Apparatus and Method for Quick Connect of a Plurality of Guns for Well Perforation

Abstract

An apparatus and method for use for gun assembly for perforating wells comprising a plurality of guns with shape charges aligned centrically. The apparatus allows easier and more reliable assembly on site with more secure connections. The apparatus provides for the conducting of electrical signals and pressure through the end caps while preventing debris from the blast of one gun from entering and damaging the electrical connections and components of the next gun. The end caps being interconnected physically and electrically by specialized intermediate subs or by utilization with industry standard intermediate subs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A gun assembly for perforating wells comprising;
 a plurality of gun body casing, the casing being a hollow cylinder, with a threaded coupling at each end;   a charge carrier, the carrier being a hollow cylinder, with exterior diameter less than the interior diameter of the casing, and a length shorter than the gun body casing;   a plurality of shape charges positioned radially inside the charge carrier and inter connected by a detonator cord;   a plurality of end caps affixed to the ends of the shape charges and axially aligning the carrier within the casing;
 the end caps securing electrical connectors which pass electrical signals to the charge carrier detonation electronics; 
   at least one intermediate coupling with thread boxes on each end for joining the threaded coupling of two axially aligned gun body casings such that the end caps are placed in contact within the intermediate coupling.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the intermediate coupling is made of a plastic material. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2  wherein the intermediate coupling further comprises an electrical conductor spanning between the thread boxes to electrically connect the pipes assembled thereby. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the intermediate coupling is of a lower grade disposable metal material. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the intermediate coupling is attached to a gun body end to secure the electrical connector to the end cap of the charge carrier. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein at least one electrical connector is an insulated contact pin. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein at least one electrical connector is a pressure/diode switch. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the intermediate coupling is attached to a gun body end to cover and protect an end cap during shipping of the assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the intermediate coupling further comprises a feed through pin electrically and mechanically connecting the charges end caps of two axially aligned gun body casings. 
     
     
         10 . A method of assembling a perforation gun assembly comprising:
 assembling a plurality of shape charges radially aligned and facing outward from the axis of a charge carrier body;   connecting the shape charges by a detonation cord;   connecting the detonation cord to an electrical signal carrier;   connecting the electrical signal carrier to an insulated contact pin;   securing the insulated contact pin in an end plate at the end of the charge carrier:   extending the electrical signal carrier to the distal end of the charge carrier;   securing the charge carrier in a gun casing body;   optionally installing protective covers over the ends of the gun casing body.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising connecting the electrical signal carrier at the distal end of the charge carrier to an insulated contact pin. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising connecting the electrical signal carrier at the distal end of the charge carrier to a detonator and pressure/diode switch. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising connecting the electrical signal carrier at the distal end of the charge carrier to a detonator and addressable switch. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 10  wherein the insulated contact pin is connected to a quick connector pin. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 10  wherein the insulated contact pin is connected to a quick change pin box assembly comprising:
 an optional extending pin box; 
 an extension spring; 
 and a quick connector pin, electrically insulated from the gun casing body, and electrically connected to the insulated contact pin and secured extending axially from the end of the gun casing body.