Automated Well Control. Prevent blowouts. Save lives and billions on OPEX.

Abstract

Every year, there are multiple blowouts and several multiple fatality events due to a loss of well control in the oil and gas industry. An Automated Well Control technology was developed using a simulator to dramatically reduce the incidence of ‘human factors’ in well control.

The system fully automates influx detection and shut-in sequences. Therefore, when a kick is detected, the technology takes control of the drilling rig equipment, and thus the drill string is spaced out, top drive and mud pumps are stopped and the BOP is closed. All of this occurs without the intervention of the driller, although he can intervene at any point.

Introduction

It is estimated that up to 67% of all blowouts are caused by human error. The Automated Well Control technology makes the well control process safer by using automation to eliminate human error, and thus reduce personnel exposure that is associated with the conventional well control methodology.

The system enables continuous monitoring of the well for potential well control events and, reacts automatically, providing a safe and effective shut-in and assurance for well control management.

Why Automated Well Control?

It is estimated that drillers’ loss of Level 1 Situational Awareness (or loss of attention) causes between 50 and 67% of blowouts.

Considering that one million wells will be drilled over the next 20 years:

• Up to 6,000 blowouts could occur
• The human death toll due to blowouts could be in the order of 1,250 lives lost
• 160 major environmental oil spills (>500 bbls) are estimated

The total cost of ‘making good’ these blowouts will be US$200bn in assets loss only. This does not include the cost of clean-up operations, nor associated legal or compensation costs.

The benefits of Safe Influx

• Adaptability - Can be retrofitted to cyber or conventional rigs, onshore or offshore.
• Efficiency - Provides shut-in times significantly faster than current conventional (manual) methods.
• Safety - Reduces human interface at the time of a well incident and offers efficient solutions and shutting times up five times faster than conventional human-led methods.
• Cost Savings - Reduces the amount of time spent on kill operations and can lead to time and cost savings for customers regardless of location, water depth or well type.

Why Safe Influx?

Over the next 20 years, Safe Influx Automated Well Control system could dramatically reduce the ‘human factor’ in well control, and ...

• Prevent up to 4,000 blowouts
• Save lives
• Prevent over 100 environmental spills
• Save US$135bn that would otherwise be spent on ‘making good’ blowouts.

Conclusion

• Human factors are a major issue in well control performance.
• Well control performance can be improved by using automated technology.
• Automated Well Control reduces the risk and cost of well construction.
• Bryan Atchison, Managing Director +44 (0)1224 262318 bryan.atchison@safeinflux.com