Energy Controlling Device

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus capable of influencing explosive energy during wellbore applications. In one embodiment, a cap or other interfering element may be arranged proximate to an explosive charge prior to detonation. The size and positioning of the element with respect to the explosive charge may be manipulated to achieve an optimum explosive orientation. A ring element having a bore therethrough may be utilized for directing the explosive energy of the charge upon detonation.

1 . An apparatus for use in a wellbore comprising:  
     an explosive charge; and  
     at least one element capable of influencing the explosive energy released by said explosive charge upon detonation.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said element further comprises walls defining at least one cavity.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said cavity is for conducting explosive energy.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said cavity has a generally cylindrical configuration.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said cavity has a generally conical configuration.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said element further comprises a first portion for absorbing explosive energy.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said element further comprises a second portion for directing explosive energy.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said first portion of said element has a first thickness and said second portion of said element has a second thickness.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said second thickness is greater than said first thickness.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said element is composed of a frangible material.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said element is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, polymer, metal, cellulose, and rubber.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said explosive charge is a shaped charge.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said element comprises a charge cap.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a jacket for mounting said explosive charge and said element into a perforating gun.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for use in a wellbore comprising:  
     an explosive charge for insertion into a perforating gun; and  
     at least one element capable of influencing the explosive energy released by said explosive charge upon detonation, said element having walls defining at least one cavity for directing explosive energy, said element being positioned between said explosive charge and said perforating gun.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said cavity has a generally cylindrical configuration.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said cavity has a generally conical configuration.  
   
   
       18 . A method of controlling explosive energy in a wellbore comprising the steps of: 
 providing a perforating gun containing one or more explosive charges;    positioning at least one element between said explosive charge and said perforating gun, said element being capable of influencing explosive energy released by said explosive charge upon detonation; and    detonating one or more of said explosive charges.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said element comprises walls defining at least one cavity for directing explosive energy.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said element comprises a first portion for absorbing explosive energy and a second portion for directing explosive energy.