Innovations aid frontier offshore drilling

Journal Article · Mon Apr 14 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5848249

Hewlett, C

In the past 3 years, new water-depth records have been established for the drilling of exploration wells and for the installation of subsea completion systems. In addition, development of equipment for drilling and completing wells in harsh environments has been accelerating. Three significant systems, manufactured and installed during this time, have enabled the industry to expand its capabilities and extend its frontiers. The three developments, with the points that will be discussed, are: A riser system used in world-record water depth off the U.S. East Coast (major system components, computer analysis of flanged riser coupling, and modifications based on field input); A caisson drilling system installed off the East Coast of Canada designed for iceberg scouring conditions (design philosophy, unique design); Further riser system developments for deep-water and severe environmental conditions (design of riser tensioning ring that eliminates goosenecks and does not require removal of drape hoses when running/retrieving riser). Primary among the conclusions drawn from these and other developments is the solid technological base being developed for use in further extending industry hardware capabilities.

• Research Organization: Hughes Drilling Equipment, Aberdeen
• OSTI ID: 5848249
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 84:15; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
42 ENGINEERING
423000 -- Engineering-- Marine Engineering-- (1980-)
CANADA
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
DEPTH
DIMENSIONS
DRILLING
EAST COAST
EXPLORATORY WELLS
ICE
ICEBERGS
MARINE RISERS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
NORTH AMERICA
OFFSHORE DRILLING
OIL WELLS
PIPES
USA
WELL COMPLETION
WELLS