Apparatus and method for perforating and stimulating a subterranean formation

A method of perforating and stimulating a subterranean formation which is penetrated by a well bore having casing positioned therein so as to establish fluid communication between the formation and the well bore, said method comprising:

• detonating a perforating charge in said well bore thereby igniting a propellant material which is interposed between said perforating charge and said casing and perforating said casing.

A method of perforating and stimulating a subterranean formation which is penetrated by a well bore having casing positioned therein so as to establish fluid communication between the formation and the well bore, said method comprising:

• positioning a sleeve of propellant material substantially around at least one explosive charge;
• and
• detonating said explosive charge so as to form perforations through said casing and into said formation, said detonation of said explosive charge igniting said propellant material thereby forming gases which clean said perforations and which extend fluid communication between said formation and said well bore.

In a method of perforating and stimulating a subterranean formation which is penetrated by a well bore having casing positioned therein so as to establish fluid communication between the formation and the well bore, wherein a perforating charge is detonated in said well bore thereby igniting a propellant material, the improvement comprising:

• disintegrating an apparatus which contains said perforating charge upon said detonation of said perforating charge.

A kit for an apparatus for perforating and stimulating a subterranean formation comprising:

• an apparatus for perforating a subterranean formation which has at least one shaped charge;
• and
• a sleeve of propellant adapted to positioned around said apparatus.