Abstract: A method for perforating a subterranean formation includes positioning a shaped charge and a reactant composite material in a carrier; positioning the carrier in the wellbore; detonating the shaped charge; and disintegrating the reactant composite material using a shock generated by the detonated shaped charge. The method may also include initiating a first deflagration by using carbon and heat resulting from the detonation of the shaped charge and an oxygen component of the disintegrated reactant composite material. A system for performing the method may include a carrier, a shaped charge positioned in the carrier; and a reactant composite material positioned in the carrier. The reactant composite material may be configured to disintegrate upon detonation of the shaped 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: An improved perforating gun having a tubular housing, a tubular carrier and a charge carried by the tubular carrier. The tubular carrier comprises an inside diameter, an outside diameter and an opening disposed between the inside diameter and the outside diameter. The charge comprises a forward end positioned in the opening between the inside diameter and the outside diameter. The tubular carrier increases a collapsible-pressure rating for the housing and positions the charge closer to the formation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a loading tube for a perforating gun for use in a perforating system. At a first location, e.g., a shop, which is not the location at which perforating operations will be conducted, the loading tube is completely assembled. The completely assembled loading tubing is then transported to a second location where perforating operations are to be conducted. In one embodiment, an RF-safe initiator, wiring, a detonating cord and a plurality of shaped charges are installed into the loading tube at a first location. The RF-safe initiators may comprise an exploding foil initiator or an exploding bridge wire. A process for assembling a loading tube for a single-shot perforating gun is also disclosed.

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: The perforation gun is comprised of a tubular carrier, a charge holder, a plurality of sealed charges, and a detonating cord. The tubular carrier has a length and a plurality of openings. The charge holder has a length and is comprised of a plurality of mounting locations which are each capable of receiving one of the sealed charges. The charge holder is capable of being secured within the carrier. The detonating cord is coupled to at least one sealed charge. In the mounted position and when the charge holder is secured within the carrier, the charges are aligned with the openings in the carrier such that, upon detonation, charge blasts emitted from the charges exit though the carrier openings and perforate a well casing and cement. In one aspect of the invention, the carrier openings are spirally arranged and spaced along the length of the carrier. In still another aspect of the invention, the openings are vertically arranged and spaced along the length of the carrier.

Abstract: A shaped charge for use with a perforating gun having an adapter that can couple the shaped charge with perforating gun systems of more than one size. An interference fit can couple the adapter to the open end of a shaped charge. The adapter includes a base section having an outer diameter exceeding the shaped charge outer diameter. The adapter larger diameter can be coupled to perforating gun systems formed to receive shaped charges whose outer diameters exceed the outer diameter of the shaped charge coupled to the adapter. Thus the adapter can couple a shaped charge to a perforating gun that might otherwise have fittings too large to accommodate the shaped charge.

Abstract: A perforating gun having a charge case with a boss element partially circumscribing Optionally the pair of bosses may be included that are substantially symmetric about the axis of the charge case. Forming a shaped charge with such a charge case allows for gun strips to be formed with increased web material between adjacent shape charges in the gun strips. The increased web material provides for a more structurally sound gun tube, especially when dealing with high density charges. Notches may be provided in the gun tube on the outer radius of the holes formed to receive the shape charges, the notches are to be aligned with the bosses on the outer periphery of the shaped charge case. This also may orient the charge cases so they are pre-aligned for ready connection to an associated detonation cord.

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 carrier tube for use in a wellbore perforating gun has inner and outer layers selected from materials of different, comparative physical properties. The inner layer has a higher compressive strength, and the outer layer has a higher yield strength. The inner layer enables the tube to withstand wellbore compressive pressures, which may, depending upon the material selected, include relatively high pressures, while the outer layer contains any fragments of the inner layer that result upon detonation of the gun. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running a production string into the well so that the production string extends through a first isolated zone of the well and at least into a second isolated zone that is located farther into the well than the first isolated zone. The production string includes integrated perforating charges. The technique also includes firing the perforating charges inside the first zone; and after the firing, maintaining fluid isolation between the first isolated zone and a passageway of the production string. The passageway communicates well fluid from the second isolated zone.

Abstract: An improved perforating gun having a tubular housing, a tubular carrier and a charge carried by the tubular carrier. The tubular carrier comprises an inside diameter, an outside diameter and an opening disposed between the inside diameter and the outside diameter. The charge comprises a forward end positioned in the opening between the inside diameter and the outside diameter. The tubular carrier increases a collapsible-pressure rating for the housing and positions the charge closer to 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 well completion method and apparatus comprises a pipe string having a bottom attached boring bit and scraper or reamer. Above the bit at designated well fluid production locations, perforation assemblies are integrated into the pipe string. Each perforation assembly comprises a by-pass circulation mandrel and a perforation gun. The circulation mandrel and perforation gun are both secured to respective arms of a Y-adapter. The Y-adapter leg receives the pin end of a traditional drill or production pipe. In one downhole trip, the wellbore casing may be scraped and the bottom-hole cement plug drilled out. Without removing the pipe string, the wellbore is flushed by a circulation of clean fluid down the pipe string bore, through the circulation mandrels and out the bit tooth cleaning jets into the wellbore annulus. Subsequently, the wellbore pressure is raised to detonate casing perforating shaped charges in the perforating gun.

Abstract: A shaped charge assembly (10) comprises a housing (20), first shaped charge (24), a wave shaping relay charge (44) and a second shaped charge (30) located in the housing. The assembly (10) is configured such that a first active element formed by initiation of the first shaped charge (24) causes detonation of the wave shaping relay charge (44), which in turn causes initiation of the second shaped charge (30) to form a second active element. The first active element moves beyond a second end (25) of the housing to cause damage of a first kind to an external target and the second active element also moves beyond the second end to cause damage of a second kind to the target.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having a case, an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably associated with the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). An energy absorbing charge holder (104) has a gas expansion region and a detonating cord receiving area to receive the detonating cord therein (116). The energy absorbing charge holder (104) also has a plurality of charge receiving locations that closely receive the shaped charges (102) therein such that upon detonation of the shaped charges (102), energy is transferred from the cases of the shaped charges (102) to the energy absorbing charge holder (104), thereby reducing fragmentation of the cases.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having a case, an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably associated with the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). An energy absorbing charge holder (104) has a detonating cord receiving area to receive the detonating cord therein (116). The energy absorbing charge holder (104) also has a plurality of charge receiving locations that closely receive the shaped charges (102) therein such that upon detonation of the shaped charges (102), energy is transferred from the cases of the shaped charges (102) to the energy absorbing charge holder (104), thereby reducing fragmentation of the cases.

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: An adapter is provided for holding and mounting a shaped charge having a non-standard size into a standard loading tube of a hollow carrier gun. The adapter may include a housing assembly having an interior bore to hold a relatively small shaped charge and an exterior surface sized for mounting in a standard loading tube via a standard jacket. Alternatively, the adapter may include an improved jacket having interior ribs for supporting a relatively small shaped charge and an exterior surface for mounting the shaped charge in a standard loading tube of a relatively large gun.

Abstract: A technique to install a tool in a well includes running the tool into the well and fixing the tool to the well with a fixing agent without pumping the fixing agent through a central passageway of the tool. The tool may be a perforating gun that includes a casing body that includes a longitudinal axis. The perforating gun may also include a fin and a perforating charge. The fin radially extends from the casing body, and the perforating charge is attached to the fin and is oriented to generate a perforation jet in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of the casing body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shaped charge assembly for use in a perforating gun. The shaped charge assembly includes a shaped charge combined with a longitudinal spine extending along a portion of a perforating gun barrel. The shaped charge can be secured to the spine with a retaining shell. A bushing is included between the outer radius of the casing the retaining shell. The bushing serves to absorb shock during detonation of the shaped charge and to help in orienting the shaped charges.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reinforcing system for a shaped charge assembly for use in a perforating gun. The shaped charge assembly includes a shaped charge combined with a longitudinal reinforcing system extending along a portion of a perforating gun barrel. The reinforcing system comprises a spine with a recess formed to receive the shaped charge of a perforating gun. The reinforcing system further comprises a compression zone coaxially disposed around a portion of the shaped charge. The compression zone is formed between a bushing and a retaining shell that also coaxially circumscribe a portion of the shaped charge and on one of their respective ends connect to the spine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating producing strata in oil or gas wells. The formation is penetrated using existing shaped charges, and an oxygen-rich material then is introduced into the producing formation. Thus, oxygen is available within the formation to sustain an explosive reaction with the existing formation hydrocarbons acting as fuel. This explosive reaction will cause fracturing of the formation and will counteract plugging that often results from the use of conventional shaped charges. In one embodiment, a container encloses shaped charges surrounded by oxygen-rich material. The shaped charges are ignited first, perforating the well casing and any surrounding cement. Additional explosive charges at each end of the container then are ignited. This forces the oxygen-rich material into the perforation tunnels. Alternately, the oxygen can be a part of the shaped charge and projected into the formation with the shaped charge to accomplish the same results.

Abstract: The weight of a shaped charge carrier is predetermined as a buoyancy control parameter for perforating guns. Each charge carrier comprises a co-axial assembly of inner and outer carrier units. Both carrier units may be fabricated from low density metals or composite materials comprising high strength fibers in a polymer matrix. The outer carrier wall thickness may be a weight control parameter. Shaped charge units having no independent casement are formed into sockets within a light-weight inner carrier unit. Alternatively, the shaped charge units may be formed within light-weight material cases and seated within sockets in the light-weight inner carrier unit. Materials and dimensions are selected to substantially achieve the desired carrier buoyancy in the specific well fluid whereby a perforating gun assembled from a plurality of the carriers may be substantially floated into a completion position and allowed to settle along the floor or ceiling of the wellbore as predetermined by the perforation direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating producing strata in oil or gas wells. The formation is penetrated using shaped charges, and an oxygen-rich material then is introduced into the producing formation. Thus, oxygen is available within the formation to sustain an explosive reaction with the existing formation hydrocarbons acting as fuel. This explosive reaction will cause fracturing of the formation and will counteract plugging that often results from the use of conventional shaped charges. In one embodiment, a container encloses shaped charges surrounded by oxygen-rich material. Alternately, the oxygen can be a part of the shaped charge and projected into the formation with the shaped charge to accomplish the same results. Still further, oxygen-rich material can be pumped into the well in bulk in a liquid or paste form.

Abstract: The loading tube comprises cups forming cup cavities for enclosing an explosive charge within each of the cups. The loading tube has ridges and valleys providing longitudinal and lateral strength to the loading tube. The loading tube is constructed of a formed material such as paper pulp, high-density polystyrene, plastic or sheet metal.

Abstract: A pipe conveyed charge system, for example a junk shot, having a self-contained activating charge which may be activated by mechanical force applied through the pipe. The initiating charge is pressure actuated, and fluid pressure in the pipe is used to fire the charge. The system includes a circulating crossover coupling an explosive charge to a pipe string and including circulating ports directing fluid flow downhole to clear debris from the borehole. A ball, or other blocking material, is conveyed down the drill pipe to block circulating ports to facilitate raising pressure in the pipe to a sufficient level to fire the activating charge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings conveyed on a tool string. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. An adapter is provided intermediate the tool string that facilitates conveyance of the gun string downhole. Additionally, the adapter enables the gun string to rotate independent of the tool string.

Abstract: A system and method for making and using a multi-point initiation explosive device that produces an enhanced pressure wave for severing tubing, pipe or casing in an oil or gas well. At least two opposed initiators initiate a column of explosive material from opposite ends, thereby generating opposing pressure waves propagating toward a midpoint between the initial initiators. A shaped-charge assembly with a liner located at the midpoint initiates immediately prior to the arrival of the opposing pressure waves and forms a fast moving jet to pre-score the target pipe prior to the arrival of the pressure pulse propagating from the initial detonations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. Additional weight may be provided as separate components and attached to the gun components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a perforating device comprising one or more perforating gun (1) installed in a perforating body (9), a perforating gun head (2) in the uppermost end of the perforating body (9), a perforating gun base (7) in the lowermost end of the perforating body (9) and a detonating device (3) installed inside or outside the perforating head (2), in which a charge frame (10, 22) is installed inside of the perforating body (9). A plurality of perforator unit connected each other by a detonating cord (15) are provided on the charge frame (10, 22). Every perforator unit comprises an explosive box (11) in a charge socket, a charge (13) in charge housing (12) and energy-bearing media (14). Moreover, an energy-bearing media sleeve (28) is provided outside of the perforating device. The perforating device is easy to manufacture with low cost and can be used securely in the operation.

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 perforating gun assembly useful in hydrocarbon well completion. The gun is assembled in a carrier made from straight walled tubing as a primary structural member with complementary male and female threads cut into opposite ends so that gun assemblies may be directly connected together. The male coupling includes a reinforcing sleeve threaded into an internal thread. An alignment pin is positioned in the carrier extending through the reinforcing ring and into the interior of the carrier. A charge assembly includes a charge holder tube with upper and lower alignment fixtures. The lower alignment fixture includes an alignment slot for mating with the alignment pin and a shoulder for supporting the charge assembly on the sleeve. The upper alignment fixture has an alignment pin for mating with an alignment slot in the carrier. A retainer ring may be threaded into the upper female threads to prevent removal of the charge assembly from the carrier.

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 method and apparatus for removing a tubular member (e.g., leg of an abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment) is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery system having a frame carrying explosive shaped charges. The frame includes charges having curved sections which can be moved relative to one another for engaging the inside bore of a tubular member to be severed. The charges are biased (e.g., spring loaded) to be moved automatically to an extended position that engages the tubular member (e.g., platform leg) when a trigger is activated from a remote location. The trigger can be a pin carried in a tube with wires connecting each curved charge section to the pin. When the pin is lifted from its tube, the wires are released enabling the springs to thrust the charges against the inside of a pipe, leg or tubular member to be cut. Once in this position, the charges can be fired.

Abstract: A circular shaped charge and methods of manufacture, shipping and assembly. An circular shaped charge is manufactured as two separate charge halves, upper and lower, and a separate continuous liner or pair of continuous half liners. Preferably, each charge half is formed of a number of segments, each comprising a reduced weight of explosive which can be shipped under preferred regulations. The explosive contains sufficient binder to prevent damage to the charge segments during shipping and assembly at a job site. The separately shipped components are assembled at the job site to form a complete circular shaped charge useful, for example, in a tubing cutter.

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: The invention relates to a perforating device comprising one or more perforating gun (1) installed in a perforating body (9), a perforating gun head (2) in the uppermost end of the perforating body (9), a perforating gun base (7) in the lowermost end of the perforating body (9) and a detonating device (3) installed inside or outside the perforating head (2), in which a charge frame (10, 22) is installed inside of the perforating body (9). A plurality of perforator unit connected each other by a detonating cord (15) are provided on the charge frame (10, 22). Every perforator unit comprises an explosive box (11) in a charge socket, a charge (13) in charge housing (12) and energy-bearing media (14). Moreover, an energy-bearing media sleeve (28) is provided outside of the perforating device. The perforating device is easy to manufacture with low cost and can be used securely in the operation.

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 technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes orienting shaped charges of a perforating gun to extend partially around a longitudinal axis of the gun. The perforating gun is oriented in the well to direct the shaped charges away from a water boundary. In response to this orientation of the perforating gun, the shaped charges are fired. The perforating gun and shaped charges may also be oriented in a deviated well to compensate for the anisotropic permeability of a formation.

Abstract: An instrumented perforating gun and associated methods. One aspect provides a recess for placement of instruments on the perforating gun. Another aspect provides methods for perforating and completing a well in a single trip. The present invention also provides an instrumented intergun housing. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

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: An impulse generator (76) and method for using an impulse generator (76) to initiate a detonation in a shaped charge perforating apparatus (60) is disclosed. The shaped charge perforating apparatus (60) is adapted for use in a wellbore (62) and includes a plurality of shaped charges (86). A detonation cord (98) is operably coupled to each of the shaped charges (86). An initiator (78) is operable to detonate the detonation cord (98) upon receiving a triggering impulse. A Marx generator within the impulse generator (76) provides the triggering impulse to the initiator (78).

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims methods and apparatus for forming an opening or a window in a downhole tubular for the subsequent formation of a lateral wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a thermite containing apparatus is run into the wellbore on a wire line and a widow is subsequently formed in casing wall. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a run-in string or drill stem with a drill bit attached to a lower end thereof. A diverter, like a whipstock is attached temporarily to the drill bit with a mechanically shearable connection. At a lower end of the whipstock, a container is formed and connected thereto. The container is designed to house a predetermined amount of exothermic material at one side thereof adjacent the portion of casing where the window or opening will be formed. A telescopic joint extends between the bottom of the container and an anchor therebelow and the telescopic joint is in an extended position when the apparatus is run into a wellbore.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates to perforating gun carriers and their methods of manufacture. In one embodiment of the present invention, high strength, uniform wall thickness carriers are manufactured through use of the electric resistance weld process.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings conveyed on a tool string. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. An adapter is provided intermediate the tool string that facilitates conveyance of the gun string downhole. Additionally, the adapter enables the gun string to rotate independent of the tool string.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention involve a thinned-skirt shaped-charge liner, a shaped-charge explosive incorporating the liner, and methods for making the liner. The focus of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention is the machining of the skirt portion of the liner to thin that portion to a thickness within about 25% of the thickness of the material around the center of the apex of the liner. The goal is to reduce debris and carrot size without sacrificing performance. In an alternative embodiment of the liner, at least some of the skirt portion of the liner is machined to a rough machine finish, but the mass of the material removed in the machining is insignificant to negligible. The liner of the present invention may be incorporated into a shaped-charge which includes a housing, a shaped-explosive, and the liner, preferably having an opening at the center of the apex of the liner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce interference resulting from activation of explosive devices. To reduce interference, one or more shock impeding elements are placed proximal one or more explosives to impede propagation of shock caused by detonation of the explosives. The shock impeding elements include a porous material, such as a porous liquid or solid.