Investigation Report
Drilling Mud Released to Seafloor Following Casing Disconnection
11-23-2005 19:30 G18194 MC/126 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionLoss of containmentWell integrity
- Well abandonment
- Energy and process isolation
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine waters
Summary
This investigation examines synthetic-base drilling mud losses during diagnostic and well-abandonment operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Casing disconnection released mud to the seafloor. The report identifies inadequate casing make-up torque and poor surface-casing cementing as probable causes, and records recommendations concerning torque, cement volume, rig heading changes and connector design.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Well integrity; well life cycle integrity.
Classifications: Well abandonment; plug and abandonment; P&A.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.