The realization associated with Macondo is that loss of well control (blowouts) can still occur in the drilling equipment and procedures in unanticipated ways. The oil and gas industry, the regulators and the public must understand the potential and the preparations. The industry and the regulators are collaborating and investing in improved methods, practices and equipment necessary to continue to conduct ever safer exploitation of hydrocarbons.
This paper describes how the global oil and gas industry is developing specific ability to close off wells with a secondary "capping system" that can shut off entirely and/or flow to offshore collection vessels. Capping systems can be installed in various configurations for deepwater, ice-infested locations, multi-well installations beneath a floating facility, well intervention scenarios, and wells with limited downhole pressure integrity.
New configurations of well control equipment incorporate changes in pressure protection design philosophy, or utilize newly available equipment to provide safe exploration in new, more difficult service in a variety of application environments. The leading edge capping technology addresses 20,000 psi, HPHT (high pressure/high temperature), harsh environment exploration and extended flow containment. Treatment and transportation provisions are anticipated in most applications.
The oil industry is not using Macondo as our only scenario to consider for loss of Source Control. The planning does not simply address capping stack installation over a blowing well. We are implementing proactive solutions and practices to safer and more reliable pressure protection equipment for all subsea operations.
