The term HPHT came into use upon the release of the Cullen report on the Piper Alpha platform disaster (July 1988) in the UK Continental Shelf, along with the Blowout of the Ocean Odyssey Semi-Submersible (September 1988), which was drilling a HPHT Well in the Shearwater Field. Drilling in areas with expected reservoir pressures in excess of 10,000 psi was banned by the UK Department of Energy after the Ocean Odyssey Blowout.

In the UK, HPHT is formally defined as a well having an undisturbed Bottom Hole Temperature of greater than 300°F (149°C) and a Pore Pressure of at least 0.8 psi/ft or requiring Surface Equipment Pressure rating in excess of 10,000 psi.

“Well Control incident rates for normally Pressured and Temperature Wells are 1 in 20 to 25 Wells, but in HPHT conditions, the incident rates are 1 to 2 incidents per Well.”

As drilling in HPHT conditions is expected to become routine Worldwide, the demand for HPHT knowledge and experience will inevitably increase. Stuart Wright has the knowledge, tools and experience to ensure safe and successful HPHT Drilling and Testing.