Perforating string with longitudinal shock de-coupler

Abstract

A shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string can include perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler, a longitudinal axis extending between the connectors, and a biasing device which resists displacement of one connector relative to the other connector in both opposite directions along the longitudinal axis, whereby the first connector is biased toward a predetermined position relative to the second connector. A perforating string can include a shock de-coupler interconnected longitudinally between components of the perforating string, with the shock de-coupler variably resisting displacement of one component away from a predetermined position relative to the other component in each longitudinal direction, and in which a compliance of the shock de-coupler substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first component a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second component.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides for mitigating shock produced by well perforating.

Shock absorbers have been used in the past to absorb shock produced by detonation of perforating guns in wells. Unfortunately, prior shock absorbers have had only very limited success. In part, the present inventors have postulated that this is due to the prior shock absorbers being incapable of reacting sufficiently quickly to allow some displacement of one perforating string component relative to another during a shock event.

Therefore, it will be appreciated that improvements are needed in the art of mitigating shock produced by well perforating.

SUMMARY

In carrying out the principles of this disclosure, a shock de-coupler is provided which brings improvements to the art of mitigating shock produced by perforating strings. One example is described below in which a shock de-coupler is initially relatively compliant, but becomes more rigid when a certain amount of displacement has been experienced due to a perforating event. Another example is described below in which the shock de-coupler permits displacement in both longitudinal directions, but the de-coupler is “centered” for precise positioning of perforating string components in a well.

In one aspect, a shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string is provided to the art by this disclosure. In one example, the de-coupler can include perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler, with a longitudinal axis extending between the connectors. At least one biasing device resists displacement of one connector relative to the other connector in each opposite direction along the longitudinal axis, whereby the first connector is biased toward a predetermined position relative to the second connector.

In another aspect, a perforating string is provided by this disclosure. In one example, the perforating string can include a shock de-coupler interconnected longitudinally between two components of the perforating string. The shock de-coupler variably resists displacement of one component away from a predetermined position relative to the other component in each longitudinal direction, and a compliance of the shock de-coupler substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first component a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second component.

These and other features, advantages and benefits will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the disclosure hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are indicated in the various figures using the same reference numbers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of a well system and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a representative exploded view of a shock de-coupler which may be used in the system and method of FIG. 1, and which can embody principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a representative cross-sectional view of the shock de-coupler.

FIG. 4 is a representative side view of another configuration of the shock de-coupler.

FIG. 5 is a representative cross-sectional view of the shock de-coupler, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a representative side view of yet another configuration of the shock de-coupler.

FIG. 7 is a representative cross-sectional view of the shock de-coupler, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a representative side view of a further configuration of the shock de-coupler.

FIG. 9 is a representative cross-sectional view of the shock de-coupler, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a well system 10 and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure. In the system 10, a perforating string 12 is positioned in a wellbore 14 lined with casing 16 and cement 18. Perforating guns 20 in the perforating string 12 are positioned opposite predetermined locations for forming perforations 22 through the casing 16 and cement 18, and outward into an earth formation 24 surrounding the wellbore 14.

The perforating string 12 is sealed and secured in the casing 16 by a packer 26. The packer 26 seals off an annulus 28 formed radially between the tubular string 12 and the wellbore 14.

A firing head 30 is used to initiate firing or detonation of the perforating guns 20 (e.g., in response to a mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, optical or other type of signal, passage of time, etc.), when it is desired to form the perforations 22. Although the firing head 30 is depicted in FIG. 1 as being connected above the perforating guns 20, one or more firing heads may be interconnected in the perforating string 12 at any location, with the location(s) preferably being connected to the perforating guns by a detonation train.

In the example of FIG. 1, shock de-couplers 32 are interconnected in the perforating string 12 at various locations. In other examples, the shock de-couplers 32 could be used in other locations along a perforating string, other shock de-coupler quantities (including one) may be used, etc.

One of the shock de-couplers 32 is interconnected between two of the perforating guns 20. In this position, a shock de-coupler can mitigate the transmission of shock between perforating guns, and thereby prevent the accumulation of shock effects along a perforating string.

Another one of the shock de-couplers 32 is interconnected between the packer 26 and the perforating guns 20. In this position, a shock de-coupler can mitigate the transmission of shock from perforating guns to a packer, which could otherwise unset or damage the packer, cause damage to the tubular string between the packer and the perforating guns, etc. This shock de-coupler 32 is depicted in FIG. 1 as being positioned between the firing head 30 and the packer 26, but in other examples it may be positioned between the firing head and the perforating guns 20, etc.

Yet another of the shock de-couplers 32 is interconnected above the packer 26. In this position, a shock de-coupler can mitigate the transmission of shock from the perforating string 12 to a tubular string 34 (such as a production or injection tubing string, a work string, etc.) above the packer 26.

At this point, it should be noted that the well system 10 of FIG. 1 is merely one example of an unlimited variety of different well systems which can embody principles of this disclosure. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of the well system 10, its associated methods, the perforating string 12, etc. described herein or depicted in the drawings.

For example, it is not necessary for the wellbore 14 to be vertical, for there to be two of the perforating guns 20, or for the firing head 30 to be positioned between the perforating guns and the packer 26, etc. Instead, the well system 10 configuration of FIG. 1 is intended merely to illustrate how the principles of this disclosure may be applied to an example perforating string 12, in order to mitigate the effects of a perforating event. These principles can be applied to many other examples of well systems and perforating strings, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

The shock de-couplers 32 are referred to as “de-couplers,” since they function to prevent, or at least mitigate, coupling of shock between components connected to opposite ends of the de-couplers. In the example of FIG. 1, the coupling of shock is mitigated between perforating string 12 components, including the perforating guns 20, the firing head 30, the packer 26 and the tubular string 34. However, in other examples, coupling of shock between other components and other combinations of components may be mitigated, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

To prevent coupling of shock between components, it is desirable to allow the components to displace relative to one another, so that shock is reflected, instead of being coupled to the next perforating string components. However, as in the well system 10, it is also desirable to interconnect the components to each other in a predetermined configuration, so that the components can be conveyed to preselected positions in the wellbore 14 (e.g., so that the perforations 22 are formed where desired, the packer 26 is set where desired, etc.).

In examples of the shock de-couplers 32 described more fully below, the shock de-couplers can mitigate the coupling of shock between components, and also provide for accurate positioning of assembled components in a well. These otherwise competing concerns are resolved, while still permitting bidirectional displacement of the components relative to one another.

The addition of relatively compliant de-couplers to a perforating string can, in some examples, present a trade-off between shock mitigation and precise positioning. However, in many circumstances, it can be possible to accurately predict the deflections of the de-couplers, and thereby account for these deflections when positioning the perforating string in a wellbore, so that perforations are accurately placed.

By permitting relatively high compliance displacement of the components relative to one another, the shock de-couplers 32 mitigate the coupling of shock between the components, due to reflecting (instead of instead of transmitting or coupling) a substantial amount of the shock. The initial, relatively high compliance (e.g., greater than 1×10⁻⁵ in/lb (˜1.13×10⁻⁶ m/N), and more preferably greater than 1×10⁻⁴ in/lb (˜1.13×10⁻⁵ m/N) compliance) displacement allows shock in a perforating string component to reflect back into that component. The compliance can be substantially decreased, however, when a predetermined displacement amount has been reached.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of one example of the shock de-couplers 32 is representatively illustrated. The shock de-coupler 32 depicted in FIG. 2 may be used in the well system 10, or it may be used in other well systems, in keeping with the scope of this disclosure.

In this example, perforating string connectors 36, 38 are provided at opposite ends of the shock de-coupler 32, thereby allowing the shock de-coupler to be conveniently interconnected between various components of the perforating string 12. The perforating string connectors 36, 38 can include threads, elastomer or non-elastomer seals, metal-to-metal seals, and/or any other feature suitable for use in connecting components of a perforating string.

An elongated mandrel 40 extends upwardly (as viewed in FIG. 2) from the connector 36. Multiple elongated generally rectangular projections 42 are circumferentially spaced apart on the mandrel 40. Additional generally rectangular projections 44 are attached to, and extend outwardly from the projections 42.

The projections 42 are complementarily received in longitudinally elongated slots 46 formed in a generally tubular housing 48 extending downwardly (as viewed in FIG. 2) from the connector 38. When assembled, the mandrel 40 is reciprocably received in the housing 48, as may best be seen in the representative cross-sectional view of FIG. 3.

The projections 44 are complementarily received in slots 50 formed through the housing 48. The projections 44 can be installed in the slots 50 after the mandrel 40 has been inserted into the housing 48.

The cooperative engagement between the projections 44 and the slots 50 permits some relative displacement between the connectors 36, 38 along a longitudinal axis 54, but prevents any significant relative rotation between the connectors. Thus, torque can be transmitted from one connector to the other, but relative displacement between the connectors 36, 38 is permitted in both opposite longitudinal directions.

Biasing devices 52a,b operate to maintain the connector 36 in a certain position relative to the other connector 38. The biasing device 52a is retained longitudinally between a shoulder 56 formed in the housing 48 below the connector 38 and a shoulder 58 on an upper side of the projections 42, and the biasing devices 52b are retained longitudinally between a shoulder 60 on a lower side of the projections 42 and shoulders 62 formed in the housing 48 above the slots 46.

Although the biasing device 52a is depicted in FIGS. 2 & 3 as being a coil spring, and the biasing devices 52b are depicted as partial wave springs, it should be understood that any type of biasing device could be used, in keeping with the principles of this disclosure. Any biasing device (such as a compressed gas chamber and piston, etc.) which can function to substantially maintain the connector 36 at a predetermined position relative to the connector 38, while allowing at least a limited extent of rapid relative displacement between the connectors due to a shock event (without a rapid increase in force transmitted between the connectors, e.g., high compliance) may be used.

Note that the predetermined position could be “centered” as depicted in FIG. 3 (e.g., with the projections 44 centered in the slots 50), with a substantially equal amount of relative displacement being permitted in both longitudinal directions. Alternatively, in other examples, more or less displacement could be permitted in one of the longitudinal directions.

Energy absorbers 64 are preferably provided at opposite longitudinal ends of the slots 50. The energy absorbers 64 preferably prevent excessive relative displacement between the connectors 36, 38 by substantially decreasing the effective compliance of the shock de-coupler 32 when the connector 36 has displaced a certain distance relative to the connector 38.

Examples of suitable energy absorbers include resilient materials, such as elastomers, and non-resilient materials, such as readily deformable metals (e.g., brass rings, crushable tubes, etc.), non-elastomers (e.g., plastics, foamed materials, etc.) and other types of materials. Preferably, the energy absorbers 64 efficiently convert kinetic energy to heat and/or mechanical deformation (elastic and plastic strain). However, it should be clearly understood that any type of energy absorber may be used, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

In other examples, the energy absorber 64 could be incorporated into the biasing devices 52a,b. For example, a biasing device could initially deform elastically with relatively high compliance and then (e.g., when a certain displacement amount is reached), the biasing device could deform plastically with relatively low compliance.

If the shock de-coupler 32 of FIGS. 2 & 3 is to be connected between components of the perforating string 12, with explosive detonation (or at least combustion) extending through the shock de-coupler (such as, when the shock de-coupler is connected between certain perforating guns 20, or between a perforating gun and the firing head 30, etc.), it may be desirable to have a detonation train 66 extending through the shock de-coupler.

It may also be desirable to provide one or more pressure barriers 68 between the connectors 36, 38. For example, the pressure barriers 68 may operate to isolate the interiors of perforating guns 20 and/or firing head 30 from well fluids and pressures.

In the example of FIG. 3, the detonation train 66 includes detonating cord 70 and detonation boosters 72. The detonation boosters 72 are preferably capable of transferring detonation through the pressure barriers 68. However, in other examples, the pressure barriers 68 may not be used, and the detonation train 66 could include other types of detonation boosters, or no detonation boosters.

Note that it is not necessary for a detonation train to extend through a shock de-coupler in keeping with the principles of this disclosure. For example, in the well system 10 as depicted in FIG. 1, there may be no need for a detonation train to extend through the shock de-coupler 32 connected above the packer 26.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 4 & 5, another configuration of the shock de-coupler 32 is representatively illustrated. In this configuration, only a single biasing device 52 is used, instead of the multiple biasing devices 52a,b in the configuration of FIGS. 2 & 3.

One end of the biasing device 52 is retained in a helical recess 76 on the mandrel 40, and an opposite end of the biasing device is retained in a helical recess 78 on the housing 48. The biasing device 52 is placed in tension when the connector 36 displaces in one longitudinal direction relative to the other connector 38, and the biasing device is placed in compression when the connector 36 displaces in an opposite direction relative to the other connector 38. Thus, the biasing device 52 operates to maintain the predetermined position of the connector 36 relative to the other connector 38.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 6 & 7 yet another configuration of the shock de-coupler 32 is representatively illustrated. This configuration is similar in many respects to the configuration of FIGS. 4 & 5, but differs at least in that the biasing device 52 in the configuration of FIGS. 6 & 7 is formed as a part of the housing 48.

In the FIGS. 6 & 7 example, opposite ends of the housing 48 are rigidly attached to the respective connectors 36, 38. The helically formed biasing device 52 portion of the housing 48 is positioned between the connectors 36, 38. In addition, the projections 44 and slots 50 are positioned above the biasing device 52 (as viewed in FIGS. 6 & 7).

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 8 & 9, another configuration of the shock de-coupler 32 is representatively illustrated. This configuration is similar in many respects to the configuration of FIGS. 6 & 7, but differs at least in that the biasing device 52 is positioned between the housing 48 and the connector 36.

Opposite ends of the biasing device 52 are rigidly attached (e.g., by welding, etc.) to the respective housing 48 and connector 36. When the connector 36 displaces in one longitudinal direction relative to the connector 38, tension is applied across the biasing device 52, and when the connector 36 displaces in an opposite direction relative to the connector 38, compression is applied across the biasing device.

The biasing device 52 in the FIGS. 8 & 9 example is constructed from oppositely facing formed annular discs, with central portions thereof being rigidly joined to each other (e.g., by welding, etc.). Thus, the biasing device 52 serves as a resilient connection between the housing 48 and the connector 36. In other examples, the biasing device 52 could be integrally formed from a single piece of material, the biasing device could include multiple sets of the annular discs, etc.

Additional differences in the FIGS. 8 & 9 configuration are that the slots 50 are formed internally in the housing 48 (with a twist-lock arrangement being used for inserting the projections 44 into the slots 50 via the slots 46 in a lower end of the housing), and the energy absorbers 64 are carried on the projections 44, instead of being attached at the ends of the slots 50.

The biasing device 52 can be formed, so that a compliance of the biasing device substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first connector 36 a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the other connector 38. This feature can be used to prevent excessive relative displacement between the connectors 36, 38.

The biasing device 52 can also be formed, so that it has a desired compliance and/or a desired compliance curve.

This feature can be used to “tune” the compliance of the overall perforating string 12, so that shock effects on the perforating string are optimally mitigated. Suitable methods of accomplishing this result are described in International Application serial nos. PCT/US10/61104 (filed 17 Dec. 2010), PCT/US11/34690 (filed 30 Apr. 2011), and PCT/US11/46955 (filed 8 Aug. 2011). The entire disclosures of these prior applications are incorporated herein by this reference.

The examples of the shock de-coupler 32 described above demonstrate that a wide variety of different configurations are possible, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the principles of this disclosure are not limited in any manner to the details of the shock de-coupler 32 examples described above or depicted in the drawings.

It may now be fully appreciated that this disclosure provides several advancements to the art of mitigating shock effects in subterranean wells. Various examples of shock de-couplers 32 described above can effectively prevent or at least reduce coupling of shock between components of a perforating string 12.

In one aspect, the above disclosure provides to the art a shock de-coupler 32 for use with a perforating string 12. In an example, the de-coupler 32 can include first and second perforating string connectors 36, 38 at opposite ends of the de-coupler 32, a longitudinal axis 54 extending between the first and second connectors 36, 38, and at least one biasing device 52 which resists displacement of the first connector 36 relative to the second connector 38 in both of first and second opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 54, whereby the first connector 36 is biased toward a predetermined position relative to the second connector 38.

Torque can be transmitted between the first and second connectors 36, 38.

A pressure barrier 68 may be used between the first and second connectors 36, 38. A detonation train 66 can extend across the pressure barrier 68.

The shock de-coupler 32 may include at least one energy absorber 64 which, in response to displacement of the first connector 36 a predetermined distance, substantially increases force resisting displacement of the first connector 36 away from the predetermined position. The shock de-coupler 32 may include multiple energy absorbers which substantially increase respective forces biasing the first connector 36 toward the predetermined position in response to displacement of the first connector 36 a predetermined distance in each of the first and second opposite directions.

The shock de-coupler 32 may include a projection 44 engaged in a slot 50, whereby such engagement between the projection 44 and the slot 50 permits longitudinal displacement of the first connector 36 relative to the second connector 38, but prevents rotational displacement of the first connector 36 relative to the second connector 38.

The biasing device may comprise first and second biasing devices 52a,b. The first biasing device 52a may be compressed in response to displacement of the first connector 36 in the first direction relative to the second connector 38, and the second biasing device 52b may be compressed in response to displacement of the first connector 36 in the second direction relative to the second connector 38.

The biasing device 52 may be placed in compression in response to displacement of the first connector 36 in the first direction relative to the second connector 38, and the biasing device 52 may be placed in tension in response to displacement of the first connector 36 in the second direction relative to the second connector 38.

A compliance of the biasing device 52 may substantially decrease in response to displacement of the first connector 36 a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second connector 38. The biasing device 52 may have a compliance of greater than about 1×10⁻⁵ in/lb. The biasing device 52 may have a compliance of greater than about 1×10⁻⁴ in/lb.

A perforating string 12 is also described by the above disclosure. In one example, the perforating string 12 can include a shock de-coupler 32 interconnected longitudinally between first and second components of the perforating string 12. The shock de-coupler 32 variably resists displacement of the first component away from a predetermined position relative to the second component in each of first and second longitudinal directions. A compliance of the shock de-coupler 32 substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first component a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second component.

Examples of perforating string 12 components described above include the perforating guns 20, the firing head 30 and the packer 26. The first and second components may each comprise a perforating gun 20. The first component may comprise a perforating gun 20, and the second component may comprise a packer 26. The first component may comprise a packer 26, and the second component may comprise a firing head 30. The first component may comprise a perforating gun 20, and the second component may comprise a firing head 30. Other components may be used, if desired.

The de-coupler 32 may include at least first and second perforating string connectors 36, 38 at opposite ends of the de-coupler 32, and at least one biasing device 52 which resists displacement of the first connector 36 relative to the second connector 38 in each of the longitudinal directions, whereby the first component is biased toward the predetermined position relative to the second component.

The shock de-coupler 32 may have a compliance of greater than about 1×10⁻⁵ in/lb. The shock de-coupler 32 may have a compliance of greater than about 1×10⁻⁴ in/lb.

It is to be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.

In the above description of the representative examples, directional terms (such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions described herein.

Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string, the de-coupler comprising: first and second perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler, a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second connectors; andat least one biasing device which resists displacement of the first connector relative to the second connector in both of first and second opposite directions along the longitudinal axis, whereby the first connector is biased toward a predetermined position relative to the second connector, and wherein the shock de-coupler prevents the first connector from rotating relative to the second connector.

2. The shock de-coupler of claim 1, further comprising a pressure barrier between the first and second connectors.

3. The shock de-coupler of claim 2, wherein a detonation train extends across the pressure barrier.

4. The shock de-coupler of claim 1, further comprising a projection engaged in a slot, whereby such engagement between the projection and the slot permits longitudinal displacement of the first connector relative to the second connector, but prevents rotational displacement of the first connector relative to the second connector.

5. The shock de-coupler of claim 1, wherein the at least one biasing device comprises first and second biasing devices, and wherein the first biasing device is compressed in response to displacement of the first connector in the first direction relative to the second connector, and wherein the second biasing device is compressed in response to displacement of the first connector in the second direction relative to the second connector.

6. The shock de-coupler of claim 1, wherein the biasing device is placed in compression in response to displacement of the first connector in the first direction relative to the second connector, and wherein the biasing device is placed in tension in response to displacement of the first connector in the second direction relative to the second connector.

7. The shock de-coupler of claim 1, wherein a compliance of the biasing device substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first connector a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second connector.

8. The shock de-coupler of claim 1, wherein the biasing device has a compliance of greater than about 1×10−5 in/lb.

9. The shock de-coupler of claim 1, wherein the biasing device has a compliance of greater than about 1×10−4 in/lb.

10. A shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string, the de-coupler comprising: first and second perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler, a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second connectors;at least one biasing device which resists displacement of the first connector relative to the second connector in both of first and second opposite directions along the longitudinal axis, whereby the first connector is biased toward a predetermined position relative to the second connector; andat least one energy absorber which, in response to displacement of the first connector a predetermined distance, substantially increases force resisting displacement of the first connector away from the predetermined position.

11. A shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string, the de-coupler comprising: first and second perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler, a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second connectors;at least one biasing device which resists displacement of the first connector relative to the second connector in both of first and second opposite directions along the longitudinal axis, whereby the first connector is biased toward a predetermined position relative to the second connector; andfirst and second energy absorbers which substantially increase respective forces biasing the first connector toward the predetermined position in response to displacement of the first connector a predetermined distance in each of the first and second opposite directions.

12. A perforating string, comprising: a shock de-coupler interconnected longitudinally between first and second components of the perforating string,wherein the shock de-coupler variably resists displacement of the first component away from a predetermined position relative to the second component in each of first and second longitudinal directions,wherein a compliance of the shock de-coupler substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first component a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second component, and wherein the shock decoupler prevents the first component from rotating relative to the second component.

13. The perforating string of claim 12, wherein the first and second components each comprise a perforating gun.

14. The perforating string of claim 12, wherein the first component comprises a perforating gun, and wherein the second component comprises a packer.

15. The perforating string of claim 12, wherein the first component comprises a packer, and wherein the second component comprises a firing head.

16. The perforating string of claim 12, wherein the first component comprises a perforating gun, and wherein the second component comprises a firing head.

17. The perforating string of claim 12, wherein the de-coupler comprises at least first and second perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the decoupler, and at least one biasing device which resists displacement of the first connector relative to the second connector in each of the longitudinal directions, whereby the first component is biased toward the predetermined position relative to the second component.

18. The perforating string of claim 17, wherein torque is transmitted between the first and second connectors.

19. The perforating string of claim 17, further comprising a pressure barrier between the first and second connectors.

20. The perforating string of claim 19, wherein a detonation train extends across the pressure barrier.

21. The perforating string of claim 17, wherein the shock de-coupler further comprises first and second energy absorbers which substantially increase respective forces biasing the first component toward the predetermined position in response to displacement of the first connector a predetermined distance in each of the first and second longitudinal directions.

22. The perforating string of claim 17, wherein longitudinal displacement of the first connector relative to the second connector is permitted.

23. The perforating string of claim 17, wherein the at least one biasing device comprises first and second biasing devices, and wherein the first biasing device is compressed in response to displacement of the first connector in the first direction relative to the second connector, and wherein the second biasing device is compressed in response to displacement of the first connector in the second direction relative to the second connector.

24. The perforating string of claim 17, wherein the biasing device is placed in compression in response to displacement of the first connector in the first direction relative to the second connector, and wherein the biasing device is placed in tension in response to displacement of the first connector in the second direction relative to the second connector.

25. The perforating string of claim 12, wherein the shock de-coupler has a compliance of greater than about 1×10−5 in/lb.

26. The perforating string of claim 12, wherein the shock de-coupler has a compliance of greater than about 1×10−4 in/lb.

27. A perforating string, comprising: a shock de-coupler interconnected longitudinally between first and second components of the perforating string,wherein the shock de-coupler variably resists displacement of the first component away from a predetermined position relative to the second component in each of first and second longitudinal directions,wherein the shock de-coupler comprises at least first and second perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the decoupler, and at least one biasing device which resists displacement of the first connector relative to the second connector in each of the longitudinal directions, whereby the first component is biased toward the predetermined position relative to the second component,wherein the shock de-coupler further comprises at least one energy absorber which, in response to displacement of the first connector a predetermined distance, substantially increases force resisting displacement of the first component away from the predetermined position, andwherein a compliance of the shock de-coupler substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first component a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second component.