Conductive detonating cord for perforating gun
A detonating cord for using in a perforating gun includes an explosive layer and an electrically conductive layer extending around the explosive layer. The electrically conductive layer is configured to relay a communication signal along a length of the detonating cord. In an embodiment, a protective jacket extends around the electrically conductive layer of the detonating cord. The detonating cord may be assembled in a perforating gun to relay a communication signal from a top connector to a bottom connector of the perforating gun, and to propagate a detonating explosive stimulus along its length to initiate shaped charges of the perforating gun. A plurality of perforating guns, including the detonating cord, may be connected in series, with the detonating cord of a first perforating gun in communication with the detonating cord of a second perforating gun.
1. A detonating cord for use with a perforating gun comprising:
an explosive layer;
an electrically conductive layer extending around the explosive layer;
a jacket extending around the electrically conductive layer, wherein
the explosive layer, the electrically conductive layer and the jacket each extends along a length of the detonating cord, and
the electrically conductive layer is configured to transfer a communication signal;
a first contact portion configured for receiving the communication signal;
a second contact portion spaced apart from the first contact portion, and configured for outputting the communication signal; and
one or more contacts configured for being secured to a least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion, the contacts comprising at least one of a split sleeve and a conductive pin, wherein the split sleeve and the conductive pin are configured to pierce the jacket to engage the electrically conductive layer.
2. The detonating cord of claim 1 , further comprising:
an insulating layer extending along the length of the detonating cord between the explosive layer and the electrically conductive layer.
3. The detonating cord of claim 1 , wherein one of more contacts comprise the conductive pin, and the conductive pin comprises:
an upper portion; and
at least one lower portion extending from the upper portion, wherein
the lower portion is configured for engaging the electrically conductive layer.
4. The detonating cord of claim 3 , wherein the lower portion comprises a plurality of retention mechanisms configured for securing the conductive pin within at least a portion of the detonating cord.
5. The detonating cord of claim 3 , wherein the lower portion extends across a width of the detonating cord.
6. The detonating cord of claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive layer comprises one of an electrically conductive sheath and a plurality of electrically conductive threads.
7. The detonating cord of claim 6 , wherein the electrically conductive sheath comprises a layer of electrically conductive woven threads comprising at least one of a plurality of metal fibers and a plurality of metal coated fibers.
8. The detonating cord of claim 6 , wherein the electrically conductive sheath comprises a layer of electrically conductive woven threads comprising at least one of a plurality of metal fibers and a plurality of metal coated fibers.
9. The detonating cord of claim 1 , wherein
the contacts secured to the first contact portion are configured to input the communication signal to the detonating cord; and
the contacts secured to the second contact portion are configured to output the communication signal from the detonating cord.