TECHNIQUES FOR CONNECTING WELLBORE TOOLS IN A TOOL STRING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/553,376, filed Sep. 29, 2023, which is a national stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2022/059658 filed Apr. 12, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/173,616 filed Apr. 12, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Hydrocarbons, such as fossil fuels (e.g. oil) and natural gas, are extracted from underground wellbores extending deeply below the surface using complex machinery and explosive devices. Once the wellbore is established by placement of casing pipes after drilling, a tool string, with one or more perforating gun assemblies, is lowered into the wellbore, and positioned adjacent one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs in underground formations.

[0003]The perforating gun includes explosive charges, typically shaped, hollow or projectile charges, which are initiated to perforate holes in the casing and to blast through the formation to create a pathway for the hydrocarbons to flow. The explosive charges may be arranged in a hollow charge carrier or other holding devices. Typically, the charges are arranged in different phases, such as 60°, 120°, 180°, and any other desired phasing. Once the perforating gun(s) is properly positioned, a surface signal actuates an ignition of a fuse or detonator, which in turn initiates a detonating cord, which detonates the explosive charges to penetrate/perforate the casing and thereby allow formation fluids to flow through the perforations formed and into a production string. Upon detonation of the explosive charges, it is often desirable to retrieve the carrier, associated hardware and any undetonated shaped charges from the casing/wellbore, which may result in obstructions in the wellbore. Sometimes operation of a perforating gun (e.g., detonation of the explosive charges) will cause deformities in the perforating gun and/or casing pipes, resulting in the tool string becoming stuck in the well bore. To salvage unstuck portions of a tool string, oftentimes, tool strings will include a release tool configured to disconnect unstuck portions of the tool string from the stuck portions.

[0004]Assembly of a perforating gun for wellbore operations requires assembly of multiple parts. Such parts typically include a housing or outer gun barrel. An electrical wire for communicating from the surface to initiate ignition, a percussion initiator and/or a detonator, a detonating cord, one or more charges which are held in an inner tube, strip or carrying device and, where necessary, one or more boosters are typically positioned in the housing. Assembly of the perforating gun typically includes threaded insertion of one component into another by screwing or twisting the components into place. Tandem seal adapters/subs may be used to connect multiple perforating guns together as part of a tool string. The tandem seal adapters, or tandem subs, are typically configured to provide a seal (e.g., pressure isolation) and mechanical and electrical connection between adjacent perforating guns.

[0005]These wellbore operations may be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Accordingly, it may be desirable to develop tool housings that may be efficiently and securely connected together, in order to improve reliability of the tool string and improve operational efficiency in assembling/disassembling the tool string.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006]According to an aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a device for connecting a first wellbore tool to a second wellbore tool in a tool string. The device may include a receptor assembly and a snap assembly including a snap. The receptor assembly may include a first end, a second end, and a receptor groove. The first end may be configured to couple with the first wellbore tool. The snap assembly may include a first end and a second end, the first end of the snap assembly may be configured to couple with the second end of the receptor assembly, and the second end of the snap assembly may be configured to removably couple with the second wellbore tool. The snap included in the snap assembly may be configured to at least partially extend into the receptor groove included in the receptor assembly to couple the first end of the snap assembly with the second end of the receptor assembly.

[0007]In another aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a connector assembly for connecting a first wellbore tool to a second wellbore tool in a tool string. The connector assembly may include a receptor assembly and a snap assembly. The snap assembly may include a receptor assembly first end configured to couple with a the first wellbore tool, a receptor assembly second end, a receptor assembly main body, a receptor assembly interior extending through the receptor assembly main body, the receptor assembly interior including a first receptor assembly portion and a second receptor assembly portion, wherein the first receptor assembly portion is located closer to the receptor assembly first end than the second receptor assembly portion, a first bulkhead conductor disposed in the first receptor assembly portion, and a receptor groove formed in the second receptor assembly portion. The snap assembly may include a snap assembly first end removably couplable to the receptor assembly second end, a snap assembly second end configured to couple with the second wellbore tool, a snap assembly main body, a snap assembly interior extending through the snap assembly main body, the snap assembly interior including a first snap assembly portion and a second snap assembly portion, wherein the first snap assembly portion is located closer to the snap assembly first end than the second snap assembly portion, a conductor pin disposed in the first snap assembly portion, and a snap coupled to an exterior surface of the snap assembly main body, the snap configured to be at least partially received by the receptor groove of the receptor assembly to couple the first end of the snap assembly to the second end of the receptor assembly.

[0008]In a further aspect, the exemplary embodiments include a system for connecting a first wellbore tool to a second wellbore tool in a tool string. The system may include a receptor assembly and a snap assembly. The receptor assembly may include a first receptor assembly end configured to couple with the first wellbore tool, a second receptor assembly end, a first receptor assembly electrical contact exposed via the first receptor assembly end, the first receptor assembly electrical contact configured to electrically connect with the first wellbore tool when the first receptor assembly end is coupled with the first wellbore tool, and a second receptor assembly electrical contact exposed via the second receptor assembly end and electrically connected with the first receptor assembly electrical contact, a receptor groove positioned interiorly of the second receptor assembly end. The snap assembly may include a first snap assembly end configured to couple with the second receptor assembly end, a second snap assembly end configured to couple with the second wellbore tool, a snap positioned on an exterior of the snap assembly and configured to at least partially extend into the receptor groove to couple the first end of the snap assembly to the second end of the receptor assembly, a first snap assembly electrical contact configured to establish an electrical connection with the second receptor assembly electrical contact when the first snap assembly end is coupled with the second receptor assembly end, and a second snap assembly electrical contact exposed via the second snap assembly end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]A more particular description will be rendered by reference to exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Understanding that these drawings depict exemplary embodiments and do not limit the scope of this disclosure, the exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary tool string components according to some embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0011]FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates various aspects of a receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0012]FIGS. 3A-3H illustrates various aspects of a snap assembly according to some embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0013]FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate various aspects of a tandem seal adapter (TSA) according to some embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0014]FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various aspects of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0015]FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various aspects of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0016]Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and detailed description. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some exemplary embodiments.

[0017]The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments. It is understood that reference to a particular “exemplary embodiment” of, e.g., a structure, assembly, component, configuration, method, etc. includes exemplary embodiments of, e.g., the associated features, subcomponents, method steps, etc. forming a part of the “exemplary embodiment”.

[0019]For purposes of this disclosure, relative terms including, without limitation, “top,” “side,” “bottom,” “rear,” “front,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “within,” “upstream,” “downstream”, and the like are used to aid the description of, e.g., configurations of features as shown in the accompanying figures, and otherwise as the disclosure makes clear. Such relative terms do not imply any particular dimension or delineation of or between features except where the disclosure makes clear.

[0020]For purposes of this disclosure, terms including, without limitation, “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used for descriptive purposes only and without limitation with respect to, e.g., an ordering of process steps, function, or configuration.

[0021]For purposes of this disclosure, “substantially” means generally consistent with the spirit of the disclosure but without limitation to any particular measure.

[0022]For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, an exemplary embodiment will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. It will be understood that this example and other exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are illustrative and not limiting and are provided for illustrating the exemplary features of connector assemblies for connecting wellbore tools.

[0023]Wellbore tool strings typically include a plurality of tools, such as release tools, perforating guns, setting tools, and the like, that are assembled together. Assembly of existing tool strings can be time consuming and inefficient. In various embodiments described hereby, a connector assembly may be utilized to enable a single operator to couple a perforating gun to a release tool, improving speed and efficiency.

[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary tool string components 100 according to some embodiments of the current disclosure. The tool string components 100 may form at least a portion of a tool string that extends in an upstream 102a direction and a downstream 102b direction. The illustrated embodiment includes a release tool 104, a receptor assembly 106, a snap assembly 108, and a perforating gun 110. In various embodiments, the receptor assembly 106 and snap assembly 108 may quickly and efficiently enable the release tool 104 to be coupled to the perforating gun 110, such as by a single operator. The receptor assembly 106 and snap assembly 108 may be collectively referred to as a connector assembly 105. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0025]In some embodiments, the receptor assembly 106 may be coupled to the release tool 104 and the snap assembly 108 may be coupled to the perforating gun 110 at a first location, such as a shop or manufacturing facility. Additionally, an electrical connection may be established between the release tool 104 and receptor assembly 106 when they are coupled together and an electrical connection may be established between the snap assembly 108 and the perforating gun 110 when they are coupled together. At a second location (e.g., at the wellbore), the perforating gun 110 may be coupled to the release tool 104 by axially moving the snap assembly 108 into the receptor assembly 106, and without the need to screw one component on to another. Additionally, an electrical connection may be established between the receptor assembly 106 and snap assembly 108 when they are coupled together. The electrical connections between the components of the tool string components 100 may enable electrical signals (e.g., power and/or communication) to be passed down the tool string, such as for selectively detonating the perforating gun 110.

[0026]Referring back to the illustrated embodiment, at the upstream 102a end of the tool string components 100, the release tool 104 may include an upstream coupler 114, an electrical contact 112, a plurality of exhaust ports 120, and a plurality of openings 118. The upstream coupler 114 may be utilized to couple the release tool 104 to another wellbore tool. The electrical contact 112 may enable an electrical connection to be established between the release tool 104 and the wellbore tool connected to the release tool 104. As discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 2C, the openings 118 may be utilized to insert shear pins that couple the release tool 104 to the receptor assembly 106. Gas generated by a power charge that is positioned in a chamber of the release tool 104 may be utilized to disconnect the release tool 104 from the receptor assembly 106. Once sufficient pressure is generated by the gas filling the chamber, the shear pins while shear and the receptor assembly 106 will be pushed away from the release tool 104. The exhaust ports 120 may be utilized to vent any remaining gas. At the downstream 102b end of the tool string components 100, the perforating gun 110 may include a downstream coupler 116. The downstream coupler 116 may be utilized to couple the perforating gun 110 to another wellbore tool, such as another perforating gun 110 (not shown). It will be appreciated that the connector assembly 105 may be utilized to connect other wellbore tools and is considered within the scope of this disclosure, and as specifically described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/553,376, to which this disclosure claims priority and incorporates by reference.

[0027]Generally, a tool string may include a cable head, a casing collar locator, a release tool, one or more perforating guns and a setting tool. The casing collar locator may be utilized for positioning of the tool string, perforating guns, and/or setting tool. In various embodiment, a top or upper region of the tool string may include the cable head, casing collar locator, and release tool and the bottom or lower region of the tool string may include the one or more perforating guns and the setting tool. In various such embodiments the top region may be used multiple times and the bottom region may be single use. In other words, the top region may be pulled out of the wellbore after an operation and reused in another operation. In many embodiments, a connector assembly 105 may be utilized between the top region and the bottom region of a tool string.

[0028]In some embodiments, a tool string may include a plurality of connector assemblies to facilitate quick and efficient assembly of the tool string. For example, a one or more connector assemblies may be utilized to couple the release tool 104 to one or more other wellbore tools, such as a measuring device, telemetry device, and/or a casing collar locator. In such examples, a snap assembly may be coupled to the upstream coupler 114 and a receptor assembly may be coupled to the other wellbore tool, such as a measuring device or telemetry device.

[0029]In various embodiments, one or more of the receptor assemblies and one or more of the snap assemblies may be coupled to respective additional wellbore tools at a first location and then the corresponding receptor assemblies and snap assemblies may be coupled together on site (e.g., at the wellbore) to assemble the tool string. In various such embodiments, the first location may be a preferred location and the second location may be a more restricted location, such as due to conditions or available resources. For example, the first location may include a shop with readily available tools and people and the second location may be at the wellbore site where tools and people are not as readily available. However, the final connection of the release tool 104 to the perforating gun 110 may be required to be made at a different location (e.g., the wellbore site), such as due to safety or transportability concerns. For example, it may be impractical or impossible (e.g., due to physical length) to assemble the tool string offsite. In another example, it may be unacceptably risky, such as due to unintended ignition, to couple various wellbore tools offsite.

[0030]FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates various aspects of a receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the current disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the receptor assembly 106, FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the receptor assembly 106 along cutting line A-A of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the receptor assembly 106 coupled to the release tool 104. The receptor assembly 106 may include a first end 202a, a second end 202b, an axial direction 202c extending between the first end 202a and the second end 202b, and a radial direction 202d orthogonal to the axial direction 202c. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0031]Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the receptor assembly 106 may generally include a main body 204, an exterior 206, and an interior 216 extending through the main body 204 from the first end 202a to the second end 202b. The main body 204 may be constructed from a metal, an alloy, a composite, and/or a polymer. For example, the main body 204 may be include one or more of steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or ceramic. In various embodiments, materials utilized to construct the main body may be designed to handle pressures in excess of 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). In one embodiment, materials utilized to construct the main body may be designed to handle pressures of 15,000 psi or more.

[0032]Working from the first end 202a towards the second end 202b and according to an embodiment, the exterior 206 of the main body 204 includes a plurality of annular recesses including a first annular recess 208a and a second annular recess 208a (collectively referred to as annular recesses 208), a plurality of circular recesses including a first circular recess 210a, a second circular recess 210b, a third circular recess 210c, a fourth circular recess 210d, a fifth circular recess 210c, a sixth circular recess 210f (not shown), a seventh circular recess 210g, and an eighth circular recess 210h (not shown) (collectively referred to as circular recesses 208), a plurality of openings including a first opening 212a and a second opening 212b (collectively referred to as openings 212), and a plurality of protrusions including a first protrusion 214a and a second protrusion 214b (collectively referred to as protrusions 214). In some embodiments, the protrusions 214 may engage with corresponding sockets on a snap assembly 108 when the receptor assembly 106 is coupled to the snap assembly 108 (see e.g., FIG. 5C).

[0033]The features and components of the exterior 206 of the receptor assembly 106 may include a plurality of different portions having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation and connection of the receptor assembly 106. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to force the receptor assembly 106 into alignment or ensure a proper seal with other components (e.g., release tool 104). It will be appreciated that embodiments may include more or less recesses, protrusions, and/or openings without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, a total of six circular openings instead of eight may surround the main body 204.

[0034]Referring to FIG. 2B, the interior 216 extends from the first end 202a to the second end 202b. In the illustrated embodiment, the dashed line extending radially may separate a first portion 216a of the receptor assembly 106 located toward the first end 202a and a second portion 216b of the receptor assembly 106 located toward the second end 202b. Generally, at least part of the exterior of the first portion 216a may be configured to be coupled with an upstream wellbore tool (e.g., release tool 104) and at least part of the interior of the second portion 216b may be configured to couple with a downstream wellbore tool (e.g., perforating gun 110 with snap assembly 108 attached). Further, the interior 216 of the first portion 216a may be utilized to conduct electrical signals between the upstream and downstream wellbore tools.

[0035]Accordingly, a snap assembly (e.g., snap assembly 108) may be inserted into the second portion 216b of the interior 216 to couple a first wellbore tool with a second wellbore tool and establish an electrical connection therebetween. To this end, the second portion 216b may include a receptor groove 226 located between a first shoulder 238 and a second shoulder 240 and configured for receiving and engaging snaps (e.g., snaps 314) of the snap assembly 108 to thus form the connector assembly 105. Thus, the receptor groove 226 may be positioned interiorly of and/or exposed via the second end 202b of the receptor assembly 106. As described in more detail below, such as with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C, the receptor groove 226 may receive corresponding snaps (e.g., snaps 314) of the snap assembly 108 to couple the receptor assembly 106 to snap assembly 108. In several embodiments, the receptor groove 226 may include a continuous annular recess that extends around the interior 216. In other embodiments, the receptor groove 226 may include two or more discrete annular recess sections or pockets. For example, each receptor may include a recess or opening on the interior 216 that must be aligned with a corresponding snap (see e.g., snaps 314 of FIG. 5C). As also described in more detail below, the openings 212 may enable the receptor assembly 106 to be decoupled from the snap assembly 108.

[0036]Referring back to the first portion 216a of the interior 216, a bulkhead conductor 218 may be disposed in the first portion 216a of the interior 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the bulkhead conductor 218 may be inserted into the interior 216 via the second end 202b and secured within the first portion 216a with a retaining nut 220. The bulkhead conductor 218 may include a first bulkhead contact 222a, a second bulkhead contact 222b, a first biasing member 230a, a second biasing members 230b, and a bulkhead seal 224. The first bulkhead contact 222a may be conductively coupled to the second bulkhead contact 222b though the bulkhead conductor 218 to facilitate the passage of electrical signals. Additionally, the first biasing member 230a may bias the first bulkhead contact 222a in the axial direction 202c out and away from the first end 202a and the second biasing member 230b may bias the second bulkhead contact 222b into the second portion 216b and toward the second end 202b. Accordingly, the second bulkhead contact 222b may be positioned interiorly of the second end 202b of the receptor assembly 106. The biasing of the first and second bulkhead contacts 222a, 222b may facilitate a reliable electrical connection between the receptor assembly 106 and other wellbore tools. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first bulkhead contact 222a may be exposed via the first end 202a of the receptor assembly 106 and the second bulkhead contact 222b may be exposed via the second end 202b of the receptor assembly 106. As used herein, exposed via may refer to accessed at (e.g., first bulkhead contact 222a) or accessed through (e.g., second bulkhead contact 222b). In some embodiments, the first and second bulkhead contacts 222a, 222b may be referred to as first and second receptor assembly electrical contacts. Further, the bulkhead conductor 218 may include one or more bulkhead seals 224 configured to create a seal between the bulkhead conductor 218 and the interior 216.

[0037]Similar to the exterior 206, the interior 216 may include a plurality of components and features having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation and connection of the receptor assembly 106. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to force the receptor assembly 106 into alignment or ensure a proper seal with other components (e.g., snap assembly 108).

[0038]Turning to FIG. 2C, the receptor assembly 106 may be coupled to the release tool 104. To this end, the release tool 104 may include a plurality of openings 118 that are configured to align with at least a portion of the circular recesses 210 of receptor assembly 106. One or more shear pins may be installed through the openings 118 and extend into the corresponding one or more circular recesses 210 to secure the release tool 104 to the receptor assembly 106. In the illustrated embodiment, a first shear pin 232a is installed into a first opening 118a in the release tool 104 and extends into the circular recess 210a and a second retaining pin 232e is installed into a second opening 118e in the release tool 104 and extends into the circular recess 210c. In one embodiment, the release tool 104 includes eight openings.

[0039]Additionally, a first seal element 236a is shown in the first annular recess 208a and a second seal element 236b is shown in the second annular recess 208b. The first and second seal elements 236a, 236b may be configured to create a seal between the release tool 104 and the receptor assembly 106. Furthermore, the bulkhead contact 222a extends towards and makes an electrical connection with, for instance, a signal wire 242 of the release tool 104. A holder 246 of the release tool 104 may be coupled to an end of the power charge 244 and includes a conductor (e.g., a metal slug) to establish the electrical connection between the signal wire 242 and the bulkhead conductor 218 of the receptor assembly 106. In various embodiments, the holder 246 may be formed from a polymer, a composite, and/or a resin. The release tool 104 also includes a plurality of exhaust ports 120 with exhaust port 120a and exhaust port 120c illustrated in FIG. 2C. In some embodiments, the release tool 104 may include an exhaust port corresponding to each of the openings 120.

[0040]According to an aspect, the shear pins are formed from a frangible material (e.g., copper slugs) and are pressed into the circular recesses 210 to retain connection between the release tool 104 and the receptor assembly 106, until a sufficient force is exerted (e.g., by buildup of gas released by the power charge 244) to break the retaining pins 230 and thus separate the release tool 104 from the receptor assembly 106. To this end, seal element 236a and seal element 236b may facilitate the build up of pressure to shear the shear pins. Once sheared and the receptor assembly 106 has moved sufficiently away from the release tool 104, the exhaust ports 120 are exposed to vent the gas. For example, the venting of gas via exhaust ports 120 may prevent the release tool 104 from being launched up the wellbore and damaging other components of the tool string or becoming stuck. In some embodiments, the power charge 244 may be configured to conflagrate.

[0041]FIGS. 3A-3H illustrates various aspects of a snap assembly 108 according to some embodiments of the current disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of the snap assembly 108, FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the snap assembly 108, FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the snap assembly 108 taken along cutting line C-C of FIG. 3B, FIG. 3D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the snap assembly 108 taken along cutting line B-B of FIG. 3A, FIG. 3E illustrates a cross-section axial view of the snap assembly 108 taken along cutting line D-D of FIG. 3B, FIGS. 3F and 3G illustrate a snap 314a in a perspective view (FIG. 3F) and a side view (FIG. 3G), and FIG. 3H illustrates a perspective view of a main body 304 of the snap assembly 108. The snap assembly 108 may include a first end 302a, a second end 302b, an axial direction 302c extending between the first end 302a and the second end 302b, and a radial direction 302d orthogonal to the axial direction 302c. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0042]Generally, the snap assembly 108 may include the main body 304, an exterior 306, and an interior 324 extending through the main body 304 between the first end 302a and the second end 302b. The main body 304 may be constructed from a metal, an alloy, a composite, and/or a polymer. For example, the main body 304 may be include one or more of steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or ceramic.

[0043]Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B and working from the first end 302a towards the second end 302b, the exterior 306 of the main body 304 includes a plurality of annular channels including a first annular groove 310a and a second annular groove 310b (collectively referred to as annular grooves 310), and an abutment 322. The annular grooves 310 are configured to receive a sealing element (not shown), such as an O-ring. An annular channel 350 is positioned between the first end 302a and the second end 302b. According to an embodiment, the channel 350 is positioned between the annular grooves 310 and the abutment 322. It will be appreciated that the usage of groove and channel, such as in annular grooves 310 and annular channel 350, is used to differentiate between them and their function and not necessarily their arrangement or shape. In other words, a groove and a channel may generally be used interchangeably.

[0044]A plurality of snaps including a first snap 314a and a second snap 314b (collectively referred to as snaps 314) may be connected to and/or positioned on, the exterior 306 of the main body 304 by positioning each snap 314 within the annular channel 350, such that ends of legs 336 of each snap are positioned opposite each other as will be described in greater detail below, such as with respect to FIGS. 3E-3H.

[0045]As can be seen best in FIGS. 3A, 3D, and 3E, a plurality of sockets including a first socket 320a and a second socket 320b (see e.g., FIG. 3D) (collectively referred to as sockets 320), are formed in a forward surface of the abutment 322 for receiving protrusions 322 of the receptor assembly 106 to properly align the receptor assembly 106 and snap assembly 108.

[0046]The components and features of the exterior 306 of the snap assembly 108 may include a plurality of different portions having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation and connection of the snap assembly 108. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to force the snap assembly 108 into alignment. In another example, the snaps 314 may include a bevel to translate axial motion as the snap assembly 108 inserted into a receptor assembly 106 into a radial force to displace the snap and enable it to slide into proper position with respect to the receptor (e.g., receptor groove 226). It will be appreciated that embodiments may include more or less recesses, protrusions, and/or openings without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0047]Referring to FIGS. 3C-3D, the interior 324 extends from the first end 302a to the second end 302b. In the illustrated embodiment, the dashed line extending radially (FIG. 3C) may separate a first portion 324a of the interior 324 located toward the first end 302a and a second portion 324b of the interior 324 located toward the second end 302b. Similar to the release tool receptor assembly 106, generally, at least part of the exterior of the first portion 324a may be configured to be coupled with an upstream wellbore tool (e.g., perforating gun 110 with snap assembly 108 attached) and at least part of the interior 324 of the second portion 324b may be configured to be coupled with a downstream wellbore tool (e.g., perforating gun 110). Further, the interior 324 of the first portion 324a may be used to house a conductor pin 326 which is utilized to conduct electrical signals between the upstream and downstream wellbore tools and as described in more detail below.

[0048]To couple the receptor assembly 106 with the snap assembly 108, the exterior 306 of the first end 302a of the snap assembly 108 may be inserted into the interior 216 of the second end 202b of the receptor assembly 106). As previously mentioned, the snaps 314 may be mounted onto the main body 304, such as via annular channel 350. Additionally, a first biasing member 332a may bias the first snap 314a away from the main body 304 in the radial direction 302d and the second biasing member 332b may bias the second snap 314b away from the main body 304 in the radial direction 302d. In various embodiments, the first biasing member 332a may be seated within a first bore 352a of the channel 350 and the second biasing member 332b may be seated within a second bore 352b of the channel 350. These and other aspects of the snap assembly 108 will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3E-3H.

[0049]In various embodiments, the sockets 320 may receive corresponding protrusions (e.g., protrusion 214a and protrusion 214b) when the snap assembly 108 is coupled to the receptor assembly 106 (see e.g., FIG. 5C). In some embodiments, this may prevent rotation of the snap assembly 108 with respect to the receptor assembly 106. Additionally, the second end 202b of the receptor assembly 106 may contact and/or be adjacent to the abutment 322 when coupled to the snap assembly 108 (see e.g., FIG. 5B). As discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C, a locking member 312 may be installed after the snap assembly 108 is coupled to the receptor assembly 106.

[0050]The conductor pin 326 may be disposed in the interior 324 of the first portion 324a. In some embodiments, the conductor pin 326 may include a bulkhead conductor, such as bulkhead conductor 218. A first end of the conductor pin 326 may include a head having a wider body than the body of the conductor pin 326 itself, which may be exposed via the first end 302a of the snap assembly 108. Thus, the first end of the conductor pin 326 may establish an electrical connection with the bulkhead contact 222b of receptor assembly 106 when coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the first end of the conductor pin 326 may be referred to as the first snap assembly electrical contact. Additionally, the conductor pin 326 may include a second end. In some embodiments, a retaining conductor 328 may be coupled to the second end of the conductor pin 326 to retain the conductor pin 326 within the interior 324 of the first portion 324a.

[0051]The retaining conductor 328 may include a cap 328a and a connector 328b. The connector 328b may couple to the second end of the conductor pin 326. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end of the conductor pin 326 is threaded and the connector 328b includes corresponding threads that screw onto the second end of the conductor pin 326. The cap 328a may establish an electrical connection with a downstream tool (e.g., perforating gun 110). In some embodiments, the retaining conductor 328 and/or the cap 328a may be referred to as the second snap assembly electrical contact and/or the second end of the conductor pin 326. Further, the retaining conductor 328 may be exposed via and/or positioned interiorly of the second end 302b of the snap assembly 108. In other embodiments, the second end of the conductor pin 326 may extend through the retaining conductor 328. For example, the retaining conductor 328 may include a nut that the conductor pin 326 extends through. In other such embodiments, the retaining conductor may be an insulator instead of a conductor.

[0052]In many embodiments, the conductor pin 326 and retaining conductor 328 may form a rigid conductor. In many such embodiments, the conductor pin 326 may establish electrical connections at the first and second ends with biased conductors (e.g., bulkhead contact 222b of bulkhead conductor 218 in receptor assembly 106). In many embodiments, coupling biased conductors with rigid conductors may improve the reliability of the electrical connection. Additionally, an insulator 308 may be disposed in the interior 324 of the first portion 324a and surround the conductor pin 326. The insulator 308 may prevent an electrical connection from being established between the conductor pin 326 and the main body 304. In some embodiments, the insulator 308 may include one or more sections to facilitate installation. For example, the insulator 308 may include a first end section, a middle section, and a second end section. In another embodiments, the insulator 308 may include a first end section and a second end section.

[0053]The second portion 324b of the interior 324 may include internal threads 330 configured to couple with a downstream tool (e.g., a tandem seal adapter or tandem sub). Further, an annular channel 348 may be included in the second portion 324b of the interior 324. In various embodiments, a seal may be disposed in the annular channel to facilitate establishing a seal with the downstream tool. It will be appreciated that an annular channel or channel may be the same or similar to an annular recess or recess. Similar to the exterior 306, the interior 324 may include a plurality of components and features having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation of the receptor assembly 106. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to force a downstream tool into alignment or ensure a proper seal with the snap assembly 108.

[0054]Referring to FIGS. 3E-3G, the snaps 314 may extend into one or more receptor recesses in a receptor assembly (e.g., receptor groove 226 of receptor assembly 106) when coupled to the receptor assembly. As shown in FIGS. 3F and 3G, the snap 314a (and/or snap 314b) may include a head 334 with a bevel 340, a first leg 336a with a first opening 342a and a second leg 336b with a second opening 342b. The bevel 340 may face towards the first end and facilitate the translation of axial motion into a radial force as the snap assembly 108 is inserted into the receptor assembly 106 and the radial force displaces the snaps 314 and enables them to slide into proper position with respect to the receptor groove 226. For example, when being inserted into the second end of receptor assembly 106, the bevel of the snaps 314 pushing axially against features on the interior 216 (e.g., shoulder 238, shoulder 240) of the first portion 216a of receptor assembly 106 may force the snaps 314 to displace radially inward and, then, biasing members 332 may force the snaps 314 to displace radially outward when aligned with the receptor groove 226 of the receptor assembly 106.

[0055]The snap 314a may also include a notch 354 located in the head 334. In various embodiments, the notch 354 may prevent pressure from building up within the snap assembly and/or connector assembly. Additionally, the snap 314a may include first and second notches 356a, 356b positioned where the first and second legs 336a, 336b connect to the head 334. These notches may facilitate more efficient manufacturing of the snap. For example, the notches may provide additional clearance for tool utilized to manufacture the snap.

[0056]With reference specifically to FIG. 3E, a first retaining member 316a and a second retaining member 316b may be utilized to secure the snap 314a into a first slot 344a and second slot 344b formed in the annular channel 350. Similarly, a first retaining member 318a and a second retaining member 318b may be utilized to secure the snap 314b into the first slot 344a and second slot 344b in the annular channel 350 (see e.g., FIG. 3H). The snaps 314 as well as the retaining members 316, 318 are described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3E-3H.

[0057]Thus, the snaps 314 may be coupled to the main body 304 in a manner that allows them to move in and out in the radial direction 302d. In other words, the snaps 314 may be moveably coupled to the main body 304. To this end, reference is made to FIG. 3E, which illustrates a cross-sectional view along D-D of FIG. 3B. The channel 350 in main body 304 may include a first slot 344a and a second slot 344b extending laterally on opposite sides as shown in FIG. 3E that extends along a travel path of the snaps 314. The first snap 314a may be secured to the main body 304 via first and second retaining members 318a, 318b. More specifically, the retaining member 316a may extend through the opening 342a and into the slot 344a and the retaining member 316b may extend through the opening 342b and into the slot 344b. When the snaps 314 are depressed, the interior end of retaining members 316a, 318a may move within the slot 344a and the interior end of retaining members 316b, 318b may move within slot 344b. More specifically, the interior ends of the retaining members may move towards the center of the slots. Additionally, the biasing member 332a may be seated radially inward of the snap 314a and contact a seat 338 of the snap 314a. According to an aspect, the first biasing member 332a is partially seated in a bore 352a and the second biasing member 332b is partially seated in a bore 352b, each of bore 352a and 352b are formed in the channel 350 (see e.g., FIG. 3H). It will be appreciated that snap 314b may be mounted to the main body 304 in an analogous manner.

[0058]In various embodiments, the bevel 340 may take a variety of forms to facilitate translation of an axial force into a radial force without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, a fillet may be utilized in place of the bevel 340. The snaps may be formed of a variety of materials. For example, the snap connectors may be formed of a metal such as steel, titanium, or aluminum. Alternatively, the snap connectors may be formed of a plastic or ceramic material.

[0059]Referring to FIG. 3H, a perspective view of the main body 304 is illustrated. In particular, FIG. 3H provides an unobstructed view of the bore 352a and the slot 344a in the channel 350. Additionally, socket 320a is illustrated for orientation. In various embodiments, the bore 352a may include a circular recess positioned at the bottom of the channel 350. The bore 352a may be sized slightly larger than the biasing member 332a to allow the biasing member 332a to be seated into the bore 352a and prevent the biasing member 332a from moving out of position below the seat. In several embodiments, the slot 344a may have a rectangular shape to provide a travel path for the interior ends of the retaining members 316a, 318a. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 344a may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0060]It will be appreciated that the bore 352b and the slot 344b in channel 350, which are not shown in FIG. 3H, may be the same as bore 352b and slot 344b, respectively.

[0061]FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate various aspects of a tandem seal adapter (TSA) according to some embodiments of the current disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of the TSA 400 and FIG. 4B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the TSA 400. In some embodiments, a TSA may include, or refer to, a tandem sub. The TSA 400 may include a first end 402a, a second end 402b, an axial direction 402c extending between the first end 402a and the second end 402b, and a radial direction 402d orthogonal to the axial direction 302c. The TSA 400 may facilitate connection between a snap assembly and a downstream tool (e.g., a perforating gun). In some embodiments, the TSA 400 may be included in a connector assembly (e.g., connector assembly 105). In other embodiments, the TSA 400 may be included in a downstream tool, such as perforating gun 110. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0062]Generally, the TSA 400 may include a main body 404, an exterior 406, and an interior 416. The exterior 406 of the TSA 400 includes a first annular recess with a first seal 408 disposed therein, first external threads 410, a second annular recess with a second seal 412 disposed therein, and second external threads 414. The first annular recess with the first seal 408 and the first external threads 410 may be utilized to be coupled with and seal to an upstream wellbore tool (e.g., snap assembly 108). Similarly, the second annular recess with the second seal 412 and the second external threads 414 may be utilized to be coupled with and seal to a downstream wellbore tool (e.g., perforating gun 110). The main body 404 may be constructed from a metal, an alloy, a composite, and/or a polymer. For example, the main body 404 may be include one or more of steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or ceramic. While shown with different threads, it will be understood that the threads 410 and 414 can be the same or different.

[0063]The components and features of the exterior 406 of the TSA 400 may include a plurality of different portions having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation and connection of the snap assembly 108 to the TSA 400 and thus the wellbore tool. For example, fillets and bevels may be utilized to position the TSA 400 into alignment with another wellbore tool being coupled thereto. It will be appreciated that embodiments may include more or less recesses, protrusions, and/or openings without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0064]Referring to FIG. 4B, the interior 416 extends from the first end 402a to the second end 402b. In the illustrated embodiment, the dashed line extending radially may separate a first portion 416a of the interior 416 located toward the first end 402a and a second portion 416b of the interior 416 located toward the second end 402b. Generally, at least part of the exterior 406 of the first portion 416a may be configured to be coupled with an upstream wellbore tool (e.g., snap assembly 108) and at least part of the interior 416 of the second portion 416b may be configured to be coupled with a downstream wellbore tool (e.g., perforating gun 110). Further, the interior 416 of the TSA 400 may be utilized to facilitate conduction of electrical signals between the upstream and downstream wellbore tools. For example, a bulkhead conductor 418 may be disposed in the interior 416 to conduct electrical signals between the upstream and downstream wellbore tools.

[0065]In the illustrated embodiment, the bulkhead conductor 418 may be inserted into the interior 416 via the second end 302b and secured with a retaining nut 420. The bulkhead conductor 218 may include a first bulkhead contact 422a, a second bulkhead contact 422b, a first biasing member 426a, a second biasing member 426b, and a bulkhead seal 424. The first bulkhead contact 422a may be conductively coupled to the second bulkhead contact 422a though the bulkhead conductor 418 to facilitate the passage of electrical signals. Additionally, the first biasing member 426a may bias the first bulkhead contact 422a in the axial direction 402c out and away from the first end 402a and the second biasing member 426a may bias the second bulkhead contact 422a toward the second end 402b. The biasing of the first and second bulkhead contacts 422a, 422b may facilitate a reliable electrical connection between the TSA 400 and other wellbore tools and/or the connector assembly. Further, the bulkhead conductor 418 may include a bulkhead seal 424 configured to create a seal between the first end 402a and the second end 402b.

[0066]Similar to the exterior 406, the interior 416 may include a plurality of components and features having different characteristics, such as diameters, threads, bevels, openings, recesses, and/or fillets. These characteristics may be configured to facilitate smooth and proper operation and connection of the TSA 400 when connected to the connector assembly 105. For example, bevels at both ends of the interior 416 of the TSA 400 may be utilized to position the TSA 400 into alignment with other tool components (e.g., connector assembly 105 and/or perforating gun 110).

[0067]FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various aspects of a connector assembly 500 according to some embodiments of the current disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of the connector assembly 500, FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 500 along cutting line E-E from FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the top view of the connector assembly 500 in FIG. 5A. The connector assembly 500 includes a first end 502a and a second end 502b with the receptor assembly 106 located at the first end 502a, the TSA 400 located at the second end 502b, and the snap assembly 108 in the middle. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0068]Referring to FIG. 5B, when assembled, the connector assembly 500 may establish an electrical connection between the bulkhead contact 222a and the bulkhead contact 422b. This electrical connection may facilitate the passage of electrical signals (e.g., power and/or communication) between upstream and downstream wellbore tools coupled to the connector assembly 500. For example, the electrical signals may be utilized to selectively detonate one or more perforating guns.

[0069]Referring to FIG. 5C, when the snap assembly 108 is coupled to the receptor assembly 106, the first and second snaps 314 may extend into receptor grooves 226. Additionally, the openings 212a, opening 212b may be utilized to decouple the receptor assembly 106 from the snap assembly 108. For example, a tool may be inserted through the openings 212a, 212b to displace the snaps 314 radially inward and release the snap assembly 108 from the receptor assembly 106. As shown in FIG. 5B, once the snap assembly 108 is coupled to the receptor assembly 106, the locking member 312 may be inserted into the opening 212c to lock the receptor assembly 106 to the snap assembly 108. In some embodiments, the locking member 312 is positioned between legs 336 of opposing snaps 314a and 314b so that the snaps are unable to move further inwardly, and thus remain locked into the receptor groove 226. See also FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3E. Thus, removal of locking member 312 may also be required to decouple the receptor assembly 106 from the snap assembly 108.

[0070]Further and with reference again to FIG. 5C, when coupled to the snap assembly 108, the second end 202b of the receptor assembly 106 may be positioned adjacent to the abutment 322 with protrusion 214a extending into socket 320a and protrusion 214b extending into socket 320b. The correspondingly shaped sockets 320a, 320b and protrusions 214a, 214b may take a variety of forms without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the protrusions and/or sockets may take the shape of circular, rectilinear, triangular, oval, star, or slotted peg with correspondingly shaped socket/hole, to name a few.

[0071]FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various aspects of a connector assembly 600 according to some embodiments of the current disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of the connector assembly 600 including a receptor assembly 604 and a snap assembly 606, FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the receptor assembly 604, FIG. 6C illustrates a top view of the snap assembly 606, and FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of the snap assembly 606. The snap assembly 606 may include a first end 602a and a second end 602b with a receptor assembly 604 forming the first end 602a and a snap assembly 606 coupled to the receptor assembly 604 and forming the second end 602b. The connector assembly 600 may be substantially the same as the connector assembly 500 except for the inclusion of a second set of snaps and corresponding receptors. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0072]As shown in FIG. 6B, the receptor assembly 604 may include openings 608a, 608b, 608c (not shown), 608d (collectively referred to as openings 608) and a first receptor groove 612 as well as openings 610a, 610b, 610c (not shown), 610d (collectively referred to as openings 610) and a second receptor groove 614. In various embodiments, the first and second receptor grooves 612, 614 may include internal annular recesses. Turning to FIGS. 6C and 6D, the snap assembly 606 may include a first snap 616a and a second snap 616b corresponding to the openings 608 and receptor groove 612. Additionally, the snap assembly 606 may include a third snap 618a and a fourth snap 618b corresponding to the openings 610 and receptor groove 614.

[0073]In various embodiments, locking members (e.g., locking member 312) may be inserted via opening 608a and/or opening 610a in the same or similar manner as described with respect to locking member 312 and opening 212c in FIG. 5B. Additionally, a tool may be inserted through openings 608b, 608d, 610b, 610d to displace corresponding snaps 314 inward and release the snap assembly 606 from a receptor assembly in the same or similar manner as described with respect to openings 212a, 212b and snaps 314a, 314b in FIG. 5C.

[0074]This disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatuses as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. This disclosure contemplates, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, the actual or optional use or inclusion of, e.g., components or processes as may be well-known or understood in the art and consistent with this disclosure though not depicted and/or described herein.

[0075]The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0076]In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or “an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

[0077]As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while considering that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

[0078]As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that the appended claims should cover variations in the ranges except where this disclosure makes clear the use of a particular range in certain embodiments.

[0079]This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description. This disclosure is not limited to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the Detailed Description of this disclosure, for example, various features of some exemplary embodiments are grouped together to representatively describe those and other contemplated embodiments, configurations, and aspects, to the extent that including in this disclosure a description of every potential embodiment, variant, and combination of features is not feasible. Thus, the features of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, and aspects not expressly discussed above. For example, the features recited in the following claims lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

[0080]Advances in science and technology may provide variations that are not necessarily express in the terminology of this disclosure although the claims would not necessarily exclude these variations.