Patent ID: 6925924

Claim:
A method for forming perforations in a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation surrounding a wellbore using a non-linear, shaped charge perforator, said method comprising: (a) placing said non-linear, shaped charge perforator in said wellbore, said shaped charge perforator comprising (1) a single, axisymmetric case having a hollow interior, an open front end, side walls, and a closed back end, (2) a jet-producing, axisymmetric liner disposed within said axisymmetric case and closing said open front end and (3) a main explosive charge disposed within said hollow interior between said liner and the closed back end of said axisymmetric case, wherein said main explosive charge has a back that conforms to and is substantially flush with said closed back end, sides that conform to and are substantially flush with said side walls, and a front that conforms to and is substantially flush with said liner; and (b) detonating said non-linear, shaped charge perforator by initiating said main explosive charge at at least two points between about 165° and about 195° apart such that said liner is formed into a jet that penetrates said hydrocarbon-bearing formation.