New Method of Extinguishing Fires in Oil Wells

Abstract

Due to various reasons, oil and gas there are accidents associated with open emission formation fluid with subsequent ignition. Such accidents sometimes have catastrophic consequences. Extinguishing gas wells is done by method of limiting oxygen access to the burning area. This method includes applying an explosion near the well and creating a temporary vacuum. This method includes the use of an explosion near the well and the creation of a temporary vacuum.. This method is not applicable for extinguishing an oil well, because oil, again getting on the hot surface of the wellhead equipment, lights up again. Ignition of oil and gas wells is one of the most difficult accidents in the oil and gas industry. They can take the size of natural disasters, significantly complicate the activities of drilling and oil and gas companies, require the involvement of a large number of equipment, human and material resources, lead to depletion of mineral resources and cause irreparable damage to the environment. Even more catastrophic consequences are explosions and fires in the development of offshore fields. The accident, which occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, threw more than 5 million barrels of oil into ocean waters, with the result that the oil company VR lost about $ 22 billion. Given the negative side effects, this figure can be significantly increased. The article presents method of sealing of the burning well. For the first time in the practice of fire extinguishing, a method of using sealing hinges was applied, which was then tested on many oil and gas fields. The technology and non-standard equipment for the necessary works on wellhead sealing and cutting off the access of oxygen to the burning area are shown. The method of narrowing and localization of the burning well flame by means of flare stack, providing a safe working environment for rescuers with the help of special sprinkler и fire-protection suit is considered.