CRP Subsea, a subsidiary of the AIS Group, has been selected by Shell Offshore to provide a solution for the development of the Whale project, located in the Gulf of Mexico, more than 200 miles south of Houston.
Development and technologies for the Whale project
The annular pressure buildup(APB) is one of the most critical challenges in deepwater well engineering. The occurrence can compromise the structural integrity of the wellThe occurrence can compromise the structural integrity of the well, affect operational efficiency and increase the risk of catastrophic failure.
The technological solution provided by CRP Subsea consists of aCrushable Foam Wrap (CFW), made of a combination of thermosetting resin and hollow glass microspheres(HGMS).
This material is designed to collapse in a controlled manner upon reaching a predetermined pressure and temperature, thus allowing the expansion of the fluid present in the annulus and avoiding pressure buildup that could jeopardize the integrity of the well.
The CFW foam is installed around the inner casing of the well and, when submerged in the annular space fluid, acts as a passive mitigation system that automatically responds to environmental conditions.
This contract initially includes the supply of a set of wells, consisting of 1,798 foam quadrants, each one meter long. Also included is the complete installation equipment, such as specialized adhesive, dispensing guns, flanges and spanset straps. In addition, additional orders for four more well sets are planned throughout 2025.
Production of the material will be carried out at CRP Subsea ‘s facilities in Skelmersdale, UK, and the engineering phase of the project will commence immediately. Delivery of the first set of wells is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.
Andy Smith, head of sales for CRP Subsea, expressed his satisfaction with the contract award, highlighting the company’s track record in manufacturing and implementing deformable foam solutions worldwide.
It is fantastic that Shell has chosen us to support this exciting deepwater project.
We have been helping to protect wells for decades, and this contract confirms our team’s experience and dedication to providing high-quality solutions to the industry.
Smith stated.
The Whale development thus consolidates itself as an exemplary case in the application of advanced technologies to mitigate risks in extreme conditions. Shell’s choice of passive solutions such as CFW demonstrates a strategic vision aimed at operational efficiency, sustainability and the long-term integrity of its offshore operations.
Source and photo: AIS
