Churchill Drilling Rools has performed the first full rig test its HyPR HoleSaver, which it has described as the world’s first full-strength disconnect sub.
To an audience of industry superintendents, senior drilling engineers and fishing specialists, it proved a full strength sub could be easily severed and that it was full strength compliant. The full strength sub cut in 112 minutes.
The HyPR HoleSaver is Churchill's latest dart activated technology. It offers strength both in tension and compression with no pre-installed weak points, the firm says. When stuck pipe occurs, the tool is targeted by pumping down a HyPR dart which directs a precise and powerful milling jet at velocities of over 300ft/sec to make the cut.
The darts are capable of producing more than 1000 hydraulic horse power but, unlike explosives, require no special handling and are easily and quickly deployed by the user. The subs and darts give operators the capability to release the string in just a few hours and are extremely economical to deploy due to their simple design.
Mike Churchill, director of the Houston and Aberdeen company, said: “Some may think inviting an audience to our first full test was a risk, however we were very confident of the power of the HyPR dart and the results it could deliver. Some of the attendees were already using this insurance system and we felt it was important for all to see first-hand the power of the dart in action and reassure them that there is nothing in the sub’s design which might compromise drill-string integrity. The only question was how long it would actually take the dart to cut.
“Following the successful demonstration we have been approached for a number of new applications, which goes to show the value of our approach.”