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 tool for penetrating a tubular as described. The tool comprises at least one length of linear shaped charge, a carrier adapted to support the/each length of linear shaped charge, and at least one detonation mechanism for detonating the/each length of linear shaped charge. Upon detonation of the/each length of linear shaped charge, a length of material is projected outwardly from the/each length of linear shaped charge towards an internal surface of die tubular, which is thereby penetrated. The at least one length of linear shaped charge is arranged such that, upon detonation, the trajectory of at least one portion of the projected material intersects the trajectory of at least one other portion of projected material at or adjacent the internal surface of the tubular.

Abstract: A method including (a) lowering a first tool string into a first wellbore, the tool string including a first perforating gun and a gun switch configured to detonate the first perforating gun, (b) detonating the first perforating gun in response to transmitting a first gun firing signal from a control system to the gun switch, (c) retrieving the tool string from the first wellbore following (c), (d) lowering a second tool string including the gun switch used in the first tool string and a second perforating gun into at least one of the first wellbore and a second wellbore that is different from the first wellbore following (d), and (e) detonating the second perforating gun of the second tool string in response to transmitting a second gun firing signal from the control system to the gun switch.

Abstract: A turbine has a flow pathway with an inlet in communication with the fluid channel. A rotor is disposed in the flow pathway and is rotatable around a rotation axis under the action of fluid flowing along the flow pathway. The rotation axis of the rotor is oblique to an axis extending along the fluid channel. The outlet of flow pathway may return fluid to the fluid channel. The turbine may also be provided with a flow control arrangement so as to vary the flow of fluid past the rotor and to prevent the rotor from damage. The rotor may be positioned apart from the fluid channel and so as not to obstruct the fluid channel.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a perforating gun assembly. The perforating gun assembly includes a housing and at least one perforating charge disposed within the housing. Additionally, the perforating gun assembly includes a detonating cord disposed within the housing and ballistically coupled to the at least one perforating charge. Further, the perforating gun assembly includes a first coupling location and a second coupling location that are each configured to couple to an additional perforating gun assembly. A detonator assembly disposed within the first coupling location is also included in the perforating gun assembly. A detonator of the detonator assembly is positioned to fire in a direction away from the detonating cord disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A gun tube for a downhole perforating gun assembly includes a body, a first end, and a second end. A motor is directly or indirectly attached to one or both of the ends and is configured to rotate the gun tube around its longitudinal axis in order to position shape charges in the gun tube in a desired position before firing the shape charges. A sensor may be on the gun tube, a sub-assembly, or an outer casing to detect the relative position of the shape charges and a signal including the position of the shape charges could be sent to a human or machine operator.

Abstract: A time delay apparatus for use with a downhole tool in a wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an electronic circuit comprising a timer, a fusible link, a split spool device that includes a center pin held in place in a restrained position with a spool and a spring element surrounding the spool. A pressure applied to a trigger device, such as a rupture disk, activates a pressure switch and starts a timer, configured with a preset countdown time, in the electronic circuit. On expiration of the timer, the timer block of the electronic circuit generates a signal to cause breaking of the fusible link and releasing of the spring element such that the center pin of the split spool travels to a functional position and activates the downhole tool.

Abstract: A multi-shot explosive charge includes a plurality of chambers divided by shared walls between adjacent chambers. Explosive material within at least one of the chambers creates an explosive force in an outward direction upon detonation and a perforating jet through the open end of the chamber. A perforating charge includes at least one explosive material producing explosive forces, upon detonation that collide within the chamber to create a perforating jet. Such perforating charge may be a chamber(s) within a multi-shot explosive charge, or an individual charge. First and second explosive materials can have the same or different compositions and detonation rates that together with the arrangement of materials within the chamber create the collision of forces. A plurality of multi-shot explosive charge or stand-alone perforating charges with colliding forces can be interconnected in an array, and can be included in a perforating gun(s).

Abstract: As assembly for a pressure-restrictor plate for a partially loaded perforating gun is provided. The assembly can include a charge tube positioned in a loaded-gun section of a partially loaded perforating gun. The assembly can also include a pressure-restrictor plate positioned in a blank-gun section of the partially loaded perforating gun and adjacent to the charge tube. The assembly can further include a rod for securing the pressure-restrictor plate in a position, the rod having a first end that is coupled to the pressure-restrictor plate and a second end that is coupled to an end plate positioned within the partially loaded perforating gun.

Abstract: A perforating system for creating perforations that azimuthally circumscribe an inner wall of a wellbore, and that are at substantially the same depth in the wellbore. The perforating system includes perforating assemblies that are housed in a gun body and spaced axially apart. The perforating assemblies have shaped charges positioned at selective angles around an axis of the gun body and at substantially the same axial location in the gun body. Bulkheads are provided between adjacent shaped charges, so that initiating the shaped charges forms angularly spaced apart perforations in a tubular in which the perforating system is inserted. Pressurizing the wellbore with fracturing fluid extends the perforations into fractures, where the fractures are normal to an axis of the wellbore and in a plane of minimum stress.

Abstract: A downhole kinetic energy storage system for wellbore completions is configured for installation downhole for extended periods of time, such as 10 year or more. The kinetic energy storage system receives power from a low power source, which can be due to a “power bottleneck” to the downhole location such as inductive coupling, optical fiber, downhole energy harvesting, and/or subsea wellhead configurations. The system stores the available low-power as rotational energy in a flywheel and then when demanded converts the rotational energy into electrical energy at a temporary power level exceeding the low power source. The temporary high power energy is used for wellbore completion applications such as actuating a flow control or other downhole valve.

Abstract: A downhole turbine assembly may comprise a tangential turbine disposed within a section of drill pipe. A portion of a fluid flowing through the drill pipe may be diverted to the tangential turbine generally perpendicular to the turbine's axis of rotation. After rotating the tangential turbine, the diverted portion may be discharged to an exterior of the drill pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrical power downhole comprises a housing located in a drillstring. A primary flow channel is formed through the housing. At least two secondary flow channels are located in the housing and arc laterally displaced from the primary flow channel, A fluid driven electrical generator is positioned in each of the at least two secondary flow channels. A controllable flow diverter is associated with each of the secondary flow channels to controllably divert at least a portion of a fluid flow m the primary flow channel to at least one of the at least two secondary flow channels to drive the generator therein.

Abstract: An interruption sub for a downhole tool the downhole tool activatable by detonation. The interruption sub includes a barrier movable between a biased closed position and an open position. Preventing ballistic transfer to the downhole tool in the closed position and allowing ballistic transfer to the downhole tool in the open position. A detonation path within the interruption sub, wherein the barrier is hydraulically or electronically movable from the closed position to the open position in response to at least one condition acceptable for ballistic transfer. Also included is a downhole tool activatable by detonation.

Abstract: A perforating gun can include at least one explosive component, and a shock mitigation device including a shock reflector which indirectly reflects a shock wave produced by detonation of the explosive component. Another perforating gun can include a gun housing, at least one explosive component, and a shock mitigation device in the gun housing. The shock mitigation device can include a shock attenuator which attenuates a shock wave produced by detonation of the explosive component. Yet another perforating gun can include a shock mitigation device with an explosive material which produces a shock wave that interacts with another shock wave produced by detonation of an explosive component in a gun housing.

Abstract: A first end of a conductive spring is embedded in a wall of a large chamber of a piston housing. The spring is held in tension by a second end of the spring being pinned against a bead contact by a trigger pin. The diameter of the piston and a tensile breaking strength of the trigger pin are selected so that the trigger pin is breakable and the tension in the spring is releasable upon the presence of a predetermined pressure difference between a pressure on the contact side of the piston and a pressure on the pinning side of the piston. Release of tension in the spring closes an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A firing assembly is configured to be contained in a recess formed in a wall of a tubular string subassembly and operates without blockage of the central core of the casing subassembly. The assembly can include: one or more casings connected together to form a firing head containment body, the firing head containment body comprising a detonation chamber and actuation chamber; a detonator configured in the detonation chamber; a moveable actuator configured in the actuation chamber and operatively connected to the detonator, wherein the actuator is retained in a first position in the actuation chamber by a retention detent; a coupler operatively connected to the actuator opposite the detonator, wherein the coupler comprises a channel for communicating pressure through the coupler to the actuator that overcomes the retention detent and allows the actuator to move in the actuation chamber to as second position, wherein the detonator activates in dependence upon the actuator moving to the second position.

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: 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: A perforating assembly includes a material that can respond to a magnetic field by changing shape multiple times and causing a fire control circuit to activate and deactivate. The material may be a magnetic shape-memory alloy and can change shape when the magnetic field is removed or inverted. When the material changes shape, the material can cause another component of the perforating assembly to change position to activate or deactivate the fire control circuit, as desired.

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: An apparatus for deploying and activating a downhole tool activated by an explosive charge such as a drill pipe cutter or hole puncher. The apparatus includes a sealing member with an external wedge-shaped profile that forms a metal-to-metal partial seal with a profile at the top end of a pipe joint in a drill pipe string. The apparatus includes an impact force absorbing device that maintains a firing rod in a non-actuated position during impact of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a differential pressure piston that actuates at a pre-determined well bore pressure to release the firing rod to activate the downhole tool.

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 method for detonation of a plug device in a fluid environment is described, which is in contact with a body, such as an ignition pellet, and it is characterized in that a number of pressure increases are exerted against the plug device, whereby each pressure increase causes a movement of a piston (10) which is radially arranged in a casing (12), which causes the casing (12) to move a fixed distance inward in the plug device with each pressure increase, up until the displacement of the casing (12) causes the piston to be displaced into a cavity (38), and the fluid environment enters the plug device via an inlet. Also described is a plug device which is in contact with a body, such as an ignition pellet, where the plug device is arranged to detonate after a number of pressure increases that are exerted against the plug device.

Abstract: A perforating gun train for perforating two or more zones of interest includes two or more gun sets made up of guns, one or more activators, and other associated equipment. An illustrative apparatus may include a first perforating gun; an activator responsive to the firing of the first perforating gun and a fuse element detonated by the activator; and a second perforating gun that is fired by the fuse element. An illustrative method for perforating a subterranean formation may include forming a perforating gun train using at least a first perforating gun and a second perforating gun; and energetically coupling the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun with an activator.

Abstract: Pressure cycle operated apparatus and methods. A method of actuating a firing head includes the steps of: reciprocably displacing an actuator piston of the firing head, the displacing step including the piston being alternately pressure balanced and unbalanced; and igniting a combustible material in response to the piston displacing step. A method of generating electricity includes: reciprocably displacing a piston, the displacing step including the piston being alternately pressure balanced and unbalanced; and generating electricity in response to the piston displacing step. A firing head includes an actuator piston separating at least two chambers; a check valve which permits one-way flow between the chambers; a flow restrictor which restricts flow between the chambers; a biasing device which biases the piston toward one of the chambers; and a firing pin releasing device which releases a firing pin in response to displacement of the piston.

Abstract: Pressure cycle operated apparatus and methods. A method of actuating a firing head includes the steps of: reciprocably displacing an actuator piston of the firing head, the displacing step including the piston being alternately pressure balanced and unbalanced; and igniting a combustible material in response to the piston displacing step. A method of generating electricity includes: reciprocably displacing a piston, the displacing step including the piston being alternately pressure balanced and unbalanced; and generating electricity in response to the piston displacing step. A firing head includes an actuator piston separating at least two chambers; a check valve which permits one-way flow between the chambers; a flow restrictor which restricts flow between the chambers; a biasing device which biases the piston toward one of the chambers; and a firing pin releasing device which releases a firing pin in response to displacement of the piston.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising a first mandrel movable longitudinally along a central axis and rotatable about the central axis, an orienting member configured to selectively interfere with movement of the first mandrel along the central axis, and a second mandrel connected to the first mandrel and configured to rotate about the central axis when the first mandrel rotates about the central axis. A method of orienting a wellbore servicing tool, comprising connecting an orienting tool to the wellbore servicing tool, identifying a predetermined direction, increasing a pressure within the orienting tool, rotating a portion of the orienting tool in response to the increase in pressure within the orienting tool, and rotating the wellbore servicing tool in response to the rotating of the portion of the orienting tool.

Abstract: Pressure cycle operated apparatus and methods. A method of actuating a firing head includes the steps of: reciprocably displacing an actuator piston of the firing head, the displacing step including the piston being alternately pressure balanced and unbalanced; and igniting a combustible material in response to the piston displacing step. A method of generating electricity includes: reciprocably displacing a piston, the displacing step including the piston being alternately pressure balanced and unbalanced; and generating electricity in response to the piston displacing step. A firing head includes an actuator piston separating at least two chambers; a check valve which permits one-way flow between the chambers; a flow restrictor which restricts flow between the chambers; a biasing device which biases the piston toward one of the chambers; and a firing pin releasing device which releases a firing pin in response to displacement of the piston.

Abstract: A shaped charge assembly for use in a perforating gun that comprises a shaped charge holder, two or more shaped charges, slots formed to receive the shaped charges, and an impedance barrier disposed between adjacent shaped charges. The impedance barrier can comprise a gap formed in the shaped charge holder, where the impedance barrier runs across the shaped charge holder. The impedance barrier can be a void formed on the surface of the shaped charge holder, or can include shock attenuating material therein, such as wood, cork, cotton, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

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 system and method of damping fluid pressure waves in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, pressure waves are damped by positioning a dampener in the well during a perforating operation. The dampener may attenuate the pressure waves by absorbing the pressure waves, flowing the pressure waves through viscously damping material, generating complementary pressure waves, changing a material phase, or by a combination of these methods.

Abstract: A firing head for a perforating gun includes a detonating block having a first end and a second end, with the second end being structured and arranged so as to be located adjacent to a detonation material. A central passage extends through the detonating block from the first end to the second end. A detonator is located and restrained in the passage so as to be adjacent to the detonating material. At least one venting passage extends from the central passage to an exterior of the detonating block.

Abstract: A safety system controls the activation of one or more downhole tools by providing selective transmission of an activation signal or an energy stream. In a preferred embodiment, transmission of the activation signal or the energy stream is allowed after the tool has passed below a known pre-determined depth. A preferred safety system includes a first device in fixed relationship with the downhole tool and a second device fixed at the stationary location. The first device permits, after reaching the pre-determined depth, either (a) an initiation signal to reach an initiation device associated with a downhole tool upon or (b) the energy stream to reach a downhole tool. The second device positively engages the first device to provide an indication that the specified depth has been reached.

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 charge tube assembly for a perforating gun includes a tubular body having opposed ends. Integrally formed engagement members are positioned at each of the opposed ends. Detachable end plates are secured to each of the opposed ends. Each of the end plates has openings engagable with the engagement members.

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 is disclosed. 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 tubing conveyed perforating apparatus is shown which includes a tubular firing section which carries a plurality of explosive charges. The explosive charges are initially aligned with regions of reduced wall area provided in a tubular firing section which initially surrounds the charges. A piston sleeve is mounted on the exterior of the firing section. The piston sleeve has a plurality of apertures which are initially aligned with the regions of reduced wall area in the tubular firing section and thus with the explosive charges. Detonation of the charges causes the piston sleeve to shift so that the piston sleeve apertures are out of alignment with openings formed in the tubular firing section by the detonation of the charges, thereby trapping any resulting debris within the interior of the tubular firing section. Firing of the explosive charges opens upper and lower circulating ports so that sand or other debris can be reverse circulated up the interior of the well string to the well surface.

Abstract: A downhole device and method for performing a function in a well. The device has a series of dedicated hydro-mechanical locks that prevent occurrence of an associated function. The hydro-mechanical locks are capable of being released directly by a respective elevated hydraulic activating pressure condition, and are constructed and arranged for sequential operation, such that a successive lock in the series cannot be released until after the hydraulic pressure condition required to release the preceding lock in the series has occurred. In a preferred embodiment, an actuator sequentially releases each lock in a series of locks, subsequently moving an operator to perform a function. A preferred implementation employs a series of resilient rings movable, sequentially, from a locking to an unlocking position, and a common actuator that effects these movements.

Abstract: A system for use in a subterranean well includes a tubing, a perforating gun, a detonator and circuitry. The detonator is adapted to fire the perforating gun. The circuitry is adapted to determine whether the perforating gun has fired and based on the determination, operate a valve of the tubing to transmit a stimulus to the surface of the well to indicate whether the perforating gun has fired.