Field Demonstration of a New Method for Making Drillpipe Connections During Managed Pressure Drilling Operations

Abstract

Abstract The use of managed pressure drilling (MPD) during drilling operations has proven to be an effective solution for controlling equivalent circulation density (ECD); however, making a drillpipe connection with MPD is more challenging than with conventional drilling. The current methods for making a connection during MPD rely on large, high-maintenance equipment to provide a sufficient fluid supply to maintain the MPD equipment within an operable range. This equipment is both expensive and difficult to use to control ECD efficiently. A new method of smoothly diverting rig pump flow during connections from the stand pipe to the MPD pressure control equipment at the annulus uses a valve manifold with an on-board choke. In addition to eliminating more expensive solutions, this method will improve pressure control and increase the operating range of MPD to provide higher pressures during connections and greater drilling flow rates. Reliability is increased by a reduction in complexity when using this method, because most rigs have multiple pumps available for redundancy. Field trials using a fully automated MPD solution were performed by a major operator in South Texas between late 2010 and early 2011. This paper uses real data based on flow testing and actual field experience to demonstrate that implementing the rig pump diverter method with standard MPD operations effectively controlled the desired annulus pressure during connections. By replacing current methods of making a drillpipe connection, this solution will reduce the overall cost of MPD, making the total MPD solution more feasible for small wells.