Hello everyone,
Thank you all for attending the 2020 APAC SWIS Forum on Dec 2nd. We covered many interesting topics with our guest presenters from CSA, Clarksons, Trendsetter, Wild Well Control and OSRL. During the Forum, we looked at some of the aspects involved in a subsea loss of well control response to understand that “no one response organisation can provide a single end-to-end solution alone”.
To recap we discussed the following areas:
- The OSRL Global Subsea Response Network (GSRN) and how it provides the mechanism for SWIS members to leverage the collective expertise of the network’s partners to develop Source Control Emergency Response Plans and support a comprehensive response
- Elements of a Source Control Emergency Response Plan as outlined through IOGP Report 594
- CSA Water Column Monitoring equipment and how it can support Operational and Scientific Monitoring Plans and Subsea Dispersant Injection response
- Vessel tracking services and capabilities using Clarksons Sea/ Response Software available through the OSRL SWIS membership
- What is involved to execute a Capping mission in the region and the relevant time frames and logistics requirements that lead to critical path activities
- Well Control risk management that included well control modelling, fluid dynamics, Bullheading analysis, Capping stack shut in analysis and relief well planning and execution
Here are the answers to the questions raised during the Forum:
Question:
Are there plans to increase the amount of CSA Vans available around the world from the two currently available?
Answer:
CSA has previously worked with regional operators, OSRL, and other consortia to develop proposals for placing vans and equipment in strategic locations (including Perth, Singapore, Rio, Anchorage, Las Palmas, Malta, and elsewhere), but none have reached the point of being viable for a variety of reasons. CSA are certainly capable of this and it would be driven by operator needs.
Question:
Is the water column monitoring carried out as a routine activity for marine environment monitoring or is it done only whenever there is an oil spillage?
Answer:
The OSRL Water Column Monitoring is only available for deployment during a spill/ Loss of Well Control event for OSRL SWIS subscribers. It is not available for routine environmental monitoring.
Question:
The CSA WCM equipment was stated as operating with a 480-volt 3 phase electrical system. Will it work with a 440-volt system as used in Australia?
Answer:
Yes, the WCM equipment is compatible with a 440-volt electrical system.
Question:
How do you determine the initial dispersant: oil ratio? Is it based on modelling?
Answer:
Studies have shown that subsea dispersant injection can be applied at significantly lower ratios than surface applications. As low as 1% in some instances (DOR 1:100) It will depend on oil type and release volume, dispersant efficacy and proximity to the release area. The use of SSDI is accompanied by operational monitoring as outlined during the Forum. The operational monitoring will subsequently guide the application of SSDI.
Question:
Are there plans for a flyable dispersant delivery system (kit with hoses/conduit from vessel to subsea manifold)
Answer:
OSRL is currently discussing potential transfer of the Dispersant Delivery System (DDS) from BP to the OSRL stockpile in 2021 to help address the equipment gap from vessel to subsea manifold
Question:
Has OSRL undertaken a study or evaluated the use of subsea dispersant application by conveying the dispersant through inboard tanks on vessels.
Answer:
Not specifically. However, OSRL do have hoses, pickup tubes and a pump that joins the first shipment of dispersant IBC’s from each base that can be utilised for dispersant transfer from IBC’s to another storage vessel if the operator chooses this capability.
Question:
Where can I access the Presentation slides?
Download the slides and take a look. If you need more information, please contact me at mariofazio@oilspillresponse.com
