Externally threadless partition for perforating gun

Abstract

Partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) for connecting a first perforating gun (121) and a second perforating gun (123), comprising: a threadless outer surface extending over a length of a threaded connection (322) of adjacent first perforating gun (121) and second perforating gun (123); a first outer groove (302, 402, 422, 442, 462) with a first sealing element (319) that is partially arranged in the first outer groove (302, 402, 422, 442, 462); and a second outer groove (304, 404, 424, 442, 462) with a second sealing element (324) which is partially arranged in the second outer groove (302, 402, 422, 442, 462), wherein the first sealing element (319) and the second sealing element (324) are arranged around the threaded connection (322).

Description

background

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a partition for positioning at the junction between adjacent gun bodies. In one aspect, the present disclosure particularly relates to a partition having a non-externally threaded portion for facilitating the connection between adjacent gun bodies.

[0002] Perforating guns are sometimes used in wireline or tubular systems to perforate hydrocarbon production wells. Perforating guns sometimes use charges or explosives that are triggered to perforate the surrounding formation. After the perforating guns are lowered into a wellbore into a zone of interest, charges are deployed to perforate the surrounding formation. Sometimes multiple perforating guns are strung together to form a perforating gun array.

[0003] US 4,491,185 A relates to a method and apparatus for completing subterranean formations traversed by a borehole. A perforating gun and firing head assembly are inserted into the borehole at the end of a tubing string. A percussion ignition device is then lowered through the tubing string and engaged with the firing head assembly. To trigger the ignition system, a percussion member is dropped through the tubing string. If ignition fails, the percussion ignition device and part of the firing head assembly can be detached and removed from the borehole. An electric firing device can be lowered through the tubing string and contact the remaining part of the firing head assembly, using an electrical control signal to ignite the perforating gun.If ignition fails again, the electrical ignition device is removed, leaving a perforation system without primary explosive, which can be removed by pulling the tubing string out of the borehole.

[0004] US 4 650 009 A relates to a detonation shockwave perforation system for use in perforating subterranean earth formations traversed by a borehole. The system comprises a plurality of perforating gun sections mechanically connected in series, each section capable of containing a plurality of shaped charges mounted therein and a length of detonator cord. To achieve coupling of the detonation shockwave between the casing sections, a booster is coupled to the detonator cord and mounted near a shaped charge whose perforation axis is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the gun. Detonation of the shaped charge results in a jet that detonates a predetermined quantity of explosive material in the subsequent gun section, the detonation transmitting a detonation shockwave into a detonating cord, thereby detonating any associated explosive.Another embodiment provides for coupling the detonation wave without using a shaped charge unit. Furthermore, the dispersion system allows for the removal of any excess length of detonating cord located in the perforating gun sections.

[0005] US 6 012 525 A relates to an apparatus and method for perforating underground boreholes with a centralizer that can be brought from a running state to a collapsed state.

[0006] US 9 677 363 B2 relates to a system comprising a plurality of explosive assemblies, each assembly comprising an outer casing, an explosive component rotatable relative to the casing, and a selective ignition module that causes detonation of the component in response to a predetermined signal. A method may comprise assembling a plurality of explosive assemblies at a location remote from a wellbore, installing a selective ignition module, an electric detonator, and an explosive component in a connector, connecting the connector to an outer casing, and then transporting the assemblies from the remote location to the wellbore. A wellbore perforation method may comprise assembling a plurality of perforating guns, each gun comprising a gun body, a perforating charge, and a selective ignition module that causes detonation of the charge in response to a predetermined signal.The guns are installed in a borehole, with the charge of each gun rotating relative to the respective gun body.

[0007] US 7013 977 B2 relates to a sealed perforating gun assembly for use with automatic pipe-handling equipment on oil and gas rigs. An upper sealed connector and a lower sealed connector have sealed threaded connections that mate with the ends of a perforating gun. The connectors have external dimensions corresponding to the external dimensions of a standard drill string and feature standard tapered thread couplings. The explosives for the ignition transfer are located in the cavities of the connectors. The cavities are sealed at the ends of the drill string couplings. The ignition transfer explosives are designed to penetrate the seals, allowing the ignition to be transferred between the gun assembly and adjacent sections of the gun string.Because the outer dimensions of the sealed connectors match the outer dimensions of the drill pipe, automatic drill pipe handling equipment can handle the gun assemblies. Short description of the drawings

[0008] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, to which reference is hereby expressly made, and wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a wellbore with a perforating gun assembly deployed in a borehole of the well during a perforating operation; Fig. 2 an enlarged view of the perforating gun assembly of Fig. 1. with a partition wall, which is coupled with adjacent perforating guns and installed in a borehole of Fig. 1 is inserted; Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partition wall of the perforating gun assembly of Fig. 1 is; Fig. 4A is a schematic external view of the partition similar to the partition of Fig. 3 is; Fig. Figure 4B is a schematic exterior view of another partition similar to the partition of Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 4C is a schematic exterior view of another partition similar to the partition of Fig. 3; Fig. 4D is a schematic exterior view of another partition similar to the partition of Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partition similar to the partition of Fig. 3; and Fig. Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another partition similar to the partition of Fig. 3.

[0009] The figures shown are exemplary only and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation as to the environment, architecture, design or process in which various embodiments may be implemented. Detailed description

[0010] In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid details that are not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information that would be known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined only by the appended claims.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to perforating guns including aspects of a partition between adjacent gun bodies. A perforating gun assembly has a plurality of perforating guns connected end-to-end. Each perforating gun may include a gun body containing various mechanical and / or electrical features or components. The connection between adjacent perforating guns may be made between adjacent ends of the respective gun bodies. A partition may be positioned between each pair of adjacent gun bodies to provide structural separation between interior portions of adjacent gun bodies while providing structural and / or electrical features that support mechanical and / or electrical connection and / or communication therebetween.For example, the partition can help isolate adjacent gun bodies from each other under pressure and, optionally, from an external environment. The partition can also provide electrical connections to facilitate electrical communication between adjacent gun bodies, for example, to transfer electrical power and signals (detonation signals, wireless addressing, etc.) between the various guns of the perforation assemblies.

[0012] In some example configurations, adjacent perforating gun bodies of the perforating gun assembly are threadedly connected to one another. The partition may be at least partially housed within one or both of the adjacent gun bodies and may include an unthreaded outer surface spanning the connection between the adjacent gun bodies. Externally unthreaded, in this context, refers to the absence of a profile along a portion of an outer surface, wherein the profile engages a matching profile or a substantially matching profile along a surface of the perforating gun assembly or a component of the perforating gun assembly. In some example configurations, externally unthreaded refers to the absence of a spiral-shaped outer profile, such as a helical profile, along a portion of the outer surface.In some example configurations, externally threadless refers to a smooth profile, a substantially smooth profile, or the absence of any thread profiles (such as, but not limited to, V-threads, square threads, ACME threads, buttress threads, multi-start threads, or other types of thread profiles) along a portion of the outer surface. In some example configurations, the externally threadless feature of the baffle reduces or eliminates the complexity of the baffle, making it easier and more cost-effective to manufacture and attach the baffle to the perforating gun assembly.

[0013] In some example configurations, the partition is positioned around adjacent perforating guns that are bolted together along a threaded connection (as in Fig. 2). In one or more of these example configurations, the partition spans the length of the threaded connection and mates with the interior of the weapon body. In one or more of these example configurations, the partition is configured to seal off blast pressure from the adjacent perforating guns to protect the threads of the adjacent perforating guns from deformation, abrasion, and disfigurement due to blast pressure, e.g., pressure generated by firing one or more perforating guns of the perforating gun assembly. In one or more of these example configurations, the partition is configured to prevent or reduce the likelihood of breakage or displacement of components of the perforating gun assembly disposed within the partition.

[0014] In some embodiments, the partition includes one or more alignment features (such as alignment features illustrated in Figures 2 and 3) that align the partition with other components of the perforating gun assembly (such as a charge tube, a gun bore tube, or another component of the perforating gun assembly). In one or more of these embodiments, one or more components of the perforating gun (such as the charge tube) are rotatable relative to or within the partition until the alignment feature is aligned or locked to a corresponding mating feature. In one or more of these embodiments, the one or more components are no longer rotatable relative to or within the partition once the alignment feature is aligned or locked to the corresponding mating feature.In some embodiments, the partition includes a locking mechanism that locks a component (such as the charge tube, the gun body, or another component of the perforating gun assembly) to the partition after the component is aligned with the partition. Examples of locking mechanisms include, but are not limited to, springs, machined and cast components, and other locking components that facilitate locking the partition.

[0015] In some embodiments, the partition also includes a notch positioned between the two outer grooves. In some embodiments, the notch is designed to provide a bearing surface that can withstand detonation and other events where the pressure applied to the threaded connection is greater than a threshold pressure (e.g., 1,000 psi, 5,000 psi, or another threshold psi). In one or more of these embodiments, the notch includes an angled surface along one side of the notch, the angled surface being designed to increase the bearing strength of the notch. In one or more of these embodiments, the notch includes a plurality of angled surfaces along one or opposite sides of the notch to increase the bearing strength of the notch. Additional descriptions of the notch can be found in the following paragraphs.

[0016] In some embodiments, the partition also includes an internal passageway. In some embodiments, the internal passageway passes through components of the perforating gun assembly, such as electrical connections, as well as other components of the perforating gun assembly. In one or more of these embodiments, the internal passageway is defined or partially defined by a threaded surface that secures components of the perforating gun assembly to the partition. In one or more of these embodiments, the internal passageway includes a variable geometry passageway that expands radially upon axial compression. In one or more of these embodiments, the partition includes an electrical sealing element disposed within the internal passageway to seal the electrical connections and to insulate the electrical connections.In one or more of these embodiments, the partition also includes a compressible retainer that, when compressed, pressure-seals the components of the partition within the internal passageway. In some embodiments, the partition also includes an electrical ground for electrical connections of the perforating gun assembly.

[0017] In one or more example configurations, the partition also includes a first sealing element between the partition and a perforating gun, and a second sealing element positioned between the partition and the adjacent perforating gun. The sealing elements can form a pressure barrier with the threaded connection of the adjacent perforating guns positioned between the sealing elements. The seals formed around the threaded connection reduce or eliminate pressure, swelling, and deformation of the threaded connection due to charge detonation and other perforating events.

[0018] In some embodiments, the partition has grooves extending around the outer surface of the partition. In one or more of these embodiments, the partition has outer grooves extending circumferentially around the outer surface, with the threaded connection of the adjacent guns positioned between the two outer grooves. The sealing elements are partially or completely disposed within the outer grooves. In some example configurations, a single partition described herein is used instead of multiple components of a perforating gun assembly mounted on or within the perforating gun assembly to protect the threaded connection of adjacent perforating guns from disfigurement, thereby reducing the complexity of the perforating gun assembly. Additional descriptions of partitions and perforating gun assemblies are described in the following paragraphs and in the Fig. 1 to 5B.

[0019] In Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a borehole 112 in which a perforating gun assembly 119 is deployed in a borehole 116 during borehole completion to perforate the borehole 116 and form or enhance perforations in the surrounding formation 120. The borehole 112 includes the borehole 116 extending from the surface 108 of the borehole 112 to a subterranean substrate or formation 120. The borehole 112 and the drilling rig 104 are shown in Fig. 1 on land. Alternatively, the processes described here and illustrated in the figures are carried out in an offshore environment.

[0020] In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the borehole 116 was formed by a drilling process in which dirt, rock, and other subterranean material are removed to create the borehole 116. In some embodiments, a portion of the borehole 116 is cased with a drill pipe (not shown). In other embodiments, the borehole 116 is maintained in an open-hole configuration without a drill pipe. The embodiments described herein are applicable to either cased or open-hole configurations of the borehole 116, or to a combination of cased and open-hole configurations in a particular wellbore.

[0021] After drilling of the wellbore 116 is completed and the associated drill bit and drill string are "released" from the wellbore 116, a conveyance 150, which may be a drill string, drill pipe, coiled tubing, production tubing, wireline, downhole tractor, or any other type of conveyance capable of being deployed in a wellbore, is lowered into the wellbore 116. In some embodiments, the conveyance 150 includes an internal passageway 194 disposed longitudinally within the conveyance 150 and providing fluid communication between the surface 108 of the bore 112 of Fig. 1 and a wellbore location in formation 120, wherein the conveyor 150 provides a fluid flow path for fluids to flow to an area external to the perforating gun assembly 119 and from the area downhole where fluid flows downhole, through an outlet line 198 and into a container 178. In some embodiments where the conveyor 150 is a wireline, the wellbore 116 provides fluid flow paths for fluids to flow downhole and downhole to the container 178. In some embodiments, one or more pumps (not shown) are used to facilitate fluid flow downhole into or uphole from the wellbore.

[0022] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the carriage 150 is lowered by a lifting device 154 associated with a derrick 158 positioned on or adjacent to the rig 104, as shown in Fig. 1. The lifting assembly 154 includes a hook 162, a cable 166, a traveling block (not shown), and a hoist (not shown) that cooperate to raise or lower a swivel 170 coupled to an upper end of the carriage 150. In some embodiments, the carriage 150 is raised or lowered as needed to add additional tubing sections to the carriage 150 to position the perforating gun assembly 119 at a desired depth or zone within the wellbore 116.

[0023] The perforating gun assembly 119 includes a first perforating gun 121, an adjacent second perforating gun 123, and a partition wall 122 positioned between the first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the partition 122 is housed in a gun body of the perforating gun assembly 119. The partition 122 has a threadless outer surface that spans at least the length of a threaded connection between the first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123. Additional descriptions of the partition 122 are given in the following paragraphs and at least in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In some embodiments, after firing the perforating gun assembly 119, the perforating gun assembly 119 is lowered or raised to a different location or zone within the wellbore 116 to initiate firing of the perforating gun assembly 119 at the second location or zone. In some embodiments, the perforating gun assembly 119 is raised to the surface 108 without firing into the formation 120.

[0024] Although Fig. 1 shows the perforating gun assembly 119 with two perforating guns 121 and 123 and a partition 122 positioned between two perforating guns 121 and 123, in some embodiments the perforating gun assembly 119 includes additional perforating guns (not shown) and additional partitions (not shown) positioned between adjacent perforating guns. Although Fig. 1 illustrates a perforating gun assembly 119. In some embodiments, multiple perforating gun assemblies (not shown), each having one or more dividers (not shown) positioned between adjacent perforating guns, are simultaneously deployed by carriage 150 to various desired depths. In one or more of these embodiments, the multiple perforating guns are initiated simultaneously or sequentially to fire into the formation 120.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the perforating gun assembly 119 of Fig. 1 with a partition wall 122 which is coupled to the adjacent first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123 and in the borehole 116 of Fig. 1 is inserted. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the first perforating gun 121 includes an interconnected charge tube 232 containing charges 234 and 235, such as perforating charges, and a detonator sleeve 228 configured to receive a detonator (not shown). In some embodiments, the detonator sleeve 228 is attached to the charge tube 232 and partially housed within the charge tube 232. In one or more of these embodiments, the partition 122, the charge tube 232, and the detonator sleeve 228 are inserted at an uphole end (such as a pin end or a left end), and the detonator is inserted at an opposite downhole end (such as a box end or right end). In the embodiment of Fig. 2, charges 234 and 235 are connected to a detonation cord 238, which provides a transmission medium for triggering charges 234 and 235. In some embodiments where charges 234 and 235 are not connected by detonation cord 238, charges 234 and 235 are remotely deployed or deployed after a predetermined period of time. Similarly, second perforating gun 123 also includes an interconnected charge tube 272 containing charges 274 and 275 and a detonation cord 288, and a detonator sleeve 278 configured to receive a detonator (not shown).

[0026] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the first and second perforating guns 121 and 123 are configured to be selectively fired such that each of the first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123 can be fired simultaneously or at different times from one or more additional perforating guns (not shown) of the perforating gun assembly 119. Further, in some embodiments, each perforating gun 121 or 123 can be operated to selectively deliver one or more charges, such as charges 234 and 235, simultaneously or at different times from one another.In one or more embodiments, each perforating gun includes a selective firing module (not shown) and electrical conductors (such as, but not limited to, wires, conductive tapes, traces, as well as other types of electrical conductors) extending along the respective perforating gun to facilitate selective firing of the respective perforating gun. In one or more such embodiments, the electrical conductors electrically connect the selective firing modules to a source (e.g., a wireline, a telemetry transceiver, etc.) of an electrical signal. In one or more of these embodiments, the carriage 150 of FIG. Fig. 1 or the perforating gun assembly 119 includes a telemetry transceiver (not shown) configured to receive a telemetry signal (e.g., via pressure pulse, acoustic, electromagnetic, optical, or other form of telemetry) and, in response, send an electrical signal to the selective firing modules. In one or more of these embodiments, each selective firing module is individually addressable (e.g., with each module having a unique IP address) such that a predetermined signal causes the firing of a respective selected one of the explosive assemblies. In one or more of these embodiments, multiple modules are configured to respond to the same signal to cause the firing of corresponding perforating guns in accordance with the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] The first and second perforating guns 121 and 123 are connected by threads that hold the partition 122. In particular, the threaded connections (shown in Figure 3) of the first and second perforating guns 121 and 123 are positioned between sealing elements that partially or completely fill the outer grooves 202 and 204 of the partition 122. Additional descriptions of threaded connections and sealing elements are provided in the following paragraphs and illustrated in at least Figure 3. The partition 122 includes an alignment feature 208 that facilitates alignment of the partition 122 with the first perforating gun 121. In some embodiments, the partition 122 and the charge tube 232 are freely rotatable relative to each other during and after assembly until the alignment feature 208 mates with a corresponding mating feature (not shown) on the charge tube 232.In addition, the partition 122, the charge tube 232, the charges 234 and 235, and the igniter sleeve 228 are prevented from rotating after the alignment feature 208 mates with the mating feature.

[0028] The partition 122 also includes an electrical ground 210 that provides grounding for one or more electrical conductors of the first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123. Additional descriptions of the components of partitions for perforating guns can be found in the following paragraphs and are described at least in the Fig. 3-5B.

[0029] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, a second partition 124 is positioned around threaded connections of the second perforating gun 123 and a third perforating gun (not shown). Furthermore, the second perforating gun 123 and the third perforating gun are connected by threads that retain the partition 124. In some embodiments, the perforating gun assembly 119 includes additional adjacent perforating guns and additional partitions (not shown) positioned around threaded connections of the adjacent perforating guns. Although in Fig. While in Figure 2, each of the charge tubes 232 and 272 is shown with two charges, 234 and 235, and 274 and 275, respectively, in some embodiments, different charge tubes of the perforating gun assembly 119 hold different numbers of charges. Furthermore, charges 234 and 235 are shown having a specific orientation relative to each other.

[0030] In some embodiments, charges 234 and 235 have the same orientation or are oriented in a different orientation (e.g., 45° relative to each other, 60° relative to each other, 90° relative to each other, or a different number of degrees relative to each other) than the Fig. 2 shown alignment. Although Fig. 2 illustrates detonator sleeves 228 and 278 attached to the end of charge tubes 232 and 272, respectively, and configured to receive a detonator (not shown), in some embodiments, perforating guns 121 and 123 do not include detonator sleeves 228 or 278.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the partition 122 of the perforating gun assembly 119 of Fig. 1. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the partition 122 is positioned between the first perforating gun 121 and the adjacent second perforating gun 123 of the perforating gun assembly 119. The first perforating gun 121 has a threaded surface represented by line 321, and the second perforating gun 123 has a threaded surface represented by line 323. The threaded surfaces 321 and 323 of the first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123 engage each other to form a threaded connection represented by line 322.

[0032] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the partition wall 122 has a first outer groove 302 and a second outer groove 304 extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the partition wall 122. The first outer groove 302 and the second outer groove 304 are positioned around the threaded connection 322. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the partition wall 122 is sealed by sealing elements 319 and 324 deposited in the first outer groove 302 and the second outer groove 304, respectively. The sealing elements 319 and 324 include any mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical components that reduce or eliminate the pressure, swelling, and / or deformation of the threaded surfaces 321, 322, and 323, and to reduce or prevent fluids from contacting electrical components within the partition wall 122. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the sealing elements 319 and 324 are O-rings deposited in the first outer groove 302 and the second outer groove 304, respectively, to seal the threaded connection 322 to reduce or eliminate pressure, swelling, and deformation of the threaded connection 322 due to charge detonation and other perforating events. In some embodiments where the partition wall 122 does not include grooves 302 and 304, sealing elements are positioned between the partition wall 122 and the first and second perforating guns 121 and 123 to seal the threaded connection 322 to limit, reduce, or eliminate pressure, swelling, and deformation of the threaded surfaces 321, 322, and 323, as well as to prevent fluids, boreholes, or other electrical components within the perforating gun assembly 119 from Fig. Touch 1.

[0033] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the partition wall 122 has a notch 306 positioned between the first outer groove 302 and the second outer groove 304. Furthermore, the notch 306 floats between the first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the notch 306 is designed to provide a bearing surface that can withstand detonation and other events where the pressure applied to the threaded connection 322 is greater than a threshold pressure (e.g., 1,000 psi, 5,000 psi, or other threshold psi).

[0034] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the partition 122 also includes an alignment piece 308 that facilitates the alignment of the partition 122 to the gun body before and during perforation operations. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the partition wall 122 partially houses the alignment piece 308. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the alignment piece 308 is aligned with the first shot on the charge tube 332. When the partition 122 and charge tube 332 are inserted into the perforating gun assembly, the alignment piece 308 slides into a mating slot on the gun body, firing the charges in an arc. In some embodiments, the alignment piece 308 or other alignment feature (not shown) is a built-in component of the partition 122, with the alignment piece 308 mateable with an adjacent perforating gun, such as the first perforating gun 121 or the second perforating gun 123. In some embodiments, the partition 122 includes a receiving feature (e.g., a groove), and an adjacent perforating gun includes an alignment feature (e.g., an alignment piece similar to alignment piece 308) that mates with the receiving feature of the partition 122.In one or more such embodiments where a partition 122 includes a receiving feature such as a groove, the perforating gun does not include an alignment feature such as alignment pad 308. In one or more of these embodiments, a partition includes an alignment feature and a receiving feature. In some embodiments, an alignment pad is attached to another component of a perforating gun assembly. In one or more such embodiments, an alignment pad is attached to a charge holder of the perforating gun assembly. In one or more such embodiments, an alignment pad is attached to an igniter of the perforating gun assembly. The partition 122 also includes an electrical ground 310 for electrical connections of the perforating gun assembly 119 of FIG. Fig. 1.

[0035] The partition 122 has an internal passage 320 configured to accommodate components of the perforating gun assembly 119 of Fig. 1 partially or completely into the inner passage 320. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, an igniter 330 of the perforating gun assembly 119 is installed within the inner passage 320. In some embodiments, the inner passage 320 includes a threaded surface along the inner passage 320 that secures the igniter 330 or other components disposed within the inner passage 320.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4A is a schematic exterior view of a partition wall 400 similar to the partition wall 122 of Fig. 3. In the embodiment of Fig. 4A, the exterior of the partition 400 has a first outer groove 402 and a second outer groove 404 extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the partition 400. After the partition 400 is installed in a gun body of a perforating gun assembly, such as the perforating gun assembly 119 of Fig. 1, the first outer groove 402 and the second outer groove 404 are arranged around a threaded connection of two adjacent perforating guns, such as threaded connection 322 of the perforating guns 121 and 123 of Fig. 3, to reduce or eliminate the pressure on the threaded connection during perforation. Furthermore, the partition 400 also includes a notch 406 positioned between the first outer groove 402 and the second outer groove 404. In the embodiment of Fig. 4A, the notch 406 does not have an angled surface. In some embodiments, the notch 406 has one or more angled surfaces.

[0037] In this respect, Fig. 4B is a schematic external view of another partition wall 420 similar to the partition wall 122 of Fig. 3. In the embodiment of Fig. 4B, the outer side of the partition wall 420 has a first outer groove 422 and a second outer groove 424 extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the partition wall 420. Furthermore, the partition wall 420 also includes a notch 426 positioned between the first outer groove 422 and the second outer groove 424. In the embodiment of Fig. 4B, the notch 426 has an angled surface 428, wherein the angled surface 428 is designed to increase the bearing strength of the notch 426. In the embodiment of Fig. 4B, the notch 426 has an angled surface 428. In the embodiment of Fig. 4B, the angled surface 428 extends from one side of the partition wall 420. In some embodiments, additional angled surfaces (not shown) extend from the second side 432 of the notch 426. In some embodiments, the notch 426 includes a plurality of angled surfaces (not shown) along one or both sides of the notch 426.

[0038] In this respect, Fig. 4C is a schematic exterior view of another partition wall 440 similar to the partition wall 122 of Fig. 3. In the embodiment of Fig. 4C, the outer side of the partition wall 440 has a first outer groove 442 and a second outer groove 444 extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the partition wall 440. Furthermore, the partition wall 440 also includes a notch 446 positioned between the first outer groove 442 and the second outer groove 444. In the embodiment of Fig. 4C, the notch 446 has a first angled surface 448 and a second angled surface 450, each of the first angled surface 448 and the second angled surface 450 being constructed to increase the bearing strength of the notch 446. In some embodiments, the first and second angled surfaces 448 and 450 are constructed to have different slope or inclination angles. In the embodiment of Fig. 4C, the first angled surface 448 and the second angled surface 450 extend from one side of the partition wall 440. In some embodiments, additional angled surfaces (not shown) extend from the second side 452 of the notch 446.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4D is a schematic exterior view of another partition 460 similar to the partition 122 of Fig. 3. In the embodiment of Fig. 4D, the outer surface of the partition 460 has a first outer groove 462 and a second outer groove 464 extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the partition 460. Furthermore, the partition 460 also includes a notch 466 positioned between the first outer groove 462 and the second outer groove 464. Furthermore, the partition 460 also includes an alignment piece 474 that facilitates the alignment of the partition 460 to the gun body before and during perforating operations. The partition 460 of Fig. 4D includes an alignment piece 474. In some embodiments, the partition 460 includes a plurality of alignment pieces (not shown) to facilitate alignment of the partition 460 before and during perforating operations.

[0040] Fig. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partition wall 500 similar to the partition wall 122 of Fig. 3. In the embodiment of Fig. 5A, electrical connections 526 and a sealing element 528 are stored in the internal passage through 520 of the partition wall 500. In some embodiments, the sealing element 528 also maintains a pressure seal between adjacent perforating guns, such as the first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123 of Fig. 1. The sealing element 528 seals portions of the electrical connections 526 within the inner passage under pressure through 520 of the partition wall 500.

[0041] Fig. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another partition 550 similar to the partition 122 of Fig. 3. In the embodiment of Fig. 5B, electrical connections 576 and a sealing element 578 are stored in the internal passage through 570 of the partition wall 550. In some embodiments, the sealing element 578 also maintains a pressure seal between adjacent perforating guns, such as the first perforating gun 121 and the second perforating gun 123 of Fig. 1. The partition 550 also includes a compressible retainer 580 that compresses the sealing element 578 to pressure-seal portions of the electrical connections 576 within the interior passage 570 of the partition 550. In one or more of these embodiments, the sealing element 578 pressure-seals portions of the electrical connections 576 while enabling the transmission of data and power across the electrical connections 576.

[0042] The above-disclosed embodiments have been presented for the purpose of illustration and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the disclosure, but the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms disclosed. Many minor modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The scope of the claims is intended to broadly cover the disclosed embodiments and any such modifications. Furthermore, the following clauses represent additional embodiments of the disclosure and should be considered in the context of the disclosure: Clause 1, a bulkhead for a perforating gun, comprising: an unthreaded outer surface extending over a length of a threaded connection of adjacent first and second perforating guns; a first outer groove having a first sealing element partially disposed within the first outer groove; and a second outer groove having a second sealing element partially disposed within the second outer groove, the first sealing element and the second sealing element being disposed around the threaded connection. Clause 2, the partition of Clause 1, further comprising a notch positioned between the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun. Clause 3, the partition wall of Clause 2, wherein the notch comprises an angled surface. Clause 4, the partition of clause 3, wherein the angled surface is disposed on a first side of the notch, and wherein the notch includes a second angled surface disposed on a second side opposite the first side. Clause 5, the partition wall of any one of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising an alignment piece disposed on the outer surface. Clause 6, the partition of any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising an internal passageway accommodating one or more components of a perforating gun assembly within the partition. Clause 7, the partition of Clause 6, further comprising: an electrical sealing element disposed within the interior passageway; and a compressible retainer, wherein compressing the compressible retainer pressure-seals the one or more components of the perforating gun assembly. Clause 8, the bulkhead of any one of clauses 6 or 7, wherein the internal passage includes a threaded surface securing the one or more components of the perforating gun assembly to the bulkhead. Clause 9, the partition wall of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the first sealing element is disposed entirely within the first outer groove, and wherein the second sealing element is disposed entirely within the second outer groove. Clause 10, the partition wall of any of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising an electrical ground. Clause 11, the partition according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the partition is mounted in a gun body of a perforating gun assembly. Clause 12, a perforating gun assembly comprising: a first perforating gun; a second perforating gun; and a bulkhead comprising: an unthreaded outer surface extending a length of a threaded connection of the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun; a first sealing member; and a second sealing member, the first sealing member and the second sealing member being disposed around the threaded connection. Clause 13, the perforating gun assembly of Clause 12, further comprising a notch positioned between the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun. Clause 14, the perforating gun assembly of Clause 13, wherein the notch comprises an angled surface. Clause 15, the perforating gun assembly of clause 14, wherein the notch includes a second angled surface, and wherein the angled surface is disposed on a first side of the notch, and wherein the second angled surface is disposed on a second and opposite side of the notch. Clause 16, the perforating gun assembly of any one of clauses 12-15, further comprising an alignment piece disposed on the outer surface. Clause 17, the perforating gun assembly of any one of clauses 12-16, further comprising an internal passageway housing one or more components of the perforating gun assembly in the partition. Clause 18, the perforating gun assembly of Clause 17, further comprising: an electrical sealing element disposed within the interior passageway; and a compressible retainer, wherein compression of the compressible retainer pressure-seals the one or more components of the perforating gun assembly. Clause 19, the perforating gun assembly of any one of clauses 17 or 18, wherein the internal passage includes a threaded surface securing the one or more components of the perforating gun assembly to the partition. Clause 20, A perforating gun assembly according to any one of clauses 12 to 19, wherein the partition wall is partially housed in a gun drill tube of the perforating gun assembly.

[0043] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprising" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification and / or the claims, specify the presence of stated features, steps, acts, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Additionally, the steps and components described in the above embodiments and figures are merely illustrative and do not imply that any particular step or component is a requirement of any claimed embodiment.

Claims

[1] Partition (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) for connecting a first perforating gun (121) and a second perforating gun (123), comprising: a threadless outer surface extending over a length of a threaded connection (322) of adjacent first perforating gun (121) and second perforating gun (123); a first outer groove (302, 402, 422, 442, 462) having a first sealing element (319) partially disposed in the first outer groove (302, 402, 422, 442, 462); and a second outer groove (304, 404, 424, 442, 462) with a second sealing element (324) partially disposed in the second outer groove (302, 402, 422, 442, 462), wherein the first sealing element (319) and the second sealing element (324) are arranged around the threaded connection (322). [2] The partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) of claim 1, further comprising a notch (306, 406, 426, 446, 466) positioned between the first perforating gun (121) and the second perforating gun (123). [3] The partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) of claim 2, wherein the notch (306, 406, 426, 446, 466) comprises an angled surface (428). [4] The partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) of claim 3, wherein the angled surface (428) is disposed on a first side of the notch (306, 406, 426, 446, 466), and wherein the notch (306, 406, 426, 446, 466) includes a second angled surface (450) disposed on a second side opposite the first side. [5] The partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an alignment piece (308, 474) disposed on the outer surface. [6] The partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an internal passageway (320, 520, 570) housing one or more components of a perforating gun assembly (119) within the partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550). [7] Partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) according to claim 6, further comprising: an electrical sealing element (528) disposed within the inner passage (320, 520, 570); and a compressible holder (580), wherein compression of the compressible holder (580) pressure seals the one or more components of the perforating gun assembly (119). [8] The partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) of any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the internal passageway (320, 520, 570) includes a threaded surface that secures the one or more components of the perforating gun assembly (119) to the partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550). [9] Partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first sealing element (319) is arranged entirely in the first outer groove (302, 402, 422, 442, 462), and wherein the second sealing element (324) is arranged entirely in the second outer groove (304, 404, 424, 442, 462). [10] Partition wall (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an electrical ground (310). [11] Partition (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the partition (122, 400, 420, 440, 460, 500, 550) is mounted in a gun body of a perforating gun assembly (119).

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