Methods and apparatus for severing tubular members

摘要

Methods and apparatus for severing tubular members whereby one or more shaped charges are positioned adjacent the interior walls of the tubular members and detonated to thereby sever the tubular members. The apparatus of the invention is adapted to be placed within a tubular member and includes a remotely extendible framework having remotely detonatable shaped charges attached thereto. The apparatus is of a size such that when the framework is not extended, the apparatus passes through constrictions contained within the tubular members, and when extended, the framework is positioned transversely to the axis of the tubular member with the shaped charges positioned adjacent the interior walls thereof.