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UHP offers a unique solution for wellhead and flowline removal

Well decommissioning is often a challenge and generally one of the more dangerous aspects of a well’s life.

The removal of wellheads, redundant gas flow lines and oil and gas storage vessels with old fashioned techniques and burning equipment has led to harm to personnel and the environment in the past, giving rise to queries about safer and simpler methods.

At R&D Solutions we use a purpose built UHP (Ultra High Pressure) jet cutting solution, which cuts and removes wellheads and flow lines with precision. A typical example of the UHP setup, and the resulting clean-cut wellhead, is shown below.

The equipment has been used on and offshore for the past 11 years by major oil and gas companies and we’re proud to make it available to Australian operators.

Doug Gillespie, R&D Solutions’ Managing Partner, says the UHP option for wellhead and flowline removal provides a number of advantages over traditional methods.

“It’s an inert cutting method using high pressure water and garnet which makes it safe and effective to use. There is no naked flame, minimal environmental footprint and the unit is completely self contained,” he said.

The equipment was successfully used recently for Statoil. The R&D Solutions team cut seven wellheads throughout October and November 2014 – an operation carried out in extreme conditions in the Northern Territory.

“Our crew was completely self-sufficient and working in temperatures of over 40 degrees,” Doug said.

R&D Solutions can supply staff trained to cutting industry standards (as well as 4X4 and remote area permit trained) and a vehicle with IVMS, making this an option for any remote site.

For more information on UHP technology and how it can be used for well decommissioning, contact R&D Solutions on +61 8 6140 1820.