existing oil well perforators are either termed “big hole” perforators which are designed to produce large holes in the oil well casing only or “deep hole” perforators which are designed to perforate the casing of the well into the surrounding rocks. This invention proposes a novel “dual action” perforator capable of substantially performing the same functions as both deep hole and big hole perforators.

Abstract: A unique phasing pattern is provided that maximizes the effective perforation geometry of a wellbore. The improvement overcomes the problems associated with multi-phase guns of the past that failed to account for the fact that the gun rested on the low side of the casing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the phasing is arranged so that there is a zero phase tunnel formed. The zero phase tunnel is located at approximately the location where the gun rests against the low side of the well. Further, tunnels are formed by shape charges at plus and minus forty-five degrees and at plus and minus ninety degrees. This can also be referred to as a penta-phase. In another embodiment of the invention, charges can also be placed to allow for a plus and minus one hundred and thirty-five degrees pattern in addition to the penta-phase pattern described above. This expanded pattern can also be referred to as a hepta-phase pattern.

Abstract: A multi-cycle pressure operated firing head for use in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a pressure actuated firing head for detonating a perforating gun in a subterranean well includes a firing mechanism and a member which displaces incrementally in response to alternating pressure increases and decreases applied to the firing head. The firing mechanism fires when the member displaces a predetermined distance. In another embodiment, a firing head includes a firing mechanism and a displacement mechanism which displaces a member of the firing head in response to a decrease in a pressure level proximate the firing head in the well. The firing mechanism fires when the member is displaced by the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: A detonation transfer subassembly for coupling two detonation activated tools in a work sting such that the work string may be severed between the two detonation activated tools without risk of a detonation. The detonation transfer subassembly comprises first and second explosive carrying members having a detonation transfer member disposed therebetween. The detonation transfer member defines a longitudinal passageway therein. A firing pin is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The firing pin has a first position proximate the first explosive carrying member and a second position proximate the second explosive carrying member. The firing pin is propellable from the first position to the second position following a detonation within the first explosive carrying member such that the firing pin impacts an explosive disposed within the second explosive carrying member, thereby transferring detonation from the first explosive carrying member to the second explosive carrying member.

Abstract: A tool activating system includes a multiple control units coupled to activate devices in a tool string positioned in a well. A processor is capable of communicating with the control units to send commands to the control units as well as to retrieve information (such as unique identifiers and status) of the control units. Selective activation of the control units may be performed based on the retrieved information. Further, defective control units or devices may be bypassed or skipped over.

Abstract: A technique includes arranging perforating charges of a perforating gun into groups of adjacent perforating charges. Each perforating charge of each group is aligned in a direction associated with the group. The groups are oriented to form a phasing for the perforating gun.

Abstract: A system includes a user interface device that is capable of communicating wirelessly with a tool. In one example arrangement, the tool can be a well tool or a tool having one or more explosive components. The user interface device is adapted to send commands to the tool to perform tasks, such as test operations. In one arrangement, the user interface device is a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: A tool activating system includes multiple control units coupled to activate devices in a tool string positioned in a well. A processor is capable of communicating with the control units to send commands to the control units as well as to retrieve information (such as unique identifiers and status) of the control units. Selective activation of the control units may be performed based on the retrieved information. Further, defective control units or devices may be bypassed or skipped over.