04-19-2013, 01:18 AM
This is probably the most important kind of training that is needed for the drilling operations in over pressured fields like Elk/Antelope. Limestone reefs and fractured limestone are subject to loss of circulation. With the combination of these two, over pressure and loss of circulation, you have the perfect recipe for a blow out if you do not have very qualified personnel on duty and awake at all times, 24 hours a day.
IOC nearly got in trouble with the drilling of Elk-1. They well kicked and it took them months to get the well back under control. After that they prepared by raising the rig floor to accommodate additional Blow Out Preventer (BOP) equipment and implemented the use of the Dual Down-hole Deployment Valves.
I personally congratulated Phil at last year’s AGM on the accomplishment of the successful drilling of the Antelope Wells without experiencing a blow out. These wells have been successfully drilled under very severe circumstances. There are many drilling contractors and operators that could not accomplish this with out the well blowing out. With wells capable of the flow rates demonstrated by the Elk and Antelope Wells it would be very difficult to bring one of these wells under control if it ever blows out. This is my number one worry about bringing in other companies, drilling contractors etc. We have to be sure all of the rigs are manned by qualified, trained personnel 24 hours a day without exception.
How important is it? A bad blow out could be the end of IOC.
IOC nearly got in trouble with the drilling of Elk-1. They well kicked and it took them months to get the well back under control. After that they prepared by raising the rig floor to accommodate additional Blow Out Preventer (BOP) equipment and implemented the use of the Dual Down-hole Deployment Valves.
I personally congratulated Phil at last year’s AGM on the accomplishment of the successful drilling of the Antelope Wells without experiencing a blow out. These wells have been successfully drilled under very severe circumstances. There are many drilling contractors and operators that could not accomplish this with out the well blowing out. With wells capable of the flow rates demonstrated by the Elk and Antelope Wells it would be very difficult to bring one of these wells under control if it ever blows out. This is my number one worry about bringing in other companies, drilling contractors etc. We have to be sure all of the rigs are manned by qualified, trained personnel 24 hours a day without exception.
How important is it? A bad blow out could be the end of IOC.