Gullfaks C - Parted Conductors

StatoilHydro used 3D animations and simulations to find the best solutions for repairing a broken conductor on Gullfaks C

 

Reparing a conductor on Gullfaks C

Lars Kaasa (f.l.) in charge of the operation. Here with Rasmus Vatne(NCA), Kobein Moe(NCA), Atle Sanne(NCA), Øystein Agdal (Seawell), which all were a part of the team working on this case.

Gullfaks C
The first of three broken conductors has been repaired. This was seen as a difficult task far from what you normally run with, and challenges lined up for the engineering team Gullfaks C Drilling and Well (D&W).

- Such an operation has never been done before. It was therefore not much experience in the field, says Lars Kaasa, a drilling engineer on the platform from D&W.

 

3D Models
Together with external partners the engineering team from D&W used 3D models to find the best solutions.

- The tension in the conductor was modelled and a 3D model in a scale of 1:1 was created. Various solutions were discussed, some were rejected while others were taken on, says Kaasa.

Work on the problem was a progress that lasted many months and Kaasa stayed on Gullfaks C for two weeks during the repairs.

Integrated operations
It was necessary to go over the 3D models several times to get them accurate enough. The operationsroom was used by the representatives from StatoilHydro, drillingcompanies, directional drilling and drill bit supplier to be able to work effectively in teams. Together they came up with a precise 3D model which then were used in simulations.

- Using the Integrated Operations and 3D to be able to carry out the operation was exciting. We see that a good 3D model can be used in many situations within the drilling and well. Especially where we have geometry that has to fit together and scenarios that are difficult to imagine, says Lars Kaasa.

Written by: Christian Djupvik Brandt-Hansen, StatoilHydro.