SHWE Platform - Topdrive and Drilling Equipment Inspection & Removal

ModuResources was contracted to mobilize and manage a team and procure all the equipment necessary to safely remove remaining drilling equipment on the SHWE platform.

Client Challenge:

The SHWE Platform is a production platform equipped with a complete drilling rig. No stacking procedures or any additional corrosion protection at areas exposed had been executed after the drilling activity was completed about three years ago.

Insight:

ModuResources was asked to inspect the equipment and provide a risk assessment and a method with costing for removal of equipment as seen necessary.

the following equipment was agreed to be removed:

• NOV TDS–8SA Topdrive
• NOV Traveling Block
• NOV Hydraulic Cathead x 2
• NOV Hydraulic Cathead control station
• NOV Service Access Basket
• NOV Service Access Basket control station
• NOV TDS Service Loops 
• Termination and plugging of all junction boxes for the above equipment
• Unspool the drill line

This work needed to be done safely while the production side of the platform remained operational.

• From the outset, it was clear that there was only a limited weather window for which the works would have best been carried out in. Due to late acceptance of the full work scope required, the team was going to miss that window. Work method, schedules and procedures needed to be adjusted to enable the operation to be conducted in the middle of monsoon season. This presented many challenges as 70% of the scope involved utilising a rope access team working at height in the derrick, and there was a safety limit of 25kts wind speed that the rope that the teams could work to. Due to this, the team lost approximately three (3) days due to adverse weather.
   
• Rain and strong wind hampered efforts but there were still tasks that could be completed. However, the safety risks associated with working at height during thunderstorms meant that we were left no option but to go on stand by for certain periods of time. Nightshift works were also not allowed due to lack of lighting and power to the drilling package.

• The Drilling package on board the SHWE platform had been left unmaintained for 3.5-4 years, and the levels of corrosion on fittings and bolting were in some cases severe. This proved to be a main stopping point to the initial plan of using the Drawworks emergency lowering system to lower the TDS, as was found to be inoperable.

• Working at height in the derrick proved an additional obstacle. Exhaust fumes and heat from the production gas turbines blew South to North into the derrick, just below monkeyboard level. As such, personnel had to be rotated in and out to limit exposure to heat and fumes. Additionally, ropes were noted to be heating up, thus causing a potential safety concern.

• Flaring due to a power outage also caused extreme heat to the crown area of the derrick when the 37.5t air hoist was being installed and operated. Therefore, personnel had to retreat back to the monkeyboard level, delaying the job.

Results:

It was a challenging project as the equipment had not been maintained in approx. 3 years, the humid conditions, the monsoon season and ongoing activity by the production part of the platform.

However, the personnel involved rose to the challenge with ModuResources conducting the necessary risk assessments, providing and discussing safe work methods and procedures and coordinating the available work force to complete all necessary work without any incidents.

Why ModuResources?

ModuResources was awarded this job because of their detailed preparation that included identifying the necessary work scope, the risk involved, providing a detailed work method with safe step by step procedures to complete the work and a detailed costing of the material/equipment and personnel required.

The client’s management was familiar with previous jobs completed by ModuResources and the company and staff’s sound track record.

(source photo: Client)

South Korean Industry Conglomerate

QHSE Manager

We awarded this job to ModuResources because of their detailed preparation that included identifying the necessary work scope, the risks involved, providing a detailed work method with safe step by step procedures to complete the work and a detailed costing of the material/equipment and personnel required.