lllll
`
`1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 1111111111 11111 lllll lllll 111111111111111 1111111111 11111111
`c19) United States
`
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`c10) Pub. No.:
`(43) Pub. Date: Oct. 14, 2021
`
`Preiss et al.
`
`US 20210317728Al
`
`(54)PERFORATING GUN ASSEMBLY AND
`WELLBORE TOOL STRING WITH TANDEM
`SEAL ADAPTER
`
`(71)Applicant: DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH,
`
`
`
`Troisdorf (DE)
`
`PCT/CA2014/050673 on Jul. 16, 2014, said applica­
`
`
`
`tion No. 16/809,729 is a continuation of application
`
`
`No. 15/920,800, filed on Mar. 14, 2018, now aban­
`
`
`doned, which is a continuation of application No.
`
`15/617,344, filed on Jun. 8, 2017, now Pat. No.
`10,429,161.
`
`(72)Inventors: Frank Baron Preiss, Bonn (DE); Thilo
`
`
`
`
`
`Scharf, Letterkenny (IE); Liam
`
`McNelis, Bonn (DE); Eric Mulhern,
`
`
`Edmonton (CA); David C. Parks,
`
`
`Calgary (CA); Christian Eitschberger,
`Munich (DE)
`
`(30) Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jul. 18, 2013 (CA) ...................................... 2821506
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(73)Assignee: DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH,
`
`
`
`Troisdorf (DE)
`
`F42D 1104
`
`E21B 431119
`
`
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 17/352,728
`
`F42D 1102
`
`Filed: Jun. 21, 2021
`(22)
`
`
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(51)Int. Cl.
`E21B 4311185(2006.01)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`F42C 19106(2006.01)
`(52)U.S. Cl.
`CPC .......... E21B 4311185 (2013.01); F42D 11043
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(2013.01); E21B 431119 (2013.01); F42C
`
`
`19106 (2013.01); F42D 1102 (2013.01); E21B
`(60) Continuation of application No. 17/221,219, filed on
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`43/11855 (2013.01); F42D 1104 (2013.01)
`
`
`Apr. 2, 2021, which is a continuation of application
`
`No. 17/007,574, filed on Aug. 31, 2020, which is a
`
`
`
`continuation of application No. 16/809,729, filed on
`(57)
`
`
`Mar. 5, 2020, which is a continuation of application
`A perforating gun may include a gun carrier extending in an
`
`
`
`
`
`No. 16/585,790, filed on Sep. 27, 2019, now Pat. No.
`
`
`axial direction and a tandem seal adapter (TSA). The gun
`
`
`10,844,697, which is a continuation of application
`
`
`
`carrier having a maximum outer carrier diameter. The TSA
`
`
`
`
`No. 16/359,540, filed on Mar. 20, 2019, now Pat. No.
`
`may include a first TSA region having a first TSA outer
`
`
`10,472,938, which is a continuation of application
`
`
`
`
`diameter, a second TSA region having a second TSA outer
`
`
`No. 15/920,812, filed on Mar. 14, 2018, which is a
`
`
`
`
`diameter, and a shoulder surface formed between an outer
`
`
`
`continuation of application No. 15/617,344, filed on
`
`
`
`
`
`surface of the first TSA region and an outer surface of the
`
`Jun. 8, 2017, now Pat. No. 10,429,161, which is a
`
`
`
`second TSA region. The second TSA outer diameter may be
`
`
`
`division of application No. 15/287,309, filed on Oct.
`
`
`
`larger than the first TSA outer diameter and smaller than the
`
`
`6, 2016, now Pat. No. 9,702,680, which is a division
`
`
`
`
`maximum outer carrier diameter. A portion of the gun carrier
`
`
`
`of application No. 14/904,788, filed on Jan. 13, 2016,
`
`may abut with the shoulder surface.
`
`
`now Pat. No. 9,494,021, filed as application No.
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`14
`
`(10
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 1
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 1 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 2
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 2 of 18
`Patent Application Publication
`
`=
`
`=
`
`�
`
`co
`
`(!)
`ti:
`
`fW')
`
`(!)
`ti:
`
`"""'"
`
`co
`C'-.J
`
`"""'"
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 3
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 3 of 18
`Patent Application Publication
`
`FIG. 4
`
`32
`
`22
`
`32
`
`22
`
`"---- 30
`
`224
`
`30a
`
`FIG. 5
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 4
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 4 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`40
`30
`1 52
`00
`0
`0
`
`0
`
`O
`O
`O oO
`
`44
`
`40
`
`FIG. 6
`
`222
`
`FIG. 7
`
`16
`
`22
`
`3Qb,.___..)f 30_/
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 5
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 5 of 18
`Patent Application Publication
`
`FIG. 8
`
`/ 30
`50
`
`30a
`
`16
`
`FIG. 9
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 6
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 6 of 18
`Patent Application Publication
`
`242
`
`15A
`
`46
`
`248----1--1---ir '1-- --1--1- - -248
`
`0 0
`
`14
`
`244
`
`FIG. 11
`
`30
`242
`
`r
`
`�241
`
`15A
`
`46
`
`14
`
`FIG. 12
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 7
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 7 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`241
`
`FIG. 1J
`
`46
`
`242
`
`FIG. 14
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 8
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 8 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`46
`
`15A
`
`15B
`
`FIG. 15
`
`46
`
`15A
`
`158
`
`oO
`
`FIG. 16
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 9
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 9 of 18
`Patent Application Publication
`
`46
`
`FIG. 17
`
`246
`
`FIG. 18
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 10
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 10 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`FIG. 19
`
`FIG. 20
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 11
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 11 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`I I I
`
`���
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 12
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 12 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`(72
`
`-----------
`
`� �
`
`- - - /
`
`-==-==-=� ---�
`'
`- - _,,,
`
`24
`
`24
`
`-----------
`
`-
`
`- - -, ---
`- -
`, -- - /
`- --
`�- �-- , - --
`/
`1,;
`'
`---
`
`------------
`
`� �
`
`FIG. 2J
`
`FIG. 24
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 13
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 13 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`FIG. 25
`
`60
`
`FIG. 26
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 14
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 14 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`102
`
`FIG. 27
`
`104
`
`FIG. 28
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 15
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 15 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`FIG. 29
`
`OB
`112
`
`102
`
`100
`
`100 FIG. JO
`
`116
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 16
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 16 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`116
`
`100
`
`\�
`102
`
`FIG. J1
`
`FIG. J2
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 17
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2021 Sheet 17 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`
`143
`
`122 14
`
`112
`
`128B
`
`FIG. JJ
`
`150
`
`FIG. J4
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 18
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`Oct. 14, 2021
`
`Sheet 18 of 18 US 2021/0317728 Al
`Patent Application Publication
`
`112
`100
`
`102
`
`118
`
`RED
`
`-- BLUE
`
`BLACK
`
`FIG. J5A
`
`124
`
`48
`
`16
`
`
`
`THROUGH Yt1RE
`
`THROUGH WIRE TO
`
`
`BOTTOM CONNECTOR
`
`106
`26
`
`FIG. J58
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 19
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2021/0317728 A 1
`
`Oct. 14, 2021
`
`1
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`
`APPLICATIONS
`
`SUMMARY
`
`directions along the length of the barrel. Therefore, phasing
`
`
`
`
`PERFORATING GUN ASSEMBLY AND
`
`
`
`
`may be required between different guns along the length.
`WELLBORE TOOL S TRING WITH TANDEM
`
`
`
`
`[0007] Onsite assembly of perforation gun systems may
`SEAL ADAPTER
`
`
`also be problematic under certain conditions as there are
`
`
`
`
`
`certain safety hazards inherent to the assembly of perfora­
`
`
`
`tion guns due to the explosive nature of certain of its
`
`
`
`
`sub-components, including the detonator and the detonating
`[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
`
`
`cord.
`
`
`application Ser. No. 17/221,219 filed Apr. 2, 2021, which is
`[0008] There is thus a need for a perforation gun system,
`
`
`
`
`
`a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/007,
`
`would be able which by virtue of its design and components
`
`
`574 filed Aug. 31, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.
`
`
`to address at least one of the above-mentioned needs or
`
`
`
`patent application Ser. No. 16/809,729 filed Mar. 5, 2020,
`
`
`overcome or at least minimize at least one of the above­
`
`
`
`which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
`
`mentioned drawbacks.
`
`
`
`16/585,790 filed Sep. 27, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,844,
`
`
`
`697 issued Nov. 24, 2020), which is a continuation of U.S.
`
`
`
`patent application Ser. No. 16/359,540 filed Mar. 20, 2019
`gun of a perforating (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,472,938 issued Nov. 12, 2019), which [0009] An exemplary embodiment
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/920, may include a gun carrier extending in an axial direction and
`
`
`
`
`812 filed Mar. 14, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. a tandem seal adapter (TSA). The gun carrier having a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`patent application Ser. No. 15/617,344 filed Jun. 8, 2017 maximum outer carrier diameter. The TSA may include a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(now U.S. Pat. No. 10,429,161 issued Oct. 1, 2019) which first TSA region having a first TSA outer diameter, a second
`
`
`
`
`
`
`is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent application TSA region having a second TSA outer diameter, and a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Ser. No. 15/287,309 filed Oct. 6, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. shoulder surface formed between an outer surface of the first
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`9,702,680 issued Jul. 11, 2017), which is a divisional patent TSA region and an outer surface of the second TSA region.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/904,788 The second TSA outer diameter may be larger than the first
`
`
`
`
`
`
`filed Jan. 13, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,494,021 issued Nov. TSA outer diameter and smaller than the maximum outer
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`15, 2016), which is a U.S. national stage entry of PCT carrier diameter. A portion of the gun carrier may abut with
`
`
`
`
`Application No. PCT/CA2014/050673 filed Jul. 16, 2014, the shoulder surface.
`
`
`
`
`which claims priority to Canadian Patent Application No.
`[0010] An exemplary embodiment of a wellbore tool
`
`
`
`
`2,821,506 filed Jul. 18, 2013, each of which is incorporated
`
`
`
`
`
`string may include a first wellbore tool having a first carrier
`
`
`
`
`herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application
`
`
`extending in an axial direction and a second wellbore tool
`
`
`Ser. No. 16/809,729 is also a continuation of U.S. applica­
`
`
`
`having a second carrier extending in the axial direction, the
`
`
`tion Ser. No. 15/920,800 filed Mar. 14, 2018, which is a
`
`
`
`
`second wellbore tool being coupled to the first wellbore tool
`
`
`
`continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/617,344 filed
`
`
`
`
`so as to define an internal cavity. A tandem seal adapter
`
`
`Jun. 8, 2018 (now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/429,
`
`
`
`(TSA) may be disposed within the internal cavity. The TSA
`
`161 issued Oct. 1, 2019), each of which is incorporated
`
`
`
`may be sealingly engaged with the first carrier and the
`
`
`herein by reference in its entirety.
`
`
`of a wellbore tool second carrier. An exemplary embodiment
`
`
`
`
`
`string may include a first wellbore tool having a first carrier
`
`
`extending in an axial direction. The first carrier may have a
`
`
`
`first maximum outer carrier diameter. The wellbore tool
`[0002] A perforation gun system is generally described.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`string may further include a second wellbore tool having a
`
`
`
`
`More particularly, various perforation gun components that
`
`second carrier extending in the axial direction. The second
`
`
`
`can be modularly assembled into a perforation gun system,
`
`
`carrier may have a second maximum outer carrier diameter.
`
`
`the assembled perforated gun system itself, a perforation
`
`
`
`The wellbore tool string may further include a tandem seal
`
`gun system kit, and a method for assembling a perforation
`
`
`
`adapter (TSA) having a maximum outer TSA diameter. The
`gun system are generally described.
`
`maximum outer TSA diameter may be smaller than the first
`
`
`
`maximum outer carrier diameter and smaller than the second
`
`maximum outer carrier diameter.
`
`FIELD
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0003] 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
`[0011] These and other objects and advantages will
`
`
`
`
`of oil or natural gas is located.
`
`
`
`become apparent upon reading the detailed description and
`
`
`
`[0004] A typical perforation gun system consists of an
`
`
`
`upon referring to specific embodiments thereof that are
`
`
`
`outer gun carrier, arranged in the interior of which there are
`
`
`
`illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that
`
`
`
`perforators-usually hollow or projectile charges-that shoot
`
`
`
`
`these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not
`
`
`
`
`radially outwards through the gun carrier after detonation.
`
`
`
`therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope,
`
`
`Penetration holes remain in the gun carrier after the shot.
`
`
`
`
`exemplary embodiments will be described and explained
`
`
`
`
`with additional specificity and detail through the use of the
`
`
`
`[0005] In order to initiate the perforators, there is a deto­
`
`
`accompanying drawings in which:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`nating cord leading through the gun carrier that is coupled to
`a detonator.
`
`
`system according to an embodiment;
`
`
`
`[0006] Different perforating scenarios often require differ­
`
`
`[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a top connector, bottom
`
`
`
`
`ent phasing and density of charges or gun lengths. Moreover,
`
`
`
`
`
`connector and stackable charge holders of a perforation gun
`
`
`
`it is sometimes desirable that the perforators shooting radi­
`
`
`system in accordance with another embodiment;
`
`
`ally outwards from the gun carrier be oriented in different
`
`[0012] FIG. 1 is a side cut view of a perforation gun
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 20
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2021/0317728 A 1
`
`Oct. 14, 2021
`
`2
`
`[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of a top connector, bottom [0044] FIG. 33 is a side cut view of a portion of a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`of the the configu ration connector and stackable charge holders of a perforation gun perforation gu n system illustrating
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`system in accordance with another embodiment; top sub in accordance with another embodiment;
`
`[0015] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a bottom
`
`
`[0045] FIG. 34 is a side cut view of a portion of a
`
`
`connector in accordance with an embodiment;
`
`of the perforation gu n system illustrating the configu ration
`
`
`
`[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the bottom
`
`
`
`
`bottom sub in accordance with another embodiment; and
`
`connector shown in FIG. 4;
`
`
`[0046] FIGS. 35A and 35B are electrical schematic views
`
`
`
`[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view of a stackable charge holder
`
`
`
`
`of a detonator and of wiring within a perforated gun system
`
`in accordance with an embodiment;
`
`
`in accordance with another embodiment.
`
`[0018] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the stackable
`
`
`charge holder shown in FIG. 6;
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the stackable
`[0047] In the following description and accompanying
`
`
`
`
`
`charge holder shown in FIG. 6;
`
`
`
`
`
`FIGS., the same numerical references refer to similar ele­
`
`
`[0020] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the stackable charge
`
`
`ments throughout the FIGS. and text. Furthermore, for the
`
`holder shown in FIG. 6;
`
`
`
`sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as not to unduly
`
`[0021] FIG. 10 is a top view of the stackable charge holder
`
`
`
`
`burden the FIGS. with several reference numbers, only
`shown in FIG. 6;
`
`
`
`
`certain FIGS. have been provided with reference numbers,
`
`[0022] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a half-portion of a top
`
`
`
`
`and components and features of the embodiments illustrated
`
`
`connector in accordance with an embodiment;
`
`
`
`in other FIGS. can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodi­
`
`
`[0023] FIG. 12 is a side view of the half-portion of the top
`
`
`ments, geometrical configurations, and/or dimensions
`
`connector shown in FIG. 11;
`
`
`
`shown in the FIGS. are for exemplification purposes only.
`[0024] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the half­
`
`
`
`
`
`Various features, aspects and advantages of the embodi­
`
`
`
`portion of the top connector shown in FIG. 11;
`
`
`ments will become more apparent from the following
`
`[0025] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the half­
`
`detailed description.
`
`
`
`portion of the top connector shown in FIG. 11;
`
`
`[0048] Moreover, although some of the embodiments
`
`
`
`[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a top connector in
`
`
`
`perforating, for were primarily design ed for well bore
`
`accordance with an embodiment;
`
`
`
`example, they may also be used in other perforating sce­
`
`[0027] FIG. 16 is a front end view of the top connector
`
`
`
`
`
`
`narios or in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the
`shown in FIG. 15;
`
`
`art. For this reason, expressions such as "gun system", etc.,
`
`[0028] FIG. 17 is a rear end view of the top connector
`
`
`as used herein should not be taken as to be limiting, and
`shown in FIG. 15;
`
`
`
`
`
`includes all other kinds of materials, objects and/or purposes
`
`
`[0029] FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the top
`
`
`
`with which the various embodiments could be used and may
`
`connector shown in FIG. 15;
`
`
`
`
`be useful. Each example or embodiment are provided by
`[0030] FIG. 19 is an enlarged detailed side cut view of a
`
`
`
`
`way of explanation, and is not meant as a limitation and does
`
`
`
`portion of the perforation gun system including a bulkhead
`
`
`
`not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments.
`
`
`and stackable charge holders shown in FIG. 1;
`
`
`
`[0049] In addition, although some of the embodiments are
`
`
`[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bottom sub of a
`
`
`
`
`illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various
`
`gun system in accordance with an embodiment;
`
`
`
`
`components and although the embodiment of the adjustment
`
`[0032] FIG. 21 is a side view of a gu n carrier of a gun
`
`
`system as shown consists of certain geometrical configura­
`
`system in accordance with an embodiment;
`
`
`
`tions as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these
`
`[0033] FIG. 22 is a side cut view of the gu n carrier shown
`
`
`
`
`components and geometries are essential and thus should not
`in FIG. 21;
`
`
`be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as
`[0034] FIG. 23 is a side view of a top sub of a gu n system
`
`
`
`
`
`
`to limit the scope. It is to be understood, as also apparent to
`
`in accordance with an embodiment;
`
`
`
`a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components
`
`
`[0035] FIG. 24 is a side cut view of the top sub shown in
`
`
`and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable
`FIG. 23;
`
`
`
`adjustment geometrical may be used for the configu rations
`
`[0036] FIG. 25 is a side view of a tandem seal adapter of
`
`
`
`
`systems, and corresponding parts, according to various
`
`a gun system in accordance with an embodiment;
`
`
`
`
`
`embodiments, as briefly explained and as can easily be
`[0037] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the tandem seal
`
`
`
`
`
`inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without
`
`
`adapter shown in FIG. 25;
`
`departing from the scope.
`
`
`[0038] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a detonator in
`[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an object is to provide a
`
`
`
`
`accordance with an embodiment;
`
`perforation gu n system 10 having an outer gun carrier
`12.
`
`
`[0039] FIG. 28 is a detailed perspective view of the
`
`
`
`
`The gun system 10 includes a top connector 14. At least one
`
`
`detonator shown in FIG. 27;
`
`
`
`stackable charge holder 16 is provided for centralizing a
`
`
`
`[0040] FIG. 29 is another detailed perspective view of the
`
`
`
`single shaped charge 18 within the gun carrier 12. A
`
`
`detonator shown in FIG. 27;
`
`
`
`detonation cord 20 is connected to the top connector 14 and
`
`
`
`[0041] FIG. 30 is another detailed perspective view of the
`
`
`to each stackable charge holder 16.
`
`
`detonator shown in FIG. 27;
`
`[0051] The gun system 10 includes at least one bottom
`
`
`
`[0042] FIG. 31 is another detailed perspective view of the
`
`
`
`connector 22 for terminating the detonation cord 20 in the
`
`
`detonator shown in FIG. 27, with a crimp sleeve;
`
`
`gun system. As better shown in FIG. 2, it is also possible that
`
`the bottom connector 22 double as or serve the function of
`
`[0043] FIG. 32 is a detailed side view of a tandem seal
`a spacer 24 for spacing a plurality of stackable charge
`
`
`
`adapter and detonator in accordance with another embodi­
`
`holders 16.
`ment;
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 21
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2021/0317728 A 1
`
`Oct. 14, 2021
`
`3
`
`[0052] In an embodiment, the gun system also includes a
`
`
`walls 223 extend from the second base 224 to the first base
`
`
`
`
`coupled to the detonation cord detonator 26 energetically 20.
`
`
`222.At least one of the pins 50 of the rotation coupling 30
`
`
`
`to an extend from one of the v-shaped walls 223. According
`
`
`
`top [0053] As better shown in FIGS. 4 to 18, each of the
`
`
`
`
`
`aspect, when the bottom connector includes the first rotation
`
`
`
`charge holder connector 14, stackable 16 and bottom con­
`
`
`
`
`coupling second rotation coupling 30a and the 30b, the
`
`
`
`
`a nector 22 includes a rotation coupling 30 for providing
`
`
`The bottomcylindrical body 220 extends therebetween.
`
`
`
`selectable clocking rotation between each of the above­
`
`
`
`
`of fins/wings connector a plurality 22 includes 32 radially
`
`
`
`mentioned components. As seen, for instance, in FIGS. 4-5
`
`extending from the body 220. The wings 32 are configured
`
`
`
`
`a first rotation and 7-9, the rotation coupling 30 includes
`
`
`
`
`for axially locking each bottom connector against a snap
`
`
`
`coupling coupling 30a and a second rotation 30b.
`
`
`
`to keep thering 54, or an equivalent retainment mechanism
`
`[0054] Hence, a user can build multiple configu rations of
`
`
`charge holder 16 from sliding out of the bottom of carrier 12
`
`
`
`gun systems using various combinations of basic compo­
`
`
`
`
`as it is handled, (shown on FIG. 1). According to an aspect,
`
`
`
`
`nents. A first of these basic components includes a top
`
`
`
`
`connector and as illustrated in FIG. 19, the bottom 22 may
`
`
`connector. Another basic component is a single charge
`
`
`tandem seal be recessed into a recess 49 formed in the
`
`
`
`holder that centralizes a single shaped charge. The holder is
`
`
`gun adapter 48. The bottom connector 22 from a first
`
`
`
`adapted to be stacked and configu red into 0, 30, 60, up to
`
`
`assembly can accommodate or house an electrical connec­
`
`
`360 degrees or any other combination of these phases for
`
`
`
`
`tion through a bulkhead assembly connector 58 to the top 14
`
`
`
`
`any specified length. Another basic component is a bottom
`
`
`of a second or subsequent gun assembly, as seen for instance
`
`
`
`connector that terminates the detonation cord in the gun. The
`
`
`
`
`connector, as well as thein FIG. 19. The top and bottom
`
`
`
`bottom connector may carry as well an electrical connection
`
`spacer, in an embodiment, are made of 15% glass fiber
`
`
`therethrough. The bottom connector may also double as an
`
`
`reinforced, injection molding PA6 grade material, commer­
`
`
`
`
`imperial measurement stackable spacer to provide any gun
`
`
`cially available from BASF under its ULTRAMID® brand,
`
`
`
`shot density up to, for example, 6 shots per foot. Alternately,
`
`
`
`and can provide a positive snap connection for any configu­
`
`
`
`
`another bottom connector may be provided or configured to
`
`
`
`
`ration or reconfiguration. As better shown in FIG. 5, a
`
`
`
`double as a metric measurement stackable spacer to provide
`
`
`to facilitateterminating means structure 34 is provided
`
`
`
`
`
`any gun shot density up to, for example, 20 shots per meter.
`
`
`
`
`terminating of the detonation cord. The structure 34 may be
`
`
`
`
`
`Another basic component includes a push-in detonator that
`formed in the first base 222. The snap ring 54 is preinstalled
`
`
`does not use wires to make necessary connections. The
`
`can thuson the bottom of the carrier 12. The assembly
`
`
`
`
`
`push-in detonator may use spring-loaded connectors, thus
`
`
`
`
`connector fins shoulder up to the snap ring 54 via the bottom
`
`
`replacing any required wires and crimping.
`32.
`
`
`charge [0055] Therefore, within the self-centralizing
`
`
`holder system, any number of spacers can be used with any
`[0062] In an embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`number of holders for any specific metric or imperial shot
`
`a charge receiving each stackable charge holder 16 includes
`
`
`
`density, phase and length gu n system.
`
`
`
`
`structure for receiving a single shaped charge, and a plurality
`
`
`
`wrenches are [0056] In an embodiment, only two pipe
`
`
`
`struc­of projections from the charge receiving 40 extending
`
`
`
`
`as no other required for assembly on site of the gu n system,
`
`
`
`an inner surface ture. The projections 40 may rest against 13
`
`tools are required.
`
`
`12 (as shown in FIG. 1) and or diameter of the gu n carrier
`
`
`
`
`[0057] In an embodiment, the top connector 14 provides
`
`
`
`
`thereby centralizing the shaped charge therewithin. The
`
`
`
`energetic coupling between the detonator and detonating
`
`
`
`
`charge receiving structure may include a pair of arms 44, and
`cord.
`
`each projection 40 may extend from at least one of the arms
`
`
`
`[0058] In an embodiment, each of the top connector 14,
`
`
`
`44.A pair 42 of the plurality of projections 40 may also be
`
`
`stackable charge holder 16 and bottom connector 22 are
`
`
`
`
`cord (not shown)configu red for capturing the detonation
`
`
`
`
`configured to receive electrical connections therethrough.
`
`
`traversing each stackable charge holder 16. The pair 42 of
`
`
`
`the plurality of projections are also used for centralizing the
`
`
`are made by [0059] In an embodiment, all connections
`
`
`
`shaped charge within an inner surface of the gun carrier.
`
`
`
`connectors, such as spring-loaded connectors, instead of
`
`
`
`According to an aspect, the stackable charge holder 15
`
`
`
`
`
`wires, with the exception of the through wire that goes from
`
`
`
`includes a first base 222 and a second base 224 spaced apart
`
`
`
`
`bottom connector the top connector 14 to the 22, whose ends
`
`
`the firstfrom the first base 222. The arms 44 extend between
`are connectors.
`
`
`
`the pins and second bases 222, 224. According to an aspect,
`
`
`[0060] In an embodiment, components of the assembly
`
`50 outwardly extend from the first base 222, and the sockets
`
`
`
`may include molded parts, which may also be manufactured
`
`52 at least partially extend into the second base 224. Each
`
`
`to house the wiring integrally, through, for instance, over­
`
`
`pin is spaced apart from an adjacent pin, and each socket 52
`
`
`molding, to encase the wiring and all connectors within an
`
`
`is spaced apart from an adjacent socket.
`
`
`injection molded part. For example, the charge holder 16
`
`
`
`could be overmolded to include the through wire.
`[0063] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 18, the
`
`
`
`[0061] In an embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
`
`
`
`top connector a first end 14 includes 242, a second end 244,
`
`
`
`each bottom connector a cylindrical 22 includes body 220
`
`
`and a coupler 246 formed at the first end 242. The top
`
`
`comprising a first base 222 and a second base 224. The pins
`
`connector 14 may be configu red for providing energetic
`
`
`
`sockets 50 outwardly extend from the first base 222, and the
`
`
`
`cord. coupling between the detonator 26 and a detonation
`
`
`52 at least partially extend into the second base 224. As
`
`
`
`
`According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 14,
`
`illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, each socket 52 is spaced apart
`
`
`
`an elongated opening 247 extends from the second end 244,
`
`
`
`from from an adjacent socket and each pin 50 is spaced apart
`
`
`
`adjacent the coupler 246, towards the first end 242. The
`
`
`
`a an adjacent pin. The cylindrical body 220 may include
`
`
`
`by side walls elongated opening 247 is flanked 248 that
`
`
`
`
`plurality of alternating v-shaped channels 221 and v-shaped
`
`
`
`
`provide the energetic coupling between the detonator 26 and
`
`
`
`extend from the walls 223. The v-shaped channels partially
`
`
`the detonation cord 20. A rotation coupling 30 is formed at
`
`
`second base 224, and the v-shaped first base 222 towards the
`
`
`at least the second end 244. The rotation coupling includes
`
`SWM International Ex. 1063 - Page 22
`SWM International, LLC, et al. v. Dynaenergetics Europe GMBH
`PGR2021-00097 - U.S. Patent No. 10,844,697
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2021/0317728 A 1
`
`Oct. 14, 2021
`
`4
`
`one of a plurality of pins 50 and a plurality of sockets 52.
`
`
`
`
`[0068] In an embodiment and as better shown in FIGS. 11
`
`
`
`
`
`According to an aspect, the top connector 14 includes at
`
`
`to 18, the top connector 14 may have a split design to
`
`
`
`
`least one directional locking fin 46. Although the use of
`
`
`
`
`simplify manufacturing and aid in assembly. By "split
`
`
`
`
`directional locking fins is described, other methods of direc­
`
`
`
`
`design" what is meant is that the top connector 14 can be
`
`
`tional locking may be used, in order to eliminate a top snap
`
`
`formed of two halves-a top half 15A and a bottom half
`
`
`
`ring that would otherwise be used to lock the assembly. As
`
`
`
`15B. A plurality of securing mechanisms 241 may be
`
`
`better shown in FIG. 19, the locking fins 46 are engageable
`
`
`
`
`provided to couple the top half 15A to the bottom half 15B.
`
`
`
`with corresponding complementarily-shaped structures 47
`
`
`
`
`
`As better shown in FIG. 15 or 18, the top connector 14 may
`
`
`
`housed within the carrier 12, upon a rotation of the top
`
`
`also include a blind hole 45 to contain or house the deto­
`
`
`
`connector 14, to lock the position of the top connector along
`
`
`nation cord, thus eliminating the need for crimping the
`
`
`
`the length of the carrier 12.
`
`
`detonation cord during assembly.
`
`[0069] In an embodiment and as shown for example in
`[0064] In an embodiment, as better shown in FIG. 19, the
`
`
`
`
`
`FIGS. 4 to 18, the rotation coupling 30 may either include
`
`
`
`bottom connector 22 on one end and the top connector 14 on
`
`
`a plurality of pins 50 (FIG. 5) symmetrically arranged about
`
`
`
`
`
`the other end abuts/connects to the bulkhead assembly 58.
`
`
`
`
`a central axis of the rotation coupling 30, or a plurality of
`
`
`The tandem seal adapter 48 is configured to seal the inner
`
`
`
`
`sockets 52 (FIG. 4) symmetrically arranged about the central
`
`
`
`
`components within the carrier 12 from the outside environ­
`
`
`
`
`the axis of the rotation coupling 30 and configu red to engage
`
`
`ment, using sealing means 60 (shown herein as a-rings).
`
`
`
`plurality of pins 50 of an adjacent rotation coupling 30. The
`
`
`
`Thus, the tandem seal adapter 48 seals the gun assemblies
`
`pins each include a first end 51a, and a second end 51b
`
`from each other along with the bulkhead 58, and transmits
`
`
`
`
`opposite the first end 51a. According to an aspect, the second
`
`
`
`
`a ground wire to the carrier 12. Hence, the top connector 14
`
`
`end 51b is wider than the first end 51a.
`
`
`
`
`and bulkhead 58 accommodate electrical