A perforating apparatus and method are disclosed wherein voids and inclusions may be configured to promote fragmentation of the charge case into pieces of less than a target size. In one example, the charge case of a shaped charge has a plurality of inclusions of a material interspersed with a plurality of voids of the material to promote fragmentation of the charge case. The inclusions and voids may be disposed along the periphery, such as along a mounting flange. In some examples, the voids may be holes of any of a variety of shapes, geometries, and positioning formed in the parent material of the charge case. In other examples, pieces of hardened material may be embedded in the parent material of the charge case to displace the parent material as well as to initiate probable locations of fragmentation.

A perforation gun assembly comprising a plurality of guns with a box fitting at one end and a modified pin fitting at the distal end; the modified pin fitting further comprising an end cap secured to an internal charger carrier, aligning a plurality of shape charges with scallops in the gun casing; and having a pressure switch, which connects to an electrical connection point at the box end of a charger carrier in an adjacent gun. The end cap being captured between the pin of one gun and the internal edge of the mating gun to protect and channel blast force to the pressure switch.

A perforation gun assembly comprising a plurality of guns with a box fitting at one end and a modified pin fitting at the distal end; the modified pin fitting further comprising an end cap secured to an internal charger carrier, aligning a plurality of shape charges with scallops in the gun casing; and having a pressure switch, which connects to an electrical connection point at the box end of a charger carrier in an adjacent gun. The end cap being captured between the pin of one gun and the internal edge of the mating gun to protect and channel blast force to the pressure switch.

An orienting system for precisely aligning downhole tools with respect to each other, such as perforating guns, exploration tools, or other completions tools. The orienting system provides for orienting a first tool with respect to a second tool in a predetermined number of degrees of rotation, and then locking down the combination for use downhole in that configuration.

An orienting system for precisely aligning downhole tools with respect to each other, such as perforating guns, exploration tools, or other completions tools. The orienting system provides for orienting a first tool with respect to a second tool in a predetermined number of degrees of rotation, and then locking down the combination for use downhole in that configuration.

A shaped charge closure member for encapsulating a slotted shaped charge is described. The closure member includes a body having a closed upper portion, and a lower portion opposite the upper portion. The closure member has first and second side walls, a front wall, and a back wall. Each wall tapers from the lower portion to the upper portion. A skirt having a substantially rectangular cross-section extends vertically away from each of the walls, at the lower portion of the body. The skirt engages with an open portion of a slotted shaped charge case, thereby forming an encapsulated slotted shaped charge. The encapsulated slotted shaped charge may be used in an exposed perforating gun system.

A shaped charge closure member for encapsulating a slotted shaped charge is described. The closure member includes a body having a closed upper portion, and a lower portion opposite the upper portion. The closure member has first and second side walls, a front wall, and a back wall. Each wall tapers from the lower portion to the upper portion. A skirt having a substantially rectangular cross-section extends vertically away from each of the walls, at the lower portion of the body. The skirt engages with an open portion of a slotted shaped charge case, thereby forming an encapsulated slotted shaped charge. The encapsulated slotted shaped charge may be used in an exposed perforating gun system.

A method and apparatus for containing one or more shaped charges in a single plane, arrayed about the center axis of a gun body, and detonated from a single initiator in a shaped charge cluster assembly.

A method and apparatus for containing one or more shaped charges in a single plane, arrayed about the center axis of a gun body, and detonated from a single initiator in a shaped charge cluster assembly.

A perforating gun for use in oil and gas operations. The gun is carried to a desired area of a wellbore using only fluid pressure. The gun comprises a charge housing disposed within a removable sleeve. The charge housing comprises a plurality of shaped charges in communication with one or more sensors. The sensors are programmed to initiate the detonation sequence of the shaped charges upon measuring set parameters. Upon detonation, the gun fragments into a plurality of pieces that may be washed away from the detonation site.