Use of Dual Rams When Running Dual Completions

When landing off a dual completion, run in tandem on a land rig, there was a desire to get some assurance the seals on the split hangers were sealing before setting the dual packer.  This would be achieved by closing the dual rams and applying pressure from the top (it was acknowledged there would be no guarantee they would test from underneath) - the control lines would be plugged in each hanger.

However, there was a great deal of reluctance from the Superintendent and the DSV to close the dual rams on the strings.  This was even to the extent of not wanting to close them even if the BOP was drained and the closing pressure on the rams reduced to a minimum such that the strings could be guided into the rams’ profiles.  In the end, the hanger seals were not tested from above, just setting the dual packer and testing from below, as usual.

The primary concern was on damaging the tubing joints as the rams closed if the tubings didn’t fall into the profiles.  The question then came up why bother changing out the rams to duals if there is such a concern on closing the rams and wouldn’t it be better to have blind / shear rams instead (currently, the rig only has blind rams), although fishing sheared tubing strings would be difficult.

1. what other operators do in terms of rams when running tandem tubing strings
2. whether anyone has closed dual rams during a well control event or at any other time and, if so, what was the outcome and were there any surprises?

1 Answer(s)

Support Spread

We need the support of our members to keep our forum online. If you find the information on spread useful please consider a donation

Donate