Casing conveyed perforating process and apparatus

• US 6,761,219 B2
• Filed: 05/14/2002
• Issued: 07/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GeoDynamics, Incorporated (Oil States International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Marathon Oil Company (Marathon Oil Corporation)
• Inventors: Snider, Philip M., Williams, Eldon G. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bagnell, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): DOUGHERTY, JENNIFER R
• Application Number:
  US10/144,903
• Publication Number:
  US 20020125011A1
• Time in Patent Office: 791 Days
• Field of Search: 166/297, 166/55, 166/55.1, 166/250.01, 166/55.6, 340/854.5
• US Class Current: 166/297
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/117 Shaped-charge perforators E21B43/118 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/1185 Ignition systems
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/11852 hydraulically actuated
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/119 Details, e.g. for locating perforating place or direction
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/125 using earth as an electrical conductor by electromagnetic energy E21B47/13
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/14 using acoustic waves

Abstract

A process and apparatus for completing a subterranean well bore in at least one subterranean formation. At least one perforating gun assembly is positioned on the outside of casing in a subterranean well bore. A suitable signal, such as a hydraulic, electric or wave signal, is transported to the perforating gun assembly so as to detonate one or more explosive charges in the perforating gun assembly which are aimed toward the casing. At least one wall in the casing is perforated thereby establishing fluid communication through the wall of the casing. Usually, cement surrounding the casing and a subterranean formation surrounding the casing are also perforated to establish fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the casing. A logging tool may also be positioned exterior to the casing to aid in positioning the perforating gun assembly adjacent a subterranean formation of interest and pressure and/or temperature gauges may also be provided on the exterior of casing to monitor well bore and/or formation conditions. In one embodiment, multiple perforating gun assemblies are located outside casing and juxtaposed to multiple subterranean formations of interest. Thereafter, each perforating gun assembly may be selectively fired to perforate the casing and select formation. Zone isolation devices may be provided on the outside of the casing to permit each formation to be completed and stimulated and/or treated independent of the others. In this manner, multiple subterranean formations may be completed and stimulated and/or treated more efficiently and cost effectively.

Claims

1. A method of completing a well comprising:

transmitting at least one acoustic wave via the earth from the surface of the earth to equipment that is positioned in a subterranean well bore outside of casing.

2. A method of completing a well comprising:

transmitting at least one electromagnetic wave via the earth from the surface of the earth to equipment that is positioned in a subterranean well bore outside of casing.

3. A method of completing a well comprising:

transmitting at least one wave via the earth from the surface of the earth to a perforating gun assembly that is positioned in a subterranean well bore outside of casing, wherein the step of transmitting provides an appropriate signal to ignite at least one explosive charge contained in said perforating gun assembly and perforate said casing.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said wave is acoustic.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein said wave is electromagnetic.