Helix Well Ops can perform slimbore drilling operations on board its Q4000 semisub, bringing time economies to field development operations. Dynamically-positioned semisubs can perform top hole drilling operations across multiple locations, without the extensive mob and demob times of a traditional drilling unit. For slimbore drilling operations, the Q4000 carries eight riser tensioners, two mud pumps, a mud gas separator and new fluid handling system.
In 2009, the Q4000 performed a 21 day deepwater drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico, in support of a Methane Hydrates Joint Industry Program chaired by the US Geodetic Society, National Energy Technology Center, Minerals Management Service, and Chevron as the operator.
Q4000 drilled seven deepwater slimbore wells in three locations in Walker Ridge, Green Canyon and Alaminos Canyon in water depths ranging from 4,800 to 6,600 feet. The Q4000 crew conducted 8-1/2” openhole drilling and real-time logging-while-drilling (LWD). The participants reported that four wells drilled from the Q4000 found high concentrations of hydrate in porous, permeable sands. Two found low concentrations of hydrate in promising sands. One found promising sand but no hydrate.
Along with the previously installed derrick and topdrive system, the Q4000 now also carries eight riser tensioners, two mud pumps, a mud gas separator and new fluid handling system. The Q4000 crew conducted 8-1/2” openhole drilling and real-time logging-while-drilling (LWD).
In 2009, the Q4000 performed a 21 day deepwater drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico, in support of a Methane Hydrates Joint Industry Program chaired by the US Geodetic Society, National Energy Technology Center, Minerals Management Service, and Chevron as the operator.
Q4000 drilled seven deepwater slimbore wells in three locations in Walker Ridge, Green Canyon and Alaminos Canyon in water depths ranging from 4,800 to 6,600 feet. The Q4000 crew conducted 8-1/2” openhole drilling and real-time logging-while-drilling (LWD). The participants reported that four wells drilled from the Q4000 found high concentrations of hydrate in porous, permeable sands. Two found low concentrations of hydrate in promising sands. One found promising sand but no hydrate.
Along with the previously installed derrick and topdrive system, the Q4000 now also carries eight riser tensioners, two mud pumps, a mud gas separator and new fluid handling system. The Q4000 crew conducted 8-1/2” openhole drilling and real-time logging-while-drilling (LWD).
