Specialist downhole tool provider, Peak Well Systems has launched its much-anticipated Peak Cutter, a unique and patented power-charged, non-explosive cutter that is dropped from surface to sever slicklines and cables in the event that a toolstring becomes stuck downhole. Unlike other mechanically operated cutters available today, the Peak Cutter does not rely on inertia to cut the wire, and therefore offers a significantly more powerful, accurate and reliable result, particularly when deployed in high viscous fluids and deviated wells.
The 100% proprietary design incorporates an integral non-hydraulic, non-pyrotechnic power charge, a contingent cutting arrangement, and integral wire/cable clamp assembly to ensure that the Peak Cutter is recovered with the wire. The Peak Cutter can cut all types of industry wire up to 5/16” heavy duty Dy-form fishing cable.
In the event that a toolstring becomes stuck in the well tubing, the Peak Cutter is assembled onto the toolstring cable at surface and deployed downhole by gravity. Dependent on well conditions, either the jarring effect of the Peak Cutter against the Rope Socket or secondary Go-Devil is enough to activate the cutting mechanism. Success of the cut is not dependent on momentum as the impact from either hitting the rope socket or secondary Go-Devil intiates the release of the stored energy. The result is a powerful and clean cut, inches away from the top of the toolstring. The Peak Cutter can then be retrieved quickly from the well on the cable to which it is still assembled.
The concept of the Peak Cutter was first discussed with customers over 12 months ago and the company has spent the intervening period testing the tool across a wide range of operational environments.
Dave Manson, Director of Technologies at Peak Well Systems, has been instrumental in the design and development of the Peak Cutter. He commented: “Since our initial meetings with customers during which the concept of the Peak Cutter was discussed, we have been inundated with enquiries about the launch date for this product. It is very apparent that operators are looking for a safer, more effective and reliable way to cut wire within the well without relying on explosives. We calculate that the Peak Cutter is around 20 to 30 times more powerful than other traditional drop bar systems available.”
“The Peak Cutter’s unique ability to reliably sever slicklines and large diameter braided cables purely mechanically whilst also gripping onto the recovered upper section of wire/cable is a huge benefit to operators wanting to reduce NPT and operating costs. It means cable can be quickly and easily cut and recovered to surface, allowing the Sub-Surface safety valve to be re-instated, and making the well safe until fishing operations can be implemented to recover the lost tools.”
Peak Cutter units will be sold to customers worldwide, but Peak is also manufacturing units which will be available for rapid rental. Peak has a large rental inventory of downhole tools that can be mobilised immediately upon request.
Peak is currently developing a timer device for pre-determinded delays and activation of the Peak Cutter, to be launched in early 2013.
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For more information and photography/graphics, please contact Lyndsay Avern at l.avern@peakwellsystems.com / Tel +61 8 9270 0500 (Australia) or Tim Williams, Business Development Director at t.williams@peakwellsystems.com / Tel +44 1224 562240 (UK)
