CSA Ocean Sciences has been awarded a contract from the American Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for conducting measurements and modelling of the underwater pressure waves produced during explosive well decommissioning in the US Gulf of Mexico.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) “Idle Iron” policy keeps inactive facilities and structures from littering the US Gulf by requiring companies to dismantle and responsibly dispose of infrastructure after they plug non-producing wells.
According to BSEE’s June 2013 data, there are 356 platforms that fit the criteria for Idle Iron removal.
Many of these platforms will be removed using explosives. Although non-explosive severance methodologies are also used, explosive severance charges can offer a more flexible, efficient, and safer cutting option.
Calculation of take estimates for explosive severance is done by utilising an underwater modelling approach that assists in predicting the shockwave, acoustic impulse, and energy flux for underwater detonations.
CSA, with its project partners, Marine Acoustics and Explosive Services International, will collect additional acoustic data under various settings during explosive severance operations.
With more accurate measurements, operators should be able to increase the efficiency of their operations while providing protection to marine mammals and sea turtles.