(12) United States Patent
`Lanclos et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,080,433 B2
`Jul. 14, 2015
`
`US009080433B2
`
`(54)
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`(75)
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`(73)
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`(*)
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`(21)
`(22)
`(65)
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`(60)
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`(51)
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`CONNECTION CARTRIDGE FOR
`DOWNHOLE STRING
`
`Inventors: Ronald Lanclos, Katy, TX (US); James
`Weekley, Katy, TX (US); Jason
`McCann, Cypress, TX (US); Mark
`Sloan, Magnolia, TX (US)
`Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated, Houston,
`TX (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 355 days.
`Appl. No.: 13/365,966
`
`Notice:
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 3, 2012
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2012/O1993.52 A1
`Aug. 9, 2012
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 61/439,217, filed on Feb.
`3, 2011.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2012.01)
`
`Int. C.
`E2IB 43/85
`E2IB 43/17
`F42D I/05
`F42D I/055
`E2IB 47/12
`U.S. C.
`CPC .............. E2IB 43/1185 (2013.01); F42D I/05
`(2013.01); E2IB 43/117 (2013.01); E2IB 47/12
`(2013.01)
`
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC ..... E21B 43/1185; E21B 43/117; F42D 1/05;
`F42D 1/O55
`USPC ........ 166/298,55, 65.1: 175/2, 4.55: 89/1.15;
`
`361/248, 249; 102/308, 310, 311, 217,
`102/218, 220, 320, 322, 202.5, 202.12,
`102/202.14, 206
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
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`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`1, 1958 Castel .......................... 175,455
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`2,871,784. A * 2/1959 Blair .......
`175/4.55
`3,010,396 A * 1 1/1961 Coleman ........
`175/4.55
`3,086,589 A * 4, 1963 McGowen, Jr.
`... 166,651
`3,208,378 A * 9/1965 Boop .............
`175/4.55
`3,246,707 A * 4/1966 Bell ........
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`175/4.55
`3,768.408 A * 10/1973 Hallmark ...
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`175/4.55
`3,860,865 A *
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`4,886,126 A * 12/1989 Yates, Jr. .....
`175/4.54
`5,436,791 A * 7/1995 Turano et al. ......
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`5,756,926 A * 5/1998 Bonbrake et al. ..
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`6,082,265 A * 7/2000 Sakamoto et al. .
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`6,164,375 A * 12/2000 Carisella ...................... 166,651
`6,182,750 B1
`2/2001 Edwards et al.
`6,213,203 B1
`4/2001 Edwards et al.
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Jennifer H Gay
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A cartridge assembly for use with a perforating system having
`a contact terminal that connects to a perforating signal line
`when inserted into a receptacle end of a perforating gun. A
`detonator may be included in an end of the cartridge assembly
`for initiating a detonating cord in the perforating gun. The
`cartridge assembly is a modular unit that replaces the manual
`connections made when assembling a string of perforating
`guns. The cartridge assembly may optionally include a con
`troller switch for controlling current flow through the car
`tridge assembly.
`12 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
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`---
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`---
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`621
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`76
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`70
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`71
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`80 90 82 / 622
`
`64
`
`Eziliz
`
`24227AC
`27.2
`Z2777,777
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`e 73
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`74.
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`72 84 86 88
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`91
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`66
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`GHD
`1029
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`US 9,080.433 B2
`Page 2
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`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,283,227 B1 * 9/2001 Lerche et al. ................ 175,455
`6,354,374 B1
`3, 2002 Edwards et al.
`6,604,584 B2 * 8/2003 Lerche et al. ................ 175,455
`6,752,083 B1* 6/2004 Lerche et al. .............. 102,202.7
`6,779,202 B1
`8/2004 Alldredge
`6,962,202 B2 11/2005 Bell et al.
`7.301,750 B2 * 1 1/2007 DeVries et al. ............... 361,248
`7,387,162 B2
`6/2008 Mooney, Jr. et al.
`7.487,833 B2
`2/2009 Grigaret al.
`7,536,942 B2 *
`5/2009 Bell ............................. 89,1151
`7,565,927 B2* 7/2009 Gerez et al
`166,250.01
`7.565,930 B2 * 7/2009 Seekford ....................... 166,297
`
`8,136,439 B2 * 3/2012 Bell ............................... 89.1.15
`8, 186,435 B2* 5/2012 Seekford
`166,298
`8,302,523 B2 * 1 1/2012 Bell ......
`89,115
`8,369,063 B2 * 2/2013 Vicente ......................... 361,250
`8,490,686 B2 * 7/2013 Rodgers et al. .............. 166/55.1
`8,661,978 B2 * 3/2014 Backhus et al.
`102,202.3
`2002fOO62991 A1* 5, 2002 Farrant et al. ...
`175/455
`2005/02524.03 A1* 11/2005 DeVries et al. .
`... 102,200
`2007, OO74624 A1* 4, 2007 Bell ......
`89,115
`2007/O125540 A1* 6, 2007 Gerez et al. ..
`... 166,298
`2008/0202325 A1* 8/2008 Bertoja et al. ..
`89,1151
`2010, OOOO789 A1
`1/2010 Barton et al.
`... 175/2
`2010/0212480 A1* 8, 2010 Bell ............................... 89.1.15
`2011/0024116 A1
`2/2011 McCann et al. .............. 166,297
`2011/0271823 A1* 11/2011 Vicente ........
`89,115
`2012/0111217 A1* 5, 2012 Bell ......
`102.262
`
`8, 2012 Lanclos ...
`2012O199031 A1
`2012/0199352 A1* 8, 2012 Lancloset al.
`2013, OO14990 A1* 1 2013 Bart
`1
`On et al. ...
`2013/O125772 A1* 5, 2013 Backhus et al. ....
`2013/0133889 A1* 5, 2013 Schacherer et all
`* cited by examiner
`
`
`
`102.206
`166,297
`f
`... 175/2
`102,206
`166,297
`
`ck
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`32. y .
`29: R
`aGrange et al.
`- K -
`8, 2011 Moore et al.
`8.006.779 B2
`www.
`8,061,431 B2 11/2011 Moore et al.
`8,074,737 B2 12/2011 Hill et al.
`8,079,296 B2 * 12/2011 Barton et al. .................. 89.1.15
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
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`.
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`.
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`
`. 200/81 R
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 2015
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 2015
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 2015
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`Sheet 5 of 5
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`US 9,080,433 B2
`
`1.
`CONNECTION CARTRIDGE FOR
`DOWNHOLE STRING
`
`2
`detonator 38 is typically used to set off detonation within the
`detonation cord 36. In FIG. 1, the detonator 38 is shown in a
`firing head 40 provided in the string of perforating guns 14.
`Initiating detonation of the detonation cord 36 generally takes
`place by first sending an electrical signal from Surface 20 to
`the detonator 38 via the wireline 16. Referring back to FIGS.
`2A-D, an upper connection Sub 42 contains a terminal 44 for
`receiving signals transmitted along the wireline 16. A signal
`line 46 attaches to the terminal 44 and conveys signal(s) from
`the wireline 16 to the remaining portions of the perforating
`system 10, including the detonator 38. Multiple connectors
`48 are used to make up the signal line 46 through the Succes
`sive connecting SubS 15 and perforating guns 14. The signal
`through the signal line 46 initiates high explosive in the deto
`nator 38 that transfers to the attached detonation cord 36.
`Detonators 38 may sometimes be provided within connecting
`SubS 15 for transferring the detonating charge along the entire
`string of perforating guns 14. Without proper continuity
`between the wireline 16 and detonator(s) 38, the shaped
`charges 24 cannot be detonated. However, failure points in the
`signal line 46 are introduced with each connector 48.
`Generally the detonators are connected to the detonating
`cords in the field just prior to use. Thus they are shipped to the
`field with the electrical portions and high explosive coupled
`together in a single unit. Because of the risks posed by the
`high explosives and the threat of a transient electrical signal,
`shipment and storage of the detonators is highly regulated,
`this is especially so when being shipped to foreign locations.
`Additional problems may be encountered in the field when
`connecting detonators to the detonating cord. Perforating
`guns when delivered to the field generally have the shaped
`charges and detonating cord installed; to facilitate detonator
`connection some extra length of detonating cord is provided
`within the gun. Connecting the detonator to the detonating
`cord involves retrieving the free end of the detonating cord
`and cutting it to a desired length then connecting, usually by
`crimping, the detonator to the detonating cord. These final
`steps can be problematic during inclement weather. Addition
`ally, these final steps fully load a perforating gun and thus
`pose a threat to personnel in the vicinity. Accordingly benefits
`may be realized by reducing shipping and storage concerns,
`increasing technician safety, and minimizing the time
`required to finalize gun assembly in the field.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`
`Disclosed herein is an example of a perforating string
`insertable into a wellbore. In this example the perforating
`string is made up of a perforating gun having an upstream end
`with a receptacle fitting, a signal line with an end electrically
`connected to the receptacle fitting. Included with the example
`perforating string is a cartridge Sub having a connector
`inserted into electrical connection with the receptacle fitting,
`a detonator in the cartridge Sub and having a detonating end
`adjacent to and directed towards the upstream end, and a lead
`line in the cartridge Sub having an end in selective commu
`nication with an electrical source and another end in commu
`nication with an inlet to the detonator. Optionally, the con
`nectoris an annular member that circumscribes a downstream
`end of the cartridge Sub, and wherein the connector coaxially
`inserts into the receptacle fitting. In an embodiment, the per
`forating string further includes a switch in the lead line for
`selectively regulating electricity to the detonator. In this
`example, a ground lead is optionally included that is con
`nected between the detonator and the Switch, wherein the
`Switch selectively communicates the ground lead to ground.
`In one example, the Switch, the leadline, and the detonator are
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
`Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/439,217, filed Feb. 3,
`2011, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
`reference herein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`1. Field of Invention
`The invention relates generally to the field of oil and gas
`production. More specifically, the present invention relates to
`a modular apparatus for providing communication between
`members of a downhole string. Yet more specifically, the
`present invention relates to a cartridge inserted into an end of
`a perforating gun equipped with a receptacle or contact at
`both ends for connection to a signal line through a perforating
`gun string.
`2. Description of Prior Art
`Perforating systems are used for the purpose, among oth
`ers, of making hydraulic communication passages, called
`perforations, in wellbores drilled through earth formations so
`that predetermined Zones of the earth formations can be
`hydraulically connected to the wellbore. Perforations are
`needed because wellbores are typically completed by coaxi
`ally inserting a pipe or casing into the wellbore. The casing is
`retained in the wellbore by pumping cement into the annular
`space between the wellbore and the casing. The cemented
`casing is provided in the wellbore for the specific purpose of
`hydraulically isolating from each other the various earth for
`mations penetrated by the wellbore.
`Perforating systems typically comprise one or more perfo
`rating guns strung together, these strings of guns can some
`times Surpass a thousand feet of perforating length, but typi
`cally shorter in a wireline application. In FIG. 1 an example of
`a prior art perforating system 10 is shown disposed in a
`wellbore 12 and made up of a string of perforating guns 14
`connected in series. Typically, SubS 15 may connect adjacent
`guns to one another. The perforating system 10 is deployed
`from a wireline 16 that spools from a service truck 18 shown
`on the surface 20. Generally, the wireline 16 provides a rais
`ing and lowering means as well as communication and con
`trol connectivity between the truck 18 and the perforating
`system 10. The wireline 16 is threaded through pulleys 22
`supported above the wellbore 12. In some instances, derricks,
`slips and other similar systems are used in lieu of a Surface
`truck for inserting and retrieving the perforating system into
`and from a wellbore. Moreover, perforating systems may also
`be disposed into a wellbore via tubing, drill pipe, slick line,
`coiled tubing, to mention a few.
`Included with each perforating gun 14 are shaped charges
`24 that typically include a housing, a liner, and a quantity of
`high explosive inserted between the liner and the housing.
`When the high explosive in a shaped charge 24 is detonated,
`the force of the detonation collapses the liner and ejects it
`from one end of the shaped charge 24 at very high Velocity in
`a pattern called a jet 26. The jet 26 perforates casing 28 that
`lines the wellbore 12 and cement 30 and creates a perforation
`32 that extends into the surrounding formation 34.
`Shown in FIGS. 2A-D are sectional views of the prior art
`perforating gun 14 of FIG.1. As shown, the shaped charges 24
`are typically connected to a detonating cord 36, which when
`detonated creates a compressive pressure wave along its
`length that initiates detonation of the shaped charges 24. A
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`US 9,080,433 B2
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`3
`provided within an elongated body that coaxially inserts
`within an annular housing to define the cartridge Sub. In one
`optional embodiment, further included with the perforating
`string is a transfer lead line having an end in selective com
`munication with the electrical source and another end in
`communication with the connector for selectively providing
`communication between the electrical source and the signal
`line. A downstream cartridge Sub may also optionally be
`included that has an inlet line in electrical communication
`with the signal line, an outlet lead line in communication with
`a bridge plug assembly, so that when an electrical signal is
`applied to the signal line, the electrical signal is transferred
`through the downstream cartridge Sub to the bridge plug
`assembly for deploying a bridge plug in the bridge plug
`assembly.
`Also provided herein is an example of a connector assem
`bly for connecting an upstream perforating gun to a down
`stream perforating gun. In one example the connector assem
`bly includes an annular housing, an elongated cartridge body
`inserted within the housing, an annular connector provided on
`a downstream end of the body and inserted into electrical
`contact with a receptacle in the downstream perforating gun,
`a detonator in the cartridge body for initiating a detonating
`cord in the perforating gun, and a lead line in the cartridge
`body having an end in selective communication with an elec
`trical Source and another end electrically connected to the
`connector. Optionally, a switch may be included in the body
`that is connected to the lead line and to an inlet line on the
`detonator. Also further Optionally included is an outline line
`that connects between the Switch and the detonator, and a
`ground line that connects between the Switch and ground, so
`that when a detonation signal and detonation current is sent to
`the Switch, the inlet line, outlet line, and ground line form a
`circuit for flowing current through the detonator for initiating
`detonation of the detonator and the detonating cord.
`An example method of perforating is provided herein that
`in one example includes providing a perforating gun with
`shaped charges, a detonation cord, a receptacle connection,
`and a signal line in communication with the receptacle con
`nection. A cartridge Sub is also provided that has an upstream
`end, a downstream end, a connector in the downstream end,
`and a lead line electrically connected to the connector. In the
`example method, the connector is connected with the signal
`line by inserting the downstream end of the cartridge Sub into
`the receptacle connection, the shaped charges are detonated
`by providing a detonation signal to the detonator. In one
`example, the step of providing a detonation signal to the
`detonator includes directing electricity from an electrical
`source to an inlet line connected to the detonator. Optionally
`in the method, a switch is provided in the cartridge sub for
`providing electrical communication between the electrical
`Source and the detonator, and for providing electrical com
`munication between an outlet line on the detonator and
`ground for completing an electrical circuit through the deto
`nator. In one example of the method, the perforating gun is a
`downstream perforating gun. In this example, further
`includes is a step of diverting some of the electricity from the
`electrical source through the lead line, to the connector and
`the receptacle for initiating detonation of shaped charges in a
`perforating gun downstream of the downstream perforating
`gun.
`
`4
`description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a partial sectional side view of a prior art perfo
`rating system in a wellbore.
`FIGS. 2A-D are side sectional views of a portion of a
`perforating string of FIG. 1.
`FIGS. 3 and 4 are side sectional views of a perforating
`system in accordance with the present disclosure.
`FIG. 5 is an example of a perforating string disposed in a
`wellbore in accordance with the present disclosure.
`While the invention will be described in connection with
`the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
`intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the
`contrary, it is intended to coverall alternatives, modifications,
`and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and
`Scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
`
`The present invention will now be described more fully
`hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in
`which embodiments of the invention are shown. This inven
`tion may, however, be embodied in many different forms and
`should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodi
`ments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are pro
`vided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete,
`and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those
`skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements through
`out. For the convenience in referring to the accompanying
`figures, directional terms are used for reference and illustra
`tion only. For example, the directional terms such as “upper.
`“lower”, “above”, “below”, and the like are being used to
`illustrate a relational location.
`It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
`exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or
`embodiments shown and described, as modifications and
`equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the
`drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illus
`trative embodiments of the invention and, although specific
`terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive
`sense only and not for the purpose of limitation. Accordingly,
`the invention is therefore to be limited only by the scope of the
`appended claims.
`In FIG.3 an example embodiment of a perforating system
`60 is shown in a side sectional view. In this example, the
`perforating system 60 includes perforating guns 62 62 each
`having a series of shaped charges 64 disposed within. Each
`perforating gun 62 62 further includes a detonating cord 66
`disposed lengthwise therein so it is positioned proximate each
`of the shaped charges 64; thus when the detonating cord 66 is
`initiated, it may in turn initiate detonation of the shaped
`charges 64. Initiating the detonation cords 66 forms a pres
`sure wave that travels the length of the detonation cords 66. In
`the example embodiment of FIG.3, the pressure wave travels
`in the direction of arrows A, and as will be described in more
`detail below, an initiation signal reaches perforating gun 62
`before reaching perforating gun 62. Thus for the purposes of
`reference only, perforating gun 62 is referred to as an
`"upstream gun whereas perforating gun 62 is referred to as
`a "downstream gun'.
`Coupled in series with the downstream perforating gun 62
`is a cartridge sub 68 having a cartridge assembly 70 set within
`the housing of the cartridge sub 68. In the embodiment of
`FIG. 3, the cartridge assembly 70 is shown made up of an
`elongated body 71, and within the body 71 are a switch
`assembly 72 and an optional circuit board 74 for selectively
`performing Switching operations within the Switch assembly
`
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`Some of the features and benefits of the present invention
`having been stated, others will become apparent as the
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`5
`72. In one example of operation, the switch assembly 72
`regulates transmission therethrough of electrical signals
`through the switch assembly 72 that are received by an inlet
`lead 76 in the cartridge sub 68 from the upstream perforating
`gun 62. The Switch assembly 72 also includes a ground lead
`78 on the side with the inlet lead 76; the ground lead 78 is
`selectively in electrical communication with the switch
`assembly 72 such as by the switching action provided by the
`circuit board 74. Exiting the switch assembly 72, on a side
`opposite the inlet lead 76, is a supply lead 80 that is in
`electrical communication with a communication line 82
`shown extending within the downstream perforating gun 62.
`In an example embodiment, inlet lead 76 selectively couples
`with an electrical source for receiving electricity. Also exiting
`the switch assembly 72 are a signal lead 84 and a ground lead
`86. In an example, the leads 84, 86 make up a detonator
`connection that provides selective electrical communication
`between the signal assembly 72 and a detonator 88 shown set
`in an end of the cartridge assembly 70 adjacent the down
`stream perforating gun 62. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
`modular cartridge assembly 70 can be inserted within the
`annular cartridge sub 68 for easy assembly and removed from
`within the cartridge sub 68 for replacement and/or repair.
`When an initiating signal is received by the Switch assem
`bly 72, the circuit board 74 operates to provide an initiating
`current through the signal line 84 and further allow continuity
`between the ground lead 86 and ground lead 78, thereby
`closing a circuit through the detonator 88 for initiating the
`detonator 88. As shown, an end of the detonator 88 is directed
`towards the detonating cord 66 within the downstream per
`forating gun 62, so that as the pressure wave of detonation
`passes along the length of the detonating cord 66, the attached
`shaped charges 64 will in turn initiate to create perforations in
`an adjacent formation (not shown). Further illustrated in the
`embodiment of FIG. 3, a collar-like connector 90 is provided
`on the downstream end 91 of the cartridge sub 68. In an
`example, the connector 90 is formed from a conductive mate
`rial and is an annular member that circumscribes the down
`stream end 91. Further in the example of FIG. 3, the diameter
`of the cartridge sub 68 reduces at the downstream end 91.
`When the cartridge sub 68 is connected to the downstream
`perforating gun 62, connector 90 coaxially inserts within an
`annular electrical receptacle 92 shown provided in the down
`stream perforating gun 62. The electrical receptacle 92 is
`electrically conductive, so that the combination of the elec
`trical receptacle 92 and connector 90 provides an electrical
`coupling between the exit lead 80 and communication line 82.
`The coupling thus provides a means for transferring a signal
`or signals between the cartridge sub 68 and the downstream
`perforating gun 62, and along the length of the perforating
`system 60. It should be pointed out that the orientation of the
`cartridge Sub 68 and perforating guns 62, 62 is reversible; so
`that when a string of multiple guns is formed, the signal that
`passes along the signal lines and through the Switch assembly
`72 may start at the lower end of a perforating gun String and
`travel upwards, or initiate at the upper end of the String and
`travel downwards within the wellbore.
`FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a lower end of
`the perforating system 60 and with an alternate embodiment
`of a cartridge sub 68A. In this example, an inlet lead 76 and
`ground lead 78 extend through the cartridge assembly 70A to
`a switch assembly 72. However, the exit or downstream side
`of the Switch assembly 72 includes a single continuous signal
`line 84A that terminates at a connector 90A. The example of
`the connector 90A illustrated in FIG. 4 is a hemispherical
`shaped member with a collar-like base circumscribing a
`cylindrical tip of the cartridge assembly 70A. Similar to the
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`connector 90 of FIG. 3, connector 90A of FIG. 4 is formed
`from an electrically conducting material. Further, in the
`embodiment of FIG.4, the perforating system 60 is set within
`a wellbore 93 lined with casing 94 that is cemented within the
`formation 96. In this embodiment, a bridge plug 98 is shown
`set within a bridge plug Sub 100 to form a bridge plug setting
`tool mounted on the end of the cartridge sub 68A having the
`connector 90A. Optionally, some other pressure actuated
`device may be provided on the end of the cartridge sub 68A.
`In the example of FIG. 4, the connector 90A contacts an
`igniter (not shown) in the bridge plug sub 100 thereby pro
`viding electrical continuity between the signal line 84A and
`the igniter. Delivering an electrical signal or electricity can
`activate the igniter for setting the bridge plug 98. Setting the
`bridge plug 98 can cause it to expand from within the bridge
`plug sub 100 and into contact with the inner circumference of
`the casing 94, thereby pressure isolating that section of the
`wellbore from another.
`In one example embodiment, the connection between the
`cartridge Sub 68 and upstream perforating gun may be a
`terminal assembly made up of a rod and pin connector, where
`the pin connector is mounted on a free end of the rod. In this
`example, a bushing circumscribes a mid-portion of the rod.
`The pin connector is in electrical communication with con
`nector in the sub 68 by connections that extend through the
`end wall of the sub 68. Circumscribing the portion of the
`terminal assembly adjacent the end wall is a spring connector
`that is in electrical communication with another connector in
`the sub 68 by connections extending through the end wall.
`Provided at a downstream end of the cartridge sub 68 opposite
`the terminal assembly is a downstream connectorin which the
`exit lead 80 is connected at an end opposite its connection to
`the switch assembly 72. Coaxially projecting from the end of
`the cartridge sub 68 and adjacent the detonator 88 is a spring
`connector; the spring connector communicates with the
`downstream connector by connection through the end wall at
`the downstream end of the sub 68.
`The spring connectors can provide connectivity on the
`upstream and downstream sides of the cartridge sub 68. More
`specifically when the cartridge sub 68 is inserted within an
`example embodiment of a perforating String 60, a connector
`sub couples to the upstream end of the cartridge sub 68 and
`receives the terminal assembly, within an axial bore formed
`through the connector sub. A receptacle is formed within the
`connector Sub at a location set back from the entrance to the
`bore. The receptacle provides terminals for communication
`between a signal wire within the connector Sub and the pin
`connector. As such, a signal traveling through the signal wire
`is transmitted through the terminals to the pin connector for
`delivery to the switch assembly. Also the insertion of the
`downstream side of the cartridge sub 68 into an end of the
`downstream perforating gun 62. A connection assembly may
`be set within a bore formed in the end of the downstream
`perforating gun 62. The connection assembly can be made
`up of a disc-like flange member set into close contact with the
`spring connector. A cylindrically-shaped base may depend
`coaxially from a side of the flange opposite the spring con
`nector and set within a reduced diameter portion of the bore.
`Setting the base and bore diameters at about the same value
`anchors the connector assembly within the perforating gun
`62. A communication line, similar to the line 82 of FIG. 3,
`may attach to the flange thereby providing communication
`from the exit lead 80, through the assembly of connectors and
`spring connector, flange, and into and through the perforating
`gun 622.
`One example of a Substantially complete perforating sys
`tem 60 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in
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`Page 10 of 12 (PGR2021-00078)
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`Page 10 of 12 (PGR2021-00078)
`G&H DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING, LP v. DYNAENERGETICS EUROPE GMBH
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`7
`a partial sectional view in FIG. 5. In this example, a string 115
`of perforating guns 62, is disposed within wellbore 93 for
`perforating through the casing 94 and into the Surrounding
`formation 96. Further in this example, the cartridge sub 68
`and the String are oriented so that signals received in the
`switch assembly 72 are from a location farther downhole;
`thus signals traveling in the string in a direction towards the
`Surface. Depending on the instructions programmed into the
`switch assemblies 72, the direction of perforating may also
`travel upwards within the bore hole 92 rather than from the
`top to the bottom.
`In one example, the string 115 is assembled by providing
`cartridge subs 68 with a cartridge 70 within. Each of the
`cartridge SubS 68 can then be coupled with a perforating gun
`62 so connectors 90 in their respective downstream ends 91
`mate into electrical receptacles 92 as illustrated in FIG. 3.
`Connector subs 116 may optionally be provided for coupling
`upstream ends of the cartridge SubS 68 with an upstream
`perforating gun. As described above, engaging the cartridge
`Sub 68 with the downstream perforating gun provides agen
`erally seamless way of forming an electrical connection
`between adjacent bodies in a perforating string. Moreover,
`the electrical connection occurs Substantially simultaneously
`with coupling of the cartridge Sub 68 and perforating gun 62,
`so that manually forming electrical connections is unneces
`sary. Thus by connecting a repeating series of perforating
`guns 62 and cartridge subs 68, the string 115 can beformed so
`that electrical communication extends Substantially the
`length of the string 115 via contact between successive con
`nectors 90 and receptacles 92.
`Further illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 5 is
`a wire l