API RP17W Subsea Capping Stacks

Abstract

Within two years of the Macando incident, approximately 20 different subsea capping stack configurations and designs had been assembled without a guiding reference. Now, API, with input from the Oil& Gas industry, is developing a recommended practice for the design, manufacturing and testing of subsea capping stacks. While subsea capping stacks have remained the preferred concept for capping a subsea blowout, today industry better understands how equipment selection and designs are affected by the operating environment. There continues to be an immediate need for industry guidance on how subsea capping stacks should be designed and tested for flowing conditions. For this reason, API has focused on developing API RP17W Subsea Capping Stacks with a multi-disciplined team representing over twenty-five operators, service providers, equipment manufacturers, and regulators. This effort has resulted in a technically detailed document covering;system requirements, including interfaces, service conditions, and controls; stack use, including installation points and closure sequences; and stack preservation, maintenance, and testing.