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2006 July 24
The Chikyu will Sail for the 1st Riser Drilling Test
The Chikyu will sail from Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture,
Japan, on August 7 2006, for test drilling to a depth of 2,200 meters beneath
the ocean floor at a site east offing of the Shimokita Peninsula. The water
depth in the drill site is about 1,200 m (See Map). During this cruise, in
addition to carrying out the Chikyu’s first implementation of riser drilling,
JAMSTEC will complete the five remaining system integration tests in preparation
for international operations. In addition to testing the Chikyu’s systems,
this shakedown cruise will be an opportunity for training personnel in operating
them.
[System integration tests (SIT)]
1. Running the riser and blow-out preventer (BOP)
2. Testing the emergency disconnect sequence (EDS) for the riser and BOP
3. Inserting the casing pipe and cementing
4. Test operation of the Chikyu’s three core sampling systems
5. Testing the wireline logging system (which measures formation properties.)
[Major training evolutions]
1. Tests of and training in logistics for personnel and supplies by helicopter
and supply boat
2. Examination of the treatment systems for cuttings and waste mud
3. Testing and optimization of shipboard and land-based safety and security
systems
4. Optimizing procedures for core sample processing and for quality control
on core samples
5. Building onboard procedures such as those for processing wireline logging
data.
[Schedule]
Mid August
Casing pipe insertion and cementing tests
Mid to late August
Running the riser and BOP
Late August
EDS tests for the riser and BOP
Early September
Test operation of the Chikyu’s three core sampling
systems
Mid to late September
Tests of wireline logging and system performance
Late September
Reach drilled depth of 2,200 meters below the sea
floor
(subject to delays due to rough weather and other factors)
