RE: Crane just left the site18 Sep 2018 21:49
No rig required.
I have just been reading the FAQ's Balconbe Field on the Angus website.
It's worth looking at for a reminder of what's happening on site.
... The existing oil well is ready to simply be turned on, similar to turning on a faucet. Except, while there is a tap, there is no pressure. An inert gas will be utilised to displace the fluids in the well. Acting as a “pumping” mechanism, it will push the contents of the well to the surface. The fluids produced will be stored in the on-site storage facility. After the completion of the 7-day test, all of the fluids are removed from the site.
5. Will a tower or a large ‘rig’ be constructed, or heavy machinery be used?
There will be no ‘rigs’ utilised for the purposes of the actual test or on site.
If you have ever seen ‘rigs’ and /or towers utilised, they are always temporary over short periods as compared to construction sites for example. Therefore, in the main, oil fields do not create an unusual or industrial visual presence during routine operations.
The largest piece of heavy machinery we will use (all temporary) is called a Coiled Tubing Unit. It is a very large spool of narrow tubing which is approximately 2 inches in diameter. A lifting crane will also be used to position the various equipment on site.
6. Will there be a flare on the site?
There is a flare, however you will not see any flame or illumination as it is covered by protective cladding. The flare mechanism is a safety device used to eliminate any gas that may be produced from this Oil Well during the test.