New casing running tool improves safety, efficiency

Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, Scotland -- BJ Tubular Services has developed a new casing running tool – 500 (CRT 500) – a top drive design that improves the safety and efficiency of casing running operations, according to BJ.

The company says that by using the CRT 500 system to run casing on highly deviated and long reach wells, operators can save rig time and enhance success rates typically encountered when dealing with problem formations and extended reach applications.

"We are very excited about the expansion of our casing running system portfolio to include the CRT 500," says Brad Pellegrin, area manager-Americas for BJ Tubular Services. "We can offer special assistance requiring a custom casing running solution, particularly in highly deviated extended-reach wells. We are very pleased with the outcomes we've achieved, especially in terms of reduced rig time and associated cost-savings."

A key advantage of the CRT 500, BJ explains, is its ability to rotate and reciprocate the casing string while simultaneously filling and circulating mud through the tool within the safety parameters of its 500-ton (454-metric ton) weight capability, which is essential for handling heavier string weights that are now commonplace in the industry. The remotely operated system also makes it possible to run casing by drawing upon power supplied by the rig's top drive.

BJ says it has completed a custom casing running operation on an extended reach highly deviated well for a major operator in the Gulf of Mexico using the CRT 500. As a result of applying this customized approach, the operator realized a savings of nearly $1 million, the company says.

11/28/2007