Gas blowout at ONGC’s Assam well under control: Flow drops sharply, US experts back containment plan

NEW DELHI: State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on Saturday said it had made significant progress in its efforts to contain the gas blowout at well RDS#147A in Assam’s Rudrasagar oilfield, with the flow rate of natural gas having reduced substantially. The blowout — or uncontrolled gas flow — occurred on June 12 at a well operated by private contractor S K Petro Services in Barichuk, Sivasagar district. “ONGC has made significant headway in its well control operations at RDS#147A, with the flow rate of gas having reduced substantially, marking a critical step forward in containment efforts,” the company said in a statement, PTI reported. An international expert team from US-based CUDD Pressure Control arrived at the site on Friday and reviewed ONGC’s containment strategy. According to the company, the experts expressed agreement with the steps taken and affirmed the effectiveness of ONGC’s approach. While ONGC did not specify a timeline for bringing the well completely under control, it said site preparations were underway for the next phase of operations, which include removal of tubulars from the well and mobilisation of cranes to assist in clearing the rig floor. As part of safety measures, 24×7 water blanketing continues, and flood-level monitoring of the nearby Dikhow River is in progress to ensure environmental compliance. “ONGC is continuously monitoring the low explosive limit (LEL) levels of air around the well site through real-time gas detectors to ensure safety. Medical assistance is being provided at the relief camp to support all those in need,” the statement added. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in a LinkedIn post on Friday, said he was closely monitoring the operations. “The Crisis Management Team headed by experienced blowout control specialists are on the job,” he wrote. He confirmed that nearby residents had been relocated to a relief camp, with food, security, and essential supplies arranged by local authorities. Water blanketing was being used as a key precaution to prevent fire, he said. Puri also noted that the composition of gas — mostly methane (97%) — was dispersing upward and not accumulating at ground level, thereby limiting the hazard. “Air quality monitoring shows levels are within safe limits even at a 50-100 metre radius from the well,” the minister added. The wellhead pressure has dropped significantly — from 2,600 psi to 500 psi — a sign of falling gas intensity. “We are trying to contain the situation through junk shot operation and will try pumping kill fluids today. If this does not suffice, capping of the well shall also be considered,” Puri said.