Integrated risk management: a Petrobras application in offshore well construction safety to minimize critical emergency disconnections

Abstract

Abstract In order to avoid mistakes and to save a great deal of time in analysis, an innovative methodology was developed that can analyze the well operations and rig characteristics involved to define the best emergency disconnect sequence (EDS) available. A solution was developed based on the characteristics of the rigs and blowout preventers (BOPs), and six variables were considered that directly affect the choice of EDS. All possible combinations of 64 scenarios were analyzed, and the priority of choice of the EDS was defined empirically. This paper presents an approach to EDS risk management and examples of exposure time (time without riser safety margin and shear capability) for the same well, which can be lowered from 13% to 0.1%. The impact of this reduction is related to the ability of the BOP to cut some of the heavy casings, in addition to improved availability of EDS modes. This implementation opened up many possibilities for the performance of risk exposure analysis, enabling comparison of several BOP configurations of contracted rigs and selection of the best options. This innovative approach allowed a better management of the rig schedules, prioritizing safety aspects and making it possible to allocate the fleet in a systematic way.

Keywords

• Well safety
• Safety barriers
• Emergency disconnect sequence (EDS)
• Well control
• Kick
• Well design