Unique sled rig plugs oil leaking wells in surf zone
- IDS, Santa Ana, CA (United States)
Several leaking oil wells drilled in the late 1800s in the surf zone in Southern California required a specially built rig and platform for proper abandonment. The abandonment operations were complicated because the beach is heavily used by the public and the condition of the wells was unknown. A mobile sled was designed to support a drilling rig safely in the rough surf zone. The surf sled vehicle has a modular design for efficient assembly on the beach with minimal disturbance of the environment. No structures had to be built on the beach or in the surf zone to access the wellheads, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact. The surf sled vehicle used special equipment to keep the drilling rig level and to prevent oil spills or contamination during the drilling and abandonment procedures. The wells were abandoned safely and in a timely manner, despite the challenges of working in such a sensitive area. This paper describes the equipment and procedures used.
- OSTI ID:
- 5639830
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 92:2; ISSN 0030-1388
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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