Office/Division Program
TAP
Project Number
39
Category
Research Initiation Date (Award Date)
Research Performing Activity
BDM Corporation
Research Principal Investigator
Mr. Jerrold Powers
Research Contracting Agency
Description
This was a laboratory study to determine the feasibility of gaining control of a blowing well by means of using a cryogen to freeze the oil downhole. This study used a patented pipe configuration where cooling by the cryogen actuates bimetallic fingers which project into the flow stream.
Latest progress update
Complete. Using a one-quarter scale model, flow velocity tests were conducted to see if a frozen plug would develop and withstand a high back pressure. A frozen plug was formed during all test conditions and withstood a back pressure of 300 psi. These tests confirmed the feasibility of the cryogen concept.