Cut & Cap Abandonments: Mobile Waterjet Cutting in Oil and Gas

Subsurface wellhead waterjet cutter cutting a wellbore

At NuWave Industries, we specialize in high pressure water jet cutting for all industries. Our advanced mobile units bring the power of high pressure water jet cutting directly to your site, enabling safe and efficient surface preparation, coating removal, and precision cutting.

Using water at pressures up to 42,000 psi, this method can cut through metal, concrete, and various industrial materials without introducing heat or distortion. High pressure water jet cutting is an ideal solution for sensitive environments, such as pipeline decommissioning, vessel cleaning, and well abandonment.

Our experienced operators ensure that each cut is performed with exacting standards, reducing waste and maintaining structural integrity. Choose NuWave for your high pressure water jet cutting needs—where safety, precision, and reliability meet.

Waterjet cutting has revolutionized the oil and gas abandonment process. NuWave's mobile, natural abrasive waterjet cutters have proven themselves more efficient and cost-effective than the traditional torch cutting method.

Our system is faster and safer. With each wellbore taking approximately 30 minutes to cut and cap. Our process saves our clients time and money. Below is an overview of how we provide superior Cut & Cap services to our oil and gas clients throughout North America.

Step 1: Prep Wellhead for Work

Our crews remove the "Christmas Tree" wellhead system from the 14" wellhead connection on site.

Step 2: Insert the Waterjet Cutter

After the removal of the wellhead system, NuWave prepares the subsurface wellhead waterjet cutter and lowers it into the casing bore at a standard depth of 2.5 meters (8 feet) or to the client's preference.

Step 3: Activate Cutting Equipment

The centralizing tool is activated to ensure the cutting head is centered within the casing bore. All hoses are then hooked up to the cutting tool. Pressure is then built up to 42,500 PSI. Once at full pressure, the cutting begins.

Step 4: Begin Cutting the Wellbore

A full steady stream is applied first to penetrate the casing. A rotation of 360º happens, severing the casing.

Step 6: Rig-Out Cutting Equipment from Wellbore

Once cutting has been completed, the subsurface wellhead cutter is rigged out of the wellbore. Using the backhoe loader, the well casing is hoisted from the ground.

Step 7: Cap the Wellbore & Complete Abandonment

The previously prepped "centralizer" with a cap or API plate is lowered into the production casing. The rod is broken off, securing the cap in place, and then the hole is filled. Leaving no trace of the process.

Watch the Video

Click here to view these steps in an animated video

Learn more about our Cut & Cap system by reading our case studies.

Ready to work with NuWave Industries? You can contact one of our North American offices today.