Abstract: Provided is a casing washout perforating gun assembly for use in a wellbore. The casing washout perforating gun assembly, in one example, includes a carrier gun body, an uphole plurality of charges supported within the carrier gun body, and a downhole plurality of charges supported within the carrier gun body. According to this example, the uphole plurality of charges have an uphole size or uphole explosive design to perforate uphole openings having uphole opening areas within a wellbore casing, and the downhole plurality of charges have a different downhole size or different downhole explosive design to perforate downhole openings having downhole opening areas within the wellbore casing, and furthermore the downhole opening areas are at least 20 percent less than the uphole opening areas.

Abstract: A loading tube is configured to receive one or more shaped charges to form a perforating gun. The loading tube includes a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis; a cord passage formed into the tubular body; a retention cutoff formed into the tubular body and configured to receive a detonator cord; and a holding element extending into the retention cutoff and being integrally made with a wall of the tubular body, wherein the holding element is configured to hold the detonator cord into the retention cutoff. The cord passage is configured to receive the detonator cord from a bore of the tubular body and to direct the detonator cord outside the bore of the tubular body.

Abstract: A perforating gun for use in a well casing, the gun having a gun carrier extending along a longitudinal axis; plural shaped charges located inside the gun carrier, in groups of three, a first group of three shaped charges being positioned in a first single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second group of three shaped charges being positioned in a second single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a charge holder configured to carry the plural shaped charges, the charge holder configured to be inserted into the gun carrier. The first and second groups of three charges are spaced along the longitudinal axis so that a third single plane, transverse to the longitudinal axis, intersects each of the six shaped charges of the first and second groups of three charges, to achieve an ultra-short, high-density, perforating gun.

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: An apparatus and method according to which a perforating gun includes a volume fill body. The volume fill body is positioned in the space between a charge tube and a carrier tube. The fill body occupies at least part, and sometimes all, of the free volume space between the charge tube and carrier tube thereby reducing the free volume space. In certain downhole applications, large free volume space can lead to significant reductions in wellbore pressure, causing dynamic underbalance, which is undesirable. The presence of the volume fill body prevents, or at least reduces, dynamic underbalance and its effects. Also, the volume fill body aligns the charge tube with the carrier tube, further assisting perforation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an embodiment of a perforating gun assembly for use in a wellbore. The perforating gun assembly, in one example includes a carrier gun body. The perforating gun assembly, in this example, further includes a plurality of shaped charges supported within the carrier gun body, wherein each shaped charge may include a case exterior, the case exterior including an outer surface, and an inner surface forming a cavity, a liner located within the cavity, and explosive material located within a gap between the inner surface of the case exterior and the liner. The perforating gun assembly, in this example, may further include one or more momentum traps positioned between one or more adjacent shaped charges.

Abstract: A downhole tool for perforating a borehole includes a gun body and charges arranged in a helix around the gun body and evenly spaced from both a nearest neighbor along the helix and a nearest neighbor in an adjacent wrap of the helix. Further, placement of the charges is based on a specified diameter of the borehole and specified charge density.

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 is connected to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and a switch housing residing within the inner bore. The tandem sub also has an addressable switch residing within the switch housing with the switch being configured to receive instruction signals from a surface by means of an electric line. The addressable switch is in communication with a signal transmission pin and a detonator pin. The detonator pin sends a detonation signal from the addressable switch to a detonator in an adjacent perforating gun. The wiring connections for the pins may be pre-assembled before the perforating guns are delivered to the field.

Abstract: A charge tube for shaped charges into a perforating gun having a hollow cylindrical body with a first end and a second end, one or more cutouts adapted to fit a shaped charge, one or more apex cutouts, located 180 degrees about the center axis of the hollow cylindrical body from the at least one or more cutouts, adapted to fit the apex end of a shaped charge, and at least one set of parallel, partially circumferential, slot cuts proximate to the first end of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A shaped charge liner may include an apex portion and a skirt portion extending from the apex portion. The skirt portion may include a body connected to the apex portion, a perimeter spaced apart from the apex portion, and a carbide layer extending between and spaced apart from the perimeter and the apex portion. A shaped charge for creating a perforation hole in a wellbore casing may include a shaped charge liner having at least one material having hardness that is greater than a corresponding hardness of the wellbore casing. The at least one material is configured to bond to at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the perforation hole upon detonation of the shaped charge and penetration of the casing by a perforation jet.

Abstract: A holder for shaped charges is shown and described. The charge holder facilitates a high shot density for use with a perforating gun. The shaped charges are arranged to direct explosive force axially outward from a perforating gun. The plurality of radially spaced charges are designed to result in an annular ring of blast effect in any metal tubing associated with the oil/gas extraction operation as well as any concrete conduits in which the tubing is disposed.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating a tubular. The tool comprising a plurality of tool sections arranged in a stack, each tool section comprising a propellant source having an upper surface and lower surface, the upper and lower surfaces being separated by an outer surface extending around the perimeter of the propellant source, a first flame retardant material being associated with the propellant source upper surface and a second flame retardant material being associated with the propellant source lower surface. The tool further comprises at least one modifying agent provided in or adjacent the tool sections or generated by the tool sections; and an ignition mechanism for igniting the propellant source outer surface of each tool section, such that upon ignition, each propellant source is adapted to deflagrate, creating a stream of combustion products, the stream of combustion products extending around, and flowing away from, the outer surface of said propellant source.

Abstract: A method of perforating a subterranean formation may comprise: inserting into a wellbore a perforating gun assembly comprising: a first gun assembly comprising a first perforating explosive and a first ballistic transfer element; a transfer assembly comprising a second ballistic transfer element; and a second gun assembly comprising a second perforating explosive, wherein the first gun assembly and the second gun assembly are separated from the transfer assembly by a discontinuity; detonating the first perforating explosive; propagating a ballistic signal from the first gun assembly, across the discontinuity, to the transfer assembly; propagating a ballistic signal though the transfer assembly to the second ballistic transfer element; propagating a ballistic signal from the transfer assembly, across the discontinuity, to the second gun assembly; and detonating the second perforating explosive.

Abstract: A perforating gun including a carrier having a longitudinal length, one or more energetic devices received within the carrier configured to produce one or more mechanical waves, and one or more wave manipulators disposed along the longitudinal length of the carrier. The one or more wave manipulators generate an altered wave in an opposite travel direction of one or more mechanical waves traveling along the longitudinal length of the carrier.

Abstract: Components for a perforation gun system are provided including combinations of components including a self-centralizing charge holder system and a bottom connector that can double as a spacer. Any number of spacers can be used with any number of holders for any desired specific metric or imperial shot density, phase and length gun system.

Abstract: A firing assembly for a wellbore perforating gun or other downhole tool includes: one or more casings connected together to form a firing head containment body, the firing head containment body is in fluid communication with a firing assembly that includes a click pressure firing module that allows the wellbore to be pressurized to high pressures required for pressure testing the well casing one or more times without firing the gun or actuating a certain downhole tool, and after a predetermined number of pressure increase events, allows the subsequent high pressure activation to reach the firing pin or actuation device and fire the gun or activate the tool without further activity from the surface other than applying the pressure.

Abstract: An improved plug for sealing a tubular as described. The improved plug comprises a plug body, the plug body comprising a propellant and an initiator adapted to initiate the propellant upon a signal. Upon initiation the propellant deflagrates causing the plug body to at least partially disintegrate.

Abstract: A perforating gun apparatus for use in a wellbore comprising at least one explosive component and a disintegration-resistant porous material. The disintegration-resistant porous material minimizes fluid shock propagation from a perforated reservoir resulting from the inrush of fluid and debris. A system and method of minimizing fluid shock propagation effects in a perforating gun apparatus using a disintegration-resistant porous material to attenuate fluid pressure waves during a perforation operation in a subterranean well.

Abstract: A gun assembly for perforating wells comprising a plurality of guns with shape charges aligned centrically by end caps having insulated connector pins for conducting electrical signals and pressure through the end caps while preventing debris from the blast of one gun from entering and damaging the electrical connections and components of the next gun. The end caps being interconnected physically and electrically by specialized intermediate subs.

Abstract: A technique facilitates efficient punching and cutting of a tubing with a single trip downhole. A cutter and a puncher are combined and conveyed together downhole into a borehole, e.g. a wellbore. The cutter and puncher may be conveyed downhole via a suitable well string. A communications line may be routed to both the cutter and the puncher to enable selective actuation of the cutter and the puncher. For example, the puncher may initially be actuated by detonating a shaped charge to perforate through the tubing in the borehole. Subsequently, the cutter may be operated to sever the tubing. In some applications, the cutter may be replaced with another tool operatively coupled with the communications line.

Abstract: In servicing a wellbore having casing cemented therein, an assembly deploys on tubing (coiled tubing or jointed pipe) downhole. Fluid is circulated down the tubing to the assembly, and a perforating gun on the assembly passes the circulated fluid through it. A tool downhole on the assembly is then operated with the circulated fluid passed through the perforating gun. For example, the tool can include a fluid-operated motor and milling tool. To allow the fluid to flow through the gun, an outer housing supports the load between the tubing and operable tool and has an inner flow tube disposed therein. Charges for perforating are supported in the space between the housing and flow tube. Once cleanup or other service is done with the tool, a detonation is initiated for the perforating the casing with one or more charges of the perforating gun. The detonation can be initiated by a deployed device or ball shifting a sleeve to drive a pin into a detonator. Detonating cord can connect the detonation to the charges.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly used to form perforations in a wellbore includes a charge carrier having a longitudinal axis, and multiple groups of shaped charges that are disposed on the charge carrier. Two or more of the shaped charges within each group are arranged to generate jets oriented substantially along respective axes that converge towards one another. Also, two or more of the groups of shaped charges overlap one another in a longitudinal direction of the charge carrier.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a casing defining an interior volume, wherein the casing is prepared by sintering a metal powder or a mixture of metal powders; a liner located in the interior volume; and an explosive between the liner and the casing. A method for manufacturing a shaped charge casing includes the steps of mixing a metal powder or a metal powder mixture with a binder to form a pre-mix; pressing the pre-mix in a mold to form a casing green body; heating the casing green body to a first temperature to vaporize the binder; raising the temperature to a second temperature in an inert or reducing atmosphere to sinter the metal powder or the metal powder mixture to produce the shaped charge casing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for a “disappearing” perforator gun assembly. In a preferred method of perforating a well casing, inserted into the well casing is a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance. An inner structure is positioned within the outer tubular and holds one or more explosive charges. Upon detonating the explosive charges, the outer tubular is fragmented. The inner structure is preferably also substantially destroyed upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges. For example, the inner structure can be made from a combustible material, corrodible, dissolvable, etc., material. A disintegration-enhancing material is optionally positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure. Additional embodiments are presented having gun housings which dematerialize upon detonation of the charges.

Abstract: A perforating gun apparatus includes a carrier gun body having a plurality of jet target regions. A first set of the jet target regions has a first resistance to jet penetration and a second set of the jet target regions has a second resistance to jet penetration. A charge holder is positioned within the carrier gun body. A plurality of shaped charges is supported by the charge holder. A first set of the shaped charges is oriented to have discharge ends aligned with the first set of the jet target regions and a second set of the shaped charges is oriented to have discharge ends aligned with the second set of the jet target regions such that firing the first set of the shaped charges creates perforations having a first penetration profile and firing the second set of the shaped charges creates perforations having a second penetration profile.

Abstract: An electrical connector module is for completing an electrical connection in a wellbore device. The module has an outer surface having at least one groove that receives and frictionally retains an electrical wire in a circuitous path that relieves strain on the wire. An electrical connector is at least partially disposed in the at least one groove and is connected to the electrical wire.

Abstract: A geological perforating tool (gun) shape charges disposed at an angle that provides an improvement over other known embodiments by accurately securing the charges in the tool to facilitate reliable, reproducible focus of the shaped charges. Charges are disposed on metal strips fitted into slots that are precision cut at predetermined angles in a tool barrel circumference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for a “disappearing” perforator gun assembly. In a preferred method of perforating a well casing, inserted into the well casing is a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance. An inner structure is positioned within the outer tubular and holds one or more explosive charges. Upon detonating the explosive charges, the outer tubular is fragmented. The inner structure is preferably also substantially destroyed upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges. For example, the inner structure can be made from a combustible material, corrodible, dissolvable, etc., material. A disintegration-enhancing material is optionally positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure. Additional embodiments are presented having gun housings which dematerialize upon detonation of the charges.

Abstract: A combined fracturing and perforating method and device for oil and gas well are disclosed. The method utilizes an explosion of a perforating charge (5) in a combined fracturing perforator to ignite primary gunpowder in the perforator, and burning of the primary gunpowder ignites secondary gunpowder in the perforator. The body of the perforating gun in the combined fracturing and perforating device is provided with pressure releasing hole (8) which is directly facing the jet direction of said perforating charge, and sealing sheet (9) is arranged on said pressure releasing hole (8). Inner gunpowder box (6), which contains the primary gunpowder, and outer gunpowder box (7), which contains the secondary gunpowder, are mounted on the cylindrical charge frame (4).

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

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a subterranean formation may include a casing, an energetic material, a liner, and an acid-generating material. The casing may have a slotted end configured to receive a detonator cord, and an open end. The energetic material may be disposed in the open end and in ballistic. The liner may enclose the open end, and the liner may include an acid-generating material that is configured to form an acid upon detonation of the explosive material.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating a subterranean formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular carrier; a charge tube disposed in the tubular carrier; and at least one shaped charge mounted in the charge tube which includes a casing, an explosive material and a liner enclosing the explosive material within the casing. An apex portion of the liner has a cross-sectional thickness greater than a cross-sectional thickness of any other portion of the liner. The cross-sectional thickness of the apex portion may be at least fifty percent thicker than a cross-section of a portion adjacent the apex portion. A density of the apex portion may be greater than the density of any other portions of the liner.

Abstract: A rust resistant well perforating gun to fractionate a formation adjacent a well can include a gun carrier with recesses, threaded sections, seal bores, and a first coating to prevent rust. The rust resistant well perforating gun can have a charge loading tube for slidably engaging with the gun carrier. The charge loading tube can have charge holes, rear charge holes, end caps, and a second coating to prevent rust.

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

Abstract: A shaped charge 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 comprises a material reactive with a component of an earth formation. A method for perforating in a well includes 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 includes a material that can react with a component of an earth formation; detonating the shaped charge to form a perforation tunnel in a formation zone; and allowing the material comprising the liner to react with the component of the earth formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cutting a wellbore tubular may include an upper section and a lower section mating at a juncture plane defined by a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore tubular. Each section may include a support plate having a passage, a liner positioned adjacent to the support plate, and an energetic material disposed between the support plate and the liner. An initiator having a shaft may be positioned in the passages of the upper section and the lower section.

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

Abstract: An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator capable of providing an exothermic reaction after detonation is provided, having a housing, a high explosive, and a reactive liner where the high explosive is positioned between the reactive liner and the housing. The reactive liner is produced from a composition which is capable of sustaining an exothermic reaction during the formation of the cutting jet.

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 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 shaped charge includes a charge case; a liner; an explosive retained between the charge case and the liner; and a primer core disposed in a hole in the charge case and in contact with the explosive, wherein at least one of the case, the liner, the primer core, and the explosive comprising a material soluble in a selected fluid. A perforation system includes a perforation gun, comprising a gun housing that includes a safety valve or a firing valve, wherein the safety valve or the firing valve comprises a material soluble in a selected fluid.

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

Abstract: A perforating gun, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises a loading tube and a plurality of charges mounted in the loading tube with at least a portion of the plurality of charges being tilted relative to an axis of the loading tube. Wherein the plurality of tilted charges are tilted relative to the axis to create a selected reactive dynamic force on the perforating gun to counter a detrimental force on the perforating gun in response to detonation of the plurality of charges.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus that is usable with a well includes a shaped charge. The shaped charge includes a case, an explosive and a liner. The liner is adapted to form a perforation jet to form a perforation tunnel and promote an exothermic reaction inside the tunnel to create a pressure wave to force debris from the tunnel.

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 perforating apparatus (240) used to perforate a subterranean well. The perforating apparatus (240) includes a generally tubular gun carrier (106) and a charge holder (242) rotatably mounted within the gun carrier (106). At least one shaped charge (246) is mounted in the charge holder (242) and is operable to perforate the well upon detonation. A dynamically adjustable weight system including a weight tube (250) that is selectively rotatable relative to the charge holder (242) is operable to adjust the center of gravity (120) of the charge holder (242) such that gravity will cause the charge holder (242) to rotate within the gun carrier (106) to position the at least one shaped charge (246) in a desired circumferential direction relative to the well prior to perforating.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating wells has perforating charges and a means for retaining the perforating charges in a first array The first array has a first maximum cross sectional area; and means for expanding the perforating charges into a second three dimensional array The second array has a second maximum cross sectional area larger than the first maximum cross sectional area. Also an apparatus for perforating wells has a plurality of perforating charges and a means for retaining the perforating charges in a first array The first array has a primary axis and a first maximum cross sectional area and the perforating charges having firing directions oriented approximately perpendicular to the primary axis; and means for expanding the perforating charges into a second array, the second array has a second maximum cross sectional area larger than the first.

Abstract: An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator is provided comprising a housing, a high explosive, and a liner with a further insert liner where the high explosive is positioned between the liner and the housing. In use the high explosive will collapse the liner and insert causing two cutting jets to form. The insert may substantially cover the surface area of the liner or it may over only partially cover the liner, such as the apical portion of the liner or the base portion of liner. Alternatively the insert may be varied in thickness across the surface area of the liner. Typically the thickness of the liner may be between 1 and 10% of the liner diameter and the thickness of the insert may be between 1 and 200% of the thickness of the liner. The insert may be produced during the manufacture of the liner, but preferably the liner will be a retro fitted item.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) used to perforate a subterranean well. The perforating apparatus (100) includes a generally tubular gun carrier (106) and a charge holder (104) rotatably mounted within the gun carrier (106). At least one shaped charge (102) is mounted in the charge holder (104) and is operable to perforate the well upon detonation. A dynamically adjustable weight system (124) is operably associated to the charge holder (104). The dynamically adjustable weight system (124) is operable to adjust the center of gravity (120) of the charge holder (104) such that gravity will cause the charge holder (104) to rotate within the gun carrier (106) to position the at least one shaped charge (102) in a desired circumferential direction relative to the well prior to perforating.