page_title: Pipe recovery operations
section_title: Tools for cutting pipe
hierarchical_section_title: Pipe recovery operations / Tools for cutting pipe
caption_attribution_description: English: 2 3/8 tubing cut with a Radial Cutting Torch.
context_page_description: Pipe recovery is a specific wireline operation used in the oil and gas industry, when the drill string becomes stuck downhole. Stuck pipe prevents the drill rig from continuing operations. This results in costly downtime, ranging anywhere from $10,000-1,000,000 per day of downtime, therefore it is critical to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Pipe recovery is the process by which the location of the stuck pipe is identified, and the free pipe is separated from the stuck pipe. This allows fishing tools to subsequently be run down hole to latch onto and remove the stuck pipe.
context_section_description: Chemical Cutter
  Chemical cutters use a propellant to generate pressure forcing the chemical, usually Bromine Trifluoride, through a catalyst. The resulting chemical reaction is expelled through the severing head of the cutter at a high temperature and pressure, which cuts the wall of the tubing. The resulting cut is a very smooth cut that does not require any dressing before further pipe recovery operations can take place.
  Jet Cutters
  Jet cutters use a circular-shaped charge to produce the cutting action. Jet cutters are capable of severing pipe despite significant downhole pressure. This makes them an ideal choice for extremely deep wells, greater than 20,000 feet deep. They typically leave a flare on the severed pipe string. This flare must be removed, typically by using a mill, before further fishing operations can take place.
  Radial Cutting Torch(RCT)
  Radial cutting torches use a mixture of powdered metals contained inside the torch body, those metals burn at a very high temperature on ignition by the gas generator. The resultant molten plasma is then ejected through the radial graphic ceramic nozzle and onto the target tubing. The result is a clean, non flared cut. The highly energized plasma is capable of overcoming nearly any wellbore condition, and has a cutting success rate of 77%. The RCT does not contain explosives; this greatly reduces transportation costs and logistical problems.
  Drill Collar Severing Tool (DCST)
  The Drill Collar Severing Tool is often used to separate heavy weight drill pipe or drill collars. The DCST contains an explosive charge at either end of the tool; both charges are detonated simultaneously. The explosive shock waves meet in the center of the tool and combine to produce a very high energy wave capable of cutting through the thickest of pipe. The severed pipe is typically split and deformed, requiring milling.
caption: 2 3/8in tubing cut with a RCT
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