| HAO WATAT UT TIL AT MAI MARI MAI MULT
`
`US010077641B2
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Rogman et al .
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 077 , 641 B2
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`( 72 )
`
`( 54 ) PERFORATING GUN WITH INTEGRATED
`INITIATOR
`( 71 ) Applicant : Schlumberger Technology
`Corporation , Sugar Land , TX ( US )
`Inventors : Raphael Rogman , Houston , TX ( US ) ;
`Allan Goldberg , Alvin , TX ( US ) ;
`Vinod Chakka , Pune ( IN ) ; Pedro
`Hernandez , 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 ) ; Kenneth Randall Goodman ,
`Richmond , TX ( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY
`CORPORATION , Sugar Land , TX
`( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 410 days .
`14 / 649 , 577
`Dec . 4 , 2013
`PCT / US2013 / 073094
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 21 ) Appl . No . :
`( 22 ) PCT Filed :
`( 86 ) PCT No . :
`$ 371 ( c ) ( 1 ) ,
`Jun . 4 , 2015
`( 2 ) Date :
`( 87 ) PCT Pub . No . : WO2014 / 089194
`PCT Pub . Date : Jun . 12 , 2014
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2015 / 0330192 A1 Nov . 19 , 2015
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 61 / 733 , 129 , filed on Dec .
`4 , 2012
`
`( 65 )
`
`( 58 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`( 2006 . 01 )
`E21B 43 / 116
`E21B 43 / 1185
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( Continued )
`( 52 ) U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . E21B 43 / 116 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E21B 43 / 117
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; E21B 43 / 1185 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E21B
`43 / 11855 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F42C 15 / 34 ( 2013 . 01 )
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . E21B 43 / 116 ; E21B 43 / 11855 ; E21B
`43 / 117 ; E21B 43 / 1185 ; F42C 15 / 34
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2 , 062 , 974 A
`12 / 1936 Lane et al .
`10 / 1986 George
`4 , 619 , 333 A
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2244095 Y
`1 / 1997
`101575965 A
`11 / 2009
`( Continued )
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Communication article 94 - 3 issued in the related EP application
`13860417 . 8 , dated Mar . 8 , 2017 ( 6 pages ) .
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner — Brad Harcourt
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Tim W . Curington
`ABSTRACT
`( 57 )
`A wellbore perforating device includes at least one perfo
`rating 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 detonator and the detonator cord . The ballistic
`interrupt shutter can prevent firing of the detonator cord .
`19 Claims , 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`CN
`CN
`
`322
`
`320
`
`314
`
`CÈTOO
`
`310
`
`313
`
`2
`
`340
`
`324
`
`09 cocco
`
`GHD
`1005
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`US 10 , 077 , 641 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 51 )
`
`Int . Cl .
`E21B 43 / 117
`F42C 15 / 34
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4 , 909 , 320 A
`3 / 1990 Hebert et al .
`5 , 007 , 486 A
`4 / 1991 Ricles
`7 / 2002 Frazier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E21B 43 / 117
`6 , 412 , 388 B1 *
`102 / 312
`6 / 2004 Lerche et al .
`6 , 752 , 083 B1
`7 , 347 , 278 B2
`3 / 2008 Lerche et al .
`8 , 113 , 119 B2
`2 / 2012 Crawford
`8 , 256 , 337 B2
`9 / 2012 Hill et al .
`2004 / 02 16866 A1 11 / 2004 Barlow et al .
`2009 / 0151589 Al
`6 / 2009 Henderson et al .
`2009 / 0159285 A1 6 / 2009 Goodman
`2010 / 0005992 Al
`1 / 2010 Crawford
`2011 / 0024116 Al 2 / 2011 McCann et al .
`2012 / 0018157 Al
`1 / 2012 Gill et al .
`2012 / 0138286 A1
`6 / 2012 Mason et al .
`2012 / 0152542 A1 6 / 2012 Le
`2012 / 0199352 Al
`8 / 2012 Lanclos et al .
`2012 / 0247771 A1 10 / 2012 Black et al .
`2013 / 0043074 AL
`2 / 2013 Tassaroli
`2013 / 0048376 A12 / 2013 Rodgers et al .
`2013 / 0153205 Al
`6 / 2013 Borgfeld et al .
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0175439 A2
`3 / 1986
`6 / 1994
`0601880 A2
`0919694 A2
`6 / 1999
`1930541 A2
`6 / 2008
`10 / 2012
`121054
`
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`RU
`
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`2013180765 Al
`WO2014089 194 AL
`WO2014179669 AL
`
`12 / 2013
`6 / 2014
`11 / 2014
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Office action issued in the related CN application 201380062953 . 4 ,
`dated Jun . 15 , 2017 ( 20 pages ) .
`RU Application No . 2015126872 , Official Action , dated Aug . 10 ,
`2016 , 8 pgs .
`Office Action issued in related EP application 13860417 . 8 dated
`Mar . 9 , 2016 , 6 pages .
`European Search Report issued in related EP application 13860417 . 8
`dated Feb . 22 , 2016 , 5 pages .
`International Search Report and Written Opinion issued in the
`related PCT application PCT / US2014 / 036541 , dated Sep . 12 , 2014
`( 13 pages ) .
`International Preliminary Report on Patentability issued in the
`related PCT application PCT / US2014 / 036541 , dated Nov . 3 , 2015
`( 09 pages ) .
`International Search Report and Written Opinion issued in the
`related PCT application PCT / US2013 / 073094 , dated Mar . 20 , 2014
`( 9 pages ) .
`International Preliminary Report on Patentability issued in the
`related PCT application PCT / US2013 / 073094 , dated Jun . 9 , 2015 ( 5
`pages ) .
`Office action issued in the related CN application 201380062953 . 4 ,
`dated Sep . 1 , 2016 ( 22 pages ) .
`Decision of Grant issued in the related RU application 2015126872 ,
`dated Dec . 1 , 2016 ( 12 pages ) .
`Communication article 94 - 3 issued in the related EP application
`13860417 . 8 , dated Jan . 19 , 2018 ( 5 pages ) .
`Office action issued in the related CN application 201380062953 . 4 ,
`dated Feb . 27 , 2018 ( 11 pages ) .
`Office Action issued in the related U . S . Appl . No . 14 / 888 , 882 dated
`May 25 , 2018 ( 36 pages ) .
`* cited by examiner
`
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`U . S . Patent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
`
`Sheet l of 6
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`FIG . 1
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`atent
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`Sep . 18 , 2018
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`Sheet 2 Of 6
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`US10 , 077 , 64182
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`U . S . Paten
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`atent
`
`Sep . 18 , 2018
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`Sheet 3 of 6
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`US 10 , 077 , 641 B2
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`326
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`30 - 312
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`FIG . 3
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`320
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`322
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`atent
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`Sep . 18 , 2018
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`Sheet 4 of 6
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`US 10 . 077 . 641 B2
`
`110
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`| 412
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`402
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`414
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`FIG . 4
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`. . - - . .
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`Us 10 , 077 , 641 B2
`
`atent
`
`Sep 18 , 2018
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`Sheet 5 of 6 .
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`0 g
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`414
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`Y
`138
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`FIG . 5
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`atent
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`Sep . 18 , 2018
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`Sheet 6 of 6
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`US 10 , 077 , 641 B2
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`608
`
`FIG . 6
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`US 10 , 077 , 641 B2
`
`15
`
`PERFORATING GUN WITH INTEGRATED
`executing a first command releasing the ballistic interrupt
`INITIATOR
`shutter from between the detonator and the detonator cord .
`The method can also include executing a second command
`BACKGROUND
`firing the wellbore perforating device .
`Wellbore perforation services are used to produce hydro
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`carbons from a subterranean formation . Such perforating
`So that the recited features can be understood in detail , a
`operations oftentimes rely on perforating guns to perforate
`more particular description , briefly summarized above , can
`the formation . Perforating guns are lowered into a wellbore
`from a wireline truck located at the surface while maintain - 10 be had by reference to one or more embodiments , some of
`ing a wired connection between the surface and the perfo -
`which are illustrated in the appended drawings . It is to be
`rating gun located downhole . Perforating guns contain
`noted , however , that the appended drawings are illustrative
`explosive charges and an initiator . The initiator is designed
`embodiments , and are , therefore , not to be considered lim
`to fire the explosive charges after the initiator detects an
`iting of its scope .
`appropriate command from the surface .
`FIG . 1 depicts a cross sectional view of an illustrative
`The explosive charges can be detonated unintentionally
`wellbore perforating device , according to one or more
`by radio frequencies , for example , by those emitted from
`embodiments disclosed .
`cell phones . Such radio frequencies interfere with or bypass
`FIG . 2 depicts a side perspective view of an illustrative
`the initiator causing the premature or unintentional detona -
`loading tube , according to one or more embodiments dis
`tion of the explosive charges . Also , wiring of the initiator to 20 closed .
`the perforating gun is oftentimes performed at the surface
`FIG . 3 depicts an exploded side perspective view of
`near the well site , instead of at a dedicated manufacturing
`another illustrative wellbore perforating device , according to
`facility . Performing wiring at the surface of the well site
`one or more embodiments disclosed .
`increases the likelihood of human error during the wiring
`FIG . 4 depicts a side perspective view of an initiator of the
`process , while also being a time - consuming operation that 25 loading tube of FIG . 2 , according to one or more embodi
`requires specific training . Finally , the initiator can be deto -
`ments disclosed .
`nated unintentionally by stray currents present on the wire
`FIG . 5 depicts an end perspective view of the loading tube
`line or by exposure to high voltage that can occur due to
`of FIG . 2 , according to one or more embodiments disclosed .
`ESD ( Electro Static Discharge ) or lightening .
`FIG . 6 depicts a cross sectional side view of an illustrative
`There is a need , therefore , for new systems and methods 30 wire holder , according to one or more embodiments dis
`that prevent premature detonation of a perforating gun ,
`closed .
`while reducing wiring operations performed at the surface .
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`SUMMARY
`FIG . 1 depicts a cross sectional view of an illustrative
`wellbore perforating device 100 , according to one or more
`This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
`embodiments . The wellbore perforating device 100 can have
`concepts that are further described below in the detailed
`a body or carrier 102 having a first or “ upper ” end 104 and
`description . This summary is not intended to identify key or
`a second or “ lower ” end 106 . The use of the terms " upper ”
`essential features of the claimed subject matter , nor is it
`intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the 40 and “ lower ” do not limit the orientation of the perforating
`device , which can be placed at any angle with respect to a
`claimed subject matter .
`A wellbore perforating device is disclosed . The wellbore
`vertical plane within a wellbore . The carrier 102 can have an
`perforating device can include at least one perforating
`inner bore 108 formed therethrough for containing a loading
`charge and an initiator . The initiator can include a ballistic
`tube 110 . The carrier 102 and the loading tube 110 can each
`train adapted to fire the at least one perforating charge . The 45 be tubular members , and the loading tube 110 can be
`ballistic train can include a detonator and a detonator cord .
`disposed longitudinally within the carrier 102 . The loading
`A ballistic interrupt shutter can be disposed between the
`tube 110 can have a first or “ upper ” end 122 and a second
`detonator and the detonator cord . The ballistic interrupt
`o r “ lower ” end 124 . An upper connector assembly 126 can
`shutter can prevent firing of the detonator cord .
`be disposed on the loading tube 110 , for example , at or near
`A perforating gun is also disclosed . The perforating gun 50 the first end 122 . A lower connector assembly 125 can be
`can include a loading tube . The loading tube can have an
`disposed on the loading tube 110 , for example , at or near the
`initiator disposed therein . The initiator can include a deto -
`second end 124 . The upper connector assembly 126 and
`nator and a detonator cord . At least one perforating charge
`lower connector assembly 125 can include one or more
`can be disposed within the loading tube . A ballistic interrupt
`projections ( not shown ) or features , such as tabs , rods , or
`shutter can be disposed between the detonator and the 55 cavities that can engage corresponding holes , recesses ( not
`detonator cord . The ballistic interrupt shutter can include a
`shown ) , or protrusions ( not shown ) disposed in the carrier
`metallic layer disposed adjacent a layer of thermoplastic
`102 . The wellbore perforating device 100 can contain an
`initiator assembly 112 . The initiator assembly 112 can
`material .
`A method of using a wellbore perforating device is also
`include a ballistic interrupt shutter 406 ( see FIG . 4 ) . The
`disclosed . The method can include inserting an initiator into 60 ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be adapted to prevent
`a loading tube of the wellbore perforating device . The
`detonation until a command is sent to release the shutter . The
`initiator can include a detonator and a detonator cord . A
`initiator assembly can be replaceable in the field by other
`ballistic interrupt shutter can be disposed between the deto -
`initiator assemblies such as R . F . Safe ( Radio Frequency
`nator and the detonator cord . The ballistic interrupt shutter
`S afe ) or other initiator assemblies .
`can include a metallic layer disposed adjacent a layer of 65
`As used herein , the terms “ up ” and “ down ; " " upper ” and
`thermoplastic material . The method can also include lower -
`“ lower ; " " upwardly ” and “ downwardly ; " " upstream ” and
`ing the wellbore perforating device into a wellbore and
`" downstream ; " and other like terms are merely used for
`
`35
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`US 10 , 077 , 641 B2
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`disposed in annulus ( not shown ) formed between the bulk
`convenience to depict spatial orientations or spatial relation -
`head 114 or 116 and the cable to maintain fluid isolation of
`ships relative to one another in a vertical wellbore . However ,
`the loading tube 110 .
`when applied to equipment and methods for use in wellbores
`The loading tube 110 can include one or more charge
`that are deviated or horizontal , it is understood to those of
`ordinary skill in the art that such terms are intended to refer 5 jacket holders 132 ( six are at least partially shown in FIG .
`1 ) . The charge jacket holders 132 can contain perforating
`to a left to right , right to left , or other spatial relationship as
`opropriate . It is also understood that the perforating device
`charges ( not shown ) that can be outwardly directed in a
`appropriate . It is also understood that the perforating device
`radial and / or tangential direction , for example , to perforate
`can be deployed in a reversed configuration , with the spatial
`a casing string and / or form corresponding perforation tun
`orientations and relationships being inverted , i . e . with the
`features identified “ up ” oriented down and the features es 10 nels into the surrounding formation . The charge jacket
`holders 132 can be arranged in a phasing pattern ( a helical
`labeled “ down “ oriented up .
`or spiral phasing pattern , missing arc helical phasing pattern ,
`Still referring to FIG . 1 , the wellbore perforating device
`a planar phasing pattern , etc . ) , depending on the perforating
`100 can include one or more bulkheads ( two are shown 114 ,
`application . The loading tube 110 can include one or more
`116 ) . The bulkheads 114 , 116 can be connected to ends of 15
`enas of 15 detonating cord slots 134 . The detonator cord slots 134 can
`be adapted to receive a detonating cord for connecting to
`the loading tube 110 . For example , a first bulkhead 114 can
`be connected to the first end 122 of the loading tube 110 , and
`primer ends of the perforating charges disposed in the charge
`a second bulkhead 116 can be connected to the second end
`jacket holders 132 . The detonator cord slots 134 can be
`124 of the loading tube 110 . The first bulkhead 114 can be
`arranged in a manner similar to that of the charge jacket
`disposed on or near the first end 104 of the carrier 102 . The 20 holders 132 . For example , the detonator cord slots 134 can
`be arranged in a phasing pattern , such as a helical or spiral
`second bulkhead 116 can also be disposed on or near the
`second end 106 of the carrier 102 . The first and second
`phasing pattern , a missing arc helical phasing pattern , a
`bulkheads 114 , 116 can isolate the loading tube 110 from
`planar phasing pattern . The loading tube 110 can also
`fluids external to the loading tube 110 ( e . g . , wellbore fluids ) .
`include one or more electrical wire holder holes 136 or other
`The wellbore perforating device 100 can include one or 25 fastening features . The other fastening features can include
`fasteners or adhesives formed out of , placed on , or threaded
`more shock absorbers ( two are shown 118 , 120 ) . The shock
`through , the loading tube 110 . The electrical wire holder
`absorbers 118 , 120 can isolate the initiator from perforating
`holes or features 136 can be arranged in a manner similar to
`shock and / or compensate for any axial or radial movement
`that of the charge jacket holders 132 and the detonator cord
`of and end of the loading tube 110 to ensure proper con
`nection to a second loading tube 110 or other device . The 30 30 slots 134 . For example , the electrical wire holder holes or
`features 136 can be arranged in a phasing pattern , such as a
`shock absorbers 118 , 120 can be connected to the first end
`helical or spiral phasing pattern , a missing arc helical
`122 and / or the second end 124 of the loading tube 110 . The
`phasing pattern , a planar phasing pattern . The electrical wire
`shock absorbers 118 , 120 can be or include a gasket or flange
`holder holes or features 136 can retain wire holders and give
`and can be disposed anywhere between the first and second
`a second 35 wires a dedicated path through the loading tube 110 . Such an
`bulkheads 114 , 116 and the loading tube 110 . For example ,
`arrangement can protect wires from being pinched by the
`the first shock absorber 118 can be disposed between the first
`charges and can prevent shock damage to wires by providing
`strain relief .
`bulkhead 114 and the first end 122 of the loading tube 110 ,
`and the second shock absorber 120 can be disposed between
`The loading tube 110 can include a cutaway section 138 .
`the second bulkhead 116 and the second end 124 of the 40 The cutaway section 138 can be located proximate the
`loading tube 110 . The first shock absorber 118 can be in
`initiator assembly 112 to provide access to the initiator
`direct contact with the first bulkhead 114 and the loading
`assembly 112 . The cutaway section 138 can permit visual
`tube 110 , and the second shock absorber 120 can be in direct
`inspection or verification of a state of the ballistic interrupt
`contact with the second bulkhead 116 and the loading tube
`shutter 406 ( see FIG . 4 ) . The cutaway section 138 can also
`45 permit the removal and / or installation of the initiator assem
`110 .
`The first and second bulkheads 114 , 116 can include one
`bly 112 or components thereof . For example , the cutaway
`or more centralizers 128 for centralizing and aligning the
`section 138 can also permit the removal of the initiator
`loading tube 110 with the carrier 102 and / or and adjacent
`assembly 112 and the installation of a different initiator , such
`loading tube 110 . The one or more centralizers 128 can
`as an RF safe initiator .
`include one or more projections ( not shown ) and one or 50
`The component parts of the wellbore perforating device
`more corresponding slots or grooves ( not shown ) . The one
`100 can be formed from any material . For example , one or
`or more projections can be disposed on the bulkheads 114 ,
`more component parts of the wellbore perforating device
`116 , and the corresponding slots or grooves can be disposed
`100 can be formed from metals , such as carbon steel ,
`on the loading tube 110 . In another embodiment , the one or
`stainless steel , nickel , nickel alloys , iron , aluminum , tung
`more projections can be disposed on the loading tube 110 55 sten , ceramics , plastic , composite materials , glass , or the
`and the corresponding slots or grooves can be disposed on
`like . One or more component parts of the wellbore perfo
`the bulkheads 114 , 116 . The centralizing feature can include
`rating device 100 can also be formed from one or more
`a ring or standoff features supported by the inner wall of the
`thermoplastic materials , such as polymers , elastomers , rub
`carrier . The first and second bulkheads 114 , 116 can also
`bers , and the like .
`include one or more coaxial conduits adapted to allow a 60
`The thermoplastic material can include at least one poly
`coaxial cable , such as a power cable or any other wiring , to
`mer selected from butylene polymer , ethylene polymer , high
`pass through the first and second bulkheads 114 , 116 while
`density polyethylene ( HDPE ) polymer , medium density
`maintaining fluid isolation of the loading tube 110 and space
`polyethylene ( MDPE ) polymer , low density polyethylene
`between the carrier 102 and the loading tube 110 . For
`( LDPE ) polymer , propylene ( PP ) polymer , isotactic poly
`example , the first and second bulkheads 114 , 116 can include 65 propylene ( iPP ) polymer , high crystallinity polypropylene
`a seal 130 that fits between the bulkhead 114 or 116 and a
`( HCPP ) polymer , ethylene - propylene ( EP ) copolymers , eth
`coaxial cable passing therethrough . The seal 130 can be
`ylene - propylene - butylene ( EPB ) terpolymers , propylene
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`US 10 , 077 , 641 B2
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`The upper crossover 320 , the upper head 322 , the lower
`butylene ( PB ) copolymer , an ethylene elastomer , a ethylene -
`crossover 324 , the plug and shoot 326 , and the handling cap
`based plastomer , a propylene elastomer , styrenic polymers ,
`326 can connect the wellbore perforating device 300 to a
`styrenic copolymers , PEEK , Ryton® , commercially avail -
`conveyance system ( not shown ) that can lower the wellbore
`able from the Chevron Phillips company , Noryl® commer
`cially available from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation , 5 perforating device 300 in a well , such as wireline , slickline ,
`Zenite® and Zytel® , commercially available from E . I . du
`coil tubing , or drill pipe . The upper crossover 320 , the upper
`Pont de Nemours and Company , Polyimide , nylon , high
`head 322 , the lower crossover 324 , the plug and shoot 326 ,
`temperature nylon , polystyrene , and combinations or blends
`and the handling cap 326 can also connect one or more
`wellbore perforating devices 300 in series or to other sys
`thereof .
`The shock absorbers 118 , 120 and / or bulkheads 114 , 116 10 tems that can have sensing , actuating , and / or structural
`can be formed from an elastomeric material . The elastomeric
`purposes .
`material can include natural rubber , conjugated diene mono
`FIG . 4 depicts a side perspective view of the initiator
`mers , aliphatic conjugated diene monomers , silicone rubber ,
`assembly 112 of the loading tube 110 of FIG . 2 , according
`and the like . The conjugated diene monomer can be selected
`to one or more embodiments disclosed . The initiator assem
`from 1 , 3 - butadiene , 2 - methyl - 1 , 3 - butadiene , 2 chloro - 1 , 3
`15 bly 112 can include one or more detonators 402 , one or more
`butadiene , 2 - methyl - 1 , 3 - butadiene , and 2 chloro - 1 , 3 - buta
`detonator cords 404 , one or more ballistic interrupt shutters
`diene . The aliphatic conjugated diene monomer can include
`406 , one or more insulation - displacement connectors
`C4 to C , dienes such as butadiene monomers . The shock
`( " IDCs ” ) 410 , and one or more retaining tabs 412 . The
`absorbers can be formed from any one of or any combination
`detonator 402 and the detonator cord 404 can form a ballistic
`of the plastics , elastomers , or metals described above .
`20 train of the initiator 112 . The detonator 402 can be or include
`FIG . 2 depicts a side perspective view of the loading tube
`a primary ignition source that initiates the ignition of the
`110 , according to one or more embodiments . The loading
`detonator cord 404 . The detonator cord 404 can include a
`tube 110 can be formed from metals , such as carbon steel ,
`fuse and can be operably coupled to the detonator 402 . The
`stainless steel , nickel , nickel alloys , iron , aluminum , tung -
`detonator 402 can initiate a detonation wave on the detona
`sten , cardboard , cellulose , styrofoam , expanded polystyrene , 25 tor cord 404 , and the detonation wave can propagate on one
`plastic , composite materials , ceramics , plaster , or the like .
`or more subsequent detonating cord ( s ) 404 to the perforating
`The loading tube 110 can also include a phosphate coating
`charges 202 to cause the charges 202 to fire . Unintentional
`on the metal surfaces to provide corrosion resistance . The
`or premature firing or activation of the detonator cord 404
`charge jacket holders 132 are shown containing perforating
`can be prevented by the ballistic interrupt shutter 406 . For
`charges 202 . The perforating charges 202 can be arranged in
`30 example , unintentional firing of the detonator cord 404 can
`a phasing pattern ( a helical or spiral phasing pattern , missing
`be prevented until a particular command is sent to release the
`arc helical phasing pattern , a planar phasing pattern , etc . ) ,
`shutter 406 .
`depending on the perforating application .
`The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can include one or more
`The upper connector assembly 126 is shown with one or
`layers of a metallic material disposed adjacent to one or
`more projections or tabs 226 that can engage corresponding 35 more layers of a thermoplastic material . The ballistic inter
`holes or recesses ( not shown ) disposed in the carrier 102 ( see
`rupt shutter 406 can also include one or more layers of a
`FIG . 1 ) . The loading tube 110 can also include a lower
`metallic material sandwiched between two or more layers of
`connector assembly 228 , as shown . The lower connector
`a thermoplastic material . The metallic material can include
`assembly 228 can be adapted to join or connect the loading
`any metallic material as disclosed herein , and the thermo
`tube 110 with the carrier 102 and / or with an adjacent loading 40 plastic material can include any thermoplastic material as
`tube 110 . The loading tube 110 is shown containing the
`disclosed herein . The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be
`initiator assembly 112 . The initiator assembly 112 can be
`lodged between the detonator 402 and the detonator cord
`visible through the cutaway section 138 of the loading tube
`404 prior to issuing of the particular command to release the
`110 . A user ( not shown ) can also access the initiator assem -
`shutter 406 . The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can prevent a
`45 signal or charge from transferring from the detonator 402 to
`bly 112 contained in the loading tube 110 .
`FIG . 3 depicts an exploded side perspective view of
`the detonator cord 404 when the shutter 406 is lodged
`another illustrative wellbore perforating device 300 , accord
`between the detonator 402 and the detonator cord 404 . The
`ing to one or more embodiments . The perforating device 300
`ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be dislodged or “ opened ”
`can include a carrier 302 , a loading tube 310 , initiator
`by being moved in a direction away from the detonator 402
`assembly 312 , a supplemental initiator assembly 313 , bulk - 50 and / or the detonator cord 404 . The ballistic interrupt shutter
`heads 314 , 316 , and seals 330 as disclosed in reference to
`406 can be coupled to a spring ( not shown ) . For example , the
`FIGS . 1 and 2 , above . At least the loading tube 310 and / or
`ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be spring loaded . A
`carrier 302 can be formed from any thermoplastic material
`particular signal can actuate the spring loaded shutter 406 ,
`as disclosed herein . For example , the loading tube 310 can
`dislodging the shutter 406 from between the detonator 402
`be completely formed or molded from a thermoplastic 55 and the detonator cord 404 . The spring loaded shutter 406
`can be actuated by burning of a fuse that causes the spring
`material .
`The wellbore perforating device 300 can also include an
`to release resulting in the dislodging of the shutter 406 . Once
`upper crossover 320 coupled to the upper bulkhead 314 and
`the ballistic interrupt shutter 406 is dislodged , a signal or
`an upper head 322 coupled to the upper crossover 320 . The
`charge can be transferred from the detonator 402 to the
`wellbore perforating device 300 can also include a lower 60 detonator cord 404 , resulting in detonation of the perforating
`crossover 324 coupled to the lower bulk head 316 , a plug
`charges 202 . For example , the thermoplastic layer ( s ) of the
`and shoot 326 coupled to the lower crossover 324 , and a
`ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be removed , leaving
`handling cap 328 coupled to the plug and shoot 326 . These
`behind the metallic layer ( s ) . The metallic layer can permit a
`components can prevent flooding of the wellbore perforating
`shock wave to travel from the detonator 402 to the detonator
`device 300 after perforating charges have detonated , flood - 65 cord 404 , causing ignition of the perforating charges 202 .
`ing the carrier 302 , thereby preventing exposure of the
`The metal layer of the shutter 406 as well as the thermo
`wellbore perforating device 300 to corrosive wellbore fluids .
`plastic layer can also be removed , allowing direct transmis
`
`Page 11 of 13 (PGR2021-00078)
`G&H DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING, LP v. DYNAENERGETICS EUROPE GMBH
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`

`

`US 10 , 077 , 641 B2
`
`606 formed therethrough that is capable of retaining a wire
`sion of the shock wave from the detonator 402 to the
`or cable . For example , at least a portion of the power cable
`detonating cord 402 through an air gap ( not shown ) , causing
`detonation of the perforating charges 202 .
`502 can be retained by the inner bore 606 . The tab portion
`604 can be inserted into a corresponding electrical wire
`The initiator assembly 112 can include a circuit board ( not
`shown ) . The circuit board can communicate with a surface 5 holder hole 136 in the loading tube 110 . The tab portion 604
`computer ( not shown ) . The circuit board can also connect
`can lock the wire holder into place once an end of the tab
`the detonator 402 to a power cable on command . The circuit
`portion 604 is pushed through the hole 136 . Once locked
`board can also record diagnostic information while firing
`into place , the tab portion 604 can abut or terminate proxi
`cable voltage during firing of the detonator 402 . The circuit
`mate an inner wall of the carrier 102 . The wiring of the
`board can also communicate information regarding a status 10 power cable 502 can be completed at an off - site location ,
`of the wellbore perforating device 100 to the surface such as
`prior to arrival at the well site . Accordingly , users in the field
`location of the shutter 406 and a condition of a shutter 406
`can avoid wiring of the loading tube 110 as the loading tube
`release mechanism , a status of the detonator 402 , and other
`110 can arrive on - site " pre - wired ” .
`information such as temperature or acceleration of the
`Any number of wellbore perforating devices 100 can be
`wellbore perforating device 100 . The circuit board can have 15 lowered downhole via a wireline or other system . For
`a RF safe design . In an RF safe design , the initiator assembly
`example , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 7