MOLIKPAQ CORE DENSIFICATION WITH EXPLOSIVES AT AMAULIGAK F-24

The sand core of Gulf's bottom founded drilling platform, the Molikpaq, was densified with explosives while drilling on location at Amauliqak F-24 in the Beaufort Sea. A description of how Gulf tackled this unprecedented project is provided. Initially the need for densification is discussed. Selection of the densification methodology and its implementation is then covered in some detail. The test blast program organised to monitor structural responses and the production blasting methodology are explained. The in situ measurements of sand density improvement are summarised and some brief comments on the mechanism of explosive densification are provided. The sand immediately adjacent to the caisson did not meet density targets and was densified with a novel vibrodrainage tool. Finally, time and cost data for densifying sand with both explosives and vibrodrainage on an arctic, offshore platform are provided. This project demonstrates that hydraulic sandfill structures offshore can be densified with explosives successfully, efficiently and cost effectively with limited risks and interruptions to other operations provided the appropriate operating and safety procedures are enforced.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Proc. 20th Offshore Technology Conference, held Houston, Texas, 2-5 May 1988, Vol. 2, p. 23 [12 pp., 13 ref., 17 fig.]
• Authors:
  • Stewart, H R
  • Hodge, W E
• Conference:
  • Proc. 20th Offshore Technology Conference
  • Location: Houston texas, United States
  • Date: 1988-5-2 to 1988-5-5
• Publication Date: 1988

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Offshore oil industry
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00694496
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM