USA: MWCC Increases Capabilities of Single Ram Capping Stack

Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC) announced that the single ram capping stack, which is part of the company’s interim containment system, can now cap a well that has fluids with temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

MWCC is the only well containment provider that has this industry-first capping stack capable of handling temperatures of 350 degrees Fahrenheit at pressures up to 15k psi, which is just one example of how the company continues to advance its capabilities to meet its members’ needs.

The single ram capping stack is the centerpiece of the company’s interim containment system and weighs 100 tons. Increasing the rating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit required upgrading multiple pieces of equipment to ensure higher temperatures could be tolerated while still maintaining safe operation of the capping stack. MWCC received technical input from its member companies and industry providers throughout the rerate process and worked closely with regulators to ensure all requirements were met. The capping stack is now approved for use in these new applications and is part of MWCC’s long-term service offering to members and to non-members on a per well basis.

“The rerate of the single ram capping stack is another step in MWCC’s commitment to keep pace with member needs as they explore at greater depths, pressures and temperatures” said Marty Massey, chief executive officer of Marine Well Containment Company. “Our ongoing system enhancements underscore our commitment to industry and reinforce MWCC’s position as the leader in deepwater well containment in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico.”

As MWCC members look for new and deeper sources of hydrocarbons, the company remains committed to providing advanced containment technology to accommodate their evolving needs. The rerated capping stack is just the most recent containment system enhancement. This summer, MWCC made available a more compact dual ram 10k psi capping stack designed to reach deepwater areas where well casings and riser systems are closely spaced.

Press Release, November 14, 2013