Dual-gradient technology re-emerges for Chevron in GOAA: A 'new norm in drilling'?

摘要

CHEVRON IS SET to deploy the first dual-gradient drillship, the Pacific Santa Ana, in the Gulf of Mexico by summer 2011. Currently sitting in the Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, the Pacific Santa Ana will have the ability operate in 12,000 ft of water and drill wells over 35,000 ft deep. Chevron has been working in conjunction with AGR Drilling Services, GE Oil and Gas and Pacific Drilling to develop this dual-gradient system and drillship. According to Ken Smith, manager of dual-gradient drilling project implementation, Chevron, dual-gradient drilling is going to be the eventual industry "norm" - not single-gradient drilling.