U.S. patent application number 15/772534 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-23 for apparatus and method for quick connect of a plurality of guns for well perforation.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sergio F Goyeneche. Invention is credited to Sergio F Goyeneche.
Application Number | 20190153827 15/772534 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61163293 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190153827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goyeneche; Sergio F |
May 23, 2019 |
Apparatus and Method for Quick Connect of a Plurality of Guns for
Well Perforation
Abstract
An apparatus and method for use for gun assembly for perforating
wells comprising a plurality of guns with shape charges aligned
centrically. The apparatus allows easier and more reliable assembly
on site with more secure connections. The apparatus provides for
the conducting of electrical signals and pressure through the end
caps while preventing debris from the blast of one gun from
entering and damaging the electrical connections and components of
the next gun. The end caps being interconnected physically and
electrically by specialized intermediate subs or by utilization
with industry standard intermediate subs.
Inventors: |
Goyeneche; Sergio F;
(Tomball, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goyeneche; Sergio F |
Tomball |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61163293 |
Appl. No.: |
15/772534 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
August 9, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US16/46160 |
371 Date: |
May 1, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 17/028 20130101;
E21B 43/117 20130101; F42D 1/05 20130101; E21B 43/119 20130101;
E21B 43/1185 20130101; E21B 17/02 20130101; F42B 1/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/117 20060101
E21B043/117; E21B 43/1185 20060101 E21B043/1185; F42D 1/05 20060101
F42D001/05; F42B 1/02 20060101 F42B001/02 |
Claims
1. A gun assembly for perforating wells comprising; a plurality of
gun body casing, the casing being a hollow cylinder, with a
threaded coupling at each end; a charge carrier, the carrier being
a hollow cylinder, with exterior diameter less than the interior
diameter of the casing, and a length shorter than the gun body
casing; a plurality of shape charges positioned radially inside the
charge carrier and inter connected by a detonator cord; a plurality
of end caps affixed to the ends of the shape charges and axially
aligning the carrier within the casing; the end caps securing
electrical connectors which pass electrical signals to the charge
carrier detonation electronics; at least one intermediate coupling
with thread boxes on each end for joining the threaded coupling of
two axially aligned gun body casings such that the end caps are
placed in contact within the intermediate coupling.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the intermediate coupling is
made of a plastic material.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the intermediate coupling
further comprises an electrical conductor spanning between the
thread boxes to electrically connect the pipes assembled
thereby.
4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the intermediate coupling is of
a lower grade disposable metal material.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the intermediate coupling is
attached to a gun body end to secure the electrical connector to
the end cap of the charge carrier.
6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one electrical
connector is an insulated contact pin.
7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one electrical
connector is a pressure/diode switch.
8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the intermediate coupling is
attached to a gun body end to cover and protect an end cap during
shipping of the assembly.
9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the intermediate coupling
further comprises a feed through pin electrically and mechanically
connecting the charges end caps of two axially aligned gun body
casings.
10. A method of assembling a perforation gun assembly comprising:
assembling a plurality of shape charges radially aligned and facing
outward from the axis of a charge carrier body; connecting the
shape charges by a detonation cord; connecting the detonation cord
to an electrical signal carrier; connecting the electrical signal
carrier to an insulated contact pin; securing the insulated contact
pin in an end plate at the end of the charge carrier: extending the
electrical signal carrier to the distal end of the charge carrier;
securing the charge carrier in a gun casing body; optionally
installing protective covers over the ends of the gun casing
body.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising connecting the
electrical signal carrier at the distal end of the charge carrier
to an insulated contact pin.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising connecting the
electrical signal carrier at the distal end of the charge carrier
to a detonator and pressure/diode switch.
13. The method of claim 10 further comprising connecting the
electrical signal carrier at the distal end of the charge carrier
to a detonator and addressable switch.
14. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the insulated contact pin is
connected to a quick connector pin.
15. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the insulated contact pin is
connected to a quick change pin box assembly comprising: an
optional extending pin box; an extension spring; and a quick
connector pin, electrically insulated from the gun casing body, and
electrically connected to the insulated contact pin and secured
extending axially from the end of the gun casing body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) and P.C.T. Rule 4.10 from co-pending International Patent
Application No. PCT/US2015/31047 filed in the U.S. Receiving
Office, by Sergio F. Goyeneche, "Apparatus For Electromechanically
Connecting A Plurality Of Guns For Well Perforation" filed 15 May
2015, which, by this statement, is incorporated herein by reference
for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention refers in general to an integral assembly (a
"perf assembly") of a plurality of perforating guns ("guns")
containing a plurality of shaped charges ("charges"). This perf
assembly is used for perforation of wells to increase flow. This
invention is particularly directed to a new coupling between a
plurality of perf guns to allow faster and more reliable assembly
and sequential firing of the guns during the perforation process of
production wells.
[0003] This process of well perforation consists of the perforation
of the metallic casing of a well, of isolating cement surrounding
the casing, and of the layers of rock in the producing formation by
means of explosives housed within perforating guns; achieving,
through bore holes produced by a plurality of charges, a connection
between the depths of the producing zone and the interior of the
well. While this invention is generally found in the petroleum
production industry, it may be equally applied to other
environments where perforation of well casing into the surrounding
environment is necessary, such as water wells.
Background of the Invention
[0004] The perforation of producing wells is realized by lowering
into the well a perf assembly comprised of a plurality of guns each
containing a plurality of charges. The guns are connected by
intermediate subs containing pass through openings for wiring. A
firing wire, coupled with the casing as a ground, carries an
electrical signal through the well bore to connect with each gun
and allow firing of the detonators. The detonators may be fired
through independently addressable switches or through a series of
pressure switches and diodes which isolate each gun until the
desired firing event. The perf assembly is then retrieved from the
well hole and the subs are disassembled and saved for reuse.
Undetonated explosives are safely disposed of, and the remaining
assembly, consisting of pierced pipes, wires, and electronics are
then disposed.
[0005] One method of independently firing the guns is to use
individually addressable detonators such as those described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 8,091,477 and 8,230,788. Another method of independently
firing the guns is to connect each gun through a pressure sensitive
switch which grounds the detonator of each gun until the pressure
of the previous gun's firing triggers the switch to an active
state. Further, diodes are used to cause each gun to require a
polarity reversal from the signal which fired the previous gun.
This prevents the signal from propagating throughout the assembly
as the blasts set each pressure switch sequentially, and the
pressure switches prevent the later guns from firing before the
previous ones.
[0006] This method requires a continuous electrical signal to run
the length of the perf assembly. However, wires are often twisted,
broken, or can pull loose during the assembly process during the
act of screwing the subs together. This results in the assembly
having to be deconstructed and repaired. Additionally, weakened
wires may pass initial test during construction only to fail during
the process of lowering the assembly to depth, or due to vibrations
of early charges in the sequence. Additionally, the manual assembly
process, when rushed, may be prone to wiring mistakes and other
human error.
[0007] The preferred method is to fire the farthest/lowest gun
first. Then, sequentially fire each gun back toward the well
opening. This is because the explosion/pressure/debris from one
gun's firing can possibly damage adjacent guns. Wires can break or
connectors can loosen during shockwave vibrations, or by blast
force. With pressure switches, any damage requires retrieval of the
perf assembly for correction, as the rest of the assembly is now
non-fireable.
[0008] Addressable switches allow a damaged section to be skipped,
but still result in unfired guns, which must be retrieved from the
hole. Unfired guns are highly undesirable, as they are hazardous to
bring to the surface due to the dangers of handling explosives
which are not known to be in a safe condition or state.
[0009] To fulfill the operation so briefly described above, while
simultaneously respecting existing norms for the manipulation of
explosives, highly capable operators are required to arm and
assemble the guns and the wellhead, stripping the ends of
connecting wires and joining them by twisting the exposed portions
of the wire together and covering the joint with adhesive
electrical tape, resulting in an `artisanal` activity requiring
extreme caution. While this assembly process should be carefully
completed and verified multiple times, it is just human nature to
rush and possibly shortcut while performing this operation in the
rain, cold weather, or other adverse conditions that are
undesirable to the operator.
[0010] It should be noted that petroleum production and exploration
activities are generally located in areas with hostile climatic
conditions for the operators; work hours are assigned in accordance
to the needs of the operation and may include nighttime and daytime
hours, with extreme cold or heat, rain or wind, darkness or
sunlight.
[0011] Hours are controlled by working against the clock and by
penalizing setbacks; to that respect, it is absolutely necessary
that the strictest safety norms be followed while handling
explosive material; all of these factors together contribute to an
increased likelihood that operators may commit errors while wiring
or assembling the guns into a perf assembly to be introduced into
the well. Further, even if the operators do everything correctly,
the actions required to connect the pipe sections that make up the
perf assembly may still produce a costly mistake.
[0012] Once the fracturing operations are complete, the perf gun
must be disassembled. The operators must separate the pierced gun
casings from the sub connectors joining the guns, remove any wiring
and or electronics. Once the equipment has been disassembled and
separated, the sub connectors between the guns, which are costly
and reusable, are set aside for later operations. The wiring and
electronics are disposed of along with the pierced gun casing and
the remaining parts of the perf assembly.
[0013] From the above facts, there exists an obvious need to
simplify the operation of arming and joining the guns into a perf
assembly. There is also a need to ensure that the firing of one gun
does not introduce faults into the remaining portions of the perf
assembly preventing the required firing sequence. The object of
this invention deals with the means to reduce the time and effort
required on site to perform the gun assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of an assembly of multiple armed
and assembled guns in a manner that is utilized in the
industry.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a single gun joined on each
end with a tandem sub assembly.
[0016] FIG. 2A shows an insulator cap assembly prior to mating with
the gun or sub.
[0017] FIG. 2B shows a bottom sub assembly containing a detonator
attached to a bottom sub and mated with a perf gun.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows two guns joined by a sub assembly where in the
pressure/diode switch is mounted in the sub assembly and placed in
contact with the retractable contact pin installed into an
insulating top end assembly of one of the guns.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows two guns with insulating contact pins in each
end joined by a sub assembly incorporating a feed through pin to
connect there between.
[0020] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are views of a pressure switch end cap
for securing a pressure/diode switch in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the innovation.
[0021] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a pressure/diode switch and
end cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
innovation.
[0022] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the assembly of two perf guns
joined by a short sub.
[0023] FIG. 8 is cross section of a perf gun assembly, explosives
omitted for clarity, illustrating the use of end caps, insulated
contact pins, and an short sub.
[0024] FIG. 9 is cross section of a plurality of assembled perf
guns and a quick change pin box for connection to the firing
controls.
[0025] FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross section view of a perf gun
connected to a quick change pin box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In the previous application, which is referenced and
incorporated above, the inventor discussed, inter alia, utilization
of improved gun performance via specialized end caps on the guns to
protect the wires of other guns in the perf assembly during
handling and blasting operations. However, the previous application
still utilized intermediate sub-assemblies (referred to as tandem
subs) for joining together the plurality of guns which resulted in
the tandem subs needing to be retrieved from between the guns after
firing. It also requires extending wires through tandem subs which
may twist as the sub-assemblies are assembled.
[0027] More reliable assembly can be accomplished if there is a
safe way to prepare and wire perf gun segments in a controlled
environment in such a manner that the segment can be safely
transported to a well site and joined with other segments to
produce the needed perf gun apparatus for use in the well. A
plurality of independent shape charged shots are sequentially
positioned and wired to a pressure/diode switch, secured centrally
in an end cap at one end, and wired to an insulated
polarized-charge carrier contact pin at the distal end to produce a
shot assembly.
[0028] The shot assembly is secured internally in a gun body casing
via snap rings fitted to a groove at the internal end of
standardized pipe threads internal to and located at the ends of
the casing to produce a perforating gun segment. The pressure/diode
switch is recessed in the gun body casing, which may be temporarily
enclosed with an insulating protector cap to allow safe
transportation and storage of the perforating gun assemblies. The
distal end's contact pin projects from the end of the gun body
casing and may also be temporarily enclosed with an insulating
protector cap secured to the internal threads of the body casing
allowing safe transportation and storage of the perforating gun
assemblies.
[0029] Once assembly is commenced at the site a plurality of the
perforating guns are joined there between by short intermediate
subs which allow the insulated polarized-charge carrier contact pin
of one gun assembly to be positioned in contact with the
pressure/diode switch of the neighboring gun assembly, completing
the electrical circuit from one end of the perf gun to the distal
in with a continuous electrical and physical contact.
[0030] In another embodiment, a plurality of guns with
intermediate/tandem sub-assemblies and pressure/diode switches may
be pre-assembled before transportation to reduce site prep work.
Sub-assemblies maybe manufactured from low-grade steel, plastics,
fiberglass, or other material of sufficient strength to support the
weight of the gun assembly and securely connect it to the drill
pipe. One skilled in the art would understand that use of a
non-conductive material such as plastics or fiberglass would also
require an integrated conductor to ensure proper electrical
grounding between the various assemblies.
[0031] Currently in the industry a plastic insulating or a metal
bottom end cap attaches to the charge carrier, and approximately
centers it within the gun body. The bottom end cap has a central
hole through which passes a wire carrying the electrical firing
signal. A second wire connects to a grounding pin affixed to the
plastic end cap or to the metal end cap which is routed to contact
against the gun body to establish a ground. Any of these wires may
be broken or disconnected during assembly and therefore prior
assembly and testing in is preferred.
[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the perf gun has a recessed
insulated contact pin held by a connector end cap in a central
orientation at one end. The distal end has a recessed
pressure/diode switch held by a connector end cap in a central
orientation. A tandem sub with a feed thorough pin can connect the
insulated contact pin of the connector end of one perf gun to the
pressure/diode switch of the distal end of the neighboring gun to
ensure physical and electrical contact throughout the entire perf
gun assembly.
[0033] In another embodiment, only one of the two neighboring guns
is configured in accordance with the innovation described herein.
That perf gun has a recessed insulated contact pin held by a
connector end cap in a central orientation at one end. In such a
situation, a tandem sub with a pressure/diode switch is joined to
the gun and the wires from the pressure/diode switch are connected
to the neighboring gun in a traditional manner of the current
practices in the industry.
[0034] In another embodiment, that perf gun has a recessed
pressure/diode switch held by a connector end cap in a central
orientation. In such a situation, a tandem sub with a feed through
pin is joined to the gun and distal end of the feed through pin is
connected to the firing wire of the neighboring neighboring gun in
a traditional manner of the current practices in the industry.
[0035] The innovation includes replacing the traditional plastic or
metal end caps on each charge carrier with an improved design which
is more robust and reliable in the assembly of multiple guns into a
single perf assembly as taught in the prior application, and
includes an additional design for a robust and reliable end cap
which houses a pressure/diode switch.
[0036] In the new innovation, the end cap of one perf gun positions
the insulated contact pin to extend just past the end of the gun
casing. The end cap of the neighboring perf gun positions the
pressure/diode switch slightly recessed within the end of the gun
casing. A disposable short sub assembly joins the two neighboring
perf guns by threading into the ends of each and thus placing the
insulating contact pin of the first perf gun in contact with the
pressure/diode switch of the second perf gun.
[0037] The improved design eliminates the through hole in the
center of the bottom end cap, which was previously used to pass
wires through for connection, and allows the connection to be made
by simply screwing the two guns together with the disposable short
sub assembly. This eliminates the difficulty of ensuring proper
wiring and operation. Further, the disposable short sub assembly
does not need to be retrieved from between the guns after firing,
or more importantly in instances of misfires which leads to
handling explosives in an unknown state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The following is a detailed description of exemplary
embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The
embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the innovation,
but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the scope of the invention
encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalent;
it is limited only by the appended claims.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of an assembly of multiple armed
and assembled guns in a manner that is utilized in the industry.
The perf assembly (1) has a firing head (2), a plurality of
perforating guns (3), each containing a charge carrier, two tandem
subs (4), and a bottom sub (5).
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a single gun joined on each
end with a tandem sub assembly. The gun (3) comprises a charge
carrier (13) with a plurality of explosive shape charges (16)
joined by a detonation cord or fuse (19). The charge carrier (13)
is supported, substantially centered, within the gun body casing
(12) by an insulating top end (14) and an isolating bottom end
(15).
[0041] One can see in the interior of the carrier (13) that the
shaped charges (16) are shown set in radial fashion, that is to
say, perpendicular to the gun wall, to the carrier, and, when the
guns are within the well, to the well casing. In the illustration,
six shape charges are illustrated, but the actual number and
orientation will vary.
[0042] The shaped charges are explosives set in such a manner that
they concentrate the force of the explosion outward, generating a
jet of gas (plasma) at high pressure and temperature, that pulls
the metal from the interior of the charge and projects it outward
until it arrives at the well formation; with this action the
charges produce a perforating effect that is variable in proportion
to the potency of the charges.
[0043] In each intermediate joint or intermediate sub or tandem sub
(4) one can see the pressure activated changeover switch (17), from
which wires extend to the rest of the assembly. When the detonator
is activated, a detonation is propagated by way of a "fuse"--or
detonating cord (19)--to each of the shaped charges in the carrier
(13) that burst in simultaneous fashion within the corresponding
gun (3). Although not described in detail herein, the internal
details of the assembly are protected by a watertight seal;
otherwise the liquids present in the well would enter into the
interior of the gun causing problems with the electric and/or
ballistic systems.
[0044] In FIG. 2A, the insulating end plate is represented as being
attached to the lower end of the charge carrier (13), and has a tab
for connecting the ground wire (22) from the carrier to the
interior of the gun housing; furthermore, it has a hole, or central
orifice, (23) that permits the passage of a pair of wires, `live`
or `fire` (F) and `ground` (G). These wires are connected to the
components in the next tandem immediately below to pass the signal
throughout the assembly (1, not illustrated) as required by the
electronic configuration thereof.
[0045] In FIG. 2B, the insulating end plate (15) centers the charge
carrier (13) and causes the grounding contact (22) to connect with
the gun body (12) represented as being attached to the lower end of
the charge carrier (13), and has a tab for connecting the ground
wire (22) from the carrier to the interior of the gun housing;
furthermore, it has a hole, or central orifice, (23) that permits
the passage of a pair of wires, `live` or `fire` (F) and `ground`
(G). These wires are connected to the components in the next tandem
immediately below to pass the signal throughout the assembly (1,
not illustrated) as required by the electronic configuration
thereof.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows two guns joined by a sub assembly where in the
pressure/diode switch is mounted in the sub assembly and placed in
contact with the retractable contact pin installed into an
insulating top end assembly of one of the guns. The gun body casing
(12) encloses the charge carrier (13) which contains the plurality
of explosive shape charges (16).
[0047] A firing signal wire (F) carries the firing signal through
the insulated contact pin (500), which is secured in the connector
end cap (400) by a nut (550) to secure it and allow movement by the
spring (540) which urges it outward to contact the pressure/diode
switch (17) secured by a snap ring (600) in the tandem sub (4). The
wires (F and G) carry the firing signal from the pressure/diode
switch (17) to the neighboring gun. The neighboring gun in this
illustrated exemplary assembly does not have an incorporated
pressure/diode switch.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows two guns with insulating contact pins in each
end joined by a sub assembly incorporating a feed through pin to
connect there between. In this illustrated exemplary assembly each
gun (12) comprises a snap ring (600) securing a connector end cap
(400) having a central insulated contact pin (500) which passes the
firing signal to the addressable switch (620) in each gun. The guns
are joined by an intermediate sub (4) which has a central feed
through pin (610) electrically and mechanically linking the
insulating contact pins (500) of each gun (12).
[0049] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are views of a pressure switch end cap
for securing a pressure/diode switch in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the innovation. The pressure switch end cap
(700) is manufactured from a durable solid material which is
electrically conductive. In the preferred embodiment the end cap is
manufactured from aluminum. The pressure switch end cap (700) has
an inner face (710) and an opposing outer face (720).
[0050] The outer face (720) has a recessed O-Ring (730) for sealing
against the short sub (not illustrated), when one is used for
assembly of guns. The inner face (710) has an edge, the charge
carrier mating surface (740) which mates with the charge carrier of
the gun, and is secured thereto with pins through the screw holes
(745). A guide pin (760) extending from one edge of the pressure
switch end cap (700) prevents the cap from turning once it is mated
to a guiding groove in the gun body casing (12, not
illustrated).
[0051] The inner edge of the guide pin (760) is beveled (765) to
assist in insertion into the gun body casing (12). Guide points
(770) aid in centering the cap in the gun body casing while
minimizing contact to reduce insertion force required seating the
cap. The inner face of the cap includes an opening (780) for the
electrical wires of the pressure switch to pass into the gun body
casing (12).
[0052] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a pressure/diode switch and
end cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
innovation. The pressure/diode switch (17) has an electrically
conductive pressure activator (20). The body of the pressure/diode
switch has one or more O-rings (630) which securely fit the central
opening of the pressure switch end cap's (700) outer face
(720).
[0053] The pressure switch end cap (700) has another O-ring (730)
around the outside of the outer face (720) to contact with the
short sub. The guide pin (760) and guide points (770) ensure a
centrally located and non-twistable connection with the gun body
casing (12).
[0054] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the assembly of two perf guns
joined by a short sub. In the referenced drawings, the left side is
the upper gun, and the right side is the lower gun. The gun body
casings (12) include threads to mate with the pipe threads (940) of
the short sub (900).
[0055] The pressure switch end cap (700) and the connector end cap
(400) seat into voids in the short sub (900) so that the
pressure/diode switch (17) is in electrical contact (20) with the
insulating contact pin (500) of the neighboring gun. O-rings (630)
ensure a water tight seal and prevent contaminants from entering
the guns at the short sub.
[0056] FIG. 8 is cross section of a perf gun assembly, explosives
omitted for clarity, illustrating the use of end caps, insulated
contact pins, and an short sub. The charge carrier (13) with its
plurality of shape charge openings (16A) is secured co-axially with
the gun body casing (12). One end has a pressure switch end cap
(700) into which a pressure/diode switch (17, not illustrated) may
be placed during final assembly.
[0057] The distal end of the charge carrier (13) has a connector
end cap (400) containing an insulating contact pin (500) inserted
into the lower side opening (920) of the short sub (900). The short
sub (900) with O-rings (630) is threaded (940) to the end of the
gun body casing (12) securing the charge carrier (13) therein. A
plurality of recesses for O-rings (950) on the upper side of the
short sub (900) ensure water tight seals when the neighboring gun
is threaded (940) on to secure the pressure/diode switch (17) in
the upper side opening (930).
[0058] FIG. 9 is cross section of a plurality of assembled perf
guns and a quick change pin box for connection to the firing
controls. FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross section view of a perf gun
connected to a quick change pin box. Continuing from FIG. 8, the
upper side opening (930) of the short sub (900) is mated to the
right side of FIG. 9 with the pressure/diode switch (17) being
placed in contact with the insulated connector pin (500) of the
lower side gun.
[0059] At the top of the gun, illustrated on the left side of FIG.
9, a terminating sub (670) connects to the short sub (900) to
secure a quick change pin box assembly (800) to the gun. An
extending pin (810) and extension spring (820) are secured with a
retainer clip (840) to allow the Quick connector pin (830) to
protrude from the top of the entire gun assembly for connection of
the firing signal wires.
[0060] The diagrams in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the
present invention are provided as examples and should not be
construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the
invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not
be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to
the particular proportions illustrated. Additionally, some elements
illustrated in the singularity may actually be implemented in a
plurality. Some element illustrated in the plurality could actually
vary in count. Some elements illustrated in one form could actually
vary in detail. Such specific information is not provided to limit
the invention.
[0061] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the
principles and various embodiments of the present invention.
Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those
skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.
It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace
all such variations and modifications.
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