Fully automated perforating gun
Some implementations include a perforating gun configured for transport with an internal detonator, the perforating gun to be used in a wellbore proximate to one or more subsurface formations, the perforating gun comprising: a detonator assembly positioned proximate to a ballistic initiator end of the perforating gun, wherein the detonator assembly includes the detonator; and a detonation cord positioned proximate to a receiver end of the perforating gun, wherein the ballistic initiator end is on an opposing side of the perforating gun from the receiver end; and an isolation cask disposed at the ballistic initiator end of the perforating gun, wherein the detonator assembly is recessed within the isolation cask.
1 . A perforating gun configured for transport with an internal detonator, the perforating gun to be used in a wellbore proximate to one or more subsurface formations, the perforating gun comprising:
a detonation cord;
a detonator assembly configured for transport and including the internal detonator; and
an isolation cask configured to isolate the internal detonator from the detonation cord, wherein the isolation cask is configured to shield the internal detonator from at least one of radio frequencies, electromagnetic pulses, other external signals, voltages, or currents.
2 . The perforating gun of claim 1 , further comprising:
a feedthrough positioned at least partially within the isolation cask,
wherein the feedthrough is electrically coupled to the detonator assembly, and
wherein the detonator assembly is recessed within the isolation cask.
3 . The perforating gun of claim 1 , further comprising:
a shipping cap configured to cover the isolation cask and the internal detonator, wherein the shipping cap isolates the internal detonator and the isolation cask from an outside environment.
4 . The perforating gun of claim 3 , wherein the shipping cap comprises a vent plug configured to open upon exceeding an internal pressure threshold within the isolation cask or a heat threshold.
5 . The perforating gun of claim 3 , wherein the shipping cap comprises one or more threads that are configured to form a threaded connection with an exterior of the isolation cask, wherein the threads are configured to deform upon exceeding an internal pressure threshold within the isolation cask or a heat threshold, and wherein the deformed threads allow pressure and heat to escape from the isolation cask.
6 . The perforating gun of claim 1 , wherein the detonator assembly further comprises a spacer assembly including:
one or more compression pads coupled to one or more springs, wherein the spacer assembly is configured to protect the internal detonator when forming a connection with a second perforating gun, and wherein the one or more compression pads are configured to contact a centralizing shield of the second perforating gun.
7 . The perforating gun of claim 1 , wherein the detonator assembly comprises a threadless retention feature configured to slot into a groove of the isolation cask, wherein the threadless retention feature enables quick installation and removal of the detonator assembly.
8 . A perforating gun system to be used in a wellbore proximate to one or more subsurface formations, the perforating gun system comprising:
a first perforating gun configured for transport with an internal detonator, wherein the first perforating gun includes,
a first detonation cord,
a detonator assembly including the detonator, and
an isolation cask configured to isolate the detonator from the first detonation cord, wherein the isolation cask is configured to shield the detonator from at least one of radio frequencies, electromagnetic pulses, other external signals, voltages, or currents; and
a second perforating gun configured to couple with the first perforating gun, the second perforating gun including at least a second detonation cord.
9 . The perforating gun system of claim 8 , wherein the second detonation cord of the second perforating gun is configured to couple with the detonator of the first perforating gun via a connection, and wherein the first second perforating gun is configured to arm upon forming the connection.
10 . The perforating gun system of claim 8 , wherein the second detonation cord of the second perforating gun is configured for side-to-side initiation with the detonator of the first perforating gun.
11 . The perforating gun system of claim 8 , further comprising:
a centralizing shield coupled to an end alignment of the second perforating gun; and
a spacer assembly coupled to the isolation cask of the first perforating gun, wherein the spacer assembly comprises one or more springs coupled to one or more compression pads, and wherein the one or more compression pads are configured to contact the centralizing shield.
12 . The perforating gun system of claim 11 , wherein the spacer assembly is configured to protect the detonator when forming a connection between the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun, and wherein the one or more springs are configured to account for tolerances upon forming the connection.
13 . The perforating gun system of claim 8 , further comprising:
a detonation cord receptacle positioned in the second perforating gun, wherein the detonation cord receptacle is configured to allow axial rotation of the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun while maintaining a connection between the second detonation cord and the detonator.
14 . The perforating gun system of claim 8 , wherein the detonator assembly of the first perforating gun comprises a threadless retention feature configured to slot into a groove of the isolation cask, wherein the threadless retention feature enables quick installation and removal of the detonator assembly.
15 . A method comprising:
configuring at least a first perforating gun for transport with a pre-installed detonator, wherein the first perforating gun includes the detonator and an isolation cask configured to surround the detonator, and wherein the isolation cask is configured to shield the detonator from at least one of radio frequencies, electromagnetic pulses, other external signals, voltages, or currents; and
coupling the detonator of the first perforating gun with a detonation cord of a second perforating gun.
16 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
removing a shipping cap from the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun; and
forming a threaded connection between the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun,
wherein coupling the detonation cord to the detonator ballistically arms the first second perforating gun.
17 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
pressing a spacer assembly of the first perforating gun against a centralizing shield disposed on the second perforating gun, wherein pressing the spacer assembly against the centralizing shield exposes the detonator, and wherein the spacer assembly accounts for tolerances when coupling the detonation cord to the detonator.
18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein coupling the detonation cord of the second perforating gun with the detonator of the first perforating gun comprises aligning the detonation cord for side-to-side initiation with the detonator.