Nick Terdre
Contributing Editor
The Olga 2000 transient multiphase flow simulator, best known for its application to pipeline flows, has also proven useful in modeling well-bore flows. This application is in the hands of Well Flow Dynamics (WFD), which under an exclusive license has developed well control and kill modules. Exclusive use of the best available well-bore flow simulator enables the small company, whose four-strong staff is qualified in the disciplines of fluid dynamics and flow engineering, to offer unmatched service, according to vice president Morten Emilsen.
The company's main product is the Advanced Well Module for simulating three-phase flow in a well-bore. The module, believed to be the only such simulator, is designed for applications in which the reservoir properties and in-flow relationships play an important role in modeling.
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In the 13 years of its existence, WFD has provided services to major oil companies across the world. This hands-on, dedicated experience is important, Emilsen stresses. Performing complicated blowout diagnostics, simulating blowouts under various sensitivities, and developing an effective kill program is not a job for an engineer lacking extensive knowledge of the science of multiphase flow in wells.
The company's main activity is the preparation of blowout contingency plans. All operators on the Norwegian continental shelf are required to have such plans ready when undertaking drilling operations. Recent projects have included wells at Sakhalin off the east coast of Russia, exploration wells off Angola, and deepwater wells in Brazil's Campos basin and in the Ormen Lange field in the Norwegian Sea.
Blowout duty
Altogether, WFD has assisted at more than 50 major blowouts and well control incidents. The incident that led to its foundation was the underground blowout that occurred in Saga Petroleum's 2/4-14 well in the Norwegian sector in 1989. After various attempts to kill the well from the rig that had failed, the objective was achieved from a relief well. Through the involvement of the Institute for Energy Research (IFE), which at the time was developing Olga's pipeline application, the tool was used in the planning of the kill operation.
Rygg, who then worked at IFE, participated in the project. Recognizing Olga's potential for modeling well-bore flow, he subsequently left IFE and set up WFD in 1991 to develop this application, initially with support from Saga.
The company was on standby for duty in Iraq following the invasion by coalition forces last year, but its services were not required. It works regularly with John Wright Co. of the US, which specializes in blowout control engineering and relief wells.
