Development Of Technological Applications Of Managed Pressure Drilling

Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) has been continuously improving in the last couple of years and significant successes have been obtained. MPD technology is a closed loop circulation system that uses a Rotating Control Device (RCD) to form a closed system, with the well return flow directed through an automated choke manifold. The unique aspect of the technology is its capability to measure and control both pressure and return flow based on wellbore events. Among several other features available, the system provides automatic kick loss detection & automatic pressure control; including surface back-pressure, stand pipe and bottomhole pressures, or pressure at any point in the wellbore. The system is designed to complement existing well control equipment without changes to the rig equipment or procedures. In summary, the system optimizes the drilling process with accurate measurement and analysis of flow and pressure data. Therefore offering enhanced flexibility and safety while drilling. Field results have proven that, with the application of the proper MPD variant, it is now possible to profitably drill wells that - relying on conventional technologies only - were previously considered un-drillable for technical or economical limitations. The identification of the right well/field candidates allied to a correct planning and engineering process are key factors in a successful operation. The process used to apply MPD technology correctly is described together with a wide range of solved or mitigated drilling problems. Specific references refer to those areas (such as Middle East and North Africa) where MPD has been recently and extensively applied. It is shown how the costbenefit ratio of MPD clearly justifies its applicability, independently from the crude oil prices