Bulkhead assembly having a pivotable electric contact component and integrated ground apparatus

According to an aspect a bulkhead assembly is provided having particular application with a downhole tool, in particular for oil well drilling applications. The bulkhead assembly includes a bulkhead body and an electrical contact component disposed within the bulkhead body, wherein at least a portion of the electrical contact component is configured to pivot about its own axis, without compromising its ability to provide a pressure and fluid barrier. In an embodiment, a ground apparatus is provided to provide an electrical connection for at least one ground wire. The ground apparatus may be positionable on the bulkhead body of the bulkhead assembly. In an aspect, a downhole tool including the bulkhead assembly and ground apparatus is also generally described.

FIELD

Described generally herein is a bulkhead assembly having a pivotable electric contact component for use with a downhole tool, that is, any piece of equipment that is used in a well.

BACKGROUND

In exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons, such as fossil fuels (e.g. oil) and natural gas, from underground wellbores extending deeply below the surface, various downhole tools are inserted below the ground surface and include sometimes complex machinery and explosive devices. Examples of the types of equipment useful in exploration and extraction, in particular for oil well drilling applications, include logging tools and perforation gun systems and assemblies. It is often useful to be able to maintain a pressure across one or more components, (that is, to provide a “pressure barrier”), as necessary to ensure that fluid does not leak into the gun assembly, for instance. It is not uncommon that components such as a bulkhead and an initiator are components in such perforating gun assemblies that succumb to pressure leakage.

Upon placement into the perforating gun assembly, one or more initiators, (typically a detonator or an igniter), have traditionally required physical connection of electrical wires. The electrical wires typically travel from the surface down to the perforating gun assembly, and are responsible for passing along the surface signal required to initiate ignition. The surface signal typically travels from the surface along the electrical wires that run from the surface to one or more detonators positioned within the perforating gun assembly. Passage of such wires through the perforating gun assembly, while maintaining a pressure differential across individual components, has proved challenging.

Assembly of a perforating gun requires assembly of multiple parts, which typically include at least the following components: a housing or outer gun barrel within which is positioned a wired electrical connection for communicating from the surface to initiate ignition, an initiator or 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. Assembly typically includes threaded insertion of one component into another by screwing or twisting the components into place, optionally by use of a tandem-sub adapter. Since the wired electrical connection often must extend through all of the perforating gun assembly, it is easily twisted and crimped during assembly. Further, the wired electrical connections, to a detonator or initiator, usually require use of an electrical ground wire connectable to the electrical wire and extending through the housing in order to achieve a ground contact. When a ground contact is desired, the electrical ground wire must also be connected to an often non-defined part of the perforating gun assembly. Thus, the ground wire is sometimes wedged on or in between threads of hardware components and/or twisted around a metal edge of the housing of the perforating gun assembly. One issue with this arrangement is that it can be a source of intermittent and/or failed electrical contact. In addition, when a wired detonator is used it must be manually connected to the electrical wire, which has lead to multiple problems. Due to the rotating assembly of parts, the electrical ground wires can become compromised, that is to say the electrical ground wires can become torn, twisted and/or crimped/nicked, or the wires may be inadvertently disconnected, or even mis-connected in error during assembly, not to mention the safety issues associated with physically and manually wiring live explosives.

According to the prior art and as shown inFIG. 1, a wired bulkhead10′ of the prior art is depicted. In a perforating gun assembly, the bulkhead10′ may be utilized to accommodate electrical and ballistic transfer (via wired electric connection170′, shown with an insulator172′ covering one end of the electrical contact component20′, which extends through the body of the bulkhead10′) to the electric connection of a next gun assembly in a string of gun assemblies, for as many gun assembly units as may be required depending on the location of underground oil or gas formation. Such bulkhead assemblies are usually provided with fixed pin contacts extending from either end of the assembly. Typically the bulkhead is employed to provide the electrical contact or feed-through in order to send electrical signals to the initiator or a type of switching system. In such applications, the pressure bulkhead is required to remain pressure sealed even under high temperatures and pressures as may be experienced in such applications, both during operation and also after detonation of the perforating gun, for instance, so that a neighboring perforating gun or downhole tool device does not become flooded with wellbore fluid or exposed to the wellbore pressure. Maintenance of the pressure differential across such devices occurs via usage of rubber components including o-rings32′, rubber stoppers and the like.

Such bulkhead assemblies are common components, particularly when a string of downhole tools is required, and is a barrier or component through which electronic componentry and/or electrical wiring and electrical ground wiring must pass, (e.g. electric feed-through), and a need exists to provide such componentry with electric feed-through while maintaining a differential pressure across the component, and without compromising the electrical connection.

Improvements to the way electrical connections are accomplished in this industry include connections and arrangements as found in commonly assigned patent applications PCT/EP2012/056609 (in which an initiator head is adapted to easily introduce external wires into the plug without having to strip the wires of insulation beforehand) and PCT/EP2014/065752 (in which a wireless initiator is provided), which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The assembly described herein further solves the problems associated with prior known assemblies in that it provides, in an embodiment, an assembly that allows improved assembly in the field while maintaining the integrity of the electrical connection, as described in greater detail hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a bulkhead assembly is provided that includes a bulkhead body configured for pressure sealing components positioned downstream of the bulkhead assembly within a downhole tool and to withstand a pressure of at least about 20,000 psi (137.9 mPa) and an electrical contact component extending through the bulkhead body, such that at least a portion of the electrical contact component is configured to pivot about its own axis, wherein the electrical contact component is configured for electrical conductivity and feed-through of an electric signal.

In an embodiment, the electrical contact component includes a plurality of contact pins that are slidably positioned within a bore of the bulkhead body of the bulkhead assembly.

In an embodiment, a ground apparatus is provided to provide an electrical connection for at least one ground wire. The ground apparatus may be positionable on the bulkhead body of the bulkhead assembly.

In an embodiment, a bulkhead assembly in combination with a downhole tool is provided.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various 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.

A bulkhead assembly is generally described herein, having particular use in conjunction with a downhole tool, and in particular to applications requiring the bulkhead assembly to maintain a pressure, and is thus commonly referred to as a pressure bulkhead assembly. In an embodiment, the bulkhead assembly is configured for use with a logging tool or a perforating gun assembly, in particular for oil well drilling applications. The bulkhead assembly provides an electrical contact component disposed within a body thereof, wherein at least a portion of the electrical contact component is configured to pivot about its own axis, without compromising its ability to provide a pressure and fluid barrier. A ground apparatus is generally described herein. The ground apparatus may have particular utility with various embodiments of the bulkhead assembly described herein. The ground apparatus provides an electrical connection for at least one ground wire and may be configured to pivot about its own axis when positioned on the bulkhead body of the bulkhead assembly, thereby providing continuous and/or successful electrical contact.

With reference toFIG. 2, a bulkhead assembly10is provided and is further configured for sealing components positioned downstream of the bulkhead assembly10within a downhole tool. In an embodiment, the bulkhead assembly10is configured as a pressure-isolating bulkhead and is configured to withstand a pressure of at least about 20,000 psi (137.9 mPa). In an embodiment, the bulkhead assembly10is configured to withstand a pressure of at least about 30,000 psi (275.8 mPa). The bulkhead assembly10includes a bulkhead body12having a first end portion13and a second end portion14and a bore17extending therebetween. It is further envisioned that the bulkhead body12includes a first body portion15extending from the first end portion13towards a center of the bulkhead body12, and a second body portion16, extending from the second end portion14towards the center of the bulkhead body12. While it is contemplated that the bulkhead body be made of thermoplastic materials (or otherwise electrically non-conductive materials), it is possible for the bulkhead body12to be made of other materials, such as metal (e.g., aluminum with a non-conductive coating). Although the first body portion15and the second body portion16are depicted as being roughly the same size or otherwise proportioned equally, it is contemplated that these body portions may be dissimilar in size or otherwise disproportionate.

The bulkhead body12may be formed as a unitary member or component. Methods of forming the bulkhead body12as a unitary member include but are not limited to injection molding and machining the component out of a solid block of material. In an embodiment, the injection molded bulkhead body12is formed into a solid material, in which typically a thermoplastic material in a soft or pliable form is allowed to flow around the electrical contact component20during the injection molding process.

The bulkhead body12includes an outer surface30, which is configured to be received in a tandem sub150as described in greater detail hereinbelow. The outer surface30typically includes one or more circumferential indentions31, which are configured for receiving an outer sealing member32in such a way as to seal components positioned downstream of the bulkhead assembly10and to withstand typical high pressures experienced in downhole applications.

According to an aspect, the bore17extends through the bulkhead body12, along an axis A-A and typically in the center of the body, and may vary in diameter across the length of the bulkhead body. With particular reference toFIG. 2, the bore17may include three sections or portions of varying diameter, although it is possible to configure the bore17with one, two, three, or more sections. As depicted inFIG. 2and in an embodiment, the bore17includes an end portion bore17aextending through each of the first body portion15and the second body portion16, a central portion bore17band mid-portion bores17cextending between the central portion bore17band the end portion bores17afor a depth or length C. The length C is selected to optimize functionality of the slideable components as described in greater detail hereinbelow. As shown herein and in an embodiment, each end portion bore17ahas a smaller radius than the respective mid-portion bore17c, while the central portion bore17bhas a larger radius than the mid-portion bores17c.

The bulkhead assembly10further includes an electrical contact component20extending through the bore17of the bulkhead body12, such that at least a portion of the electrical contact component20is configured to pivot about its own axis A-A. Thus, the bulkhead assembly10has a pivotable electrical contact component20. The electrical contact component20is configured for electrical conductivity and feed-through of an electric signal. The electrical contact component20may thus be formed of any suitable electrically conductive material.

The electrical contact component20may include one or more of the following components: a contact pin21or wire (not shown), a biasing member50, and/or a central portion40. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that although terms like “central” are utilized, such terms are used to describe the positions of some components relative to other components. Although the component may literally be positioned centrally, it is also contemplated that positioning of the components may be de-centralized without detracting from the intended purpose.

In an embodiment and with particular reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical contact component20includes one or more contact pins21, a wire connection (not shown) or combinations thereof. In other words, it may be possible to assemble the bulkhead assembly10according to an aspect in which a contact pin21is replaced by the wire at, for instance a first end22. Although this may limit the adaptability for the intended use, that is to freely pivot within the bulkhead to avoid binding, crimping or otherwise compromising the wire (and thus the electrical signal), having a single pivotable electrical contact component extending from an end of the bulkhead assembly10may still be advantageous over currently available assemblies.

According to an aspect, the electrical contact component20may include a plurality of contact pins21, and each of the contact pins21include the first end22and a second end23. In an embodiment, at least one of the contact pins21is slidably positioned within the bore17of the bulkhead body12. In an embodiment, the contact pin includes a pin head26extending from a pin body27. Typically, the contact pin may include a terminal contacting portion28extending from the pin body27, opposite the pin head26for ease of facilitating the electrical connection.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the bulkhead assembly10of the depicted embodiment includes a first contact pin24positioned at least partially within the first body portion15and extending from the first end portion13to an exterior or outer surface30of the assembly10, while a second contact pin25is positioned at least partially within the second body portion16and extends from the second end portion14to the outer surface30of the assembly10.

In an embodiment, the central bore portion17bis typically configured to receive the central portion40of the electrical contact component20, while a mid-portion bore17cis typically configured to receive the pin head26and/or the biasing members50of the electrical contact component20. In an embodiment, the central portion40and a plurality of biasing members50(such as a coil spring) are positioned within the bore17of the bulkhead body12with the biasing members abutting at least a portion of the central portion40. In an embodiment, the central portion40of the electrical contact component20includes a disk-like central body41and arms42extending therefrom.

As depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3and in an embodiment, the central portion bore17bof the bore17includes a recessed portion18, which is recessed from the central portion bore and configured to receive a bore sealing member19. This seal will help to maintain the integrity of the bulkhead assembly10for sealing and maintaining pressure across the assembly as described in greater detail hereinbelow.

As shown herein, the plurality of biasing members50include a first biasing member51and a second biasing member52. The first biasing member51is positioned within the bore17of a first body portion15of the bulkhead body12, and the second biasing member52is positioned within the bore17of a second body portion16of the bulkhead body12. More particularly and in this embodiment, the biasing members50are positioned within the mid-portion bore17c. In a further embodiment, the plurality of biasing members50abut the central portion40, and each of said biasing members50abuts at least one of the contact pins21. In an embodiment, the first contact pin24abuts the first biasing member51and the second contact pin25abuts the second biasing member52. It is further contemplated that it is possible to provide a rigid connection between at least one of the first contact pin24and the first biasing member51or the second contact pin25and the second biasing member52.

According to an aspect, the pin head26of the contact pin is sized to be slidably received within the mid-portion bore17cof the bore17of the bulkhead body12. Thus, in a typical arrangement, the pin head26may have an enlarged radius relative to the radius of the pin body27. In this way, the pin head26will be received within the mid-portion17c, while the pin body27extends through the end portion bore17aof the first or second end portion13,14, respectively.

In operation, the contact pins21are capable of rotation or swiveling or twisting or pivoting, (all of which are functions referred to generically herein as “pivot,” “pivotable,” “pivoting”), about its own axis A-A as shown by arrows D, and are rotatable or pivotable in either direction. This ability to pivot, or to be pivotable, about its own axis can be very useful during the loading procedure of hardware of a downhole tool100such as a perforating gun assembly where the twisting of the electrical cable attached to the bulkhead assembly10(typically crimped or soldered) would otherwise cause the cable connection to snap off unintentionally. The pivot function described herein allows at least portions of the electrical contact component20to pivot without building up tension in the cable to a point of snapping. In addition, the biasing members50may also compensate for unfavorable tolerance stack-up in the perforating gun assembly100.

As shown herein, the axis A-A of the contact pins21coincides with the axis A-A of the bulkhead body12. Furthermore, the contact pins21are capable of sliding backwards and forwards in the direction shown by arrows B, and such movement is limited by biasing members50. In practice, the contact pin is capable of moving into and out of the body while restricted from leaving the bulkhead body12due to the smaller inner diameter of end portion bores17a, and compressibility of biasing members50as the members50are pushed against the central portion40. It is anticipated that a thickness of each of the first end portion13and the second end portion14are sized sufficiently to stop or retain at least a portion of the contact pin21, and in an embodiment, to stop or retain the pin head26within the mid-portion bore17c. Alternatively, it may be possible to fix or otherwise attach (rather than abut) each of the components of the electrical contact component20together (not shown). In other words, on one end of the electrical contact component20, the first contact pin24may be attached to the first biasing member51, which is attached to the central portion40, while at the other end of the component, the second contact pin25may be attached to the second biasing member52, which is attached to the central portion40. In this way, it may not be necessary to provide first end portion13and second end portion14to retain the assembly within the bulkhead body12.

In an embodiment, the bulkhead assembly10is able to maintain a higher pressure at the first end portion13of the bulkhead body12as compared to the second end14of the bulkhead body12, as depicted in an embodiment in, for instance,FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the bulkhead assembly10is positioned within the downhole tool100, in this instance a perforating gun assembly. Any and all of the features of the bulkhead assembly10mentioned hereinabove are useful in the downhole tool100including the bulkhead assembly10.

Only a portion of the downhole tool100is depicted herein, including a tandem seal adapter or tandem sub150, in which the bulkhead assembly10is shown assembled within the perforating gun assembly100. In an embodiment, the bulkhead assembly10is configured for positioning within the tandem seal adaptor150. The tandem sub150is configured to seal inner components within the perforating gun housing from the outside environment using various sealing means. The tandem seal adapter150seals adjacent perforating gun assemblies (not shown) from each other, and houses the bulkhead assembly10. As shown herein, the wired electrical connection170is connected to the first end22of the electrical contact component20of the bulkhead assembly10via the first contact pin24(not shown). An insulator172covers the first contact pin24and in an embodiment provides a coating or insulating member, typically using heat shrinking, over the connecting wires of the wired electrical connection170.

In an embodiment, and as shown particularly inFIGS. 4 and 5, the bulkhead assembly10functions to relay the electrical signal via the electrical contact component20to an initiator140, such as a detonator or igniter. In particular and as shown inFIG. 5, the second contact pin25is in contact with a spring loaded electric contact, which is connected to the initiator140(not shown). In an embodiment and as shown herein, the first contact pin24(see, for instance,FIG. 2, and which is covered by the insulator172inFIG. 5) is configured for connecting to the wired electrical connection170and the second contact pin25is configured for wirelessly electrically contacting an electrical contact, such as a detonator electrical contacting component142, to transmit the electrical signal. In a further embodiment, the second contact pin25is configured for wirelessly electrically contacting an electrical contact of the initiator140.

With reference toFIGS. 6-7, a ground apparatus210is provided and is configured for providing an electrical connection for at least one ground wire212. According to an aspect, the ground apparatus may be configured to be received by a receiving member251(substantially as shown inFIGS. 9A-9Cand described substantially hereinbelow). The ground apparatus210may provide a ground apparatus to the electrical contact component of the bulkhead assembly10by providing a simple means to ground/attach the ground wire212. (See, for instance,FIGS. 10-13.)

According to an aspect, the ground apparatus210may include a plate220and a contact arm240extending from the place220. The plate220may include a grounding body230including an upper surface231and a lower surface233. According to an aspect, the ground apparatus210includes a contact arm240, which may be formed integrally with and extend from the grounding body230. WhileFIG. 6illustrates the contact arm240extending out of or away from the upper surface231, it is to be understood that in some embodiments, the contact arm240extends out of or away from the lower surface233. The contact arm240may include an inner portion241and an outer portion242, such that the inner portion241extends from the base238of the grounding body230and the outer portion242extends beyond the inner portion241. The outer portion242of the contact arm240may include a connecting means243for mechanically and electrically connecting to the ground wire212, thereby providing an electrical ground connection. The connecting means243may include, for example, plastic sheathing cables, electrical tape, a clip and insulator, and the like.

According to an aspect and as illustrated inFIG. 7, the plate220of the ground apparatus210includes at least a semi-disc shape. The plate220may have any other shape, such as a rectangular shape. According to an aspect, the plate220includes a ductile bendable sheet metal having conductive properties. In an embodiment, the plate220includes aluminum, copper, copper alloys and or any other electrically conductive materials. According to an aspect, the contact arm240is formed integrally with the grounding body230by virtue of being formed from the partially cut or stamped-out section of the grounding body230.

The grounding body230may include an aperture232. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the grounding body230may include the aperture232extending from a perimeter234of the grounding body230substantially inwards and substantially towards a central portion of the grounding body230. The arrangement and/or formation of the aperture232in the grounding body230may form fingers237on either side of the grounding body230. The fingers237may extend from a base238of the grounding body230. According to an aspect, the fingers237extend substantially from the base238towards the perimeter234of the grounding body230. In an embodiment, the length L of the fingers237defines the depth of the aperture232and is the distance from the base238of the grounding body230to the perimeter234. The length L may be of any size and shape that would enable the fingers237to engage with the receiving member251, as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. According to an aspect, a distance D1defines the width of the aperture232, between the fingers237. In an embodiment, the distance D1is created by virtue of the stamped out section of the grounding body230, i.e., the D1is substantially same as a size and/or dimensions of the contact arm240.

With particular reference toFIG. 7, the distance D1may include an inner distance D2, a central distance D3and an outer distance D4. According to an aspect, the central distance D3may have a larger size than the inner distance D2and/or the outer distance D4. According to an aspect, the central distance D3may be sized and adapted to provide the pivoting capabilities of the ground apparatus210. In an embodiment, the central distance D3is designed to have a substantially circular shape. According to an aspect, when the outer distance D4is smaller in size than the central distance D3, the outer distance D4provides retention capabilities when the ground apparatus is snapped or otherwise positioned on, for example, the bulkhead assembly10and/or engaged with the receiving member251, as seen, for instance, inFIG. 9A.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the contact arm240extends from the plate220, and thus is positioned away from the upper surface231of the grounding body230. According to an aspect, the contact arm240projects away from the plate220at an angle A°. The angle A° may be between about 10 degrees A°1and about 170 degrees A°3. According to an aspect, the angle A° is between about 10 degrees A°1and about 90 degrees A°2. As described hereinabove, the grounding body230may be configured for pivoting about its own axis when positioned on the electrical device and/or the receiving member251. In any event, the angle A° may be selected so that when the grounding body230pivots about its own axis, the ground wire212will not be torn, twisted and/or crimped/nicked, i.e., the ground wire212will not become compromised. In other words, the grounding apparatus210may be able to provide continuous and/or successful electrical connection for the ground wire212while also being pivotable on the bulkhead assembly10and/or the receiving member251, thereby helping to at least reduce and/or limit the safety issues associated with physically and manually wiring live explosives.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9A-9Cand according to an aspect, the ground apparatus210is removeably positioned on the receiving member251of the bulkhead assembly10. According to an aspect, the grounding body230is at least partially positioned in a groove252formed in the receiving member251. When positioned in the groove252, the grounding body230is pivotable about its own axis. In an embodiment, when the grounding wire212is attached to the contact arm240of the ground apparatus, the ground apparatus210is pivotable in such a manner that the grounding wire212will not become compromised. Further, by virtue of being attached to the ground apparatus210, the grounding wire212is also capable of being removeably positioned and/or connected to the receiving member251.

According to an aspect and as illustrated inFIGS. 9A-9B, when the ground apparatus210is positioned on the receiving member251, the perimeter234of the grounding body230may have a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the bulkhead assembly10. In some embodiments, the perimeter234of the grounding body230has a shape that is not similar to the shape of the bulkhead assembly10(not shown).

FIGS. 9A-9Cillustrate the ground apparatus210being removed from the receiving member251, according to an aspect. When the ground apparatus210is removed from the receiving member, it can be easily repositioned thereon without requiring additional devices, such as, for example, clips and/or fasteners. The grounding apparatus210may function as an integrated device having all the components required for providing continuous and/or successful electrical contact.

With reference toFIGS. 10-13and according to an aspect, a bulkhead assembly10having an integrated ground apparatus is provided. The bulkhead assembly10is illustrated including a bulkhead body12and an electrical contact component20. According to an aspect, the bulkhead body12includes a first end portion13, a second end portion14and a bore17(seeFIG. 12) extending between the first end portion13and the second end portion14. The electrical contact component20may extend through the bore17of the bulkhead body12, such that at least a portion of the electrical contact component20is configured to pivot about its own axis. According to an aspect, the electrical contact component20is configured for electrical conductivity and feed-through of the electric signal.

With reference toFIGS. 10-11and according to an aspect, the bulkhead assembly10includes the first contact pin24extending from the first end portion13and the second contact pin25,25′ extending from the second end portion14, with the ground apparatus210positioned adjacent to the first end portion13of the bulkhead body12. According to an embodiment, and as illustrated inFIG. 10, the first contact pin24is configured for connecting to the wired electrical connection170and the second contact pin25′ is configured for providing a wired electrical connection to, for instance, a wired initiator (not shown), to transmit the electrical signal. In an alternative embodiment and as illustrated inFIG. 11, the first contact pin24is configured for connecting to the wired electrical connection170and the second contact pin25is configured for providing a wireless electrical connection to the wireless detonator electrical contacting component142, (see, for instance,FIG. 5), to complete the electrical connection and to transmit the electrical signal. According to an aspect, when the ground apparatus210is positioned within the groove252formed in the receiving member251, the ground apparatus210can rotate/swivel/pivot about the receiving member251in a manner that does not compromise the grounding wire212. According to an aspect, the pivot function of the ground apparatus210relative to the bulkhead assembly10prevents the grounding wire212from becoming torn, crimped/nicked, inadvertently disconnected from the receiving member251, and allows the ground apparatus210to pivot or twist around the receiving member251as the electrical contact component20pivots within the bulkhead body12of the bulkhead assembly10.

FIG. 13illustrates a downhole tool100including the bulkhead assembly10having the integrated ground apparatus210, according to an aspect. The downhole tool100may include the tandem seal adapter150(FIG. 4) and the ground apparatus210pivotally attached to or assembled on the bulkhead assembly10within the tandem seal adapter150, in such a manner that the inner components within the bulkhead assembly10are sealed within the tandem seal adapter150. In other words, the tandem seal adapter150may house and seal the bulkhead assembly10and its respective ground apparatus210from adjacent perforating gun assemblies (not shown).

In an embodiment, the bulkhead assembly10provides an improved apparatus for use with a wireless connection—that is, without the need to attach, crimp, cut or otherwise physically and manually connect external wires to the component. Rather, one or more of the connections may be made wirelessly, by simply abutting, for instance, electrically contactable components. For the sake of clarity, the term “wireless” does not refer to a WiFi connection, but rather to this notion of being able to transmit electrical signals through the electrical componentry without connecting external wires to the component.

In an embodiment, the bulkhead assembly10is provided that is capable of being placed into the downhole tool100with minimal effort. Specifically, bulkhead assembly10is configured for use in the downhole tool100and to electrically contactably form an electrical connection with the initiator140or other downhole device, for instance, to transmit the electrical signal without the need of manually and physically connecting, cutting or crimping wires as required in a wired electrical connection.

The components and methods illustrated are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included. Further, steps described in the method may be utilized independently and separately from other steps described herein.

While the apparatus and method have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. In the interest of brevity and clarity, and without the need to repeat all such features, it will be understood that any feature relating to one embodiment described herein in detail, may also be present in an alternative embodiment. As an example, it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that if the electrical contact component20of one embodiment is described as being formed of an electrically conductive material, that the electrical contact component20described in the alternative embodiment is also formed of an electrically conductive material, without the need to repeat all such features.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Terms such as “first,” “second,” 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.

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.”

Advances in science and technology may make equivalents and substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of the imprecision of language; these variations should be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.