Guwahati: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) announced on Saturday that substantial progress has been made in controlling the gas blowout at its Rudrasagar oil field in Assam, with gas flow rates significantly reduced.
The blowout occurred on June 12 at well RDS#147A in Barichuk, operated by private firm S K Petro Services on behalf of ONGC. The incident led to the uncontrolled release of natural gas, prompting immediate containment efforts.
In a statement, ONGC said it has achieved a “critical step forward” in managing the situation. “The flow rate of gas has been reduced substantially, reflecting the effectiveness of our containment strategy,” the company noted.
An international expert team from CUDD Pressure Control, USA, arrived on-site on Friday to assess the situation and review ONGC’s actions. The team endorsed the strategies employed so far, commending the company’s approach to safely managing the blowout.
Preparations for the next phase of containment are underway, including the removal of tubing from the well and the mobilisation of cranes to assist in well control operations.
ONGC is also employing water blanketing as a continuous safety measure and is monitoring the flood levels of the nearby Dikhow River to align with environmental and safety protocols.
Real-time gas detectors are being used to monitor the low explosive limit (LEL) levels around the well site, ensuring safety for all personnel. Relief camps have been established for nearby residents, providing medical assistance, food, and security.
In a LinkedIn post, Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri shared updates on the crisis management efforts.
He praised the experienced blowout control specialists leading the operation and confirmed that displaced residents had been safely relocated to relief camps.
Puri added that the gas composition, primarily methane, is dispersing into the atmosphere without settling at ground level, minimizing risks. He highlighted the significant drop in gas pressure from 2,600 psi to 500 psi, which has helped contain the situation.
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Efforts are now focused on a “junk shot” operation to seal the well, with plans to pump kill fluids if necessary. If these measures prove insufficient, capping the well remains a viable option.
Puri emphasized that continuous air quality monitoring has shown safe levels of gas concentration within a 50-100 meter radius of the well.
ONGC’s proactive measures are aimed at ensuring environmental and operational safety as the containment process advances.
