Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Gerard Bouguyon

Jean C Lavigne

Pierre Chesnel

M Bosse Platiere

The invention relates to a well perforation device comprising a support (25) and encapsulated shaped charges (26) fixed unidirectionally on this support, usually on the back side of a support bar whose front side is to be applied against the casing. Positioning rings (35, 36) are snapped onto the charges (26) at regular intervals along the support (25). These rings have a rounded external surface on which the perforation device can swivel up to a correct balanced position for which the front sides of the charges are applied against the casing (13).

Well perforation device

In the representative embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, this new and improved perforating apparatus includes a plurality of encapsulated shaped explosive charges having their forward ends respectively fitted and threadedly secured in a facing relationship along the concave rear face of an elongated steel carrier strip of a unique design having its forward face complementally shaped for accommodation within a given size of well bore piping thereby allowing the largest possible mass of explosive to be disposed in each capsule. To assure the proper installation of the detonating cord, the rear portions of the two-part charge capsules are cooperatively arranged in a unique fashion so as to be rotatably positionable in relation to their forward portions for facilitating proper alignment of transversely-oriented cord-receiving openings provided in the base of each capsule.

Well bore perforating apparatus

In the representative embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, this new and improved perforating apparatus includes a unique elongated carrier strip of a ductile steel carrying encapsulated shaped explosive charges having their forward ends fitted and snugly secured against the concave rear face of the strip by means of externally-threaded axial projections respectively threaded into tapped charge-mounting holes closely spaced along the carrier. The forward face of the carrier strip and the rear portions of the capsules are complementally shaped for accommodation within a given size of well bore piping thereby allowing the largest-possible mass of explosive to be disposed in each capsule. To assure that the new and improved perforating apparatus can be used safely in gas-filled well bores without risking either severe distortion or breakage of the carrier, additional openings are arranged in the strip between adjacent charge-mounting openings and cooperatively sized for preferentially inducing a minor transverse bend in the strip across each of these additional openings upon detonation of the adjacent charges instead of allowing the carrier to be severely bent in a substantially-uninterrupted arc or exaggerated bow along its full length.

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Plaisir, France

Gerard Bouguyon