Summary Reader Response Draft 3
The report titled "Utilization of Robotics in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Part II." (Shukla & Karki 2015) emphasizes the importance of deploying sophisticated systems for safe and efficient oil extraction, given the increasing demand for energy and oil resources. With the development of technology, the record for oil production increased at a staggering amount, estimated at 0.1 Million barrels daily compared to November 2019 (Kemp, 2023), delivering clear evidence of increased production efficiency. China has announced a new strategy to increase domestic crude oil production by setting up five specialized Research and Development Centers focusing on amplifying oil recovery. This targets reducing the country's reliance on imported oil while enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability (Zheng et al., 2022). One safety concern with rapid oil extraction is a blowout, an uncontrollable discharge of oil from a well, posing the risk of system failure or explosion. The extracting system consisting of the pump, pipe rams, and blowout preventer BOP underwent improvements to accommodate for extraction of this caliber. The function of BOP is to maintain and lock the pressure in, including sheer rams and choking systems emergencies that the old system lacks. The BOP regulates pressure concurrent with the Sheer Ram severing the pipeline to shut the well while the choking system slowly controls the oil flow rate to restrain pressure (Shafiee et al., 2020). Technological advancement and the countless unfortunate incidents contribute to increased efficiency and safety in offshore oil rigs.
The BOP system is crucial in improving safety and efficiency with increasing oil extraction. Its effectiveness ultimately relies on human operation to skillfully execute and prevent blowouts.
Failures and malfunctions of BOPs not only pose safety risks but also result in substantial financial costs. Upon detecting a BOP or control system failure, drilling operations typically halt to address the issue. On average, downtime in a North Sea rig can amount to approximately $50,000 loss daily. Hence, even marginal enhancements in reliability can yield substantial savings for the operator (Rausand & Engen, 1983). BOP system failures typically lead to injuries, loss of life, economic setbacks, environmental harm, and potential damage to oil reservoirs(Joye, 2015; Baugh et al., 2011). Approximately 65% of blowouts stem from failures within the BOP, whether via the drill string or the annulus. Enhancing the design, reliability, testing, certification, and operation and maintenance (O&M) procedures of BOP systems presents an effective strategy for mitigating blowout risks (Rausand & Engen, 1983).
During standard drilling operations, drilling efficiency depends on oil well (OW) control as the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the drilling fluid within the well. It is possible to adjust the pressure level to suit specific conditions by modifying the density of the fluids. Effective OW planning mandates that the hydrostatic head of the drilling fluid surpasses the formation pressure by a predetermined safety margin. However, should the primary control be compromised due to a sudden surge in formation pressure or lost circulation, additional measures are required to isolate the well and prevent an uncontrollable flow, commonly known as a blowout of formation fluids. A BOP apparatus is typically attached directly to the wellhead in configurations known as BOP stacks, performing a secondary control function. These stacks typically incorporate several types of BOPs, including ram and annular varieties. It is important to note that, in addition to annular and ram preventers, rotating BOPs may also be used (Vujasinovic, 1986).
Despite implementing all necessary safety features, one drawback of the BOP system is the possibility of unforeseen circumstances. The Deepwater Horizon rig incident stands as an unfortunate example, resulting in the loss of 11 lives, 17 injuries, and 87 days of oil spilling into Gulf waters. According to the article by WorkBoat (2014), the malfunction of the blind shear ram hindered its proper function. Investigations revealed that delayed reactions from the crew led to the shear ram puncturing the buckled, off-center pipe instead of cleanly cutting and sealing the well's drill pipe, resulting in a substantial increase in the release of oil and gas toward the surface.
In conclusion, technological progress is vital for safe and efficient offshore oil extraction amid growing energy demands. While improvements in the BOP system enhance safety, incidents like the Deepwater Horizon disaster underscore the need for continued vigilance. Robust safety measures and ongoing technological enhancements are essential to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable oil extraction practices for the future.
Refrences:
Deepwater Horizon Blowout Preventer failed due to unrecognized pipe buckling, report says. WorkBoat. (2021, January 6). https://www.workboat.com/offshore/deepwater-horizon-blowout-preventer-failed-due-to-unrecognized-pipe-buckling-report-says
Kemp, J. (n.d.). US oil output hits record as producers boost drilling efficiency ... US oil output hits record as producers boost drilling efficiency. https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-oil-output-hits-record-producers-boost-drilling-efficiency-kemp-2023-11-01/
Rausand, M., & Engen, G. (1983, May 2). Reliability of Subsea Bop Systems. OnePetro. https://onepetro.org/OTCONF/proceedings-abstract/83OTC/All-83OTC/49790
Shukla, A., & Karki, H. (2016, January 1). Application of robotics in offshore oil and gas industry— A review Part II. Robotics and Autonomous Systems. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2015.09.013
Vujasinovic, A. N. (1986, September 1). How blowout preventers work. OnePetro. https://onepetro.org/JPT/article-abstract/38/09/935/73967/How-Blowout-Preventers-Work
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