Releasing the Potential of MPD through True Rig Integration

Abstract

Abstract For years, the MPD community has predicted that MPD will be the next convention in drilling, and many rigs have been retrofitted to enable MPD on a temporary basis. However, advanced MPD technologies remain a service that operators call out when they cannot achieve their drilling targets without it. MPD is perceived as complicated, requiring specialist knowledge in both the planning and execution phase. Lack of standardized equipment and procedures fuels this perception. Because of the limited and temporary use, few companies develop or retain in-house expertise, which again limits promotion and use of the technology. The cost of an MPD project is prohibitively high to many. Mobilizing a temporary MPD service involves extensive rig modifications, installation, commissioning and third party certifications. In addition, comes MPD service rates and cost for personnel. Although many case histories have demonstrated the value of MPD by greatly reducing nonproductive time and allowing access to challenging reservoirs, the cost and complexity of MPD deployment remain obstacles that leaves MPD as a niche technology that many decision-makers resist. The solution to these challenges is simple: To finally release the full potential of MPD, permanent installation and true integration with existing rig infrastructure is required, combined with a more sustainable and favorable business model. This paper discusses the steps to the next generation managed pressure drilling platform.