Jet Research Center, Inc.

Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

Halliburton Company

Jerry D Motley

Glenn B Christopher

Jerry L Walker

John A Regalbuto

Bennie Gill

The present invention discloses a pressured O-ring type sealing system which allows for effective seals without expensive and time consuming machining of the sealing surface. The O-ring sealing system of the present invention allows the sealing member to conform to the natural surface irregularities of the sealing surface and to compensate for any eccentricities between the plug and the inner diameter of the member being sealed.

Expandable O-ring seal, method of sealing and apparatus having such seals

The present invention is an explosive device for use in a subterranean well, the downhole portion of the well being at a higher temperature than the surface, the explosive device comprising an explosive, an electrically conductive circuit capable of supplying electricity that can fire the explosive, and, a thermal switch electrically connected in the circuit, the thermal switch being switchable from open to close as the temperature of the thermal switch is changed from the temperature on the surface to the temperature in the downhole portion, the thermal switch being set such that the explosive cannot be electrically fired until the switch is at the downhole temperature. The thermal switch may operate in either of two ways. In one embodiment, the thermal switch is connected in series in the electrical circuit, and is open at the surface temperature, thereby acting as a break in the electrical continuity of the circuit and preventing electricity from reaching the explosive. In an alternate embodiment, the thermal switch is connected across the circuit and is closed at the surface temperature, thereby acting as a shunt and preventing electricity in the circuit from reaching the explosive. Once either type of switch is heated sufficiently (as when the tool is run into the hole, and is heated by the higher temperatures downhole), the switch changes position and the explosive device is rendered capable of firing. Either embodiment can be used with a variety of explosive devices and wiring configurations, utilizing a range of explosion initiation devices.

Surface safe rig environment detonator

A detonator comprising a case into which is inserted a quantity of an explosive composition, a semiconductor bridge positioned adjacent one end of the explosive composition which is electrically connected to a spark gap and in some embodiments a capacitor and a bleeder resistor. A pair of electrically conductive wires are connected to the spark gap and semiconductor bridge to provide a means for passing an electrical charge to the semiconductor bridge. The detonator also may include an r.function. attenuator, such as a ferrite bead, through which the electrically conductive wires pass. The ends of the detonator case are sealed by any appropriate means.

Explosive detonation apparatus

A perforating gun and method permit a casing or liner within a well to be perforated even within a section obstructed by sand either before or after perforation. The perforating gun comprises a support for carrying a plurality of explosive charges and one or more channels for conducting a fluid through the support, which channels are spaced from where the plurality of explosive charges are carried on the support. A method of perforating a well comprises: lowering a perforating gun into the well; flowing fluid through the perforating gun before or after the perforating gun is detonated; and detonating the perforating gun.

Apparatus and method for perforating a well

Improved apparatus for perforating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore comprised of at least one encapsulated shaped charge held in the well bore adjacent the formation by a charge carrier optionally selected from a wire carrier or a metal strip carrier. The encapsulated shaped charge includes an ignition end and a capped discharge end, the ignition end having an extension providing cavities for containing opposed portions of a pair of wires. The capped discharge end includes a threaded extension whereby the encapsulated shaped charge can optionally be threadedly attached to a complementary threaded opening in a metal strip carrier. A wire carrier adapter nut is threadedly attached to the capped discharge end extension which provides cavities for containing opposed portions of a pair of additional wires of a four-wire carrier.

Apparatus for perforating wells

A method and means for sealed joinder of case and cap members of a capsular shaped charge wherein opposing frustoconical shoulders are formed in adjacent walls of a case and cap and a resilient ring is retained therein to hold the case and cap in operative assembly and an elastomeric ring is positioned in a groove in the case member whereby it is under compressive deformation between the case and cap members when joined to seal the shaped charge from external pressures and fluids while allowing relative rotation of case and cap; wherein increasing external pressures, as in the well bore, will increase the sealing effect and strength of joinder of the assembly.

Capsule charge retaining device

A cartridge loaded stud gun and a complementary anode attachment fitting provide a system for explosively attaching a sacrificial anode to a subsea structure. The system is capable of being operated by a remote-controlled vehicle, and contains a means for orienting the gun and sensing its alignment in order to prevent firing the gun with the barrel canted relative to the subsea structure, a position which might permit ricocheting of the fired stud.

Growing community of inventors

Arlington, TX, United States of America

Jerry D Motley