Jan 25 2011
Apache is working on detecting the source of natural gas leak in Gulf of Mexico, near East Cameron Block 278 Platform B. Their efforts are supervised by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE).
A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is used by Apache to assess security issues related to re-fixing the platform B. After re-fixing, initiatives for controlling the source can be performed by means of facility’s equipment. If re-fixing the platform cannot be done, then the firm has decided to drill a relief well.
The report of a possible leak was obtained by a BOEMRE Lake Charles District engineer on January 16. As per Apache’s report, the personnel identified bubbles of natural gas rising to the surface near the platform. The operator immediately closed all related non-productive natural gas wells. The platform was securely vacated and the associated plants and pipelines were closed effectively.
The inspectors of BOEMRE performed a second aerial evaluation of the site. They did not find any noticeable differences to the bubbling of natural gas and stained water previously identified near the platform. The stained water was assumed to be a combination of ocean floor’s sediment, gas and formed water. Oil is present in the form of minor quantities of condensate, which can rapidly evaporate.
BOEMRE has informed other agencies and will also perform a study on this issue. The platform is situated at a depth of 173 feet of water and is around 93 miles offshore Louisiana. It is a non-producing platform for nearly ten years and is presently utilized in processing condensate and natural gas obtained from other production plants.
Source: http://www.apachecorp.com