Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for orienting a perforating string

US5259466A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
15References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 11, 1992
Grant dateNov 9, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 11, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/119
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An improved method and apparatus are provided for orienting a particular well completion in accordance with azimuths determined with respect to magnetic north. The invention permits the perforating gun of a wireline tool to be properly oriented in either a vertical or non-vertical wellbore. A wireline tool is described whose lower section contains a gun section and is rotatably joined to the upper section and may be rotated about a swivel joint assembly to move independently of the upper section and in accordance with an orienting means. The rotation may be accomplished by mechanical, hydraulic or electrical means of imparting rotation. In addition, preferred embodiments of the invention include a distant display such that operators may verify directional orientation of charges prior to initiating them. Alternative embodiments are provided for practicing the invention using multiple passes into the well which involve less risk of damage to portions of the well tool.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.