(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2015/0330192 A1
`Nov. 19, 2015
`Rogman et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`US 2015 0330192A1
`
`(54)
`
`(71)
`
`(72)
`
`(73)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`PERFORATING GUN WITH INTEGRATED
`NITIATOR
`
`Applicant: Schlumberger Technology
`Corporation, Sugar Land, TX (US)
`Inventors: Raphael Rogman, Houston, TX (US);
`Allan Goldberg, Alvin, TX (US); Vinod
`Chakka, Pune (IN); Pedro Alejandro
`Hernandez Lopez, Sugar Land, TX
`(US); Roman Munoz, Pearland, TX
`(US); Richard Lee Warns, Sugar Land,
`TX (US); Hao Liu, Missouri City, TX
`(US); Marcos Calderon, Angleton, TX
`(US); Edward Harrigan, Richmond, TX
`(US)
`
`Assignee: Schlumberger Technology
`Corporation, Sugar Land, TX (US)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`14/649,577
`
`PCT Fled:
`
`Dec. 4, 2013
`
`(86)
`
`(60)
`
`PCT/US 13/73094
`
`PCT NO.:
`S371 (c)(1),
`Jun. 4, 2015
`(2) Date:
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 61/733,129, filed on Dec.
`4, 2012.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`Int. C.
`E2IB 43/II6
`U.S. C.
`CPC .................................... E2IB 43/116 (2013.01)
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A wellbore perforating device includes at least one perforat
`ing charge and an initiator. The initiator can include a ballistic
`train adapted to fire the at least one perforating charge. The
`ballistic train can include a detonator and a detonator cord. A
`ballistic interrupt shutter can be disposed between the deto
`nator and the detonator cord. The ballistic interrupt shutter
`can prevent firing of the detonator cord.
`
`
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 19, 2015 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2015/0330.192 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ZX ZZY, POEZ,
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 19, 2015 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2015/0330.192 A1
`
`
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 19, 2015 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2015/0330.192 A1
`
`
`
`S
`
`s
`
`S
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 19, 2015 Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2015/0330.192 A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 19, 2015 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2015/0330.192 A1
`
`
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 006
`
`

`

`\\\\-_-\\
`ls“
`
`\\\\\k
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 007
`
`
`
`

`

`US 2015/0330 192 A1
`
`Nov. 19, 2015
`
`PERFORATING GUN WITH INTEGRATED
`INITIATOR
`
`BACKGROUND
`Wellbore perforation services are used to produce
`0001
`hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. Such perforat
`ing operations oftentimes rely on perforating guns to perfo
`rate the formation. Perforating guns are lowered into a well
`bore from a wireline truck located at the surface while
`maintaining a wired connection between the Surface and the
`perforating gun located downhole. Perforating guns contain
`explosive charges and an initiator. The initiator is designed to
`fire the explosive charges after the initiator detects an appro
`priate command from the Surface.
`0002 The explosive charges can be detonated uninten
`tionally by radio frequencies, for example, by those emitted
`from cell phones. Such radio frequencies interfere with or
`bypass the initiator causing the premature or unintentional
`detonation of the explosive charges. Also, wiring of the ini
`tiator to the perforating gun is oftentimes performed at the
`Surface near the well site, instead of at a dedicated manufac
`turing facility. Performing wiring at the surface of the well
`site increases the likelihood of human error during the wiring
`process, while also being a time-consuming operation that
`requires specific training. Finally, the initiator can be deto
`nated unintentionally by Stray currents present on the wireline
`or by exposure to high voltage that can occur due to ESD
`(Electro Static Discharge) or lightening.
`0003. There is a need, therefore, for new systems and
`methods that prevent premature detonation of a perforating
`gun, while reducing wiring operations performed at the Sur
`face.
`
`SUMMARY
`0004. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
`concepts that are further described below in the detailed
`description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or
`essential features of the claimed Subject matter, nor is it
`intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the
`claimed Subject matter.
`0005. A wellbore perforating device is disclosed. The
`wellbore perforating device can include at least one perforat
`ing charge and an initiator. The initiator can include a ballistic
`train adapted to fire the at least one perforating charge. The
`ballistic train can include a detonator and a detonator cord. A
`ballistic interrupt shutter can be disposed between the deto
`nator and the detonator cord. The ballistic interrupt shutter
`can prevent firing of the detonator cord.
`0006 A perforating gun is also disclosed. The perforating
`gun can include a loading tube. The loading tube can have an
`initiator disposed therein. The initiator can include a detona
`tor and a detonator cord. At least one perforating charge can
`be disposed within the loading tube. A ballistic interrupt
`shutter can be disposed between the detonator and the deto
`nator cord. The ballistic interrupt shutter can include a metal
`lic layer disposed adjacent a layer of thermoplastic material.
`0007. A method of using a wellbore perforating device is
`also disclosed. The method can include inserting an initiator
`into a loading tube of the wellbore perforating device. The
`initiator can include a detonator and a detonator cord. A
`ballistic interrupt shutter can be disposed between the deto
`nator and the detonator cord. The ballistic interrupt shutter
`can include a metallic layer disposed adjacent a layer of
`
`thermoplastic material. The method can also include lower
`ing the wellbore perforating device into a wellbore and
`executing a first command releasing the ballistic interrupt
`shutter from between the detonator and the detonator cord.
`The method can also include executing a second command
`firing the wellbore perforating device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0008 So that the recited features can be understood in
`detail, a more particular description, briefly Summarized
`above, can be had by reference to one or more embodiments,
`Some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
`to be noted, however, that the appended drawings are illus
`trative embodiments, and are, therefore, not to be considered
`limiting of its scope.
`0009 FIG. 1 depicts a cross sectional view of an illustra
`tive wellbore perforating device, according to one or more
`embodiments disclosed.
`0010 FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of an illustra
`tive loading tube, according to one or more embodiments
`disclosed.
`0011 FIG.3 depicts an exploded side perspective view of
`another illustrative wellbore perforating device, according to
`one or more embodiments disclosed.
`0012 FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of an initiator
`of the loading tube of FIG. 2, according to one or more
`embodiments disclosed.
`(0013 FIG. 5 depicts an end perspective view of the load
`ing tube of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments
`disclosed.
`0014 FIG. 6 depicts a cross sectional side view of an
`illustrative wire holder, according to one or more embodi
`ments disclosed.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0015 FIG. 1 depicts a cross sectional view of an illustra
`tive wellbore perforating device 100, according to one or
`more embodiments. The wellbore perforating device 100 can
`have a body or carrier 102 having a first or “upper end 104
`and a second or “lower end 106. The use of the terms “upper
`and “lower” do not limit the orientation of the perforating
`device, which can be placed at any angle with respect to a
`vertical plane within a wellbore. The carrier 102 can have an
`inner bore 108 formed therethrough for containing a loading
`tube 110. The carrier 102 and the loading tube 110 can each be
`tubular members, and the loading tube 110 can be disposed
`longitudinally within the carrier 102. The loading tube 110
`can have a first or “upper end 122 and a second or “lower
`end 124. An upper connector assembly 126 can be disposed
`on the loading tube 110, for example, at or near the first end
`122. A lower connector assembly 125 can be disposed on the
`loading tube 110, for example, at or near the second end 124.
`The upper connector assembly 126 and lower connector
`assembly 125 can include one or more projections (not
`shown) or features, such as tabs, rods, or cavities that can
`engage corresponding holes, recesses (not shown), or protru
`sions (not shown) disposed in the carrier 102. The wellbore
`perforating device 100 can contain an initiator assembly 112.
`The initiator assembly 112 can include a ballistic interrupt
`shutter 406 (see FIG. 4). The ballistic interrupt shutter 406
`can be adapted to prevent detonation until a command is sent
`to release the shutter. The initiator assembly can be replace
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 008
`
`

`

`US 2015/0330 192 A1
`
`Nov. 19, 2015
`
`able in the field by other initiator assemblies such as R.F. Safe
`(Radio Frequency Safe) or other initiator assemblies.
`0016. As used herein, the terms “up' and “down: “upper'
`and “lower,” “upwardly' and “downwardly: “upstream” and
`“downstream;’ and other like terms are merely used for con
`Venience to depict spatial orientations or spatial relationships
`relative to one another in a vertical wellbore. However, when
`applied to equipment and methods for use in wellbores that
`are deviated or horizontal, it is understood to those of ordinary
`skill in the art that such terms are intended to refer to a left to
`right, right to left, or other spatial relationship as appropriate.
`It is also understood that the perforating device can be
`deployed in a reversed configuration, with the spatial orien
`tations and relationships being inverted, i.e. with the features
`identified “up' oriented down and the features labeled
`“down' oriented up.
`0017 Still referring to FIG. 1, the wellbore perforating
`device 100 can include one or more bulkheads (two are shown
`114, 116). The bulkheads 114, 116 can be connected to ends
`of the loading tube 110. For example, a first bulkhead 114 can
`be connected to the first end 122 of the loading tube 110, and
`a second bulkhead 116 can be connected to the second end
`124 of the loading tube 110. The first bulkhead 114 can be
`disposed on or near the first end 104 of the carrier 102. The
`second bulkhead 116 can also be disposed on or near the
`second end 106 of the carrier 102. The first and second bulk
`heads 114, 116 can isolate the loading tube 110 from fluids
`external to the loading tube 110 (e.g., wellbore fluids).
`0018. The wellbore perforating device 100 can include
`one or more shock absorbers (two are shown 118, 120). The
`shock absorbers 118, 120 can isolate the initiator from per
`forating shock and/or compensate for any axial or radial
`movement of and end of the loading tube 110 to ensure proper
`connection to a second loading tube 110 or other device. The
`shockabsorbers 118, 120 can be connected to the first end 122
`and/or the second end 124 of the loading tube 110. The shock
`absorbers 118, 120 can be or include a gasket or flange and
`can be disposed anywhere between the first and second bulk
`heads 114, 116 and the loading tube 110. For example, the
`first shock absorber 118 can be disposed between the first
`bulkhead 114 and the first end 122 of the loading tube 110.
`and the second shock absorber 120 can be disposed between
`the second bulkhead 116 and the second end 124 of the
`loading tube 110. The first shock absorber 118 can be in direct
`contact with the first bulkhead 114 and the loading tube 110.
`and the second shock absorber 120 can be in direct contact
`with the second bulkhead 116 and the loading tube 110.
`0019. The first and second bulkheads 114,116 can include
`one or more centralizers 128 for centralizing and aligning the
`loading tube 110 with the carrier 102 and/or and adjacent
`loading tube 110. The one or more centralizers 128 can
`include one or more projections (not shown) and one or more
`corresponding slots or grooves (not shown). The one or more
`projections can be disposed on the bulkheads 114, 116, and
`the corresponding slots or grooves can be disposed on the
`loading tube 110. In another embodiment, the one or more
`projections can be disposed on the loading tube 110 and the
`corresponding slots or grooves can be disposed on the bulk
`heads 114, 116. The centralizing feature can include a ring or
`standoff features supported by the inner wall of the carrier.
`The first and second bulkheads 114,116 can also include one
`or more coaxial conduits adapted to allow a coaxial cable,
`Such as a power cable or any other wiring, to pass through the
`first and second bulkheads 114, 116 while maintaining fluid
`
`isolation of the loading tube 110 and space between the car
`rier 102 and the loading tube 110. For example, the first and
`second bulkheads 114, 116 can include a seal 130 that fits
`between the bulkhead 114 or 116 and a coaxial cable passing
`therethrough. The seal 130 can be disposed in annulus (not
`shown) formed between the bulkhead 114 or 116 and the
`cable to maintain fluid isolation of the loading tube 110.
`0020. The loading tube 110 can include one or more
`charge jacket holders 132 (six are at least partially shown in
`FIG. 1). The charge jacket holders 132 can contain perforat
`ing charges (not shown) that can be outwardly directed in a
`radial and/or tangential direction, for example, to perforate a
`casing string and/or form corresponding perforation tunnels
`into the Surrounding formation. The charge jacket holders
`132 can be arranged in a phasing pattern (a helical or spiral
`phasing pattern, missing arc helical phasing pattern, a planar
`phasing pattern, etc.), depending on the perforating applica
`tion. The loading tube 110 can include one or more detonating
`cord slots 134. The detonator cord slots 134 can be adapted to
`receive a detonating cord for connecting to primer ends of the
`perforating charges disposed in the chargejacket holders 132.
`The detonator cord slots 134 can be arranged in a manner
`similar to that of the charge jacket holders 132. For example,
`the detonator cord slots 134 can be arranged in a phasing
`pattern, such as a helical or spiral phasing pattern, a missing
`arc helical phasing pattern, a planar phasing pattern. The
`loading tube 110 can also include one or more electrical wire
`holder holes 136 or other fastening features. The other fas
`tening features can include fasteners or adhesives formed out
`of placed on, or threaded through, the loading tube 110. The
`electrical wireholder holes or features 136 can be arranged in
`a manner similar to that of the charge jacket holders 132 and
`the detonator cord slots 134. For example, the electrical wire
`holder holes or features 136 can be arranged in a phasing
`pattern, such as a helical or spiral phasing pattern, a missing
`arc helical phasing pattern, a planar phasing pattern. The
`electrical wire holder holes or features 136 can retain wire
`holders and give wires a dedicated path through the loading
`tube 110. Such an arrangement can protect wires from being
`pinched by the charges and can prevent shock damage to
`wires by providing strain relief.
`0021. The loading tube 110 can include a cutaway section
`138. The cutaway section 138 can be located proximate the
`initiator assembly 112 to provide access to the initiator
`assembly 112. The cutaway section 138 can permit visual
`inspection or verification of a state of the ballistic interrupt
`shutter 406 (see FIG. 4). The cutaway section 138 can also
`permit the removal and/or installation of the initiator assem
`bly 112 or components thereof For example, the cutaway
`section 138 can also permit the removal of the initiator assem
`bly 112 and the installation of a different initiator, such as an
`RF safe initiator.
`0022. The component parts of the wellbore perforating
`device 100 can be formed from any material. For example,
`one or more component parts of the wellbore perforating
`device 100 can be formed from metals, such as carbon steel,
`stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloys, iron, aluminum, tung
`Sten, ceramics, plastic, composite materials, glass, or the like.
`One or more component parts of the wellbore perforating
`device 100 can also be formed from one or more thermoplas
`tic materials, such as polymers, elastomers, rubbers, and the
`like.
`0023 The thermoplastic material can include at least one
`polymer selected from butylene polymer, ethylene polymer,
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 009
`
`

`

`US 2015/0330 192 A1
`
`Nov. 19, 2015
`
`high density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer, medium density
`polyethylene (MDPE) polymer, low density polyethylene
`(LDPE) polymer, propylene (PP) polymer, isotactic polypro
`pylene (iPP) polymer, high crystallinity polypropylene
`(HCPP) polymer, ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymers, eth
`ylene-propylene-butylene (EPB) terpolymers, propylene-bu
`tylene (PB) copolymer, an ethylene elastomer, a ethylene
`based plastomer, a propylene elastomer, styrenic polymers,
`styrenic copolymers, PEEK, Ryton(R), commercially avail
`able from the Chevron Phillips company, Noryl(R) commer
`cially available from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation,
`ZeniteR) and Zytel(R), commercially available from E. I. du
`Pont de Nemours and Company, Polyimide, nylon, high tem
`perature nylon, polystyrene, and combinations or blends
`thereof.
`0024. The shock absorbers 118, 120 and/or bulkheads
`114, 116 can be formed from an elastomeric material. The
`elastomeric material can include natural rubber, conjugated
`diene monomers, aliphatic conjugated diene monomers, sili
`cone rubber, and the like. The conjugated diene monomer can
`be selected from 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, 2
`chloro-1.3 butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, and 2 chloro
`1,3-butadiene. The aliphatic conjugated diene monomer can
`include C to Co dienes such as butadiene monomers. The
`shock absorbers can be formed from any one of or any com
`bination of the plastics, elastomers, or metals described
`above.
`0025 FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of the loading
`tube 110, according to one or more embodiments. The load
`ing tube 110 can be formed from metals, such as carbon steel,
`stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloys, iron, aluminum, tung
`Sten, cardboard, cellulose, Styrofoam, expanded polystyrene,
`plastic, composite materials, ceramics, plaster, or the like.
`The loading tube 110 can also include a phosphate coating on
`the metal Surfaces to provide corrosion resistance. The charge
`jacket holders 132 are shown containing perforating charges
`202. The perforating charges 202 can be arranged in a phasing
`pattern (ahelical or spiral phasing pattern, missing archelical
`phasing pattern, a planar phasing pattern, etc.), depending on
`the perforating application.
`0026. The upper connector assembly 126 is shown with
`one or more projections or tabs 226 that can engage corre
`sponding holes or recesses (not shown) disposed in the carrier
`102 (see FIG. 1). The loading tube 110 can also include a
`lower connector assembly 228, as shown. The lower connec
`tor assembly 228 can be adapted to join or connect the loading
`tube 110 with the carrier 102 and/or with an adjacent loading
`tube 110. The loading tube 110 is shown containing the ini
`tiator assembly 112. The initiator assembly 112 can be visible
`through the cutaway section 138 of the loading tube 110. A
`user (not shown) can also access the initiator assembly 112
`contained in the loading tube 110.
`0027 FIG.3 depicts an exploded side perspective view of
`another illustrative wellbore perforating device 300, accord
`ing to one or more embodiments. The perforating device 300
`can include a carrier 302, a loading tube 310, initiator assem
`bly 312, a supplemental initiator assembly 313, bulkheads
`314, 316, and seals 330 as disclosed in reference to FIGS. 1
`and 2, above. At least the loading tube 310 and/or carrier 302
`can be formed from any thermoplastic material as disclosed
`herein. For example, the loading tube 310 can be completely
`formed or molded from a thermoplastic material.
`0028. The wellbore perforating device 300 can also
`include an upper crossover 320 coupled to the upper bulkhead
`
`314 and an upper head 322 coupled to the upper crossover
`320. The wellbore perforating device 300 can also include a
`lower crossover 324 coupled to the lower bulk head 316, a
`plug and shoot 326 coupled to the lower crossover 324, and a
`handling cap 328 coupled to the plug and shoot 326. These
`components can prevent flooding of the wellbore perforating
`device 300 after perforating charges have detonated, flooding
`the carrier 302, thereby preventing exposure of the wellbore
`perforating device 300 to corrosive wellbore fluids. The upper
`crossover 320, the upper head 322, the lower crossover 324,
`the plug and shoot 326, and the handling cap 326 can connect
`the wellbore perforating device 300 to a conveyance system
`(not shown) that can lower the wellbore perforating device
`300 in a well, such as wireline, slickline, coil tubing, or drill
`pipe. The upper crossover 320, the upper head 322, the lower
`crossover 324, the plug and shoot 326, and the handling cap
`326 can also connect one or more wellbore perforating
`devices 300 in series or to other systems that can have sensing,
`actuating, and/or structural purposes.
`0029 FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of the initiator
`assembly 112 of the loading tube 110 of FIG. 2, according to
`one or more embodiments disclosed. The initiator assembly
`112 can include one or more detonators 402, one or more
`detonator cords 404, one or more ballistic interrupt shutters
`406, one or more insulation-displacement connectors
`("IDCs”) 410, and one or more retaining tabs 412. The deto
`nator 402 and the detonator cord 404 can form a ballistic train
`of the initiator 112. The detonator 402 can be or include a
`primary ignition source that initiates the ignition of the deto
`nator cord 404. The detonator cord 404 can include a fuse and
`can be operably coupled to the detonator 402. The detonator
`402 can initiate a detonation wave on the detonator cord 404,
`and the detonation wave can propagate on one or more Sub
`sequent detonating cord(s) 404 to the perforating charges 202
`to cause the charges 202 to fire. Unintentional or premature
`firing or activation of the detonator cord 404 can be prevented
`by the ballistic interrupt shutter 406. For example, uninten
`tional firing of the detonator cord 404 can be prevented until
`a particular command is sent to release the shutter 406.
`0030 The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can include one or
`more layers of a metallic material disposed adjacent to one or
`more layers of a thermoplastic material. The ballistic inter
`rupt shutter 406 can also include one or more layers of a
`metallic material sandwiched between two or more layers of
`a thermoplastic material. The metallic material can include
`any metallic material as disclosed herein, and the thermoplas
`tic material can include any thermoplastic material as dis
`closed herein. The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be
`lodged between the detonator 402 and the detonator cord 404
`prior to issuing of the particular command to release the
`shutter 406. The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can prevent a
`signal or charge from transferring from the detonator 402 to
`the detonator cord 404 when the shutter 406 is lodged
`between the detonator 402 and the detonator cord 404. The
`ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be dislodged or “opened
`by being moved in a direction away from the detonator 402
`and/or the detonator cord 404. The ballistic interrupt shutter
`406 can be coupled to a spring (not shown). For example, the
`ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be spring loaded. A particu
`lar signal can actuate the spring loaded shutter 406, dislodg
`ing the shutter 406 from between the detonator 402 and the
`detonator cord 404. The spring loaded shutter 406 can be
`actuated by burning of a fuse that causes the spring to release
`resulting in the dislodging of the shutter 406. Once the bal
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 010
`
`

`

`US 2015/0330 192 A1
`
`Nov. 19, 2015
`
`listic interrupt shutter 406 is dislodged, a signal or charge can
`be transferred from the detonator 402 to the detonator cord
`404, resulting in detonation of the perforating charges 202.
`For example, the thermoplastic layer(s) of the ballistic inter
`rupt shutter 406 can be removed, leaving behind the metallic
`layer(s). The metallic layer can permit a shock wave to travel
`from the detonator 402 to the detonator cord 404, causing
`ignition of the perforating charges 202. The metal layer of the
`shutter 406 as well as the thermoplastic layer can also be
`removed, allowing direct transmission of the shock wave
`from the detonator 402 to the detonating cord 402 through an
`air gap (not shown), causing detonation of the perforating
`charges 202.
`0031. The initiator assembly 112 can include a circuit
`board (not shown). The circuit board can communicate with a
`Surface computer (not shown). The circuit board can also
`connect the detonator 402 to a power cable on command. The
`circuit board can also record diagnostic information while
`firing cable voltage during firing of the detonator 402. The
`circuit board can also communicate information regarding a
`status of the wellbore perforating device 100 to the surface
`such as location of the shutter 406 and a condition of a shutter
`406 release mechanism, a status of the detonator 402, and
`other information Such as temperature or acceleration of the
`wellbore perforating device 100. The circuit board can have a
`RF safe design. In an RF safe design, the initiator assembly
`112 can be protected from inadvertent firing due to RF sig
`nals, electrostatic discharge (ESD), or stray currents. The
`circuit board can be connected to the detonator 402 via the
`insulation-displacement connectors ("IDCs) 410. The cir
`cuit board can also be connected to the power cable via the
`IDCs 410. The IDCs 410 for connecting the circuit board to
`the detonator 402 can be located proximate the cutaway sec
`tion 138. An additional cutaway section 414 can be located
`proximate the IDCs 410 that are used to connect the circuit
`board to the power cable. The cutaway section 138 and addi
`tional cutaway section 414 can provide access to a user,
`allowing the user to connect or disconnect the IDCs 410 from
`the circuit board, the detonator 402, and/or the power cable.
`The circuit board can also be connected to the power cable
`and other perforating systems through multi-use connectors
`Such as an RCA jack.
`0032. The initiator assembly 112 can be at least partially
`formed from a thermoplastic material as disclosed herein.
`One or more retaining tabs 412 can be formed from or dis
`posed on the initiator assembly 112. The retaining tabs 412
`can be sized and shaped to mate with corresponding holes or
`recesses in the loading tube 110 to ensure proper alignment of
`the initiator 112 in the loading tube 110. The retaining tabs
`412 can permit quick removal and/or insertion of the initiator
`112 to and/or from the loading tube 110. The retaining tabs
`412 can also serve to isolate the circuitboard from perforating
`shock, or to allow compliance to make up for gaps due to
`tolerances between the loading tube or carrier assembly.
`0033 FIG. 5 depicts an end perspective view of the load
`ing tube 110 of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodi
`ments disclosed. The lower bulkhead 116 is shown extending
`from the lower end 106 of the loading tube 110. The lower
`bulkhead 116 can be proximate the cutaway section 138 and
`the additional cutaway section 414, as shown. An end of a
`power cable 502 can protrude or extend through the lower
`bulkhead 116. The power cable 502 can run throughout the
`interior of the loading tube 110. For example, the power cable
`502 can be held in place by wire holders 504 that are at least
`
`partially disposed in the electrical wire holder holes 136. As
`Such, the wire holders 504 can be arranged in a phasing
`pattern, such as a helical or spiral phasing pattern, a missing
`arc helical phasing pattern, a planar phasing pattern, giving
`the power cable 502 a dedicated path through the loading tube
`110. Such an arrangement of the power cable 502 can be
`pre-wired in the loading tube 110 prior to transportation to the
`well surface.
`0034 FIG. 6 depicts a cross sectional side view of an
`illustrative wire holder 602, according to one or more
`embodiments. The wire holder 602 can include ahead portion
`608 and a tab portion 604. The head portion 608 can have an
`inner bore 606 formed therethrough that is capable of retain
`ing a wire or cable. For example, at least a portion of the
`power cable 502 can be retained by the inner bore 606. The tab
`portion 604 can be inserted into a corresponding electrical
`wire holder hole 136 in the loading tube 110. The tab portion
`604 can lock the wire holder into place once an end of the tab
`portion 604 is pushed through the hole 136. Once locked into
`place, the tab portion 604 can abutor terminate proximate an
`inner wall of the carrier 102. The wiring of the power cable
`502 can be completed at an off-site location, prior to arrival at
`the well site. Accordingly, users in the field can avoid wiring
`of the loading tube 110 as the loading tube 110 can arrive
`on-site “pre-wired.
`0035) Any number of wellbore perforating devices 100
`can be lowered downhole via a wireline or other system. For
`example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, or more wellbore perforating devices
`can be arranged in series and lowered in a single wellbore on
`a single pass. For example, the first bulkhead 114 of a first or
`lower wellbore perforating device (not shown) can be mate
`with or connect to a second bulkhead 116 of an adjacent
`second or upper wellbore perforating device (not shown). The
`power cables 502 of each wellbore perforating device in
`series can be connected to form a string of power cables.
`0036. In operation, the wellbore perforating device 100
`can be assembled off-site by connecting or integrating the
`power cables 502 and/or wiring within the loading tube 110.
`The power cables 502 and/or wiring can be disposed through
`the wire holders 602 as depicted in FIG. 6. The wire holders
`602, containing the power cables 502 and/or wiring, can be
`fed through an interior of the loading tube 110 and then
`pushed or otherwise inserted into corresponding wire holder
`holes 136 to provide pre-wired loading tubes 110. These
`pre-wired loading tubes 110 can then be delivered on-site,
`where a user in the field can the insert one or more initiators
`112 into the loading tube 110. The initiator 112 can be
`inserted into the interior of the loading tube via an exposed
`end thereof or via the cutaway section 138. The retaining tabs
`412 of the initiator 112 can then mate with corresponding
`holes or recesses in the loading tube 110, ensuring proper
`insertion of the initiator 112 in the loading tube 110. Once the
`initiator 112 has been inserted into the loading tube 110, the
`IDCs 410 can be pushed into the circuitboard (not shown) of
`the initiator assembly 112 to connect the pre-wired power
`cable 502 to the initiator assembly 112. The user can then
`push the IDCs 410 into the detonator 402 and into the circuit
`board to connect the circuit board to the detonator 402. The
`user can then optionally insert the loading tube 110 into the
`carrier 102. The loading tube 110 can then be connected to a
`wireline system (not shown) and lowered downhole into a
`wellbore (not shown). Once the loading tube 110 has be
`lowered to a desired perforation depth downhole, the user can
`selecta command to release the ballistic interrupt shutter 406,
`
`Hunting Titan, Inc.
`Ex. 1014
`Pg. 011
`
`

`

`US 2015/0330 192 A1
`
`Nov. 19, 2015
`
`dislodging the shutter from between the detonator 402 and the
`detonator cord 404. The user can next select a command
`resulting in a signal or charge that can be transferred from the
`detonator 402 to the detonator cord 404, resulting in detona
`tion of the perforating charges 202 and thus perforation of at
`least a portion of a formation downhole. The method can also
`include having a user selecting a single command resulting in
`the ballistic interrupt shutter 406 releasing, dislodging the
`shutter from between the deton