HPHT 2014: Developing industry solutions for 20K development

HPHT 2014: Developing industry solutions for 20K development

PRAMOD KULKARNI, Editor

HOUSTON: “Collaboration is key for 20K psi development,” said Gregory Walz, Sr. Drilling Engineering Advisor for Anadarko Petroleum, during his keynote address at the 9th annual World Oil HPHT Drilling and Completions Conference underway at the Norris Center in West Houston.

“We can’t do this alone,” continued Walz. “We need collaborative ways to design 20K wells and reduce costs. We need to help each other understand the existing and evolving standards and regulations.”

Walz explained Noble Energy’s upcoming Shenandoah project in deepwater Gulf of Mexico is characterized by 15K psi temperature at about 250° F at the mudline. To support this and other upcoming HPHT projects, Anadarko has launched its 20A project to develop integrated and aligned drilling, completion and subsea facilities and procedures.

Anadarko has provided technical specs and asked for 20K proposals from five rig contractors and three equipment suppliers. The RFP will be issued later this week and decisions will be taken during the first quarter, based on the results of the appraisal wells, according to Walz.

Anadarko has a joint development agreement with FMC, BP, Conoco Phillips and Shell for developing a 20K subsea facilities design and is a member of the MWCC project to develop a 20K containment cap and top kill equipment.

“All the equipment and well design for pressure control and well containment have to be in place before BSEE will issue a permit,” explained Walz.

The World Oil HPHT Drilling and Completions Conference continues Sept. 24 with technical presentations and panel discussions on two tracks: exploration and drilling, and completions.