Patent ID: 7934558
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A perforating apparatus used to perforate a subterranean well, the perforating apparatus comprising: a generally tubular gun carrier; a charge holder rotatably mounted within the gun carrier, the charge holder including a plurality of circumferentially distributed openings at a plurality of longitudinal locations; at least one shaped charge mounted in the charge holder and operable to perforate the well upon detonation; and a dynamically adjustable weight system operably associated with the charge holder, the dynamically adjustable weight system including a plurality of discrete weights that are individually coupled to the charge holder at the plurality of longitudinal locations, such that the circumferential location of the weights is adjustable in the circumferentially distributed openings to adjust the center of gravity of the charge holder such that gravity will cause the charge holder to rotate within the gun carrier to position the at least one shaped charge in a desired circumferential direction relative to the well prior to perforating.