Stability Analysis of Surface Wellhead Retention in Offshore Exploration Wells

Abstract When offshore exploration wells are carried out, a narrow operating window and prolonged construction period may be encountered, which may lead to the evacuation of the drilling platform. The conductor will be left freestanding in the sea water, posing a great risk to wellhead stability. In this paper, based on finite element simulation of offshore exploratory well freestanding conductors, the stability analysis method is built and evaluation of a well is carried out. It is concluded that in 1 year return period and sea conditions by hanging load return period of 10 years of sea condition, the stability all meet the conditions, but there in 10 years return period of sea state by hanging load and 50 years return period of sea condition did not meet the requirements of stability. In cases where stability requirements are not met, alternative means of retaining the wellhead are recommended. This study has certain guiding significance for the safe and efficient operation of offshore exploration wells.