US3273645A

US3273645A - Well completion apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3273645A
Application number: US211525A
Authority: US
Inventors: Mott Raymond W Der
Original assignee: Schlumberger Well Surveying Corp
Current assignee: Schlumberger Well Surveying Corp
Priority date: 1962-07-23
Filing date: 1962-07-23
Publication date: 1966-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 1983-09-20

Description

Sept. 20, 1966 R. w. DER MOTT WELL COMPLETION APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 25, 1962 Roy/7700a l V. flew/'70 fl INVENTOR.

ATTGF/VEV Sept. 20, 1966 R. w. DER MOTT 3,273,645

WELL COMPLETION APPARATUS Filed July 23, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ANCHOR INVENTOR.

07 BY a 2 24 ATTORNEY Sept. 20, 1966 R. w. DER MOTT WELL COMPLETION APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 23, 1962 i y Q a w r f \I B 4 fi fi Fay/7700 0 VV. flex M0 f2 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,273,645 WELL COMPLETION APPARATUS Raymond. W. Der Mott, Houston, Tex., assignor to Schlumberger Well Surveying Corporation, Houston, Tex., a corporation of Texas Filed July 23, 1962, Ser. No. 211,525 14 Claims. (Cl. 166-551) This invention relates to well completion apparatus, and more particularly, to multiple well completion apparatus useful in completing one pipe string independently of other pipe strings in a well bore.

In multiple well completion a plurality of tubing or casing strings generally extend to different formations at different depths in a well bore, the pipe strings often times being cemented in the well bore. It is desired to place only one pipe string in fluid communication with a selected formation of interest by means of a selectively oriented perforating device so that independent production of hydrocarbon fluids is obtained through the separate tubing strings. It is easily appreciated that a primary requirement of this completion technique is the proper orientation and firing of a perforating apparatus to complete only one pipe string independently of the remaining pipe strings. Mechanical devices heretofore used for orienting of the perforating apparatus have worked successfully but occasionally present some operating difiiculties and thus fail to provide the well owners with complete confidence that the operation can be successfully conducted.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to rovide new and improved orienting apparatus adapted for use in multiple completions having an increased reliability of operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide new and improved orienting apparatus for well perforating arranged for attachment to a tubing string and for positively orienting the direction of firing while the sup porting cable remains stationary.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide new and improved orienting apparatus for well perforating wherein a plurality of electrical circuits are utilized for gun orienting and firing purposes while maintaining complete operating safety.

These and other objects are obtained in accordance with the invention by apparatus including hydraulically actuated anchor means for anchoring to a pipe string and motor driven rotating means for rotating a perforating device relative to the anchor means. The device is arranged so that the hydraulic anchor means first securely attaches to the pipe string and then a motor (in the rotating means) is actuated. If at any time the anchor fails, the motor will discontinue rotation. Means are also provided to isolate the firing circuit conductor for the perforating device from other electrical conductors so that should a conductor in the firing circuit become damaged, any false firing current resulting from current in adjacent electrical conductors would pass to ground rather than cause accidental operation of the perforating device.

The novel features of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by way of illustration and example of certain embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of apparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in cross-section through a borehole in which tubing strings are cemented and illustrates schematically, the tool anchored in a tubing string;

FIG. 3 is part schematic and part detailed view of the 3,273,645 Patented Sept. 20, 1966 'ice combined hydraulic anchor and motor operating system;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the electrical circuitry for operating the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of the apparatus; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views taken along the length of the hydraulic anchoring section showing in detail the construction and organization of the hydraulic anchoring section.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a tool assembly is illustrated which is comprised of a perforator section 10, a radioactivity orienting section 11, a rotator section 12 and anchor section 13, and connected at the top of the anchor section 13, a casing collar locator 14. It will be noted that the tool assembly is jointed along its length to provide short articulated lengths tiltable relative to one another to permit passage through tortuously disposed tubing or casing strings. While a jointed tool is preferable because it will operate under most any and all pipe string conditions, the tool could be made in an integral assembly in accordance with the principles hereinafter described.

The entire tool assembly is, of course, sized to be passed through a small diameter pipe string by means of a support cable 15 spooled on a surface located winch (not shown), the tool assembly being located at any specific depth in a well-known manner.

Perforator 10 may be provided with shaped charges 16 preferably aligned in a vertical array to fire in a single lateral direction away from the central axis of the tool assembly. Radioactive orienting section 11 includes a radioactive source 17, such as cesium-137 or other low energy gamma-emitter, and a suitably spaced radioactivity detector 18, both of which are collimated by radioactive shielding material provided with suitable rectangular shaped openings arranged to face in a lateral direction aligned or oriented in a prescribed manner with respect to the direction of fire of the perforating apparatus. Also contained in the section 11 are the electrical components necessary to transmit the response of the radioactivity detector to the surface. The type of radioactivity system used may, for example, be a type well known in the art.

Rotator section 12 contains a driving mechanismv to simultaneously rotate the interconnected radioactivity section 11 and a perforator 10 relative to the anchor section .13. Anchor section 13 has anchor pads 19 spaced about its circumference (shown in FIG. 2) the anchor pads being adapted to be urged outwardly into firm attachment with the tubing string through suitable openings 20 in the section 13.

Reference is now to FIG. 3 where the anchor section 13 is schematically illustrated and details of rotator sec tion 12 are disclosed. Anchor section 13 includes. a support or housing with an upper fluid reservoir chamber 21 containing a fluid, the reservoir 21 also containing a pump motor 22, a motor driven pump 23, a flow control valve 24 and a pressure operated switch means 25, all of which are suitably attached to the support. Pump 23 is driven by a shaft 26 from the motor 22 and also has an inlet 27 to the reservoir fluid and an outlet 28 connected to the valve 24. Valve 24 in one position connects the pump outlet 28 to a conduit 29. In another position of the valve 24, the conduit 29 is connected to a discharge outlet 30 opening to the reservoir fluid.

Pressure responsive switch means 25 includes a microswitch 31 operatively connected to a piston 32 in a cylinder 33, the piston 32 being urged downwardly under the influence of the spring 34 to hold the microswitch 31 in one position. Cylinder 33 opens to the reservoir fluid on the side of the piston upon which the spring 34 bears while the other end of the cylinder 33 is connected by a conduit 35 to the conduit 29.

Below fluid reservoir chamber 21, the support of the housing section 13 has a central tubular portion 36 which extends downwardly to a lower connecting end 37 received in the upper end of rotator section 12. An upper portion of the tubular section 36 and depending tubular portion of the support form an annular pressure cylinder 38 which opens to conduit 29 and in which an annular piston 39 is slidably received. Piston 39 has a tubular extension 40 slidably received over the central tubular member 36 and toggle 'bars 41 respectively attach one end of the anchor pads 19 to the piston extension 40. Piston 39 is resiliently urged toward its uppermost position in the annular cylinder 38 by means of a spring 42 about the central tubular member 36. The lower end of the anchor pads 19 are respectively connected by toggle members 43 to central tubular member 36.

The anchor section above described will hereinafter be more fully explained in connection with FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The lower connecting end 37 of housing section 13 has a spherically shaped portion 44 received in a spherically shaped seat 45 in rotator section 12, and a locking nut 46 is provided to hold spherically shaped portions together. Hence, the ball type joint described permits free tilting movement of the housing section 13 relative to section 12. To prevent relative rotation between the

housing sections

13 and 12, a locking pin 47 is provided which extends into a lengthwise elongated slot in spherically shaped portion 44, the pin 47 being sized to the width of the slot and located on the central axis of rotation for the spherical section so as not to impede the relative tilting movement. A tubular connecting member 48 extends between a conduit 49 in the central tubular section 36 and a reservoir chamber 48a in the motor orientor sect-ion. The tubular member 48 and conduit 49 open to the reservoir 21 in the housing section 13, and to the reservoir 48a in the housing section 12.

In the reservoir chamber 48a, a motor 50 is connected by a coupling 51 to a 'gear train 52, the gear train 52 being connected by a clutch 53 to a drive housing 54. The motor 50 and gear train are suitably supported in the section 12. Drive housing 54 is actually the upper part of orienting section 11 and is supported in the rotator section 12 :by

bearings

55, 56, 57 and 58.

Drive housing 54 has a cylindrical bore 54a therein in which a coaxial conductor assembly 59 is received. The coaxial assembly 59 includes a central electrical conductor 60, a grounded coaxial electrical conductor shield 61, and a second coaxial conduct-or 62, each of the conductors being separated from one another by electrical insulation material and the outer, second coaxial conductor 62 being electrically isolated from the housing and secured thereto by an electrical insulation and bonding material such as an epoxy resin. At the upper and lower ends of the coaxial assembly 59, portions of the coaxial conductor are peeled away so that separate electrical inputs and outputs can be connected to each conductor. At the upper end of coaxial assembly 59, three conductor rods 63-65 are respectively disposed perpendicular to .the assembly 59 and used to connect the respective conductors 69-62 to a collector ring 66. The conductor rods 63-65 are suitably electrically insulated and attached to the housing 54. An electrical distribution ring 66 is provided in the section 12 and contains three longitudinally spaced annular conductive elements 67-69 which -are electrically insulated from one another and supported in a non-conductive material forming the ring 66. The

individual conductive ring elements 67-69 are connected to individual conductor wires (schematically shown).

1 72 which is suitably supported in the housing section 12 on an electrically insulated body 73. The collector ring 72 (shown in enlarged view in FIG. 5) is provided with peripherally spaced narrow width slots 73a, preferably angularly spaced at 10 degrees relative to one another to form fingers 74 depending from a common ring 75. One such a slot 73b has a greater width than the other slots forming a finger 7411 with a smaller width so that a reference point is provided on the ring 72. The spring contactor member 71 thus makes electrical contact with the individual depending fingers 74 of the collector ring 72 and the slots 73a therebetween break electrical contact as the spring moves from one finger to another. Ring 72 is connected in an electrical indicating circuit as will hereafter be explained.

In the general operation of the above-described apparatus, the assembled tool shown in FIG. 1 is lowered into a tubing string (as shown in FIG. 2) to a depth at which perforations are desired. While going through the tubing to the selected depth, the casing collar locator 14 provides indications when the tool passes collars so that the depth location of the tool is accurately determined. When the tool is at the selected depth for operation, the motor 22 is actuated (from a surface control not shown) and the valve 24 is set to connect the pump 23 to the conduit 29. Pump 23 Withdraws fluid from the reservoir chamber 21 via inlet 27 and supplies fluid under pressure to pressure cylinder 38 via conduit 29. Piston 39 is moved by the fluid pressure in cylinder 38 to extend the pads 19 into engaging contact with the tubing wall. At this time, pressure of the fluid increases and switch 31 is actuated. As will hereinafter be made apparent, switch 31 when actuated conditions motor 50 for operation and causes motor 22 to stop operation. Motor 50 in operation rotates the radioactivity orienting section 11 and perforator 10 in unis-on.

Preferred details of the present invention as well as more specific operation-a1 characteristics will now be more fully explained.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the electrical system for the apparatus is illustrated. The conductors required to translate signals and power between the earths surface and the tool are a ground wire 75, a wire 76 for translating current to the hydraulic actuator motor 22 and rotator' motor 50, a wire 77 for translating electrical signals and power from and to the radioactivity section and a wire 78 for translating current to the perforator. A three Wire cable where the armor wire is used for a ground return is suitable for providing the required conductors.

The wire 78 that connects to the perforator has reversely connected diodes 79 to isolate the perforator circuit from stray currents which may be induced in the wire above the diodes. Above the diodes, the casing collar vfor obtaining the indications of easing collars or a source of power for operating the perforator.

The wire 76 can be connected at the earths surfiace by a switch (not shown) to a source of DC. power (not shown). When the surface switch is properly connected, direct current (position potential) is passed through a diode to cause operation of a conventional pulse generator 83, the pulse generator 83 producing spaced electrical pulse outputs. The output of the pulse generator 83 is connected via microswitch 31 to a coil of a solenoid which operates motor 22 (such as a Ledex solenoid motor hereinafter explained more fully). Pulse generator 83 is also connected via the microswitch and a diode 83a to a coil of a solenoid switch 84 (hereinafter more fully explained) which actuates the pump valve 24. Pump valve 24 when so actuated connects pump outlet 28 to conduit 29. The wire 76 is also connected via a resistance 84a to the solenoid 84. The solenoid 84 requires the larger current output of the pulse generator 83 for actuation and a far lesser current supplied by the dire-ct connection through resistance 84a to maintain the solenoid in an actuated condition. The current required to maintain the solenoid 84 actuated is less than the current required to actuate the pulse generator 83. The output of the pulse generator supplied to the pump solenoid 85 is monitored by a resistance-diode combination 83b connected between the coil of the solenoid 85 and the wire 77 which will hereafter be more fully explained.

Motor 22, as described heretofore, drives the pump 23 to provide a fluid under pressure via conduit 29 to move the annular piston 39 and thereby move the anchor pads 19 into engagement with the wall of the borehole. The pump 23 will continue operation until the pressure of the fluid in

conduit

29 and 35 builds up sufficiently to actuate the pressure responsive switch means 25 thereby actuating micro-switch 31. Microswitch 31, when actuated, disconnects the pump motor solenoid 85 from pulse 'gentrator 83 and connects the pulse generator 83 to a coil 86 of a solenoid motor in motor 50 (hereinafter more fully explained) in the rotation section which rotates the sections 11 and relative to the attached anchor section. Motor 50 like motor 22 is preferably a Ledex solenoid motor. Other diodes (not numbered) are suitably provided throughout the circuitry for electrical protection purposes.

Also, in the indexing section, the rotation of the housing 54 causes the spring contactor member 71 to sequentially engage the fingers 74 and the slots 73a breaking the circuit, the fingers, slots, and contactor member therefore providing a switch means. The contaotor member 71 is connected to the housing section at electrical ground potential while the conductor ring 72 (FIG. 5) is connected via resistor 87 to the wire 77. Each time the spring contactor 71 passes a slot 73a between the co-ntactor fingers 74, an electrical indication is produced which is detected at the earths surface. These indication signals consist of DC. pulse type voltage signals which are readily distinguishable from the electrical signals generated by the radioactivity orientor section. The enlarged slot 73b and narrower finger 74a provide an electrical reference signal easily distinguishable from the remaining indication signals.

In the radioactivity orientor section 11, a detector tube 88, such as a scintillation counter is connected via an amplifier 89 to the wire 77 while a voltage supply 89a, provided to operate the amplifier and detector tube, is also supplied power from the surface via wire 77 The use of a single Wire such as Wire 77 to provide downhole power and pass distinct signals up to the surface is well known in the art. Likewise, the surface equipment used in connection with wire 77 to record the radioactivity indications and the switch 71 indications is well known in the art.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description concerns the operation of a valve and pump simultaneously and the pump and motor sequentially from a single wire with a ground return. A D.C. power supply is connected to a single conductor and the valve, motor and pump are all D.C. responsive. This unique system reduces the number of cable conductors required and, hence, cable costs. However, it will be appreciated that a multiconductor cable containing six or more conductors could be used and other than D.C. operated equipment could be employed. However this is not particularly preferable.

Wires 7678 are passed through the apparatus in a normal fashion and the apparatus housing provides an electrical ground. In the lower part of FIG. 3, however, the electrical connections are arranged in a novel manner for insuring safety of operation. With reference to FIG. 3, wire 78 is connected to the central conductor 60. The first coaxial conductor 61 is connected to an electrical ground and the outer coaxial conductor 62 is connected to the radioactivity conductor wire 77. It will be appreciated that the coaxial assembly is such that the firing wire 60 is separated from the radioactivity wire 77 by an electrical ground wire. Hence, protection against accidental electrical connection between the current in the radiocativity conductor 62 and the firing conductor 60 in the rotation section is prevented since the electrical ground conductor 61 prevents such a direct connection. Hence, the firing line is electrically isolated from the radioactivity line in the rotator section.

Before turning to the details of apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the detailed operation of the electrical system will be outlined. When the assembled tool as shown in FIG. 1 is positioned in a tubing string (as shown in FIG. 2) to a depth at which perforations are desired, the surface control switch (not shown) is operated to connect the DC. power supply to wire 76 and provide suflicient current to actuate pulse generator 83, the pulse generator producing a pulse output to microswitch 31. In the position of microswitch 31 shown, the pulse output is applied via a diode 83a to actuate the solenoid 84, the solenoid 84 being held actuated by current passed via Wire 76 through resistance 84a. The pulse output of the pulse generator 83 also actuates the solenoid each time a pulse is applied to it. The pulse output from pulse gen-- erator 83 is also conveyed via a resistor-diode combination 83b to wire 77 and at the surface of the earth this indication is indicated on suitable instruments, such as a neon bulb. The purpose of obtaining this indication is to determine that the pump is being operated in the well bore.

The pump 23 provides a fluid under pressure to the pressure cylinder 38 and piston 39 to move piston 39 downwardly against the action of spring 42 and urge the anchor pads 19 outwardly into engagement with the tubing wall. As the pads 19 engage the wall the fluid pressure builds up and in so doing actuates the pressure responsive means 25 by moving the piston 32 and moving switch 31 to its other position. Switch 31, when switched, connects the pulse generator 83 directly to the solenoid 86 of the motor 50 for the orientor and disconnects the pump motor 22 from operation. The valve solenoid 84 is, however, kept actuated by the holding current conveyed via resistance 84a which is prevented from reaching pump solenoid 85 by means of diode 83a. The resistor-diode combination 83b is disconnected from the wire 77.

The motor solenoid 86 when actuated by each pulse operates to rotate the radioactivity section 11 and perforating section 10 relative to the anchored section. In the radioactivity section 11, the source 17 emits gamma rays and gamma ray detections are made by the tube 88 in detector 18 in a lateral direction. Hence, during a full circular sweep about the tubing, the gamma ray indications will decisively alter at the points where the lateral gamma ray devices are directed toward the adjacent tubing string. A plot of the gamma ray measurements taken illustrates very clearly the alteration in the detected gamma ray intensity caused by virtue of the presence of the adjacent pipe. The precise readings of the radioactivity detections .are correlated relative to the tubing string position(s) by virtue of the indications produced simultaneously therewith by the opening and closing of switch 71 at 10 degree angular intervals. The irregular slot 73b in the collector ring 72 of switch 71 provides a reference.

point.

After one or more complete circular sweeps and the radioactivity measurements are clearly plotted, the gun may be stopped relative to the reference point in a position to fire away from the adjacent tubing string by pressure.

stopping the rotor motor solenoid 86. Motor solenoid 86 is stopped by reducing the current on wire 76 to a point below which the pulse generator 83 will not operate, this point, however, still being above the current value necessary to be sent via resistance 84a to maintain the valve solenoid 84 actuated. With the gun so oriented, at firing current is passed via Wire 78 to the gun and which fires the gun in a well-known manner. To retrieve the apparatus the current on wire 76 is then shut ofl? so that valve solenoid 84 is deactuated and conduit 29 is now connected to the outlet pipe 30 in the reservoir 21 so that the fluid pressure in the conduit is relieved. Spring 42 urges the piston 39 towards a retracted position and pushes the fluid above back into the reservoir and the pads 19 are retracted. Thereafter, the tool is retrieved from the tubing in a well-known manner.

In the foregoing description of the apparatus and operation thereof, a gamma-gamma radioactivity orienting system and a single tool was described. However, it should be obvious that if desired the source 17 could be completely removed from the tool before it is lowered into the well and instead an omnidirectional source of radioactivity lowered to a corresponding depth in the adjacent tubing string. Thus, the detector 18 also can be oriented relative to the source of radioactivity in ad acent tubing string.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a preferable embodiment of the schematically illustrated details of the anchor section in FIG. 3 will be described. Motor 22 is a well-known commercially available Ledex solenoid motor assembly which produces successive longitudinal and rotational. motions of a shaft upon pas-sing a current to a solenoid actuating coil (coil 85 illustrated in FIG. 4). The motor 22 is attached to a spool-like frame 100 and a universal coupling connection 101 is used to connect the motor 22 to the shaft 102 of the pump. Shaft 102 is slidably mounted in a bearing 103 in the core of the spool and is shown in its upper operating position. Shaft 102 at its lower end has an enlarged cylindrical portion forming a valve element 104 which has a hollow or blind bore 105 therein. Valve element 104 has a lengthwise extending, narrow width slot 106 which, in the upper position of the valve element shown, terminates with an inclined surface 107 located just above the inlet port 27 in the spool 100. Inlet port 27, like slot 106 is a lengthwise extending, narrow width slot. In operation, flu-id contained in the chamber 21 about the spool 100 is free to enter port 27 and, in the position of the valve element shown, enter into the blind bore 105 of the valve element. When the motor 22 is actuated, the shaft 102 is moved downwardly and rotationally so that the slot 106 of the valve element 104 is taken out of register with the opening 27 and the fluid trapped in the blind bore 105 is therefore placed under The fluid under pressure is forced through a spring-type check valve 108 in a valve block 109 into the pump outlet passageway 28 in the valve block.

Flow control valve 24, which is the first component of the tool to be operated when the apparatus is in position in a well bore, has a toroidal electrical coil 84 mounted on a non-magnetic tubular supporting member 111 and which is connected to the valve block 109, the coil being held on the supporting member 111 by an attachment part 112 received in a case member 113. The case member 113 with the valve block 109 provides a sealed, closed, fluid chamber enclosing therein the coil 84 and supporting member 111. A tubular flow conduit 114 couples the lower part of the case 113 to a passageway 115 in a housing 116 which extends downwardly as shown in FIG. 6B to a point above the piston 39 so that fluid can enter into the annular piston space 38'via passageway 115. The valve block 109 also has

passageways

118, 119 which intersect at the bore forming cylinder 33 in the valve block. In the cylinder 33, the piston 32 is urged downwardly by the spring 34.

The force of spring 34 on piston 32 can be controlled by an adjustment nut 120, a rod 121 on the piston 32 is connected to the piston 32 and upward movement of rod 121 operates the microswitch 31. Outlet passageway 28 is centrally disposed in the valve block 109 and a lower passageway 123 is provided in the supporting member 111 and connects to the discharge outlet 30 provided in the attachment member 112.

As thus far described it should be appreciated that passagewayllS, 119, the interior of case 113, conduit 114, passageway define the passageway 29 referred to in FIG. 3. Passageway 35 referred to in FIG. 3, is at the junction of

passageways

118, 119 with cylinder 33 in FIG. 6A.

A valve element 123a constructed of magnetic material is slidably received in the valve support 111 and has upper and

lower sealing elements

126, 124. Valve element 123a is movable between the upper position shown (where sealing element 126 closes outlet 28) and a lower position where sealing element 124 closes an opening in support 111 in communication with passageway 123. When the solenoid 84 is actuated, the passageway 123 (and outlet 30) is closed by the sealing element 124 on the valve element and pump outlet passageway 28 opens to passageway 119 in the valve block. When the solenoid 84 is de-energized, a spring 125 in the valve element 123a urges the valve element 123a upwardly so that an upper sealing element 126 closes the upper outlet passageway 28. Valve element 123a is flutted so that fluid may pass between passageway 119 and the discharge passageway 123.

The entire assembly can be mounted in a tubular shell 127 in the housing so that electrical conductors can be passed between the shell and the housing assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, the parts as illustrated schematically in FIG. 3 are only more accurately detailed herein and further description is not necessary.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Well perforating apparatus adapted for suspension by an electric cable in a well bore having at least one string of pipe comprising:

perforating means having a prescribed direction of lateral firing,

selectively operable anchor means for selectively engaging the wall of a string of pipe including wall engaging members movable laterally between non engaging and wall-engaging positions,

and hydraulic pump means operably connected to said anchor means for laterally moving said wall-engaging members, said pump means including solenoid means having a longitudinally reciprocal element,

a fluid receiving cylinder, said cylinder having inlet and outlet ports and a check valve in said outlet port,

a valve element in said cylinder having an access opening therein sized to register with said inlet port in one longitudinal position of said valve element in said cylinder and to be out of register with said inlet port in another longitudinal position,

means connecting said valve element to said reciprocal element,

and rotator means intermediate said anchor means and said perforating means operative for rotating said perforating means relative to said anchor means when said wall engaging members are in said wall engaging position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including:

selectively operable valve means with an inlet coupled to said outlet port,

said valve means having two outlets and said valve means being operable to connect its inlet to either of its outlets,

switch means normally connected in one position to said solenoid means for controlling the operation of said anchor means and connected in another position for cont-rolling the operation of said rotator means,

pressure responsive means in one of said valve means outlets operable at a prescribed pressure to operate said switch means.

3. In a well perforating and orienting apparatus adapted for suspension by a cable in a well bore, the combination of Wall-engaging members for anchoring sections of the apparatus in the well bore and power means for rotating other sections of the apparatus in the well bore, which comprises piston means position-ed Within a pressure cylinder and operably connected to said wall-engaging members, hydraulic pump means for supplying fluid to said piston means ,for operating said wall-engaging members, said pump means comprising a fluid receiving cylinder having inlet and outlet ports, a check valve in said outlet port, a valve element in said fluid receiving cylinder having an access opening therein sized to register with said inlet port in one longitudinal position of said valve element in said fluid receiving cylinder and to be out of register with said inlet port in another longitudinal position, solenoid means for reciprocating said valve element, and means providing fluid communication between said outlet port and said pressure cylinder.

4. In a well perforating and orienting apparatus adapted for suspension by a cable in a well bore, the combination of wall-engaging members for anchoring sections of the apparatus in the Well bore and power means for rotating other sections of the apparatus in the well bore, which comprises piston means positioned within a pressure cylinder and operably connected to said wall-engaging members, hydraulic pump means comprising a fluid receiving cylinder, said cylinder having inlet and outlet ports, a check valve in said outlet port, a valve element in said fluid receiving cylinder having an access opening therein sized to register with said inlet port in one longitudinal position of said valve element in said fluid receiving cylinder and to be out of register with said inlet port in another longitudinal position, solenoid means for reciprocating said valve element, passageway means providing fluid communication between said outlet port and said pressure cylinder, means for selectively opening said passageway means to fluid communication between said outlet port and said pressure cylinder to control the application of fluid to said piston means and thereby provide for selective operation of said wall-engaging members, and switch means responsive to pressure in said passageway means for deenergizing said solenoid means and for energizing said power means to rotate sections of the apparatus.

5. A well perforating and orienting apparatus adapted for suspension by a cable in one string of pipe in a well bore having at least one other co-extending string of pipe comprising in combination; anchor means, rotating means, directional pipe locator means and directional perforating means, said anchor means including a sup port, wall-engaging members for anchoring to the wall of a string of pipe, and means for moving said wall-engaging members relative to said support; actuating means including a piston and cylinder means where one of said actuating means is operably connected to said wall-engaging members and the other of said actuating means is on said support; hydraulic pump means in said support comprising a fluid receiving cylinder with inlet and outlet ports; a check valve in said outlet port; a valve element in said fluid receiving cylinder having an access opening therein sized to register with said inlet port in one longitudinal position of said valve element in said fluid receiving cylinder and to be out of register with said inlet port in another longitudinal position; electrical means for reciprocating said valve element, and a passageway providing fluid communication between said outlet port and said actuating cylinder means; means for selectively opening said passageway to fluid communication between said outlet port and said actuating cylinder means to control the application of fluid to said actuating piston means and thereby provide for selective operation of said wall-engaging members; said rotating means being coupled between said support and said pipe locator means; switch means responsive to fluid pressure in said passageway for disconnecting said electrical means and for operating said rotating means; said perforating means having a presecribed alignment with and coupled to said pipe locator means; rotation responsive means for providing indications of the rotational position of said perforating means and pipe locator means relative to said wall-engaging member; and position responsive means connected to said Wall-engaging members for providing electrical signals of the position of said wall-engaging members.

6. A well perforating and orienting apparatus adapted for suspendsion by a cable in one string of pipe in a well bore having a least one other co-extending string of pipe comprising in combination; anchor means, rotating means, directional pipe locator means and directional perforating means; said anchor means including a support member, piston and cylinder operating means where one of said operating means is part of said support member; longitudinally extending wall anchor means with upper and lower ends disposed along said support member; lower link means coupled to said lower end and to said support member, said lower link means extending downward from said lower end; upper link means coupled to said upper end and to the other of said operating means, said upper link means extending upward from said upper end, said upper and lower link means permitting lateral movement of said wall anchor means in response to actuation of said operating means; hydraulic pump means in said support comprising a fluid receiving cylinder, with inlet and outlet ports; a check valve in said outlet port; a valve element in said fluid receiving cylinder having an access opening therein sized to register with said inlet port in one longitudinal positon of said valve element in said fluid receiving cylinder and to be out of register with said inlet port in another longitudinal position; electrical means for reciprocating said valve element; a passageway providing fluid communication between said outlet port and said cylinder operating means; means for selectively opening said passageway to fluid communication between said outlet port and said pressure cylinder to control the application of fluid to said piston operating means and thereby provide for selective operation of said wall-anchor means; said rotating means being coupled between said support and said pipe locator means; switch means responsive to fluid pressure in said passageway for disconnecting said electrical means and for operating said rotating means; said perforating means having a prescribed ailgnment with and coupled to said pipe locator means; rotation responsive means for providing indications of the rotational position of said perforating means and pipe locator means relative to said wall-anchor means; and position responsive means connected to said wall-anchor means for providing electrical signals of the position of said wall-anchor means.

7. Well perforating apparatus adapted for suspension by an electric cable in a well bore having at least one string of pipe therein comprising: perforating means havinga prescribed direction of lateral firing, selectively operable anchor means for selectively engaging the wall of a string of pipe including wall-engaging members movable laterally between non-engaging and Wall-engaging positions, rotator means intermediate said anchor means and said perforating means operative for rotating said perforating means relative to said anchor means when said wall-engaging members are in said wall-engaging position, rotation responsive means connected between said perforating and anchor means for providing electrical signals of the rotational position of said perforating means relative to said anchor means when said wall-engaging members are in said wall-engaging position, and position responsive means connected to said wall-engaging members for providing electrical signals of the position of said wall-engaging members.

8. Well perforating apparatus adapted for suspension by an electric cable in a well bore having at least one string 'of pipe therein comprising: perforating means having a prescribed direction of lateral firing, selectively operable anchor menas for selectively engaging the wall of a string of pipe including wall-engaging members .movable laterally between non-engaging and wall-engaging positions, rotator means intermediate said anchor means and said perforating means operative for rotating said perforating means relative to said anchor means when said wall-engaging members are in said wall-engaging position, and position responsive means connected to said wall-engaging members for providing electrical signals of the position of said wall-engaging members.

9. Well perforating apparatus adapted for suspension by an electric cable in one string of pipe in a well bore having at least one other coextending string of pipe comprising: perforating means having a prescribed direction of lateral firing, pipe locator means operative for determining the location of one or more coextending strings of pipe from said one string of pipe, said perforating means and pipe locator means interconnected in a prescribed oriented manner, selectively operable anchor means for selectively engaging the wall of a string of pipe including wall-engaging members movable laterally between non-engaging and wall-engaging positions, and rotator means intermediate said anchor means and said interconnected perforating and pipe locator means operative for rotating said interconnected means relative to said anchor means when said wall-engaging members are in said wall-engaging position, said rotator means including electrical interconnecting means comprised of at least three coaxially arranged and electrically insulated conductors where alternate conductors are electrically grounded.

10. Well perforating apparatus adapted for suspension by an electric cable in a well bore having at least one string of pipe comprising: perforating means having a prescribed direction of lateral firing, selectively operable anchor means for selectively engaging the wall of a string of pipe including wall-engaging members movable laterally between non-engaging and wall-engaging positions, said anchor means further including hydraulic actuating means connected to said wall-engaging members for imparting lateral movement to said members and selectively operable control means for operating said hydraulic actuating means, and rotator means intermediate said anchor means and said perforating means operative for rotating said perforating means relative to said anchor means when said wall-engaging members are in said wall-engaging position, said control means including switch means responsive to a predetermined fluid presprescribed oriented manner, selectively operable anchor means for selectively engaging the wall of a string of pipe including wall-engaging members movable laterally between non-engaging and wall-engaging positions, rotator means intermediate said anchor means and said interconnected perforating and pipe locator means operative for rotating said interconnected means relative to said anchor means when said wall-engaging members are in said wall-engaging position, rotation responsive means for providing indications of the rotational position of said perforating means relative to said anchor, and position responsive means connected to said wall-engaging members for providing electrical signals of the position of said wall-engaging members.

12. Well perforating apparatus adapted for suspension by an electric cable in a well bore having at least one string of pipe therein comprising: perforating means; rotator means, anchor means, and pipe locator means coupled in a fixed longitudinal position relative to one another, said perforating means having a prescribed direction of lateral firing, said pipe locator means and said perforating means being fixedly interconnected in a prescribed oriented manner, said anchor means including wall-engaging members movable between non-engaging and wall-engaging positions relative to the wall of a string of pipe, said pipe locator means being capable of locating one or more coextending strings of pipe from said one string of pipe; and means for selectively moving said wall-engaging members between said positions, said rotator means including a rotational connection and electrical drive means for rotating said perforating means relative to said anchor means while maintaining said fixed longitudinal positions between said anchor means and perforating means.

13. Well perforating apparatus adapted for suspension by an electric cable in a well bore having at least one string of pipe therein comprising: perforating means, rotator means, anchor means, and pipe locator means coupled in a fixed longitudinal position relative to one another, said perforating means having a prescribed direction of lateral firing, said pipe locator means and said perforating means being fixedly interconnected in a prescribed oriented manner, said anchor means including wall-engaging members movable between non-engaging and wall-engaging positions relative to the wall of a string of pipe, said anchor means further including hydraulic actuating means connected to said wall-engaging members for imparting lateral movement to said members; and selectively operable control means for operating said hydraulic actuating means to move said wallengaging members between said positions, said rotator means including a rotational connection and electrical drive means for rotating said perforating means relative to said anchor means while maintaining said fixed longitudinal positions between said anchor means and perforating means.

14. Well perforating apparatus adapted for suspension by an electric cable in a well bore having at east one string of pipe therein comprising: perforating means, rotator means, anchor means, and pipe locator means coupled in a fixed longitudinal position relative to one another, said perforating means having a prescribed direction of lateral firing, said pipe locator means and said perforating means being fixedly interconnected in a prescribed oriented manner, said anchor means including wall-engaging members movable between non-engaging and wall-engaging positions relative to the wall of a string of pipe, means for selectively moving said wall-engaging members between said positions, said rotator means including a rotational connection and electrical drive means for rotating said perforating means relative to said anchor means while maintaining said fixed longitudinal position between said anchor means and perforating means.

(References on following page) References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Corrigan 166-206 X Pieper 103-53 X Lavigne 103-53 Koch 175-99 Osborn 166-554 Fleck et a1 103-154 X Dickey 103-53 May et a1 103 1s4 X 10 Johns 166-63 X Weissmann et a1. 103-53 Wiseman et :11.

Krueter 103-25 Kenneday 166-55 Morse et a1 166-55 X Bessiere 103-154 X Bruce et a1 166-551 Nelson 166-551 X Eames et a1. 103-25 X CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner. BENJAMIN HERSH, Examiner. S. J. NOVOSAD, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

8. WELL PERFORATING APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR SUSPENSION BY ELECTRIC CABLE IN A WELL BORE HAVING AT LEAST ONE STRING OF PIPE THEREIN COMPRISING: PERFORATING MEANS HAVING A PRESCRIBED DIRECTION OF LATERAL FIRING, SELECTIVELY OPERABLE ANCHOR MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY ENGAGING THE WALL OF A STRING OF PIPE INCLUDING WALL-ENGAGING MEMBERS MOVABLE LATERALLY BETWEEN NON-ENGAGING AND WALL-ENGAGING POSITIONS, RATATOR MEANS INTERMEDIATE SAID ANCHOR MEANS AND SAID PERFORATING MEANS OPERATIVE FOR ROTATING SAID PERFORATING MEANS RELATIVE TO SAID ANCHOR MEANS WHEN SAID WALL-ENGAGING MEMBERS ARE IN SAID WALL-EN GAGING POSITION, AND POSITION RESPONSIVE MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID WALL-ENGAGING MEMBERS FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS OF THE POSITION OF SAID WALL-ENGAGING MEMBERS.