A detonation system for a perforating gun assembly. The detonation system includes a tandem sub having a first end and a second opposing end. Each of the first and second ends is connected to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and a switch housing residing within the inner bore. The tandem sub also has an addressable switch residing within the switch housing with the switch being configured to receive instruction signals from a surface by means of an electric line. The addressable switch is in communication with a signal transmission pin and a detonator pin. The detonator pin sends a detonation signal from the addressable switch to a detonator in an adjacent perforating gun. The wiring connections for the pins may be pre-assembled before the perforating guns are delivered to the field. The detonation system utilizes a carrier end plate, wherein the end plate and pins seal off the tandem sub from wellbore fluids and debris following detonation of explosive charges in an associated perforating gun.

A detonator for initiating a firing of a shaped charge in a gun is configured to include a housing having first and third conducting portions and a second insulating portion, which is sandwiched between the first and third conducting portions; an initiator located fully inside the first conducting portion or the third conducting portion; a first electrical line electrically connecting the initiator to an internal wall of the third conducting portion; and a second electrical line electrically extending from the initiator to the first conducting portion, through the entire second insulating portion.

A detonator positioning device for use with a detonator in a perforating gun assembly is described. The detonator positioning device is configured for electrically contactably forming an electrical connection within the perforating gun housing by contact. The detonator positioning device includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending between the first and second ends. The central bore is adapted for receiving one or more electrically contactable components of a detonator. The detonator positioning device aligns at least one of the one or more electrically contactable components to form an electrical connection with a bulkhead assembly.

A weapon may comprise an explosive charge, an activatable detonation ignition means, an activatable deflagration ignition means, and an ignition device. The ignition device can activate, selectively, the detonation ignition means or the deflagration ignition means. The activated detonation ignition means can cause the explosive charge to detonate. The activated deflagration ignition means can cause the explosive charge to deflagrate. According to one method, the ignition device activates the detonation ignition means, which causes the explosive charge to detonate. If a predetermined event takes place without the explosive charge detonating, the ignition device activates the deflagration ignition means, which causes the explosive charge to deflagrate.

A weapon may comprise an explosive charge, an activatable detonation ignition means, an activatable deflagration ignition means, and an ignition device. The ignition device can activate, selectively, the detonation ignition means or the deflagration ignition means. The activated detonation ignition means can cause the explosive charge to detonate. The activated deflagration ignition means can cause the explosive charge to deflagrate. According to one method, the ignition device activates the detonation ignition means, which causes the explosive charge to detonate. If a predetermined event takes place without the explosive charge detonating, the ignition device activates the deflagration ignition means, which causes the explosive charge to deflagrate.

An electronic initiation system for use with a firing panel may include an input connector, a plurality of electronic ignition circuits (EICs) operably coupled together in series, and an indicator operably coupled to an output of each EIC of the plurality of EICs. A first EIC of the plurality of EICs may be operably coupled to the input connector. The indicator is configured to generate an indication in response to an output of an EIC of the plurality of EICs satisfying a predetermined condition.

A detonation system for a perforating gun assembly. The detonation system includes a tandem sub having a first end and a second opposing end. Each of the first and second ends is connected to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and a switch housing residing within the inner bore. The tandem sub also has an addressable switch residing within the switch housing with the switch being configured to receive instruction signals from a surface by means of an electric line. The addressable switch is in communication with a signal transmission pin and a detonator pin. The detonator pin sends a detonation signal from the addressable switch to a detonator in an adjacent perforating gun. The wiring connections for the pins may be pre-assembled before the perforating guns are delivered to the field. The detonation system utilizes a carrier end plate, wherein the end plate and pins seal off the tandem sub from wellbore fluids and debris following detonation of explosive charges in an associated perforating gun.

An end plate for a perforating gun assembly. The end plate has a first end defining a first face, and a second end opposite the first end defining a second face. A flange resides between the first face and the second face. The end plate has a first through-opening and a second through-opening. A first bulkhead resides in the first through-opening, and is configured to closely receive a signal transmission pin. A second bulkhead resides in the second through-opening and is configured to closely receive a detonator pin. The signal transmission pin transmits detonation signals through the end plate, while the detonator pin transmits detonation signals back up the wellbore and through the end plate. The end plate may also have an opening along the second face for receiving a ground pin.

A power charge and method for actuating a wellbore tool with a power charge. The power charge may include a groove formed in the outer surface of the power charge. The power charge may include a first volume containing a first energetic material and a second volume containing a second energetic material that is a faster burning material compared to the first energetic material. The wellbore tool may include a tool body wall defining a power charge cavity. The groove formed in the outer surface of the power charge may define a gas pressure path between the tool body wall and the power charge, within the power charge cavity, when the power charge is inserted into the power charge cavity. The method may include coupling an initiator to the wellbore tool and initiating combustion of the first energetic material and the second energetic material to actuate the wellbore tool.

A power charge and method for actuating a wellbore tool with a power charge. The power charge may include a groove formed in the outer surface of the power charge. The power charge may include a first volume containing a first energetic material and a second volume containing a second energetic material that is a faster burning material compared to the first energetic material. The wellbore tool may include a tool body wall defining a power charge cavity. The groove formed in the outer surface of the power charge may define a gas pressure path between the tool body wall and the power charge, within the power charge cavity, when the power charge is inserted into the power charge cavity. The method may include coupling an initiator to the wellbore tool and initiating combustion of the first energetic material and the second energetic material to actuate the wellbore tool.