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- Neodrill Wellhead Support System
Main purpose is to protect the permanently installed wellhead from fatigue life reduction during the drilling process of the well. Key features · High load capacity to withstand drive/drift-off loads · Wellhead fatigue protection · Highly efficient compared to alternative WLR (Well Load Relieve = Tethered BOP) o Less equipment cost o Less logistic cost (installation and retrieval of system) The Neodrill WSS is literally “based” on the CAN technology, where the CAN provides a stable subsea foundation for the support elements that relieve the loads coming from the BOP. In simple terms the WSS is a structural element that is placed between the wellhead and the BOP. It consists of a (high capacity) mandrel, an adapter plate, and a conventional connector in the axial direction (top to bottom) and a support frame in the lateral direction. Hydraulic jacks/tension struts warrant the installation and prevent tight manufacturing tolerances. Wellhead Fatigue Mitigation BOP loads are taken up by the WSS to a high degree and diverted into the CAN before they reach the wellhead system. This substantially reduces fatigue damage of the wellhead system during the drilling phase. Once the drilling phase is completed the WSS can be taken off, making room for the SPS equipment (such as flow base, x-mas tree, etc.). The degree of fatigue relieve depends on the relative stiffness between the well and the WSS system. This means: · The stiffer the WSS system, the lower fatigue damage inflicted into the wellhead · The more flexible the wellhead, the lower fatigue damage inflicted into the wellhead The table below shows the improvement for three different scenarios. The dimension (diameter, wall thickness) of the conductor is the main contributor to wellhead stiffness. One can see that the “more flexible” the conductor is, the higher the fatigue life factor for the wellhead system. This is of course a a relative measurement, as the absolute fatigue life of a 36"x2” conductor is higher than that of a 30"x1.5” conductor. For cases where the conductor is not selected yet (new wells), one has the freedom to choose the appropriate conductor size. However, for existing wells (see below, P&A case) this behavior is in fact good news as the WSS system can divert more than 90 % of the loads coming from the BOP. Application Case (A) – Fatigue Protection for Production Wells with CAN/WSS For wells being drilled by a CAN-ductor the implementation of the WSS is straight forward. · The CAN-ductor is installed by a CSV or AHTS vessel · The rig drills and cements the surface casing o A slim hole well program is enabled by the CAN-ductor, the 20” section may be dropped and replaced by the 13-3/8” section · The rig runs the WSS, which is connected to the CAN by ROV · The rig installes the BOP on top of the WSS and executes the drilling phase as per conventional drilling program o This phase is the main contributor of fatigue damage due to the high loads coming from the BOP o The WSS can prevent at least 80 % of the loads, which translates to fatigue life increase of a factor of 100 (or more), due to the non-linear (cubic) behavior of fatigue damage (e.g., 50 % reduction of load translates to a fatigue damage of (50%)^3 = 12.5 % fatigue damage) · Once the completion is installed, the BOP is removed, making room for SPS equipment · For cases where work-over operations are required, or for cases where the P&A activities need to be carried out while the tree is still on place an extended version of the WSS can be supplied Application Case (B) – Fatigue Protection for Existing Wells (P&A Activities) The CAN/WSS combination may also be used for P&A activities of existing wells. The process for this is shown below, and causes less cost for equipment and logistics compared to the tethered BOP method. · The x-mas tree is removed, and a guide frame is installed o This guide frame enables Neodrill to install a CAN over the existing well · Once the CAN is in place, the process continues by installing the WSS system, connecting it to the wellhead and to the CAN o All operations up to this stage are done from a crane vessel, no rig time is required · With the WSS in place it is now safe to connect a modern BOP to the well, as most of the loads of said BOP are diverted via the WSS directly into the CAN o The remaining load going into the original wellhead is less than 10 % compared to a direct connection of the BOP to the original well · Once the P&A activities are completed, the well is cut below seabed o This may be done by the rig, but can also be done by wire from a crane vessel by using the Terminator tool of BakerHughes o Neodrill cooperates with BakerHughes and has done several wellhead cutting operations in joint operations during CAN retrieval campaigns · The CAN and guide frame are recovered and may be used on the next well Application Case (C) – Drive/Drift-Off Protection for Production Wells with CAN/WSS For wells where drive/drift-off loads present a structural problem to drill a well, the WSS offers a unique possibility to utilize high-capacity connector system without changing the standard H4 connection profile between wellhead system and SPS equipment. The order of sequence is similar to Application Case (A), we will therefore only point out the small changes that are required to utilize high capacity wellhead connector system during the drilling phase. · For this case the wellhead mandrel on top of the WSS structure is replaced to a high capacity profile, e.g., DrilQuip EXeTM system · The wellhead system used on the well remains the same “old trusted” H4 profile with 27” outer diameter · By utilizing the CAN-ductor the conductor is already in place when the rig arrives · The first rig operation is to spud the well with a 26” BHA for a 20” surface casing (or 17-1/2” for 13-3/8” casing), that is cemented in place · Before the BOP (fitted with a high capacity connector) is run, the WSS (fitted with a high capacity wellhead to match the BOP) is run and connected to the CAN · The well is drilled, utilizing the structural capacity of the high capacity wellhead connector to cope with the high loads of a potential drive/drift-off scenario o The weak point for such a setup is often in the riser or flex joint, therefore above the BOP. This adds additional safety in case of a critical well control event · Once the drilling phase is completed, the BOP is disconnected and the WSS is recovered, revealing the “original” wellhead with the 27” H4 profile · The SPS equipment is then run and connected to the wellhead and the well can be set into production Summary Key advantages for all presented cases · Substantially decreases fatigue damage for exploration and production wells, increased fatigue life (depending on wellhead stiffness) of a factor of 100 and far beyond · Enables safe and efficient P&A activities of existing wells with unknown remaining fatigue life · Allows utilization of high capacity wellhead connector systems without the need to deviate from established standard connectors on the wellhead system or the SPS equipment · No need to change BOP connector during drilling campaign from high capacity to standard capacity · Avoids cost and complex logistics to use the tethered BOP system · Lowers overall well cost by saving rig time for conductor installation · Moves a good amount of rig time to less costly crane vessel time Please contact us at www.neodrill.com for further information, I’m sure we can contribute to your challenges.
- Recycling CANs
The United Nations' 12th sustainable development goal, Responsible Consumption and Production, is about achieving greater impact with fewer resources. In today's society, we consume far more than the planet can sustainably support. Recycling plays a crucial role in achieving this climate goal. In our daily lives, we are encouraged to recycle various items we consume, such as soda cans and bottles. This provides numerous benefits, including resource conservation, energy savings, waste reduction, reduced carbon emissions, and economic advantages. For the same reasons, Neodrill also recycles its CANs used for exploration wells. Asplan Viak conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing conventional top-hole drilling technology with CAN-ductor technology. The report concluded that the recyclable CAN-ductor technology offers clear environmental benefits compared to conventional methods. The report observed that 420 tons of CO2 per well was saved. Since a CAN can be used for up to ten wells, this translates to savings of 4,200 tons of CO2, 390 tons of steel, and 622 tons of cement. Given today's energy market, there is a strong focus on sustainability and green solutions. By utilizing innovative approaches, the oil and gas industry can become even more sustainable, enabling us to meet the environmental requirements set by the United Nations.
- CAN by Neodrill: Introduction to a Groundbreaking Well Foundation
In the dynamic world of offshore drilling, the quest for successful and cost-effective well spudding has led to significant technological advancements. Neodrill's CAN-ductor, a market presence since 2006, has been at the forefront of providing strong and stable foundations for exploration and development wells. Revolutionizing Traditional Well Design The introduction of the CAN-ductor marks a pivotal departure from conventional well foundation practices. As the industry sees an increase in the size and weight of drilling rigs and BOPs, traditional conductor sections have become increasingly insufficient. The CAN-ductor addresses these challenges by eliminating wellhead fatigue risks, offering a foundation with high load capacity and guaranteed verticality, and saving significant rig time. Environmental Advantages and CO2 Emission Reduction A standout feature of the CAN-ductor is its contribution to environmental sustainability, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 500 tons per well. This is achieved through the use of smaller vessels for installing the top-hole section, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions compared to traditional drilling rigs. Furthermore, the CAN-ductor's design for exploration wells allows for 100% recovery and reuse, presenting an eco-friendly alternative to conventional conductors. Installation and Integration Featuring a low-pressure wellhead housing and an extension joint integrated into a 6m diameter suction anchor, the CAN-ductor is prepared in a controlled environment to ensure precision. Its pre-rig arrival installation streamlines the drilling setup, moving projects closer to a turnkey completion. Efficient Installation Process The CAN-ductor's installation not only boasts efficiency with a 12-hour completion time but also ensures the well foundation remains perfectly vertical. This innovative approach safeguards the foundation against environmental challenges and operational hazards. Operational and Safety Enhancements The CAN-ductor significantly enhances safety on rigs by eliminating heavy conductor-related equipment, thus reducing potential hazards. This, combined with logistical efficiencies, underscores the CAN-ductor’s operational advantages. Global Installations and Further Information With 45 CAN units installed worldwide as of Q1 2024, primarily on the Norwegian continental shelf and offshore UK, the CAN-ductor exemplifies Neodrill's commitment to innovation. Its flexible installation options provide cost-effective solutions for operators. Enabler for potential future rigless exploration wells With the rigless CAN-ductor well foundation, a platform for future rigless exploration well drilling is created. Leveraging the CAN-ductor further well sections may come in place by use of cheaper well intervention vessels and technologies like casing drilling and coil tubing drilling. Considering well barriers are maintained, this could be a game changer for cheaper and more environmental exploration drilling. Conclusion Neodrill's CAN-ductor is a beacon of innovation in offshore drilling, promising operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. As the industry evolves, technologies like the CAN-ductor are crucial for responsible and efficient exploration and development. For more information or to discuss how the CAN-ductor can benefit your projects, Neodrill encourages inquiries and discussions on integrating this groundbreaking technology.
- Neodrill welcomes Vidar Strand as our new Business Development Officer
With over 20 years of experience in the subsea industry, Vidar brings an impressive background and expertise that will be invaluable to our company. His extensive skill set encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, including engineering, sales, marketing, team leadership, and more! Vidar's remarkable career journey is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Starting as a leader of a vehicle repair shop, he has steadily climbed the ladder, securing key positions in various reputable subsea companies. Holding a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Vidar's intellectual acumen shines through, and he eagerly embraces new challenges. As Vidar settles into his new role here at Neodrill, he will play a crucial part in taking our business department to the next level. We are excited to collaborate with you, Vidar, and we hope you quickly find your stride within our team!
- CAN Complete – from quote to installation
Introduction In this article the process from quote to a CAN-ductor installed and ready for spud is explained. Through years of experience, Neodrill offers our clients a lean full-service Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation solution. This to provide a low cost, reduced CO2 emissions, safe and cost-effective turnkey solution for the subsea wellhead foundation to our clients. The first step of the process is to know the seabed conditions of the area you want to have a CAN-ductor installed. The exact well location does not have to be decided, but geotechnical soil data from the area is necessary. Our geotechnical experts require Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and well loads data to determine the length of the CAN. The CAN’s have been installed in various seabed conditions in clay, sand, and mixed clay/sand layers. Neodrill offers subsea well foundations for exploration and production wells. Rental CAN’s are used for exploration well applications, and Neodrill carries a stock of CAN units that can be adjusted and prepared for installation in a short period of time, typically with 4-6 weeks of lead time. The rental CAN’s are re-used to keep the exploration well cost at a minimum. For production wells the CAN’s are built to fit the specific well. We are proud to provide the industry with low cost and low emissions alternative to conventional conductors. Fabrication phase for production wells CAN-ductors The CAN units can be built at suitable fabrication yards worldwide, close to the area of application. The Neodrill team will follow up and plan the fabrication, conduct quality assurance, and the coordinate logistics at the yard. The materials used for CAN fabrication are standard steel qualities, hence the lead time and costs are kept to a minimum. The CAN design is well suited for both one-off and serial fabrication, with module prefabrication adapted to the project (quantity and timeline) and the facilities at the chosen fabrication yard. The conductor is client supplied and integrated towards the end of the CAN fabrication stage. The CAN design allows for conductors from all manufacturers and suppliers. The conductor fixation to the CAN will transfer all axial, horizontal and bending loads from the well into the CAN structure, and further into the surrounding seabed. The final assembly can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the capabilities at the fabrication yard and the installation vessel to be used. Installation planning Through our marine vessel partners, Neodrill can provide an installation vessel suitable for the installation location and weight of the CAN. Our largest CAN units require an installation vessel with a 250 metric tons heave compensated crane capacity. Other types of vessels can be used such as an anchor handler. In this case the CAN will be horizontal sea fastened until its deployed over the stern of the vessel, see pictures below. The planning of the installation can start in parallel with the fabrication phase. By providing a full range of services the from fabrication to installation, Neodrill is removing unnecessary interfaces and reduce the follow-up resources required from the client. In addition to the vessel itself, Neodrill provides: Construction crew for installation Survey contractor Seafastening engineering Deployment analysis Provision of installation equipment such as ROV pumps and lifting equipment. Mobilization The chartered vessel is in most cases mobilized at the fabrication facility where the CAN’s are located along seaside for the vessel crane to reach. Neodrill will coordinate and prepare the base for arrival of the vessel. Once vessel has arrived, the CAN units can be lifted onboard and sea fastened to deck. Installation Once the CAN units are fastened to deck the transit to the well location can commence. The CAN is lowered to the installation location using the vessel crane or winch. The first phase of the CAN installation is the self-penetration phase. The CAN penetrates the seabed up to 60% of its length under its own weight, depending on the soil properties. Once most of the CAN weight is supported in the seabed, an ROV dock onto the top of the CAN and pump it to the final position. The ROV pumps out water to create a differential pressure, and with only one bar of differential pressure, the ROV can create force equal to 288,2 metric tons. This force drives the CAN into the seabed in a controlled manner. Neodrill has a track record of more than 28 installations, with a conductor inclination of less than 1 degree off vertical. For recovery of exploration rental CAN units, the crane is connected to the CAN and the ROV pumps water into the CAN while the crane is kept in constant tension to eject the CAN out of the seabed. Once clear of the seabed, the CAN is recovered to deck of the vessel and seafastened. During installation a meticulous log of the installation parameters is recoded. This allows us to confirm the geotechnical calculations and verify that the required load capacity is achieved. Neodrill also provide input to the Drilling Program to ensure that drill out procedures are considering the short conductor.
- Reduce CO2 emissions by 500 metric tons during well construction
We are dedicated to developing and delivering solutions which support carbon efficient production. Our proprietary CAN technology, and wider subsea solutions, all reduce the CO2 footprint of top-hole construction compared to traditional methods. Proven to reduce CO2 by at least 30% compared to conventional drilling, we believe our technology is the best choice available for reducing emissions and supporting carbon neutral operations in top-hole well construction. How CAN technology reduces CO2 emissions vs conventional methods Reduces rig time by 2-4 days on average, which decreases the combustion of fossil fuels during operations Reduces the need for steel in well casings Eliminates top-hole cuttings and the disposal of cuttings Removes the need for spud mud drilling fluid CAN units are reusable and have an expected lifetime of 10 wells “Environmental impact is a concern that will only grow in importance and we are very proud to be playing a role in helping the industry transition to cleaner, safer and greener processes. We look forward to working with clients to further improve efficiencies and reduce their environmental impact using our patented technologies.” Jostein Aleksandersen, Neodrill’s Chief Executive Officer The effectiveness of our CAN-ductor technology to reduce CO2 emissions has been proven and quantified by two independent studies, to date. Looking at a range of environmental factors, not just CO2, we are proud that the CAN-ductor drilling well offers a 21 – 44% lower environmental impact compared to that typically experience on a conventional drilling well. Learn more about how CAN reduces environment impact
- Smart Well Foundation for Field Developments
A month ago, during the SPE Norway Subsurface Conference in Bergen, we presented a paper titled “Smart Well Foundation, the Cost Efficient and Environmental Choice for Field Developments.” In this presentation we demonstrated the ability to use field proven SPS and CAN technology building blocks, pre-installing equipment on the CAN such as guide base and flow base, to enable: Conductor installation before rig arrival Verified load capacity and inclination before rig arrival Early kick-off Early metrology Schedule flexibility, decouple drilling and marine activities Reduced CO2 emissions SURF operations prior to drilling the well – accelerated time to first production Optimized well placement – shorter wells No unused spare slots in template Superior wellhead support Trawl loads directly into CAN foundation Reduced CapEx
- 2022 IN REVIEW
A year of growth In 2022 we saw the increased awareness of the CAN technology for field developments, resulting in our second field development contract internationally. Furthermore, an ever-growing number of Clients have started to realise the cost and CO2 reduction benefits from the CAN technology resulting in several more Clients and frame agreements. Lastly we saw that the introduction of installation campaigns was adopted swiftly by the market, with the successful execution of the final 7 CAN installation campaigns in October and November. Support the energy transition The energy sector faces the combined challenges of secure, cost-efficient supply of energy while reducing emissions in line with the European taxonomy regulations. We are committed to align with these needs by providing a robust well foundation replacing the traditional conductor based top hole section with the CAN-ductor, reducing cost and CO2 emissions by approximately 500 tons per well. Looking into 2023 We see significant interest to use the CAN technology to reduce cost and CO2 emissions, both in Norway and internationally. We are currently planning our spring installation campaign for Q1, and both fabrication and engineering are ongoing. We plan on increasing our organization to handle the increased work load, as well as strengthening our partnerships and supplier network. We would like to thank all our Clients, suppliers, and partners for making 2022 the most busy and successful year of Neodrill’s more than 20 years history and wish you all a prosperous New Year.
- Our Man Down Under
This summer, our Senior Project Engineer Huaijiang Chen at Neodrill starts a new adventure. Along with his family, he's embarking on a journey Down Under, where he'll be working for the next two years. In Australia, Chen will continue with many of his current responsibilities for Neodrill, while seizing the opportunity to enhance his design skills and evolve further as an engineer. With a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from China University of Petroleum and a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Stavanger, Chen has consistently been a pivotal member of our team. When not engrossed in mechanical design and 3D modeling, you'll find him exploring the great outdoors, cycling, hiking, or fishing. As Chen embarks on his journey, we wish him the best of luck. His positive energy will be deeply missed while he's away. Safe travels, Chen! We can't wait to hear about your adventures!
- CAN installation from Jack Up rig
We installed our first CAN from a Jack Up rig this weekend for one of our international clients. This is Neodrill's first application from a Jack Up rig and show one of the various application for the CAN technology. The CAN was mobilized from our manufacturer Randaberg Industries with a supply vessel, transported to the field and picked up by the Jack Up using the drill string. The installation went very smooth into sandy seabed soil, and is now ready for the drilling operation.
- UTC2022 – June 15 and 16 at Grieghallen, Bergen
Conventional subsea single production well design requires the well to be drilled and completed with the drilling rig (vessel) before flow lines pull-in, connection of umbilical’s, etc. are undertaken with other specialized vessels. This causes not only time delay between well drilling/completion and production start-up, but also adding for way more CO2 emissions. By pre-rig installing a single well foundation with integrated conductor, manifold, pipeline and umbilical tie-in points, this additional CO2 emission and costly time delay can be reduced, and essentially facilitate instant production. Please join us for the joint Neodrill/BakerHughes presentation in room Klokkeklang, 15 June, 15:30 with the title “Satellite tie-back solutions with reduced CO2 emissions and a smaller environmental footprint»
- New generation CAN-ductor with integrated TRAWL PROTECTOR (CTP)
Based on lessons learned from multiple CAN-ductor installations, Neodrill have been working closely with one of our key clients to create the latest generation of CAN-ductor with an integrated CTP. This is first of the new generation which was successfully installed on the NCS as a single lift from an MSV in early January 2022 for the same Client. The result of implementing a series of enhancements has yielded operational time savings of 65% when directly compared to the previous installations the NCS and further reduced HSE exposure to personnel and the environment. CTP overview: The new CTP is a hinged design that can be quickly opened and closed in two directions using a single guide wire c/w a standard Wepco or Imenco Guide Wire Anchor deployed either from the rig or a vessel. For further details, The main operations of the new CTP and system interfaces are presented in animation below.