Advancing Effective Response Technology to Manage Containment of High Pressure, High Temperature Well

Abstract

Deepwater well containment capabilities were born out of necessity – over the last 10 years the industry has innovated and improved upon capabilities and is currently focused on developing the systems required for, new high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) wells scheduled to be drilled in the 2021 timeframe. As industry plans for drilling at deeper depths and higher temperatures – an organization's ability to keep pace with ever-changing needs is critical. That means continuing to enhance capabilities and technology to ensure well containment resources for the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico are available. MWCC is the first in industry to add High Pressure (20k psi) and High Temperature (400°F) technology to its portfolio. The development of this advanced technology presented many challenges both technical and non-technical. A shift from ram-based capping stack designs for well pressures up to 15K psi and temperatures up to 350F to valve-based designs rated for up to 20K and 400°F was necessary but presented technical challenges. An extended flowback response to a HPHT well may requires additional supportive equipment to assure successful containment of well fluids. MWCC delivered novel technology in 2020 designed to cool well temperatures in order to continue use of conventional subsea architecture and systems. Regulatory approval for HPHT source control technology is different from conventional technology. The approval of standard containment technologies is straightforward and well understood in industry; HPHT technology requires additional verification and approval. MWCC will address the process of obtaining approval for the use of HPHT containment equipment in an incident response.