DOWNHOLE IMAGING DEVICE FOR A PERFORATING GUN STRING

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/729,009 (the “'009 Application”), filed Dec. 6, 2024, and bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.18PV01, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '009 Application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/365,178, filed Jul. 1, 2021 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.8US01, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,414,951 (the “'951 Patent”), which claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/047,062, filed Jul. 1, 2020 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.8PV01, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '009 Application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/785,398, filed Jul. 26, 2024 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.12US03, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/317,188, filed May 15, 2023 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.12US02, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 12,049,791 (the “'791 Patent”), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/869,320, filed Jul. 20, 2022 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.12US01, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,649,684, which claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/355,440, filed Jun. 24, 2022 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.12PV02, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63/224,338, filed Jul. 21, 2021 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.12PV01, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '009 Application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/644,275 (the “'275 Application”), filed Apr. 24, 2024 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.14US01, which claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/497,900, filed Apr. 24, 2023 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.14PV01, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '009 Application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/886,370 (the “'370 Application”), filed Sep. 16, 2024 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.15US01, which claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/582,880, filed Sep. 15, 2023 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.15PV01, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63/686,404, filed Aug. 23, 2024 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.15PV02, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '009 Application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/552,947 (the “'947 Application”), filed Feb. 13, 2024 bearing Attorney Docket No. 58926.17PV01, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to perforating guns used in oil and gas wellbore completions operations, and, more particularly, to a perforating gun string including a downhole imaging device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system including a perforating gun string having an integrated downhole imaging device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the perforating gun string having the integrated downhole imaging device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a computing node for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 including a perforating gun string 105 having a downhole imaging device 110 is illustrated according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 is integrated into the perforating gun string 105 of the system 100. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 is adapted to measure downhole entry-hole diameter (“EHD”). Additionally, or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 is adapted to measure downhole orientation accuracy (either pre- or post-stimulation). In one or more embodiments, such data is used to validate completions performance. Additionally, or alternatively, such data may be used to correlate well performance for achieving improved well designs. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 of the perforating gun string 105 eliminates (or at least reduces) the need for sending a separate downhole imaging device into the well after the perforating gun string 105 is pulled out of the hole, which is costly (adding cost on top of the cost of completions) and slow (requiring a separate run often in the range of 14-16 hours). Additionally, or alternatively, the downhole imaging device 110 of the perforating gun string 105 permits data capture (i.e., pre-frac data) before hydraulically fracturing each of the stages (i.e., before, during, or after each hydraulic fracturing stage is isolated with a corresponding plug). Imaging tool(s) are traditionally run downhole post-stimulation, that is, after retrieving the spent perforating gun string 105, to verify perforations. Including the downhole imaging device 110 of the system 100 (e.g., integrated into the perforating gun string 105) allows imaging to take place during deployment of the perforating gun string 105, rather than after, providing real-time pre- and/or post-stimulation data. Such data may include post-stimulation data for a previously-stimulated hydraulic fracturing stage. Additionally, or alternatively, such data may include pre- and/or post-stimulation data for the current hydraulic fracturing stage. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 100 houses electronics such as ultrasonic sensor(s), acoustic sensor(s), other imaging sensor(s), and/or a discrete battery (allowing for continued operation after power and/or communication with the rest of the wireline is severed, i.e., post-detonation).

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a conveyance truck 115 and the perforating gun string 105. The conveyance truck 115 is operable to deploy and retrieve the perforating gun string 105 via a conveyance string 120. The conveyance string 120 may be or include any type of conveyance string capable of being connected to the perforating gun string 105 and conveyed together therewith into an oil and gas wellbore 125 that penetrates one or more subterranean formations. The wellbore 125 may be used in oil and gas exploration and production operations. The conveyance string 120 may include, but is not limited to, casing, drill pipe, coiled tubing, production tubing, other types of pipe or tubing strings, and/or other types of conveyance strings, such as wireline, slickline, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the conveyance string 120 is wireline and the conveyance truck 115 is a wireline truck. In one or more other embodiments, the conveyance string 120 is coiled tubing and the conveyance truck 115 is a coiled tubing truck.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 further includes a lubricator 130, a fracturing (or “frac”) tree 135, and a wellhead 140. The wellhead 140 is located at the top or head of the wellbore 125. A pumpdown truck 145 may be connected to, and adapted to be in fluid communication with, the wellhead 140. The pumpdown truck 145 is operable to supply pumpdown fluid to the wellhead 140, which pumpdown fluid urges the perforating gun string 105 downhole along the wellbore 125 (e.g., along a horizontal section of the wellbore 125). In addition to, or instead of, being connected to, and adapted to be in fluid communication with, the wellhead 140, the pumpdown truck 145 may be connected to, and adapted to be in fluid communication with, the frac tree 135 and/or the lubricator 130. In those embodiments in which the pumpdown truck 145 is connected to, and in fluid communication with, the lubricator 130, the pumpdown truck 145 may be further utilized to equalize pressure between the wellhead 140 and the lubricator 130 to thereby facilitate the opening of a valve (e.g., a swab valve, an upper master valve, the like, or a combination thereof) isolating the lubricator 130 from the wellhead 140 so that the perforating gun string 105 may be deployed from the lubricator 130, through the wellhead 140, and into the wellbore 125, as will be described in further detail below. In addition to, or instead of, the pumpdown truck 145, a bypass line and/or a different pump may be utilized to equalize pressure between the wellhead 140 and the lubricator 130 to thereby facilitate the opening of the valve isolating the lubricator 130 from the wellhead 140. The pumpdown truck 145 is needed in those instances where the conveyance string 120 is insufficiently rigid to move the perforating gun string 105 downhole along the wellbore 125 (e.g., when the conveyance string 120 is wireline). Alternatively, the pumpdown truck 145 may be omitted from the system 100 in those instances where the conveyance string 120 is sufficiently rigid to move the perforating gun string 105 downhole along the wellbore 125.

The frac tree 135 is connected to, and adapted to be in fluid communication with, the wellhead 140, opposite the wellbore 125. For example, the frac tree 135 may be, include, or be part of the wellhead 140. One or more frac pumps 150 are connected to, and adapted to be in fluid communication with, the frac tree 135. The frac pump(s) 150 are operable to supply hydraulic fracturing fluid to the wellbore 125 during a hydraulic fracturing operation, as will be described in further detail below. During such a hydraulic fracturing operation, the hydraulic fracturing fluid is utilized to hydraulically fracture a target zone of a subterranean formation adjacent a perforated zone of the wellbore 125. The lubricator 130 is connected to, and adapted to be in fluid communication with, the frac tree 135, opposite the wellhead 140. The lubricator 130 facilitates deployment of the perforating gun string 105 through the wellhead 140 and into the wellbore 125 to a location proximate the target zone of the subterranean formation.

The perforating gun string 105 includes one or more perforating guns 155, the downhole imaging device 110, a setting tool 160, and a plug 165. The perforating gun string 105 is deployable from the lubricator 130, through the wellhead 140, and into the wellbore 125 to a location proximate the target zone of the subterranean formation to perform a plug-and-perforate operation. Although described herein as including the perforating gun(s) 155, the downhole imaging device 110, the setting tool 160, and the plug 165 for use during a plug-and-perforate operation, the perforating gun string 105 may instead be another type of downhole tool of which the downhole imaging device 110 is a part for use in connection with another application, which application may include, but is not limited to, exploration, drilling, completions, production, measurement, logging, the like, or a combination thereof.

The perforating gun(s) 155 are connected to the conveyance string 120 at an end of the conveyance string 120 opposite the conveyance truck 115. Moreover, the downhole imaging device 110, the setting tool 160, and the plug 165 are connected to the perforating gun(s) 155, opposite the conveyance string 120. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 is connected to the perforating gun(s) 155. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 is part of the perforating gun(s) 155. The plug 165 is actuable (e.g., radially expandable) by the setting tool 160 as part of the plug-and-perforate operation at a location proximate the target zone of the subterranean formation. Further, the perforating gun(s) 155 are operable as part of the plug-and-perforate operation to perforate the wellbore 125 (e.g., a casing string cemented into the wellbore 125) proximate the target zone of the subterranean formation. Finally, the downhole imaging device 110 enables collection of pre- and post-stimulation data for every hydraulic fracturing stage.

Referring to FIG. 2, with continuing reference to FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 is or includes vision-based imaging technology. Additionally, or alternatively, the downhole imaging device 110 may be or include acoustic-based imaging technology. Additionally, or alternatively, the downhole imaging device 110 may be or include eddy-current-based imaging technology. For example, in one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 include a magnetic field signal generator (e.g., DC pulse or sinusoidal waveform) that radiates stimulating magnetic B-field out into the surrounding metal casing—the radiated magnetic field produces eddy currents in the metal casing, which eddy currents (magnetic circuits in the metal), in turn, produce their own magnetic field that emanates from the metal casing. However, wherever there is a perforation in the metal casing, there is little or no returning magnetic field. The downhole imaging device 110 also includes a dense array of magnetic field sensors (e.g., giant magnetoresistance or GMR sensors) for sensing the returning magnetic field—all the sensor data is then formed into an image of the casing in that zone via post-processing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the downhole imaging device 110 is positioned between the bottommost perforating gun 155 of the perforating gun string 105 and the setting tool 160 of the perforating gun string 105. Additionally, or alternatively, the downhole imaging device 110 may be positioned between a firing head 170 of the perforating gun string 105 and the setting tool 160 of the perforating gun string 105. Additionally, or alternatively, the downhole imaging device 110 may be positioned between the bottommost perforating gun 155 of the perforating gun string 105 and the plug 165 of the perforating gun string 105. However, the downhole imaging device 110 may be otherwise positioned within the perforating gun string 105. For example, the downhole imaging device 110 may be positioned between another perforating gun 155 of the perforating gun string 105 and the bottommost perforating gun 155 of the perforating gun string 105. For another example, the downhole imaging device 110 may be integrated into the perforating gun string 105 above the perforating gun(s) 155 of the perforating gun string 105. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device 110 is, includes, or is part of a kit for retrofitting a perforating gun string.

In operation, data is collected by the downhole imaging device 110 of the perforating gun string 105 in real time while shooting on the fly. Specifically, the downhole imaging device 110 of the perforating gun string 105 is capable of collecting data downhole before, during, or after setting of the plug 165 by the setting tool 160, before detonation of the perforating gun(s) 155 begins, between detonations of the perforating gun(s) 155, and/or after detonation of the perforating gun(s) 155 is completed. Thus, the downhole imaging device 110 of the perforating gun string 105 is capable of measuring every hydraulic fracturing stage and every cluster pre- or post-stimulation, without the additional time and cost that would be required to run a separate downhole imaging tool after retrieving a conventional spent perforating gun string. More data points in less time at a lower cost allows exploration and production companies to design better well(s) more effectively and efficiently.

In one or more embodiments, one or more shock absorbers or dampening elements are integrated into the perforating gun string 105 to protect the downhole imaging device 110 from setting of the plug 165 and/or detonation of the perforating gun(s) 155. In one or more embodiments, one or more blades are integrated into the perforating gun string 105 to clear up downhole fluid in preparation for use of the downhole imaging device 110 after detonation of the perforating gun(s) 155—additionally, or alternatively, extra fluid is circulated from the surface to clear up soot and debris to facilitate use of the downhole imaging device 110.

In one or more embodiments, the collected data is stored in the downhole imaging device 110, and, once the spent perforating gun string 105 is retrieved from the well, the collected data is downloaded from the downhole imaging device 110. Additionally, or alternatively, the downhole imaging device 110 of the perforating gun string 105 may be adapted to telemetrically communicate the collected data from downhole to a control system on the surface before, during, or after setting of the plug 165 by the setting tool 160 and/or detonation of the perforating gun(s) 155.

One or more embodiments of the present application are provided in whole or in part as described in Appendix A of the '009 Application, which has been incorporated by reference into the present application. It is understood that one or more of the embodiments described above and shown FIGS. 1-2 may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the '009 Application, and/or one or more other embodiments described above and shown in Figures.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2 and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the '009 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the '951 Patent, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix B of the '009 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference. For example, in one or more embodiments, the perforating gun string 105 into which the downhole imaging device 110 is integrated is, includes, or is part of the downhole tool shown and described in the '951 Patent.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2 and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the '009 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the '791 Patent, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix C of the '009 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference. For example, in one or more embodiments, the perforating gun string 105 into which the downhole imaging device 110 is integrated includes the perforating gun(s) shown and described in the '791 Patent.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2 and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the '009 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the '275 Application, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix D of the '009 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference. For example, in one or more embodiments, the perforating gun string 105 into which the downhole imaging device 110 is integrated includes a perforating gun with the cap assembly and/or the ballistic interrupter shown and described in the '275 Application.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2 and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the '009 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the '370 Application, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix E of the '009 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference. For example, in one or more embodiments, the perforating gun string 105 into which the downhole imaging device 110 is integrated includes the perforating gun(s) shown and described in the '370 Application, which perforating gun(s) include a self-orienting charge cartridge. In such embodiment(s), the downhole imaging device 110 provides competitive advantage(s) over other self-orienting perforating guns.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2 and/or one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendix A of the '009 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in the '947 Application, the entire disclosure of which: has been incorporated herein by reference; and is included in Appendix F of the '009 Application, which has also been incorporated herein by reference. For example, in one or more embodiments, the perforating gun string 105 into which the downhole imaging device 110 is integrated is, includes, or is part of the downhole tool shown and described in the '947 Application.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the embodiments described and illustrated in Appendices A-F of the '009 Application may be combined in whole or in part with one or more of the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2 and/or one or more of the other embodiments described and illustrated in Appendices A-F of the '009 Application.

Referring to FIG. 3, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-2, in one or more embodiments, a computing node 1000 for implementing one or more of the above-described embodiments, and/or any combination thereof, is depicted. In one or more embodiments, the node 1000 is, includes, or is part of the downhole imaging device 110 shown and described above. In one or more embodiments, the node 1000 is, includes, or is part of the perforating gun string 105 shown and described above. In one or more embodiments, the node 1000 is, includes, or is part of the perforating gun(s) 155 shown and described above. In one or more embodiments, the node 1000 is, includes, or is part of the firing head 170 shown and described above. In one or more embodiments, the node 1000 is, includes, or is part of the setting tool 160 shown and described above. In one or more embodiments, the node 1000 is, includes, or is part of the plug 165 shown and described above. In one or more embodiments, the node 1000 is, includes, or is part of the surface control system described above.

The node 1000 includes a microprocessor 1000a, an input device 1000b, a storage device 1000c, a video controller 1000d, a system memory 1000e, a display 1000f, and a communication device 1000g all interconnected by one or more buses 1000h. In one or more embodiments, the microprocessor 1000a is, includes, or is part of, the downhole imaging device 110, the perforating gun string 105, the perforating gun(s) 155, the firing head 170, the setting tool 160, the plug 165, and/or the surface control system described herein. In one or more embodiments, the storage device 1000c may include a floppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM, optical drive, any other form of storage device or any combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the storage device 1000c may include, and/or be capable of receiving, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, a solid-state drive (e.g., a micro-SD card), or any other form of computer-readable medium that may contain executable instructions. In one or more embodiments, the communication device 1000g may include a modem, network card, or any other device to enable the node 1000 to communicate with other nodes. In one or more embodiments, any node represents a plurality of interconnected (whether by intranet or Internet) computer systems, including without limitation, personal computers, mainframes, PDAs, smartphones and cell phones.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components of any of the above-described embodiments include at least the node 1000 and/or components thereof, and/or one or more nodes that are substantially similar to the node 1000 and/or components thereof. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the above-described components of the node 1000 and/or the above-described embodiments include respective pluralities of same components.

In one or more embodiments, a computer system includes at least hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, as well as the software for executing acts (typically machine-readable instructions) that produce a desired result. In one or more embodiments, a computer system includes hybrids of hardware and software, as well as computer sub-systems.

In one or more embodiments, hardware generally includes at least processor-capable platforms, such as client-machines (also known as personal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or personal computing devices (PCDs), for example). In one or more embodiments, hardware may include any physical device that is capable of storing machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other data storage devices. In one or more embodiments, other forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example.

In one or more embodiments, software includes any machine code stored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, and machine code stored on other devices (such as floppy disks, flash memory, or a CD ROM, for example). In one or more embodiments, software may include source or object code. In one or more embodiments, software encompasses any set of instructions capable of being executed on a node such as, for example, on a client machine or server.

In one or more embodiments, combinations of software and hardware could also be used for providing enhanced functionality and performance for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, software functions may be directly manufactured into a silicon chip. Accordingly, combinations of hardware and software are also included within the definition of a computer system and are thus envisioned by the present disclosure as possible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.

In one or more embodiments, computer readable mediums include, for example, passive data storage, such as a random-access memory (RAM) as well as semi-permanent data storage such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). In one or more embodiments, a computer readable medium includes a solid-state drive (e.g., a micro-SD card). One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer to transform a standard computer into a new specific computing machine. In one or more embodiments, data structures are defined organizations of data that may enable one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, data structure may provide an organization of data, or an organization of executable code.

In one or more embodiments, any networks and/or one or more portions thereof, may be designed to work on any specific architecture. In one or more embodiments, one or more portions of any networks may be executed on a single computer, local area networks, client-server networks, wide area networks, internets, hand-held and other portable and wireless devices and networks.

In one or more embodiments, database may be any standard or proprietary database software. In one or more embodiments, the database may have fields, records, data, and other database elements that may be associated through database specific software. In one or more embodiments, data may be mapped. In one or more embodiments, mapping is the process of associating one data entry with another data entry. In one or more embodiments, the data contained in the location of a character file can be mapped to a field in a second table. In one or more embodiments, the physical location of the database is not limiting, and the database may be distributed. In one or more embodiments, the database may exist remotely from the server, and run on a separate platform. In one or more embodiments, the database may be accessible across the Internet. In one or more embodiments, more than one database may be implemented.

In one or more embodiments, a plurality of instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium may be executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to carry out or implement in whole or in part the above-described operation of each of the above-described embodiments, and/or any combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, such a processor may be or include one or more of the microprocessor 1000a, one or more other controllers, any processor(s) that are part of the components of the above-described embodiments, and/or any combination thereof, and such a non-transitory computer readable medium may be distributed among one or more components of the above-described systems including, but not limited to, one or more of the computer readable mediums described above. In one or more embodiments, such a processor may execute the plurality of instructions in connection with a virtual computer system. In one or more embodiments, such a plurality of instructions may communicate directly with the one or more processors, and/or may interact with one or more operating systems, middleware, firmware, other applications, and/or any combination thereof, to cause the one or more processors to execute the instructions.

A perforating gun string has been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The perforating gun string is deployable, via a conveyance string, into a wellbore that penetrates one or more subterranean formations. The perforating gun string generally includes: one or more perforating guns, wherein, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the one or more perforating guns are detonable to perforate a casing of the wellbore proximate a target zone of the one or more subterranean formations; and a downhole imaging device, wherein, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is adapted to collect downhole imaging data relating to one or more perforations in the casing: (i) before detonating the one or more perforating guns; (ii) between detonating first and second perforating guns of the one or more perforating guns; (iii) after detonating the one or more perforating guns; or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), (iii). In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun string further includes: a setting tool; and a plug; wherein, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore: the plug is actuable by the setting tool at a location proximate the target zone of the one or more subterranean formations; and the downhole imaging device is positioned uphole from the plug. In one or more embodiments, the perforating gun string further includes: a firing head; wherein, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore: the firing head is actuable to initiate detonating of the one or more perforating guns; and the downhole imaging device is positioned downhole from the firing head. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device includes one or more imaging sensors; and the one or more imaging sensors include one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more acoustic sensors, or more other imaging sensors, or a combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device includes a battery adapted to provide electrical power to the one or more imaging sensors after at least one of the one or more perforating guns has been detonated. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device includes a non-transitory computer readable medium adapted to store the collected downhole imaging data. In one or more embodiments, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is adapted to telemetrically communicate the collected downhole imaging data to a surface-based control system. In one or more embodiments, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is positioned uphole in the perforating gun string from a topmost perforating gun of the one or more perforating guns. In one or more embodiments, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is positioned: downhole in the perforating gun string from a topmost perforating gun of the one or more perforating guns; and uphole in the perforating gun string from a bottommost perforating gun of the one or more perforating guns. In one or more embodiments, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is positioned downhole in the perforating gun string from a bottommost perforating gun of the one or more perforating guns.

A method has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The method generally includes: deploying a perforating gun string, via a conveyance string, into a wellbore that penetrates one or more subterranean formations; detonating one or more perforating guns of the perforating gun string to perforate a casing of the wellbore proximate a target zone of the one or more subterranean formations; and collecting, using a downhole imaging device of the perforating gun string, downhole imaging data relating to one or more perforations in the casing: (i) before detonating the one or more perforating guns; (ii) between detonating first and second perforating guns of the one or more perforating guns; (iii) after detonating the one or more perforating guns; or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), (iii). In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: actuating, using a setting tool of the perforating gun string, a plug of the perforating gun string at a location proximate the target zone of the one or more subterranean formations; wherein, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is positioned uphole from the plug. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: actuating a firing head of the perforating gun string to initiate the detonating of the one or more perforating guns; wherein, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is positioned downhole from the firing head. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device includes one or more imaging sensors; and the one or more imaging sensors include one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more acoustic sensors, or more other imaging sensors, or a combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device includes a battery adapted to provide electrical power to the one or more imaging sensors after at least one of the one or more perforating guns has been detonated. In one or more embodiments, the downhole imaging device includes a non-transitory computer readable medium adapted to store the collected downhole imaging data. In one or more embodiments, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is adapted to telemetrically communicate the collected downhole imaging data to a surface-based control system. In one or more embodiments, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is positioned uphole in the perforating gun string from a topmost perforating gun of the one or more perforating guns. In one or more embodiments, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is positioned: downhole in the perforating gun string from a topmost perforating gun of the one or more perforating guns; and uphole in the perforating gun string from a bottommost perforating gun of the one or more perforating guns. In one or more embodiments, when the perforating gun string is deployed, via the conveyance string, into the wellbore, the downhole imaging device is positioned downhole in the perforating gun string from a bottommost perforating gun of the one or more perforating guns.

An apparatus has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus generally includes: a non-transitory computer readable medium; and a plurality of instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium and executable by one or more processors; wherein, when the plurality of instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following steps are executed: detonating one or more perforating guns of a perforating gun string to perforate a casing of a wellbore proximate a target zone of one or more subterranean formations; and collecting, using a downhole imaging device of the perforating gun string, downhole imaging data relating to one or more perforations in the casing: (i) before detonating the one or more perforating guns; (ii) between detonating first and second perforating guns of the one or more perforating guns; (iii) after detonating the one or more perforating guns; or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), (iii). In one or more embodiments, when the plurality of instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following step is also executed: actuating, using a setting tool of the perforating gun string, a plug of the perforating gun string at a location proximate the target zone of the one or more subterranean formations; wherein the downhole imaging device is positioned uphole from the plug. In one or more embodiments, when the plurality of instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following step is also executed: actuating a firing head of the perforating gun string to initiate the detonating of the one or more perforating guns; wherein the downhole imaging device is positioned downhole from the firing head. In one or more embodiments, when the plurality of instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following step is also executed: telemetrically communicating the collected downhole imaging data to a surface-based control system.

A system has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

A downhole tool has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

A perforating gun string has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

A downhole imaging device has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

A perforating gun has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

A method has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

An apparatus has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

A kit has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

A method for retrofitting a perforating gun string with a downhole imaging device has also been disclosed according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of said embodiment(s). In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be omitted, at least in part, or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of said embodiment(s).

Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “left,” “right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

In one or more embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously or sequentially. In one or more embodiments, the steps, processes, or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes, or procedures. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the embodiments disclosed above and in the Appendices A-F of the '009 Application, or variations thereof, may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other embodiments described above and in the Appendices A-F of the '009 Application, or variations thereof.

Although various embodiments have been disclosed in detail above and in the Appendices A-F of the '009 Application, the embodiments disclosed are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes, and substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.