The offshore engineering team at Aquaterra Energy is hailing the 10,000psi-rated, 20in ID full bore drilling riser it recently installed for Apache North Sea as a world first. Designed specifically for Apache to drill three subsea wells on the Bacchus field from the Rowan Gorilla VII, the innovative high pressure riser system builds on the success of Aquaterra’s 5000psi riser system, using Merlin Connectors developed by Oil States Industries (UK).
The higher capacity 10,000psi system, again developed in conjunction with Oil States, uses Merlin connectors never before deployed at this size or pressure. To cope with the increased pressure and anticipated loads, the joints were fully forged with a wall thickness of 21/2in and the overall dimensions of the Merlin connector were substantially increased.
According to Aquaterra senior project engineer Stuart Dockree, the Merlin connector significantly increases running speed and improves the efficiency of operations when compared to standard flanged alternatives. ‘With a unique service agreement in place with Oil States Industries, Aquaterra Energy is the only service company providing this exclusive rental system to the market,’ he said, adding that his company offered a full scope of supply to Apache North Sea ranging from riser analysis to offshore installation.
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