Integrated Hydraulics-Modeling Platform Automates Managed-Pressure Drilling

Abstract

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 19671, “Integrated Hydraulics Modeling for Managed-Pressure Drilling,” by Sayamik A. Rostami, Jose Brana, and Thomas Koithan, SPE, Weatherford. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2021 International Petroleum Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission. Technologies aimed at better performance and lower cost are more important to the oil and gas industry than ever. This emphasis drives hardware manufacturers to innovate quickly and create devices with more capabilities so that what was impossible a few short years ago is reality today. In the complete paper, the authors describe a platform that integrates advanced data analytics and hydraulic modeling in real time, coupled with cybersecurity features applied through an open-platform communications unified-architecture protocol directed at automation controllers for managed-pressure-drilling (MPD) applications. MPD Control System An intelligent MPD system automatically controls all the components of an MPD system, including a rotating control device, annular isolation device, flow spool, buffer manifold, choke manifold, and pressure-relief valves. Aside from communicating with and controlling this equipment, such a system is able to communicate with the overarching rig-control system. The system uses the control capabilities of a centralized programmable automation controller with an integrated human/machine-interface screen. Another advantage of the intelligent MPD system is the built-in functionality to track the performance of the system in terms of performance and health through component monitoring to enable condition-based maintenance (CBM).