Patent ID: 12215578

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments are discussed, for simplicity, with regard to an integrated perforating gun and setting tool system having two gun clusters and one setting tool. However, the embodiments discussed herein are applicable to gun systems having more gun clusters.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

According to an embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, an integrated perforating gun and setting tool system200includes first and second gun cluster210and220connected to each other by a tandem sub230, and also a setting tool240, connected to the second gun cluster220with a similar tandem sub230. WhileFIG.2shows, for simplicity, only two gun clusters, one skilled in the art would understand that more than two gun clusters may be part of the integrated perforating gun and setting tool system. The tandem sub230can be used to connect any two gun clusters or any gun cluster and a setting tool. The tandem sub230is configured, as discussed later in more detail, to receive an interchangeable module250(herein a “module”). The module250is configured to hold a detonator260, when used between two gun clusters, and to hold an ignitor270, when used between a gun cluster and a setting tool. Thus, the same module250can be used anywhere along the integrated perforating gun and setting tool system. This simplifies the assembly of the system200as less parts are used for connecting the gun cluster and the setting tool and also prevents using the wrong type of module between the various components of the system.

The module250is designed to achieve electrical connections with the gun clusters and/or the setting tool by simply touching them, i.e., no electrical wires are attached to the module that need to be manually connected to corresponding wires of the setting tool and/or gun cluster. In one embodiment, the housing of the module has external threads that achieve the mechanical connection of the module to the tandem sub. In another embodiment, the detonator or ignitor can simply be inserted into the module to achieve mechanical and electrical connections, i.e., the module has female or male contacts that engage corresponding male or female contacts, respectively, of the detonator or ignitor, without the need to manually attached the contacts to each other. The features of the module250are now discussed in more detail.

FIG.3shows a cross-section of the module250having an initiating device342(which may be the detonator260or the igniter270) installed in a chamber345formed in a body341of the module250. The initiating device342may be held in place by one or more holders343(e.g., off-the-self fuse holders). This means that any type of detonator or igniter may be placed inside the module250. As discussed later, the chamber345may also house a printed circuit board348.

In this embodiment, a first end344A of the body341is narrower than the rest of the body and has threads347that are designed to mate with corresponding threads formed in the tandem sub230(shown inFIG.2and also disclosed in PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US18/51868, entitled “Perforating Gun System and Method,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference). Note that a traditional sub has a switch retainer nut that holds in place a corresponding switch. The module250is configured in this embodiment to replace the switch retainer nut in the sub. This means that module250screws directly into the body of the tandem sub230when the gun assembly is assembled.

The second end344B of the module250has a more complex structure. Plural spring-loaded contacts346A to346C (3 are shown in the figure but more or less contacts may be used in another embodiment) are attached to the printed circuit board (PCB)348and located so that corresponding pins347A to347C extend beyond the body341. In one embodiment, these pins extend from the PCB348, but they may extend only inside the body341of the module250. The PCB348is placed inside the chamber345of the module. In one embodiment, the PCB348extends around the initiating device342, in the same chamber345, as shown inFIG.3. The three spring-loaded contacts364A to346C connect to the through-wire, fire-wire and dedicated ground wire, respectively. However, note that when an addressable switch340is placed inside the body of the module, the fire-wire is not necessary, and thus, only two spring-loaded contacts are used, as discussed later with regard toFIGS.6A to6C. As will be discussed later, these three electrical contacts connect to corresponding contacts on a contact end plate mechanism of the gun cluster or setting tool. These connectors may be spring loaded to account for any variations in assembly which might otherwise prevent one of the connectors from making contact with a corresponding contact on the gun cluster or setting tool. In one application, the contact end plate mechanism may be spring loaded for achieving the same results.

A contact switch350may be located on the same PCB348, and the contact switch is configured to shunt the leads342A and342B of the initiating device342when the tandem sub is not attached to the gun cluster or the setting tool. This is a safety feature which prevents an unwanted initiation of the initiating device. Note that the initiating device cannot be electrically actuated as long as its leads are shunted. In this regard, initiating device342has two leads342A and342B that are connected to a connection unit354, which is attached to the PCB348. WhileFIG.3shows the initiating device342being connected with wires to the connection unit354, it is also possible to electrically connected the initiating device to the connection unit with no wires, for example, directly soldering the initiating device to the connection unit. The two leads342A and342B are shorted by the contact switch350when a head352of this switch is free, i.e., not in contact with anything. As soon as head352, which can be made of plastic, is biased by the gun cluster or setting tool to which the module is attached, the two leads342A and342B are disconnected from each other. However, these leads remain connected to the rest of the circuit so that an initiating signal can be sent to the initiating device. Contact switch350may be a normally closed, momentary contact switch.

The PCB348electrically connects the ground contact346A to a corresponding ground pin346A-A and the through-line contact346B to a corresponding through-line pin346B-B. The through-line contact346B corresponds to the line-in or line-out and the through-line pin346B-B corresponds to the line-out or line-in. The switch contact346C may be electrically connected to a corresponding switch in a downstream tandem sub and also to the wire connection unit354and to the contact switch350. Pins346A-A and346B-B ensure that the ground-line and the through-line continue to the next gun cluster or setting tool.

The switch contact346C may be electrically connected to an addressable switch340that is located on the PCB board348. The addressable switch340may includes a processor PA (e.g., application-specific integrated circuit or field-programmable gate array or equivalent semiconductor device) that is electrically connected to the two leads342A and342B. For this embodiment, the contact switch350may be omitted as the addressable switch340prevents the initiating device342from an unwanted initiating. In other words, either the contact switch350or the addressable switch340may be used for ensuring the safe firing of the initiating device. However, in one embodiment, it is possible to have both switches as an extra safety measure. If the addressable switch340is present, then the initiating device342is initiated only when an initiating signal having the correct digital address of the addressable switch340is received from a global controller at the surface.

The digital address of the addressable switch340may be assigned in various ways. For example, it is possible that all the addressable switches of the gun system have a pre-assigned address. In one application, it is possible that the addressable switches have random addresses, i.e., addresses either assigned by the manufacturer of the memory or addresses that happen to be while the memories were manufactured. In still another embodiment, it is possible that a set of predetermined addresses were assigned by the manufacturer of the gun system. A more specific configuration of an addressable switch and how to use such an addressable switch may be found in PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US18/22846, entitled “Addressable Switch Assembly for Wellbore Systems and Method,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, other known addressable switches may be used for element340.

The body341of the module250may have threads341A on the outside, as shown inFIG.3, and these threads are configured to mate with corresponding threads formed in the inside of the tandem sub230. In this way, the module250can be fixedly attached to the interior of the tandem sub230with a simple rotational motion. If both threads347and341A are present on the body341, an even stronger connection is achieved between the module250and the tandem sub230. If both the threads347and341A are formed on the body341, they need to have the same pitch and shape so that they simultaneously engage the corresponding threads from the tandem sub. Note that the module250can work with only one of the threads.

The module may further include another safety feature, an interrupter mechanism360. The interrupter mechanism360includes, among other elements, a cap362and an arm364. Cap362is placed to block a ballistic connection between the initiating device342and a detonation cord (not shown) in the adjacent gun cluster or a power charge in an adjacent setting tool. This means that even if the initiating device342is accidentally actuated while the tandem sub is not fully engaged with the gun cluster or setting tool, the produced pressure waves would not ignite the detonation cord inside the gun cluster or the power charge inside the setting tool, as the pressure waves would be blocked by the cap362and thus, the shaped charges of the gun are not actuated. Cap362may have the same or a larger diameter than the initiating device342for preventing the pressure waves from the initiating device to propagate downstream to the gun cluster or setting tool. Note that the module does not have to simultaneously have all the safety features discussed herein. The module may include at least one of these safety features. In one application, the module may include any combination of these safety features. In still another application, the module may have none of the safety features discussed herein if the addressable switch is used.

FIG.4shows an overview of the module250that illustrates the interrupter mechanism360. In this figure, an interrupter actuator366and an interrupter spring368are seen. Note that when the module250touches a contact end plate mechanism (see element500inFIG.5) of a gun spring or setting tool in the system200, the interrupter actuator366is pressed inside or along the module, along longitudinal axis X. This movement of the interrupter actuator366makes the interrupter spring368to swing upwards and thus, arm364rotates anti-clockwise. This anti-clockwise movement of the arm364makes the cap362to move to a side370of the interior of the body341, ensuring ballistic contact (i.e., clear path) between the initiating device342and the detonator cord of the gun cluster (not shown) or the power charge of the setting tool (not shown). Arm364may be attached to the body341with a screw372or other equivalent mechanisms. The spring368pushes the actuator back when the module is not in contact with the contact end plate mechanism.

While the interrupter mechanism360shown inFIG.4is a mechanical device, it is possible to modify it to be an electronically controlled interrupter, which would be controlled by, for example, a processor of the addressable switch340. Those skilled in the art would understand that the processor may be placed anywhere inside the body, and it may not be associated with the addressable switch340. For this embodiment, the interrupter mechanism360may be modified to include a solenoid that would act on the arm364and/or cap362to open or close the ballistic connection between the initiating device and the downstream gun cluster or setting tool. In this embodiment, the processor sends an electrical signal to the solenoid when necessary to open the ballistic connection and no mechanical contact between the module and the gun cluster or setting tool is necessary.

FIG.4also shows two clamps356(more are possible) attached to the body341. These clamps fit into corresponding mating members on the other half of the body341. Thus, after the initiating device342and PCB348are placed inside one half of the body341, the other half of the body341can be simply snapped in place. Those skilled in the art would understand that other means for connecting the two halves may be used, for example, screws. Also, it is possible that the body of the module250is made of more than two parts.

Another safety feature that may be added to the module is now discussed still with regard toFIG.4. The PCB348, when present, not only makes the electrical connections between the various elements of the module, but in one application it may also be used to form a Faraday cage to protect the initiating device342from electromagnetic interference. In this application, the entire back plane of the module may be made to be a ground plane. For example, a conductive foil349may be added to the exterior of the module, to act as the Faraday cage. The foil349may be added with an adhesive tape to the external side of the module. The foil needs to be positioned to not interfere with the movement of the interrupter mechanism.

The configuration of the contact end plate mechanism500noted above is now discussed with regard toFIG.5. The contact end plate mechanism500needs to be present at an end of each of the gun cluster and the setting tool. Note that the contact end plate mechanism500takes the place of a conventional upstream endplate for a gun cluster.FIG.5shows a front face500A of the contact end plate mechanism500and this front face electrically and mechanically connects to the module250. For achieving the electrical connection with the module, the front face includes a printed circuit board501that has three electrical contacts (other number may be used in other applications)502,504and506, which are electrically separated from each other by insulating zones508. The electrical contacts502,504and506may be formed as rings on the printed circuit board. In one application, these electrical contacts may have another shape.

One skilled in the art would appreciate at least two advantages of these electrical contacts. First, the process of making these contacts (i.e., treating a printed circuit board to have three concentric rings) is easier and cheaper than stamping metal contacts as currently done in the industry. Second, the current gun systems require an accurate alignment of the various components for matching the electrical contacts of these various components. In the present embodiments, the three electrical contacts346A,346B and346C of the module250(note that the module may have only two contacts or more than three) and the corresponding three electrical contacts502,504, and506of the contact end plate mechanism500do not need to exactly match each other because of the circular shape of the contacts502,504, and506. In other words, the electrical contacts of the module may be rotated in any way relative to the longitudinal axis X of the module and they still contact the electrical contacts of the contact end plate mechanism500. Further, even if there is a gap between the module and the contact end plate mechanism along the axis X, because of the springs biasing the pins of the electrical contacts of the module against the contact end plate mechanism, a good electrical contact is achieved between the module and the contact end plate mechanism. Thus, assembly of the module and the contact end plate mechanism is simplified as no precise alignment of the two parts is required.

The contact end plate mechanism500shown inFIG.5also has a central hole510, through which the pressure waves from the initiating device342ballistically communicate with a detonator cord or power charge, which may be located behind the PCB front face500A of the gun cluster or setting tool, respectively.FIG.5also shows a bracket512that maintains the PCB front face500A attached to the contact end plate mechanism500.

FIGS.6A to6Dshows various views of the module250. In this embodiment, the first end344A of the housing341is missing, and thus, also the corresponding thread347. This means that the module250may have or not these two elements. Only the thread341A is used in this embodiment for attaching the module250to the tandem sub230. Further, in this embodiment, only two pins347A and347B are used instead of three, as discussed in the embodiment ofFIG.3. These figures also show that the housing341may be implemented as two halves that are attached to each other when the module is ready to be attached to the tandem sub. In one embodiment, the housing341is shaped as a box, as also shown inFIGS.6A to6D. This means that the housing341has a length M, which extends along the longitudinal axis X of the gun assembly, a width W, and a height H. In one application, the length M is larger than either the width W or the height H. In still another application, as shown inFIG.6A, the threads341A are formed only on two sides of the housing341, which correspond to the width W of the module. It is noted that no wires are exiting the housing341, only the pins347A and347B at one end, and pins346A-A and346B-B at the opposite end. In one embodiment, one or more of these pins may be configured to be fully inside the housing341, as shown, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG.3.

The placement of the module250at various locations along the integrated perforating gun and setting tool system200is now discussed in more detail. To appreciate the advantages brought by the module250,FIG.7shows a typical system for coupling a perforating gun assembly700to a setting tool top sub710. The perforating gun assembly700may include plural gun clusters720.FIG.7shows only the last gun cluster720, also called the bottom gun cluster, which couples to the setting tool top sub710. A shoot-thru bull plug722is directly attached to the bottom gun cluster720. A quick change mandrel730having a quick change collar732is directly connected to the shoot-thru bull plug722. The quick change collar732directly connects to the setting tool firing head712, which in turn directly connects to the setting tool top sub710.FIG.7also shows the ignitor714being placed in the setting tool firing head712. The ignitor714is electrically actuated through bottom feedthrough contact724, and the ignitor714ignites the power charge716placed in the setting tool top sub710. It is noted the large length L of the elements connecting the last gun cluster720to the setting tool top sub710, which is undesirable. Also, it is noted that a switch726, located in the last gun cluster720, and which is configured to actuate the ignitor714, is placed far away from the ignitor. All these elements shown inFIG.7as being placed between the last gun cluster720and the setting tool top sub710cannot be used to connected one gun cluster to another gun cluster. For connecting those gun clusters to each other, another type of sub is necessary, with another switch and a corresponding detonator.

As previously discussed, having different connecting devices between two adjacent gun clusters and a gun cluster and the setting tool may confuse the operator of the gun, which may misconnect the electrical wires of these elements to each other, require the storage of many different components in the field, require a highly trained person to put together all these elements, and is time consuming.

One or more of these problems are overcame by using the interchangeable module250discussed with regard toFIG.3for connecting two gun clusters to each other or a gun cluster to a setting tool.FIG.8Ashows part of the integrated perforating gun and setting tool system200including the bottom gun cluster220connected through the tandem sub230and a plug-shoot adapter840, to the top sub241of the setting tool240. For simplicity, herein, the plug-shoot adapter840and the top sub241are considered to be part of the setting tool240, and thus, these elements are sometimes referred to herein as the setting tool. The module250is placed inside the tandem sub230. Note that a length L′ between the bottom gun cluster220and the top sub241is much smaller than the length L inFIG.7. The addressable switch340and the initiation device342are placed in the same cavity/chamber345inside the module250and the module250is placed inside the tandem sub230. The tandem sub230has an extremely small length D that is visible from outside, when the gun cluster220is assembled with the top sub241, as shown inFIG.8B.

Note that in one example, the length D can be smaller than 5 cm. In still another embodiment, the length D is smaller than 1 cm. In still another embodiment, the length D that is visible from outside when the tandem sub230is attached to the bottom gun cluster220and the plug-shoot adaptor840is a couple of millimeters.FIG.8Bfurther shows that the module250can extend slightly outside the tandem sub230, i.e., a portion250A of the module250might extend into the plug-shoot adaptor840, i.e., that portion250A is not located inside the tandem sub230.

Returning to the tandem sub230, it has a body231and a chamber or bore233formed in the body, as shown inFIG.8B. The chamber233is large enough to accommodate the module250. The chamber233fluidly communicates with a smaller bore235formed though the body231, when the interior components are not present. However, a sealing bulkhead is placed inside the small bore235to prevent this fluid communication when the tandem is in use and all the other components are in place. The bottom feedthrough contact724is placed within the smaller bore235. Note that the chamber233and the smaller bore235together extend through the entire body231. The body231has a first end850A and a second end850B. A first region852is located at the first end and is configured to engage a gun cluster or setting tool. The first region852has threads852A that are configured to engage corresponding threads of the gun cluster or setting tool. A second region854is located at the second end of the body231, and is configured to engage another gun cluster or the setting tool. The second region854has threads854A that are configured to engage corresponding threads of the gun cluster or setting tool. A third portion856of the body231is sandwiched between the first region852and the second region854. Note that when the tandem sub230is fully engaged with the gun cluster220and the plug-shoot adapter840, as illustrated inFIGS.8A and8B, only the third region856is visible from outside, while the first region852and the second region854are within the gun cluster and the setting tool, respectively.

FIG.9shows more details of the integrated perforating gun and setting tool system200and show identical modules250and250′ being used. The first module250is placed into a first tandem sub230, which connects a first gun cluster220to a second gun cluster220′, and the second module250′ is placed into a second tandem230′, which connects the second gun cluster220′ to the plug-shoot adaptor840and then to the top sub241of the setting tool240. Note that the prime symbol is used in this figure just to distinguish the first tandem sub from the second tandem sub (or gun cluster or module or initiating device), but the elements having the prime symbol are the same with the corresponding elements without the prime symbol. The only difference between the first module250and the second module250′ inFIG.9is that the first module250has an initiating device342that is a detonator, while the second module250has an initiating device342′ that is an ignitor.

FIG.9shows some interior details of the second gun cluster220′, i.e., shaped charged910, detonator cord912, which is detonated by the detonator342in this case, and electrical conductors725that connect the bottom feedthrough724′ of each gun cluster.FIG.9also shows how each module250is connected by threads341A to the corresponding tandem sub230. In this regard, because the module250is screwed into its corresponding tandem sub, as shown inFIGS.10A and10B, the final position of the module relative to the cylindrical body231of the corresponding tandem sub230may have any orientation. For example,FIG.10Ashows the module250being vertical (12 o'clock position) relative to a vertical axis Y whileFIG.10Bshows the module250being inclined relative to the vertical axis Y (2 o'clock). In other words, any two modules250and250′ used in an integrated perforating gun and setting tool system200may have different angular orientations relative to a given axis (for example, the vertical) when assembled. There is no need that all the modules have the same angular orientation within their tandem sub. Note thatFIGS.10A and10Balso show the chamber233of the tandem sub in which the module250fits being partially empty.

FIG.11shows an embodiment in which the plug shoot adaptor840, which is shown inFIG.9, has been merged with the top sub241of the setting tool240, which is also shown inFIG.9, to form a single adaptor device1110. Thus, in this embodiment, a length L between the last gun cluster220and the setting tool240is even shorter than in the embodiment ofFIG.9. Also, in this embodiment, the adaptor device1110is a single element that directly connects to the tandem sub230and the setting tool240, thus, simplifying the connection between these elements.

FIG.12shows another embodiment in which the module250ofFIG.9is modified to be “simplified” module1250. Simplified module1250is devoid of most electronics that is present in the module ofFIGS.3and4. For example, the simplified module1250does not include an addressable switch, or any other switch or even a printed circuit board. This is possible because the simplified module is the last module in the chain of modules that are deployed in the integrated gun cluster and setting tool system200, i.e., the simplified module is located between the last gun cluster and the setting tool. Thus, the simplified module has no pins facing the setting tool. The simplified module has only two contacts, a ground and the bottom feedthrough724for igniting the initiating device342, which is an ignitor in this case.

In still another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.13, the module250and the corresponding tandem sub230are connecting the last gun cluster220to the plug shoot adapter840. However, a setting tool1340, which is attached to the plug shoot adapter840, is a hydrostatically actuated setting tool as disclosed, for example, in patent application Ser. No. 16/193,030, entitled “Hydraulically Activated Setting Tool and Method,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The hydraulically activated setting tool1340has no power charge. This setting tool is activated by the hydrostatic pressure P of a fluid1300that is present around the outside of the setting tool. The adapter840has a port842formed in its body844, as illustrated inFIG.13. A pin850is placed inside the port842to prevent the fluid1300from entering an interior bore846of the adapter840. When the initiating device342is activated, which in this case is a specific detonator, its shock wave breaks the pin850, and establishes fluid communication between the outside of the adapter840and the bore846. The fluid1300enters inside the bore846and pressurizes a piston1342, whose movement activates the setting tool1340. Those skilled in the art would understand that the module250and its associated initiating device may be used for other purposes.

The module250illustrated inFIG.3is configured so that the initiating device342is wired (through leads342A and342B) to the circuit board348and to the addressable switch340. However, it is possible, as illustrated inFIG.14A, to have the initiating device1442manufactured without any leads, but only with two contacts1342A and1342B. These contacts are configured to simply touch corresponding contacts1454A and1454B, formed on the wire connection unit354of the circuit board348, so that no wires or leads are necessary for electrically connecting the initiating device1442to the circuit board. In this way, the module1450shown inFIG.14Ais actually wire free, i.e., it connects in a wireless manner to a gun cluster and a setting tool, but also to a corresponding initiating device1442. The wire connection unit354may be omitted in one embodiment, and the contacts1454A and1454B may be attached directly to the circuit board348. In one embodiment, the two contacts1342A and1342B extend outside the initiating device1442and are configured to mate, in a female to male arrangement, to the corresponding contacts1454A and1454B of the printed circuit board. Other methods for connecting the initiating device1342to the circuit board348may be used as long as no wires are involved. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.14B, the module250may be configured to have no threads on the outside. Thus, for this embodiment, threads347and341A are omitted. Even more, the structure at the end344A is also omitted. The module250can be attached to an inside of a corresponding sub or perforating gun by snapping or latching it in place. Note that for this embodiment, the detonator may also be attached with wires to the circuit board, as illustrated inFIG.3.

A method for assembling an integrated perforating gun cluster and setting tool system200is now discussed with regard toFIG.15. The method includes a step1500of attaching with threads a first module250to a first tandem sub230, a step1502of attaching a first end of the first tandem sub230to a setting tool240, a step1504of attaching a first gun cluster220to a second end of the first tandem sub230, a step1506of attaching with threads a second module250to a second tandem sub230, a step1508of attaching a first end of the second module250to the first gun cluster220, and a step1510of attaching a second end of the second module250to a second gun cluster220, where the first module is identical to the second module. In one application, the first tandem sub is identical to the second tandem sub.

The method may further include electrically connecting each of the first and second modules to a corresponding initiating device, which is detachably attached to each of the first and second modules, and/or selecting the initiating device to be an ignitor for the first module and a detonator for the second module. In one application, each of the first and second modules includes a body341having first external threads341A, an addressable switch348located inside the body341, and a wire connection354located inside the body and configured to electrically connect to an initiating device342. In one embodiment, the body is shaped as a box.

The method may further includes forming the first external threads only on two opposite faces of the body. The two opposite faces of the body correspond to a width of the box, a length of the box corresponds to a length of the two gun clusters, and a height of the box corresponds to an internal diameter of a tandem sub in which the module is located. The method may also include forming second external threads at an end of the body. In one application, a diameter of the second external threads is smaller than a diameter of the first external threads. The method may further include configuring the first and second external threads to mate with corresponding threads formed in a corresponding tandem sub.

While the various features illustrated above have been discussed in the context of the oil and gas industry, those skilled in the art would understand that the novel features are applicable to devices in any field. For example, the rotatable multipin connection between the module and the contact end plate mechanism utilizing the printed circuit board as an electromechanical connection may be used in the electronics field. The spring loading of the pins347A to347C may account for tolerances in makeup and add practicality to any two elements that need to be electrically connected. Furthermore, the cost of such PCB connector is much below other multipin designs.

The disclosed embodiments provide methods and systems for assembling guns strings and a setting tool to form an integrated perforating gun and setting tool system, by using a same tandem sub between any two adjacent gun clusters and a gun cluster and the setting tool. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the exemplary embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed invention. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.

Although the features and elements of the present exemplary embodiments are described in the embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements of the embodiments or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.

This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.