OA18962A - High temperature initiator - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be associated with a device and method of using an initiator including a body configured for receiving at least one explosive including barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX). According to a further aspect, the body of the initiator is configured for receiving at least two layers of explosive. In this embodiment, the layers of explosive include a primary explosive of the barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX) and a secondary explosive includes 2,6Bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX) and/or Hexanitrostilbene (HNS).

Description

HIGH TEMPERATURE INITIATOR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/398,587 filed September 23, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/333,760 filed May 9, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

[0002] A method of use and device configured for initiating an explosion, the device configured for high température applications for extended perîods of time is generally described.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various initiators, such as mechanical initiators (including pressure initiators) and electronic or electrîc initiators, are currently used in perforating gun assemblies in the oil and gas industry at the beginning of an explosïvetrain. The current State of the art percussion initiators use lead azide, silver azide, 2-(5-chlorotetrazoIato)-pentaammine cobalt(lll) diperchlorate (CLCP) or mixtures thereof, as a primary explosive, which initiâtes a secondary explosive like Hexanitrostilbene (HNS). This combination of explosive materials are capable of providing effective initation of a perforating gun assembly at températures of up to about 260°C for about 1 to 2 hours if lead azide is used, and up to about 220°C for about 200 hours when mixtures containing silver azide are used. Unfortunately, as more and more off-shore drilling is being undertaken, wells are getting deeper and hotter, and thus currently available initiators are not capable of withstanding the increased time and température requirements.

[0004] Not only are current explosive materials incapable of maintaining their explosive effectiveness at high températures for extended perîods of time, there is a movement to reduce use of such prior primary explosives (particularly lead azide and silver azide) due to their deleterious environmental impacts. Due to the high volatility and high toxicity of these materials, especially during use, they often require workers to take increased precautionary measures to reduce the risk of undesired explosion and exposures during manufacture.

[0005] While 2,6-Bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX) has been successfully used in boosters and detonating cords in prior perforating gun assemblies, (see, for instance, FIG. 5), it was not considered suitable for use in initiators, at least in part because it was considered insensitive to initiation. That is, PYX is known to be quite difficult to initiate as compared to, for instance, HNS and other secondary explosives. Furthermore, while barium 5 nitriminotetrazolate (ΒΑΧ) is known to hâve împroved thermal stability over prior known explosive materials, it was often considered an unsuitable material for use in initiators.

[0006] In view of the disadvantages associated with currently available methods and devices for initiating a perforating gun assembly, there is a need for a device and method that provides a combination of explosive materials for use in an initiator that is capable of withstanding high température applications for extended periods of time, without compromising the output and ability to initiate the explosives. Further, there is a need for a device and method that provides a combination of materials for use in an initiator, the combination of materials having reduced risks of explosion and reduced toxicity levels, particularly during manufacture of the initiator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be associated with a device and method of using an initiator including a body configured for receiving at least one explosive including barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX). According to a further aspect, the body of the initiator is configured for receiving at least two layers of explosive. In this embodiment, the layers of explosive include a primary explosive of the barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX) and a secondary explosive includes 2,6-BÎs(picrylamino)-3,5-dtnitropyridine (PYX) and/or Hexanitrostilbene (HNS).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] A more particular description will be rendered by reference to spécifie embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understandîng that these drawings depict only typical embodiments thereof and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. la îs a perspective view of an assembled percussion initiator according to an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. Ib is a perspective view of the percussion initiator of Fig. la, illustrating the percussion initiator in an unassembled manner;

[0011] FIG. 2 îs a cross-sectional side view of the assembled initiator of FIG. la according to an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic initiator according to an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a percussion initiator according to an alternative embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5a is a partial cross-sectional side view of a tubing conveyed perforating gun assembly including a percussion initiator according to an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the percussion initiator used in the tubing conveyed perforating gun assembly of FIG. 5a according to an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 5c is a perspective view of one end of a detonating cord used in the embodiment of the tubing conveyed perforating gun assembly of FIG. 5a;

[0017] FIG. 6 is graphical représentation of typical température stability of various primary and secondary explosives used in initiators; and

[0018] FIG. 7 is an end view of percussion initiators, before and after détonation.

[0019] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and text. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize spécifie features relevant to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation, and is not meant as a limitation and does not constîtute a définition of ail possible embodiments.

[0021] For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, simple examples will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these examples are illustrative and not limitîng and are provided purely for explanatory purposes. In the illustrative examples and as seen in FIGS. 1-4, an initiator 10 is depicted according to an embodiment. In its broadest embodiment, the initiator 10 includes a body 12 configured for receiving at least one explosive including barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX). According to an aspect and as seen in FIGS. 2-4, the body 12 is configured for receiving at least two layers of explosive. In this embodiment, the layers of explosive include a primary explosive 40 and a secondary explosive 42, and the primary explosive 40 includes barium 5nitriminotetrazolate (BAX) while the secondary explosive 42 includes 2,6-Bis(picrylamino)-3,5dinitropyridine (PYX) and/or Hexanitrostilbene (HNS). It is further contemplated that mixtures of the secondary explosive 42 can be used, and in particular, it is possible to mix BAX and PYX for use as the secondary explosive 42, as well as mixtures of PYX and HNS. For instance, the secondary explosive 42 may include mixtures of BAX/PYX or PYX/HNS or BAX/PYX/NHS.

[0022] In an embodiment, BAX will be present in the initiator 10 in an amount of about 1505 250 mg, or greater than about 150 mg to about 220 mg, or about 200-250 mg, while PYX will be present in an amount of about 240-325 mg, or about 240-300mg, or about 240mg-260mg. Increased amounts of PYX (relative to the amount of BAX) will lead to more output energy, which will provide a more secure performance and slightly better température ratings. If HNS is used instead of or as a mixture with PYX, it is believed that similar amounts (i.e., about 240-325 10 mg total amount of secondary explosive) may be used.

[0023] The initiator 10 is particularly advantageous in that it is capable of being subjected to high température applications for extended periods of time, without adversely affecting the abîlity to inîtiate a détonation (for instance, as found in a perforating gun assembly). According to an aspect, the initiator 10 is able to withstand températures of at least as high as about 290°C 15 for at least about 2 hours, about 250°C for at least about 100 hours, about 250°C for at least about 200 hours, about 250°C for at least about 250 hours, and/or about 300°C for at least about l hour without significantly impacting performance of the initiator.

[0024] While there are multiple ways to measure the overall performance of an initiator, and as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, one useful parameter is to measure the output 20 bore diameter of a secondary bore 36 (see, for instance, FIG. 7, and as discussed in greater detail hereinbelow), after initiation. Another useful property to ascertain effectiveness of the initiation is to measure the velocity of détonation (VoD) measured in meters/second, that is, the velocity at which the shock wave front travels through a detonated explosive, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, a percent réduction (or loss) of VoD can be calculated for 25 each tested time/temperature parameter.

[0025] With particular reference to FIGS. l-3 and according to an aspect, the initiator 10 is configured as a percussion initiator and includes a two-part cylindrically-shaped body. An upper body 20 includes an upper surface 21 and a lower surface 22, with the body extending therebetween, and defined by a multi-stepped periphery 23 (FIGS. l-2) or an un-stepped (or 30 smooth) periphery 23 (FIG. 3). According to an aspect, the multi-stepped periphery 23 is configured to adapt in size and shape for the particular seating configuration/arrangement needs of a particular perforatîng gun assembly 100 (FIG. 5). Thus, a sealing member 25 may be positioned along the periphery 23 to seal and/or isolate the initiator 10 from fluids when positioned within the perforatîng gun assembly 100. As shown herein, the upper surface 20 includes a dépréssion or divot 24 positioned centrally in the upper surface 21 of the upper body

20, and configured for receiving a firing mechanism. The lower surface 22 of the upper body 20 includes also includes a stepped surface, according to an embodiment, with a central portion of the lower surface 22 being positioned opposite to the dépréssion 24 found in the upper surface

21. According to the embodiment depîcted in FIG. 3, the upper body 20 provides the dépréssion 24 positioned centrally in the lower surface 22 of the upper body 20. In this embodiment, the dépréssion 24 provides a reduced thickness between the upper surface 21 of the upper body 20 and the lower surface 22 of the upper body 20, but may also provide a recessed area configured to receive an explosive as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0026] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the lower body 30 also includes an upper surface 31 and a lower surface 32 with the body extending therebetween. As seen for instance in FIG. 2, the lower body 30 may include one or more sealing members 38, such that when placed into the perforatîng gun assembly 100 (FIG. 5), the sealing member 38, typically working in conjunction with one or more sealing members 25 positioned on the periphery of the upper body 20, to isolate the explosive material from fluids found in the perforatîng gun assembly 100 (FIG. 5).

[0027] The lower body 30 includes one or more bores extending through the length of the body 30. With particular reference to FIGS. 1-2, the lower body 30 includes an upper recessed portion 34 extending centrally within the lower body 30 from the upper surface 31 of the lower body 30 and a lower recessed portion 41 extends centrally within the lower body 30 from the lower surface 32 of the lower body 30. At least two primary bores 35 extend from the recessed portion 34. As shown herein, the two primary bores 35 are spaced equidistantly from a central axis of the lower body 30. A secondary bore 36 extends from the primary bores 35 and is also positioned centrally within the lower body 30. According to an aspect and as shown in FIG. 2, the bore extending below the primary bores 35 may include the secondary bore 36 and an intermediate bore 39. Altematively, the secondary bore 36 may extend along the entire body of the lower body 30 spanning between the upper surface 31 and the lower surface 32, and yet various Iayers of explosives may be positioned within various zones of the same bore. (See, for instance, FIG. 3.) In such an embodiment, the bore may include an upper bore portion 36a and a lower bore portion 36b. With reference again to FIG. 2, the lower recessed portion 41 typically extends from the secondary bore 36 to the lower surface 32 of the lower body 30. Thus, the lower recessed portion 41 extends centrally from the lower surface 32 of the lower body 30 into the lower body 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower recessed portion 41 may hâve a sîze larger than the secondary bore 32, while it would be understood that the lower recessed portion 4I could hâve a size smaller than or equal to the secondary bore 32 (see, for instance, FIG. 3).

[0028] According to an aspect, the explosive materials 40, 42 are placed within the bores of the lower body 30, while in an alternative embodiment, the explosive material 40 may also be placed in the dépréssion formed in the lower surface 24 of the upper body 20 as depicted in FIG. 3. Tuming again to FIG. 2 and according to an aspect, the primary explosive 40 is placed into the upper recessed portion 34 and the primary bores 35 and the secondary explosive 42 is placed into the secondary bore 36. As shown in this embodiment, the intermediate bore 39, which is of the same diameter as the secondary bore 36, according to one aspect, is filled with the primary explosive 40.

[0029] Once the explosive materials 40, 42 are placed within the initiator 10, a flyer disk 37 may be positioned within the lower recessed portion 41 (FIG. 2) or the secondary bore 36 (FIG.

3) to retain the secondary explosive 42 within the secondary bore 36. Since BAX is not hydrophobie, it may be necessary to provide some sort of seal to ensure that the initiator is protected against humidity. According to an aspect, the initiator 10 further includes a high température lacquer (not shown) applied to an exterior ofthe initiator 10 to hermetically seal the initiator 10 against humidity. In an embodiment, the high température lacquer is applied to the outer surface of the flyer disk 37 and any exposed portion of the secondary bore 36 to hermetically seal the initiator 10 against humidity. According to an aspect, the flyer disk 37 is coupled to the exterior of the initiator 10 by a welding process, such as, for example, laser welding. The flyer disk 37 may be laser welded within the lower recessed portion 41 or the secondary bore 36, which may help to hermetically seal the initiator against humidity.

[0030] As assembled, the initiator 10 includes the upper body 20 attached or connected to the lower body 30, using laser welds (not shown) and the like to seal the bodies together. Thus, as assembled and as seen in FIG. 2, the dépréssion 24 found in the upper surface 21 of the upper body 20 is aligned with the recessed portions 34, 41 and the bores 36, 39 of the lower body 30, thus aligning the primary explosive 40 with the secondary explosive 42, such that mechanical activation applied to the dépréssion 24 transmits the percussive force necessary to initiate the primary explosive 40, which in tum initiâtes the secondary explosive 42. The similar arrangement can be found in FIG. 3.

[0031] According to an aspect, the înîtiator 10 is initiated by an activator 14 (see, for 5 instance, FIG. I), such as an electronic activator and a mechanical activator. Though not shown in detail, as would be understood by one of ordinary skîll in the art, when the activator 14 is an electrical activator, typîcally an electric current is applied to actîvate a fuse head or a bridge wire 52, (see, for instance, FIG. 4.), while when the activator 14 is a mechanical activator, initiation is initiated by a mechanical mechanism such as the percussion devices depicted in FIGs. 2-3. Such 10 percussion devices typîcally include a firing mechanism (not shown), such as a firing pin, which typîcally provides a percussion to initiate the explosive. While it is recognîzed that typical electronic initiators may not be made using fuse heads or bridge wires rated to the current température ratings found ïn the presently presented initiators, such materials are capable of being augmented as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] According to yet another aspect, a method of using the various initiators 10 described hereinabove is also disclosed. Thus, once the initiator 10 is provided, it may be posîtioned within the perforating gun assembly 100, such as a tubing-conveyed perforating gun. The perforating gun is posîtioned into a wellbore, but need not be used right away without compromising the integrity or effectiveness of the initiator. There are a myriad of circumstances 20 that may arise in which a well operator mîght be required to leave the perforating gun assembly 100 posîtioned within the wellbore for extended periods of time including foui weather, strikes, or other extenuating circumstances. Thus, the imitator 10 may be subjected to increased températures for prolonged periods of time, as set forth in detail hereinabove. When the initiator 10 is subsequently initiated, however, the primary explosive 40 maintains its ability to be 25 initiated, and thus to initiate the secondary explosive 42, without reducing velocity of détonation by more than about 10%.

[0033] A method of assembling both an electronic and mechanical initiator 10 that is capable of withstanding high températures for extended periods of time without significantly impacting performance of the initiator 10 is also described herein. According to one aspect, the electronic 30 or electric initiator 10 includes the body 12 having a fuse head or bridge wire 52 aligned with a primary bore 35 and a secondary bore 36; the primary explosive 40 is placed into the primary bore 35 and the secondary explosive 42 is placed into the secondary bore 36; the primary explosive 40 is aligned with the secondary explosive 42; the fuse head or bridge wire 52 is positioned in working relationship with the primary explosive 40 such that initiation of the fuse head or bridge wire 52 initiâtes the primary explosive 40, and the primary explosive 40 initiâtes the secondary explosive 42.

[0034] According to another aspect, the mechanical initiator 10 includes a firing mechanism capable of mechanically activating the initiator 10. In this embodiment, the explosive materials 40, 42 are placed within the recessed portions 34, 41 and/or bores 35, 36, 39; the upper body 20 is connected to the lower body 30 to align the dépréssion 24 formed in the upper body 20 with the one or more explosive materials 40, 42 and configured as described hereinabove; and firing of the firing mechanism into the dépréssion 24 initiâtes the primary explosive 40, and the primary explosive 40 initiâtes the secondary explosive 42.

EXAMPLES

[0035] Multiple embodiments of the initiator 10 found In FIG. 2 were made wherein approximately 220 mg of the BAX was used as the primary explosive 40 in the two primary bores 35 and the intermediate bore 39, while 240 mg of PYX was used as the secondary explosive 42 in the secondary bore 36. An increased amount of BAX, as compared to prior amounts of lead azide, was used in the examples. Typically, BAX was used in amounts that equal a multiplier of about 3 to about 4 times the amount of lead azide. Since BAX has only a slightly lower density than lead azide, these increased amounts resulted in about 3 to about 4 times more volume (thus wîdened bore diameters), but use of sufficient amounts of the BAX allowed hamessing of the benefits of thermal stability found in BAX against the increased cost of the material, thus resulting in improved temperature/time stability of the overall initiators as described herein.

[0036] As seen in Table 1, the initiators were tested în harsh température conditions (at least about 250°C) at various time intervals, and the output bore diameter (in inches) and the velocity of détonation (în meters/second) were measured. The percent réduction of VoD at each time/temperature parameter was calculated. The average (for multiple initiators) measurements are recorded in Table i. It was found that the velocity of détonation was not reduced by more than about 20%.

Table l

Sample	Exposure Conditions	Output Bore Diameter (in.)	VoD (m/sec)	% Réduction
1	None	0.2	N/A	N/A
2	None/Ambient	0.252	6340	N/A
3	290°C/2hrs	0.248	6125	3.4%
4	250°C/100hrs	0.244	5934	6.4%
5	250°C/200hrs	0.230	5890	7.1%
6	250°C/250hrs	0.210

[0037] As can be seen in the table, as time increases, the ballistic energy output (shown via diminishing output bore diameter) reduces, such that by example 6, the output (as measured by the output bore diameter) is barely more than the initial bore diameter (0.2 inches vs. 0.210 înches), meaning the usefulness of these initiators at températures of 250°C for 250 hours has at least begun to exceed is effectiveness, while reducing the température to 230°C for 250 hours remained effective. With reference to FIG. 6, a graphical représentation of temperature/time stability of the above-tested samples (3, 5 and 7 - shown as a star) are overlaid on a typical temperature/time stability chart for various explosive materials of the prior art, showing marked improvement over prior combinations of various primary and secondary explosives currcntly used in initiators.

[0038] Tuming again to FIG. 7, end views of the lower surface of three percussion initiators 10 are depicted. As shown herein, a view of an unloaded (pre-filling with explosive material) is depicted on the far right picture, showing the nominal bore diameter of 0.2 inches. After filling each of the initiators as described above in the examples, the middle picture depicts the initiator 10 after having been shot at ambient température. As seen above in Table l, the output bore diameter 36 was measured at 0.252 inches. The far left picture depicts the percussion initiator 10 after being subjected to 290°C for 2 hours. As seen above in Table 1, the output bore diameter 36 was measured at 0.248 inches. Thus, even though the initiator made as described herein was subjected to unusually high températures for an extended period of time, the output bore diameter was minimally impacted, indicating that the output of the initiator was not adversely impacted.

[0039] The components of the apparatus illustrated are not limited to the spécifie embodiments described herein, but rather, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It ts intended that the apparatus include such modifications and variations. Further, steps described in the method may be utilized independently and separately from other steps described herein.

[0040] While the apparatus and method hâve been described with reference to spécifie embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and équivalents may be substituted for éléments thereof without departing from the scope contemplated. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings found herein without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0041] In this spécification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that hâve the following meanings. The singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictâtes otherwise. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the spécification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative représentation that could permissîbly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as about is not to be limited to the précisé value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the précision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as first, second, upper, lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order, orientation or number of éléments.

[0042] As used herein, the terms may and may be indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of may and may be indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacîty cannot occur - this distinction is captured by the terms may and may be.

[0043] As used in the claims, the word comprises and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not 5 limited thereto, consisting essentially of' and consisting of. Where necessary, ranges hâve been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of ail sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggest themselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, where not already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should cover those variations.

[0044] Advances in science and technology may make équivalents and substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of the imprécision of language; these variations should be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the method, device and machine, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice these, including making and using any devices or Systems and performîng any incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other exampies are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they hâve structural éléments that do not differ from the litérai language of the claims, or if they include équivalent structural éléments with insubstantial différences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims (10)

1. What 1s Claimed Is:

   1. An initîator, comprising:

   a body comprising at least one explosive comprising barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX).
2. 2. An initîator, comprising:

   a body comprising at least two layers of explosive, the layers of explosive comprising a primary explosive and a secondary explosive, the primary explosive comprising barium 5nitriminotetrazolate (BAX) and the secondary explosive comprising 2,6-Bis(picrylamino)-3,5dinitropyridine (PYX) and/or Hexanîtrostilbene (HNS).
3. 3. The initîator of claim 2, wherein the secondary explosive comprising a combination of BAX and PYX or PYX and HNS.
4. 4. The initîator of daims l, 2 or 3, wherein the initîator is initiated by an activator selected from the group comprising an electronic activator and a mechanical activator.
5. 5. The initîator of claim 4, wherein the electronic activator comprises a fuse head or a bridge wire, wherein upon activation, the fuse head or bridge wire initiâtes the primary explosive, and the primary explosive initiâtes the secondary explosive, or the mechanical activator comprises a percussion device, wherein upon activation and impact of a firing mechanism, the percussion device initiâtes the primary explosive, and the primary explosive initiâtes the secondary explosive.
6. 6. The initîator of any of daims 2-5, wherein the body comprises a two-part body of an upper body and a lower body, wherein the upper body comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface comprises a dépréssion positioned centrally in the lower surface of the upper body, wherein the lower body comprises a secondary bore, and the primary explosive is placed into the dépréssion in the lower surface of the upper body and the secondary explosive is placed into the secondary, and the upper body is connected to the lower body to align the primary explosive with the secondary explosive.
7. 7. The initiator of claim 6, further comprising a flyer disk positioned within a lower portion of the secondary bore adjacent to and recessed from the lower surface of the lower body, the flyer disk configured to retain the secondary explosive within the secondary bore.
8. 8. A method of using an initiator, comprising:

   providing an initiator, wherein the initiator comprises:

   a body configured for receiving at least two layers of explosive, the layers of explosive comprising a primary explosive and a secondary explosive, the primary explosive comprising barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX) and the secondary explosive comprising 2,6-Bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX);

   positioning the initiator within a tubing-conveyed perforating gun;

   positioning the tubing-conveyed perforating gun into a wellbore;

   subjecting the initiator to températures of at least as high as about 250°C for at least about 200 hours and/or at least as high as about 300°C for at least about l hour; and initiating the initiator to initiale the primary explosive, and the primary explosive initiating the secondary explosive, without reducing velocity of détonation by more than about 20%.
9. 9. A method of assembling an electronic or electric initiator capable of withstanding températures of at least as high as about 250°C for at least about 200 hours and/or at least as high as about 300°C for at least about l hour without significantly impacting performance of the initiator, comprising:

   providing a body comprising a fuse head or bridge wire aligned with a primary bore and a secondary bore;

   placing a primary explosive comprising barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX) into the primary bore;

   placing a secondary explosive comprising 2,6-Bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX) into the secondary bore;

   aligning the primary explosive with the secondary explosive;

   positioning the fuse head or bridge wire in working relationship with the primary explosive such that initiation of the fuse head or bridge wire initiâtes the primary explosive, and the primary explosive initiâtes the secondary explosive.
10. 10. A method of assembling a mechanical initiator capable of withstanding températures of at least as high as about 250°C for at least about 200 hours and/or at least as high as about 300°C for at least about l hour without significantly impacting performance of the initiator, comprising: providing a two-part body of an upper body and a lower body, wherein the upper body comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface comprises a dépréssion positioned centrally in the lower surface of the upper body, and the lower body comprises a secondary bore;

    placing a primary explosive comprising barium 5-nitriminotetrazolate (BAX) into the primary bore and a secondary explosive comprising 2,6-Bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX) into the secondary bore and aligning the primary explosive with the secondary explosive; and connecting the upper body to the lower body and aligning the primary explosive placed in the dépréssion formed in the upper body with the secondary explosive placed in the lower body such that firing of a fîring mechanism into the upper surface of the upper body in alignment with the dépréssion initiâtes the primary explosive, and the primary explosive initiâtes the secondary explosive.