The closed tubing automatic gun release (CTXR) uses reliable X-Tools completion tools to automatically disconnect TCP guns in both open and closed tubing systems, including closed systems in which the tubing pressure is less than the wellbore pressure, such as the PURE perforating system for clean perforations.

Automatically dropping the perforating guns to the bottom of the well at the instant of the high-order detonation of the detonating cord prevents the gun string from becoming stuck or sanded-up in unconsolidated sand formations. It allows access to the perforated zone for production logging and other remedial wireline operations. The need for slickline or pressure-activated drop-off after the shot is eliminated.

The CTXR is compatible with a range of firing heads, including the eFire electronic firing head system, drop-bar hydrostatic firing (BHF) heads, hydraulic-delay firing (HDF) heads, trigger charge firing (TCF) heads, and ProFire programmable firing heads. Full tubing opening is provided after dropping the gun string, and the release housing attached to the tubing incorporates a wireline entry guide.

The CTXR consists of three sections: release section, pressure balance section, and gun adapter. Because the CTXR is internally pressure balanced, the guns automatically drop, even in a closed system in which the tubing pressure is less than the pressure below the packer in the rathole. Without the pressure balancing, the upward force created by the pressure differential prevents gun drop and can force the guns upward. The CTXR system requires only the minimum 300-lbm weight of the perforating assembly to automatically initiate gun drop.