LOADED PERFORATING GUN WITH PLUNGING CHARGE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/141,975 filed on Jan. 26, 2021, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. This application is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/366,884 filed on Jul. 2, 2021, which is a is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/676,246 filed on Nov. 6, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/537,347 filed on Aug. 9, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/717,320, filed on Aug. 10, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to oilfield technology. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to techniques for perforating downhole.

[0003] Wells are drilled into subsurface formations to reach subsurface targets, such as valuable hydrocarbons. Drilling equipment is positioned at the surface and drilling tools are advanced into the subsurface formation to form wellbores. Once drilled, casing may be inserted into the wellbore and cemented into place to complete the well. Once the well is completed, production tubing may be deployed through the casing and into the wellbore to produce fluid to the surface for capture.

[0004] Stimulation techniques have been developed to facilitate the production of fluid from the subterranean formation and into the wellbore. For example, stimulation tools may be used for injecting and/or pumping fracturing fluids into the subterranean formation to form and/or expand fractures therethrough. Examples of injection tools are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 9,719,339, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

[0005] In some cases, perforations may be formed along the wall of the wellbore and/or casing for passing the fracturing fluids therethrough. Stimulation tools may be deployed into the wellbore to create perforations along a wall of the wellbore and into the subterranean formation. Examples of such techniques are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,752,083; 6,752,083; EP0601880; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,347,929; 5,042,594; 5,088,413; 9,605,937; and US20170314373, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. The perforations may be created in the wall of the wellbore using shaped charges in the stimulation tool. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,858,919; US2020/0072029; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,713,393; 5,509,356; US20120199352; US20170211363; US20170275976; US20170089678; and US20180216445, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

[0006] Despite the advancements in downhole technology, there remains a need for techniques for safer, more efficient, more reliable, and more effective perforating. The present disclosure is directed at providing such needs.

[0007] In at least one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a loaded perforating gun and/or downhole perforating tool as shown in the drawings and described herein. The loaded perforating gun is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The loaded perforating gun comprises a gun housing; a detonator assembly positioned in the gun housing, the detonator assembly comprising a detonator and a detonation switch; and a plunging charge assembly positioned in the gun housing. The plunging charge assembly comprises a charge tube, a shaped charge; and a plunger. The plunger comprises a receiving cap and a detonator cord. The receiving cap is connected to the charge tube. The detonator cord is supported in the receiving cap. The shaped charge is operatively connected to the detonator cord. The plunging charge assembly is movable between a disarmed position with the detonator cord disconnected from the detonator assembly and an armed position with the detonator cord operatively connected to the detonator assembly whereby, the detonator can selectively pass a detonation signal via the detonator cord to the plunging charge assembly to ignite the shaped charges.

[0008] The plunger further comprises a compression mechanism. The detonator assembly comprises a detonator housing, the compression mechanism compressible between the plunging charge assembly and the detonator housing. The loaded perforating gun further comprises a bulkhead assembly at one end of the gun housing and an endcap at an opposite end of the gun housing. The bulkhead assembly is connected to the detonator assembly. The endcap is connected to the plunging charge assembly. The detonation switch is communicatively connected to the detonator and a surface unit to pass activation signals therebetween. The detonator assembly further comprises a detonator housing and a detonator nose, the detonator supported in the detonator housing and the detonator nose. The detonator nose supports the detonator therein, and the detonator nose is extendable into the receiving cap and slidably movable about the receiving cap for selective engagement between the detonator and the detonator cord.

[0009] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a downhole perforating tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole perforating tool comprising a tool housing; and the loaded perforating gun described above positionable about the tool housing.

[0010] Finally, in another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of assembling a downhole perforating gun. The method comprises positioning a plunging charge assembly and a detonator assembly in a tool housing; connecting a detonator cord to a shaped charge in the plunging charge assembly; and selectively arming the detonator assembly by selectively moving the plunging charge assembly between a disarmed position with the detonator cord disconnected from a detonator in the detonator assembly and an armed position with the detonator cord connected to the detonator.

[0011] The method may also involve communicatively connecting a communication link from a surface unit to a switch of the detonator assembly. The selectively arming the detonator assembly comprises: selectively moving the detonator into contact with the detonator assembly by compressing the plunger against the detonator assembly, isolating the detonator from the plunging charge assembly by shifting the plunging charge assembly to the disarmed position, and/or the selectively arming the detonator assembly comprises communicatively connecting the detonator to the shaped charge by shifting the plunging charge assembly to the armed position.

[0012] Finally, in another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of perforating a wellbore. The method comprises providing a loaded perforating gun comprising a gun housing with a plunging charge assembly and a detonator assembly therein; selectively moving the plunging charge assembly from a disarmed position to an armed position such that a detonator cord in the plunging charge assembly is connected to a shaped charge in the plunging charge assembly and to a detonator in the detonator assembly; positioning the loaded perforating gun in the wellbore with the plunging charge assembly in the armed position; and while the plunging charge assembly is in the armed position, detonating the shaped charge by sending a detonation signal from the detonator and to the shaped charge via the detonator cord.

[0013] The method further comprises selectively connecting a communication link from a surface unit to the detonator switch and from the detonator switch to the detonator. In the armed position the communication link is connected to the detonator and in the disarmed position the communication link is disconnected from the detonator. The method further comprises sending a trigger signal from the surface unit to the detonator via the communication link. The selectively moving the plunging charge assembly comprises shifting the plunging charge assembly while compressing a compression mechanism between the plunging charge assembly and the detonator assembly.

[0014] This Summary is not intended to be limiting and should be read in light of the entire disclosure including text, claims and figures herein.

[0022] The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and/or instruction sequences that embody techniques of the present subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a downhole perforating tool including a loaded perforating gun (detonation assembly) with a plunging charge assembly. The loaded perforating gun includes a gun (outer) housing, the plunging charge assembly with a shaped charge(s), and a detonator assembly with a detonator. The plunging charge assembly includes a detonation (primer) cord connected to the shaped charge and a shape charge carrier tube. The plunging charge assembly is selectively connected to the detonator assembly for selectively allowing the detonator to detonate the detonator cord, thereby detonating the shaped charge.

[0024] The plunging charge assembly may include a spring-loaded plunger (e.g., connector with a spring or similar mechanism) for selectively moving the plunging charge assembly between a disarmed (e.g., disengaged, disconnected, unarmed) position with a detonator cord disconnected from the detonator assembly and an armed (e.g., engaged, connected) position with the detonator cord connected to the detonator. The detonator is isolated from the plunging charge assembly until the plunging charge assembly is moved to the armed position. This isolation may be used to prevent activation of the detonator cord, thereby preventing detonation of the shaped charges until desired. When installed on another perforating gun, the plunging charge assembly may be moved to the armed position to allow the shaped charges to be detonated. In the armed position, the detonator cord is connected to the detonator and the detonator may be initiated to detonate the shaped charge(s).

[0025] The charge and detonator assemblies may also be provided with other features, such as quick-locking features for quick, one-way, redundant, and secure assembly and operation. For example, the charge and detonator assemblies may have one-way pin and guide (e.g., slot) locking mechanisms (with or without additional locks) for securing the components in place. In another example, the charge and detonator assemblies may have components shaped for one-way insertion into and/or connection with adjacent components to assure proper positioning and fit of the components. The charge and detonator assemblies may also have locking contacts with push-in place dual spring activation and redundant contact surfaces for maintaining a communication connection with the detonator and/or between the detonator assembly and the charge assembly for the passage of signals therebetween. The communication links and/or connections may be or include various communication components, such as wires, cables, plates, contacts, switches, plugs, and/or other features, capable of passing electrical, power, and/or other signals.

[0026] The present disclosure seeks to provide one or more of the following features including, but not limited to: compliance with safety regulations for transport and/or use of detonators (e.g., Department of Transportation (DOT) and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)), transport of loaded (assembled) perforating guns, prevention of inadvertent actuation (e.g., detonation, ignition), pre-assembly of equipment at offsite locations (e.g., machine shops), assembly prior to transport, quick onsite installation and use, isolation of explosive items from detonation, selective activation of detonators when needed, providing a self-arming gun, providing a secure barrier to prevent arming until needed, providing integrated charge and detonation assemblies (and associated components) within the same structure, protection of the charge assembly from activation by the detonator until intended, spring-loaded/damped connection, activatable multiple contact switch, self-arming capabilities, arming without requiring additional insertion or wiring, assembled and ready for use, etc.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a wellsite 100 with surface and downhole equipment 102a,b. The wellsite 100 may be any wellsite positioned about a subterranean formation, such as an unconventional formation (e.g., shale) with a reservoir (e.g., oil, gas, water) therein. The wellsite 100 is provided with a wellbore 104. The surface equipment 102a is positioned along the surface about the wellbore 104, and the downhole equipment 102b extends into the wellbore 104.

[0028] The surface equipment 102a includes a crane 106, a truck 108, a wellhead assembly 110, and a surface unit 111. The crane 106 supports a pulley 112. The truck 108 supports a spool 114. A conveyance (e.g., wireline) 116 extends from the spool 114 over the pulley 112 and into the wellbore 104. The surface unit 111 is coupled to the conveyance 116 for communication therewith.

[0029] The downhole equipment 102b includes a casing 117 positioned in the wellbore 104 and the downhole perforating tool 118 is supported in the wellbore 104 by the conveyance 116. The casing 117 is a tubular member that lines the wellbore 104 and is connected to the wellhead assembly 110. Note that in some cases, the casing 117 may be omitted (e.g., for openhole applications), or the casing 117 may be installed in only a portion of the wellbore 104.

[0030] The downhole equipment 102b comprises a downhole perforating tool 118 including loaded perforating guns 132 for perforating a wellbore 104. The downhole perforating tool 118 may be any downhole tool that can operatively support the loaded perforating guns 132 in the wellbore 104. The downhole perforating tool 118 comprises a tool housing 130 with a series of the loaded perforating guns 132 therein. The tool housing 130 is a tubular member positionable in the wellbore 104 by the conveyance 116 and shaped to receivably support each of the loaded perforating guns 132 therein.

[0031] The downhole perforating tool 118 may include one or more of the loaded perforating guns 132. Multiple of the loaded perforating guns 132 may be connected together end to end in series. In the illustrated example, there are four loaded perforating guns 132 shown, but one or more loaded perforating gun 132 may be included. Threaded connections may be provided at each end of the loaded perforating gun 132 for connecting one or more loaded perforating gun 132 together. In some cases, the loaded perforating guns 132 may be connected to an end of the tool housing 130 (e.g., by threaded connection). The downhole perforating tool 118 may be used with one or more of the loaded perforating guns alone, or in combination with other types of perforating guns, such as those incorporated by reference herein.

[0032] The downhole perforating tool 118 may also be provided with various other components, such a conveyance connector 133a, a collar locator (“CCL”) 133b, and a plug setting tool 133c, as shown in the example of FIG. 1. The conveyance connector 133a may be provided at an uphole end of the downhole perforating tool 118 for connection to the wireline 116. The CCL 133b may be positioned along the downhole perforating tool 118 to detect collars of the casing 117 as the downhole perforating tool 118 passes through the wellbore 104. The plug setting tool 133c may be positioned at a downhole end of the downhole perforating tool 118 to secure the downhole perforating tool 118 at specified depths along the wellbore 104.

[0033] The loaded perforating guns 132 each carry one or more shaped charges 136. The shaped charges 136 are explosive components that are detonated from within the perforating tool 118 to form a perforation 135 in the wall of the wellbore 104 when activated. This perforation 135 extends through the wall of the wellbore 104 (and the casing 117 and cement if present) and into the subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore 104. The shaped charges 136 may be configured to create the perforations 135 for passage of fracturing (or injection) fluid into the formation for hydraulic fracturing therein.

[0034] The loaded perforating guns 132 (and other portions of the downhole perforating tool 118) may be communicatively connected to the surface unit 111 by the wireline 116 and/or by other means (e.g., wireline, electromagnetic, sonar, or other communication means). A communication link 131, such as a feed thru wire (or other wire, cable, etc.), may extend from the wireline 116 through the tool housing 130 and/or the loaded perforating guns 132 as indicted by the dashed lined.

[0035] The loaded perforating guns 132 may be connected by the communication link 131 for communication therebetween and/or for communication with the other components of the downhole perforating tool 118. The loaded perforating guns 132 may be independently operated, or communicatively linked together via the communication link 131 for integrated operation therebetween.

[0036] The loaded perforating gun(s) 132 may be activated by the surface unit 111 (e.g., by sending a trigger signal via the communication link 131) to selectively fire one or more of the shaped charges 136 to form the perforations 135 as schematically depicted in FIG. 1. The loaded perforating gun 132 may also be maintained in a disarmed position until ready to perform a perforating operation, and then shifted to the armed position to perform the perforation operation as is described further herein.

[0037] FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan and longitudinal cross-sectional views, respectively, depicting a portion of the downhole perforating tool 118 including two of the loaded perforating guns 132. As shown in these views, the loaded perforating guns 132 each include a gun housing 238, a detonator assembly 240a, and a plunging charge assembly 240b.

[0038] The gun housing 238 is a tubular member positionable in or connectable (e.g., by threaded connection) to the tool housing 130 of the downhole perforating tool 118 (FIG. 1). The gun housing 238 is also shaped for connection to the gun housing 238 of an adjacent loaded perforating gun 132. The gun housing 238 has a tubular body with a threaded box 238a at one end and a threaded pin 238b at another end.

[0039] The loaded perforating guns 132 are also provided with an endcap assembly 239a at one end of the gun housing 238 and a bulkhead assembly 239b at an opposite end of the gun housing 238. The endcap assembly 239a is positioned about the box 238a adjacent the plunging charge assembly 240b. The endcap assembly 239a is connectable to the plunging charge assembly 240b, and to a bulkhead assembly 239b of an adjacent loaded perforating gun 132 for operation therewith.

[0040] The bulkhead assembly 239b is positioned about the threaded pin 238b adjacent the detonator assembly 240a. The bulkhead assembly 239b is connectable to the detonator assembly 240a and to the box 238a of an adjacent loaded perforating gun 132. An inner portion of the bulkhead assembly 239b may extend into the gun housing 238 for connection to the detonator assembly 240a. An outer portion of the bulkhead assembly 239b may extend from the pin 238b for connection to the endcap assembly 239a of the adjacent loaded perforating gun 132.

[0041] The detonator assembly 240a is positioned in the gun housing 238 and is connected to the bulkhead assembly 239b for detonating the shaped charges 136 as described further herein. The plunging charge assembly 240b is positioned in the gun housing 238 between the detonator assembly 240a and the endcap assembly 239a. The plunging charge assembly 240b is connected to the detonator assembly 240a for selective activation thereof. The plunging charge assembly 240b is selectively movable about the detonator assembly 240a for selectively allowing signals to pass therebetween as is described further herein.

[0042] The communication link 131 extends through the loaded perforating guns 132 as schematically shown. The endcap assembly 239a and the bulkhead assembly 239b of each of the loaded perforating guns 132 may be coupled to the detonator assembly 240a and the plunging charge assembly 240b by the communication link 131 for selective operative communication therebetween as described further herein.

[0043] FIGS. 3, 4A—4B, and 5A-5B show additional views of the loaded perforating gun 132. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the loaded perforating gun 132. FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial cross-sectional views of the loaded perforating gun 132 in a disarmed and an armed position, respectively. FIGS. 5A and 5B are additional partial cross-sectional views of the loaded perforating gun 132 in the disarmed and armed position, respectively. These figures show additional views of the gun housing 238, the bulkhead assembly 239b, the detonator assembly 240a, the plunging charge assembly 240b, and the endcap assembly 239a in greater detail.

[0044] The bulkhead assembly 239b is positionable at an end of the gun housing 238 and is connectable to the detonator assembly 240a. The bulkhead assembly 239b includes a bulkhead 350a, a bulkhead feedthru 350b, bulkhead o-ring 350c, an insulated feed thru retainer 350d, and a detent 350e. The bulkhead 350a is a cylindrically shaped member positionable in and matable with the gun housing 238 via the detent 350e.

[0045] The bulkhead 350a has a hole 351 therethrough shaped to support the bulkhead feedthru 350b therein. The bulkhead o-rings 350c are positioned between the bulkhead feedthru 350b and the bulkhead 350a for providing fluid and pressure isolation therebetween. The insulated feed thru retainer 350d may be a nut positioned in the bulkhead 350a threadedly connectable between the bulkhead 350a and the insulated bulkhead feedthru 350b. The detent 350e may be a pin extendable into an outer surface of the bulkhead 350a and an inner surface of the gun housing 238 to prevent rotation therebetween.

[0046] The detonator assembly 240a is connectable to the bulkhead assembly 239b. The detonator assembly 240a includes a detonator housing 342a, a detonator nose 342b, the detonator 342c, and a switch assembly 342e. The detonator housing 342a may be a hollow member including one or more portions (two hemispherical portions are shown) connectable together to define a switch chamber 343a for receiving the detonator 342c and the switch assembly 342e therein. The detonator housing 342a is connectable to the bulkhead 350a by locking tabs 343b. The locking tabs 343b extend from the detonator housing 342a and are lockingly receivable in a slot about the outer periphery of the bulkhead 350a.

[0047] The detonator housing 342a has a bulkhead portion 345a connectable to the bulkhead assembly 239b at one end and a nose portion 345b connectable to the detonator nose 342b at an opposite end thereof. The bulkhead portion 345a has a larger dimension (e.g., larger diameter) that tapers down to the nose portion 345b, which has a smaller dimension (e.g., smaller diameter than the larger diameter). A step 345c is defined along the outer surface of detonator housing 342a between the bulkhead portion 345a and the nose portion 345b.

[0048] The detonator nose 342b may include a detonator portion 349a connectable to the detonator housing 342a and an elongate plunger portion 349b insertable into the plunging charge assembly 240b. The detonator nose 342b has a detonator chamber 349c for receiving the detonator 342c therein. The detonator nose 342b is connectable to the switch assembly 342e, the detonator 342c, and to the plunging charge assembly 240b for operation therewith as is described further herein.

[0049] The detonator 342c is an elongate member positionable in the detonator housing 342a and the detonator nose 342b. The detonator 342c may be an explosive device used to initiate the shaped charges 136 as described further herein. Examples of detonators are described in one or more of the patents/applications previously incorporated by reference herein.

[0050] The switch assembly 342e may be an electrical device for selectively activating the detonator 342c. The switch assembly 342e includes a switch 352a, a switch connector 352b, and electrical contacts 352c. The switch assembly 342e may be seated in the bulkhead 350a and extend into the detonator housing 342a for selectively activating the detonator 342c. The switch assembly 342e may be connected to the communication link 131 for receiving a trigger signal from the surface unit 111, and for selectively sending a signal to the detonator 342c as is described further herein.

[0051] The switch 352a may be positioned in the bulkhead 350a. The switch 352a may be an electrical switch, such as an addressable switch, connectable to the communication link 131. The switch 352a may be electrically connected to the bulkhead feedthru 350b and to the electrical contacts 352c. The switch connector 352b may electrically connect the switch 352a to the electrical contacts 352c. The electrical contacts 352c may extend into the plunger portion 349b of the detonation nose 342b for electrical connection to the plunging charge assembly 240b as is described further herein. Upon receipt of a signal (e.g., trigger signal from the surface unit 111 of FIG. 1), the switch 352a may be activatable to selectively send a detonation (initiation) signal to the detonator 352c as is described further herein.

[0052] The plunging charge assembly 240b is connected to the detonator assembly 240a. The plunging charge assembly 240b includes a plunger 344a, a charge tube 344b, and the shaped charge 136. While one shaped charge 136 is shown, one or more shaped charges may be included.

[0053] The plunger 344a is connected to the detonator assembly 240a and the charge tube 344b. The plunger 344a includes a receiving cap 346a, a compression mechanism (e.g., spring) 346b, and a detonator cord 346c. The receiving cap 346a is a has a cylindrical body including a detonator portion 347a with a nose chamber 347b therein and a tube cap 347c extending therefrom. The tube cap 347c extends from the detonator portion 347a, and is shaped for insertion into the charge tube 344b. The tube cap 347c may be secured to the charge tube 344b for movement therewith.

[0054] The nose chamber 347b may be shaped to slidingly receive the plunger portion 349b of the detonator nose 342b of the detonator assembly 240a. The detonator cord 346c may be supported in and extend through the receiving cap 346a adjacent to the plunger portion 349b of the detonator nose 342b. The detonator cord 346c may be connected to the shaped charges 136 at one end. At another end, the detonator cord 346c may be positionable by movement of the plunging charge assembly 240b (e.g., movement of the receiving cap 346a and the compression mechanism 346b of the plunging charge assembly 240b) into connection with the detonator 342c of the detonator assembly 240a as is described further herein.

[0055] The compression mechanism 346b may be any mechanism, such as a spring, capable of dampening movement between the plunging charge assembly 240b and the detonator assembly 240a. The compression mechanism 346b may be, for example, a stacked wave disc spring positioned between the receiving cap 346a and the detonator housing 342a to selectively break communication between the detonator 342c and the detonator cord 346c. The compression mechanism 346b may be seated about the step 345c of the detonator housing 342a and compressed by movement of the receiving cap 346a of the plunging charge assembly 240b towards the detonator housing 342a. The compression mechanism 346b may also be used to selectively arm the loaded perforating gun 132 when a spring force of the compression mechanism 346b is overcome, and to retract the loaded perforating gun 132 to its disarmed position when detonation is complete as described further herein.

[0056] The charge tube 344b is a tubular member shaped to receive the tube cap 347c of the plunger 344a therein. The charge tube 344b may be secured at one end to the tube cap 347c by, for example, connectors (e.g., screws or tabs). The charge tube 344b may have slots (or holes) for receiving the connectors. The charge tube 344b is connected at an opposite end to the endcap assembly 239a. The charge tube 344b may have charge openings 344c for receiving the shaped charges 136 therein.

[0057] The shaped charges 136 may be supported about the openings 344c by clips (not shown). The detonator cord 346c extends from the plunger 344a, around the charge tube 344b and to the shaped charge 136. The shaped charges 136 may be explosive components detonated by a detonation signal from the detonator 342c. The detonator cord 346c may be used to pass the detonation signal from the detonator 342c to the shaped charge 136 when the plunging charge assembly 240b is in the armed position as is described further herein.

[0058] The endcap assembly 239a is connectable to the charge tube 344b. The endcap assembly 239a includes an endcap 348a and a feedthru plunger 348b. The endcap 348a may be a circular member seatable within the gun housing 238 and extending into the charge tube 344b to enclose the end thereof. The feedthru plunger 348b is positioned in the endcap assembly 239a. The endcap assembly 239a and the feedthru plunger 348b may be connected to the bulkhead feedthru 350b and the bulkhead 350a, respectively, of an adjacent loaded perforating gun 132.

[0059] The feedthru plunger 348b is an electrical connector connectable to the communication link 131 (FIGS. 1 and 2B). If an adjacent loaded perforating gun 132 is present, the feedthru plunger 348b may be electrically connected to the bulkhead feedthru 350b of the adjacent loaded perforating gun 132 for electrical communication therewith.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, a portion of the communication link 131 (FIGS. 1 and 2B) may include an electrical wire 331 extending from the endcap assembly 239a and to the plunging charge assembly 240b. The electrical wire 331 may extend through the loaded perforating gun 132 and form part of the communication link 131 for passing signals through the loaded perforating gun(s) 132. The electrical wire 331 extends from the feedthru plunger 348b, through the charge tube 344b, and into the receiving cap 346a of the plunging charge assembly 240b.

[0061] The electrical wire 331 extends through the plunger 344a for connection to the switch assembly 342e of the detonator assembly 240a and for electrical communication therewith. The plunger 344a may electrically connect the electrical wire 331 to the electrical contacts 352c when in the armed position, and electrically disconnected from the electrical contacts 352c when in the disarmed position as is described further herein.

[0062] An electrical signal may be passed from the surface unit 111 to the downhole perforating tool 118 via the conveyance 116 as shown in FIG. 1. The electrical signal may pass from the conveyance 116 and through the downhole perforating tool 118 via the communication link 131 as also shown in FIG. 1. The electrical signal may then pass through the loaded perforating guns 132 via the electrical wire 331 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0063] The electrical signal passes via the electrical wire 331 from the feedthru plunger 348b, through the plunging charge tube 344b and to the plunger 344a. When in the armed position, the electrical signal is passed from the plunger 344a and to the switch assembly 342e via the electrical contacts 352c.

[0064] The switch assembly 342e is also connected by the switch 352a to the detonator 342c for passing the electrical signal thereto. The switch assembly 342e may be triggered by the electrical signal (sent form the surface unit) through the switch 352a, thereby activating the detonator 342c. Once activated, the detonator 342c passes the detonation signal via the detonator cord 346c to the shaped charge(s) 136. Upon receipt of the detonation signal, the shaped charge 136 is detonated and explodes. This explosion emits gasses under sufficient pressure to pierce the casing 117 and the surrounding formation to form the perforation 135 (see, e.g., FIG. 1).

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B, the plunger 344a may be used to selectively position the loaded perforating gun 132 in a disarmed or an armed position. In some cases, such as during transport or when not in use, the loaded perforating gun 132 may be placed in the disarmed position to prevent inadvertent actuation of the shaped charges 136, or to meet client requirements and/or safety regulations. In one example, to prevent such inadvertent actuation, the loaded perforating gun 132 may be left unassembled or disassembled to prevent actuation of the shaped charges 136.

[0066] In another example, the loaded perforating gun 132 may be fully loaded (e.g., fully assembled and ready for use) as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Once loaded, the loaded perforating gun 132 may be shifted by the plunging charge assembly 240b to a disarmed position which prevents actuation. In the disarmed (disengaged) position as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the electrical signal is prevented from passing from the plunging charge assembly 240b and to the detonator assembly 240a, and the detonation signal is prevented from passing from the detonator assembly 240a, through the detonator cord 346c, and to the shaped charges 136. The plunger 344a is positioned with the electrical wire 331 in the plunging charge assembly 240b a distance from the electrical contacts 352c, thereby preventing communication of the activation signal from the surface unit 111 to the switch assembly 342e and the detonator 342c.

[0067] In the disarmed position, the plunger 344a is also positioned with the detonator cord 346c a distance from the detonator 342c, thereby preventing communication of the detonation signal from the detonator 342c to the shaped charge 136. The plunger 344a effectively disconnects the detonator 342c from receiving activation signals and from sending detonation signals. When the plunging charge assembly 240b is disarmed, the plunger 344a with the detonator cord 346c is positioned a distance axially away from the detonator 342c. The detonator cord 346c is disengaged from the detonator 342c, thereby shielding the detonator cord 346c and the shaped charge 136 from an accidental detonation. Because the electrical connection is also broken between the electrical wire 331 and the detonator 342c, the possibility of accidental detonation via electrical current is further eliminated.

[0068] When the downhole perforating tool 118 is in a desired position in the wellbore 104 and a perforation 135 is intended to be made (FIG. 1), the plunging charge assembly 240b may be shifted to the armed (engaged) position as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B. The plunging charge assembly 240b may be shifted by advancement of an adjacent loaded perforating gun 132 through the box 238a and into engagement with the endcap assembly 239a.

[0069] During this advancement, the plunger 344a, together with the detonator cord 346c and other portions of the plunging charge assembly 240b connected thereto, may be pushed downward as indicated by the arrows. The compression mechanism 346b is compressed between the plunger 344a and the detonator housing 342a to dampen movement of the plunging charge assembly 240b. The new loaded perforating gun 132 may be advanced against the endcap assembly 239a with sufficient force to overcome a spring force of the compression mechanism 346b and with sufficient force to drive the plunging charge assembly 240b against the detonator assembly 240a and into the armed position.

[0070] As the plunging charge assembly 240b advances a distance downhole, the detonator cord 346c within the receiving cap 346a is moved into contact with the detonator 342c. Also, as the receiving cap 346a moves towards the detonator assembly 240a, the electrical connection is also made between the electrical wire 331 and the switch assembly 342e. The electrical contacts 352c extending from the detonator nose 342b are moved into electrical contact with the wire 331.

[0071] In the armed position as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, the electrical signal is now permitted to pass from electrical wire 331, through the plunging charge assembly 240b, and to the switch assembly 342e. The switch assembly 342e may now activate the switch 352a and thereby the detonator 342c. The detonator 342c may then be activated by the switch 352a to send the detonation signal through the detonator cord 346c and to the shaped charge 136.

[0072] The loaded perforating gun 132 may be returned to the disarmed position by removal of the adjacent loaded perforating gun 132. The plunging charge assembly 240b with the plunger 344a and the detonator cord 346c may be pushed back to the disarmed position of FIGS. 4A and 5A by the compression mechanism 346b when the adjacent loaded perforating gun 132 is removed. The compression mechanism 346b may be used to retract the plunger 344a and the plunging charge assembly 240b back to their original position after detonation is completed. The compression mechanism 346b may now be used to prevent electrical and/or detonation connections until another loaded perforating gun 132 is connected and pushes the plunging charge assembly 240b back into the armed position.

[0073] While FIGS. 1-5B show examples of features of the loaded perforating gun 132 and its components, additional features that may be included are provided in US Patent Publication No. 20210332678, U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/078,763, U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/858,919, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/717,320, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. For example, these incorporated patents show features of switch assemblies, detonators, charge tubes, shape charges, and other components of a perforating tool that may be used with the loaded perforating gun 132. The switch assembly may include, for example, features, such as spring-loaded contacts to facilitate engagement between the switch assembly and the detonator as described in these incorporated patents. The charge assembly and the detonator assembly may include, for example, an offset configuration for one-way receipt of the detonator assembly into the charge assembly as described in these incorporated patents.

[0074] FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts depicting a method 600a of assembling a loaded perforating gun and a method 600b of perforating a wellbore, respectively. The method 600a involves 680—positioning a plunging charge assembly and a detonator assembly in a tool housing, 684—connecting a detonator cord to a shaped charge in the plunging charge assembly.

[0075] The method 600a further involves 686—selectively arming the detonator assembly by selectively moving the plunging charge assembly between a disarmed position with the detonator cord (and/or the activation wire) disconnected from a detonator in the detonator assembly and an armed position with the detonator cord (and/or the activation wire) connected to the detonator. The selectively arming 686 may involve 688—isolating the detonator from the plunging charge assembly by shifting the plunging charge assembly to the disarmed position and/or 690—communicatively connecting the detonator to the shaped charge by shifting the plunging charge assembly to the armed position. The method 600a may also involve 692—communicatively connecting a communication link from a surface unit to a switch of the detonator assembly.

[0076] The method 600b involves 681—providing a loaded perforating gun comprising a gun housing with a plunging charge assembly and a detonator assembly therein. The method 600b continues with 683—selectively moving the plunging charge assembly to an armed position such that the detonator cord of the plunging charge assembly is connected to a shaped charge in the plunging charge assembly and to the detonator in the detonator assembly, and 685—positioning the loaded perforating gun in the wellbore with the plunging charge assembly in the armed position. The 685—selectively moving may involve 687—shifting the plunging charge assembly while compressing a compression mechanism between the plunging charge assembly and the detonator assembly and/or 689—in the armed position the communication link is connected to the detonator and in the disarmed position the communication link is disconnected from the detonator.

[0077] The method 600b continues with 691—while the plunger assembly is in the armed position, detonating the shaped charge by sending a detonation signal from the detonator to the shaped charge via the detonator cord. The activating the detonator comprises 693—sending a signal to the detonator via a detonator switch. The method 600b continues with 695—selectively connecting a communication link from a surface unit to the detonator switch and from the detonator switch to the detonator and 697—sending a trigger signal from the surface unit to the detonator via the communication link.

[0078] One or more portions of the methods may be optional. Portions of the method may be performed in various orders, and part or all may be repeated.

[0079] While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. For example, various combinations of one or more of the features and/or methods provided herein may be used.

[0080] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. For example, while certain components are provided herein, it will be appreciated that various forms of such components may be provided. While the figures herein depict a specific configuration or orientation, these may vary. First and second are not intended to limit the number or order.

[0081] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claim(s) herein, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional invention is reserved. Although a very narrow claim may be presented herein, it should be recognized the scope of this invention is much broader than presented by the claim(s). Broader claims may be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from this application.