Concern

Conventional 21-inch Riser/18 inch BOP

SBOP without SDS

SBOP with SDS

Slim Riser Concept with 18 inch BOP Stack

Pro
Most common system available, which is a big advantage if a short lead
time exists and rig availability is an issue.

allowing relatively large number of casing size to be run

Cons

Requires a high priced 5th Generation MODU usually costing

50% to 100% more than a competent 3rd or 4th Generation MODU
Uses the most mud volume due to bigger hole diameter, which
usually larger casing, bits, BHA jeweler and associated
equipment.

If large completion tubing or casing is required, the large bore is usually required

Requires very large MODU deck load capability and storage

space for large riser and expendable items

No special training or preparation required by MODU or service crews for

operation or well control.

Riser running/pulling times are slower with heavier riser joints

Must do well control through small diameter choke lines on the

No specially engineering, procurement or delivery issues thus any extra lead time. riser.
Wells can be kept for future use and re-entry.
No special Risk Assessment required.
Riser planned or emergency disconnect is possible and a prepared for event.
No extra or new CAPEX required to drill in ultra deepwater depth
Assuming a large number of wells are to be drilled, this concept can drill them very Requires an extensive Risk Assessment procedure and
fast.
subsequent planning, which is time consuming
Allows well kicks to be handled at the surface thus making friction loss up long
small diameter choke lines not a factor.

CAPEX to convert a semi MODU can be high and easily exceed

$10 M depending on clashing and riser tension issues.

Quick and inexpensive method for drilling short duration and normal pressure

Clashing of BOP, riser tensioner lines and wave slap on the BOP
is a major consideration. Benign metocean is a requirement to be
successful.

Reduces mud, casing and bit costs via slim hole drilling.

Not all regulatory and Operators have accept this concept thus
making it difficult to use in some areas where joint partnership
approval required.
Overall planning, engineering, procurement and delivery, based
on history, may take 6 to 11 months
Wells are through away. No field development option.
Loss of stationkeeping and/or riser tension could result in a well
control incident
Loss of stationkeeping and/or riser tension will probably result in
loss of the well.
Wells need to be short and normal pressure.
High pressure riser fatigue may be an issue and number of times
casing can be used as the high pressure riser.
Slim hole technology must be used even if some of the larger
BOP stacks are used as the SBOP. This is because riser tension
must hold up casing.

Short duration wells are preferred due to high pressure riser wear
and possible fatigue
Required slipjoint stroke length can be a major problem and
becomes more critical with water depth. Triple stroke barrels
have been used in
Technically not attractive for wells that require more than 2 or 3
casing strings set after the BOP stack is set.
Most if not all the advantages for SBOP without SDS apply. Note exceptions on
Cons/Disadvantage

Most if not all the disadvantages for SBOP without SDS apply
but in some cases are amplified

Allows the SBOP concept to be used in more severe environment with the ability to An SDS cost approximately $8 M to $10 M and is a major
disconnect
CAPEX expenditure
Enhances the ability for deepwater well control, especially with shallow gas that
may flow by subsea BOPs with Conventional 21-inch Riser and the Slim Riser
Concept.

it is not readily transferable to another semi MODU of a different

design and outfitting

With the use of a SDS, wells may be able to be saved for re-entry and/or
completion

Most if not all the economic advantages of the SBOP concept are
lost due to the necessity of run another BOP stack to the ocean
bottom.
there is not a way to circulate pressure beneath the shear rams

Allows the use of a capable 3rd or 4th Generation semi MODU at considerable day
rate cost savings over a 5th Generation unit.

CAPEX for equipment runs between $14 M to $18 M and

requires 6 to 9 months lead time

No special training required since the concept is very similar to Conventional 21inch Riser concept

For normal pressure, short duration wells, the Slim Riser Concept
has potentially the same cost savings potential as the SBOP and
more cost savings than the SBOP with SDS concept

Slim Hole technology is required and if more than 2 or 3 strings

Most MODUs require only minor modifications thus many MODUs are eligible to of casing must be set after the BOP, expandable casing and new
use this concept.
hole opener technology must be used
Wells can be completed with standard subsea Christmas trees
Can readily switch back and forth between Slim Riser Concept and Conventional
21-inch Riser concept by only switch 16 inch and 21 inch riser strings on rig