PropCUT® & PropPUNCH®
Propellant-powered punch and cut system
Page last modified
June 13 2025
The SPEX PropCUT is a single trip, selective fire, punch and cut system for downhole applications like tubing and casing recovery, well abandonment, and drill-pipe severance. It utilizes solid propellant charges instead of traditional shaped charges, avoiding shockwaves and debris. The propellant is precisely cast to sever the target tubular without damaging surrounding casings. PropCUT can be configured to punch, cut, or both via modular tool strings with independent select-fire switches for each stage. Upon ignition, hot exhaust gases rapidly ablate the target material for a 360o precision cut with a clean edge and no flare. The smooth cut edge allows easy fishing and milling access after. PropCUT eliminates additional trips vs punch+cut combos, saving time and costs. The scalable propellant is tested for regulatory compliance and paired with standard RF-safe initiators for reliable and safe selective activation from surface. PropCUT overcomes issues with debris, tubing compression, and calcium bromide fluid thanks to its deflagrating propellant that won't shock surrounding materials.
Pros & Limitations
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Independent control of punch and cut utilising select fire switches
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360° precision cut with a clean edge, zero flare and no debris
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No requirement to dress the top of the fish
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Adjustable aperture gap size selectively controls system power
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Compatible with all radio safe industry standard firing systems
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Severs the target tubular with no damage to host casing strings
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Can operate with a pressure differential between bore and annulus
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Leaves debris downhole
Specification
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme/Discipline | Well OperationsWell Plug and Abandonment |
| Core Tech | Hardware Tool |
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Applications
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Well Abandonment, Tubing and Casing Recovery, Drill-pipe/collar cutting, Annulus access for circulation, Precision punch and cut of internal packer mandrels
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Benefits
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Independent control of punch and cut, 360° precision cut with clean edge, No debris, Adjustable aperture gap size controls power, Compatible with radio safe firing systems, Severs target tubular with no damage to host casing, Can operate with pressure differential between bore and annulus
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Sizes
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All systems 400°F and 10,000 psi. Other sizes available on request.
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initiation
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On command 'RF safe', Industry standard 'RF safe' igniters, Reliable without radio silence, Select fire switches allow independent control of multiple initiators
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Propellant
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High precision factory cast propellant assembly, Optimized minimum propellant, Tested and approved to National and International requirements
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Customization
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Can be configured to cut or punch single string, Can be tailored to punch multiple holes, Makes larger holes than traditional perforating charges
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