Jet Research Center, Inc.

Bennie C Gill

A well perforating gun and method of perforating a subterranean surface within a well bore are provided. The perforating gun comprises a tubular gun body having a plurality of external recesses formed therein and positioned in spaced relationship on a helical path around the peripheral surface thereof. The recesses are all equally spaced one below another relative to the longitudinal axis of the gun body with each successive recess being laterally spaced from a preceding one by an angle of about 150.degree.. Such spacing results in the first recess and every second one of the recesses thereafter lying on a second helical path and being laterally spaced by an angle of about 60.degree., and the first recess and every third one of the recesses thereafter lying on a third helical path and being laterally spaced by an angle of about 90.degree.. Charge holder means are disposed in the gun body for selectively holding a number of explosive charges therewithin equal to and aligned with all of the recesses in the perforating gun body, or equal to and aligned with the first recess and every second recess thereafter, or equal to and aligned with the first recess and every third recess thereafter. A selected number of explosive charges are held by the charge holder means and explosive charge detonator means extending within the gun body are connected to the explosive charges.

Well perforating gun and method

A shaped charge assembly includes at least one shaped charge having an outer case. The case has a forward end and a rearward end, and has a flange defined thereon. A retaining clip is operably associated with the flange and spans the rearward end of the case for retaining a detonating cord. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining clip also serves to hold the shaped charge in place within a shaped charge carrier.

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Arlington, TX, United States of America

Bennie C Gill