When Weatherford first introduced its Motorized Cutting Tool (MCT), the technology was able to cut downhole tubulars without using chemicals or explosives. Able to make multiple cuts per run, the tool also can cut in any deviation and facilitates fishing by displacing the tubing cleanly. “The rolling cutting wheel works with hydraulic pressure to actually displace the material of the tubulars, leaving a smooth cut without flaring or debris,” according to Weatherford’s website.

The tool won Hart Energy’s 2009 Meritorious Award for Engineering Innovation in the remediation category.

While traditional cutting methods can have low reliability and can present considerable risk to wellsite personnel, the MCT electrohydraulic tool is the safest and most efficient device of its kind in the industry, according to Weatherford’s website. The tool provides real-time feedback and monitors data from the surface for a positive indication that the cut has been made before coming out of the well.

“Our industry has progressively considered and evaluated the transportation and handling of hazardous substances in view of environmental and security concerns,” said John “JW” Segura, global product line manager of perforating, pipe recovery and mechanical services for Weatherford. “The Weatherford Motorized Cutting Tool addresses the need for mechanical devices that can replace explosive and chemical products to sever small tubulars in regions where we and our clients recognize the necessity for such a product.”

Since its introduction, the tool has experienced much success in worldwide operations. The MCT-A 1.69-in.-diameter cutting tool now provides about 40 cuts per year in Weatherford’s Italy operations alone. “Weatherford’s Italian clients ask for the service specifically because of the ease of operation and the quality of the severed top of the pipe,” Segura said. In California, Chevron recognized the MCT-A as a premium cutting device that reduced the amount of hazardous chemicals used at its locations and shared its approval on a Weatherford Real Result.

Following a successful commercialization of the MCT-A, Weatherford continued on a path of additional mechanical services that include an MCT-B version for larger tubulars. “Currently, the MCT-B cuts 3.5-in.-diameter tubing with plans for extending the cutting range further,” Segura explained.

The tool remains a leader in its category and has not been eclipsed by newer technology. “There are other cutting devices on the market but none that cut in the range of pipe the Weatherford MCT performs well within and none [that have] the utilization frequency of the MCT,” Segura added.

The company is currently working on commercializing additional mechanical service products, including well isolation devices for tubulars and casing-through-tubing services. “Additionally, Weatherford continues to provide technology in other pipe recovery services, including Free Point Indication and ultradeep well pipe recovery,” Segura said.

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