Open Access

ARTICLE

Managed Pressure Drilling Technology: A Research on the Formation Adaptability

Chenglong Wang¹, Hexing Liu¹, Yaya Liu¹, Xi Xia², Fan Xiao^3,*, Ningyu Zheng³
1 Zhanjiang Branch, CNOOC (China) Co., Zhanjiang, 524057, China
2 Zhanjiang Engineering Technology Branch, CNOOC Energy Development Co., Zhanjiang, 524057, China
3 China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266555, China
* Corresponding Author: Fan Xiao. Email:
(This article belongs to this Special Issue: Dynamics and Materials Processing in Petroleum Engineering)

Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing 2022, 18(6), 1865-1875. https://doi.org/ 10.32604/fdmp.2022.021668

Received 26 January 2022; Accepted 04 May 2022; Issue published 27 June 2022

Abstract

Existing pressure drilling technologies are based on different principles and display distinct characteristics in terms of control pressure and degree of formation adaptability. In the present study, the constant-bottom-hole-pressure (CBHP) and controlled-mud-level (CML) dual gradient drilling methods are considered. Models for the equivalent circulating density (ECD) are introduced for both drilling methods, taking into account the control pressure parameters (wellhead back pressure, displacement, mud level, etc.) and the relationship between the equivalent circulating density curve in the wellbore and two different types of pressure profiles in deep-water areas. The findings suggest that the main pressure control parameter for CBHP drilling is the wellhead back pressure, while for CML dual gradient drilling, it is the mud level. Two examples are considered (wells S1 and B2). For S1, CML dual gradient drilling only needs to adjust the ECD curve once to drill down to the target layer without risk. By comparison, CBHP drilling requires multiple adjustments to reach the target well depth avoiding a kick risk. In well B2, the CBHP method can drill down to the desired zone or even deeper after a single adjustment of the ECD curve. In contrast, CML dual-gradient drilling requires multiple adjustments to reach the target well depth (otherwise there is a risk of lost circulation). Therefore, CML dual-gradient drilling should be considered as a better choice for well S1, while CBHP drilling is more suitable for well B2.

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Keywords

Deep-water drilling; MPD technology; ECD; formation adaptability; narrow pressure profile

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