Hydro to Use Pressure-Balanced Drilling at Grane

Norsk Hydro

Norsk Hydro Produksjon AS (Hydro) has secured consent to carry out production drilling using pressure-balanced drilling technology from the facility on the Grane field.

Pressure-balanced drilling is a form of rotation drilling in which the weight of the drilling mud column is reduced and the pressure at the top of the well is controlled using a rotating packer and choke valves. Both near balanced and underbalanced drilling fall under the term pressure balanced drilling.

In its application for consent, Hydro describes the equipment selected and methods, organization and communication in connection with drilling of the 8-1/2" reservoir section from the Grane facility (pictured). A specific well program has been prepared for the activity, with measures in connection with technical modifications to the facility.

The company has performed risk assessments and implemented training measures in accordance with our expectations.

We have granted Hydro consent for revised use the drilling facility by means of adding equipment and expertise regarding pressure balanced drilling technology on Grane.


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