Field Applications of Abrasive-Jetting Techniques

Abstract Interest in abrasive-jetting techniques for perforating and cutting well casings, cement and formation rocks has increased rapidly since 1958. This renewed interest in an old process has been due mostly to the development of a jetting tool of longer life and higher efficiency. Present-day jet-orifice nozzles are made of extremely hard materials that have a working life of more than three hours, compared to several minutes in the early days of abrasive jetting. Also, new efficient nozzle design has greatly increased jet speed and depth of penetration. These improvements in design and materials of construction, coupled with improved operating techniques, have resulted in many widespread and varied applications of abrasive jetting. Jobs have been performed, using this process, that would have much more expensive or even impossible with conventional methods. Several case histories are presented in this paper to illustrate applications and performance of abrasive jetting.