Riser-keeping software works

摘要

A new onboard vessel/riser drift-off simulation for dynamically positioned drillships reduces risk and waiting-on-weather time. DP drilling operations have been conducted for about 30 years now, with significant advances in equipment and controls resulting in low failure rates for the latest generation of dynamically positioned (DP) vessels. Even with these advances, the major concerns with DP vessels are associated with the possible consequences in the event of loss of station keeping. Unless the proper planning is performed and both the operator and drilling contractor agree to well-specific operating criteria (WSOC) that are put in place before the well is drilled, the consequences of loss of station keeping could be high. When taking DP vessels into offshore locations such as the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, Brazil, Australia, or others, a realistic basis for the WSOC becomes very critical to successful drilling and completions operations. It is in these situations that realistic numerical modeling of the well drilling system becomes important to ensure low risk and low waiting on weather time.