T
he scope and complexity of any particular well control event is varied and can alter by hugemagnitudes
based onmany factors. Today, there are several subsea capping stacks in various locations around theworld,
and all are in different states of readiness. However, access to a capping stack as an idle asset is not sufficient
preparation for a subseawell control event. Technology is only as effective as the people deploying it, and although several
companies provide access to a capping stack, WildWell Control is the only global provider of a turnkey response package
– deploying the personnel to support a comprehensive response fromcradle to grave. Equipment is only one part of an
inclusive source control emergency response (SCERP) and logistics plan.
What issourcecontrol?
Source control is a generic term for all activities related to the direct intervention on awell at source point, in an effort to halt
or control the release of hydrocarbons to the environment. The termcan also be considered a politically and publicly palatable
alternative term for dealingwith a loss of well control.
All operators have plans and contingencies for all aspects of their well construction operation. Thiswill also include peripheral
aspects of the project, such aswell construction remediation, meteorological contingencies, alternative asset options, well control
contingencies, etc. The degree of preparedness in these plans can vary. For the sake of this discussion, this articlewill focus on the
‘well control’ preparedness component of operations.
Andrew Barry and Martial Burguieres, Wild Well Control, USA, describe
the art of offering a complete solution to global well control response.
COVER STORY
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