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14 comments on Is this post rigged, or some information on oil platforms.

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NC on October 3, 2005 - 9:36am

HO, one more thing.

If my previous post is correct than platforms don't need to be sunk, set adrift, etc. only shifted significantly off attachments. This would cause major bends in wells, restricting or pinching off flow? I'm trying to get a handle on what consititues major damage to a platform. Might intact platforms with minimal surface destruction be sitting on top of non functional wells now if 50 foot waves moved them laterally?

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Heading Out on October 3, 2005 - 11:40am

Before a bad storm they will disconnect the risers and raise them. But if the platform moves then they may need an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle - one of those little mini-sub deals) to go back and a) find b) if necessary repair the BOP and structure so that they can reconnect. These structures have to be fairly tightly aligned to hit the holes. There was a post at about the time of Katrina that spelled out all the problems, but unfortunately this morning I can't put my hands on it. Sensibly I was quoting one of our insiders down in the Gulf, who is now stuck with having to do this (or arranging the same) for their rigs.

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NC on October 3, 2005 - 12:54pm

Okay I think I've got the picture now and understand the alignment issues even if no damage to casings. If you have a series of risers they all have to align with there respective casing. Thanks for the clarification.

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