Modular Initiator

Abstract

A modular initiator assembly comprising a receptacle and connector combination adapted to shunt the electrical contacts of the initiator as a default condition and to only unshunt the electrical contacts coupled to the initiator when the receptacle and connector establish a fully seated connection.

Claims

1. A modular initiator connection comprising: a connector attached to an initiator; a first contact blade within the connector and electrically connected to a first resistor contact; a second contact blade within the connector and electrically connected to a second resistor contact; a first conductive shunt contact integral to the first contact blade within the connector forming an electrical shunt between the first contact blade and the second contact blade and having a curved surface facing away from the connector; a receptacle; a first signal contact within the receptacle and adapted to electrically connect to the first contact blade; a second signal contact within the receptacle and adapted to electrically connect to the second contact blade; a nonconductive separator within the receptacle between the first signal contact and the second signal contact adapted to mechanically and electrically separate the first shunt contact and the second blade contact when the receptacle is fully inserted into the connector by wedging the curved surface of the first conductive shunt away from the second contact blade; a latch adapted to lock the receptacle into the connector; wherein inserting the receptacle into the connector first electrically connects the first contact blade and second contact blade to the first signal contact and second signal contact respectively, second electrically separate the first shunt contact and the second blade contact with the nonconductive separator, and third engages the latch to lock the receptacle into the connector; and wherein the first resistor contact and second resistor contact provide electrical connection to the initiator.

2. A modular initiator connection comprising: a connector attached to an initiator; a first contact blade within the connector; a second contact blade within the connector; a first conductive shunt contact within the connector forming an electrical shunt between the first contact blade and the second contact blade; a receptacle; a first signal contact within the receptacle and adapted to electrically connect to the first contact blade; a second signal contact within the receptacle and adapted to electrically connect to the second contact blade; a nonconductive separator within the receptacle adapted to mechanically and electrically separate the first shunt contact and the second blade contact as the receptacle is inserted into the connector; wherein the first resistor contact and second resistor contact provide electrical connection to the initiator.

3. The modular initiator connection of claim 2, wherein: the first contact blade is electrically connected to a first resistor contact; and the second contact blade is electrically connected to a second resistor contact; and wherein the first resistor contact and second resistor contact provide electrical connection to the initiator.

4. The modular initiator connection of claim 2, wherein: the first conductive shunt contact is integral to the first contact blade.

5. The modular initiator connection of claim 2, wherein: the nonconductive separator wedges the first conductive shunt away from the second contact blade as the receptacle is fully inserted into the connector.

6. The modular initiator connection of claim 2, wherein: the first conductive shunt contact has a curved surface facing away from the connector.

7. The modular initiator connection of claim 6, wherein: the nonconductive separator wedges the curved surface of the first conductive shunt away from the second contact blade as the receptacle is fully inserted into the connector.

8. The modular initiator connection of claim 2, wherein: the nonconductive separator is between the first signal contact and the second signal contact.

9. The modular initiator connection of claim 2 further comprising: a latch adapted to lock the receptacle into the connector.

10. The modular initiator connection of claim 9 further comprising: wherein inserting the receptacle into the connector first electrically connects the first contact blade and second contact blade to the first signal contact and second signal contact respectively, second electrically separate the first shunt contact and the second blade contact with the nonconductive separator, and third engages the latch to lock the receptacle into the connector.

11. A perforating gun assembly comprising: a shaped charge a detonating cord coupled to the shaped charge; a modular initiator coupled to the detonating cord; wherein the modular initiator includes a receptacle coupled to the modular initiator, a connector attached to an initiator, a first contact blade within the connector and electrically connected to a first resistor contact, a second contact blade within the connector and electrically connected to a second resistor contact, a first conductive shunt contact integral to the first contact blade within the connector forming an electrical shunt between the first contact blade and the second contact blade and having a curved surface facing away from the connector; a receptacle coupled to the modular initiator; wherein the receptacle includes a first signal contact within the receptacle and adapted to electrically connect to the first contact blade, a second signal contact within the receptacle and adapted to electrically connect to the second contact blade, a nonconductive separator within the receptacle between the first signal contact and the second signal contact adapted to mechanically and electrically separate the first shunt contact and the second blade contact when the receptacle is fully inserted into the connector by wedging the curved surface of the first conductive shunt away from the second contact blade; a latch adapted to lock the receptacle into the connector; wherein inserting the receptacle into the connector first electrically connects the first contact blade and second contact blade to the first signal contact and second signal contact respectively, second electrically separate the first shunt contact and the second blade contact with the nonconductive separator, and third engages the latch to lock the receptacle into the connector; and wherein the first resistor contact and second resistor contact provide electrical connection to the initiator.

12. A perforating gun assembly comprising: a shaped charge a detonating cord coupled to the shaped charge; a modular initiator coupled to the detonating cord; a receptacle coupled to the modular initiator; wherein the modular initiator includes a connector attached to an initiator, a first contact blade within the connector, a second contact blade within the connector, and a first conductive shunt contact within the connector forming an electrical shunt between the first contact blade and the second contact blade; wherein the modular initiator includes a first signal contact within the receptacle and adapted to electrically connect to the first contact blade, a second signal contact within the receptacle and adapted to electrically connect to the second contact blade, a nonconductive separator within the receptacle adapted to mechanically and electrically separate the first shunt contact and the second blade contact as the receptacle is inserted into the connector.

13. The perforating gun assembly of claim 12, wherein: the first contact blade is electrically connected to a first resistor contact; and the second contact blade is electrically connected to a second resistor contact; and wherein the first resistor contact and second resistor contact provide electrical connection to the initiator.

14. The perforating gun assembly of claim 12, wherein: the first conductive shunt contact is integral to the first contact blade.

15. The perforating gun assembly of claim 12, wherein: the nonconductive separator wedges the first conductive shunt away from the second contact blade as the receptacle is fully inserted into the connector.

16. The perforating gun assembly of claim 12, wherein: the first conductive shunt contact has a curved surface facing away from the connector.

17. The perforating gun assembly of claim 12, wherein: the nonconductive separator wedges the curved surface of the first conductive shunt away from the second contact blade as the receptacle is fully inserted into the connector.

18. The perforating gun assembly of claim 12, wherein: the nonconductive separator is between the first signal contact and the second signal contact.

19. The perforating gun assembly of claim 12 further comprising: a latch adapted to lock the receptacle into the connector.

20. The perforating gun assembly of claim 19 further comprising: wherein inserting the receptacle into the connector first electrically connects the first contact blade and second contact blade to the first signal contact and second signal contact respectively, second electrically separate the first shunt contact and the second blade contact with the nonconductive separator, and third engages the latch to lock the receptacle into the connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which reference numbers designate like or similar elements throughout the several figures of the drawing. Briefly:

[0030] FIG. 1A shows a modular initiator assembly.

[0031] FIG. 1B shows a modular initiator assembly.

[0032] FIG. 1C shows a cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0033] FIG. 2A shows a side cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0034] FIG. 2B shows a top cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0035] FIG. 2C shows a side cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0036] FIG. 2D shows a top cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0037] FIG. 2E shows a side cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0038] FIG. 2F shows a top cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0039] FIG. 3A shows a connector for a modular initiator assembly.

[0040] FIG. 3B shows a connector for a modular initiator assembly.

[0041] FIG. 4A shows a receptacle for a modular initiator assembly.

[0042] FIG. 4B shows a receptacle for a modular initiator assembly.

[0043] FIG. 5A shows a side cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0044] FIG. 5B shows a top cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0045] FIG. 5C shows a side cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0046] FIG. 5D shows a top cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0047] FIG. 5E shows a side cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0048] FIG. 5F shows a top cross section of a modular initiator assembly.

[0049] FIG. 6A shows a modular initiator assembly hard mounted to a circuit board.

[0050] FIG. 6B shows a modular initiator assembly hard mounted to a circuit board.

[0051] FIG. 6C shows a modular initiator assembly wired to a circuit board.

[0052] FIG. 6D shows a modular initiator assembly wired to a circuit board.

[0053] FIG. 6E shows a modular initiator assembly.

[0054] FIG. 6F shows a modular initiator assembly.

[0055] FIG. 7A shows a top view of a modular initiator assembly.

[0056] FIG. 7B shows a side view of modular initiator assembly.

[0057] FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectioned view of a modular initiator assembly.

[0058] FIG. 8A shows a top view of a modular initiator assembly.

[0059] FIG. 8B shows a side view of modular initiator assembly.

[0060] FIG. 9 shows a cross sectioned view of a jet cutter.

[0061] FIG. 10a shows a cross sectioned view of a gun string assembly.

[0062] FIG. 10b shows a close-up view of a cross sectioned view of a tandem sub with a modular initiator assembly.

[0063] FIG. 11A shows an initiator with a t-shaped connector.

[0064] FIG. 11B shows an initiator with a t-shaped connector.

[0065] FIG. 12A shows a battery style initiator cross-section.

[0066] FIG. 12B shows a battery style initiator coupled to a circuit board.

[0067] FIG. 12C shows a battery style initiator coupled to a circuit board.

[0068] FIG. 12D shows a battery style initiator coupled to a circuit board.

[0069] FIG. 13A shows a cross section of a partially inserted shunt and initiator connection.

[0070] FIG. 13B shows a cross section of a fully inserted shunt and initiator connection.

[0071] FIG. 14 shows a cross section view of a self-shunting coaxial male and female connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0072] In the following description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and examples. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom and such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatus, systems and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatus, systems and method steps. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Terms such as initiator are not to be construed as limiting. For instance, an initiator, which for example provides a high energy output for initiating a detonating cord, booster or other high explosive, in this description may also include an igniter or electric match, which provides flame and heat adapted for igniting a power charge, propellant, or similar pyrotechnic. Furthermore, initiator may include a stand alone heating element intended to initiate a high explosive or pyrotechnic device.

[0073] A modular initiator is depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The modular initiator serves the purpose of providing a high energy output to initiate a second explosive device such as a detonating cord, a booster, a power charge, or propellant. The modular initiator requires electrical input to transfer electrical energy into a high energy output. The modular initiator contains a rigid connector for the purpose of assembling the initiator to a receiving circuit or installing in a contact block such that it may function as a standalone unit. The modular initiator may be used in a variety of explosive systems requiring electrical initiation.

[0074] A contact block provides electrical feed through to allow the modular initiator to function without the need for additional electrical connections. The electrical circuit may be a printed circuit board, flexible circuit board, or other commonly used electrical boards or combinations. There may be many features included in the circuitry including switches, safety features, RF isolation, two-way communication with the surface, temperature measurement circuitry, pressure measurement circuitry, and other features not directly required for initiating the modular initiator. Electrical energy will pass through the electrical circuit to initiate the modular initiator through a rigid connector.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, a modular initiator assembly 10 has a receptacle 12 having a latch 16 and contacts 20 are coupled to the connector 13. Connector 13 includes contact blades 19 that engage with the contacts 20. The contact blades 19 are further coupled to the resistors 17a and 17b via resister leads 18. Resister leads 18, which may be continuous portions of contact blades 19, are coupled to corresponding resistors 17. A shell 11 is crimped onto the connector 13. Wire 14 and 15 are coupled to the receptacle 12. The design is such that each wire 14 or 15 has a corresponding contact 20, a corresponding contact blade 19, a corresponding resistor lead 18, and a corresponding resistor 17a or 17b. Latch 16 locks the receptacle 12 into the connector 13.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, a side cross section and corresponding side cross section of the modular initiator assembly 10 are shown in different stages of engagement. Stage 1 is depicted by FIGS. 2A and 2B. In stage 1 the receptacle 12 is partially inserted into the connector 13, approximately one-third or less of the way inserted, there is no electrical connection between the receptacle 12 and connector 13 and the shunt, represented by shunt contacts 22a and 22b, are in the shunted position. In this configuration the modular initiator assembly 10 is self-protected from radio frequency signals and stray voltages. As can be seen in FIG. 2B, the shunt contacts 22a and 22b are electrically in contact with each other, forming an electrical shunt between contact blades 19a and 19b. The latch 16 is not engaged. The signal contacts 20a and 20b are not engaged with the corresponding blades 19a and 19b. The separator 21, a non-conductive wedge shaped part of the receptacle 12, is not engaged with the shunt contacts 22a and 22b. Contact blades 19a and 19b have corresponding resistor contacts 18a and 18b. The wires 14 and 15 can be arranged side by side, or opposite of each other, depending on the application.

[0077] Stage 2 is depicted in FIGS. 2C and 2D when the receptacle 12 is approximately between one third and two thirds of the way inserted into the connector 13. Here electrical connections have been established between the receptacle 12 and the connector 13 while the shunt remains in place due to shunt contacts 22a and 22b still being in contact. In this state the modular initiator assembly 10 is electrically protected by the initiator shunt and the circuit connected to the receptacle and is in a transition state. As can be seen in FIG. 2D, the shunt contacts 22a and 22b are electrically in contact with each other, forming an electrical shunt between contact blades 19a and 19b. The latch 16 is deflected, but not engaged. The signal contacts 20a and 20b are engaged with the corresponding blades 19a and 19b. The separator 21, is beginning to make contact with the shunt contacts 22a and 22b, but it has not yet separated them.

[0078] Stage 3 is depicted in FIGS. 2E and 2F when the receptacle 12 is more than two thirds of the way inserted into connector 13. The receptacle 12 is in electrical communication with the connector 13 and is no longer shunted. As can be seen in FIG. 2F, the shunt contacts 22a and 22b are not electrically in contact with each other due to separator 21 wedging them apart, therefore contact blades 19a and 19b are unshunted. The latch 16 is engaged into the connector 13. The signal contacts 20a and 20b are engaged with the corresponding blades 19a and 19b.

[0079] FIGS. 3A and 3B show additional detail of the connector 13. The contact blades 19a and 19b and their corresponding shunt contacts 22a and 22b are shown. Furthermore, contact blades 19a and 19b have corresponding resistor contacts 18a and 18b.

[0080] FIGS. 4A and 4B show additional detail of the receptacle 12. The latch 16 is integrally formed to the receptacle. The wires 14 and 15 can be arranged side by side, or opposite of each other, depending on the application. In FIG. 4A one wire is strain-relieved while the other is not. In FIG. 4B both wires are strain relieved.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F a side cross section and corresponding side cross section of the modular connector assembly 200 are shown in different stages of engagement. A modular initiator assembly 200 has a receptacle 212 having contacts 220 are coupled to the connector 213. Connector 213 includes contact blades 219 that engage with the contacts 220. The contact blades 219 are further coupled to the resistors 217a and 217b via resister leads 218. Stage 1 is depicted by FIGS. 5A and 5B. In stage 1 the receptacle 212 is partially inserted into the connector 213, approximately one-third or less of the way inserted, there is no electrical connection between the receptacle 212 and connector 213 and the shunt, represented by shunt contacts 222a and 222b, are in the shunted position. In this configuration the modular initiator assembly 210 is self-protected from radio frequency signals and stray voltages. As can be seen in FIG. 5B, the shunt contacts 222a and 222b are electrically in contact with each other, forming an electrical shunt between contact blades 219a and 219b. A latch may be used in this configuration to ensure a positive and locking engagement, but it is not shown. The signal contacts 220a and 220b are not engaged with the corresponding blades 219a and 219b. Therefore, the wires 214 and 215 are not connected. The separator 221, a non-conductive part of the receptacle 212, is not engaged with the shunt contacts 222a and 222b. Housing 231 is coupled to connector 213.

[0082] Stage 2 is depicted in FIGS. 5C and 5D when the receptacle 212 is approximately between one third and two thirds of the way inserted into the connector 213. Here electrical connections have been established between the receptacle 212 and the connector 213 while the shunt remains in place due to shunt contacts 222a and 222b still being in contact. In this state the modular initiator assembly 210 is electrically protected by the initiator shunt and the circuit connected to the receptacle and is in a transition state. As can be seen in FIG. 5D, the shunt contacts 222a and 222b are electrically in contact with each other, forming an electrical shunt between contact blades 219a and 219b. The signal contacts 220a and 220b are engaged with the corresponding blades 219a and 219b, however, because of the shunting, the signal contacts 220a and 220b, and their corresponding wires 214 and 215, are connected. The separator 221, is beginning to make contact with the shunt contacts 222a and 222b, but it has not yet separated them.

[0083] Stage 3 is depicted in FIGS. 5E and 5F when the receptacle 212 is more than two thirds of the way inserted into connector 213. The receptacle 212 is in electrical communication with the connector 213 and is no longer shunted. As can be seen in FIG. 5F, the shunt contacts 222a and 222b are not electrically in contact with each other due to separator 221 wedging them apart, therefore contact blades 219a and 219b are unshunted, and thus wires 214 and 215 are no longer in contact with each other. The signal contacts 220a and 220b are engaged with the corresponding blades 219a and 219b.

[0084] Different configurations of a modular initiator assembly 300 are shown in FIGS. 6A-6F. In FIGS. 6A and 6B the receptacle 302 is shown hard mounted to a circuit board 301. The receptacle 302 connects to connector 304. Connector 304 is coupled to an initiator 303. FIG. 6A shows the receptacle 302 coupled to the connector 304 and FIG. 6B shows the receptacle 302 uncoupled from the connector 304.

[0085] In FIGS. 6C and 6D the receptacle 302 is shown attached to a circuit board 301 via wire leads 305 and 306. The receptacle 302 connects to connector 304. Connector 304 is coupled to an initiator 303. FIG. 6C shows the receptacle 302 coupled to the connector 304 and FIG. 6D shows the receptacle 302 uncoupled from the connector 304.

[0086] In FIGS. 6E and 6F the receptacle 302 is shown with wire leads only. The receptacle 302 connects to connector 304. Connector 304 is coupled to an initiator 303. FIG. 6E shows the receptacle 302 coupled to the connector 304 and FIG. 6F shows the receptacle 302 uncoupled from the connector 304.

[0087] An example embodiment is shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C where a modular initiator assembly 400 includes a circuit board 401 within a housing 407. A receptacle 402 is hard mounted to the circuit board and protrudes from the housing 407. The receptacle 402 is coupled to connector 404. Connector 404 is coupled to initiator 403. The distal end of a detonating cord 408 is held in placed by retainer 409 side-by-side to the initiator 403. The detonating cord 408 may have a booster attached the distal end.

[0088] An example embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B in a different configuration from FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. The modular initiator assembly 400 includes a circuit board 401 within a housing 407. A receptacle 402 is hard mounted to the circuit board and protrudes from the housing 407. The receptacle 402 is coupled to connector 404. Connector 404 is coupled to initiator 403. The distal end of a detonating cord 408 is held in placed by retainer 409 side-by-side to the initiator 403. The detonating cord 408 may have a booster attached to the distal end.

[0089] An example embodiment is shown in FIG. 9 shows a jet cutter assembly 500 having a jet cutter top sub 510 coupled to a jet cutter housing 512. Within jet cutter housing 512 is an initiator 503 located proximate to the jet cutter booster 511 for the jet cutter charge. The initiator 503 is coupled to the connector 504. Connector 504 is coupled to the receptacle 502. Receptacle 502 is hard mounted onto the circuit board housing 501.

[0090] An example embodiment is shown in FIG. 10a of a perforating gun string assembly 600. The gun string assembly 600 is suspended by a wireline 640 coupled to a cablehead assembly 610. A fishing neck assembly 611 is coupled to and located downhole from the cablehead assembly 610. A casing collar locator 612 is coupled to and located downhole from the fishing neck assembly 611. A quick change assembly 613 is coupled to and located downhole from the casing collar locator 612. A top sub 601 is coupled to and located downhole from the quick change assembly 613. A first gun assembly 602 is coupled to and located downhole from the top sub 601.

[0091] The first gun assembly 602 contains a shaped charge 606 coupled to a detonating cord 604. The detonating cord 604 is coupled to a modular initiator assembly 605 located within a switch tandem 623. The switch tandem 623 is coupled to and located downhole from the first gun assembly 602. The modular initiator assembly 605 is coupled to a bulkhead feedthrough 608, which is further coupled to a feed thru puck assembly 609 that is held in place with a snap ring 607. A second gun assembly 622 is coupled to and located downhole from the switch tandem 623. A second switch tandem 650 is coupled to and located downhole from the second gun assembly 622. Within the second switch tandem 650 is a modular initiator 625 that is further coupled to a bulkhead feedthrough 628. A blast sleeve 614 is coupled to and located downhole from the second switch tandem 650. A gun bottom 615 is coupled to and located downhole from the blast sleeve 614.

[0092] A close up cross section of switch tandem 623 is shown in FIG. 10b. A modular initiator assembly 605 is located within bore 634. A housing 631 containing a circuit board 632 is electrically coupled via a plurality of conductors to receptacle 633. Receptacle 633 has been mated to connector 635. Connector 635 has an initiator 637 coupled to it within a block 636. A distal end 630 of detonating cord 604 is coupled to and a portion is located side-by-side the initiator 637.

[0093] An example embodiment of a t-shaped connector for a modular initiator 700 is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. A control fire board 703 within a housing 704 includes a t-shaped pin 702 connected to an initiator 701. The pin 705 provides shunting and is removable.

[0094] An example embodiment of a battery style modular initiator 800 is shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. An initiator 801 includes an explosive 802, a wire 807 for initiating the explosive 802, a first lead 808 that goes to a center point electrical contact 804, an insulator 805, a second lead 803 that contacts the electrically conductive exterior of initiator 801. In FIG. 12B the battery style modular initiator 800 is shown connected to a circuit board 812 with terminals 810 and 811. In FIG. 12C the battery style modular initiator 800 is located side-by-side detonating cord 813. In FIG. 12D the battery style modular initiator 800 has one set of contacts terminals 810 on the side of the initiator while the end contact terminal 811 is connected to the center point electrical contact.

[0095] An example embodiment of a shunting initiator connection 900 with contact circuit is shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. It has a detonator shell 901, a short/shunt tab 902, a shunt lift mechanism 903, an electrical contact pin 904, a connector housing 905, and an electrical contact circuit 906. There may be a plurality of pins 904 that are shunted by a single short/shunt tab 902. FIG. 13A shows an example where the shunting initiator connection 900 is partially inserted and FIG. 13B shows an example where the shunting initiator connection 900 is fully inserted.

[0096] An example embodiment of a self-shunting coaxial connector is shown in FIG. 14. A coaxial male connector 1000 has an electrically conductive line 1003, it may be coupled to a positive wire, and an outer electrically conductive spring contact 1002, that may be coupled to a negative wire. The spring contact 1002 is by default in contact with line 1003 due to a springing action, which provides a self-shunting feature for the male connector 1000. The female connector 1001 has an outer electrically conductive radial portion 1004, a radial insulator 1006, and an inner receptacle 1005 that is electrically conductive. Inner receptacle 1005 is coupled to a line 1007. When the male connector 1000 is initially inserted into the female connector 1000, the spring contact 1002 makes electrical contact with the radial portion 1004 and the line 1003 makes electrical contact with the receptacle 1005. The curvature 1008 of the spring contact 1002 interfacing with the curvature 1009 of the female connector forces the spring contact 1002 away from the line 1003 as the male connector 1000 is fully inserted into the female connector 1001, thus removing the shunt after first establishing electrical contact.

[0097] The application for the example embodiments may be used with different types of initiators including resistor based bridgewire initiators, exploding bridge wire initiators, exploding foil initiators, and any other style of electric or electronic initiator. The modular initiator in the example embodiment is a packaged unit, which may include resistors, capacitors, or other electrical components. It may include a circuit board or other electronic circuitry. The modular initiator may be assembled or incorporated into an electrical circuit as a new assembly. The modular initiator may function as a standalone unit. A contact assembly without electronic circuitry may be employed which would receive the initiator and pass through electrical signals to the initiator.

[0098] The modular initiator includes a shell containing a high explosive such as lead azide, RDX, HMX, HNS, a bridge element or foil initiator, and electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, spark gaps, electronic circuits, etc. The modular initiator may contain a rigid connector. The rigid connector may be incorporated in many configurations. The rigid connector may be a male pin-style or female style socket. The connector may incorporate a shunting mechanism. The purpose of the shunting mechanism is to act as a protective barrier against radio frequency (RF) energy and stray electrical energy by electrically shorting the contacts. The short length and removal of leg wires also creates RF resistance. The modular initiator must be protected from RF when transported off-site on public roads. The modular initiator could be installed to an electronic circuit with its own RF protection during the installation process. For situations where the shunt must be removed, a safety housing can be employed to protect personnel if the modular initiator were to initiate during installation. Robotics installation methods could also be used when shunting is not available.

[0099] Auto-Shunting Electrical Connection or Auto-Shorting Electrical Connection (ASEC)—An ASEC is an electrical connection comprising at least one connector with a self-contained feature which electrically shorts two or more electrical contact paths of the connector when the connector is disconnected from, in the process of being disconnected from, or is being connected to a mating connector which includes at least one design feature which disengages the shorting feature of the first connector after electrical contact is established or allows the shorting feature of the first connector to reengage before electrical contact is broken.

[0100] Auto-Shunting Electric Initiator or Auto-Shorting Electric Detonator (ASED)—An ASED is an electric or electronic initiator of any variety in which electrical energy is converted to an high energy output wherein the electric or electronic initiator includes the attached connector of an ASEC with the self-contained feature to electrically short two or more electrical contact paths and the electrical contact paths of the ASEC connector include the electrical contact paths of the electric or electronic initiator and at least part of the path through which electrical energy is converted to a high energy output.

[0101] Initiators may be used to initiate a perforating gun, a cutter, a setting tool, or other downhole energetic device. For example, a cutter is used to cut tubulars with focused energy. A setting tool uses a pyrotechnic to develop gases to perform work in downhole tools. Any downhole device that uses an initiator may be adapted to use the modular initiator assembly disclosed herein.

[0102] Although the invention has been described in terms of embodiments which are set forth in detail, it should be understood that this is by illustration only and that the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, terms such as upper and lower or top and bottom can be substituted with uphole and downhole, respectfully. Top and bottom could be left and right, respectively. Uphole and downhole could be shown in figures as left and right, respectively, or top and bottom, respectively. Generally downhole tools initially enter the borehole in a vertical orientation, but since some boreholes end up horizontal, the orientation of the tool may change. In that case downhole, lower, or bottom is generally a component in the tool string that enters the borehole before a component referred to as uphole, upper, or top, relatively speaking. The first housing and second housing may be top housing and bottom housing, respectfully. In a gun string such as described herein, the first gun may be the uphole gun or the downhole gun, same for the second gun, and the uphole or downhole references can be swapped as they are merely used to describe the location relationship of the various components. Terms like wellbore, borehole, well, bore, oil well, and other alternatives may be used synonymously. Terms like tool string, tool, perforating gun string, gun string, or downhole tools, and other alternatives may be used synonymously. The alternative embodiments and operating techniques will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. Accordingly, modifications of the invention are contemplated which may be made without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.