as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2012/0247771 Al
`
` Blacket al. (43) Pub. Date: Oct. 4, 2012
`
`
`US 20120247771A1
`
`(54) PERFORATING GUN AND ARMING
`METHOD
`Inventors:
`
`(76)
`
`Francois Black, Pearland, TX
`(US); Billy Anthony, Missouri City,
`TX (US)
`13/428.927
`°
`.
`23,
`Mar. 23. 2012
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`PPheNO«
`:
`(22)
`Filed:
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`.
`:
`(2006.01)
`E21B 43/11
`(52) US. CD. weecneeeeeeees 166/297; 166/55; 89/1.15
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`The perforating gun and methodsofarming a perforating gun
`facilitates electrically connecting an arming device carrying
`the detonator to the loading tube carrying the explosive
`chargespriorto ballistically connecting the arming device to
`the loading tube. Subsequent to establishing electrical conti-
`nuity across the loading tube and arming device, the arming
`device can be ballistically connected to the loading tube
`thereby arming the perforating gun.
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/468,722,filed on Mar.
`29, 2011.
`
` +4
`
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 001
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4,2012 Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
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`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 002
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4,2012 Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
`
`
`18
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`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 003
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4,2012 Sheet 3 of 5
`
`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
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`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 004
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4,2012 Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
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`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 005
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4,2012 Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
`FIG. 10
`
`
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`h
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`u1]EENASROe
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`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 006
`
`

`

`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`PERFORATING GUN AND ARMING
`METHOD
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provi-
`sional application No. 61/468,722 filed on 29 Mar. 2011.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] This section provides background information to
`facilitate a better understanding ofthe various aspects of the
`disclosure. It should be understoodthat the statementsin this
`section ofthis documentareto be read in this light, and not as
`admissionsofpriorart.
`[0003] Hydrocarbon exploration and production, as well as
`other subterranean activities (e.g., water exploration and
`extraction), involve drilling and completing a wellbore. The
`wellbore is drilled into the ground andthen can be lined with
`metal pipe generally referred to as casing. The casing can
`extend essentially the entire length of the wellbore or termi-
`nate short of the total depth thereby leaving an uncased, open
`hole, portion of the well. The casing may also be cemented in
`place, sealing the annulus betweenthe casing andthe earthen
`formation.
`[0004] During completion or production of a well it can be
`desired to create flow paths between the wellbore and the
`formation. These flow paths are often created by utilizing a
`[0010] The disclosure is best understood from the follow-
`perforating gun. Perforating guns are tubular-shaped devices
`ing detailed description when read with the accompanying
`having an outer housing calledacarrier. The carrier holds one
`figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with standard
`or more interconnected loading tubes. The loading tubes hold
`practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to
`shaped explosive charges that, when detonated, create perfo-
`scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be
`rations through the carrier, the wellbore casing, cement and
`arbitrarily increased or reducedfor clarity of discussion.
`into the earthen formation. Perorating guns can be lowered
`[0011]
`FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram of a perforating gun
`downhole via wireline, cable, coiled tubing and production
`illustrating an example of an arming device positioned for
`tubing, for example. Firing signals can be transmitted to the
`electrical and ballistic connection to the loading tube of the
`perforating gun electrically (including by wireline), by wire-
`perforating gun in accordance with one or more embodi-
`less electromagnetic signal, by pressure pulses, and acousti-
`ments.
`cally.
`To detonate the shaped charges, the perforating gun
`[0005]
`includesa firing head. Thefiring head can receive an electri-
`cal signal that is transmitted from the surface and/or from
`another location within the wellbore (perhaps from an adja-
`cent gun or other device or from a wireline). The electronic
`signal initiates a detonator in thefiring headto ignite a deto-
`nating cord of the loading tube. The detonating cord extends
`through the perforating gun and is interconnected with the
`shaped charges held by the loading tube.
`
`moving the arming device to a park position, and thenballis-
`tically connecting the arming device to the loading tube in
`response to moving the arming device from the park position
`to an armedposition.
`[0008] An embodimentof a perforating gun comprises a
`loading tube having an explosive charge, an electrical con-
`ductor, and a detonating cord; and an arming device compris-
`ing a detonator and anelectrical connector. The arming device
`can be moved betweena park position and an armedposition.
`In the park position the arming device is electrically con-
`nected to the loading tube and the arming deviceis not bal-
`listically connected to the loading tube. In the armedposition
`the arming deviceis electrically and ballistically connected to
`the loading tube.
`[0009] The foregoing has outlined someofthe features and
`technical advantagesin order that the detailed description of
`the perforating gun and arming methodthat follows may be
`better understood. Additional features and advantages of the
`perforating gun and arming method will be described here-
`inafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.
`This summary is not intended to identify key or essential
`features of the claimed subject matter, noris it intended to be
`used asan aid in limiting the scope of claimed subject matter.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 2 is a pictorial diagram of a perforating gun
`[0012]
`illustrating an example of the arming device in a park posi-
`tion, electrically connected to the loading tube of the perfo-
`rating gun but not ballistically connected to the loading tube,
`in accordance with one or more embodiments.
`
`FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram of an end view ofthe
`[0013]
`perforating gun of FIG. 2, illustrating an example of the
`arming device in the park position in accordance with one or
`more embodiments.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram of a perforating gun
`[0014]
`illustrating an example of the arming device in an armed
`position, electrically and ballistically connected to the load-
`ing tube of the perforating gun, in accordance with one or
`more embodiments.
`
`FIG. 5 is a pictorial diagram of an end view ofthe
`[0015]
`perforating gun of FIG.4, illustrating an example of the
`arming device in the armedposition in accordance with one or
`more embodiments.
`
`[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a method
`ofarming a perforating gun comprises electrically connecting
`an arming device to a loading tube, and ballistically connect-
`ing the arming device to the loading tube after the arming
`device has been electrically connected to the loading tube.
`[0007]
`In another example, a method of arminga perforat-
`ing gun includespositioning an arming device comprising an
`[0016]
`FIG.6 is a pictorial diagram of a perforating gun
`electrical connector and a detonator proximate to an end of a
`illustrating an example ofan installation tool for electrically
`loading tube that is disposed withinacarrier. The loading tube
`and ballistically connecting the arming device to the loading
`comprises an explosive charge, an electrical conductor hav-
`tube in accordance to one or more embodiments.
`ing an electrical connectorthatis located proximate the end of
`the loading tube, anda detonating cord that is connected to the
`explosive charge and has an end located proximate to the end
`ofthe loading tube. The methodincludes electrically connect-
`ing the arming device to the loading tube in response to
`
`FIG. 7 is a pictorial diagram of an example of a
`[0017]
`perforating gun illustrating the arming device in the armed
`position, electrically and ballistically connected to the load-
`ing tube, in accordance to one or more embodiments.
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 007
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 007
`
`

`

`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`[0018] FIG.8isa pictorial diagram of an example of an end
`of a loading tube and an arming device in accordance to one
`or more embodiments.
`
`[0019] FIG.9isapictorial diagram of an example of an end
`of a loading tube and an arming device in accordance to one
`or more embodiments.
`
`FIG. 10 is a pictoral diagram of an example of two
`[0020]
`carrier portions connected to one another endto end in accor-
`dance with one embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`It is to be understood that the following disclosure
`[0021]
`provides many different embodiments, or examples, for
`implementing different features of various embodiments.
`Specific examples of components and arrangements are
`described below to simplify the disclosure. These are, of
`course, merely examples and are not intendedto be limiting.
`In addition, the disclosure may repeat reference numerals
`and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for
`the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does notin itself
`dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/
`or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formationofa first
`feature over or on a second feature in the description that
`follows may include embodiments in which the first and
`second features are formed in direct contact, and may also
`include embodiments in which additional features may be
`formed interposingthefirst and secondfeatures, such that the
`first and second features may notbe in direct contact.
`[0022] Asused herein, the terms “up”and “down”“upper”
`and “lower”; “top” and “bottom”; and other like terms indi-
`cating relative positions to a given point or element are uti-
`lized to more clearly describe some elements. Commonly,
`these terms relate to a reference point as the surface from
`which drilling operationsare initiated as being the top point
`and the total depth ofthe well being the lowest point, wherein
`the well (e.g., wellbore, borehole) is vertical, horizontal or
`slanted relative to the surface.
`
`FIG. 1 depicts an example of a perforating gun,
`[0023]
`generally denoted by the numeral 10. Perforating gun 10
`includes a loading tube 12 disposed inside of a carrier 14.
`Loading tube 12 may have one or more receptacles 13
`adapted to hold explosive charges 16. A detonating cord 18 is
`connected to explosive charges 16 and has an end 20 located
`proximate to an end 19 of loading tube 12. End 20 of deto-
`nating cord 18 may be a booster. Electrical conductor 22
`extends between electrical connectors 23, 24 located at the
`respective ends of loading tube 12.
`[0024] An example of an arming device 26 is depicted in
`FIG.1 located adjacent, or proximate, to end 19 of loading
`tube 12 prior to being connected to perforating gun 10. In
`FIG. 1, arming device 26 is not physically, electrically, or
`ballistically connected to loading tube 12. In the depicted
`example, arming device 26 includes a detonator 28 (for
`example an RF-safe initiator), firing electronics 30 (for
`example, an addressable switch), and an electrical connector
`32 and electrical conductor 33. Firing electronics 30 can
`initiate detonator 28 in response to receipt of a firing signal
`from the surface of the well, for example, via electrical con-
`ductor 22, pressure pulses and wirelessly. According to one or
`more embodiments, arming device 26 provides a means to
`establish an electrical connection between loading tube 12
`and arming device 26 prior to ballistically connecting arming
`device 26 to loading tube 12 and thereby completing the
`
`ballistic train 34 (1.e., detonator 28, detonating cord 18, explo-
`sive charges 16) as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7.
`[0025]
`FIG. 2 isa side view of an embodimentofperforat-
`ing gun 10 illustrated in a “park” position, wherein arming
`device 26 is electrically connected to loading tube 12 and
`arming device 26 is not ballistically connected to loading tube
`12. FIG. 3 is an endview ofthe right end ofperforating gun 10
`illustrated in FIG.2. In the park position, electrical connector
`24 and electrical connector 32 are connected, electrically
`connecting arming device 26 to loading tube 12 and estab-
`lishing electrical continuity across loading tube 12 and arm-
`ing device 26. In the park position, electrical signals can be
`transmitted between firing electronics 30 and other devices
`(e.g., sensors, surface controls, and other electronics) via
`electrical conductor 22 which extends across loading tube 12.
`In the park position, ballistic train 34 is not completed and
`therefore explosive charges 16 are not connected to detonator
`28 via detonating cord 18, thus, perforating gun 10 is not
`armed. In the depicted examples, the park position is evi-
`denced by detonator 28 being offset angularly from end 20 of
`detonating cord 18. In the illustrated examples, detonator 28
`is shown offset approximately 180 degrees from end 20 of
`detonating cord 18, however, it will be recognized by those
`skilled in the art with benefit ofthis disclosure that the angular
`offset may differ from 180 degrees.
`[0026] According to one or more embodiments, a method
`or process of arming perforating gun 10 includes aligning
`arming device 26 proximate to end 19 of loading tube 12 as
`depicted in FIG.1. In the illustrated example, loading tube 12
`is disposed inside of carrier 14. According to one aspect,
`aligning arming device 26 includespositioning arming device
`26 such that electrical connector 32 of arming device 26 is
`axially aligned with electrical connector 24 of loading tube
`12. Arming device 26 is electrically connectedto loading tube
`12 priorto ballistically connecting arming device 26 to load-
`ing tube 12. To electrically connect arming device 26 to
`loading tube 12, arming device 26 is movedaxially to loading
`tube 12, as illustrated by the arrow of FIG. 2, electrically
`connecting electrical connector 32 of arming device 26 and
`electrical connector 24 of loading tube 12, thereby position-
`ing perforating gun 10 in the park position. In the park posi-
`tion, electrical continuity is established across perforating
`gun 10 and diagnostic tests and such can be performed on
`perforating gun 10, including firing electronics 30, without
`arming perforating gun 10.
`[0027]
`Perforating gun 10 is armedbyballistically connect-
`ing arming device 26 to loading tube 12 after electrically
`connecting arming device 26 to loading tube 12. Arming
`perforating gun 10 includes rotating arming device 26 relative
`to loading tube 12 until detonator 28 is axially aligned with
`end 20 of detonating cord 18 as depicted for example in FIGS.
`4 and 5. For example, arming device 26 is rotated clockwise
`from the park position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the
`armedposition illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5. It will be under-
`stood by those skilled in the art and with benefit of this
`disclosure that in some embodiments arming device 26 may
`be rotated counterclockwise from the park position to the
`armedposition.
`[0028] According to some embodiments, arming device 26
`is moved from the park position to the armedposition without
`disconnecting the previously established electrical connec-
`tion between arming device 26 andelectrical conductor 22 of
`loading tube 12. Thus, perforating gun 10 can be armed
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 008
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 008
`
`

`

`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`interrupting the electrical continuity established
`without
`across electrical conductors 22 and 33 which wasestablished
`
`in the park position.
`[0029] Non-exclusive examples of electrical and ballistic
`connections of arming device 26 with loading tube 12 are
`illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Electrical connector 24 ofloading
`tube 12 and electrical connector 32 of arming device 26 are
`depicted as male and female devices, for example RCA con-
`nectors, which are mated by axial movement. Arming device
`26 and loading tube 12 include a device 36, referred to herein
`as a lock device,that can facilitate axial movementof arming
`device 26 to the park position, electrically connecting arming
`device 26 to loading tube 12, and then rotational movementof
`arming device 26 to the armedposition,ballistically connect-
`ing arming device 26 to loading tube 12. In the park position,
`locking device 36 can block axial movementof arming device
`26 away from loading tube 12.
`[0030]
`In the examples depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, lock
`device 36 includes a first member 38 disposed with one of
`arming device 26 and loading tube 12 which is matable with
`a cooperative second member40 disposed with the other of
`arming device 26 and loading tube 12. In the embodiments
`depicted in FIGS. 8 and9, first member38 1s illustrated as a
`protrusion and second member 40 is a groove. Groove 40
`includesa first, axial leg 42 and a secondleg 44 that extends
`away from first, axial leg 42 an angular distance that corre-
`sponds with the angular distance required to move detonator
`28 from the park position to the armed positionballistically
`aligned with and connected to detonating cord 18.
`[0031]
`In the embodimentof FIGS. 8 and 9, protrusion 38
`is depicted as having a head 46 spaced by a post 48 outward
`from a face 50 of arming device 26. Head 46 has cross-
`sectional greater than the cross-sectional diameterof post 48.
`For example, in FIG. 8, protrusion 38 is a T-shaped member
`and in FIG.9, protrusion 38 is an L-shaped member. Groove
`40 is formed such that axial leg 42 extends a distance axially
`into loading tube 12, away from a face 52 of loading tube 12,
`corresponding substantially with the distance post 48 spaces
`head 46 from face 50 of arming device 26. Second, angular
`leg 44 of groove 40 corresponds in size to head 46 of the
`respective protrusion 38 and extends angularly away from the
`end of axial leg 42 distal from face 52. Thereby, when head 46
`is disposed in angular leg 44, head 46 is trapped blocking
`axial movementofhead 46 andthus arming device 26 relative
`to loading tube 12.
`[0032]
`For example, positioning arming device 26 in the
`park position includes disposing head 46 ofprotrusion 38 into
`axial leg 42 of groove 40 and axially moving arming device
`26 toward loading tube 12 interconnecting electrical connec-
`tors 24, 32. In this example, face 50 and face 52 abut when
`arming device 26 and loading tube 12 are in the park position
`and electrically connected. Arming the perforating gun is
`accomplished by rotating arming device 26 from the park
`position to the armed position. From the park position, arm-
`ing device 26 is rotated with head 46 disposed in and traveling
`along angular leg 44 ofgroove 40 until detonator 28 is aligned
`with end 20 of detonating cord 18. Angular leg 44 mayter-
`minate at an end, or stop, 54 positioned to locate detonator 28
`in ballistic alignment with detonating cord 18 when head 46
`abuts stop 54. In the armed position, lock device 36 blocks
`axial movementof arming device 26 relative to loading tube
`12.
`
`In some embodiments, arming device 26 can be
`[0033]
`positioned and movedinto the park position and the armed
`
`position by hand. In some embodiments, a tool may be uti-
`lized to support and position arming device 26. For example,
`in FIG. 6 arming device 26 is illustrated being manipulated
`with use of a device 56. An example of a device 56, referred
`to herein as an installation device, is illustrated as connected
`to an end of carrier 14, for example, by cap 58 in FIG. 6. Cap
`58is illustrated in this example as being threaded onto an end
`ofcarrier 14. A support device 60 is adapted to support arming
`device 26 and includes a shaft 62 that extends through cap 58
`to the exterior of carrier 14. Arming device 26 can be moved
`axially and rotationally relative to loading tube 12 by manipu-
`lating shaft 62. Installation device 56 may further include a
`biasing device 64, for example a spring,to bias support device
`60 toward or away from cap 58. For example,in at least one
`embodiment, biasing device 64 may bias support device 60
`and the carried arming device 26 away from cap 58 and
`toward loading tube 12 to maintain electrical connection
`whenin the park position.
`[0034]
`FIG.7 illustrates an example of perforating gun 10
`armed and completed for introduction into a wellbore. Arm-
`ing device 26 is in the armedposition whereinit is physically,
`electrically, and ballistically connected to loading tube 12.
`Detonator 28 is aligned with andballistically connected to
`end 20 of detonating cord 18 which is connected to explosive
`charges 16, thereby completing ballistic train 34. Electrical
`continuity is provided across perforating gun 10 by the elec-
`trical connection of arming device 26 to electrical conductor
`22 of loading tube 12. A pressure bulkhead 66 is illustrated
`installed in carrier 14 adjacent to arming device 26. The
`depicted bulkhead 66 includesan electrical feed-through con-
`ductor 68 which is electrically connected to electrical con-
`ductor 22 of loading tube 12 via electrical conductor 33 of
`arming device 26 which provides electrical continuity
`betweenthe surface ofthe well and the perforating gunstring.
`[0035] Modularity of the gun componentsallowsfor a gun
`10 to be configured and assembled for specific down hole
`needs, along with reducing the need for a significant inven-
`tory. To provide modularity of the gun 10, individual sections
`14a of the carrier 14 can be secured, end to end, to provide a
`gun 10 have a desired length. With each carrier section 14a,as
`shownin FIG. 10, is disposed a loading tube 7, arming device
`26 and a bulkhead66. The carrier sections 14a can be secured
`to one another by known means, such as a threaded connec-
`tion. As shown in FIG. 10, the threaded connection can
`include an interior threaded surface 80 ofa carrier portion 14a
`and a corresponding exterior threaded surface 82 of a carrier
`portion 144, the exterior threaded surface 82 and interior
`threaded surface 80 configured so that the exterior threaded
`surface 82 of carrier portion 146 is received by the interior
`threaded portion 80 of carrier portion 14a. To secure the
`threaded surfaces 80 and 82, the carrier 14a can include a
`throughbore 84 extending therethrough and through the
`threaded portion 80. A securing member 86, such as a set
`screw, is placed within the throughbore 84 and engages the
`exterior threaded surface 82 resist rotation of the carrier por-
`tions 14@ and 146 relative to one another. The use of a
`throughbore 84 and securing member86 allows an operator to
`have full discretionasto the orientation ofthe carrier portions
`14a and 144 whensecured.
`
`[0036] As shown in FIG.10, the loading tube 12, arming
`device 26 and bulkhead 66 are secured within a carrier portion
`148, with the bulkhead 66 positioned within the carrier por-
`tion 14adjacentthe exterior threaded surface 82. The load-
`ing tube 12, with or without the arming device 26 and bulk-
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 009
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 009
`
`

`

`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`head 66 connected thereto, can be indexed or oriented within
`the carrier 14 to a specific orientation and secured in that
`orientation.
`
`[0037] As shown in FIG. 10, the exterior threaded surface
`82 can include a throughbore 88 therein. A securing member
`90, such as a set screw, can be positioned within the through-
`bore 88 to abut the bulkhead 66 positioned within the carrier
`14 and resist rotation ofthe bulkhead 66 within the carrier 14.
`With the bulkhead 66 secured by the securing member90, the
`loading tube 12 and arming device 26 are secured in the
`desired orientation. In one configuration, the bulkhead 66 and
`arming device 26 can includesa structural configuration to
`resist relative rotation. Alternatively, friction between the
`arming device 26 and the bulkhead 66 is sufficient to resist
`rotation of the loading tube 12 and arming device 26relative
`to the bulkhead 66 securedto the carrier 15. To achieve a seal
`
`between the bulkhead 66 andthe carrier 14 a sealing member
`91, such asan o-ring, can be positioned between the bulkhead
`66 and an innersurface ofthe carrier 14.
`
`[0038] Once the bulkhead 66 has been secured to carrier
`portion 148, carrier portion 14a can be secured to carrier
`portion 144 via the threaded surfaces 80 and 82 discussed
`above. To secure the orientation of the carrier portions 14a
`and 146 relative to one another, the securing member 86 can
`be inserted into throughbore 84 and abutted against the exte-
`rior threaded surface 82ofcarrier portion 145. Once secured,
`another loading tube 12 can be positioned within the carrier
`14a. The electrical connector 23 ofthe loading tube 12 can be
`connected to the bulkhead 66 androtated along its longitudi-
`nal axis to the desired orientation. The orientation of the
`loading tubesin the variouscarrier portions can be identical
`or in varying orientations depending on the desired perfora-
`tion strategy.
`[0039]
`To secure the bulkhead 66 in place within thecarrier
`14, the carrier portions 14a and 145 can include shoulders 100
`and 102 configuredto receive the bulkhead 66 therebetween.
`In one aspect (not shown), the bulkhead 66 can include an
`enlarged diameter portion 104 configured to be received
`between the shoulders 100 and 102. With the bulkhead 66
`secured between the shoulders 100 and 102 movementof the
`
`bulkhead 66 along the length of the carrier 14 is resisted or
`prevented.
`[0040] Once the loading tube 12 is in the desired orientation
`and the arming device 26 and bulkhead 66 are connected, the
`bulkhead 66 can be securedas described above with regard to
`securing the bulkhead 66 to carrier 146. Additional carrier
`portions 14, loading tubes 12 arming devices 26 and bulk-
`heads can beinstalled to provide a gun 10 having a desired
`length. Further,the orientations ofthe loading tubes 12 within
`the carrier 14 can be selected upon assembly and are not
`limited to predetermined orientations.
`[0041] By securing the individual carrier portions 14a, 14,
`etc. of the carrier 14 directly to one another, without an
`intervening member, the number of connections along the
`gun 10 is reduced. In a downhole, high pressure environment,
`leaks through connections in a gun 10 canresult in wellbore
`fluids filling the interior of the gun 10 which reduces or
`eliminates the possibility of the charges 16 firing. Further, by
`providing a pre-wired loading tube 7 which can be connected
`to an arming device 26, and a modular connection allowing
`for additional loading tubes 7 and arming devices 26 to be
`connected thereto, the casing 14 can havea solid exterior,
`withoutthe presence of pluggable portsto allow access to the
`wiring and arming devices, as is prevalentin the priorart.
`
`[0042] The foregoing outlines features of several embodi-
`ments of perforating gun arming devices and methods so that
`those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of
`the disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that
`they mayreadily use the disclosure asa basis for designing or
`modifying other processes andstructures for carrying out the
`same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the
`embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art
`should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not
`depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and that
`they may makevarious changes, substitutions and alterations
`herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
`disclosure. The scope of the invention should be determined
`only by the language of the claims that follow. The term
`“comprising” within the claims is intended to mean “includ-
`ing at least” such thattherecited listing of elements in a claim
`are an open group. The terms “a,” “an” and other singular
`termsare intendedto include the plural forms thereof unless
`specifically excluded.
`Whatis claimedis:
`1. A perforating gun apparatus, comprising:
`a loading tube comprising an explosive charge, an electri-
`cal conductor, and a detonating cord; and
`an arming device comprising a detonatorandanelectrical
`connector, the arming device moveable between a park
`position and an armedposition, in the park position the
`arming device is electrically connected to the loading
`tube and the arming deviceis not ballistically connected
`to the loading tube, and in the armedposition the arming
`device is electrically and ballistically connected to the
`loading tube.
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detonatoris angu-
`larly offset from the detonating cord when the arming device
`is in the park position.
`3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the park position
`the detonator is angularly offset from an endofthe detonating
`cord and in the armedposition the detonator is aligned with
`the end of the detonating cord.
`4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lock
`device permitting rotational movementof the arming device
`relative to the loading tube between the park position and the
`armedposition and the locking device blocking axial move-
`mentof the arming device relative to the loading tube when
`the arming device is in the armedposition.
`5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein in the park position
`the detonator is angularly offset from an endofthe detonating
`cord and in the armedposition the detonator is aligned with
`the end of the detonating cord.
`6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the lock device com-
`prises:
`a protrusion comprising a head extending away from a face
`of one of the arming device and the loading tube; and
`a groove cooperative to receive the protrusion disposed
`with the other of the arming device and the loading tube.
`7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the groove comprises:
`a first leg extending axially from a face of the other of the
`arming device and the loading tube, and
`a second leg extending angularly awayfrom thefirst leg to
`a stop.
`8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the head ofthe pro-
`trusionis positioned in the second leg ofthe groove proximate
`to the stop when the arming deviceis in the armedposition.
`9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a locking
`device comprising:
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 010
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1002
`Pg. 010
`
`

`

`US 2012/0247771 Al
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`a protrusion comprising a head extending away from a face
`of one of the arming device and the loading tube by a
`post, wherein the head has a cross-sectional diameter
`greater thanthat of the post; and
`a groove formed bythe other of the arming device and the
`loading tube comprising a first leg extending axially
`away from a face ofthe other of the arming device and
`the loading tube and a second leg extending angularly
`from the first leg to a stop, wherein the head of the
`protrusion is positioned in the second leg of the groove
`proximate to the stop when the arming device is in the
`armedposition.
`10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein in the park position
`the detonator is angularly offset from an endofthe detonating
`cord and in the armedposition the detonator is aligned with
`the end of the detonating cord
`11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the protrusion is
`disposed from the arming device and the groove is formed by
`the loading tube.
`12. A method of arming a perforating gun, comprising:
`electrically connecting an arming device to a loading tube;
`and
`
`ballistically connecting the arming device to the loading
`tubeafter the electrically connecting the arming device
`to the loading tube.
`13. The method of claim 12, wherein the ballistically con-
`necting the arming device to the loading tube comprises
`aligning a detonator of the arming device with an end of a
`detonating cord of the loading tube.
`14. The method of claim 12, wherein the ballistically con-
`necting the arming device to the loading tube comprises
`aligning a detonator of the arming device with an end of a
`detonating cord ofthe loading tube in responseto rotating the
`arming devicerelative to the loading tube.
`15. The method of claim 12, wherein:
`the ele