Assam gas leak: Placement of blow out preventer huge challenge, says OIL

Assam gas leak: Placement of blow out preventer huge challenge, says OIL

Three experts of Singapore based firm “M/s Alert Disaster Control” will reach Duliajan, late evening on 7th June, 2020

New Delhi: As Oil india limited is battling to stop gas flow from the oil well in Baghjan in Tinsukia district, placement of blow out preventer has become a huge challenge.

OIL stated, “With very limited space and non-availability of open space above the well head, placement of Blow Out Preventer (BOP) is a huge challenge as it entails huge risk. It is planned to place the BOP on the wellhead through a hydraulically driven mechanical transporter. The design and fabrication of the hydraulically driven mechanical transporter requires high degree of precision, strength and safety features as this will be operated against very high pressure of the gas in a hazardous environment. Safety of the people and the surroundings has been considered utmost priority while controlling the well. The structure for vertical movement of hydraulically driven mechanical transporter has been completed and tested. Fabrication job of horizontal structure is in progress.”

The company added that in order to subdue (kill) the well, drilling mud will have to be pumped immediately after capping the well by the BOP. The area for placement of the well killing (subdue) equipment and preparation of requisite well killing mud is underway.

Huge quantity of water will be required while executing the actual operation of the well for creation of a water jacketing/ umbrella to facilitate the operating crew to approach the well safely. A water reservoir near the well site plinth has been made & preparation of the area for placement of two numbers 2500 gallons capacity pump is in progress. But due to wind direction and inclement weather condition, the level of gas concentration is above the safe limit of operation in that area. The Crisis Management Team decided to shift the water reservoir to an alternate area in opposite direction of the present reservoir for safety reasons.

OIL is working on the alternate area for creation of water reservoir and placement of the pumps. A new pipeline is required to be laid to the well plinth. But due to heavy rain for last couple of days, the area needs huge amount of civil work to make it ready. Preparation of area for placement of high capacity pumps at alternate location is in progress.

Arrangement for collection of required quantity of water from the river source is in progress. Testing of water pumps for collecting water from the river is in progress. Laying and connection of delivery line from the water pump stationed at River bank to the water reservoir is in progress. Job hampered due to difficulty in Right of Way (ROW).
Testing of equipment to be used for well control operation is in progress.

To safe guard the environment, OIL has engaged a NABET accredited consultant to carry out Environment Impact Assessment study in and around Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Maguri Motapung Beel and the surrounding villages to assess the effects of blow out on Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems and Socio-Economic Impact Assessment in consultation with the stakeholders and the job is in progress.

OIL has engaged M/s TERI for Bio-remediation for impact of blowout on environment and site assessment was carried out jointly by Officials from TERI and oil.

Further, OIL engaged local fishermen with boat to identify oil spill, if any, in Maguri Matapung Beel so that immediate remedial action may be taken up as required.

Three experts of Singapore based firm “M/s Alert Disaster Control” will reach Duliajan, late evening on 7th June, 2020. The delay in their arrival is due to clearances of official formalities at Singapore. The team will supplement the OIL and ONGC team in executing the control of the blowout.

Removal of equipment from the well plinth is in progress. Poor weather condition is hampering the work progress for removal of equipment from well plinth. Continuous rainfall necessitated further development of the approach road for removing equipment from the well site, which is in progress.

https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/assam-gas-leak-placement-of-blow-out-preventer-huge-challenge-says-oil/76252272

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