High temperature explosives for downhole well applications

Abstract

The present invention provides explosive compositions adapted for use in downhole well applications requiring high temperature explosives that may be exposed to elevated temperatures for extended periods of time.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001] The subject matter of the present invention relates to downhole explosives. More specifically, the subject matter of the present invention relates to explosives for use in downhole wells for applications requiring performance capability at high temperature and / or exposures at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002] Explosives are used in numerous downhole well applications. An essential consideration in selecting explosives for use in downhole applications, such as perforating operations, is that the explosives have a certain range of time and temperature in which the explosives are thermally stable. If the explosives are stretched beyond this range, the explosives start to decompose, burn, or auto-detonate. Decomposition of explosives generally reduces their effectiveness and can cause a failure such as a misfire (a failure to detonate).[0003] Failures of explosives are costly and often dangerous. For example...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides identified high temperature downhole explosives for use in downhole well devices. Such explosives, exhibit thermal stability characteristics suitable for downhole applications.

Problems solved by technology

If the explosives are stretched beyond this range, the explosives start to decompose, burn, or auto-detonate.

Decomposition of explosives generally reduces their effectiveness and can cause a failure such as a misfire (a failure to detonate).

Failures of explosives are costly and often dangerous.

For example, with regard to perforating applications, when a perforating gun string is lowered to a desired depth but for some reason cannot be activated, a mis-run has occurred.

Such replacement is both time consuming and expensive.

Also, retrieving a mis-fired gun from a wellbore can be a hazardous operation.

Because of the time-temperature range considerations regarding explosives, in the past, use of explosive devices in downhole applications has, in some instances, been precluded.

In many operations where explosive actuation was desired (i.e., a device using a frangible member), alternative actuating means were selected because of the risky nature of the explosives within the high temperature environment.

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