During digging and drilling processes, pipe often gets blocked that requires severing for operations to continue. With the help of recovery tools, the well logging equipment can bring the stuck part back to the top of the well.
Here are some of the most commonly used pipe recovery tools
Chemical Cutter
This tool provides a clean cut for severing drill pipe, coiled tube and tubing. It is an innovative cutter that enables you to cut off the results of chemical reactions. It features a nozzle head through which the gas goes down into the wellbore. As it comes in contact with the stuck pipe, an exothermic reaction takes place. As a result, heat is released that cuts the pipe from the blocked end.
This type of cutter gives fine cuts without causing any damage to the adjacent pipe or well casing. It can be used in special cutting applications where other methods fail to accomplish the task.
Precision Tubular Cutter
It is another revolutionary cutter that is commonly used in wire line services. A precision tubular can cut through corroded, scaled, or plastic-coated pipe. It can be used in all types of fluid environment, as well as dry gas. Also, it doesn’t require additional string shots for pipe-cutting operations.
The risks associated with cutting through a precision cutter are similar to that of ordinary perforating job. Moreover, it doesn’t require anchoring, thus reduces the possibility of sticking in the tubing. Thus, it eliminates the risk of health and safety issues associated with handling chemicals after a chemical cutter returns to the surface.
Since this tool cuts tubing without using and overpull, it is ideal for tailpipe cutting also. It provides simple and efficient operation of a jet cutter, clean cuts with minimum swelling.
Abrasive Cutter
Abrasive pipe cutters use particulate matter such as sand, calcium carbonate, or glass beads for cutting the stuck pipe. When the tool pumps out the particulate on the blocked site and rotates at the same place continuously, it cuts the pipe.
It gives clean cuts without any heat build-up or thermal distortions. Also, it is adjustable, easy to use, and maximizes productivity at the worksite.
Radial Torch
A radial cutting torch is a patented device that is used to sever tubing, casing, or drill pipe. It is one of the safest pipe cutting alternatives to chemicals or explosives.
When you lower the torch into the wellbore up to the desired path, the thermal generator activates the mixture of metal and converts it into molten plasma.
As the pressure inside the torch exceeds than that of the wellbore, the nozzle release the plasma at the target. This separates out the blocked portion of the pipe.
Mechanical Cutter
From standard steel to superalloys, a mechanical cutter can be used on a variety of pipes for drilling, casing or tubing. With the rapid deployment, it saves time and provides controlled cuts with minimum debris. Its temperature and pressure ratings allow you to cut the pipe in the hotter environments, eliminating time-consuming and expensive coiled-tubing operations.
It reduces environmental and logistical constraints, providing precise cuts without hazardous chemicals.
Jet Cutter
Jet cutter is a circular-shaped tool that is used for cutting pipes of different weight and sizes. It can be deployed slickline, electric line or coil tubing as required. With this tool, you can minimize the amount of explosives needed. Specially designed for precision cuttings, it can cut pipes of different weight and sizes.
Despite high-pressure present inside the walls of the casing, it makes 360 degrees, clean cuts with minimum residual debris. It provides efficient recovery operations, reliability, and ease of use.
Conclusion
These are some of the advanced tools for resolving stuck-pipe problems quickly and conveniently. You can deploy any of these into drill rig operations to separate the stuck portion from the rest of the pipe.
