APPLICATIONS

OFFSHORE P&A AND WORKOVER

A field of growing importance, especially in times of low oil prices, is the late-life asset management of mature offshore fields in terms of production enhancement and decommissioning.

Raising production while investment is falling calls for the most efficient well intervention solutions. Well intervention jobs are shorter than drilling jobs and include a wide range of different tasks. While they are currently executed with standard drilling units, by contrast Herrenknecht Vertical designs are highly mobile and reduce flat times between different well intervention operations. The units incorporate a life well intervention possibility through the direct acting hoisting system, which works in a similar way to a snubbing unit.

For decommissioning, Herrenknecht Vertical’s approach, based on its hydraulic rig concept, is to integrate all critical paths in one specialized unit for more focused and cost-efficient operations, eliminating the need for multi-disciplinary operator teams.

The focal point of the hydraulic well intervention and P&A rig concepts is a small footprint and lightweight design. This increases the usable deck area and payload and also make them viable for older platforms.

Generally, Herrenknecht Vertical’s offshore rig packages ensure a high utilization as they meet various requirements including well intervention, P&A and light drilling.

OIL AND GAS DRILLING

The exploration of new energy deposits, in particular oil and natural gas, is a significant investment in the development of the global economy. In the past, operators concentrated on production from easily accessible reservoirs with relatively little cost and effort. However, steadily rising global energy demand also necessitates the development of more complex and costly deposits. These future reserves are to be found at greater depths, in deep seas or trapped for example in shale. Oil and gas extraction and processing from such fields involves greater effort until being commercially useable.

This increases the technological challenges and requires specifically adapted rig solutions for different drilling applications. Whether it is extended reach wells and pad drilling for deep and complex reservoirs, drilling in remote areas or to standardized, most efficient factory drilling approaches – Herrenknecht Vertical provides the best solution for customers’ requirements. Fast moving, self-erecting or walking rigs for safe and efficient drilling in each project are available from our hydraulic automated rig portfolio. Each ensures precise and safe drilling, also in challenging conditions, thanks to the hydraulic hoisting system and the comprehensive, safety-based automation concept.

DEEP GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

In addition to fossil fuels, which have been, are and will continue to be the main source for the world’s growing energy demand, renewable energies are increasingly important. Among these, geothermal energy takes a unique position because it can cover basic power requirements. Unlike other renewables such as wind or solar power, it is independent from seasonal or weather-related factors. Geothermal energy not only generates electricity constantly but is also a reliable heating source for example for district heating or industrial use.

High temperatures just beneath the earth’s crust are found wherever tectonic plates meet. Regions with such optimum geothermal conditions are often in volcanic areas and other poorly accessible locations. However, geothermal energy can also be used in other regions where deeper reservoirs must be accessed to gain sufficient temperatures.

In such areas, for example in Germany or central Europe, geothermal energy is typically produced near or even within urban areas to minimize transport distances to the consumers of heat and power. Also, drilling for geothermal energy usually takes place in challenging geological conditions such as naturally fragmented and therefore instable underground or in granite or other hard rock.

Herrenknecht Vertical’s hydraulic rigs facilitate these types of demanding deep geothermal projects. The safe and compact design, being one of the quietest rig types available, enables them to be sited near people and preserved areas. Automated processes and minimized personnel effort contribute to the drilling success and economic feasibility of the overall project.