Vol. 59 No. 1
January 2007
Well Intervention and Control
Analysis of Alternative Well-Control Methods for Dual-Density Deepwater Drilling
Dual-gradient drilling methods have been proposed to provide simpler, safer,
and more economic well designs for deepwater gas resources. Riser gas lift was
investigated as a means to implement a dual-gradient system. A primary concern
was whether effective well control was possible in a system containing so many
flow paths and fluids with different densities. A study with a transient,
multiphase simulator found that well control was feasible by use of methods
analogous to those for conventional operations.
View a Synopsis
of SPE 98957.
