ePCT

ePCT Electro-Plasma Cutting Tool

Overview

The ePCT Electro-Plasma Cutting Tool is a revolutionary non-explosive downhole severing system designed to cut tubing, casing, drill pipe, and coiled tubing in a single trip. Unlike traditional chemical cutters or explosive charges, the ePCT utilizes a patented plasma-generating nozzle and a proprietary mixture of powdered metals to create highly energized jets of plasma that sever tubulars cleanly and safely .

Deployable on electric line (E-line) or slickline, the ePCT requires no hazardous explosives, no dangerous chemicals, and no radioactive sources. The tool is ignited via a secure electronic firing system, producing a controlled plasma stream that cuts through virtually any pipe material—including carbon steel, chrome, and corrosion-resistant alloys—in even the most challenging well environments .

By eliminating explosives and hazardous materials, the ePCT can be shipped globally within 24 hours without the regulatory delays associated with gunpowder or shaped charges, saving significant operational time and cost while maintaining full compliance with safety regulations .

Key Features & Benefits

1. Non-Explosive, Non-Hazardous Operation

• Feature: Utilizes thermal plasma generated from powdered metals rather than chemical explosives or shaped charges.

• Benefit: Eliminates the need for explosive transportation permits, magazine storage, and specialized handling certifications. The tool is classified as non-hazardous, enabling rapid mobilization and reducing logistical complexity and cost .

2. Exceptional Cutting Capability

• Feature: Produces jets of highly energized plasma that sever virtually any type of pipe material, including high-alloy steels and corrosion-resistant grades.

• Benefit: Cuts through tubing, casing, drill pipe, and coiled tubing up to 5 inches in diameter with a single activation. The plasma jet is effective regardless of wall thickness or metallurgy, ensuring a successful sever in diverse well completions .

3. Minimal Wellbore Impact

• Feature: The plasma energy is focused directionally through a precision nozzle; no overpressurization of the wellbore.

• Benefit: Unlike explosive cutters that can damage surrounding casing or cement, the ePCT delivers a clean, localized cut without shocking or deforming adjacent tubulars, preserving wellbore integrity for subsequent operations .

5. Rapid Global Mobilization

• Feature: Non-HazMat classification allows for standard air freight shipping without special handling declarations.

• Benefit: Tools can be dispatched to any location worldwide within 24 hours of request, drastically reducing rig waiting time and associated spread costs .

6. Integrated Safety Systems

• Feature: Compatible with support tools including the Generator Safety Sleeve (GSS) and Remote Firing Mechanism (RFM) .

• Benefit: The GSS safely dissipates thermal generator energy in the event of surface activation error, while the RFM provides secure data logging and firing authorization, ensuring operator safety at all times .

7. Through-Restriction Deployment

• Feature: Available in slim-hole configurations with tool OD as small as 1.5 inches.

• Benefit: Can be run through restrictions and nipples to reach cutting depths below complex completions, eliminating the need for additional intervention trips to clear the wellbore .

Applications

• Tubular Severing & Recovery: Cutting tubing, casing, or drill pipe for section milling, platform abandonment, or pipe recovery operations.

• Coiled Tubing Cutting: Severing stuck coiled tubing strings in live wells without explosives.

• Well Abandonment & P&A: Providing a clean, reliable cut for permanent plug and abandonment programs.

• Conductor Pipe Cutting: Offshore platform removal where large-diameter conductors must be severed below the mudline.

• Emergency Intervention: Rapid response for stuck pipe or fishing operations requiring immediate cutting capability.

Technical Specifications (Highlights)

Advantages Over Conventional Methods

SEO Keywords

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Secondary Keywords:

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Technical Keywords:

• 20,000 psi plasma cutter

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  Tool OD in / mm	Recommnded Use			Pressure psi / Mpa
  .314in 19mm	Coiled Tubing to 1.5in All weights			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  7/8in 22.2mm	1.50 to 1.75in Coiled Tubing All weights			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  1in 25.4mm	1.75 to 2in Coiled Tubing All weights			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  1-3/8in 34.90mm	2 3/8in tubing 4.7 to 5.95 lb/ft			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  1-1/2in 38.1mm	2 7/8in drillpipe 4.7 to 11.70 lb/ft			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  1-3/4in 44.45mm	3 1/2 drillpipe all weights			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  2in 50.8mm	3 1/2in drillpipe 9.3 to 16.80 lb/ft			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  3 3/8in 85.73mm	5in drillpipe 11.50 to 24lb/ft			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  4in 101.6mm	3 1/2in drillpipe 9.3 to 16.80 lb/ft			10,000 psi 69 Mpa
  5in 127mm	5 1/2in drillpipe 14 to 26 lb/ft			10,000 psi 69 Mpa