How to Optimize Gooseneck Handling and MPD Handling with ClickStab

The moonpool is known as a hazardous area where heavy equipment is handled in harsh weather conditions. Optimizing your moonpool handling systems can allow the crew to:

• maintain drilling activities,
• operate the equipment safely and efficiently,
• and increase the rig’s operational weather window, thus keeping the client satisfied.

In this blog article, we will discuss two operations that has great potential for improvement, using the correct tools - Gooseneck Handling and MPD handling.

Gooseneck Handling

Running the BOP, connecting the kill and choke, boost and conduit hoses to a riser moving relative to the rig, is considered a risky and critical path operation. This operation typically involves manual work using riding belts from platforms and/or cherry pickers over open sea.

As such, the rig can spend 2-12 hours on this operation, or even more in severe cases. This is hazardous and time-consuming work which often results in NPT/flat spots on your drilling performance curve. Worst case, the weather prevents you from doing anything, and the rig goes on downtime. 

Suggested reading: Read more about our Handsfree Gooseneck Handling System here

MPD Handling

Implementation of MPD equipment has traditionally been a case-by-case basis, involving temporary arrangements and significant rig downtime. However, due to the high competition and pressure to significantly reduce NPT, it is becoming more common for rigs to have permanently installed MPD systems.

A ClickStab System after ten years in operation under water.

From 10 hours to 10 minutes

As previously mentioned, these operations are extremely time consuming. With the Future Production ClickStab System, you can improve several aspects of the operation, enhancing your competitiveness in the market.

• Time and cost: With a ClickStab system, you can connect K&C, conduit and booster hoses to the riser in a few minutes as opposed to several hours (or even days in a worst-case scenario). The same applies for use in MPD handling. The system connect mud return hoses, electrical and hydraulic control lines to the flow spool/riser in just a few minutes.
• Safety: The ClickStab System is a handsfree Gooseneck Handling system, which means there are only one or two people operating the system – from a distance. You eliminate the need for manual work over open sea and thus eliminate great safety risks.
• Environment: Drilling rigs have diesel engines that produce exhaust when running. Cutting the time of the operations, naturally leads to reduced emissions.