A New Dual Rov Assisted Well Killing System For Deep Water Blowout Recovery: Development And Testing

Abstract

With the Oil and Gas drilling moving to deeper and deeper waters, offshore blow-out control and recovery methods imply bigger challenges. In this scenario of technology complexity and of ever increasing focus on safety and environmental issues, with the aim to minimize operative risks, a new dual ROV assisted well killing system for deepwater blow-out recovery was developed and patented. This system extends the range of actions to be used in case of a deepwater subsea blow-out during drilling operations. The system stands as a quick-response tool devoted to assist and enhance the probabilities of success of a vertical intervention from a Dynamic Positioning Rig on a deepwater well in blow-out, when the premises for such an intervention exist or could be created. The system is designed to use two ROVs to assist the re-entry of a killing string inside the flowing well to perform the vertical intervention. The system is also equipped with acoustic sensors for a full instrumental localization of the blow-out source in case of impaired visibility. When successful, this intervention minimizes hydrocarbons losses, environmental impact, operational costs and exposure to liability claims. The system and its sub-systems have been fully designed, developed and tested. System marinization has been addressed to, involving drilling rig operators and a third party certification body to review system interfaces, handling procedures and risk assessment for a safe use on board. This paper provides a description of the proposed intervention system, along with details on the achievements and lessons learnt in the development and testing phases.

Probabilistic analysis of risk and mitigation of deepwater well blowouts and oil spills

“…Possible steps for future developments and improvements foresee the integration of these aspects within the illustrated methodology, together with the analysis of additional deepwater intervention technologies not yet considered, such as the innovative Eni dual ROV killing system for deepwater well blowout (Ferrara et al 2014) 1969 -1982 1983 -1999 2000 -2010 40 Formation OSV A,k ′ ,7 :…”

“…The recent increase of the level of awareness of environmental protection has favored the competitiveness for the development of risk-related studies and risk-reduction measures aimed at minimizing the environmental footprint of exploration and production in these challenging environments (Vinnem 2007). In this broad context, lessons learned from the a new dual Remoted Operately Vehicle (ROV) -assisted well killing system for deep water blowout (Ferrara et al 2014); and (vi) the Hampering Active Wellbore Kit (HAWK) (Rojas and Slocum 2016). Risk assessment approaches need to be continuously updated, in line with modern industrial and environmental research and experience, to be able to support key scientifically-based practical recommendations aimed at defining effective planning and regulation, as well as addressing public concerns about the possibility of releasing potentially harmful substances to the environment.…”