(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`Organization
`International Bureau
`
`~ 1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 111111111111111 II Ill 111111111111111 IIIII IIIII IIII IIIIIII IIII 11111111
`~
`WIPO I PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2014/089194 Al
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`12 June 2014 (12.06.2014)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`E21B 43/116 (2006.01)
`E21B 43/1185 (2006.01)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`(71) Applicant (for FR only): SERVICES PETROLIERS
`SCHLUMBERGER [FR/FR]; 42 me Saint Dominique, F-
`75007 Paris (FR).
`
`PCT /US2013/073094
`
`(71)
`
`4 December 2013 (04.12.2013)
`
`Applicant (for GB, JP, NL only): SCHLUMBERGER
`HOLDINGS LIMITED; P.O. Box 71, Craigmuir Cham(cid:173)
`bers, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, British, I I IO
`(VG).
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`61/733,129
`
`4 December 2012 (04.12.2012)
`
`us
`(71) Applicant (for CA only): SCHLUMBERGER CANADA
`LIMITED [CA/CA]; 525-3rd Avenue Southwest, Calgary,
`Alberta T2P-OG4 (CA).
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(71)
`
`Applicant (for all designated States except AE, AO, BH,
`CA, CN, FR, GB, GH, IN, JP, LY, MA, MZ, NA, NG, NL,
`PH, SD, SY, US, VN): SCHLUMBERGER TECHNO(cid:173)
`LOGY B.V. [NL/NL]; Parkstraat 83-89m, NL-2514 JG
`The Hague (NL).
`(71) A
`1·
`(fi AE AO BF BH BJ CF CG C'I C'M C'N.
`pp 1cant or
`,
`,
`,
`,
`,
`,
`,
`,
`,
`,
`GA, GH, GN, GQ, GW, IN, KM, LY, MA, ML, MR, MZ,
`NA, NE, NG, PH, SD, SN, SY, TD, TG, VN only): PRAD
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: PERFORATING GUN WITH INTEGRATED INITIATOR
`
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -------
`-;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -
`-;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ------;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -
`---;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;; --;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ---,-.-1 <
`
`,-.-1
`O'I
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`
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`0 ......... "" ,-.-1
`
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`0
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`
`100
`\
`
`(57) Abstract: A wellbore perforating device includes at least one perforating charge and an initiator.
`The initiator can include a ballistic train adapted to fire the at least one perforating charge. The ballist -
`ic 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.
`
`102
`
`132
`
`134
`
`108
`
`110
`
`0
`
`112
`116
`120
`
`FIG. 1
`
`GHD
`1006
`
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`

`WO 2014/089194 Al I lllll llllllll 1111111111111 lllll 111111111111111 lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 11111111111111111111111
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY,
`BZ,CA,CH,CL,CN,CO,CR,CU,CZ,DE,DK,DM,
`DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM,
`GT, HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, IS, JP, KE, KG, KN,
`KP, KR,KZ,LA,LC,LK,LR,LS,LT,LU, LY,MA,
`MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG,
`NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS,
`RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY,
`TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC,
`VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LIMITED; P.O.
`Box 71, Craigmuir Chambers, Road Town, Tortola, Vir(cid:173)
`gin Island, British, 1110 (VG).
`
`(71) Applicant (for US only): SCHLUMBERGER TECH(cid:173)
`NOLOGY CORPORATION [US/US]; 300 Schlumber(cid:173)
`ger Drive, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 (US).
`
`(72) Inventors: ROGMAN, Raphael; 2440 North Blvd.,
`Houston, Texas 77098 (US). GOLDBERG, Allan; 5324
`County Rd. 158, Alvin, Texas 77511 (US). CHAKKA,
`Vinod; Hari Ganga Co-Op Society, E2 #604, Opp. Alandi
`road R.T.O office, Yerwada, Pune 411006
`(IN).
`HERNANDEZ, Pedro; 4318 North Shadow Mist Lane,
`Sugar Land, Texas 77479 (US). MUNOZ, Roman; 2517
`Sunny Shores Dr., Pearland, Texas 77584
`(US).
`WARNS, Richard; 16326 Elmwood Point Lane, Sugar
`Land, Texas 77498 (US). LIU, Hao; 3610 Lanesborough
`Dr., Missouri City, Texas 77459 (US). CALDERON,
`Marcos; 13 Lazybrook Lane, Angleton, Texas 77515
`(US). HARRIGAN, Edward; 2606 Summer Trace Court,
`Richmond, Texas 77406 (US).
`
`(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ,
`UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ,
`TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK,
`EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU,
`LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK,
`SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ,
`GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`(74) Agents: PETERSON, Jeffery R. et al.; 10001 Richmond Published:
`Avenue, IP Administration Center of Excellence, Room
`4720, Houston, Texas 77042 (US).
`
`with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`
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`WO 2014/089194
`
`PCT/0S2013/073094
`
`PERFORATING GUN WITH INTEGRATED INITIATOR
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0001] Wellbore perforation services are used to produce hydrocarbons from a subterranean
`
`formation. Such perforating operations oftentimes rely on perforating guns to perforate the
`
`formation. Perforating guns are lowered into a wellbore 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 appropriate command
`
`from the surface.
`
`[0002] The explosive charges can be detonated unintentionally 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 initiator to the perforating gun is oftentimes performed at the surface near
`
`the well site, instead of at a dedicated manufacturing 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 detonated 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 surface.
`
`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 perforating 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
`
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`detonator 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 detonator
`
`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 detonator
`
`cord. The ballistic interrupt shutter can include a metallic 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 detonator 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 lowering 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 illustrative embodiments, and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its
`
`scope.
`
`[0009] Figure 1 depicts a cross sectional view of an illustrative wellbore perforating device,
`
`according to one or more embodiments disclosed.
`
`[0010] Figure 2 depicts a side perspective view of an illustrative loading tube, according to
`
`one or more embodiments disclosed.
`
`[0011] Figure 3 depicts an exploded side perspective view of another illustrative wellbore
`
`perforating device, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.
`
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`[0012] Figure 4 depicts a side perspective view of an initiator of the loading tube of Figure 2,
`
`according to one or more embodiments disclosed.
`
`[0013] Figure 5 depicts an end perspective view of the loading tube of Figure 2, according to
`
`one or more embodiments disclosed.
`
`[0014] Figure 6 depicts a cross sectional side view of an illustrative wire holder, according to
`
`one or more embodiments disclosed.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0015] Figure 1 depicts a cross sectional view of an illustrative 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 protrusions (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 Figure 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 replaceable 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
`
`convenience 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
`
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`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 orientations and relationships being inverted, i.e. with the
`
`features identified "up" oriented down and the features labeled "down" oriented up.
`
`[0017] Still referring to Figure 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 bulkheads 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 perforating
`
`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 shock
`
`absorbers 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 bulkheads 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
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`projections can be disposed on the loading tube 110 and the corresponding slots or grooves
`
`can be disposed on the bulkheads 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 carrier 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 Figure 1 ). The charge jacket holders 132 can contain perforating
`
`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 application. 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
`
`charge jacket 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 fastening features can
`
`include fasteners or adhesives formed out of, placed on, or threaded through, the loading tube
`
`110. The electrical wire holder 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 features136 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
`
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`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 13 8 can permit visual inspection or verification of a state
`
`of the ballistic interrupt shutter 406 (see Figure 4). The cutaway section 138 can also permit
`
`the removal and/or installation of the initiator assembly 112 or components thereof. For
`
`example, the cutaway section 138 can also permit the removal of the initiator assembly 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, tungsten, 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
`
`thermoplastic 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, high density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer, medium density
`
`polyethylene (MDPE) polymer, low density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer, propylene (PP)
`
`polymer, isotactic polypropylene (iPP) polymer, high crystallinity polypropylene (HCPP)
`
`polymer,
`
`ethylene-propylene
`
`(EP)
`
`copolymers,
`
`ethylene-propylene-butylene
`
`(EPB)
`
`terpolymers, propylene-butylene (PB) copolymer, an ethylene elastomer, a ethylene-based
`
`plastomer, a propylene elastomer, styrenic polymers, styrenic copolymers, PEEK, Ryton®,
`
`commercially available from the Chevron Phillips company, Noryl® commercially available
`
`from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, Zenite® and Zytel®, commercially available from
`
`E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Polyimide, nylon, high temperature 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, silicone 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 C4 to C9 dienes such as butadiene monomers. The
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`shock absorbers can be formed from any one of or any combination of the plastics,
`
`elastomers, or metals described above.
`
`[0025] Figure 2 depicts a side perspective view of the loading tube 110, according to one or
`
`more embodiments. The loading tube 110 can be formed from metals, such as carbon steel,
`
`stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloys,
`
`iron, aluminum,
`
`tungsten, 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 (a helical or
`
`spiral phasing pattern, missing arc helical 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 corresponding holes or recesses (not shown) disposed in the carrier 102 (see
`
`Figure 1 ). The loading tube 110 can also include a lower connector assembly 228, as shown.
`
`The lower connector 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 initiator 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] Figure 3 depicts an exploded side perspective view of another illustrative wellbore
`
`perforating device 300, according to one or more embodiments. The perforating device 300
`
`can include a carrier 302, a loading tube 310, initiator assembly 312, a supplemental initiator
`
`assembly 313, bulkheads 314, 316, and seals 330 as disclosed in reference to Figures 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 3 22 coupled to the upper crossover 3 20. 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
`
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`wellbore perforating device 300 after perforating charges have detonated, flooding the carrier
`
`302, thereby preventing exposure of the wellbore perforating device 300 to corrosive
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`wellbore fluids. The upper crossover 320, the upper head 322, the lower crossover 324, the
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`plug and shoot 326, and the handling cap 326 can connect the wellbore perforating device
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`300 to a conveyance system (not shown) that can lower the wellbore perforating device 300
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`in a well, such as wireline, slickline, coil tubing, or drill pipe. The upper crossover 320, the
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`upper head 322, the lower crossover 324, the plug and shoot 326, and the handling cap 326
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`can also connect one or more wellbore perforating devices 300 in series or to other systems
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`that can have sensing, actuating, and/or structural purposes.
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`[0029] Figure 4 depicts a side perspective view of the initiator assembly 112 of the loading
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`tube 110 of Figure 2, according to one or more embodiments disclosed. The initiator
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`assembly 112 can include one or more detonators 402, one or more detonator cords 404, one
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`or more ballistic interrupt shutters 406, one or more insulation-displacement connectors
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`("IDCs") 410, and one or more retaining tabs 412. The detonator 402 and the detonator cord
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`404 can form a ballistic train of the initiator 112. The detonator 402 can be or include a
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`primary ignition source that initiates the ignition of the detonator cord 404. The detonator
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`cord 404 can include a fuse and can be operably coupled to the detonator 402. The detonator
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`402 can initiate a detonation wave on the detonator cord 404, and the detonation wave can
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`propagate on one or more subsequent detonating cord(s) 404 to the perforating charges 202 to
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`cause the charges 202 to fire. Unintentional or premature firing or activation of the detonator
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`cord 404 can be prevented by the ballistic interrupt shutter 406. For example, unintentional
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`firing of the detonator cord 404 can be prevented until a particular command is sent to release
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`the shutter 406.
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`[0030] The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can include one or more layers of a metallic
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`material disposed adjacent to one or more layers of a thermoplastic material. The ballistic
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`interrupt shutter 406 can also include one or more layers of a metallic material sandwiched
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`between two or more layers of a thermoplastic material. The metallic material can include
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`any metallic material as disclosed herein, and the thermoplastic material can include any
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`thermoplastic material as disclosed herein. The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be lodged
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`between the detonator 402 and the detonator cord 404 prior to issuing of the particular
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`command to release the shutter 406. The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can prevent a signal
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`or charge from transferring from the detonator 402 to the detonator cord 404 when the shutter
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`406 is lodged between the detonator 402 and the detonator cord 404. The ballistic interrupt
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`shutter 406 can be dislodged or "opened" by being moved in a direction away from the
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`detonator 402 and/or the detonator cord 404. The ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be
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`coupled to a spring (not shown). For example, the ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be
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`spring loaded. A particular signal can actuate the spring loaded shutter 406, dislodging the
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`shutter 406 from between the detonator 402 and the detonator cord 404. The spring loaded
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`shutter 406 can be actuated by burning of a fuse that causes the spring to release resulting in
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`the dislodging of the shutter 406. Once the ballistic interrupt shutter 406 is dislodged, a
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`signal or charge can be transferred from the detonator 402 to the detonator cord 404, resulting
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`in detonation of the perforating charges 202. For example, the thermoplastic layer(s) of the
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`ballistic interrupt shutter 406 can be removed, leaving behind the metallic layer(s ). The
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`metallic layer can permit a shock wave to travel from the detonator 402 to the detonator cord
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`404, causing ignition of the perforating charges 202. The metal layer of the shutter 406 as
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`well as the thermoplastic layer can also be removed, allowing direct transmission of the
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`shock wave from the detonator 402 to the detonating cord 402 through an air gap (not
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`shown), causing detonation of the perforating charges 202.
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`[0031] The initiator assembly 112 can include a circuit board (not shown). The circuit board
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`can communicate with a surface computer (not shown). The circuit board can also connect
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`the detonator 402 to a power cable on command. The circuit board can also record
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`diagnostic information while firing cable voltage during firing of the detonator 402. The
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`circuit board can also communicate information regarding a status of the wellbore perforating
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`device 100 to the surface such as location of the shutter 406 and a condition of a shutter 406
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`release mechanism, a status of the detonator 402, and other information such as temperature
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`or acceleration of the wellbore perforating device 100. The circuit board can have a RF safe
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`design. In an RF safe design, the initiator assembly 112 can be protected from inadvertent
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`firing due to RF signals, electrostatic discharge (ESD), or stray currents. The circuit board
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`can be connected to the detonator 402 via the insulation-displacement connectors ("IDCs")
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`410. The circuit board can also be connected to the power cable via the IDCs 410. The IDCs
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`410 for connecting the circuit board to the detonator 402 can be located proximate the
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`cutaway section 13 8. An additional cutaway section 414 can be located proximate the IDCs
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`410 that are used to connect the circuit board to the power cable. The cutaway section 138
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`and additional cutaway section 414 can provide access to a user, allowing the user to connect
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`or disconnect the IDCs 410 from the circuit board, the detonator 402, and/or the power cable.
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`The circuit board can also be connected to the power cable and other perforating systems
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`through multi-use connectors such as an RCA jack.
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`[0032] The initiator assembly 112 can be at least partially formed from a thermoplastic
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`material as disclosed herein. One or more retaining tabs 412 can be formed from or disposed
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`on the initiator assembly 112. The retaining tabs 412 can be sized and shaped to mate with
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`corresponding holes or recesses in the loading tube 110 to ensure proper alignment of the
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`initiator 112 in the loading tube 110. The retaining tabs 412 can permit quick removal and/or
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`insertion of the initiator 112 to and/or from the loading tube 110. The retaining tabs 412 can
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`also serve to isolate the circuit board from perforating shock, or to allow compliance to make
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`up for gaps due to tolerances between the loading tube or carrier assembly.
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`[0033] Figure 5 depicts an end perspective view of the loading tube 110 of Figure 2,
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`according to one or more embodiments disclosed. The lower bulkhead 116 is shown
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`extending from the lower end 106 of the loading tube 110. The lower bulkhead 116 can be
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`proximate the cutaway section 13 8 and the additional cutaway section 414, as shown. An
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`end of a power cable 502 can protrude or extend through the lower bulkhead 116. The power
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`cable 502 can run throughout the interior of the loading tube 110. For example, the power
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`cable 502 can be held in place by wire holders 504 that are at least partially disposed in the
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`electrical wire holder holes 136. As such, the wire holders 504 can be arranged in a phasing
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`pattern, such as a helical or spiral phasing pattern, a missing arc helical phasing pattern, a
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`planar phasing pattern, giving the power cable 502 a dedicated path through the loading tube
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`110. Such an arrangement of the power cable 502 can be pre-wired in the loading tube 110
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`prior to transportation to the well surface.
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`[0034] Figure 6 depicts a cross sectional side view of an illustrative w1re holder 602,
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`according to one or more embodiments.