Achieving Zero Delay

BP-UK, Wytch Farms an oil field was addressing the issue of Disinvestment and Reinvestment for its work-overs at their well sites. They were having problems with rigs showing up at the site without the wellsite being properly prepared in advance for the workover.

Disinvestment, which was crucial to the workover, included preparing the well for pulling the completion. That is, removing all surface pipework and cable (they have electric pumps in their wells), providing suitable access (scaffolding etc), and cleaning out the well cellars to provide access to the wellhead. In addition, disinvestment can prevent the well from flowing naturally to the surface (ie, killing the well). BP was aiming to ensure that all of this was completed prior to the rig arriving on site. Reinvestment, on the other hand, entails connecting up surface pipework, cables etc. Removing scaffolding and starting the electric pump and therefore the well.

The team focused on the area of disinvestment, addressed the problems associated with mobilizing people and equipment to the site. The team decided that their ultimate goal was zero delay due to bad site preparation. Zero delay refers to the rig coming to the well site and immediately being able to commence the workover. It would not have to wait on any of disinvestment tasks. After the workover, the rig would move off the well as soon as completed and reinvestment would commence immediately.

To date, significant improvements in disinvestment and reinvestment times are being seen. This has been achieved through:

  1. Improved communication.
  2. Better planning – giving people early notice of requirements.
  3. Improved flexibility and a better attitude toward the job.
  4. Job ownership – one person taking responsibility for the planning and organizing, and another for the operational work on the wellsite.
  5. Clear programs of work detailing all the tasks for the specific well.

Disinvestment /reinvestment now has clear ownership. The value of this project was perceived to be savings of L150k/ year. They hope further methods for improving efficiency will be identified and implemented.