RIASSUNTO
Abstract
Traditional rigless plug-and-abandonment (P&A) operations involve time-consuming methods that can potentially be detrimental to personnel, assets, and the environment. Rising costs, the heightened level of safety required in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and beyond, and the unpredictability of the industry's operational needs necessitate timely development of innovative technologies and applications of equipment and resources. This paper examines the combination of aggressive engineering and competent staffing to solve P&A problems in a safe and efficient manner.
The paper presents three distinct jobs and the techniques applied to successfully complete the objectives of each situation. In the first scenario, a production platform, rendered inoperable by a hurricane and left leaning, required permanent abandonment. Limitations on the structure's loading capacity required use of a unique pipe pulling unit. The second situation, a badly damaged satellite production facility, necessitated development of a job-specific cantilever system, designed and deployed on a lift boat. In a third, land-based operation, a specialized jacking system was needed to repair and replace damaged surface casing. All three jobs originated from catastrophic incidents that required rapid mobilization.
The paper continues with a discussion of the capabilities of the multiple systems; the successful completion of each job with no recordable incidents or environmental impact; and the lessons learned during the development processes. Cost reductions are correlated to the techniques and methods previously mentioned. Finally, the paper demonstrates the adaptability of the P&A equipment, techniques, and resources that can be applied to other real-world applications.
Introduction
The cases presented in this paper represent examples of the unique circumstances that required innovative thinking and timely development of P&A equipment and procedures. To accomplish the tasks associated with completing each job, there were continuous communications and extensive collaboration with the customers. Throughout the development, implementation and operations, safety was paramount. Each project had unique circumstances that required use of various P&A equipment outside of its original design intent. New fit-for-purpose components and equipment were designed and manufactured to work in both offshore and land-based operations. This adaptability of the people and equipment to challenges helped to enhance the efficiency of each job and, in turn, decrease the associated costs.
Case No. 1: West Delta (WD) Block No. 94G P&A Project
Following Hurricane Katrina, a GOM operator discovered the six-pile platform at WD No. 94G was leaning precariously at approximately 15°. Before the damage sustained in the storm, the structure was fully operational, with 10 producing wells and one partially drilled conductor. As such, the platform drill deck was completely loaded with production equipment. The damaged platform is shown in Fig. 1.