(12) United States Patent
`Parks et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9.494,021 B2
`Nov. 15, 2016
`
`USOO949.4021B2
`
`(54) PERFORATION GUN COMPONENTS AND
`SYSTEM
`
`(71) Applicants: DynaBEnergetics GmbH & Co. KG,
`Troisdorf (DE); JDP ENGINEERING
`& MACHINE INC., Calgary (CA)
`
`(72) Inventors: David C. Parks, Calgary (CA); Frank
`Haron Preiss, Bonn (DE); Liam
`McNelis, Bonn (DE); Eric Mulhern,
`Edmonton (CA); Thilo Scharf, Donegal
`(IE)
`(73) Assignees: DYNAENERGETICS GMBH & CO.
`KG, Troisdorf (DE); JDP
`ENGINEERING & MACHINE INC.,
`Calgary (CA)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.:
`14/904,788
`
`Jul. 16, 2014
`PCT/CA2O14/OSO673
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`(86). PCT No.:
`S 371 (c)(1),
`(2) Date:
`Jan. 13, 2016
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2015/006869
`PCT Pub. Date: Jan. 22, 2015
`
`(65)
`
`(30)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2016/O168961 A1
`Jun. 16, 2016
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jul. 18, 2013 (CA) ...................................... 2821506
`(51) Int. Cl.
`E2IB 29/02
`E2IB 43/17
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC .................................... E2IB 43/117 (2013.01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC ................................ 89/1.15, 1.151; 166/297
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7/1986 Vann et al.
`4,598,775 A
`7, 2010 Vidal
`7,762,351 B2
`2008/O149338 A1* 6/2008 Goodman ............. E21B 43,117
`166,299
`2012fO247769 A1 * 10/2012 Schacherer ............. E21B 29? O2
`166,297
`
`2012fO298361 A1
`2015,0226044 A1*
`
`11/2012 Sampson
`8/2015 Ursi ...................... E21B 43,119
`166/55
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`PCT Written Opinion, Sep. 24, 2014: See Written Opinion for PCT
`Application No. PCT/CA2014/050673.
`PCT Search Report, mailed Oct. 9, 2014: See Search Report for
`PCT Application No. PCT/CA2014/050673.
`United Kingdom Examination Report under Section 18(3), dated
`Mar. 9, 2016. See Examination Report for United Kingdom Patent
`Application, GB1600085.3.
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner — J. Woodrow Eldred
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Lisa J. Moyles; Janelle
`A. Bailey
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A perforation gun system is provided including combina
`tions of components including a top connector, a self
`centralizing charge holder system and a bottom connector
`that can double as a spacer. Any number of spacers can be
`used with any number of holders for any desired specific
`metric or imperial shot density, phase and length gun sys
`tem. A perforation gun system kit and a method of assem
`bling a perforation gun system are also provided.
`
`20 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 1 of 18
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`US 9,494,021 B2
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`©ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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`§ 5<<<<<<<
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 3 of 18
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 4 of 18
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet S of 18
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`US 9,494,021 B2
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 6
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 6 of 18
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`14
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`FIG. 12
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 7
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 8 of 18
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`US 9,494,021 B2
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`FIG. 16
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 9 of 18
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`FIG. 17
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`FIG. 18
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 10
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 11
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 11 of 18
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`US 9,494,021 B2
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`ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 12
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 13
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 13 of 18
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 14
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 14 of 18
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 15 of 18
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 16
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 17
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 17 of 18
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`122 14
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`145
`48
`106
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`60
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`128B
`FIG. 33
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`150
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 18
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 15, 2016
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`Sheet 18 of 18
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`US 9,494,021 B2
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`118
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`102
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`RED
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`BLUE
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`BLACK
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`FIG. 55A
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`
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`
`
`
`THROUCH WIRE TO
`126B
`BOTTOM CONNECTOR
`FIG. 5B
`
`
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 19
`SWM and NexTier v. DynaEnergetics
`PGR2021-00097 – U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`1.
`PERFORATION GUN COMPONENTS AND
`SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims priority to PCT Application No.
`PCT/CA2014/050673 filed Jul 16, 2014, which claims
`priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 2,821.506 filed
`Jul. 18, 2013, each of which are incorporated herein by
`reference in their entirety.
`
`FIELD
`
`A perforation gun system is generally described. More
`particularly, various perforation gun components that can be
`modularly assembled into a perforation gun system, the
`assembled perforated gun system itself, a perforation gun
`system kit, and a method for assembling a perforation gun
`system are generally described.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Perforation gun systems are used in well bore perforating
`in the oil and natural gas industries to tie a bore hole with a
`storage horizon within which a storage reservoir of oil or
`natural gas is located.
`A typical perforation gun system consists of an outer gun
`carrier, arranged in the interior of which there are perfora
`tors-usually hollow or projectile charges-that shoot radially
`outwards through the gun carrier after detonation. Penetra
`tion holes remain in the gun carrier after the shot.
`In order to ignite the perforators, there is a detonating cord
`leading through the gun carrier that is coupled to a detonator.
`Different perforating scenarios often require different
`phasing and density of charges or gun lengths. Moreover, it
`is sometimes desirable that the perforators shooting radially
`outwards from the gun carrier be oriented in different
`directions along the length of the barrel. Therefore, phasing
`may be required between different guns along the length.
`Onsite assembly of perforation gun systems may also be
`problematic under certain conditions as there are certain
`safety hazards inherent to the assembly of perforation guns
`due to the explosive nature of certain of its Sub-components,
`including the detonator and the detonating cord.
`There is thus a need for a perforation gun system, which
`by virtue of its design and components would be able to
`address at least one of the above-mentioned needs, or
`overcome or at least minimize at least one of the above
`mentioned drawbacks.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`According to an embodiment, an object is to provide a
`perforation gun system that addresses at least one of the
`above-mentioned needs.
`According to an embodiment, there is provided a perfo
`ration gun system having an outer gun carrier and compris
`ing:
`a top connector,
`at least one stackable charge holder for centralizing a
`single shaped charge within the gun carrier,
`a detonation cord connected to the top connector and to
`each stackable charge holder;
`at least one bottom connector for terminating the detona
`tion cord in the gun system; and
`a detonator energetically coupled to the detonation cord,
`
`10
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`US 9,494,021 B2
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`2
`wherein each of the top connector, at least one stackable
`charge holder and at least one bottom connector comprise a
`rotation coupling for providing a selectable clocking rotation
`between each of the top connector, at least one stackable
`charge holder and at least one bottom connector.
`In some embodiments, the bottom connector may double
`as a spacer for spacing a plurality of Stackable charge
`holders, and may either act as a metric dimensioned spacer
`or as an imperial dimensioned spacer for any specific metric
`or imperial shot density, phase and length gun system.
`According to another aspect, there is also provided a
`perforation gun system kit having component parts capable
`of being assembled within an outer gun carrier, the kit
`comprising a combination of
`a top connector,
`at least one stackable charge holder for centralizing a
`single shaped charge within the gun carrier;
`a detonation cord connectable to the top connector and to
`each stackable charge holder;
`at least one bottom connector adapted for terminating the
`detonation cord in the gun system; and
`a detonator energetically couplable to the detonation cord,
`wherein each of the top connector, at least one stackable
`charge holder and at least one bottom connector comprise a
`coupling having a plurality of rotational degrees of freedom
`for providing a selectable rotation between each of the top
`connector, at least one stackable charge holder and at least
`one bottom connector.
`According to another aspect, there is also provided a
`method for assembling a perforation gun system, comprising
`the steps of:
`(a) providing a perforation gun system kit having com
`ponent parts capable of being assembled within an
`outer gun carrier, the kit comprising a combination of:
`a top connector;
`at least one stackable charge holder for centralizing a
`single shaped charge within the gun carrier,
`a detonation cord connectable to the top connector and
`to each stackable charge holder;
`at least one bottom connector adapted for terminating
`the detonation cord in the gun system and adapted
`for doubling as a spacer for spacing a plurality of
`stackable charge holders; and
`a detonator energetically couplable to the detonation
`cord,
`wherein each of the top connector, at least one stack
`able charge holder and at least one bottom connector
`comprise a coupling having a plurality of rotational
`degrees of freedom for providing a selectable rota
`tion between each of the top connector, at least one
`stackable charge holder and at least one bottom
`connector,
`(b) assembling a plurality of the stackable charge holders
`in a predetermined phase to form a first gun assembly;
`(c) running the detonation cord into a bottom most bottom
`connector,
`(d) assembling the bottommost bottom connector onto the
`assembled plurality of stackable charge holders;
`(e) running connecting wire between the bottom most
`bottom connector and the top connector;
`(f) clicking the detonation cord into capturing projections
`provided in each of the charge holders;
`(g) running the detonation cord into the top connector,
`(h) cutting the detonator cord; and
`(i) installing charges into each of the charge holders.
`A number of optional steps that are detailed below may be
`added to the above-described steps of the method.
`
`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 20
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`US 9,494,021 B2
`
`3
`According to another aspect, there is also provided a top
`connector for a perforation gun system comprising:
`a coupler for providing energetic coupling between a
`detonator and a detonating cord;
`at least one directional locking fin for locking the top
`connector within a gun carrier,
`a rotation coupling for providing a selectable clocking
`rotation between the top connector, and a charge holder
`wherein the top connector is configured to receive electrical
`connections therethrough.
`According to another aspect, there is also provided a
`stackable charge holder for a perforation gun system having
`an outer gun carrier, the charge holder comprising:
`a charge receiving structure for receiving a single shaped
`charge;
`a plurality of projections for centralizing the shaped
`charge within the gun carrier; and
`at least one rotation coupling for providing a selectable
`clocking rotation between the charge holder and an
`adjacent component in the perforation gun system;
`wherein a pair of the plurality of projections is configured
`for capturing a detonation cord traversing the charge holder.
`According to another aspect, there is also provided a
`bottom connector for a perforation gun system comprising:
`a terminating structure arranged for terminating a deto
`nation cord in the gun system;
`a plurality of wings for axially locking the bottom con
`nector to a Snap ring fixed in the carrier.
`a rotation coupling for providing a selectable clocking
`rotation between the bottom connector and a charge
`holder;
`wherein the rotation coupling is arranged such that bottom
`connector doubles as a spacer for spacing a plurality of
`stackable charge holders.
`
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`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`4
`FIG. 10 is a top view of the stackable charge holder shown
`in FIG. 6;
`FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a half-portion of a top
`connector in accordance with an embodiment;
`FIG. 12 is a side view of the half-portion of the top
`connector shown in FIG. 11;
`FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the half-portion of the
`top connector shown in FIG. 11;
`FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the half-portion
`of the top connector shown in FIG. 11;
`FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a top connector in
`accordance with an embodiment;
`FIG. 16 is a front end view of the top connector shown in
`FIG. 15:
`FIG. 17 is a rear end view of the top connector shown in
`FIG. 15:
`FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the top connector
`shown in FIG. 15:
`FIG. 19 is an enlarged detailed side cut view of a portion
`of the perforation gun system including a bulkhead and
`stackable charge holders shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bottom sub of a gun
`system in accordance with an embodiment;
`FIG. 21 is a side view of a gun carrier of a gun system in
`accordance with an embodiment;
`FIG.22 is a side cut view of the gun carrier shown in FIG.
`21;
`FIG. 23 is a side view of a top sub of a gun system in
`accordance with an embodiment;
`FIG. 24 is a side cut view of the top sub shown in FIG.
`23;
`FIG. 25 is a side view of a tandem seal adapter of a gun
`system in accordance with an embodiment;
`FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the tandem seal adapter
`shown in FIG. 25:
`FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a detonator in accordance
`with an embodiment;
`FIG. 28 is a detailed perspective view of the detonator
`shown in FIG. 27:
`FIG. 29 is another detailed perspective view of the
`detonator shown in FIG. 27:
`FIG. 30 is another detailed perspective view of the
`detonator shown in FIG. 27:
`FIG. 31 is another detailed perspective view of the
`detonator shown in FIG. 27, with a crimp sleeve;
`FIG. 32 is a detailed side view of a tandem seal adapter
`and detonator in accordance with another embodiment;
`FIG.33 is a side cut view of a portion of a perforation gun
`system illustrating the configuration of the top Sub in accor
`dance with another embodiment;
`FIG.34 is a side cut view of a portion of a perforation gun
`system illustrating the configuration of the bottom Sub in
`accordance with another embodiment; and
`FIGS. 35A and 35B are electrical Schematic views of a
`detonator and of wiring within a perforated gun system in
`accordance with another embodiment.
`
`40
`
`50
`
`55
`
`These and other objects and advantages will become
`apparent upon reading the detailed description and upon
`referring to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated
`in the appended drawings. Understanding that these draw
`ings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore
`to be considered to be limiting of its scope, exemplary
`embodiments will be described and explained with addi
`45
`tional specificity and detail through the use of the accom
`panying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a side cut view of a perforation gun system
`according to an embodiment;
`FIG. 2 is a side view of a top connector, bottom connector
`and stackable charge holders of a perforation gun system in
`accordance with another embodiment;
`FIG. 3 is a side view of a top connector, bottom connector
`and stackable charge holders of a perforation gun system in
`accordance with another embodiment;
`FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a bottom connector
`in accordance with an embodiment;
`FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the bottom connector
`shown in FIG. 4;
`FIG. 6 is a front view of a stackable charge holder in
`accordance with an embodiment;
`FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the stackable charge
`holder shown in FIG. 6;
`FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the stackable charge
`holder shown in FIG. 6;
`FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the stackable charge holder
`shown in FIG. 6;
`
`60
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`65
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`In the following description and accompanying FIGS., the
`same numerical references refer to similar elements through
`out the FIGS. and text. Furthermore, for the sake of sim
`plicity and clarity, namely so as not to unduly burden the
`FIGS. with several reference numbers, only certain FIGS.
`have been provided with reference numbers, and compo
`nents and features of the embodiments illustrated in other
`FIGS. can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments,
`
`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 21
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`10
`
`15
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`25
`
`5
`geometrical configurations, and/or dimensions shown in the
`FIGS. are for exemplification purposes only. Various fea
`tures, aspects and advantages of the embodiments will
`become more apparent from the following detailed descrip
`tion.
`Moreover, although some of the embodiments were pri
`marily designed for well bore perforating, for example, they
`may also be used in other perforating scenarios or in other
`fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this
`reason, expressions such as 'gun system”, etc., as used
`herein should not be taken as to be limiting, and includes all
`other kinds of materials, objects and/or purposes with which
`the various embodiments could be used and may be useful.
`Each example or embodiment are provided by way of
`explanation, and is not meant as a limitation and does not
`constitute a definition of all possible embodiments.
`In addition, although some of the embodiments are illus
`trated in the accompanying drawings comprise various com
`ponents and although the embodiment of the adjustment
`system as shown consists of certain geometrical configura
`tions as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these
`components and geometries are essential and thus should not
`be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as
`to limit the scope. It is to be understood, as also apparent to
`a person skilled in the art, that other Suitable components
`and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable
`geometrical configurations may be used for the adjustment
`systems, and corresponding parts, according to various
`embodiments, as briefly explained and as can easily be
`inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without
`departing from the scope.
`Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an object is to provide a
`perforation gun system 10 having an outer gun carrier 12.
`The gun system 10 includes a top connector 14. At least one
`stackable charge holder 16 is provided for centralizing a
`35
`single shaped charge 18 within the gun carrier 12. A
`detonation cord 20 is connected to the top connector 14 and
`to each stackable charge holder 16.
`The gun system 10 includes at least one bottom connector
`22 for terminating the detonation cord 20 in the gun system.
`As better shown in FIG. 2, it is also possible that the bottom
`connector 22 double as or serve the function of a spacer 24
`for spacing a plurality of stackable charge holders 16.
`In an embodiment, the gun system also includes a deto
`nator 26 energetically coupled to the detonation cord 20.
`As better shown in FIGS. 4 to 18, each of the top
`connector 14, stackable charge holder 16 and bottom con
`nector 22 includes a rotation coupling 30 for providing a
`selectable clocking rotation between each of the above
`mentioned components.
`Hence, a user can build multiple configurations of gun
`systems using various combinations of basic components. A
`first of these basic components includes a top connector.
`Another basic component is a single charge holder that
`centralizes a single shaped charge. The holder is adapted to
`be stacked and configured into 0, 30, 60, up to 360 degrees
`or any other combination of these phases for any specified
`length. Another basic component is a bottom connector that
`terminates the detonation cord in the gun. The bottom
`connector may carry as well an electrical connection there
`through. The bottom connector may also double as an
`imperial measurement stackable spacer to provide any gun
`shot density up to, for example, 6 shots per foot. Alternately,
`another bottom connector may be provided or configured to
`double as a metric measurement stackable spacer to provide
`any gun shot density up to, for example, 20 shots per meter.
`Another basic component includes a push-in detonator that
`
`6
`does not use wires to make necessary connections. The
`push-in detonator may uses spring-loaded connectors, thus
`replacing any required wires and crimping.
`Therefore, within the self-centralizing charge holder sys
`tem, any number of spacers can be used with any number of
`holders for any specific metric or imperial shot density,
`phase and length gun system.
`In an embodiment, only two pipe wrenches are required
`for assembly on site of the gun system, as no other tools are
`required.
`In an embodiment, the top connector 14 provides ener
`getic coupling between the detonator and detonating cord.
`In an embodiment, each of the top connector 14, Stackable
`charge holder 16 and bottom connector 22 are configured to
`receive electrical connections therethrough.
`In an embodiment, all connections are made by connec
`tors, such as spring-loaded connectors, instead of wires, with
`the exception of the through wire that goes from the top
`connector 14 to the bottom connector 22, whose ends are
`COnnectOrS.
`In an embodiment, components of the assembly may
`include molded parts, which may also be manufactured to
`house the wiring integrally, through, for instance, overmold
`ing, to encase the wiring and all connectors within an
`injection molded part. For example, the charge holder 16
`could be overmolded to include the through wire.
`In an embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each
`bottom connector 22 includes a plurality of fins 32 for
`axially locking each bottom connector against a Snap ring
`54, or an equivalent retainment mechanism to keep the
`charge holder 16 from sliding out of the bottom of carrier 12
`as it is handled. (shown on FIG. 1). The bottom connector 22
`from a first gun assembly can accommodate or house an
`electrical connection through a bulkhead assembly 58 to the
`top connector 14 of a second or Subsequent gun assembly, as
`seen for instance in FIG. 19. The top and bottom connector,
`as well as the spacer, in an embodiment, are made of 15%
`glass fiber reinforced, injection molding PA6 grade material,
`commercially available from BASF under its ULTRAMIDR)
`brand, and can provide a positive Snap connection for any
`configuration or reconfiguration. As better shown in FIG. 5,
`a terminating means structure 34 is provided to facilitate
`terminating of the detonation cord. The Snap ring 54 is
`preinstalled on the bottom of the carrier 12. The assembly
`can thus shoulder up to the snap ring 54 via the bottom
`connector fins 32.
`In an embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, each
`stackable charge holder 16 has a plurality of projections 40
`resting against an inner Surface 13 or diameter of the gun
`carrier 12 (as shown in FIG. 1) and thereby centralizing the
`shaped charge therewithin. A pair of the plurality of projec
`tions 42 may also be configured for capturing the detonation
`cord (not shown) traversing each stackable charge holder 16.
`The projections 42 are also used for centralizing the shaped
`charge within an inner Surface of the gun carrier.
`In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 18, the top
`connector 14 includes at least one directional locking fin 46.
`Although the use of directional locking fins is described,
`other methods of directional locking may be used, in order
`to eliminate a top snap ring that would otherwise be used to
`lock the assembly. As better shown in FIG. 19, the locking
`fins 46 are engageable with corresponding complementarily
`shaped structures 47 housed within the carrier 12, upon a
`rotation of the top connector 14, to lock the position of the
`top connector along the length of the carrier 12.
`In an embodiment, as better shown in FIG. 19, the bottom
`connector 22 on one end and the top connector 14 on the
`
`30
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`SWM and NexTier Ex. 1019 – Page 22
`SWM and NexTier v. DynaEnergetics
`PGR2021-00097 – U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`US 9,494,021 B2
`
`7
`other end abuts/connects to the bulkhead assembly 58 for
`grounding the detonator 26 within the gun carrier 12,
`through grounding means, depicted herein as a tandem seal
`adapter 48 (see also FIGS. 25 and 26). The tandem seal
`adapter 48 is configured to seal the inner components within
`the carrier 12 from the outside environment, using sealing
`means 60 (shown herein as o-rings). Thus, the tandem seal
`adapter 48 seals the gun assemblies from each other along
`with the bulkhead 58, and transmits a ground wire to the
`carrier 12. Hence, the top connector 14 and bulkhead 58
`accommodate electrical and ballistic transfer to the charges
`of the next gun assembly for as many gun assembly units as
`required, each gun assembly unit having all the components
`of a gun assembly.
`In an embodiment, the tandem seal adapter 48 is a
`two-part tandem seal adapter (not shown) that fully contains
`the bulkhead assembly 58 (comprised of multiple small parts
`as shown, for instance, in FIG. 19) and that is reversible such
`that it has no direction of installation.
`In an embodiment and as better shown in FIGS. 27-31 and
`35A, the detonator assembly 26 includes a detonator head
`100, a detonator body 102 and a plurality of detonator wires
`104, including a through wire 106, a signal-in wire 108 and
`a ground wire 110. The through wire 106 traverses from the
`top to the bottom of the perforating gun system 10, making
`a connection at each charge holder 16. The detonator head
`100 further includes a through wire connector element 112
`connected to the through wire 106 (not shown), a ground
`contact element 114 for connecting the ground wire 110 to
`the tandem seal adapter (also not shown), through ground
`springs 116, and a bulkhead connector element 118 for
`connecting the signal-in wire 108 to the bulkhead assembly
`58 (also not shown). Different insulating elements 120A,
`120B are also provided in the detonator head 100 for the
`purpose of insulating the detonator head 100 and detonator
`wires 104 from Surrounding components. As better shown in
`FIG. 31, a crimp sleeve 122 can be provided to cover the
`detonator head 100 and body 102, thus resulting in a more
`robust assembly. The above configuration allows the deto
`nator to be installed with minimal tooling and wire connec
`tions.
`In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 32, 33 and 35B
`illustrate a connection and grounding of the above-described
`detonator assembly 26 through the tandem seal adapter 48
`and a pressure bulkhead 124. The bulkhead 124 includes
`spring connector end interfaces comprising contact pins
`126A, 126B, linked to coil springs 128A, 128B. This dual
`spring pin connector assembly including the bulkhead 124
`and coil springs 128A, 128B is positioned within the tandem
`seal adapter 48 extending from a conductor slug 130 to the
`bulkhead connector element 118. The dual spring pin con
`nector assembly is connected to the through wire 106 of the
`detonator assembly 26.
`In an embodiment and as better shown in FIGS. 11 to 18,
`the top connector 14 may have a split design to simplify
`manufacturing and aid in assembly. By 'split design what
`is meant is that the top connector 14 can be formed of two
`halves—a top half 15A and a bottom half 15B. As better
`shown in FIG. 15 or 18, the top connector 14 may also
`include a blind hole 47 to contain or house the detonation
`cord, thus eliminating the need for crimping the detonation
`cord during assembly.
`In an embodiment and as shown for example in FIGS. 4
`to 18, the rotation coupling 30 may either include a plurality
`of pins 50 (FIG. 5) symmetrically arranged about a central
`axis of the rotation coupling 30, or a plurality of sockets 52
`(FIG. 4) symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the
`
`40
`
`45
`
`8
`rotation coupling 30 and configured to engage the plurality
`of pins 50 of an adjacent rotation coupling 30.
`In another embodiment, the rotation coupling 30 may
`either include a polygon-shaped protrusion, or a polygon
`shaped recess configured to engage the polygon-shaped
`protrusion of an adjacent rotation coupling. The polygon can
`be 12-sided for example for 30 degree increments.
`In another embodiment, the top and bottom subs work
`with off the shelf running/setting tools as would be under
`stood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
`In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 33, the top sub
`72 facilitates use of an off the shelf quick change assembly
`140 to enable electrical signals from the surface, as well as
`to adapt perforating gun system to mechanically run with
`conventional downhole equipment. The quick change
`assembly 140 may include a threaded adapter 143 to set an
`offset distance between an electrical connector 142 and the
`contact pin 126B extending from the bulkhead assembly 58.
`In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 34, the bottom
`Sub 70 may be configured as a sealing plug shoot adapter
`(SPSA) to be used specifically with this embodiment. The
`SPSA may receive an off the shelf quick change assembly
`140 (not shown) and insulator 150 that communicates with
`a firing head threaded below it (not shown). A setting tool
`(not shown) may run on the bottom side of the perforating
`gun.
`In an embodiment, final assembly of the tool string
`requires only two pipe wrenches. No tools are required to
`install the detonator or any electrical connections.
`An object is to also provide a perforation gun system kit
`having the basic component parts described above and
`capable of being assembled within an outer gun carrier.
`In