Pushing the HPHT Envelope
With demand for hydrocarbons increasing and costs rising, the E&P industry is also facing numerous technical challenges including the development of High Pressure – High Temperature (HPHT) reserves. HP / Extreme HP typically refers to borehole pressures between 10,000 psi and 20,000 psi whereas HT / Extreme HT refers to borehole temperatures between 300 degrees Fahrenheit and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pressures and temperatures outside these ranges are referred to as “Ultra-HPHT”, which represents the absolute limits of current technology. While the HPHT term is widely used, it should be noted that pressure and temperature do not always correlate: in Thailand many wells have extremely high temperatures without correspondingly high associated pressures.
Maersk Drilling Orders 20K™ Blow Out Preventer & Risers
Maersk Drilling has ordered four Blow Out Preventers (BOPs) and two risers from GE Oil and Gas to be used in the Project 20K™ agreement with BP. The BOPs and risers are intended to be delivered and deployed on two Maersk Drilling 20K™ Rigs by year-end 2018. The order includes options for provision of further BOPs. The order is subject to BP and Maersk Drilling taking the final investment decision on a 20K™ Rig contract. BP and Maersk Drilling announced in February 2013 a joint study agreement to develop conceptual engineering designs for a new breed of advanced technology drilling rigs that will be critical to unlocking the next frontier of deepwater oil and gas resources.
