Safety bails
ScanTech Offshore has invested in the Safety Bails, an innovative controllable failure system that improves the safety of semi submersibles and drill ships during completion and workover (C/WOR) operations to comply with ISO 13628-7 standards. The development of the Safety Bails demonstrates ScanTech Offshore's continued commitment to the offshore oil & gas industry worldwide, by enhancing safe operations and reducing risk to personnel, operational and environmental concerns.
In the event of a compensator lock up, there's the possibility for excessive tension to the landing string or C/WOR (Completion/Work Over Riser) leading to damage or even destruction of derricks and rigs, the effects of which can be catastrophic for not just assets, but personnel and unplanned hydrocarbon release.
Many cases of compensator lock up are not recorded as they happen during drilling when it is not serious, however, as wells become more complex and pinned to the bottom conditions become longer and more common, the risk of catastrophic failure increases. A recent survey revealed an estimate from a service company, that a compensator locks up at least once every 9 months.
When a compensator lock up occurs, a surface mounted safety system is a perfect solution to mitigate the risks of over tension.
Prevention & Use Of Safety Bails
Safety Bails provide a controlled failure mechanism at a pre-determined load depending on the requirements and weight of the landing string, reducing the risk of damage to expensive equipment, increasing the safety of the drilling installation operatives and minimising risk of environmental contamination.
They have been used in the North Sea in their current design since 2009, and more recently have been used in Australian waters on an 8 well flowback campaign, a single well test and they are planned on being utilised for another 5 well campaign in 2015.
