The proposed 2016-17 Freeze-Up and Break-Up Studies are intended to build upon the knowledge of freeze-up acquired since 2009-10, and to obtain an initial understanding of the nature of break-up under present-day conditions. The overarching purpose is to provide the BSEE Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region with observations and analysis of the processes that govern freeze-up and break-up in the Alaskan Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.
Recently, under a BSEE contract, Alion integrated its previously designed ROV-based submersible sled technology with a commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) skimmer technology to develop and test a prototype system. A prototype of this system was successfully tested at Ohmsett. (BSEE Project Number 1053, http://www.bsee.gov/Technology-and-Research/Oil-Spill-Response-Research/Projects/Project1053/). Alion will advance the current ICEHORSE proof-of-concept to improve the design, making it more useful in an operational environment.
The main objective of this project is to conduct research on the thermal effects on wells and the risk of these as related to well integrity (specifically on well barriers) and potential solutions to these risks. The contractor will evaluate the effects of thermal shock on OCS well integrity and identify ways to mitigate those effects.
Consultation with industry experts and oil spill responders has identified specific tasks that may improve operations of mechanical oil spill mitigation equipment in offshore and open ocean Arctic environments. This project will explore several separate tasks within this project including the following:
Task 1: Use of Waste Heat to Reduce Viscosity of Recovered Fluid
This study will measure the influence of oil characteristics and temperature on herder efficacy at the lab scale. ARA will systematically test the function of chemical herders across several crude oils. Both commercially available herders and emerging new formulations will be utilized. The herders will be tested on crude oils with varying properties. This information will support operational decisions to use herders during a response, and enhance the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement's ability to evaluate the feasibility and likelihood of successful use of chemical herders.
The objective of this research is to assess the feasibility of a cold water and Arctic marine oil spill countermeasure strategy based on the stimulation of OMA formation in the presence of a chemical dispersant. Evaluations will be conducted on both laboratory and wave tank systems under controlled conditions to evaluate the potential effectiveness of treatment of oil spills from shipboard and rig operations.
The selection and effective qualification of new and existing materials, fluids and drilling methodologies commonly used in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and the North Sea (NS) shall be re-evaluated to take into consideration the `cycles' in the temperature and extreme conditions in the arctic. The new technologies to be addressed shall include but not be limited to metallic materials (both solid and cladded materials), polymers, reinforced composites, fluids, and the different drilling methodologies.
The objective of the study is to provide the BSEE Alaska Region with research and cost estimating regarding decommissioning a typical arctic, gravel island-based, oil and gas exploration/production facility. The study will consider standard industry practice, available technology, current regulations, and market conditions.
The objective of this study was to determine the current state-of-the-art of Capping Stack technologies used by industry for offshore drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Arctic, and overseas. The study identified differences between current capping stacks, their storage locations, capabilities, and availability. An assessment of capping stack industry standards and specifications was conducted to develop guidance criteria for their design, manufacture, maintenance, and inspection.
The objective of this project is to identify the knowledge gaps in ice scour and gouging effects with respect to pipeline and wellhead placement and design in the Beaufort Sea. The review shall include, but not be limited to:
