초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for releasing a subterranean well perforating gun from a tubular string after firing of the subterranean well perforating gun. The apparatus comprises two telescopically inter-related tubular assemblies which are interconnected for axial co-movement solely by a plurality of ra

A method and apparatus for releasing a subterranean well perforating gun from a tubular string after firing of the subterranean well perforating gun. The apparatus comprises two telescopically inter-related tubular assemblies which are interconnected for axial co-movement solely by a plurality of radially shiftable latching elements. Such latching elements are normally maintained in a locked position by an annular piston. One end of the annular piston is exposed to gas at surface ambient pressure and the other end is exposed to the gas pressure generated in the perforating gun by its discharge and subsequently to the well fluid pressures produced by flow of well fluids through the perforations. The movement of the annular piston under such fluid pressure forces permits the locking elements to be cammed radially inwardly and release the connection between the tubular tool string and the perforating gun without any action on the part of the operator.

대표청구항 ▼

A releasable coupling for connecting a subterranean well perforating gun to a tubular tool string, said perforating gun being of the type including a hollow housing that receives a charge of pressured gas following discharge of the perforating gun, comprising, in combination: a first tubular assembl

A releasable coupling for connecting a subterranean well perforating gun to a tubular tool string, said perforating gun being of the type including a hollow housing that receives a charge of pressured gas following discharge of the perforating gun, comprising, in combination: a first tubular assembly having means on its lower end for threadably connecting with said hollow housing; a second tubular assembly having means on its upper end for threadably connecting with the tubular tool string; the lower end of said second tubular assembly being disposed in concentric, overlapping relation to the upper end of said first tubular assembly; radially shiftable latching means normally interconnecting said overlapped portions of said first and second tubular assemblies, thereby securing the perforating gun to the tubular tool string; axially shiftable piston means operatively connected in one position to said radially shiftable latching means to hold same in said normal interconnecting position; and conduit means for supplying pressured fluid from said hollow housing to said piston means to axially shift same out of said one position, thereby permitting said radially shiftable latching means to disconnect said first and second tubular assemblies. The method of uncoupling a well perforating gun from a tubular tool string comprising the steps of: 1. disposing the charges of the perforating gun in a hollow housing; 2. connecting the hollow housing to the tubular tool string by a fluid pressure responsive uncoupling apparatus; and 3. supplying fluid pressures developed in the hollow housing by firing of the charges to the fluid pressure responsive uncoupling apparatus.