Shell reenters subsea wellhead chamber. [Gulf of Mexico]

After more than a year's operation, manned reentry has been made into the Lockheed Petroleum Services wellhead chamber protecting and producing a Shell Oil Co. dually completed well on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. The well, OCS G-1666 No. 13, was put on production in the fall of 1972. It has produced continuously to date. A small leak developed in the control system and Shell decided to repair the trouble. The wellhead cellar was entered last Sept. for the first time since the well was flanged up and turned into the tanks. The leak was a small one involving the control fluid which is normally exhausted to the sea (98% freshwater, 2% biodegradable soluble oil), but it was presistent. Shell welcomed the opportunity to make a general inspection of the system. Everything moved smoothly. All planned work was accomplished and there were no delays for weather or other causes. Total elapsed time was 7 days, with 6 of these days occupied by 9 diving missions. Total time spent under water was 67 hr.