The radial cutting torch device application due to drill string sticking

Stuck pipe is a common problem with tremendous impact on drilling efficiency and costs in the oil industry. Generally, the stuck pipe troubles are solved after their occurrences by using some standard operational procedures such as working the drill string up or down, attempting to rotate the string and pumping mud at higher flow rates through the drill bit to aid pipe release. One may also place different fluids around the stick area and use a drilling jar. However, in cases where common solutions don't work, then the cutoff is the last resort. To have a successful cutoff operation, estimating the location of the free point and choosing the right cutting tool is of vital importance. This paper presents the Radial Cutting Torch (RCT) as a innovative cutting tool and its oilfield application in stuck pipe events.