New well control system could cut blowout danger

● North Sea veterans and academics combine to create technology

One of the most serious safety issues associated with North Sea drilling could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new technology created and developed in Aberdeen.

Safe Influx, a group of five North Sea veterans and academics, claims to have used accumulated knowledge and experience to create a well control system able to reduce the danger associated with oil and gas blowouts.

It is estimated the occurrence kills hundreds of workers a year and costs millions.

The Safe Influx Automated Well Control technology, a Robert Gordon University spinout, allows continuous monitoring of an offshore well so that when a “kick” happens, the technology assumes control to safely close the well.

Bryan Atchison, the start-up’s managing director, said: “We look upon this as a safety feature that should be on every drilling rig. This is a bit like a modern car that can anticipate the hazard and apply the brakes before it can even happen – it puts the drilling rig in a safer condition, faster than a human being can in a high stress situation.”

Last week, Safe Influx underwent real-life well testing of its technology at Weatherfords onshore test drilling rig in Aberdeen – passing all tests and receiving a high profile tech certification.

The next step is realworld offshore testing in the North Sea, where the firm is being supported in its field trial by drilling contractor Transocean.

Following successful offshore testing, Mr Atchison, a former drilling boss at Repsol and Maersk Oil, will look to build the business through partnerships with operators and drilling contractors “who would like to use technology to reduce their risk and reduce their cost”.

He said: “This is the most exciting project I’ve ever been on in my life – and I’ve been at this for 35 years. We’ve got the opportunity to produce a piece of safety equipment which is a gamechanger.

“It’s particularly edifying for us, because this is happening at the end of our careers.”

PROJECT: Phil Hassard, left, and Bryan Atchison are two of the people behind Safe Influx, which they hope will improve North Sea safety