The purpose of Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) is to manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile to fit within the allowed pressure window as well as to handle a well control situation within this window with assistance from advanced model tools and automated control systems. MPD may be accomplished by many means including combinations of backpressure, variable fluid density, fluid rheology, circulating friction, hole geometry, and using an active device to manipulate the mud gradient and dynamic pressure.

SINTEF Petroleum Research focus on developing technologies describing the MPD systems in detail as well as integrated systems with real time pressure and well control. We have a long track record related to studying well hydraulics, well control, ECD management and cementing hydraulics for standard drilling systems as well as Dual Density systems and Under Balanced Drilling (UBD). Advanced design tools have been developed for these applications. MPD is a complex category of systems where transients play a significant role. We have the necessary competence and technology basis to develop a unique engineering model. Research scientist at the Drilling and Well Construction Department have been involved in several challenging MPD operations, both at the Kvitebjørn fiel and the Gullfaks field.
 

MPD scenario

Challenge

• Heavy depletion has resulted in a very small pressure

Solution

• Reduce mud weight (below expected pore pressure)
• Automatic choke on return flow
• SINTEF Dynamic real time flow model calculates choke pressure set point

Photo: Helge Hansen, Statoil

Contact: Thor Ole Gulsrud  or Knut Steinar Bjørkevoll