Knowledge Centre
OSPRAG Capping Device
In November 2010, Oil & Gas UK's Board took the decision to proceed with procurement and funding of a well capping device which could close off a well in the event of a major well control incident, enhancing the UK's capability to respond to a major, sustained release of oil.
The design development was overseen by OSPRAG’s Technical Review Group, working with BP, which agreed to project manage the detailed design, procurement and construction phases. The device was commissioned by the industry’s specialist organisation, Oil Spill Response Ltd. It was built by Cameron Ltd in Leeds and was unveiled at Offshore Europe 2011 in September.
The cap works by shutting in and holding pressure on an uncontrolled well and uses a choke and a series of valves which close down and stop the flow of hydrocarbons into the marine environment.
It can quickly be deployed:
- At the widest possible range of wells and oil spill scenarios which could occur in the UKCS, including West of Shetland
- To various points of the subsea stack
- At water depths of between 100m and 3,048m (328ft to 10,000ft)
- In wave heights of up to 5m (16ft) depending on the vessel/rig used
- From a wide variety of multi-service vessels or drilling rigs
- To wells flowing up to 1,034 bar (15,000 psi) in pressure and 121°C (250°F) in temperature
- Even where there is a high content of hydrogen sulphide present
- On to a well flowing up to 75,000 barrels a day
Dimensions
- Length – 4.26m
- Width – 3.97m
- Height – 7.14m (can be adjusted for transportation)
- Footprint – 15.8m² if frame fully plated
- Weight – approximately 40 tonnes
Deployment
You can view an animation showing the deployment of the OSPRAG Capping Device here.
More information
A brochure on the OSPRAG Capping Device is available here.
