Wells blowing out of control have long been a scourge to the oil industry. As more and more emphasis began being placed on pollution control, it became evident that a pollution control, it became evident that a better method of controlling "blow-outs", particularly in offshore areas, should be devised. particularly in offshore areas, should be devised. It was imparative that this method minimize pollution. pollution. This paper discusses such a method as devised by Tenneco Oil Company. Steps employed are as follows for offshore wells:
Holes are cut below the water line in the succeeding casing strings to expose the tubing.
The tubing is "hot-tapped" and a crimp is applied to the tubing at a distance above the hot-tap hole.
Lost circulation material is introduced through the hot-tap hole and is carried up to the crimped area by the escaping well fluids.
This lost circulation material forms an impermeable plug and the well then is killed by pumping through the hot-tap hole.
Advantages of this method are:
The well effluent can be allowed to burn until the well is under control, thus preventing surface pollution. preventing surface pollution.
All work is performed underwater where there is little danger of fire or explosion.
Control of the well should be faster because there is no need to remove surface debris prior to initiating the control method.
A smaller and less expensive work force should be required.
