Technical Studies

1. Failure database for an Operator

WEST has developed, in conjunction with a major operator, a project to identify and track rig equipment failures and their resolution. This information has been used by the operator on both the rigs they operate, as well as their OBO (Operated by Other) rigs, as a predictive tool in reliability assessments, rig surveys, and commissioning/startup assistance. There are currently 150 anomalies in this database.

2. Rig MUX Control Modification Review

As a function of the initial startup of two new-build rigs, WEST was contracted to assist in ensuring reliable operation of drill-through equipment. A significant part of this effort included modifications to the latest generation MUX control system, which featured the use of a 5,000 psi hydraulic system. Many items, from system component investigations to circuit modifications, were completed to achieve the initial operating success of these rigs.

3. Ram Locking System Controls and Ram Low Temperature Testing

On the first installations of a ram locking system, WEST was contracted to work with the manufacturer on additional enhancements to the locking system control circuitry after the initial operation on the rig. Additionally, WEST assisted in the development and review of low temperature testing for the rams and this locking system, simulating, as closely as possible, actual operating conditions of a deepwater environment.

4. Dead Man Circuit Addition

As a result of commissioning work on a new-build rig, it was determined that the initial design did not include a dead-man circuit. WEST participated with the manufacturers in the design and implementation of this additional control feature on this rig.

5. Qualification of Ram Locking System

A new generation of ram locking system is to be installed in rams scheduled for 2001/2002 delivery by a major manufacturer. This design takes advantage of the operating history of its predecessors to deliver enhancements in reliability for deepwater applications. WEST is working with the operator to ensure this new design is adequately qualified, in conjunction with the new model rams, to provide the advertised benefits.

6. Ram Locking System Study

Repeated difficulties in attaining successful wellbore pressure tests on a set of installed rams instigated a study of a locking system. An Operator and Contractor jointly funded the study, which improved the understanding of the system, resulting in improved operating reliability.

7. Multiplex Study

Prior to purchasing equipment for their upgrades, the drilling contractor contracted WEST to analyse the multiplex systems currently offered by the major manufacturers and identify technical strengths and weakness of each.

8. Expert Witness & Research for Legal Hearing

WEST was selected to act as a major operator's expert witness for DTE related problems on newbuild jackup.

9. BOP Controls Operating and Maintenance Manual

As a result of not receiving the Operating and Maintenance Manual from a manufacturer in the time-frame required by their schedule, the contractor hired WEST to work with the manufacturer to provide the manuals for the retrofitted rig. According to Norwegian regulations, this documentation must be on the rig prior to commencing drilling in order to receive a permit.

10. Hose Failure Analyses

Abnormal pilot line failures on a year old hose bundle on the rig caused the drilling contractor to contract WEST to identify the root cause. Working with the manufacturers, WEST identified manufacturing and storage factors that resulted in the short service life of this hydraulic hose bundle.

11. Ram Study

Difficulties in achieving successful ram wellbore tests resulted in a major operator's Brazil operations selecting WEST to work with the ram manufacturer, to achieve acceptable operation. This exercise included a cursory design review and analysis of performance data from the rig to recommend a course of action.

12. Variable Bore Ram Sealing

After three weeks of sporadic failures to wellbore pressure test on the rig's variable bore rams, WEST was requested to assist the contractor in consistently testing this equipment successfully. WEST's analysis of the data indicated the locking system as the likely culprit; subsequent testing and installation of a new design components confirmed this conclusion.

13. High Pressure / High Temperature Study

A Norwegian consortium of operators commissioned a multipart study on increasing the operability of drilling in HPHT (High Pressure / High Temperature) reservoirs. WEST was awarded the portion of the study covering Drill Through Equipment (DTE). Working with all the major DTE manufacturers, WEST collated data and other information to enable reliable operation of DTE in this environment.

14. West Africa Study

A consortium of operators in West Africa commissioned a study on the effects of higher external pressure than internal pressure on subsea equipment as well as other known deep water problems. The study involved a group of five rigs and included working with the manufacturers of the subsea equipment. In addition to the differential pressure effects, WEST also studied methods of calculating usable accumulator volume, operational interfaces that vary with depth, horizontal well completions and well testing.

15. Connector Study

The effort to enhance their PM (Preventative Maintenance) system led the operator to request data and analysis from WEST's database of survey findings. Their goal was to standardize and optimise PM tasks and frequencies on this equipment to achieve maximum reliability and minimum cost.

16. Shear Ram Anomaly Study

Both shear ram cavities on one rig randomly failed to successfully wellbore pressure test. The contractor requested WEST to work with manufacturer personnel to identify the cause and resolution.

17. Shear Ram Study

Advances in metallurgy of drill pipe were the impetus for a major operator to contract WEST to investigate the capabilities of shear rams. This study identified the effect that changes in pipe's physical properties have on shear ram's ability to cut and seal these new tubulars.

18. MMS Study on Applicability of API Recommended Practices in US Regulations

WEST was selected to compare and contrast MMS regulations and specific API RPs (Recommended Practices) to evaluate suitability for inclusion into MMS regulations. A significant factor in the award of this study to WEST was the combination of knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards, coupled with extensive surveying experience and the resultant database of findings therefrom.