Claxton Engineering Services Ltd, an Acteon company, has developed a novel support system for conductor casing operations at ConocoPhillips Norway’s Ekofisk field. The first commercial application of this new system is currently in progress. The initial work scope for the system is six wells this year; a second phase, which may include up to 30 more wells, is being planned.
“We developed the new system in response to a customer request,” said Owen Lewis, Claxton Engineering project engineer. “ConocoPhillips wanted a tool that would enable operations to continue once the cement had been pumped through the wellbore to hold the conductor instead of having to wait for the cement to cure enough to move on.”
The system, supplied as part of Claxton Engineering’s risers, conductors and flowlines business, supports the first well conductor casing string that the rig places in each platform slot. The conductor is initially placed and cemented using the rig. Following this, the split-design support system is moved into position, attached and then elevated to the necessary height. The rig then skids over to the next well while the new system supports the conductor until the cement sets. This system enables the rig to move on without waiting on cement to set, which typically could be for up to eight hours, and will deliver significant time and cost savings on a multi-well programme.
One of the key features of this conductor cementing support system is that it can be moved without needing a crane or forklift. This provides added flexibility in terms of deployment and means that, while the rig is working on the next well in a series, the system can be moved by hand to wherever it is needed.
The system is unique because it is constructed in two halves and is designed to be moved on the platform without relying on rig support. This special design uses heavy-duty castors that enable operators to reposition the support system safely, easily and quickly, as Lewis explains : “Under normal conditions, the system can be moved by two riggers. Disassembly, moving and reassembly in the new position take about an hour to complete.”
[mappress]
Press Release, December 7, 2012