Method and device for removing the upper portion of a well

• Main Authors: ESPEN ALHAUG, LARS HOVDA, ERLING J WIIG
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 31.03.2010
• Subjects: EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

A method and device for removing the upper portion of a well (20) arranged in the ground, the upper portion of the well (20) including at least a portion of a casing (24) extending from the surface down into the ground (28), and, before the upper portion of the well (20) is removed, the casing (24) being cut at a distance below the surface, the method including the operations of: - arranging a cutting tool (2), which is arranged to cut the casing (24) at a distance below the surface, on a lifting tool (4) which is arranged to be connected to the casing (24) or a component (22) connected to the casing; - lowering the lifting tool (4) with the cutting tool (2) down towards the casing (24) until the lifting tool (4) abuts against the casing (24) or the component (22) connected to the casing; - connecting the lifting tool (4) to the casing (24) or the component (22) connected to the casing; - cutting the casing (24) by means of the cutting tool (2); and - lifting the severed portion of the casing (24) out of the ground (28) at least together with the cutting tool (2).