An adapter for a shaped charge includes a plurality of members configured to be secured to an inner surface of a shaped charge case. Each member of the plurality of members is spaced apart from each other such that the adapter has a central open area. According to an aspect, a securing mechanism is configured to secure the member to an inner surface feature of the shaped charge case.
An initiator head includes a housing piece defining an interior chamber, a circuit board supported in the interior chamber, a line-in terminal coupled to the circuit board, and insulating material filling the interior chamber and covering a top surface of the circuit board for absorbing shocks or vibrations and electrically insulating electronics of the circuit board.
A liner for a shaped charge is formed from a powder blend and dimensioned for forming a perforating jet to create a hole in a target in response to detonation of an explosive. The powder blend includes an erosion resistant material. The erosion resistant material is a powdered carbide material, a powdered nitride material, or a cobalt powder material.
A detonator positioning device for use with a detonator in a perforating gun assembly is described. The detonator positioning device is configured for electrically contactably forming an electrical connection within the perforating gun housing by contact. The detonator positioning device includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending between the first and second ends. The central bore is adapted for receiving one or more electrically contactable components of a detonator. The detonator positioning device aligns at least one of the one or more electrically contactable components to form an electrical connection with a bulkhead assembly.
Disclosed embodiments relate to devices and methods for storage and/or transport of tubular structures, such as perforating guns for use in wellbores. Some embodiments relate to modular storage containers, for example which may be height adjustable depending on the length of the tubular structure to be held therein. Some embodiments relate to mobile storage banks, which may be configured for use with the modular storage containers. In some embodiments, the storage bank may further be configured with one or more longitudinal compartments configured to hold used tool strings or portions thereof.
A ballistically-safe wellbore tool may include an explosive device, an initiator including an initiating charge, and a bias member. A relative configuration of the explosive device and the initiator may be switchable between a first configuration, in which the initiating charge is at a ballistically safe distance from the explosive device, and a second configuration, in which the initiating charge is within a ballistically operable distance from the explosive device. The bias member is configured to bias the explosive device and the initiator to the first configuration.
A perforating gun may include a first housing, a charge holder positioned within the first housing and configured to receive a shaped charge, an initiator, a detonating cord configured to detonate the shaped charge, and a first spring positioned within the first housing. A relative position of the initiator and the detonating cord may be movable between a first position in which the perforating gun is ballistically unarmed and a second position in which the perforating gun is ballistically armed. The first spring may bias the initiator and the detonating cord to the first position.
A system for use within a gun housing of a perforating gun may include a centralizer and a detonator holder. The centralizer may include a centralizer body and a centralizer bore extending through the centralizer body. The detonator holder may be disposed within the centralizer bore and may include a first detonator holder end configured to receive a detonator and a second detonator holder end comprising a detonator holder coupling. The detonator holder may extend through the centralizer and may be mechanically coupled to the centralizer. The centralizer may be configured to engage with an inner surface of the gun housing.
A ballistically actuated plug (2100) for being deployed in a wellbore casing includes a ballistic housing (2106) and an outer seal housing (2102). The ballistic housing includes a first housing portion including a chamber (2208), and a second housing portion having a noncompressible core. The outer seal housing is circumferentially disposed around the noncompressible core (2216). According to an aspect, the initiator (2206) is positioned within the chamber and a detonation extender (2222) is in ballistic communication with the initiator and is circumferentially disposed around the noncompressible core. The detonation extender is configured to, upon detonation, expand the outer seal housing (2102) from an unexpanded form to an expanded form to secure the outer seal housing within the wellbore casing.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
A charge holder for use with a shaped charge may include a charge receiving structure configured to receive the shaped charge, a plurality of projections extending from the charge receiving structure and configured to retain the shaped charge within the charge receiving structure, and a rotation coupling configured to couple to an adjacent charge holder.
Various exemplary embodiments of an encapsulated shaped charge (100) may include a charge case (110), a charge lid (120) covering an open end of the charge case, and an external clip assembly connected to each of the charge case and the charge lid. The charge case may house explosive material (111) and a shaped charge liner (112). The external clip assembly may include one or more clips (140) respectively connected to each of a retainer ring (130) positioned on the charge lid, and the charge case. The retainer ring may be formed from a material that will melt or burn when exposed to fire. According to the exemplary embodiments, melting or burning the retainer ring can release the one or more clips from the retainer ring and/or charge lid.
A tandem seal adapter (100) for connecting first and second wellbore tools (20, 30) includes a body portion (102). The body portion (102) has a first seal (116a) at a first end portion thereof, and a second seal (116b) at a second end portion thereof. The body portion includes a maximum outer diameter (105) that is less than a maximum inner diameter (27) of a mating portion of the first or second wellbore tool.
According to an aspect, a perforating gun assembly and a detonator assembly are provided. The detonator assembly includes at least a shell, and more than one electrically contactable component that is configured for being electrically contactably received by the perforating gun assembly without using a wired electrical connection, but rather forms the electrical connection merely by contact with at least one of the more than one electrically contactable components. According to an aspect, the detonator assembly includes a selective detonator assembly. A method of assembling the perforating gun assembly including the detonator assembly is also provided.
A tandem seal adapter for connecting first and second wellbore tools includes a body portion. The body portion has a first seal at a first end portion thereof, and a second seal at a second end portion thereof. The body portion includes a maximum outer diameter that is less than a maximum inner diameter of a mating portion of the first or second wellbore tool.
A detonator includes a detonator shell having an open end, a closed end, and a hollow interior between the open and closed ends. A pyrotechnical material is disposed within the hollow interior, and a main explosive load is disposed within the hollow interior between the pyrotechnical material and the closed end. At least one of the pyrotechnical material or the main explosive load may be multilayered.
A wireline release tool may include a casing configured to couple to a wireline and a connector configured to couple to a tool string. The casing may have a first end, a second end, and a chamber therebetween, and the connector may be detachably attached to the second end of the casing. A gas generator may be disposed in the chamber and may be capable of generating gas pressure in the chamber sufficient to overcome a pressure differential between the chamber and the external wellbore environment and to detach the connector from the casing.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
A self-erecting launcher assembly includes a mobile unit, and a magazine positioned in a receptacle of the mobile unit. The magazine includes a plurality of drones. A rail unit is secured to the mobile unit and moves between a closed position and an elevated position. A platform may be secured to the rail unit and is movable in an upward direction and a downward direction along a length of the rail unit. The platform is movable when the rail unit is in its elevated position. The magazine or the plurality of drones may be positioned on the platform, such that the platform moves the magazine or the plurality of drones from the mobile unit to at least one wellhead. A manipulator arm is secured to the platform and selects a drone of the plurality of drones and delivers the selected drone into a lubricator positioned at the wellhead.
A tool housing for use in a wellbore tool string may include a housing body having a first housing region and a second housing region. The tool housing may include a bias member channel provided in the first housing region and extending inward in a radial direction. A bias member may be provided within the bias member channel and engaged with a snap connector. The bias member may bias the snap connector outward in the radial direction. A connector groove may be provided in a hollow interior of the second housing region and extend outward in the radial direction. A first housing region of a second tool housing of a wellbore tool string may be inserted into a hollow interior of a first tool housing. A snap connector of the second tool housing may be coupled with a connector groove of the first tool housing.
E21B 17/046 - CouplingsJoints between rod and bit, or between rod and rod with ribs, pins, or jaws, and complementary grooves or the like, e.g. bayonet catches
E21B 43/119 - Details, e.g. for locating perforating place or direction
A disposable setting tool (100) may include an outer housing (102) and a piston (104). The outer housing (102) may have a proximal end portion defining a power charge chamber (122) and a distal end portion. The outer housing may define a longitudinally-extending bore (112) configured for holding a medium therein. The bore (112) and the power charge chamber (122) may be divided from one another by a proximal wall (120). The piston (104) may be configured for receipt in the bore and to move axially relative to the outer housing (102).
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 23/06 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for setting packers
A non-primary explosive detonator includes an outer shell having a head portion defining a chamber therein, and a body portion extending distally from the head portion. The body portion of the outer shell defines a longitudinally-extending bore therethrough. The detonator further includes a column of deflagrating and detonating material positioned in the bore of the body portion. The bore and the column of deflagrating and detonating material may taper at a distal section thereof. A distal end of the outer shell may define an opening in fluid communication with the bore to allow for combustion to exit via the opening.
A detonator cartridge includes a housing configured for receipt in a receptacle of a charge tube, an electronic initiation board supported in the housing, and a detonating capsule configured for lateral receipt in a slot defined in a first side wall of the housing.
A communication unit may be used within a wellbore tool string in communication with a surface unit and comprising at least one downhole tool. The communication unit may include a housing defining a chamber therein and an electronics board disposed within the chamber. The electronics board comprising a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be configured to perform receiving an electronic signal from one of the surface unit and the at least one downhole tool, processing the electronic signal, and transmitting the processed electronic signal to the other of the surface unit and the at least one downhole tool.
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
An initiator head may include a housing extending in an axial direction, a circuit board provided in an interior space of the housing, a line-in terminal provided on a first side of the housing in the axial direction and accessible from an exterior of the housing, and a fuse displaced from the circuit board in the axial direction. A thickness direction of the circuit board may be substantially parallel with the axial direction. The line-in terminal may be in electrical communication with the circuit board. The fuse may be in electrical communication with the circuit board. The circuit board may be configured to activate the fuse in response to a control signal received at the line-in terminal.
A disposable setting tool may include an outer housing and a piston. The outer housing may have a proximal end portion defining a power charge chamber and a distal end portion. The outer housing may define a longitudinally-extending bore configured for holding a medium therein. The bore and the power charge chamber may be divided from one another by a proximal wall. The piston may be configured for receipt in the bore and to move axially relative to the outer housing.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
An initiator head (200) includes a housing piece (240) defining an interior chamber, a circuit board (210) supported in the interior chamber, a line-in terminal (212) coupled to the circuit board, and insulating material filling the interior chamber and covering a top surface of the circuit board for absorbing shocks or vibrations and electrically insulating electronics of the circuit board.
An alignment sub (100) includes first and second sections (200, 300) that are rotatably coupled to one another. The first and second sections are configured to respectively couple to a first wellbore tool (20) and a second wellbore tool (30). The alignment sub further includes a clamp (400) configured to selectively, rotationally lock the first and second sections to one another.
An initiator head includes a housing piece defining an interior chamber, a circuit board supported in the interior chamber, a line-in terminal coupled to the circuit board, and insulating material filling the interior chamber and covering a top surface of the circuit board for absorbing shocks or vibrations and electrically insulating electronics of the circuit board.
A ballistically-safe wellbore tool may include an explosive device (114, 404), an initiator including an initiating charge (128), and a bias member (130). A relative configuration of the explosive device and the initiator may be switchable between a first configuration, in which the initiating charge is at a ballistically safe distance from the explosive device, and a second configuration, in which the initiating charge is within a ballistically operable distance from the explosive device. The bias member is configured to bias the explosive device and the initiator to the first configuration.
A jacket may include a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, an open front portion opposite the back wall portion, an internal cavity configured to receive the shaped charge via the open front portion, a key configured to be received within one of a plurality of orientation slots formed in a shaped charge carrier; and a retention latch extending from an internal surface of at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall, the first sidewall or the second sidewall. The retention latch may extend toward the internal cavity and is configured to secure the shaped charge within the internal cavity.
A tandem sub (10) for coupling first and second wellbore tools (20, 30) includes an insulator (40) positioned within a bore (14) of the tandem sub, and a selective wireless detonator (900) positioned within the insulator.
A ballistically actuated plug may include an outer carrier having a first end and a second end, a hollow interior chamber within the outer carrier, a ballistic carrier positioned within the hollow interior chamber, an initiator positioned within a bore of the ballistic carrier, and one or more ballistic components. Each of the components may be positioned within a ballistic slot on an outer surface of the ballistic carrier. The initiator and the ballistic component may be relatively positioned for the initiator to initiate the one or more ballistic components. The ballistic component may include an explosive charge for expanding the outer carrier. The ballistic carrier may be formed from a fragmenting or disintegrating material.
A detonator includes a detonating capsule, a detonator head storing an electronic circuit board, and a retaining arm configured to fix the detonating capsule to the detonator head. The electronic circuit board is a multidimensional circuit board that extends from the detonator head into engagement with the detonating capsule.
An adapter assembly may include a tandem seal adapter (TSA) and a collar. The TSA may include a TSA body extending along an axial direction. The collar may include a collar body, a first collar coupling, and a second collar coupling. The collar body may be a substantially annular shape extending in the axial direction. The collar may be outward from the TSA in a radial direction. The first collar coupling and the second collar coupling axially displaced from the first collar coupling may be provided on an interior surface of the collar body. The TSA body and the collar body may overlap in the axial direction. The first collar coupling, second collar coupling, and the TSA may define a first space respectively configured to receive an end of a first housing of a first wellbore tool and an end of a second housing of a second wellbore tool.
E21B 17/046 - CouplingsJoints between rod and bit, or between rod and rod with ribs, pins, or jaws, and complementary grooves or the like, e.g. bayonet catches
A system for deploying an untethered drone is provided. The system includes a wellbore drone for being deployed into a wellbore, a magazine unit, and a control system. The wellbore drone is configured to perform at least one action based on a control command which is provided from an on-board control system embedded in the wellbore drone. The magazine unit includes one or more chambers. The magazine unit is configured to retain the wellbore drone in a corresponding one of the one or more chambers, prior to deployment of the wellbore drone into the wellbore, and dispense the wellbore drone for being deployed into the wellbore through a launcher unit. The control system includes at least one control interface for controlling at least a part of operations of the wellbore drone and the magazine unit.
E21B 23/00 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
A wireline release tool may include a casing configured to couple to a wireline and a connector configured to couple to a tool string. The casing may have a first end, a second end, and a chamber therebetween, and the connector may be detachably attached to the second end of the casing. A gas generator may be disposed in the chamber and may be capable of generating gas pressure in the chamber sufficient to overcome a pressure differential between the chamber and the external wellbore environment and to detach the connector from the casing.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
According to some embodiments, systems and methods of releasing a wireline from a tool string in a well are presented. For example, a wireline release tool may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion may have a closed end, an open end, and a chamber therebetween, and the second housing portion may be shearably attached to close the open end of the first housing portion. A gas generator may be disposed in the chamber and may be capable of generating gas pressure in the chamber sufficient to overcome a pressure differential between the chamber and the external wellbore environment and to force the second housing portion from an initial position to a release position. One of the housing portions may be configured for attachment to a wireline, while the other of the housing portions may be configured for attachment to a tool string.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
A perforating gun assembly is configured for use in unconventional wells, for example in rock formations with low permeability. The perforating gun assembly includes a perforating gun housing and a shaped charge positioned in the perforating gun housing. The shaped charge and the perforating gun housing are configured to improve total target penetration in unconventional wells by 20-100%.
A perforating gun and alignment assembly includes a perforating gun housing formed from a singular and monolithic piece of metal material, and an alignment ring rotatably secured to the housing. A shaped charge positioning device is positioned in a chamber of the housing.
Methods, devices, and systems for severing a control line in a subterranean well are described. The method includes severing the control line with a wellbore tool that includes at least one shaped charge that creates a perforation, and executing the severing without cutting the complete circumferential area of the wellbore pipe. Upon firing of the at least one shaped charge, a circumferential portion of the wellbore pipe remains un-cut and forms an intact section that supports the lower portion of the pipe. Some embodiments may include a plurality of shaped charges in the wellbore tool. In some embodiments, the plurality of shaped charges may be oriented in a semi-spiral configuration.
E21B 29/02 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windowsDeforming of pipes in boreholes or wellsReconditioning of well casings while in the ground by explosives or by thermal or chemical means
An orientable perforating gun assembly includes a gun housing and a charge carrier positioned within an interior space of the gun housing. The charge carrier supports a shaped charge in a fixed rotational orientation relative to the gun housing. The orientable perforating gun assembly further includes an orientation alignment ring rotatably connected to a first end of the gun housing.
A control module for use with a plurality of wellbore tools may include a power source and a logic circuit operably coupled to the power source. The logic circuit may be operably coupled to the plurality of wellbore tools through a topmost wellbore tool of the plurality of wellbore tools. The logic circuit may be configured to, in response to an initiation condition and for each wellbore tool of the plurality of wellbore tools in a sequential order from a bottommost wellbore tool to the topmost wellbore tool, determine whether the wellbore tool is a responsive wellbore tool or a non-responsive wellbore tool. In response to a determination that the wellbore tool is a responsive wellbore tool, the logic circuit may initiate the wellbore tool. In response to a determination that the wellbore tool is a non-responsive wellbore tool, the logic circuit may skip initiation of the wellbore tool.
A focused output detonator includes a detonator shell including detonator components, and a focuser coupled to the detonator shell. The detonator shell may include a body extending along a central axis of the detonator shell. A first open end is provided at a first end of the body, and a closed end is provided at a second end of the body. A chamber is bounded by the body and the closed end, and the detonator components are housed in the chamber. The focuser is coupled to the closed end of the detonator shell. According to an aspect, the focused output detonator is structured to focus a ballistic output of the focuser along the central axis and away from the detonator shell. According to an aspect, the focuser includes a donor charge. The focuser may include an encapsulated and hydraulically sealed donor charge.
A perforating gun assembly that orients one or more shaped charges within a well includes a housing and an orienting internal assembly configured to be disposed within a longitudinal bore of the housing. The orienting internal assembly may include at least one shaped charge holder or charge tube, a rotation support system, a detonator holder and/or a detonator. The rotation support system may be configured so that the detonator holder and/or detonator rotate together as a whole with the at least one shaped charge holder or charge tube. The rotation support system may include at least one bearing assembly, a plurality of rollers, or combinations thereof. The orienting internal assembly may be configured for gravitational orientation.
A bulkhead may include a fixed body having a first contact surface and an exterior fixed body surface, a first electrical contact, and a first spring having a first spring end in contact with the first contact surface and a second spring end in contact with the first electrical contact.
An electronic ignition circuit may include a logic circuit and an ignition circuit electrically coupled to the logic circuit. The logic circuit may include a microcontroller and a switching circuit configured to switch from a first detonator or igniter to a second detonator or igniter in response to a signal from the microcontroller. The ignition circuit may include a capacitor discharging circuit configured to discharge a firing capacitor through a fuse head. The capacitor discharging circuit may include an ignition switch configured to remain actively closed after the firing capacitor is discharged through the fuse head.
H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection
F42C 15/40 - Arming-means in fuzesSafety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges wherein the safety or arming action is effected electrically
F42C 15/42 - Arming-means in fuzesSafety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges wherein the safety or arming action is effected electrically from a remote location, e.g. for controlled mines or mine fields
F42D 1/055 - Electric circuits for blasting specially adapted for firing multiple charges with a time delay
H02H 3/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess voltage
According to some embodiments, systems and methods of releasing a wireline from a tool string in a well are presented. For example, a wireline release tool may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion may have a closed end, an open end, and a chamber therebetween, and the second housing portion may be shearably attached to close the open end of the first housing portion. A gas generator may be disposed in the chamber and may be capable of generating gas pressure in the chamber sufficient to overcome a pressure differential between the chamber and the external wellbore environment and to force the second housing portion from an initial position to a release position. One of the housing portions may be configured for attachment to a wireline, while the other of the housing portions may be configured for attachment to a tool string.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
Disclosed embodiments relate to weight modules for use in a wellbore tool string. In some embodiments, the weight module may comprise a conductive body, extending in an axial direction, and an insulating cover. The conductive body may be configured to fit within a hollow interior of a weight module housing, and the insulating cover may be configured to electrically isolate the conductive body from the weight module housing. In some embodiments, the conductive body may have a first contact portion, provided at a first end of the conductive body, and a second contact portion, provided at a second end of the conductive body, with the first contact portion in electrical communication with the second contact portion through the conductive body.
A perforating gun assembly may include a housing extending along a first axis, a movable structure provided within the housing, and a tool string component coupled to the housing and abutting the moveable structure. The movable structure may be movable between a first position along the first axis relative to the housing and a second position along the first axis relative to the housing.
According to some embodiments, a system is presented for orienting one or more shaped charge within a well. For example, a perforating gun assembly may include a housing and an orienting internal assembly configured to be disposed within a longitudinal bore of the housing. In some embodiments, the orienting internal assembly may include at least one shaped charge holder or charge tube, a rotation support system, and a detonator holder and/or a detonator. The rotation support system may be configured so that the detonator holder and/or detonator rotate together as a whole with the at least one shaped charge holder or charge tube. In some embodiments, the rotation support system may include at least one bearing assembly, a plurality of rollers, or combinations thereof. Some embodiments may be configured for gravitational orientation.
A shaped charge orientation system may include a first perforating gun housing having a first hollow interior and a second perforating gun housing having a second hollow interior. A first shaped charge holder may be positioned in the first hollow interior and oriented in a first direction. A second shaped charge holder may be positioned in the second hollow interior and oriented in a second direction different than the first direction. A manual alignment tool may engage with the second perforating gun housing to rotate the second shaped charge holder from the second direction to the first direction. A method of manually aligning the first and second shaped charge holders may include marking an outer surface of the first perforating gun housing with a visual indicator in alignment with the first direction, and orienting the second shaped charge holder into alignment in the first direction using a manual alignment tool.
Embodiments of a low-voltage, non-primary explosive detonator (110) may include a detonator shell (120) having an open end (122), a closed end (124), and a hollow interior (125) between the open and closed ends. Some embodiments include a reinforcement area of the detonator shell. A pyrotechnical material is disposed within the hollow interior, and a main explosive load is disposed within the hollow interior in between the pyrotechnical material and the closed end. In some embodiments, one or both of the pyrotechnical material and the main explosive load may be multilayered, for example with a density gradient configured to accelerate deflagration. The detonator may further include a fuse head disposed at the open end and in proximity to the pyrotechnical material within the detonator shell.
A single use setting tool for actuating a tool in a wellbore may include an outer sleeve and an inner piston received within a central bore of the outer sleeve. The inner piston may define one or more elongate bores therethrough that are in fluid communication with a cavity of the inner piston and extend axially through a distal end portion of the inner piston. The distal end portion of the inner piston may abut a shoulder of the outer sleeve, for example at a distal end face of the inner piston.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
A dynamic underbalance sub for use in a wellbore may include a sub housing, a first chamber provided in an interior of the sub housing, an opening extending through the sub housing and configured such that the first chamber is in fluid communication with an exterior of the sub housing, a second chamber provided in the interior of the sub housing, and a pressure-isolating wall provided between the first chamber and the second chamber.
A ballistically actuated plug (2100) for being deployed in a wellbore casing includes a ballistic housing (2106) and an outer seal housing (2102). The ballistic housing includes a first housing portion including a chamber (2208), and a second housing portion having a noncompressible core. The outer seal housing is circumferentially disposed around the noncompressible core (2216). According to an aspect, the initiator (2206) is positioned within the chamber and a detonation extender (2222) is in ballistic communication with the initiator and is circumferentially disposed around the noncompressible core. The detonation extender is configured to, upon detonation, expand the outer seal housing (2102) from an unexpanded form to an expanded form to secure the outer seal housing within the wellbore casing.
E21B 23/06 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for setting packers
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
A ballistically actuated plug (2100) for being deployed in a wellbore casing includes a ballistic housing (2106) and an outer seal housing (2102). The ballistic housing includes a first housing portion including a chamber (2208), and a second housing portion having a noncompressible core. The outer seal housing is circumferentially disposed around the noncompressible core (2216). According to an aspect, the initiator (2206) is positioned within the chamber and a detonation extender (2222) is in ballistic communication with the initiator and is circumferentially disposed around the noncompressible core. The detonation extender is configured to, upon detonation, expand the outer seal housing (2102) from an unexpanded form to an expanded form to secure the outer seal housing within the wellbore casing.
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
E21B 23/06 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for setting packers
E21B 29/10 - Reconditioning of well casings, e.g. straightening
Disclosed embodiments relate to devices and methods for storage and/or transport of tubular structures, such as perforating guns for use in wellbores. Some embodiments relate to modular storage containers, for example which may be height adjustable depending on the length of the tubular structure to be held therein. Some embodiments relate to mobile storage banks, which may be configured for use with the modular storage containers. In some embodiments, the storage bank may further be configured with one or more longitudinal compartments configured to hold used tool strings or portions thereof.
An adapter for a shaped charge includes a plurality of members configured to be secured to an inner surface of a shaped charge case. Each member of the plurality of members is spaced apart from each other such that the adapter has a central open area. According to an aspect, a securing mechanism is configured to secure the member to an inner surface feature of the shaped charge case.
A tandem seal adapter for a perforating gun assembly includes a housing having a first end adapted to be connected to a first perforating gun and a second end adapted to be connected to a second perforating gun. A port extends through a wall of the housing and is in communication with an interior of the first perforating gun. A tracer material is arranged in the port, and a retainer secures the tracer material in the port. Upon detonation of the first perforating gun, the retainer is displaced and the tracer material is expelled from the port by gas pressure produced by the detonation. A corresponding method of using a tandem seal adapter to disperse tracer material into a wellbore and a tool string employing such a tandem seal adapter are also provided.
According to some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for autonomously or semi-autonomously conveying downhole oil and gas wellbore tools and performing downhole oil and gas wellbore operations are disclosed. The exemplary devices, systems, and methods may include an untethered drone that substantially disintegrates and/or dissolves into a proppant when shaped charges that the untethered drone carries are detonated. Two or more untethered drones, wellbore tools, and/or data collection devices may be connected in an untethered drone string and detonated for efficiently performing wellbore operations and reducing the amount of debris left in the wellbore after such operations.
A self-erecting launcher assembly includes a mobile unit, and a magazine positioned in a receptacle of the mobile unit. The magazine includes a plurality of drones. A rail unit is secured to the mobile unit and moves between a closed position and an elevated position. A platform may be secured to the rail unit and is movable in an upward direction and a downward direction along a length of the rail unit. The platform is movable when the rail unit is in its elevated position. The magazine or the plurality of drones may be positioned on the platform, such that the platform moves the magazine or the plurality of drones from the mobile unit to at least one wellhead. A manipulator arm is secured to the platform and selects a drone of the plurality of drones and delivers the selected drone into a lubricator positioned at the wellhead.
An autonomous wellbore tool may include a plug assembly and a positioning system. The positioning system may be provided on the plug assembly. According to an aspect, the positioning system includes a distance measurement system. The autonomous wellbore tool may include one of a perforating gun and a transmitter plug assembly.
E21B 47/095 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes by detecting acoustic anomalies, e.g. using mud-pressure pulses
E21B 23/06 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for setting packers
Embodiments relate to a liner for a shaped charge. The liner includes reactive particles, each having two reactive materials which together are capable of undergoing an exothermic and/or intermetallic reaction. Additionally, embodiments may include non-reactive particles, which typically have a higher density than the reactive particles. The reactive particles may be configured to produce an exothermic reaction upon detonation of the shaped charge. In some embodiments, one of the reactive materials may be coated onto a core of the other reactive material, to form the reactive particle. In other embodiments, each reactive particle may be formed as a conglomerate of the two reactive materials. Shaped charges having liners and methods of formation are also disclosed.
A detonator positioning device for use with a detonator in a perforating gun assembly is described. The detonator positioning device may be configured for electrically contactably forming an electrical connection within the perforating gun housing by contact. The detonator positioning device may include a body having a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending between the first and second ends. The central bore may be adapted for receiving one or more electrically contactable components of a detonator. The detonator positioning device can align at least one of the one or more electrically contactable components to form an electrical connection with a bulkhead assembly.
A wellbore positioning system includes a first wellbore casing element bearing a first magnetic pattern that encodes first information associated with the wellbore or a drone. The first wellbore casing element is configured for placement down-hole in the wellbore. The first wellbore casing element extends along a central axis and defines an axially oriented passage. Also, the system includes an untethered drone configured for relative movement in the passage of the first wellbore casing element. The drone is configured to detect the first magnetic pattern and determine a position of the drone within the wellbore based on the first information.
E21B 23/00 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
E21B 47/092 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes by detecting magnetic anomalies
70.
Alignment sub and perforating gun assembly with alignment sub
A perforating gun assembly may include a first perforating gun housing, a first shaped charge provided within the first perforating gun housing, and an alignment sub coupled to the first perforating gun housing. The alignment sub may include a first sub body and a second sub body rotatably coupled to the first sub body.
An initiator head may include a housing extending in an axial direction, a circuit board provided in an interior space of the housing, a line-in terminal provided on a first side of the housing in the axial direction and accessible from an exterior of the housing, and a fuse displaced from the circuit board in the axial direction. A thickness direction of the circuit board may be substantially parallel with the axial direction. The line-in terminal may be in electrical communication with the circuit board. The fuse may be in electrical communication with the circuit board. The circuit board may be configured to activate the fuse in response to a control signal received at the line-in terminal.
Disclosed embodiments may relate to perforating gun assemblies configured for use in unconventional wells, for example in rock formations with low permeability. In some embodiments, the perforating gun assembly may include a perforating gun housing and at least one shaped charge positioned in the perforating gun housing. The shaped charge and the perforating gun housing may be jointly configured to improve total target penetration in unconventional wells by 20-100%. Related method embodiments may be used to improve the performance of unconventional wells.
A perforating gun system may include a first gun carrier and a second gun carrier connected to the first gun carrier. A perforating gun assembly may be provided in each gun carrier, the perforating gun assembly including a top connector, a plurality of charge holders, and at least one bottom connector. Upon rotation of the top connector, the one or more charge holders of the first gun carrier may be aligned in a zero-degree phasing with the plurality of charge holders in the second gun carrier, and the position of the top connector may be locked along the length of the second gun carrier.
A ballistically-safe wellbore tool may include an explosive device (114, 404), an initiator including an initiating charge (128), and a bias member (130). A relative configuration of the explosive device and the initiator may be switchable between a first configuration, in which the initiating charge is at a ballistically safe distance from the explosive device, and a second configuration, in which the initiating charge is within a ballistically operable distance from the explosive device. The bias member is configured to bias the explosive device and the initiator to the first configuration.
A tool housing for use in a wellbore tool string may include a housing body having a first housing region and a second housing region. The tool housing may include a bias member channel provided in the first housing region and extending inward in a radial direction. A bias member may be provided within the bias member channel and engaged with a snap connector. The bias member may bias the snap connector outward in the radial direction. A connector groove may be provided in a hollow interior of the second housing region and extend outward in the radial direction. A first housing region of a second tool housing of a wellbore tool string may be inserted into a hollow interior of a first tool housing. A snap connector of the second tool housing may be coupled with a connector groove of the first tool housing.
E21B 17/046 - CouplingsJoints between rod and bit, or between rod and rod with ribs, pins, or jaws, and complementary grooves or the like, e.g. bayonet catches
F16L 37/22 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection is maintained by means of balls, rollers, or helical springs under radial pressure between the parts
According to some embodiments, an autonomous perforating drone for downhole delivery of a wellbore tool, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. In an aspect, the wellbore tool may be a plurality of shaped charges that are arranged in a variety of configurations, including helically, in one or more single radial planes, or opposing around a perforating assembly section, and detonated in a top-to-bottom sequence when the autonomous perforating drone reaches a predetermined depth in the wellbore. In another aspect, the shaped charges may be received in shaped charge apertures within a body of a perforating assembly section, wherein the shaped charge apertures are respectively positioned adjacent to at least one of a receiver booster, detonator, and detonating cord for directly initiating the shaped charges.
A power charge for actuating a wellbore tool. Combustion of the power charge generates gas and corresponding gas pressure within the wellbore tool and the power charge and wellbore tool are configured for providing a path to an expansion chamber for the gas pressure. A body of the power charge may have the shape of a regular polygonal cylinder, thus defining flow-paths for the expanding gas. The power charge may include a cylinder of energetic material and an interior space formed within the energetic material and configured for receiving an igniter and/or ignition material. Ignition of the igniter or ignition material results in combustion of the power charge.
Exemplary embodiments of an instantaneously expanding, ballistically actuated wellbore plug and associated systems and methods are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of an instantaneously expanding, ballistically actuated wellbore plug include, among other things, a ballistic carrier carrying ballistic components and an initiator and housed within a hollow interior chamber of an outer carrier having an unexpanded form and an expanded form. Exemplary embodiments for a method for setting the plug within a wellbore casing include initiating the ballistic components with the initiator and causing the outer carrier to instantaneously transition from the unexpanded form to the expanded form, in which the outer carrier is in frictional, sealing engagement with the wellbore casing.
Disclosed embodiments relate to weight modules for use in a wellbore tool string. In some embodiments, the weight module may comprise a conductive body, extending in an axial direction, and an insulating cover. The conductive body may be configured to fit within a hollow interior of a weight module housing, and the insulating cover may be configured to electrically isolate the conductive body from the weight module housing. In some embodiments, the conductive body may have a first contact portion, provided at a first end of the conductive body, and a second contact portion, provided at a second end of the conductive body, with the first contact portion in electrical communication with the second contact portion through the conductive body.
Disclosed embodiments relate to weight modules for use in a wellbore tool string. In some embodiments, the weight module may comprise a conductive body, extending in an axial direction, and an insulating cover. The conductive body may be configured to fit within a hollow interior of a weight module housing, and the insulating cover may be configured to electrically isolate the conductive body from the weight module housing. In some embodiments, the conductive body may have a first contact portion, provided at a first end of the conductive body, and a second contact portion, provided at a second end of the conductive body, with the first contact portion in electrical communication with the second contact portion through the conductive body.
E21B 23/00 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
E21B 23/14 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for displacing a cable or a cable-operated tool, e.g. for logging or perforating operations in deviated wells
An orientable perforating gun assembly may include a gun housing with a charge carrier and shaped charge positioned within an interior space of the gun housing, in fixed orientation relative to the gun housing. An orientation alignment ring may be connected to a first end of the gun housing. The orientation alignment ring and the gun housing may be rotatable relative to each other when the orientation alignment ring is in an unfixed connection state. The gun housing may be in a fixed orientation relative to the orientation alignment ring in a fixed connection state. A locking ring may be connected to the gun housing first end. A method may include orienting the perforating gun housing relative to the orientation alignment ring and other perforating gun assemblies in a string.
A detonating cord for using in a perforating gun includes an explosive layer and an electrically conductive layer extending around the explosive layer. The electrically conductive layer is configured to relay a communication signal along a length of the detonating cord. In an embodiment, a protective jacket extends around the electrically conductive layer of the detonating cord. The detonating cord may be assembled in a perforating gun to relay a communication signal from a top connector to a bottom connector of the perforating gun, and to propagate a detonating explosive stimulus along its length to initiate shaped charges of the perforating gun. A plurality of perforating guns, including the detonating cord, may be connected in series, with the detonating cord of a first perforating gun in communication with the detonating cord of a second perforating gun.
According to some embodiments, a system is presented for orienting one or more shaped charge within a well. For example, a perforating gun assembly may include a housing and an orienting internal assembly configured to be disposed within a longitudinal bore of the housing. In some embodiments, the orienting internal assembly may include at least one shaped charge holder or charge tube, a rotation support system, and a detonator holder and/or a detonator. The rotation support system may be configured so that the detonator holder and/or detonator rotate together as a whole with the at least one shaped charge holder or charge tube. In some embodiments, the rotation support system may include at least one bearing assembly, a plurality of rollers, or combinations thereof. Some embodiments may be configured for gravitational orientation.
According to some embodiments, a bulkhead and a tandem seal adapter is presented. The bulkhead may include a fixed body having a fixed body surface and a cover surrounding a portion of the fixed body. A seal element may be provided on the exterior fixed body surface and may protrude through a gap formed in the cover. A first electrical contact may extend from a first end of the cover, and a second electrical contact may extend from a second end of the cover. A tandem seal adapter may include a TSA body, a bore extending through the TSA body, and a bulkhead provided within the bore. The seal element may be in contact with the TSA body to form a seal that prevents transfer of fluid and pressure through the tandem seal adapter.
A system for use within a gun housing of a perforating gun may include a centralizer and a detonator holder. The centralizer may include a centralizer body and a centralizer bore extending through the centralizer body. The detonator holder may be disposed within the centralizer bore and may include a first detonator holder end configured to receive a detonator and a second detonator holder end comprising a detonator holder coupling. The detonator holder may extend through the centralizer and may be mechanically coupled to the centralizer. The centralizer may be configured to engage with an inner surface of the gun housing.
A bulkhead may include a fixed body having an exterior fixed body surface, a first cover having a first large region and a first small region, a second cover having a second large region and a second small region, a seal element, a first electrical contact, and a second electrical contact. The exterior fixed body surface may be perpendicular to a radius of the fixed body. The seal element may contact the exterior fixed body surface in a gap provided between the first cover and the second cover. The first electrical contact may extend through the first small region of the first cover. The second electrical contact may extend through the second small region of the second cover.
A shaped charge positioning device may include a shaped charge holder, an initiator holder coupled to the shaped charge holder via a first rotation coupling, and a shaped charge receptacle provided on the shaped charge holder. The shaped charge receptacle may be rotatable around a central longitudinal axis of rotation of the shaped charge positioning device relative to the initiator holder. A perforating gun assembly may include a shaped charge holder provided in a gun housing chamber and rotatable relative to the gun housing. A wellbore tool string may include a first gun housing including a first shaped charge holder rotatably coupled to a second gun housing including a second shaped charge holder. An initiator provided in the first gun housing may be electrically coupled to an initiator provided in the second gun housing.
A detonator positioning device for use with a detonator in a perforating gun assembly is described. The detonator positioning device may be configured for electrically contactably forming an electrical connection within the perforating gun housing by contact. The detonator positioning device may include a body having a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending between the first and second ends. The central bore may be adapted for receiving one or more electrically contactable components of a detonator. The detonator positioning device can align at least one of the one or more electrically contactable components to form an electrical connection with a bulkhead assembly.
A perforating gun assemblies (100) configured for use in unconventional wells, for example in rock formations with low permeability. The perforating gun assembly may include a perforating gun housing (101) and at least one shaped charge (105) positioned in the perforating gun housing (101). The shaped charge and the perforating gun housing may be jointly configured to improve total target penetration in unconventional wells by 20-100%. Related method embodiments may be used to improve the performance of unconventional wells.
Disclosed embodiments may relate to perforating gun assemblies configured for use in unconventional wells, for example in rock formations with low permeability. In some embodiments, the perforating gun assembly may include a perforating gun housing and at least one shaped charge positioned in the perforating gun housing. The shaped charge and the perforating gun housing may be jointly configured to improve total target penetration in unconventional wells by 20-100%. Related method embodiments may be used to improve the performance of unconventional wells.
Disclosed embodiments may describe a jacket (1300). The jacket includes a back wall (1306), top wall (1308), bottom wall (1310), and first and second sidewalls (1312, 1314) extending from the back wall and between the top and bottom walls. An internal cavity (1326) of the jacket is defined by the back wall, the top wall, the bottom wall, and the sidewalls. A slotted shaped charge (902) housed in the internal cavity is retained by a retention latch (1304) that extends from an internal surface of at least one of the top wall, the bottom wall, the first and second sidewalls. The jacket may be positioned in a shaped charge receptacle (1706) formed in a shaped charge carrier (1700). An orientation slot (1704) or tab may be formed into a peripheral edge portion of the receptacle, and a key (1324) may be configured for being received within the orientation slot.
Various exemplary embodiments of an encapsulated shaped charge (100) may include a charge case (110), a charge lid (120) covering an open end of the charge case, and an external clip assembly connected to each of the charge case and the charge lid. The charge case may house explosive material (111) and a shaped charge liner (112). The external clip assembly may include one or more clips (140) respectively connected to each of a retainer ring (130) positioned on the charge lid, and the charge case. The retainer ring may be formed from a material that will melt or burn when exposed to fire. According to the exemplary embodiments, melting or burning the retainer ring can release the one or more clips from the retainer ring and/or charge lid.
A well abandonment system includes a jet cutter assembly. The jet cutter assembly includes a first sub including a first bulkhead and a jet cutter tool. The jet cutter tool includes a radial shaped charge and a detonator to detonate the radial shaped charge. A first end of the jet cutter tool is connected to the first sub and a second end of the jet cutter tool is connected to the second sub. The jet cutter assembly may include bulkheads that facilitate electrical communication along a length of the jet cutter assembly. A shock absorber is connected to the jet cutter tool in order to mitigate or prevent shock from impacting the jet cutter upon activation of a perforating gun or components of a tool string that is connected to the jet cutter. The shock absorber may include at least one of a sleeve, biasing member, or wireline.
E21B 29/00 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windowsDeforming of pipes in boreholes or wellsReconditioning of well casings while in the ground
E21B 33/13 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices or the like
E21B 29/02 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windowsDeforming of pipes in boreholes or wellsReconditioning of well casings while in the ground by explosives or by thermal or chemical means
95.
EQUAL ENTRY HOLE PERFORATING GUN SYSTEM WITH POSITION OPTIMIZED SHAPED CHARGES
According to some embodiments, a device, a system, and a method of producing equal entry holes in a wellbore is presented. In some embodiments, at least two shaped charges (10, 12), which each may be configured to produce a different width of perforating jet, may be oriented at different wellbore phasing angles. By selecting the orientation and width of the different perforating jets of the shaped charges across different clearance distances when the perforating gun is decentralized in the wellbore (38), equal entry holes may be formed in the wellbore. For example, a shaped charge with a wider perforating jet may be selected to be oriented across a longer clearance distance, while a shaped charge with a narrower perforating jet may be oriented across a shorter clearance distance. In some embodiments, the at least two shaped charges may use different shaped charge liners with different densities.
A perforating gun assembly includes an exposed perforating gun module. The exposed perforating gun module includes a housing having a first connector end, a second connector end opposite and spaced apart from the first connector end, and a chamber extending along a central axis of the housing between the first and second connector ends. The chamber is configured for receiving a detonator and optionally, a radial booster charge coupled to the detonator. A plurality of sockets extends from an outer surface of the housing towards the chamber. Each socket is configured to receive an encapsulated shaped charge. The encapsulated shaped charges may include a protrusion having an external thread that threadingly engage a complimentary threaded portion of the sockets. The detonator may directly initiate the radial booster charge or the encapsulated shaped charges.
An electrical connector may include a connector body extending along a longitudinal axis, a first electrical contact provided at a first end of the connector body, a first aperture provided in the first end of the connector body, a bore provided in an interior of the connector body and connected to the first aperture, and a conductive fixed body provided within the bore. The conductive fixed body may include a first contact surface on a first side of the conductive fixed body facing the first electrical contact along the longitudinal axis. A first spring may be provided in the bore between the first contact surface and the first electrical contact, and the first spring may be in contact with the first contact surface and the first electrical contact.
A detonator for use with perforating gun assemblies is presented. The detonator includes a shell including a main explosive load. The shell may include one or more openings. A non-mass explosive body is disposed in the shell, adjacent the main explosive load. The non-mass explosive body includes one or more channels extending therethrough. The detonator includes a plug adjacent the non-mass explosive body, and a PCB adjacent the plug to facilitate electrical communication with the detonator. The plug may include an elongated opening extending therethrough. The channels of the non-mass explosive body, in combination with at least one of the openings of the shell or the elongated openings of the plug, are configured to introduce fluids, such as wellbore fluids, into the non-mass explosive body to disable the detonator.
A shaped charge holder includes a body, a cavity formed in the body and extending along a central axis of the body, and a plurality of shaped charge receptacles formed in the body and circumferentially arranged around the central axis. Each shaped charge receptacle is spaced apart from another shaped charge receptacle. Retention mechanisms extend from the body and are configured to retain a shaped charge in a respective shaped charge receiving structure. A plurality of shaped charges, each including a shaped charge case, an explosive load disposed in the case and a liner disposed on top of the explosive load may be positioned in the respective shaped charge receiving structure. The shaped charge holder may be positioned in a housing chamber of a perforating gun housing.
A drone conveyance system and a wellhead receiver for deploying drones into a wellbore is described. The system includes a platform, a drone magazine, a platform receiver, a conveyance, and a wellhead receiver. The wellhead receiver prepares the drone to be inserted into the wellbore via the wellhead. Preparation of the drone may include adjusting the physical conditions surrounding the drone to approximate the physical conditions in the wellbore, which may be done with fluid inputs and outputs connected to a compartment of the wellhead receiver. Other preparation processes may also take place in the wellhead receiver, such as assuring the appropriate drone is being inserted, that the drone has been programmed appropriately, that safety devices have been deactivated and charging an onboard power supply of the drone.
patents
