PRESSURE MANAGEMENT DEVICE FOR DRILLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A pressure management device (PMD) for direct connection to a blowout preventer stack of a pressure-managed well comprises a housing, one or more chokes, and a directional valve. The directional valve has a choke position and a bypass position. When the directional valve is in the choke position, the PMD operates to divert fluid entering the housing to one or more of the chokes. When the directional valve is in the bypass position, the PMD operates to divert fluid entering the housing to bypass the chokes. The inlet and outlet of each choke can be controlled by a double shut-off valve to selectively permit and restrict fluid flow through each choke.

Description

PRESSURE MANAGEMENT DEVICE FOR DRILLING SYSTEM FIELD OF INVENTION This disclosure relates, in general, to oil and gas exploration and production operations and, more particularly, to a pressure management device for a drilling system, and related systems and procedures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a prior art managed pressure drilling (MPD) system, generally referred to by reference number 100. Drilling system 100 includes a wellhead 102, a blowout preventer (BOP) stack 5, a rotary control device (RCD) 7, shut-off valves 8a and 8b, mud handling equipment 9, an MPD manifold 10, an MPD control house 11, a rig pump 6, an overhead unit 3 supported on a drilling rig 2, and a drill string 4. The wellhead 102 is located on top of, or at the top of, an oil and gas well 1 penetrating one or more underground formations and is used in oil and gas exploration and production operations, such as drilling operations.The BOP 5 stack is operationally coupled to wellhead 102 to prevent a blowout, i.e., the uncontrolled release of formation fluids and / or gases from well 1 during drilling operations. The BOP 5 stack may comprise two or more BOPs. The BOP 5 stack may also include various spools, adapters, and tubing outlets to allow the circulation of well fluids under pressure in the event of a blowout. A drilling tool (not shown) is operatively attached to drill string 4 and extends into well 1. The drill string extends into well 1 through BOP stack 5 and wellhead 102. Additionally, RCD 7 is operatively attached to BOP stack 5, opposite wellhead 102, and forms a seal around drill string 4. Wellhead 102 is fluidically connected to the RCD via an equalization line 15. The mud handling equipment 9 may include a variety of apparatus, including, for example, shale shakers, mud tanks, degassers, etc., and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific apparatus to be used in equipment 9 may vary depending on the drilling requirements. In drilling system 100, the mud handling equipment 9 is operationally coupled and in fluid communication with the RCD 7 via a low-pressure mud return line 13. The shut-off valve 8a is configured to selectively restrict or permit fluid flow in the mud return line 13. The MPD manifold 10 is operationally coupled and in fluid communication with the RCD 7 via a high-pressure MPD line 16. The shut-off valve 8b operates to selectively restrict or permit fluid flow in the high-pressure MPD line 16.The MPD manifold 10 is also operationally coupled and in fluid communication with the mud handling equipment 9 via a low-pressure MPD line 17. The MPD control cabin is operationally coupled and in communication with the MPD manifold 10 via a communication line 18. The MPD control cabin comprises one or more processors for controlling the MPD manifold 10. The MPD control cabin is also operationally coupled and in communication with the drilling rig 2 via a communication line 19 to allow the MPD control cabin to receive data from rig 2. μλ / t / zuzz / uoyo / o Mud handling equipment 9 is operationally coupled and in fluid communication with the platform 6 pump via a pump suction line 14. The platform 6 pump is operationally coupled and in fluid communication with the upper unit 3 via a mud pump line 12. The upper unit 3 is operationally coupled to the drilling column 4 and the upper unit 3 is configured to control the drilling column 4. With reference to Figure 2, the drilling system 100 may optionally include a flow diverter 20 that is operationally coupled and in fluid communication with the upper unit 3, the rig pump 6, and the RCD 7. The flow diverter is positioned along the mud pump line and is fluidly connected to the RCD 7 via a flow diverter line 21. The flow diverter 20 operates to redirect the rig pump flow from the upper unit 3 and drill string 4 to the RCD 7 and the MPD manifold 10 to allow continuous fluid circulation in order to maintain the desired pressure in well 1 while drill pipe is being added to the drill string 4. In operation, the drilling system 100 is used to extend the scope or penetration of well 1 into one or more underground formations. To do this, the drill string 4 is rotated, and weight is applied to the drill bit, causing the drill bit to rotate against the bottom of well 1. Simultaneously, the pump on rig 6 circulates drilling fluid to the drill bit through the drill string 4. The drilling fluid is discharged from the drill bit into well 1 to remove drill cuttings from the drill bit. The drill cuttings are then carried back to the surface by the drilling fluid. MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O drilling through an annular space of well 1 surrounding drill string 4. The drilling fluid and the drilling cuttings, in combination, are also referred to in this document as drilling mud. Drilling fluid flows to RCD 7 through wellhead 102 and BOP stack 5. RCD 7 directs the drilling fluid flow to MPD 10 manifold via MPD 16 line while preventing communication between the annulus of well 1 and the atmosphere. In this way, RCD 7 allows drilling system 100 to operate as a closed-loop system. MPD 10 manifold receives drilling fluid from RCD 7 and provides adjustable surface backpressure to the drilling fluid to maintain a desired pressure profile within well 1. Mud handling equipment 9 receives drilling fluid from MPD manifold 10 via MPD 17 line. The drilling fluid is then recirculated by the pump on rig 6 to the drilling tool via drill string 4. As illustrated, in conventional drilling systems, the MPD 10 manifold is a separate component from the RCD 7 and is positioned at the well site some distance from the RCD 7. The MPD 10 manifold can be mounted on a skid, standing independently on the ground, or mounted on a trailer that can be towed between operating sites, which may be an onshore or offshore drilling platform. The drilling mud must travel from the RCD 7 through the MPD 16 line to reach the MPD 10 manifold. Furthermore, the MPD manifold typically has a large footprint and occupies a significant amount of space at the well site. For example, a conventional MPD manifold, including its skid, is approximately 120 inches wide, approximately 230 inches long, and approximately 112 inches high. Additionally, conventional MPD manifolds are often difficult to... ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O are difficult to transport due to their size and weight (e.g., approximately 6 and 10 tons). Furthermore, conventional MPD collector plugs occasionally require repair or maintenance. MPD collector plugs are bulky and difficult to replace, as technicians must unscrew them and lift them with a crane to remove them from the collector. Therefore, there is a need for an improved drilling system configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to a broad aspect of this disclosure, a pressure management device (PMD) is provided for use in a drilling system having a blowout preventer (BOP) stack and a drill string, the PMD comprising: an inlet for direct fluid connection to the BOP stack; a housing having defined therein an internal sealing line, a first sealing inlet conduit and a first sealing outlet conduit, the internal sealing line configured to fluidically connect the inlet and outlet;and a first obturator having a first obturator inlet and a first obturator outlet, the first obturator being operatively coupled to the housing so that the first obturator inlet and the first obturator outlet are fluidically connected to the first obturator inlet conduit and the first obturator outlet conduit, respectively, the internal obturator line bypassing the first obturator, and the PMD having a PMD bypass position and a PMD simple obturator position, wherein the PMD simple obturator position, the first obturator inlet and the first obturator outlet are open, and the internal obturator line is blocked, to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the first obturator; ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O and in the PMD bypass position, one or both of the first shutter inlet and the first shutter outlet are closed or the first shutter is closed, and the internal shutter line is unlocked, to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the internal shutter line. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided comprising: connecting an inlet of a pressure management device (PMD) housing directly to a blowout preventer (BOP) stack of a drilling system, the housing having an outlet and having defined therein an internal sealing line between the inlet and the outlet; loosely attaching and fluidically connecting one or more plugs to the housing; and providing a flow path from the inlet to the outlet, wherein providing the flow path comprises one of: blocking the internal sealing line and opening at least one of one or more plugs to permit fluid communication between at least one plug and the inlet and outlet;to block the internal obturation line, open a first obturator of one or more obturators and close a second obturator of one or more obturators to allow fluid communication between the first obturator and the inlet and outlet; and to unlock the internal obturation line and close one or more obturators to restrict fluid communication between one or more obturators and the inlet and outlet, and to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the internal obturation line. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a sealing assembly is provided comprising: a sealing cartridge; a sealing housing having a first end, a second end, a wall with an inner surface defining a chamber, and a sealing inlet and sealing outlet extending through the wall and in fluid communication with the chamber, the first end having an opening providing open access to the chamber, and the chamber configured to receive removably at least a portion of the sealing cartridge through the opening; and a double-shutoff valve in communication with one or both of the sealing inlet and sealing outlet, the double-shutoff valve having a closed position in which the double-shutoff valve blocks one or both of the sealing inlet and sealing outlet;and an open position in which the double shut-off valve unlocks the inlet and outlet of the obturation valve. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a procedure is provided comprising: inserting a plug cartridge into a plug housing, through a first open end of the plug housing, the plug housing being operatively coupled to a fluid-connected housing with a blowout preventer stack of a drilling system. Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the following description. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the specification and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, and not to-scale figures. The dimensions provided in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope defined by the claims. In the figures: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a prior art pressure-driven drilling system, illustrating its basic components. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O Figure 2 is a schematic view of the managed pressure drilling system of the prior art of Figure 1, shown with an optional flow diverter. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a managed pressure drilling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic view of the managed pressure drilling system of Figure 3, shown with an optional flow diverter. Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of a prior art MPD manifold shown in relation to a well and drill string of a managed pressure drilling system. Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a pressure management device shown in relation to the sounding column, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of a pressure management device shown in relation to the sounding column, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sample embodiment of the pressure management device of Figure 6 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In Figure 8, the pressure management device is shown with other components of the drilling system. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure management device in Figure 8, shown isolated from other drilling system components. μλ / t / zuzz / uoyo / o Figure 10 is a first side plan view of the pressure management device of Figure 8, shown without a bearing assembly and isolated from other drilling system components. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 10, taken along line AA. Figure 12 is a second side plan view of the pressure management device from Figure 10. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 12, taken along line BB. Figure 14A is an alternative side plan view of the pressure management device of Figure 10, shown with a sealing cartridge removed from its corresponding sealing housing. Figure 14B is a top plan view of the pressure management device in Figure 14A. Figures 14A and 14B may be collectively referred to in this document as Figure 14. Figures 15A, 15B, and 15C are a perspective view, an end plan view, and a bottom plan view, respectively, of a sealing housing of the pressure management device, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figures 15A, 15B, and 15C may be collectively referred to herein as Figure 15. In Figure 15, the sealing housing is shown without a sealing cartridge installed therein. Figure 16A is a cross-sectional view of the shutter housing of Figure 15B, taken along line EE. ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view of the housing in Figure 16A, taken along line CC. Figures 16A and 16B may be collectively referred to in this document as Figure 16. Figures 17A and 17B are a perspective view and an end-view plan, respectively, of a sealing cartridge that can be installed in a sealing housing of the pressure management device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17C is a cross-sectional view of the obturation cartridge of Figure 17B, taken along line GG. Figures 17A to 17C may be collectively referred to in this document as Figure 17. Figures 18A and 18B are a perspective view and an end view, respectively, of a pressure management device directional valve assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18C is a cross-sectional view of the directional valve assembly of Figure 18B, taken along line HH. Figure 18D is a cross-sectional view of the directional valve assembly of Figure 18C, taken along line JJ. Figure 19A is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 11, shown in a bypass position. Figure 19B is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 11, shown in a simple shut-off position. Figure 19C is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 11, shown in a double-blocking position. Figures 19A to 19C may be collectively referred to in this document as ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o Figure 19. In Figure 19, the pressure management device is shown with a bearing assembly. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a sample embodiment of the pressure management device of Figure 7, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In Figure 20, the pressure management device is shown with some components of the drilling system. Figure 21 is a side plan view of the pressure management device in Figure 20, shown isolated from other drilling system components. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 21, taken along line KK. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 22, taken along line MM. Figure 24A is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 23, shown in a bypass position. Figure 24B is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 23, shown in a simple shut-off position. Figure 24C is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 23, shown in a double-blocking position. Figure 24D is a cross-sectional view of the pressure management device of Figure 23, shown in a simple shutoff position where the pressure management device is in fluid communication with a flow diverter. Figures 24A to 24D may be collectively referred to herein as Figure 24. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o All terms not defined herein shall be understood to have their common meanings recognized in the art. To the extent that the following description relates to a specific embodiment or particular use, it is intended to be illustrative only and not limiting. The following description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims. According to the embodiments described herein, a pressure management device (PMD) provides the functions of the MPD manifold and, optionally, the RCD, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for a separate MPD manifold in the drilling system at a distance from the BOP stack. In some embodiments, the PMD is configured for direct connection to the BOP stack of the drilling system, thereby reducing or minimizing the PMD's footprint at the well site. Also described herein is a packing assembly that is more compact and / or easier to replace than conventional packings in the MPD manifold. Figure 3 illustrates a managed pressure drilling system 200 comprising a PMD 22 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As can be seen in Figure 3, the drilling system 200 is configured to operate without a conventional MPD manifold 10 and MPD control cabin 11, thereby eliminating the need for fluid lines and communication lines (e.g., MPD 16 high-pressure line, MPD 17 low-pressure line, and communication line 18) associated with the MPD manifold and MPD control cabin. High-pressure fluid lines, such as MPD 16 high-pressure line, at the surface can pose a safety hazard. Furthermore, with the use of PMD 22, the ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / or shut-off valves 8a, 8b of system 100 (shown in Figures 1 and 2) can be omitted in system 200.In some embodiments, the PMD 22 of drilling system 200 replaces the MPD 10 manifold and, optionally, the RCD 7 of the prior art drilling system. In the illustrated embodiment, the PMD 22 is operatively coupled and in fluid communication with the BOP stack 5 and is positioned above the BOP stack 5. In some embodiments, the PMD 22 is connected directly to the BOP stack 5. In alternative embodiments, the PMD 22 is positioned somewhere within the BOP stack. Additionally, the PMD 22 is operatively coupled and in communication with platform 2 via a communication line 23. With reference to Figure 4, the drilling system 200 may optionally include the flow diverter 20 which is operationally coupled and in fluid communication with the upper unit 3 and the platform pump 6. The flow diverter 20 is also operationally coupled and in fluid communication with the PMD 22 via the flow diverter line 21. Drilling System 200 operates similarly to Drilling System 100, except that the drilling mud from the wellbore annulus flows to PMD 22 through wellhead 102 and BOP stack 5, instead of to a separate MPD 10 manifold through RCD 7 and high-pressure MPD 16 line. Instead of the MPD 10 manifold, PMD 22 is used to maintain the desired backpressure within well 1. PMD 22 can also seal the wellbore annulus by using a well-sealing mechanism, such as a bearing assembly. Mud handling equipment 9 then receives the drilling mud from PMD 22 through low-pressure mud return line 13 and operates as described above with respect to Drilling System 100. MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO ! The resulting drilling fluid coming out of the mud handling equipment 9 is recirculated by the platform pump 6 to the drilling tool, through the drill string 4. Figure 5 illustrates a prior art MPD manifold 10 in relation to well 1 and drill string 4. From the RCD located at the top of the wellhead 1, the drilling mud travels a certain distance in the high-pressure MPD line 16 to reach the independent MPD manifold 10. Depending on which valves 24 in the manifold 10 are open or closed, the drilling mud flows through one or both drill plugs 25 of the MPD manifold 10 or diverts both plugs 25 through an internal plug line. Each plug 25 has a plug actuator 26 to control the plug, allowing adjustment of the surface backpressure and, consequently, the well pressure profile. Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a PMD of the present disclosure. In Figure 6, a PMD 222 is positioned above the well (not shown). In some embodiments, the PMD 222 is positioned directly above a BOP (not shown) or another component of a BOP stack (not shown) in the well. In other embodiments, the PMD 222 is positioned somewhere within the BOP stack. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 is configured to allow the drill string 4 to extend through it and rotate freely within it. In at least some embodiments, a portion of the PMD 222 is positioned concentrically around the drill string 4 above the well. The PMD 222 has an inlet 48 for connecting fluids to the well, for example, through the BOP stack (shown in Figures 3 and 4), to receive fluid from the well annulus (well fluid or drilling mud) or between the well and the drill string 4. The PMD 222 has an outlet 50 for connecting fluids to a flow meter (not shown) or mud handling equipment 9 of system 200 through the low pressure mud return line 13 (shown in Figures 3 and 4). In some embodiments, the PMD 222 comprises an internal sealing line 40 and a directional valve 227. In some embodiments, one end of the internal sealing line 40 is in fluid communication with the inlet 48, while the other end of the internal sealing line 40 is in fluid communication with the outlet 50. The internal sealing line 40 thus fluidly connects the inlet 48 and the outlet 50 and provides a flow path between them. In some embodiments, the flow path provided by the internal sealing line 40 is a direct flow path between the inlet 48 and the outlet 50. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 comprises a PMD housing (not shown), and the internal sealing line 40 may be defined within the PMD housing.In some embodiments, the directional valve 227 is positioned somewhere along the internal shutoff line 40, between inlet 48 and outlet 50, and is in fluid communication with both inlet 48 and outlet 50. The directional valve 227 operates to control the flow of fluids between inlet 48 and outlet 50 through the internal shutoff line 40. In some embodiments, the directional valve 227 has a bypass position and a shutoff position. In the blocked position, directional valve 227 restricts fluid flow through the flow path by blocking (or closing) the internal block line 40. In the bypass position, directional valve 227 unlocks (or opens) the internal block line 40 to allow fluid to flow from inlet 48 to outlet 50 through the flow path provided by the internal line. ML / t / zuzz / uoyo ! or obturation 40. The directional valve 227 may comprise a ball valve, a plug valve, a gate valve, or other valve configurations known to the skilled trades. The directional valve 227 may be controlled by a directional valve actuator (not shown). The directional valve actuator may be a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 comprises one or more plugs 25. Each plug 25 has a plug inlet fluidly connected to inlet 48 and a plug outlet fluidly connected to outlet 50. In some embodiments not shown in Figure 6, the plug 25 has a defined plug chamber and a plug orifice, and the plug 25 acts as a plug regulator that can be moved relative to the plug orifice. The plug inlet and plug outlet can be selectively opened or closed to control fluid communication between the plug inlet and outlet and the plug chamber. When the plug inlet is closed, fluid communication between the plug inlet and the plug chamber is restricted. When the plug inlet is opened, fluid communication between the plug inlet and the plug chamber is established.When the obturation outlet is closed, fluid communication between the obturation outlet and the obturation chamber is restricted. When the obturation outlet is open, fluid communication between the obturation outlet and the obturation chamber is established. In some embodiments, closing the obturation inlet and / or outlet comprises blocking the obturation inlet and / or outlet; and opening the obturation inlet and / or outlet comprises unlocking the obturation inlet and / or outlet. To permit fluid flow through the obturator 25, both the inlet and outlet are opened. When both the inlet and outlet are open, the obturator 25 is open or in an open position. To restrict fluid flow through the obturator 25, one or both of the inlet and outlet are closed.In some embodiments, fluid flow through the plug 25 can be restricted by engaging the plug regulator with the plug orifice, eliminating the need to close the plug inlet or outlet. When the plug regulator is engaged with the plug orifice, the plug 25 can be referred to as closed. When one or both of the plug inlet and outlet are closed, or when the plug is closed, the plug 25 is in the "closed" or closed position. The operation of the packer 25 and the procedures for adjusting backpressure using the packer are known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, each packer 25 is controlled by a respective packer actuator 26. The packer actuator 26 may be a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or both packers 25 are manual packers, allowing an operator to manually adjust a packer handwheel to control backpressure within the drilling system. In some embodiments, one or both packers 25 are semi-automatic packers where the operator can adjust the packer positions via a computer (not shown) that controls the actuator 26.In other embodiments, one or both shutters 25 are automated shutters that are automatically monitored and controlled by a computer via actuator 26. Although the illustrated embodiment shows two shutters 25, other embodiments may have fewer or more shutters. The PMD 222 can operate with only one shutter 25, but additional shutters may be included for redundancy in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, an inlet conduit 66 fluidly connects the obturation inlet to inlet 48, and an outlet conduit 68 fluidly connects the obturation outlet to outlet 50. The inlet conduit 66 is in fluid communication with inlet 48, and the outlet conduit 68 is in fluid communication with outlet 50. The outlet conduit 68 intersects the internal obturation line 40 at an intersection 70, and the directional valve 227 is positioned between inlet 48 and intersection 70. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 may comprise one or more double-shutoff valves 29. In the illustrated embodiment, each double-shutoff valve 29 is operatively coupled and in fluid communication with a respective plug 25. The double-shutoff valve 29 is in fluid communication with the plug inlet and plug outlet of its corresponding plug 25 and is configured to control fluid flow through its corresponding plug 25. In some embodiments, the double-shutoff valve 29 acts as a flow path protection device between the inlet 48 and the plug inlet, and / or the flow path between the outlet 50 and the plug outlet. In some embodiments, the double-shutoff valve 29 has an open position and a closed position.When the double shut-off valve 29 is in the open position, the inlet and outlet of the plug are opened so as to allow fluid to enter the plug 25 through the inlet of the plug, flow through the plug 25 and then exit the plug 25 through the outlet of the plug 25. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O When the double shut-off valve 29 is in the closed position, the inlet and / or outlet are closed, blocking the flow paths between the inlet 48 and the inlet and / or between the outlet and outlet 50, thereby restricting fluid flow through the plug 25 (i.e., substantially no fluid can enter or exit the plug 25). In the closed position, the double shut-off valve 29 closes one or both of the inlet and outlet of the corresponding plug 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the double shutoff valve 29 of each plug 25 is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 66 and the outlet conduit 68 of the corresponding plug. In the open position, the double shut-off valve 29 allows fluid communication between the obturation inlet and the inlet conduit 66, and between the obturation outlet and the outlet conduit 68, allowing fluid to flow from inlet 48 to the obturator through inlet conduit 66 and the obturation inlet, flow through the obturator, exit the obturator through the obturation outlet, and then exit the PMD 222 through outlet conduit 68 and outlet 50. In the closed position, the double shut-off valve 29 blocks fluid communication between the obturation inlet and the inlet conduit 66, and / or between the obturation outlet and the outlet conduit 68, preventing fluid from entering or leaving the obturator. In some embodiments, the double-shut valve 29 comprises a simple valve control mechanism operable to control the flow of fluids through the outlet and outlet of its corresponding plug 25 simultaneously. For example, the simple valve control mechanism may comprise a solid gate, a plug valve, or other valve configurations known to the art, which can be moved (for example, linearly and / or rotaryly) to synchronously open (or close) the outlet and outlet of the plug 25. In other embodiments, the double-shut valve 29 may comprise more than one valve control mechanism to control the flow of fluids through the outlet and outlet.For example, in some embodiments, the double shut-off valve 29 may comprise two separate valves, one for controlling fluid flow through the inlet and the other for controlling fluid flow through the outlet, such that the opening and / or closing of the inlet may be independent of the opening and / or closing of the outlet, and vice versa. In such a configuration, the inlet may be open while the outlet is closed, and vice versa. The double shut-off valve 29 may be configured to actuate the two separate valves simultaneously. In some embodiments, each double shut-off valve 29 is controlled by a respective double shut-off valve actuator 30. In other embodiments, multiple double shut-off valves 29 can be controlled by a single double shut-off valve actuator 30. The double shut-off valve actuator 30 is operable to transition its corresponding double shut-off valve 29 between the open and closed positions. The double shut-off valve actuator 30 can be a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the actuator 30 can be driven directly by an electric motor, by hydraulic force, or by pneumatic force (e.g., compressed gas pressure). In some embodiments, the actuator 30 is driven by an electric motor that can also be remotely controlled.In further embodiments, the actuator 30 may include a handwheel to allow an operator to manually control valve 29 in the event of motor failure and / or power outage. Depending on the position of each of the directional valves 227 and each of the plugs 25, the well fluid (e.g., drilling mud) from the annular wellbore can be directed to different flow paths in the PMD 222. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 has a bypass position, a single-plug position, and a double-plug position. When the PMD 222 is in the bypass position, the directional valve 227 is in the bypass position and the plugs 25 are closed, allowing fluid to flow from inlet 48 to outlet 50 through the internal plug line 40, while restricting fluid flow through the plugs 25. The plug line 40 thus provides a flow path between inlet 48 and outlet 50 that bypasses the plugs 25.When PMD 222 is in the single-block position, directional valve 227 is in the block position and one of the plugs 25 opens, while the remaining plugs close. In the single-block position, fluid is allowed to flow from inlet 48 to outlet 50 through the open plug 25, while fluid flow through the closed plugs and the internal block line 40 is restricted. When PMD 222 is in the double-block position, directional valve 227 is in the block position and two plugs 25 open, allowing fluid to flow from inlet 48 to outlet 50 through both open plugs 25 simultaneously, while fluid flow through the internal block line 40 is restricted.In some embodiments, the PMD 222 may have a well pressure trap position such that fluid communication between inlet 48 and outlet 50 is restricted. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O well pressure trap position, directional valve 227 is in the shut position and plugs 25 are closed, so that fluid is not allowed to flow from inlet 48 to outlet 50. In embodiments where the PMD 222 comprises one or more double-shutoff valves 29, when the PMD 222 is in the bypass position, the double-shutoff valves 29 are in the closed position, thereby closing one or both of the inlet and outlet of the plugs 25. When the PMD 222 is in the single-shutoff position, one of the double-shutoff valves 29 is in the open position, thereby opening the inlet and outlet of the corresponding plug 25, while the other double-shutoff valves 29 are closed. When the PMD 222 is in the double-shutoff position, two double-shutoff valves 29 are in the open position, while the remaining double-shutoff valves 29 are closed. When the PMD 222 is in the well pressure trap position, the double-shutoff valves 29 are closed. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 comprises an RCD (not shown), or a bearing assembly (not shown), or other wellbore sealing mechanisms configured to allow drill string 4 to extend axially through the PMD 222 and to allow drill string 4 to rotate while maintaining a fluid wellbore seal. In other embodiments, the PMD 222 has no wellbore sealing mechanism but is configured to operate with a conventional RCD or to be incorporated into an existing RCD 7 of the drilling system (shown, for example, in Figures 1 and 2). In some implementations, when the PMD 222 is installed, for example, on top of a BOP or any component of the BOP stack or anywhere within the MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O BOP stack, inlet 48 is positioned around the drill string 4 above the well and is in fluid communication with the wellbore annulus. In some embodiments, inlet 48 is substantially coaxial with drill string 4 and / or concentric with drill string 4. In some embodiments, at least a portion of PMD 222 is positioned immediately above the BOP or any component of the BOP stack. In this context, the term "above" may refer to the relative physical orientation and / or mean downstream with respect to the direction of flow of the well fluid. In some embodiments, inlet 48 connects directly to the BOP stack such that inlet 48 is immediately downstream of the BOP stack, so that the well fluid in the BOP stack enters PMD 222 without passing through other components such as flow lines, tubing, piping, etc.In this disclosure, "directly connected or attached to the BOP stack" may mean directly connected to a BOP or any component of the BOP stack, or positioned somewhere within the BOP stack. In embodiments where the PMD 222 does not comprise any wellbore sealing mechanism, at least a portion of the PMD 222 may be positioned between the BOP stack and the RCD of a drilling system. In this manner, the PMD 222 replaces the prior art MPD manifold with little or no footprint on the rig floor and / or well site. In some embodiments, a pressure sensor (not shown) may be located near inlet 48 to measure the pressure of the incoming fluid from the wellbore annulus as it passes through the pressure sensor. In some embodiments, other properties such as temperature, density, etc., of the incoming fluid may also be measured at or near inlet 48. During operation of the PMD 222, one or both plugs 25 may be adjusted to account for the ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O changes in the flow rate through the wellbore to maintain the desired backpressure. The backpressure applied by one or more plugs 25 can be adjusted based on data collected by the pressure sensor. In some embodiments, only one of the plugs 25 operates at any given time to maintain the desired backpressure within the wellbore. In other embodiments, by allowing fluid to flow through two or more plugs 25 simultaneously, the two or more plugs can operate together to maintain the desired backpressure within the wellbore. It may be advantageous to have at least two plugs 25 in PMD 222, as one of the plugs can be diverted in case of failure or blockage and / or to allow the plug to be inspected, overhauled, repaired, or replaced during drilling operations while at least one other plug remains in service. In embodiments where the PMD 222 has two or more plugs 25, the closing of the double-shut valve 29 of one plug can be synchronized with the opening of the double-shut valve 29 of one or more of the other plugs 25, to allow a smooth transition when changing fluid flow from one flow path to another. In further embodiments, the opening and closing of two or more double-shut valves 29 can be coordinated so that when the directional valve 227 is in the shut position, fluid can flow through one or more plugs 25 at any time, which can be beneficial in preventing sudden spikes or drops in fluid pressure in the well when changing plugs.In some embodiments, when the transition to and from the bypass position of PMD 222 is made, the corresponding activation of the directional valve 227 and one or more of the double shut-off valves 29 can be carried out by the same actuator or otherwise synchronized so that the. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O internal plug line 40 and at least one of the plugs 25 are not completely blocked during the transition. Synchronizing the activation of the directional valve 227 and one or more of the double-shut-off valves 29 can provide a smoother transition between PMD positions, which can be beneficial in preventing sudden spikes or drops in fluid pressure in the well as the directional valve 227 redirects fluid flow in the PMD 222. In some embodiments, the synchronization of either of the two double-shut-off valves 29 and the directional valve 227 can be achieved mechanically, hydraulically, electronically, pneumatically, or a combination thereof, or by any technique known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 may comprise one or more position sensors (not shown) to allow the determination of the position of one or more valves 29, 227 in real time.Position sensors can be positioned on the actuators of valves 29, 227 and / or on valves 29, 227. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 is in communication with a control unit (not shown). The control unit is configured to monitor the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor in real time and to control one or more plug actuators 26, double-shut valve actuators 30, and the directional valve actuator. Based on the pressure data from the pressure sensor, the control unit can predict near-future pressures to anticipate any increases above the safety threshold of the plugs 25. By predicting future pressures, the control unit can provide early detection of potential plug and / or flow meter failures and thus have sufficient time to activate and change the position of one or both double-shut valves 29 to redirect the flow of fluid within the PMD 222.In some embodiments, if the control unit detects any worn shutter components and / or potential obstruction of a shutter, it can alert an operator that inspection and / or maintenance of that particular shutter is required. The alert could be, for example, an electronic message to the operator via a display and / or an audio alarm or a visual indicator (not shown) on the PMD 222. In this way, the PMD 222, along with the control unit, can be used to predict and prevent wellbore hammering during drilling operations by analyzing fluid flow characteristics measured upstream and downstream of the well. The PMD 222 (including any of its actuators) can be fully automated and / or remotely controlled by the control unit. As such, the PMD 222 can provide fast and accurate execution of fluid diversion sequences with minimal human intervention. The PMD 222 can be useful for unmanned wells and / or offshore platforms where quick operator access to the PMD may be unavailable or restricted. In some embodiments, the PMD 222 can operate with the control unit, and the control unit has a processor and a non-transient computer-readable medium operatively coupled to it. A plurality of instructions, such as control logic software, can be stored on the non-transient computer-readable medium, and the instructions are accessible and executable by the processor. In some embodiments, the control unit communicates with one or more of the following: shutter actuators 26, double-shut valve actuators 30, directional valve actuator, pressure sensor, ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o position sensors, and any other PMD components. In some embodiments, the control unit can communicate control signals to the shutter actuators 26 based on data received from the pressure sensor.In some embodiments, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the control unit may also be in communication with one or more sensors associated with the drilling system, such as one or more sensors associated with the drilling tool (not shown), the wellhead 102, the BOP stack 5, the RCD 7, the mud handling equipment 9, etc. Consequently, the control unit can communicate control signals to the plug actuators 26 based on data received from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the control unit operates according to a ma / t / zuzz / uoyo 7 or PMD sample valve 227 222: double shut-off valve 29 (1st plug) double shut-off valve 29 (2nd plug) Bypass Bypass Closed Closed single plug (1st plug) plug Open Closed single plug (2nd plug) plug Closed Open double plug plug Open Open Well pressure trap plug Closed Closed Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of another embodiment of a PMD of this disclosure. The PMD 122 in Figure 7 is similar to the PMD 222 in Figure 6, except that the PMD 122 has a directional valve 27 instead of directional valve 227. The other components of the PMD 122 are the same as or similar to the components of the same number in the PMD 222 as described above with respect to Figure 6 and are therefore not described again. In some embodiments, directional valve 27 is controlled by an actuator of directional valve 28. The PMD 122 may optionally have a pump diverter flow inlet 52 to receive fluid from the flow diverter 20 (shown in Figure 4). In some embodiments, the diverted flow inlet of pump 52 is in fluid communication with the inlet conduits 66 and the directional valve 27. The PMD 122 directional valve 27 is configured to direct well fluid from the wellbore annular space to different flow paths depending on the position of directional valve 27. In the PMD 122, one of the flow paths is an internal block line 40 between inlet 48 and outlet 50, and directional valve 27 is positioned somewhere along the internal block line 40, between the inlet and outlet. In some embodiments, the directional valve 27 is positioned between the inlet and an intersection 70 of the internal shutoff line 40 and the outlet conduit 68 fluidly connected to the shutoff outlet 25. The directional valve 27 operates to control fluid communication between the inlet 48 and the outlet 50 through the internal shutoff line 40. In some embodiments, the directional valve 27 has a shutoff position and a bypass position.In the bypass position, valve 27 operates to divert fluid directly to outlet 50 through the internal shutoff line 40 by diverting inlet passages 66 (and plugs 25). In the shutoff position, valve 27 operates to block the internal shutoff line 40 and divert fluid entering through inlet 48 to one or both inlet passages. 66. Like the PMD 222 described above, the PMD 122 has a bypass position, a single-block position, and a double-block position. When the PMD 122 is in the bypass position, in which the directional valve 27 is in the bypass position and both double-block valves 29 are closed, fluid is allowed to flow from inlet 48 directly to outlet 50 through the internal block line 40, while fluid flow through the plugs 25 is restricted. When PMD 122 is in the single shut position, in which the directional valve 27 is in the shut position and one of the double shut valves 29 is open and the other double shut valve 29 is closed, fluid is only allowed to flow from inlet 48 to outlet 50 through the respective plug 25 of the open double shut valve 29.When the PMD 122 is in the double-blocked position, where the directional valve 27 is in the blocked position and both double-block valves 29 are open, fluid is permitted to flow from inlet 48 to outlet 50 through both plugs 25. The PMD 122 has a pump flow diverter position, where the directional valve 27 is in the blocked position and one or both double-block valves 29 are open so that fluid entering the PMD 122 from the pump diverted flow inlet 52 flows through one or both plugs 25 before exiting the PMD at outlet 50. In some embodiments, the PMD 122 may have a well pressure trap position so that fluid communication between inlet 48 and outlet 50 is restricted.In the well pressure trap position, the directional valve 27 is in the shut position and both double shut valves 29 are closed so that fluid is not allowed to flow from ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / or the inlet 48 to the outlet 50. In some embodiments, when the PMD 122 is installed, for example, on top of a BOP or any component of the BOP stack, or anywhere within the BOP stack, the directional valve 27 is positioned around the drill string 4 above the wellbore, and the directional valve 27 is in fluid communication with the wellbore annulus through inlet 48. In some embodiments, the directional valve 27 is substantially coaxial with the drill string 4 and / or concentric with the drill string 4. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the PMD 122 and / or the directional valve 27 is positioned immediately above a BOP or any component of the BOP stack. In embodiments where the PMD 122 does not comprise any wellbore sealing mechanism, at least a portion of the PMD 122 and / or the directional valve 27 may be positioned between the BOP stack and the RCD. The following is a sample PMD valve program. MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO ! O PMD Position Valve Position 27 Double Shut-Off Valve Position 29 (1st Plug) Double Shut-Off Valve Position 29 (2nd Plug) Bypass Bypass Closed Closed Single Plug (1st Plug) Plug Open Closed Single Plug (2nd Plug) Plug Closed Open Double Plug Plug Open Open Pump Flow Diverter Plug Open / Closed Open / Closed Well Pressure Trap Plug Closed Closed Figures 8 to 13 show a sample configuration of the PMD 222 of Figure 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 13, a PMD 322 generally comprises a PMD 331 housing, a first obturation assembly 336a, a second obturation assembly 336b, and a directional valve assembly 347. In some embodiments, the PMD 331 housing is configured to be operatively coupled and in fluid communication with a BOP stack 5, the obturation assemblies 336a and 336b, and the directional valve assembly 347. In some embodiments, the PMD 331 housing includes the directional valve assembly 347 and / or the directional valve assembly is integrated with the PMD 331 housing. In some embodiments, the PMD 331 housing is configured to allow the sounding column 4 to extend through it and rotate within it.In further embodiments, the PMD 331 casing can be configured to receive a sealing mechanism, such as a bearing assembly 334, for rotatably and securely engaging the drill string 4. In some embodiments, the PMD 331 casing provides a series of flow paths through it to divert well fluids from an annular wellbore space (not shown). In some embodiments, the PMD 331 casing has a generally tubular body with an inner surface defining an axial bore 361 extending between a first end 354 and a second end 356 of the PMD 331 casing. In some embodiments, the bore 361 is configured to receive a segment of the drill string 4 through it.For example, the inner bore 361 can be sized to accommodate a portion of the borehole column 4 extending axially through it, so that the borehole column 4 can rotate freely without interfering with the inner surface of the PMD housing 331. In some embodiments, the PMD housing 331 is configured to receive the bearing assembly 334 via the first end 354, so that the bearing assembly 334 can be removably attached to the PMD housing. The second end 356 is configured for direct connection to the anti-burst plug stack 5 by, for example, a flange connection or other techniques known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the PMD 331 housing has a plurality of bores extending laterally through the body of the PMD 331 housing. The plurality of bores defines a valve inlet conduit 362, a first plug inlet conduit 366a, and a second plug inlet conduit 366b. The valve inlet conduit 362 and the first and second plug inlet conduits 366a and 366b intersect the inner bore 361 and are in fluid communication with it. In the sample embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 13, the valve inlet conduit 362 is substantially orthogonal to the inlet conduits 366a and 366b, and the inlet conduits 366a and 366b are substantially coaxial with each other.In the illustrated embodiment, the valve inlet conduit 362 and the first and second plug inlet conduits 366a, 366b are positioned at approximately the same axial location in the PMD 331 housing body. Other configurations of the PMD 331 housing are possible, for example, other configurations of the inner bore 362 and a plurality of bores in the PMD 331 housing. In some embodiments, the PMD 331 housing may be a simple flow block. In other embodiments, the PMD 331 housing may comprise a plurality of flow blocks and / or pipes (for example, spools) coupled to each other in an operative manner to provide one or more flow paths therein. The PMD 331 housing is configured to allow secure attachment to the directional valve assembly 347 in the valve inlet passage 362; to the first obturation assembly 336a in the first obturation inlet passage 366a; and to the second obturation assembly 336b in the second obturation inlet passage 366b. The directional valve assembly 347 and the first and second obturation assemblies 336a, 336b can be securely and releasably attached to the PMD 331 housing by, for example, fasteners or other techniques known to those skilled in the art.When the directional valve assembly 347 and the first and second plug assemblies 336a, 336b are connected to the PMD housing 331, the valve inlet passage 362 allows fluid communication between the inner orifice 361 and the directional valve assembly 347; and each of the first and second plug inlet passages 366a, 366b allows fluid communication between the inner orifice 361 and the first and second plug assemblies 336a, 336b, respectively. The opening of the internal orifice 361 at the second end 356 defines an inlet 348 of the PMD 322. With further reference to Figures 3 and 4, when the second end 356 of the PMD 331 casing is connected to the BOP stack 5, fluid from the annular space of well 1 can flow into the interior of the PMD 331 casing well 361 through the wellhead 102, the BOP stack 5, and inlet 348, sequentially. The fluid entering the internal orifice 361 of the PMD 331 casing is diverted through at least one of several possible flow paths in the PMD 322, depending on the position of each of the ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o directional valve assemblies 347 and the first and second plug assemblies 336a, 336b. The operation of the PMD 322 will be described in more detail below. Although the PMD 322 shown in Figures 8 to 13 has two obturation assemblies 336a and 336b, it can be seen that the PMD may comprise fewer or more obturation assemblies in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the obturation assemblies 336a and 336b are identical and mirror images of each other; therefore, only obturation assembly 336a will be described in detail. In some embodiments, obturation assembly 336a comprises an obturation cartridge 326, an obturation housing 325, and a double-closing valve 329 disposed in the obturation housing 325. Figures 15 and 16 show an embodiment of the sealing housing 325 with (at least a part of) the double shutoff valve 329 installed therein. The sealing housing 325 has a first end 301a, a second end 301b, an outer surface 302, an inner surface 304, a sealing inlet 306, and a sealing outlet 308. The sealing inlet and outlet 306, 308 extend through the inner and outer surfaces 304, 302 to allow fluid to enter and exit the sealing housing 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 306 and outlet 308 are axially separated between the first and second ends 301a, 301b and are positioned at approximately the same azimuthal location on the outer surface 302. Other orientations of the inlet 306 and outlet 308 are possible.In some embodiments, the first end 301a is open and the second end 301b is closed, and the inner surface 304 defines an inner chamber to receive at least a part of the double shut-off valve 329. ML / t / zuzz / uoyo ! o In some embodiments, with specific reference to Figure 16, the double shut-off valve 329 is a generally tubular member having a first end 311a, a second end 311b, a wall 319, an inlet port 316 and an outlet port 318 extending through the wall 319, and an inner surface 313 defining a large chamber 312 and a small chamber 314 contiguous to the large chamber 312. In some embodiments, the large chamber 312 is closer to the first end 311a than the small chamber 314; and the small chamber 314 is closer to the second end 311b than the large chamber 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the chambers 312, 314 are connected to each other at a respective open end and extend axially along a substantial length of the double shutoff valve 329. In some embodiments, the chambers 312, 314 are in a coaxial arrangement.Chambers 312 and 314 are in fluid communication with each other through their connected open ends. The other end of the smaller chamber 314, the adjacent second end 311b, is closed. The first end 311a of the valve 329 is open to provide open access to the larger chamber 312 and the smaller chamber 314. In some embodiments, the double-seal valve 329 has an alignment profile at the first end 311a. For example, the alignment profile of the valve 329 may comprise a cavity 315 formed at the first end 311a. In other embodiments, instead of the double-seal valve 329, the sealing housing 325 has the alignment profile. In some embodiments, a shoulder 317 is defined on the inner surface 313 between the large chamber 312 and the small chamber 314. The inlet port 316 and the outlet port 318 allow fluid to enter and exit the valve 329, respectively.In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet port 316 and outlet port 318 are axially separated between the first and second ends 311a, 311b and are positioned approximately at the same azimuthal location on the inner surface 313. In some embodiments, the inlet port 316 and outlet port 318 are positioned on the inner surface 313 to coincide with the large chamber 312 and the small chamber 314, respectively, so that fluid can enter chamber 312 through the inlet port 316 and flow into chamber 314, and then exit through the outlet port 318. Other configurations of the double shut-off valve are possible. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the double-seal valve 329 is rotatably supported and mounted in the inner chamber defined by the inner surface 304 so that the double-seal valve 329 can rotate relative to the sealing housing 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the double-seal valve 329 is mounted in the inner chamber of the sealing housing 325 such that the first and second ends 311a, 311b are adjacent to the first and second ends 301a, 301b, respectively, and the axial positions of the inlet port 316 and outlet port 318 coincide with those of the inlet 306 and outlet 308, respectively. The double-seal valve 329 can be rotatably mounted in the sealing housing 325 by means of bearings (not shown) or other mechanisms known to the art.In some embodiments, the double shutoff valve 329 is positioned substantially concentrically within the sealing housing 325 and can rotate about its central longitudinal axis relative to the sealing housing 325. The interface between the valve 329 and the housing 325 can be fluidly sealed by seals, such as O-rings (not shown). In some embodiments, a double shut-off valve actuator 330 is operatively coupled and in communication with the double shut-off valve 329 to actuate ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O the valve 329 to effect the movement (i.e., to drive the rotation) of the valve 329 relative to the housing 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator of the double-check valve 330 is supported on the outer surface 302 of the shut-off housing 325 and is coupled to the double-check valve 329 near its first end 311a. The actuator of the double-check valve 330 can actuate the double-check valve 329 mechanically, for example, by means of (planetary) gears, a belt, a chain drive, etc., or electrically, hydraulically, or a combination thereof, or by other techniques known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the actuator of the double-check valve 330 may comprise a remotely operated motor and may be configured to allow automation of the actuation of the valve 329.Other configurations of valve 329 and actuator 330 are possible, and other ways of moving and / or rotating valve 329 are possible in addition to those described in this document. In some embodiments, actuator 330 operates to switch valve 329 between an open and a closed position, and vice versa. In the open position, as shown in Figure 16, the inlet port 316 and outlet port 318 of valve 329 are aligned with the inlet 306 and outlet 308 of the obturation housing 325, respectively, allowing communication between the inlet 306 and the large chamber 312 (via the inlet port 316), and between the small chamber 314 and the outlet 308 (via the outlet port 318). The term "aligned" herein includes substantially aligned (i.e., substantially coaxial or concentric) and partially aligned. Furthermore, the expression "not aligned" and the term "misaligned" mean blocked. In the closed position, the inlet port 316 and outlet port 318 are misaligned with the inlet ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O 306 and outlet 308, respectively, such that the valve wall 329 blocks inlet 306 and outlet 308, thereby restricting communication between inlet 306 and large chamber 312, and between small chamber 314 and outlet 308. With reference to Figures 15 and 16, in some embodiments, the sealing housing 325 comprises an installation mechanism 328 to facilitate the installation of a sealing cartridge 326 (shown, for example, in Figure 17) in the sealing housing. The sealing cartridge 326 will be described in detail below.The installation mechanism 328 can help ensure that the sealing cartridge 326 is correctly positioned relative to the sealing housing 325, for example, that the sealing cartridge is aligned with the opening of the large chamber 312 at the first end 311a of the double shutoff valve 329 and that the sealing cartridge 326 is located concentrically with the large chamber 312 and / or the small chamber 314. In some embodiments, the installation mechanism 328 is secured to the outer surface 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the installation mechanism 328 comprises a telescopic arm 340 that can be selectively extended and retracted relative to the sealing housing 325 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing housing 325. In some embodiments, the installation mechanism 328 comprises a support bracket 342 at or near the free end of the telescopic arm 340. The bracket 342 is configured to engage an outer surface of the obturation cartridge 326. In some embodiments, the bracket 342 has at least a U-shaped frame, a portion of which is configured to couple to receive an axial segment of the obturation cartridge 326 therein, to help minimize lateral movement of the cartridge 326. In some embodiments, the U-shaped frame is oriented such that the opening in the frame faces upward to allow the obturation cartridge 326 to be positioned onto the frame from above. In some embodiments, when the obturation cartridge 326 rests on the support bracket 342, the installation mechanism 328 can be selectively actuated to help guide and move the cartridge 326 into the obturation housing 325. In some embodiments, an actuator of the installation mechanism 332 is operatively coupled to the installation mechanism 328 to actuate the mechanism 328 to effect its movement (for example, to drive the telescopic arm 340 axially to extend and retract it) relative to the sealing housing 325. The actuator of the installation mechanism 332 may rest on the outer surface 302 of the sealing housing 325. The actuator of the installation mechanism 332 may actuate the installation mechanism 328 mechanically, for example, by coupling a spindle with a threaded interface, or electrically, hydraulically, or a combination thereof, or by other techniques known to the skilled trades.In some embodiments, the actuator of the installation mechanism 332 may comprise a motor that can be operated remotely and can be configured to allow automation of (at least a part of) the installation procedure of the sealing cartridge 326. Figure 17 shows a sample embodiment of a shut-off cartridge 326 that can be installed in the shut-off housing 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the shut-off cartridge 326 comprises a cartridge housing 372, a shut-off regulator 337 positioned in the cartridge housing 372, and a shut-off actuator 376 operatively coupled to the shut-off regulator 337 to drive the axial movement of the shut-off regulator 337 relative to the cartridge housing 372. The cartridge housing 372 is configured to be received in the large chamber 312 of the double shut-off valve (shown in Figure 16). In some embodiments, the 372 cartridge case has an internal bore 378 extending axially into it and opening at a first end 377 to define a breech opening 338. The 372 cartridge case has a cartridge inlet 382 extending through the wall of the 372 cartridge case.The cartridge inlet 382 is positioned in the cartridge housing 372 so that the cartridge inlet 382 is in communication with the inner orifice 378. The cartridge inlet 382 is positioned at an axial location in the cartridge housing 372 so that when the cartridge housing 372 is received into the large chamber 312 of the double-shut valve 329, the cartridge inlet 382 can be aligned with the inlet port 316 of the valve 329 (shown in Figure 16). The actuator 376 is secured to the cartridge housing 372 and closes a second end of the inner orifice 378. The shutoff regulator 337 is an elongated member having a first free end 375 and a second end operatively coupled to the actuator 376. In one sample embodiment, the first end 375 may be frustoconical, and in other sample embodiments, the inner surface of the first end 377 may be frustoconical, matching the first end 375. The shutoff regulator 337 extends axially and is positioned substantially concentrically in the inner orifice 378. By selectively adjusting the position of the shutoff regulator 337 relative to the cartridge housing 372 and, more specifically, the position of the first end 375 relative to the shutoff orifice 338, the size of the flow path between the cartridge inlet 382 and the orifice of MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O The obturation 338 can be modified to, for example, apply a desired back pressure at the inlet 382. In some embodiments, the obturation regulator 337 can be selectively positioned to engage with the obturation orifice 338 to restrict fluid flow through the inner orifice 378. The obturation actuator 376 operates to actuate the obturation regulator 337 to effect its movement (i.e., to move the obturation regulator 337 axially) relative to the cartridge housing 372. The obturation actuator 376 can actuate the obturation regulator 337 mechanically, for example, by coupling a spindle with a threaded interface, or electrically, hydraulically, or a combination thereof, or by other techniques known to the skilled trade.In some embodiments, the shutter actuator 376 may comprise a remotely operable motor and may be configured to allow automation of (at least part of) the activation of the shutter regulator 337. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the cartridge housing 372 has an annular groove 384 defined therein. The annular groove 384 can be configured to receive and engage coincidentally with the support 342 of the obturation housing 325 (best shown in Figure 15A) so that axial movement of the obturation cartridge 326 is restricted when the obturation cartridge 326 is removably supported in the support 342. In some embodiments, the annular groove 384 is axially positioned at or near a mid-length location of the obturation cartridge 326. In some embodiments, the obturation cartridge 326 has an alignment profile to facilitate alignment of the obturation cartridge 326 with the obturation housing 325 and / or the double-shutoff valve 329, which will be described in detail below. In further embodiments, the profile The alignment profile of the sealing cartridge 326 engages with the corresponding alignment profile of the double-shut valve 329 to allow the sealing cartridge 326 to move with the double-shut valve 329 when the alignment profiles are engaged. In other embodiments, the alignment profile of the sealing cartridge 326 is configured to engage with the corresponding alignment profile of the sealing housing 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment profile of the sealing cartridge 326 comprises a raised tab 386 on the outer surface of the cartridge housing 372 that extends along an axial and circumferential portion of the cartridge housing 372. In some embodiments, one end of the tab 386 is axially adjacent to the groove 384. In some embodiments, the other end of the tongue 386 has a flange 388 that extends radially outwards.The tongue 386 is configured to engage in the cavity 315 of the double-seal valve 329 (shown in Figure 16). In some embodiments, when the cartridge housing 372 is received in the large chamber 312 (shown in Figure 16) with the alignment profiles engaged, the cartridge inlet 382 aligns with the inlet port 316 of the double-seal valve 329. In other embodiments, the alignment profiles may comprise interlocking splines, a keyway, a pin, mating surfaces, etc. The above describes one configuration of the sealing cartridge, and, as a person skilled in the art can appreciate, other sealing cartridge configurations are possible. With reference to Figures 14 to 17, to install the sealing cartridge 326 in the sealing housing 325, the telescopic arm 340 of the installation mechanism 328 is fully extended, and then the sealing cartridge 326 is positioned in the holder 342 with the sealing orifice 338 facing the opening of the double-shut valve 329 at the first end 311a, and at least a portion of the holder 342 being received in a lower portion of the annular groove 384. When the cartridge 326 rests in the holder 342 in this manner, the cartridge 326 is substantially parallel and coaxial with the double-shut valve 329. In some embodiments, if it is not already aligned, the sealing cartridge 326 is rotated about its central longitudinal axis to azimuthalally align the alignment profiles of the cartridge housing. 372 and the double shut-off valve 329 (or the sealing housing 325).In the illustrated embodiment, the obturation cartridge 326 rotates until the tab 386 and the cavity 315 are circumferentially aligned. Once the alignment profiles are aligned, the actuator of the installation mechanism 332 is operated to drive the installation mechanism 328 to retract the arm 340, thereby moving the obturation cartridge 326 axially relative to the obturation housing 325 into the small chamber 314 to insert the cartridge housing 372 into the large chamber 312. In some embodiments, the cartridge housing 372 is inserted into the large chamber 312 until the first end 377 rests against the shoulder 317 within the double-closing valve 329. The actuator of the installation mechanism 332 may include a sensor (e.g., a torque sensor) so that the actuator 332 can detect when the first end 377 of the cartridge housing 372 rests against the shoulder 317 of the valve 329 and accordingly cease actuation of the installation mechanism 328. In some embodiments, when the cartridge case 372 is fully received in the large chamber 312 (i.e., when the first end 377 rests against the shoulder 317), the tab 386 is coincidentally received ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O in cavity 315 and the cartridge inlet 382 aligns with the inlet port 316. In further embodiments, when the cartridge housing 372 is fully received in the large chamber, the sealing orifice 338 is in direct fluid communication with the small chamber 314 (as shown, for example, in Figure 11). In further embodiments, where the tab 386 has the flange 388 at one end, the flange 388 is received in a corresponding groove (not shown) defined on the inner surface of the chamber 312 when the cartridge housing 372 is fully received in the valve 329, to further help secure the cartridge housing 372 to the valve 329.In some embodiments, the outer surface of the 372 cartridge shell is configured so that when the 372 cartridge shell is fully received into the large 312 chamber, the 372 cartridge shell fits in a sealed manner with the inner surface of the 312 chamber. In some embodiments, the alignment profiles of the cartridge housing 372 and the double-shut valve 329 (i.e., the tongue 386 and the cavity 315, respectively) rotationally lock the shut-off cartridge 326 to the double-shut valve 329, such that the cartridge 326 remains substantially stationary relative to the valve 329, ensuring that the inlet port 316 and the inlet of the cartridge 382 are always aligned. For example, when the double-shut valve 329 is rotated about its longitudinal axis by the actuator 330 relative to the shut-off housing 325, the shut-off cartridge 326 rotates correspondingly with the valve 329 and experiences substantially the same amount of rotation as the valve 329 relative to the shut-off housing 325.In further embodiments, the coupling of the support 342 with the groove 384 allows the obturation cartridge 326 to rotate freely while restricting the axial and lateral movement of the cartridge 326. In other embodiments where the alignment profile of the cartridge housing 372 is coupled with the alignment profile of the obturation housing 325, instead of the double-closing valve, the obturation cartridge 326 is rotatably locked in the obturation housing 325 such that the cartridge 326 remains substantially stationary relative to the obturation housing 325, so that the obturation inlet 306 is always approximately in the same axial and azimuthal position as the inlet of the cartridge 382, ​​regardless of the position of the double-closing valve 329. When the obturation cartridge 326 is installed in the obturation housing 325 as described above, the double-shutoff valve 329 is located between the obturation cartridge 326 and the obturation housing 325, and this configuration can help minimize the overall size of the obturation assembly 336a. Once the obturation cartridge 326 is installed, the double-shutoff valve 329 can be activated to control communication between the obturation inlet 306 and the inner orifice 378 of the cartridge housing 372, and between the small chamber 314 and the obturation outlet 308. The obturation regulator 337, the inner orifice 378, the obturation orifice 338, and the small chamber 314 can be collectively referred to as the obturator.When the double shut-off valve 329 is in the open position, as shown, for example, in Figure 11, the inlet port 316 and the cartridge inlet 382 are aligned with the plug inlet 306, and the outlet port 318 is aligned with the plug outlet 308, allowing communication between the inlet 306 and the outlet 308 through the inner orifice 378, the plug orifice 338, and the small chamber 314, consecutively. When the double shut-off valve 329 is in the In the closed position, inlet port 316 and cartridge inlet 382 are misaligned with plug inlet 306, and outlet port 318 is also misaligned with plug outlet 308, so that the valve wall 329 blocks inlet 306 and outlet 308, thereby restricting communication between inlet 306 and outlet 308. In the illustrated embodiment, when valve 329 is in the open position, inlets 306, 382, ​​outlet 308, and outlet port 318 are open; when valve 329 is in the closed position, inlets 306, 382, ​​outlet 308, and outlet port 318 are closed. Accordingly, the double shut-off valve 329 can be configured to simultaneously open inlets 306, 382, ​​outlet 308 and outlet port 318, and simultaneously close inlets 306, 382, ​​outlet 308 and outlet port 318. In some embodiments, the actuator 330 can actuate the valve 329 by rotating the valve, clockwise or counterclockwise, about the valve's central longitudinal axis relative to the obturation housing 325 at a predetermined angle to move the valve 329 from one position to another, which may depend on the position and diameter of one or more inlet 306, inlet port 316, cartridge inlet 382, ​​outlet port 318, and outlet 308. In some embodiments, to place the valve 329 in the open position, the actuator 330 rotates the valve 329 until the inlet port 316 and the cartridge inlet 382 are aligned with the obturation inlet 306, and the outlet port 318 is aligned with the obturation outlet 308.To place valve 329 in the closed position, actuator 330 rotates valve 329 until inlet 306 and outlet 308 are blocked by the valve 329 wall. In further embodiments, sensors (such as pressure sensors or actuator encoders) may be included in the PMD 322 to determine when inlet 306 (or outlet 308) is closed (or open) to assist actuator 330 in the valve 329 transition. Accordingly, actuator 330 is configured to move valve 329 while it is between the open and closed positions and to stop moving valve 329 once it is determined that the valve 329 is in the desired position. In other embodiments, the double shut-off valve 329 can be omitted from the PMD 322, and the fluid flow through the sealing cartridge 326 can be controlled by adjusting the position of the sealing regulator 337 relative to the sealing orifice 338. For example, the fluid flow through the sealing cartridge 326 can be restricted by engaging the sealing regulator 337 with the sealing orifice 338, thus blocking the orifice; and fluid flow through the sealing cartridge 326 is permitted by moving the sealing regulator 337 away from the sealing orifice 338. As a person skilled in the art can appreciate, other means of controlling the fluid flow through the sealing cartridge or of opening and closing the sealing inlet 306 and the sealing outlet 308 are possible without using the double shut-off valve 329. To remove the obturation cartridge 326 from the obturation housing 325, the actuator of the installation mechanism 332 is operated to drive the installation mechanism 328, which extends the arm 340. This moves the obturation cartridge 326 axially relative to the obturation housing 325 and away from the small chamber 314, allowing the cartridge housing 372 to be removed from the large chamber 312. The arm 340 extends at least until there is sufficient space to completely remove the obturation cartridge 326 from the large chamber 312 and the support 342. In some embodiments, the double shut-off valve 329 is placed in the closed position before the installation mechanism 328 is actuated to remove the obturation cartridge 326. In the closed position, the double shut-off valve 329 operates to isolate fluidically the 326 obturation cartridge of the other components of the PMD 322.The actuator of the installation mechanism 332 may include a sensor or other mechanisms known in the art to detect when the arm 340 is sufficiently extended to consequently cease the activation of the installation mechanism 328. Once the arm 340 is sufficiently extended, the sealing cartridge 326 can be removed from the holder 342. A replacement sealing cartridge (not shown) can then be installed in the sealing housing, as described above. In contrast to replacing a sealing cartridge in a conventional MPD manifold, which requires unscrewing the sealing cartridge and lifting it with a crane, the sealing housing 325 and sealing cartridge 326 configured as described above allow the sealing cartridge 326 to be easily removed and replaced, for example, when the sealing cartridge 326 requires repair or maintenance. Figure 18 shows a sample embodiment of the PMD 322 directional valve assembly 347. In the illustrated embodiment, the directional valve assembly 347 has a directional valve housing 390, a directional valve 327 operatively positioned in the housing 390, and a directional valve actuator 394 operatively coupled to the valve 327. The directional valve housing 390 may comprise one or more flow blocks and has several defined flow paths. For example, as shown in Figure 18, the directional valve housing 390 has a first end 391a, a second end 391b, an inside bore 396 extending from a directional valve inlet 395 at the first end 391a and to an outlet 350 at the second end 391b, a first plug outlet conduit 398a, and a second plug outlet conduit 398b.Both the first and second obturation outlet passages 398a, 398b intersect the inner orifice 396 and are both in communication with the outlet 350 through the inner orifice 396. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second obturation outlet passages 398a, 398b extend laterally from the inner orifice 396 and open to a first side 393a and a second side 393b, respectively, of the housing 390. In some embodiments, the PMD 322 is configured so that the directional valve housing 390 is integrated into or part of the housing of PMD 331. The directional valve 327 is configured to control fluid flow through the internal orifice 396. In the illustrated embodiment, the directional valve 327 is positioned in the housing 390, between the inlet of the directional valve 395 and the intersection of the first and second shut-off outlet passages 398a, 398b and the internal orifice 396. The directional valve 327 is in communication with the internal orifice 396 and can be actuated between a bypass position and a shut-off position. In the bypass position, as shown, for example, in Figures 18C and 18D, the directional valve 327 allows fluid communication between the inlet of the directional valve 395 and the outlet 390 through the internal orifice 396.In the shut-off position, as shown for example in Figures 11 and 13, the directional valve 327 restricts fluid communication between the inlet of the directional valve 395 and the outlet 350, for example, by blocking an axial section of the inner orifice 396. When the directional valve 327 is in the bypass position, the directional valve 327 and the inner orifice 396 are closed. ML / t / zuzz / uoyo ! or are found open. When the directional valve 327 is in the shut position, the directional valve 327 and the internal orifice 396 are closed. The directional valve 327 may be a ball valve, a plug valve, a gate valve, or a combination thereof, or any other valve known to those skilled in the art. The directional valve actuator 394 operates to actuate the directional valve 327, causing it to move (e.g., rotate) relative to the housing 390 to transition the directional valve 327 between the bypass and shut-off positions. The directional valve actuator 394 can actuate the directional valve 327 mechanically, e.g., by means of gears, or electrically, hydraulically, or a combination thereof, or by other techniques known to the art. In some embodiments, the directional valve actuator 394 may comprise a remotely operated motor and may be configured to allow automation of (at least part of) the actuation of the directional valve 327.Referring back to Figures 8 through 13, each of the PMD 331 housing, the first obturation assembly 336a, the second obturation assembly 336b, and the directional valve assembly 347 is a module of the PMD 322, and the PMD 322 modules can be transported separately to a well site. The modular configuration of the PMD 322 allows it to be assembled and connected to the BOP stack at the well site, where space is often limited. To assemble the PMD 322, each module is releasably connected to at least one other module using, for example, fasteners or other techniques known to those skilled in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second obturation assemblies 336a, 336b are connected to the PMD housing 331, on opposite sides, in the first and second obturation inlet conduits 366a, 366b, respectively.In some embodiments, each of the first and second obturation assemblies 336a, 336b may have a respective annular extension 323 on its outer surface 302 positioned at the obturation inlet 306 (shown, for example, in Figures 9 and 15C) for insertion into the corresponding first and second obturation inlet channels 366a, 366b to facilitate alignment of the inlet 306 with the inlet channels 366a, 366b. The annular extension 323 can be configured to fit in a sealed manner with the inlet conduits 366a, 366b when the sealing assemblies 336a, 336b are securely attached to the PMD housing 331. The sealing cartridges 326 can be installed in the respective sealing housings 325 of the sealing assemblies 336a, 336b before or after the sealing assemblies 336a, 336b are attached to the PMD housing 331. In the illustrated embodiment, the directional valve assembly 347 connects to the PMD housing 331 at the valve inlet port 362. In some embodiments, the directional valve assembly 347 has an annular extension 397 at its first end 391a that aligns with the directional valve inlet 395 (shown, for example, in Figures 18C and 18D) for insertion into the valve inlet port 362 to facilitate alignment of the directional valve inlet 395 with the valve inlet port 362. The annular extension 397 can be configured to create a tight seal with the valve inlet port 362 when the directional valve assembly 347 is securely attached to the PMD housing 331. In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figures 8 and 11, the assemblies of The first and second obturation valves 336a, 336b connect to the directional valve assembly 347 in the MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO ! O first and second sides 393a, 393b, respectively, so that the obturation outlets 308 of the obturation assemblies 336a, 336b are aligned with the first and second obturation outlet ducts 398a, 398b, respectively. In the assembled PMD 322, as best shown in Figure 11, the inner bore 361 of the PMD 331 housing is in fluid communication with the plug inlet 306 of the first and second plug assemblies 336a and 336b, respectively, through plug inlet passages 366a and 366b. The inner bore 361 is also in fluid communication with the directional valve inlet 395 of the directional valve assembly 347 through valve inlet passage 362. The outlet passage of the first plug 398a of the directional valve assembly 347 is in fluid communication with the plug outlet 308 of the first plug assembly 336a. The outlet conduit of the second plug 398b of the directional valve assembly 347 is in fluid communication with the plug outlet 308 of the second plug assembly 336b. The outlet 350 of the directional valve assembly 347 serves as the outlet for PMD 322.With reference to Figures 11 and 13, the internal orifice 361, the valve inlet conduit 362, and the internal orifice 396, together, provide an internal shutoff line between inlet 348 and outlet 350. When the directional valve 327 is in the shutoff position, the internal shutoff line between inlet 348 and outlet 350 is blocked by the directional valve 327 and can be referred to as closed. When the directional valve 327 is in the bypass position, the shutoff inlet line between inlet 348 and outlet 350 is unblocked and can be referred to as open. ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o As can be seen, configurations of the PMD 322 other than that shown in the Figures are possible. For example, the PMD can be modified to include additional plugs. While the plug assemblies 336a, 336b are shown positioned substantially in the same horizontal plane, on opposite sides of the PMD 331 housing (i.e., separated by approximately 180°), the plug assemblies 336a, 336b can be axially separated from each other and / or azimuthally separated at an angle of approximately 0° to approximately 180° from each other in other embodiments, and the directional valve assembly 347 can be configured otherwise to fluidically connect with the plug outlets 308 of the plug assemblies 336a, 336b. In some embodiments, with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 8, to connect the PMD 322 to the drilling system 200, the PMD 331 casing is connected, at its second end 356, directly to the BOP stack 5 such that the inlet 348 of the PMD casing (shown in Figure 13) is in fluid communication with well 1 through the BOP stack 5. A segment of the drill string 4 extends axially through the inner bore 361 of the PMD 331 casing. In some embodiments, the PMD 322 comprises a bearing assembly 334 that is received, at least partially, in the inner bore 361 of the PMD 331 casing and is releasably secured to the PMD 331 casing by any technique known in the art, to form a sealed coupling with the drill string 4.The 350 outlet of the directional valve assembly 347 is fluidly connected to the mud return line 13 of the drilling system 200 so that outlet 350 is in fluid communication with the mud handling equipment 9. μλ / t / zuzz / uoyo / o With reference to Figures 11, 13, and 19, when PMD 322 is connected to the drilling system, PMD 322 operates to divert the fluid returning from the well through different flow paths in the PMD depending on the position of directional valve 327 of the directional valve assembly 347 and the double shut-off valves 329 of the first and second plug assemblies 336a, 336b. In some embodiments, PMD 322 has three positions: a bypass position, a single plug position, and a double plug position. In operation, the well fluid (e.g., drilling mud) flows upward through the wellbore annulus, through wellhead 102 and BOP stack 5 (Figures 3, 4, and 8), and enters PMD 322 through inlet 348.From inlet 348, the fluid enters the inner orifice 361 of the PMD 331 housing and continues to at least one of several possible flow paths depending on the position of PMD 322. The fluid then exits PMD 322 at outlet 350 and can flow downstream to the mud handling equipment 9 through the mud return line 13 (shown in Figures 3 and 4). Figure 19A shows PMD 322 in the bypass position, where the double-shut valves 329 in the first and second plug assemblies 336a, 336b are in the closed position and where the directional valve 327 is in the bypass position such that the plug inlets and outlets 306, 308 are closed and the internal orifice 396 is open. When the internal orifice 396 is open, the inlet 348 of PMD 322 is in fluid communication with the outlet 350, through the internal orifice 361, the inlet passage of valve 362, the inlet of the directional valve 395, and the internal orifice 396 of the directional valve assembly 347, consecutively. Consequently, when PMD 322 is in the bypass position, the fluid entering PMD 322 ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O flows from the inner orifice 361 to the outlet 350 through the open inner orifice 396, without passing through either of the plug assemblies 336a, 336b. In the Figures, the direction of well fluid flow is indicated by arrows “F”. The fluid exits the PMD 322 through outlet 350. Figure 19B shows the PMD 322 in the single-block position, where the directional valve 327 is in the block position such that the inner orifice 396 is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the double-block valve 329 in the second block assembly 336b is closed, and the double-block valve 329 in the first block assembly 336a is opened, so that the inlet 306 and outlet 308 of the second block assembly 336b are closed, while the inlet 306 and outlet 308 of the first block assembly 336a are open.In this embodiment, inlet 348 is in fluid communication with outlet 350 of PMD 322, through inner orifice 361, first plug inlet conduit 366a, and through first plug assembly 336a through plug inlet 306, inlet port 316, cartridge inlet 382, ​​inner orifice 378, plug orifice 338, small chamber 314, outlet port 318 and plug outlet 308, consecutively, and then through first plug outlet conduit 398a. Consequently, when the PMD 322 is in the single-block position as shown in Figure 19B, the fluid entering the PMD 322 is directed to flow from the inner orifice 361 through the first block assembly 336a and then to the outlet 350. The fluid exits the PMD 322 through outlet 350. Although not shown, it can be seen that PMD 322 can be in an alternative single-blocking position, where fluid is directed to flow from the inner orifice 361 through the second block assembly 336b and ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O then to outlet 350. In this alternate single-blocking position, the directional valve 327 is in the blocked position so that the inner orifice 396 is closed; the double-blocking valve 329 in the first block assembly 336a is closed so that the inlet 306 and outlet 308 of the first block assembly 336b are closed; and the double-blocking valve 329 in the second block assembly 336b is open so that the inlet 306 and outlet 308 of the second block assembly 336a are opened, allowing fluid to flow from the inner orifice 361 to outlet 350 through the second block assembly 336b. Figure 19C shows the PMD in the double-blocking position, where the directional valve 327 is in the blocked position so that the inner orifice 396 is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the double-blocking valves 329 in the first and second block assemblies 336a, 336b are open so that the inlets 306 and outlets 308 of the first and second block assemblies 336a, 336b are open.In this embodiment, inlet 348 is in fluid communication with outlet 350 of PMD 322, through inner orifice 361, first and second plug inlet conduits 366a, 366b, and through first and second plug assemblies 336a, 336b via plug inlet 306, inlet port 316, cartridge inlet 382, ​​inner orifice 378, plug orifice 338, small chamber 314, outlet port 318 and plug outlet 308, consecutively, and then through first and second plug outlet conduits 398a, 398b. The fluid exits PMD 322 through outlet 350.Consequently, when PMD 322 is in the double-blocking position as shown in Figure 19C, the fluid entering PMD 322 is directed to flow from the inner orifice 361 through the first and second μλ / t / zuzz / uoyo / o block assemblies 336a, 336b and then to the outlet 350, thus allowing both block assemblies to operate simultaneously. In some embodiments, when switching to and from the bypass position of PMD 322, the corresponding opening and closing of the directional valve 327 and one or more of the double-shut valves 329 may be effected by the same actuator or otherwise synchronized so that the inlet passage of valve 362 and at least one of the plug inlet passages 366a, 366b are not completely blocked during the transition between the single-plug or double-plug position and the bypass position. Synchronizing the opening and closing of the directional valve 327 and one or more of the double-shut valves 329 can provide a smoother transition between valve positions, which can be beneficial in preventing sudden spikes or drops in fluid pressure in the well when the directional valve 327 controls fluid flow in PMD 322. Figures 20 to 23 show a sample configuration of PMD 422 of Figure 7 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figures 20 to 23, a PMD 422 comprises a PMD 431 housing operatively coupled to one or more obturation assemblies 436a, 436b, each of which has a respective obturation housing 425 and a respective double-shutoff valve 429 and a respective obturation cartridge 426 supported in the respective obturation housing 425. While the illustrated embodiment shows two obturation assemblies 436a, 436b, it can be seen that the PMD 422 may comprise fewer or more obturation assemblies. While the PMD 422 can operate with a single 426 shutter cartridge, additional shutter cartridges can be included for redundancy. ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o Figures 22 and 23 illustrate a sample PMD 431 housing in which at least a portion of a directional valve 427 is supported. The PMD 431 housing is configured to provide a series of flow paths through it. The PMD 431 housing has a first end 442, a second end 443, a first side 454, and a second side 456. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 450 is an opening in the second side 456 of the PMD 431 housing. In some embodiments, the PMD 431 housing may optionally have an opening in the first side 454 to provide the flow inlet for the diverted pump 452. In other embodiments, the first side 454 of the PMD 431 housing is closed. The housing of the PMD 431 has defined in it an inner hole 460 that extends between the first and second ends 442, 443 and the opening of the inner hole 460 at the second end 443 defines an inlet 448.The internal orifice 460 is configured to receive fluid from the wellbore annulus through the wellhead 102 (shown in Figures 3 and 4), the BOP stack 5 (shown in Figure 20), and the inlet 448, consecutively. In some embodiments, the PMD 431 casing is configured to allow a drill string 4 (shown in Figure 20) to extend through it and rotate within it. For example, the diameter of the inlet 448 and / or the internal orifice 460 may be sized to accommodate a portion of the drill string extending axially through them, so that the drill string can rotate without interfering with the internal surface of the PMD 431 casing. In some embodiments, the housing of the PMD 431 has defined therein an outlet flow conduit 462 for fluid communication with outlet 450; and a plug flow conduit 64 for selective fluid communication with the first and second plug assemblies 436a, 436b, and optional fluid communication with the diverted pump flow inlet 452. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet flow conduit 462 extends laterally from the inner orifice 460 to the second side 456 and opens into outlet 450. In some embodiments, the outlet flow conduit 462 is substantially orthogonal to the inner orifice 460. The inner orifice 460 and the outlet flow conduit 462, together, provide an internal plug line between inlet 448 and outlet 450.In the illustrated embodiment, the shutoff flow conduit 464 extends laterally from the inner orifice 460 to the first side 454 and, in optional embodiments, opens to the flow inlet of the diverted pump 452. In some embodiments, the shutoff flow conduit 464 is substantially orthogonal to the inner orifice 460. In further embodiments, the first side 454 can be selectively opened or closed so that the flow inlet of the diverted pump 452 can be opened for fluid connection to a flow diverter 20 (Figure 4) when desired. In the illustrated embodiments, the PMD 431 housing has a defined first obturation inlet duct 466a, a second obturation inlet duct 466b, a first obturation outlet duct 468a and a second obturation outlet duct 468b. The first and second obturation inlet conduits 466a, 466b intersect the obturation flow conduit 464 and are in fluid communication with the obturation flow conduit 464. In some embodiments, the first and second obturation inlet conduits 466a, 466b extend laterally from the obturation flow conduit 464 and are laterally separated from the inner orifice 460. In some embodiments, the first and second obturation inlet conduits 466a, 466b are substantially orthogonal to both the obturation flow conduit 464 and the ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O inner orifice 460. The first and second plug outlet conduits 468a, 468b intersect the outlet flow conduit 462 and are in fluid communication with the outlet flow conduit 462. In some embodiments, the first and second plug outlet conduits 468a, 468b extend laterally from the outlet flow conduit 462 and are laterally separated from the inner orifice 460. In some embodiments, the first and second plug outlet conduits 468a, 468b are substantially orthogonal to both the outlet flow conduit 462 and the inner orifice 460. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the directional valve 427 is positioned in the housing of the PMD 431, between the inlet 448 and the intersection of the first and second plug outlet passages 468a, 468b and the outlet flow passage 462. The directional valve 427 is configured to control fluid communication between the inner orifice 460 and the plug flow passage 464 and the outlet flow passage 462. In some embodiments, the directional valve 427 can be actuated to transition between at least two positions. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the directional valve 427 moves linearly and / or rotaryly to change the valve 427 from one position to another. In some embodiments, the directional valve 427 functions to divert the fluid in the inner orifice 460 to the outlet flow conduit 462 or to the plug flow conduit 464.In some embodiments, the directional valve 427 has a bypass position and a shut-off position. In the bypass position, the directional valve 427 is configured to permit fluid flow into the outlet flow conduit 462 while restricting fluid flow into the shut-off flow conduit 464, so that substantially all the fluid in the inner orifice 460 is diverted to the outlet flow conduit 462. In the shut-off position, the directional valve 427 is configured to permit fluid flow into the shut-off flow conduit 464 while restricting fluid flow into the outlet flow conduit 462, so that substantially all the fluid in the inner orifice 460 is diverted to the shut-off flow conduit 464. In the sample embodiment shown in Figures 20 to 23, the directional valve 427 is a tubular element having a generally cylindrical wall 490 with an inner surface defining an axially extending inner bore 461. The directional valve 427 is mounted in the PMD housing 431 such that at least a portion of the wall 490 extends into the inner bore 460 through the first end 442 to axially coincide with the outlet flow conduit 462 and the shutoff flow conduit 464. The inner bore 461 of the directional valve 427 is in fluid communication with the inner bore 460. In some embodiments, the inner bore 461 may be concentric with the inner bore 460.The inner bore 461 is sized to accommodate a portion of the sounding column 4 (shown in Figure 20) extending axially through it, so that the sounding column can rotate without interfering with the inner surface of the directional valve 427. In some embodiments, the directional valve 427 is rotatably held in the housing of the PMD 431, for example, by bearings 432, 433, and is configured to rotate, clockwise or counterclockwise, about a longitudinal axis, so that the valve 427 can move from the bypass position to the shut-off position. The y-axis can be a longitudinal (central) axis of well 1 (Figures 3 and 4), the BOP stack 5 (Figures 3 and 4), the drill string 4 (Figure 20), the internal well 461, or the internal hole 460 of the PMD casing 431. In some. MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O embodiments, the interface between valve 427 and the housing of PMD 431 can be fluidly sealed by one or more seals (not shown). In some embodiments, the wall 490 of the directional valve 427 has at least one opening extending through it, and this at least one opening is in fluid communication with the inner orifice 461. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 490 has a first opening 472a and a second opening 472b defined therein and extending through it, and the first and second openings 472a, 472b are in fluid communication with the inner orifice 461. A person skilled in the art may appreciate that the directional valve 427 can operate with fewer or more openings in the wall 490. In some embodiments, the first and second openings 472, 472b are circumferentially and / or axially separated from each other. The circumferential and / or axial spacing between the first and second openings 472a, 472b in the wall 490 is selected such that when the first opening 472a aligns with the plug flow conduit 464, the outlet flow conduit 462 is blocked by the wall 490; and when the second opening 472b aligns with the outlet flow conduit 462, the plug flow conduit 464 is blocked by the wall 490.While the openings 472a, 472b are shown in the illustrated embodiment to be positioned approximately at the same axial location on the wall 490 of the valve 427 and separated circumferentially by approximately 105°, it can be seen that the axial and / or circumferential positions of the openings 472a, 472b may vary depending on the configuration of the valve 427 and / or the housing of the PMD 431, for example, the orientation of the flow channels 462, 464 in the housing of the PMD 431. In some embodiments, the angle between the openings 472a, 472b with respect to... ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O to the longitudinal central axis of the inner hole 461 can oscillate between approximately 60° and approximately 120°. In some embodiments, as shown for example in Figures 23 and 24A, when the directional valve 427 is in the bypass position, the second opening 472b aligns with the outlet flow conduit 462 to allow fluid communication between the internal orifice 461 and the flow conduit 462. In the bypass position, the first opening 472a is misaligned with the shut-off flow conduit 464, so that the wall 490 of the directional valve 427 blocks the flow conduit 464 to restrict fluid communication with it. When the directional valve 427 is in the bypass position, the second opening 472b and the outlet flow conduit 462 are open, while the first opening 472a and the shut-off flow conduit 464 are closed.In some embodiments, as shown for example in Figures 24B to 24D, when the directional valve 427 is in the shut-off position, the first opening 472a aligns with the shut-off flow conduit 464 to allow fluid communication between the internal orifice 461 and the shut-off flow conduit 464. In the shut-off position, the second opening 472b is misaligned with the outlet flow conduit 462, so that the wall 490 blocks the flow conduit 462 to restrict fluid communication with it. When the directional valve 427 is in the shut-off position, the second opening 472b and the outlet flow conduit 462 are closed, while the first opening 472a and the shut-off flow conduit 464 are open. In some embodiments, a directional valve actuator, not shown in Figures 20 to 24 for simplicity, is operatively coupled to the directional valve 427 and operates to actuate the directional valve 427 for the transition of the valve 427 from the bypass position to the shut-off position and vice versa. The directional valve actuator coupled to the valve 427 may be a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof, configured to actuate the valve 427 by moving the valve 427 in a predetermined direction and distance and / or angle for the transition of the valve 427 from one position to the other. The predetermined direction, distance, and / or angle may depend on the circumferential and / or axial clearance between the first and second openings 472a, 472b.In the illustrated embodiment, for example, to place valve 427 in the shut-off position, the directional valve actuator rotates valve 427 about the y-axis until the first opening 472a aligns with the shut-off flow conduit 464. To place valve 427 in the bypass position, the directional valve actuator rotates valve 427 about the y-axis until the second opening 472b aligns with the outlet flow conduit 462. In some embodiments, sensors (such as pressure sensors) may be included in the PMD 422 to determine when the outlet flow conduit 462 (or the shut-off flow conduit 464) is closed (or opened) to assist the directional valve actuator in controlling valve 427.Accordingly, the directional valve actuator is configured to actuate valve 427 while valve 427 is between positions and to stop actuating valve 427 once it is determined that valve 427 is in the desired position. Although it can be seen that valve 427 can operate with only one opening in wall 490, having at least two openings in wall 490 can allow for a smoother transition between the bypass and shut-off positions. In some embodiments, when directional valve 427 is between the shut-off position and the bypass position, openings 472a and 472b can partially align with flow conduits 464 and 462, respectively, so that fluid can flow through both flow conduits 464 and 462 while valve 427 is in transition. The first and second openings 472a, 472b can be positioned in the wall 490 to allow at least some fluid to flow through one or both flow conduits 464, 462 through one or both openings 472a, 472b at any given time.The PMD 431 housing and / or the directional valve 427 can be configured so that the flow conduits 462, 464 are never completely blocked during the transition between the shut-off position and the bypass position, thus allowing a smoother transition between positions, which can be beneficial in avoiding sudden spikes or drops in fluid pressure in the well, as the directional valve 427 redirects fluid flow into the PMD 422. With reference to Figure 23, the sealing assemblies 436a, 436b are fluidically connected to the housing of the PMD 431 such that the sealing inlet conduit 466a and the sealing outlet conduit 468a are operatively coupled and in fluid communication with the first sealing assembly 436a; and the sealing inlet conduit 466b and the sealing outlet conduit 468b are operatively coupled and in fluid communication with the second sealing assembly 436b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sealing assemblies 436a, 436b are mirror images of each other, so only the first sealing assembly 436a will be described in detail.In some embodiments, the first obturation assembly 436a comprises an elongated obturation housing 425 having a first end 474a, a second end 474b, an inner hole extending between the first and second ends 474a, 474b and opening at the first end 474a, and a wall having defined therein. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O extending through it, a sealing inlet 482 and a sealing outlet 484. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing inlet 482 and the sealing outlet 484 are axially separated such that the inlet 482 is near the first end 474a and the outlet 484 is near the second end 474b. The sealing inlet 482 and the sealing outlet 484 are in communication with the inner bore of the sealing housing 425. The sealing assembly 436a comprises a sealing cartridge 426. In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 23, the sealing cartridge 426 comprises a sealing regulator 437, a sealing actuator 476, an installation cylinder 441, and a cartridge housing 440 having a wall with an inner surface defining an inner chamber 428 and a sealing orifice 438. The chamber 428 has a closed end and an open end. With reference to Figure 24B, the sealing cartridge 426 has a cartridge inlet 486 and a cartridge outlet 488, both of which extend through the cartridge housing wall 440 and are in fluid communication with the inner chamber 428. In some embodiments, the cartridge inlet 486 and the sealing orifice 438 are positioned near the open end of the chamber 428, while the cartridge outlet 488 is located near the closed end of the chamber 428.The shutter regulator 437 extends into the chamber 428 near its open end, adjacent to the orifice 438. The shutter actuator 476 is operatively coupled to the shutter regulator 437 to actuate it. The shutter actuator 476 is secured to the cartridge housing 440, sealing the open end of the inner chamber 428. Fluid enters chamber 428 of the cartridge housing 440 through the cartridge inlet 486 and exits chamber 428 through the cartridge outlet 488. The shutter orifice 438, the shutter regulator 437, the shutter actuator 476, and its operation for applying backpressure are similar or identical to the shutter orifice 338, the shutter regulator 337, and the shutter actuator 376 described above with reference to PMD 322 and Figure 17.The shut-off regulator 437, the inner chamber 428, and the shut-off orifice 438 may be collectively referred to as the shut-off, with the cartridge inlet 486 being the shut-off inlet and the cartridge outlet 488 the shut-off outlet. In some embodiments, fluid flow through the inner chamber 428 may be restricted by engaging the shut-off regulator 437 with the shut-off orifice 438, thereby closing the shut-off. With reference to Figures 21 to 24, the first shutoff assembly 436a comprises a double shutoff valve 429 and a double shutoff valve actuator 430 operatively coupled to the double shutoff valve 429. At least a portion of the double shutoff valve 429 is supported in the shutoff housing 425. The double shutoff valve 429 may be the same as or similar to the double shutoff valve 329 described above with reference to PMD 322 and Figure 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the double shutoff valve 429 is a tubular member having a generally cylindrical wall with an inner surface defining an inner bore that extends axially to removably receive at least a portion of the shutoff cartridge 426.In some embodiments, when the sealing cartridge 426 is installed in the double-shut valve 429, at least a portion of the valve wall 429 is disposed between the inner surface of the sealing housing 425 and the outer surface of the cartridge housing 440. Placing the double-shut valve 429 inside the sealing housing can help minimize the size of the sealing assembly 436b. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 23, a portion of the valve 429 can extend beyond the second end 474b of the sealing housing 425. When the plug cartridge 426 is installed there, the double shut-off valve 429 is configured to control fluid flow between the plug inlet 482 and the cartridge inlet 486, and between the plug outlet 484 and the cartridge outlet 488. In some embodiments, the double shut-off valve 429 has an open position (as shown, for example, in Figure 24B) and a closed position (as shown, for example, in Figure 24A). In the open position, the double shut-off valve 429 is configured to allow fluid communication between the plug inlet 482 and the cartridge inlet 486, and between the plug outlet 484 and the cartridge outlet 488, so that fluid can enter and flow through the inner chamber 428 in the cartridge housing 440.In the closed position, the double-shutoff valve 429 is configured to restrict fluid communication between the plug inlet 482 and the cartridge inlet 486, and optionally between the plug outlet 484 and the cartridge outlet 488, so that substantially no fluid flows through the inner chamber 428. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall of the double-shutoff valve 429 has an inlet port 496 and an outlet port 498 extending through it. The inlet port 496 and the outlet port 498 are spaced radially and / or axially from each other. In some embodiments, the inlet port 496 and the outlet port 498 are positioned so that when the valve 429 is in the open position, the inlet port 496 aligns with both the plug inlet 482 and the cartridge inlet 486. and the 498 outlet port aligns with both the 484 shutter outlet and the 488 cartridge outlet.When valve 429 is in the closed position, inlet port 496 is misaligned with one or both of the obturation inlet 482 and cartridge inlet 486, so that one or both inlets 482, 486 are blocked by the wall of valve 429; and outlet port 498 is misaligned with one or both of the obturation outlet 484 and cartridge outlet 488, so that one or both outlets 484, 488 are blocked by the wall of valve 429. When valve 429 is in the open position, obturation inlet 482, cartridge inlet 486, obturation outlet 484, and cartridge outlet 488 are open. When valve 429 is in the closed position, the obturation inlet 482, cartridge inlet 486, obturation outlet 484 and cartridge outlet 488 are closed.Accordingly, the double shut-off valve 429 can be configured to simultaneously open the plug inlet 482, the cartridge inlet 486, the plug outlet 484, and the cartridge outlet 488, and simultaneously close the plug inlet 482, the cartridge inlet 486, the plug outlet 484, and the cartridge outlet 488. While the illustrated embodiment shows that the valve 429 has two ports 496, 498, it can be seen that the double shut-off valve 429 can be configured to have more ports in its wall. In the sample embodiment shown in Figures 21 to 23, the double-shut valve 429 is rotatably supported in the sealing housing 425, for example, by one or more bearings (not shown), and is configured to rotate about the central longitudinal axis of the valve 429 relative to the housing 425. The interface between the valve 429 and the housing 425 may be fluidly sealed by one or more seals (not shown). In some embodiments, the actuator 430 of the double-shut valve functions to rotate the double-shut valve 429 relative to the housing 425 to switch the valve 429 between the open and closed positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 429 comprises a gear 477 and the actuator 430 comprises a gear 478, and the gears 477, 478 are configured to mesh with each other so that the rotation of gear 478 turns gear 477 to thereby turn the valve 429.In the illustrated embodiment, gears 477, 478 are positioned near and outside the second end 474b of the obturation housing 425. In some embodiments, to place the valve 429 in the open position, the actuator 429 rotates the valve 429 until the inlet port 496 aligns with the obturation inlet 482 and the cartridge inlet 486, and the outlet port 498 aligns with the obturation outlet 484 and the cartridge outlet 488. To place the valve 429 in the closed position, the actuator 430 rotates the valve 429 until one or both of the obturation inlet 482 and the cartridge inlet 486, and one or both of the obturation outlet 484 and the cartridge outlet 488, are blocked by the wall of the valve 429. As can be seen, other configurations of the valve 429 and actuator 430, and other ways of actuating valve 429. In other embodiments, the double shut-off valve 429 can be omitted from the PMD 422, and the fluid flow through the sealing cartridge 426 can be controlled by adjusting the position of the sealing regulator 437 relative to the sealing orifice 438. For example, fluid flow through the sealing cartridge 426 can be restricted by engaging the sealing regulator 437 with the sealing orifice 438, thus blocking the orifice; and fluid flow through the sealing cartridge 426 can be permitted by moving the sealing regulator 437 away from the sealing orifice 438. As a person skilled in the art can appreciate, other means of controlling fluid flow through the sealing cartridge 426 or of opening and closing the sealing inlet 482 and sealing outlet 484 are possible without using the double shut-off valve 429. ML / t / zuzz / uoyo ! o In some embodiments, with reference to Figure 23, the sealing cartridge 426 is configured so that the cartridge 426 (or at least a portion thereof) can be removably installed in the sealing housing 425, allowing the cartridge 426 to be replaced with another cartridge, for example, when the cartridge 426 requires repair or maintenance. In some embodiments, the sealing cartridge 426 comprises an installation mechanism, for example, the cartridge installation arm 441. In the illustrated embodiment, the closed end of the cartridge housing 440 engages with the cartridge installation arm 441. In some embodiments, the arm 441 is configured to facilitate the installation and / or removal of the cartridge housing 440 into and out of the sealing housing 425 and the double shutoff valve 429.For example, the double-shut valve 429 and / or the obturation housing 425 may have an opening near the second end 474b to receive the arm 441 through it, so that when the obturation cartridge 426 is inserted into the first end 474a, the arm 441 can be used to pull the housing 440 into the obturation housing 425 (i.e., the inner bore of the valve 429). The arm 441 can also be used to push the housing 440 to eject the obturation cartridge 426 from the obturation housing 425 so that the obturation cartridge 426 can be removed from the first end 474a. When the obturation cartridge 426 is installed in the obturation housing 425, the arm 441 extends beyond the second end 474b of the housing 425. In some embodiments, when the sealing cartridge 426 is installed in the sealing housing 425, at least a portion of the cartridge housing 440 can be rigidly coupled to the double-shutoff valve 429 so that the cartridge inlet 486 and the cartridge outlet 488 are always aligned with the MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O inlet port 496 and outlet port 498 of valve 429, respectively. In some embodiments, when the sealing cartridge 426 is installed in the sealing housing 425, the sealing cartridge 426 (or at least the cartridge housing 440) is linearly and / or rotatably locked to the double-shut valve 429 so that the cartridge housing 440 remains stationary relative to the valve 429. In other embodiments, when the sealing cartridge 426 is installed in the sealing housing 425, the cartridge housing 440 can be rigidly coupled to the sealing housing 425, instead of the valve 429, so that the cartridge inlet 486 and the cartridge outlet 488 are always aligned with the sealing inlet 482 and the sealing outlet 484, respectively.In some embodiments, when the obturation cartridge 426 is installed in the obturation housing 425, the obturation cartridge 426 (or at least the cartridge housing 440) is rigidly coupled to the housing 425 such that the cartridge housing 440 remains stationary relative to the housing 425 (i.e., the valve 429 can move relative to the cartridge housing 440 and the obturation housing 425). In some embodiments, the cartridge housing 440 can be rigidly coupled to the valve 429 or the obturation housing 425 by, for example, interlocking splines, keys, pins, mating surfaces, etc. With reference to Figures 20 to 24, the PMD housing 431 is operatively coupled to the first and second obturation assemblies 436a, 436b such that the first and second obturation inlet conduits 466a, 466b are fluidically connected to the obturation inlet 482 of the first and second obturation assemblies, respectively; and the first and second obturation outlet conduits 468a, 468b are fluidly connected to the obturation outlet 484 of the first and second obturation assemblies, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of coils 470 operatively connect the PMD housing 431 to the first and second obturation assemblies 436a, 436b, but other ways of coupling the PMD housing 431 to the obturation assemblies are possible.Each coil 470 has an internal orifice for fluidically connecting conduits 466a and 468a to the inlet 482 and outlet 484 of the first sealing assembly 436a, respectively, and conduits 466b and 468b to the inlet 482 and outlet 484 of the second sealing assembly 436b, respectively. The housing of the PMD 431 and / or the sealing assemblies 436a and 436b can be configured so that the coils 470 can be omitted. With reference to Figures 20 to 24, each of the PMD 431 housing, the directional valve 427, the first obturation assembly 436a, and the second obturation assembly 436b is a module of PMD 422, and the PMD 422 modules can be transported separately and subsequently assembled to form PMD 422 at the well site. Once assembled, PMD 422 can be installed directly on top of BOP stack 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the PMD 431 housing has a flanged connector at the second end 443 for direct connection to (the highest BOP of) BOP stack 5. A person skilled in the art may appreciate that other ways of directly connecting PMD 422 to BOP stack 5 or to the well are possible. In some embodiments, the PMD 422 comprises a bearing assembly 434 to maintain the well fluid seal while allowing the drill string 4 to rotate within and extend axially through the PMD 422. With reference to Figure 22, the bearing assembly 434 comprises a seal 494. The seal 494 is configured to fit tightly against the outer surface of the drill string. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O sounding 4. The PMD 422 further comprises a clamping mechanism (not shown) for removably coupling the bearing assembly 434 to the housing of the PMD 431. In some embodiments, the seal 494 is rotatably mounted on the bearing assembly 434, for example about the y-axis, to allow the seal 494 to rotate with the sounding column 4 without transferring torque to the clamping mechanism. Therefore, the seal 494 can rotate independently of the clamping mechanism. For example, the bearing assembly 434 may comprise bearings (not shown) for rotatably mounting the seal 494 thereon. In some embodiments, a first end 479 of the directional valve 427 extends beyond the first end 442 of the PMD housing 431 and the clamping mechanism is operatively coupled to the directional valve 427 at or near the first end 479.In other embodiments, the bearing assembly 434 can be directly coupled to the housing of the PMD 431. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping mechanism is attached to the directional valve 427 and configured to rotate with the directional valve 427 so that the clamping mechanism is stationary relative to the valve 427. In some embodiments, the bearing assembly 434 is positioned on or near an upper portion of the PMD 422 (for example, adjacent to the first end 442 of the PMD 431 housing) and / or is positioned at an end of the inside 460 of the PMD 431 housing opposite the inlet 448. In some embodiments, when the PMD 122 is directly connected to the BOP stack 5, the probe column 4 extends through the inside bore 461 of the directional valve 427 and through the inside bore 460 and the inlet 448 of the housing. PMD 431.As can be seen, PMD 422 configurations other than the one shown in the figures are possible. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O With reference to Figures 3, 4, and 20 to 24, in operation, the PMD 422 is connected to the BOP stack 5, and the fluid (e.g., drilling mud) flows upward through the wellbore annulus, through the wellhead 102 and the BOP stack 5, and enters the PMD 422 through inlet 448. From inlet 448, the fluid enters the internal orifice 460 of the PMD 431 casing and then the internal orifice 461 of the directional valve 427. The PMD 422 can be in one of several positions: a bypass position, a single-plug position, and a double-plug position.When the PMD 422 is in the bypass position, as shown, for example, in Figure 24A, the valve 427 is in the bypass position, in which the outlet flow conduit 462 is open (i.e., the second opening 472b aligns with it) and the plug flow conduit 464 is closed, so that the valve 427 directs the fluid in the internal orifice 461 to flow into the outlet flow conduit 462 through the opening 472b. The fluid then exits the PMD 422 through outlet 450 and can flow downstream to the mud handling equipment 9 through the mud return line 13. When the PMD 422 is in the single-closing position, as shown, for example, in Figure 24B, the valve 427 is in the shut-off position, in which the outlet flow conduit 462 is closed and the shut-off flow conduit 464 is open (i.e., the first opening 472a aligns with it), so that the valve 427 directs the fluid in the inner orifice 461 to flow into the shut-off flow conduit 464 through the opening 472a. In this embodiment, the first side 454 of the PMD 431 housing is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the double-closing valve 429 of the first shut-off assembly 436a is open while the double-closing valve of the second shut-off assembly 436b is closed.As a result, from the obturation flow conduit 464, the fluid flows into the first obturation inlet conduit 466a, through the coil 470, and into the inner chamber 428 of the obturation cartridge 426 via the obturation inlet 482, the inlet port 496 of the double-shut valve 429, and the cartridge inlet 486. The fluid enters chamber 428, passes through the obturation orifice 438, and exits chamber 428 through the cartridge outlet 488. The fluid then flows through the outlet port 498 of the valve 429, the obturation outlet 484, the coil 470, and then into the first obturation outlet conduit 468a. From the first outlet duct 468a, the fluid flows into the outlet flow duct 462 and exits the PMD 422 through outlet 450. In another embodiment, not shown in the figures, the directional valve 427 is in the shut position and the double shut valve 429 of the second shut-off assembly 436b is open while the double shut valve of the first shut-off assembly 436a is closed. As a result, from the obturation flow conduit 464, the fluid flows into the second obturation inlet conduit 466b, through the coil 470, and into the inner chamber 428 of the obturation cartridge 426 via the obturation inlet 482, the inlet port 496 of the double-shut valve 429, and the cartridge inlet 486. The fluid enters chamber 428, passes through the obturation orifice 438, and exits chamber 428 through the cartridge outlet 488. The fluid then flows through the outlet port 498 of the valve 429, the obturation outlet 484, the coil 470, and then into the second obturation outlet conduit 468b.From the second outlet duct 468b, the fluid flows into the outlet flow duct 462 and exits the PMD 422 at outlet 450. When the PMD 422 is in the double-closing position, as shown, for example, in Figure 24C, the valve 427 is in the shut-off position such that the valve 427 directs the fluid in the inner orifice 461 to flow into the shut-off flow conduit 464 through the opening 472a. In this embodiment, the first side 454 of the PMD 431 housing is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the double-closing valves 429 of the first and second shut-off assemblies 436a, 436b are open. As a result, from the obturation flow conduit 464, the fluid flows into the first and second obturation inlet conduits 466a, 466b, through the respective inner chambers 428, as described above, and flows into the first and second obturation outlet conduit 468a, 468b after exiting the respective chambers 428.From the outlet conduits 468a, 468b, the fluid flows into the outlet flow conduit 462 and exits the PMD 422 at outlet 450. With the directional valve 427 in the closed position and the double shutoff valves 429 in the first and second shutoff assemblies 436a, 436b in the open position at the same time, two shutoffs can operate simultaneously. In some embodiments, as shown for example in Figures 4 and 24D, the PMD 422 is configured to communicate fluidically with a flow diverter 20 so that the flow diverter can supply fluid to the PMD 422 when drilling is paused while new drill pipe is added to the drill string 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 454 of the PMD 431 casing is open to provide the flow inlet for the diverted pump 452. The PMD 431 casing is operatively coupled to the flow diverter 20 at inlet 452 via the flow diverter line 21. The fluid from the flow diverter is denoted by arrow D. Fluid D from the flow diverter 20 enters the PMD 422 through inlet 452 and flows into the plug flow conduit 464. In the embodiment illustrated, the double shut-off valve 429 of the first ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O obturation assembly 436a opens while the double shutoff valve of the second obturation assembly 436b closes. It can be seen that in other embodiments, the double shut-off valve of the second packing assembly 436b may be open while the double shut-off valve of the first packing assembly 436a is closed, or the double shut-off valves 429 of the first and second packing assemblies 436a, 436b may be open while the PMD 422 receives fluid from the flow diverter 20. In this embodiment, drilling mud F may also enter the packing flow conduit 464 at the same time and mix with fluid D. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid mixture, denoted by arrows M, flows into the first packing inlet conduit 466a and enters the inner chamber 428, and exits chamber 428 and the PMD 422, all as described above with reference to Figure 24B. According to a broad aspect of this disclosure, a pressure management device (PMD) is provided that has the function of the MPD manifold or the functions of both the RCD and the MPD manifold, so that it is not necessary to include a separate MPD manifold in the drilling system. In accordance with another broad aspect of this disclosure, a sealing assembly is provided that may be more compact and / or easier to replace than the MPD standalone manifold sealing units. According to a broad aspect of this disclosure, a procedure is provided comprising: diverting well fluid immediately downstream of a BOP stack of a drilling system to: flow through one or more plugs; or divert one or more plugs. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a PMD for use in a managed pressure drilling system, the system comprising a BOP stack, the pressure management device comprising: a housing having a bypass flow conduit and a shut-off flow conduit defined therein, and having an inlet; a directional valve positioned in the housing, the directional valve having an internal valve bore defined therein, the directional valve having a shut-off position and a bypass position, and the internal valve bore being in fluid communication with the inlet;and a first obturation housing operatively coupled to the housing, the first obturation housing having a obturation inlet and an obturation outlet, the obturation inlet being in fluid communication with the obturation flow conduit and the obturation outlet being in fluid communication with the bypass flow conduit; a first obturator, at least a portion of which is removably supported in the first obturation housing, and a first double shut-off valve disposed in the first obturation housing, the first double shut-off valve having an open position and a closed position, wherein the PMD housing can be directly coupled to the BOP stack to receive fluid from the BOP stack at the inlet;wherein in the bypass position, the directional valve permits fluid communication between the valve's inner orifice and the bypass flow conduit and restricts fluid communication between the valve's inner orifice and the plug flow conduit; wherein in the plug position, the directional valve permits fluid communication between the valve's inner orifice and the plug flow conduit and restricts fluid communication between the valve's inner orifice and the bypass flow conduit; wherein in the closed position, the first double-check valve closes the plug inlet and the plug outlet; and wherein in the open position, the first double-check valve opens the plug inlet and the plug outlet. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a PMD housing is provided for use in a pressure management device in a pressure drilling managed system comprising a BOP stack, the PMD housing comprising: a connector having an inlet defined, the connector configured for direct connection to the BOP stack; a body attached to the connector, the body having a bypass flow conduit and a plug flow conduit defined therein;and a directional valve positioned in the body, the directional valve having a defined valve orifice, the directional valve having a shut-off position and a bypass position, and the valve orifice being in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein in the bypass position, the directional valve permits fluid communication between the valve orifice and the bypass flow conduit and restricts fluid communication between the valve orifice and the shut-off flow conduit; and wherein in the shut-off position, the directional valve permits fluid communication between the valve orifice and the shut-off flow conduit and restricts fluid communication between the valve orifice and the bypass flow conduit. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a pressure management device (PMD) is provided for use in a drilling system having a blowout preventer (BOP) stack and a drill string, the PMD comprising: an inlet for direct fluid connection to the BOP stack; an outlet; a housing having defined therein an internal sealing line, a first sealing inlet conduit, and a first discharge conduit. ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O obturation outlet, the internal obturation line configured to fluidly connect the inlet and outlet; and a first obturator with a first obturation inlet and first obturation outlet, the first obturator operatively coupled to the housing so that the first obturation inlet and first obturation outlet are fluidly connected to the first obturation inlet conduit and the first obturation outlet conduit, respectively, and the internal obturation line bypasses the first obturator, and the PMD has a PMD bypass position and a PMD simple obturation position, in which, in the simple obturation position, the first obturation inlet and the first obturation outlet are open, and the internal obturation line is blocked, to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the first obturator;and in the PMD bypass position, one or both inlets and outlets of the first shutter are closed, or the first shutter is closed, and the internal shutter line is unlocked, to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the internal shutter line. In some embodiments, the PMD comprises a directional valve in fluid communication with the internal obturation line, the directional valve having a blocking position in which the directional valve blocks the internal obturation line and a bypass position in which the directional valve unblocks the internal obturation line, wherein in the simple blocking position of the PMD, the directional valve is in the blocking position; and in the bypass position of the PMD, the directional valve is in the bypass position. In some embodiments, the directional valve is positioned between the inlet and an intersection between the first outlet duct and the internal obturation line. In some embodiments, the PMD comprises a double shut-off valve operatively coupled to the first obturator and in communication with the first obturation inlet and the first obturation outlet, the double shut-off valve having an open position in which the first obturation inlet and the first obturation outlet are opened by the double shut-off valve, and a closed position in which one or both of the first obturation inlet and the first obturation outlet are closed by the double shut-off valve, wherein in the single obturation position of the PMD, the double shut-off valve is in the open position; and in the bypass position of the PMD, the double shut-off valve is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the double shut-off valve is configured to simultaneously open the first obturation inlet and the first obturation outlet; and / or simultaneously close the first obturation inlet and the first obturation outlet. In some embodiments, the PMD has a well pressure trap position in which the first plug inlet and first plug outlet are closed, or the first plug is closed, and the internal plug line is blocked, to restrict fluid communication between the inlet and outlet. In some embodiments, the PMD comprises a diverted pump flow inlet in fluid communication with the first plug inlet conduit, and wherein the drilling system comprises a flow diverter and the PMD has a diverted pump flow position in which the first MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O the obturation inlet and the first obturation outlet are open, the internal obturation line is blocked, and the diverted pump flow inlet is set to fluidly connect with the flow diverter. In some embodiments, the PMD comprises a second obturator having a second obturator inlet and a second obturator outlet, and wherein the housing has defined therein a second obturator inlet conduit and a second obturator outlet conduit; and the second obturator is operatively coupled to the housing such that the inlet of the second obturator and the outlet of the second obturator are fluidically connected to the second obturator inlet conduit and the second obturator outlet conduit, respectively. In some embodiments, the PMD has a double PMD shutoff position in which the first shutoff inlet and first shutoff outlet are open, the second shutoff inlet and second shutoff outlet are open, and the internal shutoff line is blocked to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the first and second shutoffs. In some embodiments, the casing is configured to receive a segment of the sounding column through it. In some embodiments, the PMD comprises a well sealing mechanism coupled to the casing to receive a segment of the drill string through it and to seal the drill string into place. In some embodiments, the well sealing mechanism is a bearing assembly releasably coupled to the housing. ma / t / zuzz / uoeo / o In some embodiments, the first shutter comprises a shutter housing and a shutter cartridge, and wherein at least a portion of the shutter cartridge is supported in the shutter housing. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the double shut-off valve is arranged in the sealing housing. In some embodiments, the double shut-off valve can be moved relative to the sealing housing between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, the PMD comprises a directional valve assembly and a first obturator assembly, wherein at least a portion of the directional valve is supported in the directional valve assembly; at least a portion of the first obturator is supported in the first obturator assembly; and the directional valve assembly and the first obturator assembly are coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the directional valve is rotatably supported in the housing. The directional valve has a body with an inner surface defining an inner orifice, the inner orifice being in fluid communication with the inlet. The body has a first and a second opening extending through it and in fluid communication with the inner orifice. In the bypass position, the second opening is in fluid communication with the outlet and the first opening is closed; and in the shut-off position, the second opening is closed and the first opening is in fluid communication with the first shut-off inlet conduit. In some embodiments, the inner orifice of the directional valve is configured to receive a segment of the sounding column through it. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a procedure is provided comprising: connecting an inlet of a housing of a ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O pressure management device (PMD) directly to a blowout preventer (BOP) stack of a drilling system, the casing having an outlet and having defined therein an internal sealing line between the inlet and the outlet; releasably attaching and fluidically connecting one or more plugs to the casing; and providing a flow path from the inlet to the outlet, wherein providing the flow path comprises one of: blocking the internal sealing line and opening at least one plug of one or more plugs to allow fluid communication between at least one plug and the inlet and outlet; blocking the internal sealing line, opening a first plug of one or more plugs and closing a second plug of one or more plugs to allow fluid communication between the first plug and the inlet and outlet;and unlock the internal sealing line and close one or more plugs to restrict fluid communication between one or more plugs and the inlet and outlet, and to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the internal sealing line. In some embodiments, providing the flow path comprises blocking the internal obturation line and the opening of at least one obturator, and the procedure comprises allowing fluid communication between the inlet and a diverted pump flow inlet from the casing, the diverted pump flow inlet being fluidically connected to a flow diverter of the drilling system. In some embodiments, providing the flow path comprises blocking the internal obturation line and the opening of at least one obturator; and providing the flow path further comprises synchronizing the blocking and opening. ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o In some embodiments, providing the flow path comprises unlocking the internal obturation line and closing one or more obturators; and providing the flow path further comprises synchronizing the unlocking and closing. In some embodiments, providing the flow path comprises blocking the internal obturation line, opening the first obturator, and closing the second obturator; and providing the flow path further comprises synchronizing the opening and closing. In some embodiments, blocking the internal shut-off line comprises placing a directional valve in a shut-off position, the directional valve being in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet. In some embodiments, unblocking the internal obturation line involves placing the directional valve in a bypass position. In some embodiments, the directional valve is supported in a directional valve assembly and the procedure comprises, prior to providing the flow path, releasably attaching the directional valve assembly to the housing. In some embodiments, placing the directional valve in the shut-off or bypass position comprises actuating the directional valve by means of a remotely controlled actuator. In some embodiments, each of the one or more obturators has a respective obturation inlet and a respective obturation outlet, and (i) the opening of at least one obturator comprises the opening of the respective obturation inlet and the opening of the respective obturation outlet of each of the at least one obturator; and / or (ii) the closing of one or more obturators comprises the closing of one or both of the respective obturation inlet and the respective obturation outlet of each of the one or more obturators, or the closing of the one or more obturators. In some embodiments, opening at least one shutter comprises synchronizing the opening of the respective shutter inlet and the opening of the respective shutter outlet. In some embodiments, closing one or more shutters comprises closing both the respective shutter inlet and the respective shutter outlet, and closing one or more shutters further comprises synchronizing the closing of the respective shutter inlet and the respective shutter outlet. In some embodiments, opening at least one shutter or closing one or more shutters comprises actuating a double shutoff valve operatively coupled to each of the at least one shutter or to each or more shutters. In some embodiments, the double shut-off valve is operated by a remotely controlled actuator. In some embodiments, the procedure comprises, prior to providing the flow path, releasably coupling a sealing mechanism to the casing, the sealing mechanism being configured to be sealed to a segment of a drill string of the drilling system. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a sealing assembly is provided comprising: a sealing cartridge; a sealing housing having a first end, a second end, a wall with an inner surface defining a chamber, and a sealing inlet and sealing outlet extending through the wall and in fluid communication with the chamber, the first end having an opening providing access MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O open to the chamber, and the chamber configured to receive removably, at least, a part of the obturation cartridge through the opening; and a double shut-off valve in communication with one or both of the obturation inlet and the obturation outlet, the double shut-off valve having a closed position in which the double shut-off valve blocks one or both of the obturation inlet and the obturation outlet; and an open position in which the double shut-off valve unlocks the obturation inlet and the obturation outlet. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the double-closing valve is positioned in the chamber and configured to removably receive at least a portion of the sealing cartridge inside. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the double shut-off valve is positioned between the wall of the sealing housing and the sealing cartridge, when at least a portion of the sealing cartridge is received in the double shut-off valve. In some embodiments, the sealing assembly comprises an installation mechanism for supporting the sealing cartridge and aligning the sealing cartridge with the opening at the first end. In some embodiments, the installation mechanism comprises a telescopic arm and a support bracket at or near a free end of the telescopic arm, the telescopic arm being selectively extendable and retractable relative to the obturation housing, and the bracket being configured to fit and support a portion of the obturation cartridge. In some embodiments, the installation mechanism is configured to restrict the axial movement of the sealing cartridge while allowing the movement of ML / t / zuzz / uoyo ! or rotation of the obturation cartridge. In some embodiments, the sealing cartridge comprises a cartridge installation arm. In some embodiments, the double shut-off valve can rotate relative to the sealing housing between the open and closed positions, and the sealing cartridge can be rotatably locked to the double shut-off valve or the sealing housing. In some embodiments, the double shutoff valve comprises a wall having an inlet port and an outlet port extending through it, wherein in the open position, the inlet port and outlet port are aligned with the inlet and outlet of the shutoff valve, respectively; and in the closed position, the inlet port and outlet port are misaligned with the inlet and outlet of the shutoff valve, respectively. In some embodiments, the shutter cartridge has a cartridge inlet and a cartridge outlet, and wherein the cartridge inlet and outlet align with the inlet port and outlet port, respectively, when the shutter cartridge is received into the chamber. In some embodiments, the sealing cartridge has a first alignment profile and the sealing housing or double shutoff valve has a second alignment profile configured to engage with the first alignment profile. According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a procedure is provided comprising: inserting a plug cartridge into a plug housing, through a first open end of the plug housing, the plug housing being operatively coupled to a fluid-connected housing with a blowout preventer stack of a drilling system. ma / t / zuzz / uoyo / o In some embodiments, the procedure comprises, prior to insertion, engaging the sealing cartridge with an installation mechanism, and the insertion comprises actuating, by means of an actuator of the installation mechanism, the installation mechanism to move the sealing cartridge relative to the sealing housing. In some embodiments, actuating the installation mechanism comprises detecting a torque from the actuator of the installation mechanism. In some embodiments, the procedure comprises, prior to insertion, supporting the obturation cartridge on a telescopic arm, wherein the insertion comprises retracting the telescopic arm relative to the obturation housing. In some embodiments, the procedure comprises, prior to insertion, aligning an alignment profile of the sealing cartridge with an alignment profile of the sealing housing or an alignment profile of a double shut-off valve coupled to the sealing housing, wherein the insertion comprises engaging the alignment profile of the sealing cartridge with the alignment profile of the sealing housing or the alignment profile of the double shut-off valve. In some embodiments, insertion comprises pulling a sealing cartridge installation arm through an opening at a second end of the sealing housing. In some embodiments, the procedure involves removing the sealing cartridge from the sealing housing. In some embodiments, the procedure comprises, prior to removal, engaging the sealing cartridge with an installation mechanism, wherein removal comprises actuating the installation mechanism to move the sealing cartridge relative to the sealing housing and disengaging the sealing cartridge from the installation mechanism. In some embodiments, the procedure comprises, prior to removal, holding the sealing cartridge on a telescopic arm, and the removal comprises extending the telescopic arm relative to the sealing housing. In some embodiments, the removal comprises pushing a sealing cartridge installation arm to eject the sealing cartridge from the sealing housing. Interpretation of terms Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the entire description and the terms "comprises," "comprising," and the like should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including, but not limited to"; "connected," "coupled," or any of the variants thereof, means any connection or coupling, direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof; "in the present memory," "above," "below," and words of similar significance, when used to describe this descriptive memory, shall refer to this specification in its entirety, and not to any particular portion of this specification;“or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list; the singular forms “a / an”, “a / an” and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural form. When a component is referenced, unless otherwise stated, the reference to that component should be interpreted to include as equivalents of that component any component that performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components that are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs the function in the illustrative exemplary realizations. Several modifications to these embodiments will be evident to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but should be given the full scope consistent with the claims. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described herein, whether known or subsequently known to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the elements of the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended for the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly mentioned in the claims.Therefore, it is intended that the following appended claims and those subsequently introduced be interpreted to include all modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and subcombinations that may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A pressure management device (PMD) for use in a drilling system having a blowout preventer (BOP) stack and a drill string, the PMD comprising: an inlet for direct fluid connection to the BOP stack; an outlet; a housing having defined therein an internal sealing line, a first sealing inlet conduit and a first sealing outlet conduit, the internal sealing line configured to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet;and a first obturator having a first obturator inlet and a first obturator outlet, the first obturator being operatively coupled to the housing, such that the first obturator inlet and the first obturator outlet are fluidically connected to the first obturator inlet conduit and the first obturator outlet conduit, respectively, the internal obturator line bypassing the first obturator, and the PMD having a PMD bypass position and a PMD simple obturator position, wherein in the PMD simple obturator position, the first obturator inlet and the first obturator outlet are open, and the internal obturator line is blocked, to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the first obturator;and in the PMD bypass position, the first plug inlet or the first plug outlet or both are closed or the first plug is closed, and the ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO 7 O internal plug line is unlocked, to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the internal plug line.; 2. The PMD of claim 1 comprising a directional valve in fluid communication with the internal obturation line, the directional valve having a blocking position in which the directional valve blocks the internal obturation line and a bypass position in which the directional valve unlocks the internal obturation line, wherein in the simple blocking position of the PMD, the directional valve is in the blocking position; and in the bypass position of the PMD, the directional valve is in the bypass position.

3. The PMD of claim 2, wherein the directional valve is positioned between the inlet and an intersection between the first obturation outlet conduit and the internal obturation line.

4. The PMD of any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising a double shut-off valve operatively coupled to the first obturator and in communication with the first obturator inlet and the first obturator outlet, the double shut-off valve having an open position in which the first obturator inlet and the first obturator outlet are opened by the double shut-off valve, and a closed position in which one or both of the first obturator inlet and the first obturator outlet are closed by the double shut-off valve, wherein in the single shut-off position of the PMD, the double shut-off valve is in the open position; and in the PMD bypass position, the double shut-off valve is in the closed position.

5. The PMD of claim 4, wherein the double shut-off valve is configured to simultaneously open the first shut-off inlet and the first shut-off outlet; and / or simultaneously close the first shut-off inlet and the first shut-off outlet.

6. The PMD of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the PMD has a well pressure trap position in which the first plug inlet and the first plug outlet are closed or the first plug is closed and the internal plug line is blocked, to restrict fluid communication between the inlet and outlet.

7. The PMD of any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising a diverted pump flow inlet in fluid communication with the first plug inlet conduit, and wherein the drilling system comprises a flow diverter and the PMD has a diverting pump flow position in which the first plug inlet and the first plug outlet are open, the internal plug line is blocked, and the diverted pump flow inlet is configured to fluidly connect with the flow diverter.

8. The PMD of any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising a second obturator having a second obturator inlet and a second obturator outlet, and wherein the housing has defined therein a second obturator inlet conduit and a second obturator outlet conduit; and the second obturator is operatively coupled to the housing, such that the inlet of the second obturator and the outlet of the second obturator are fluidically connected to the second obturator inlet conduit and the second obturator outlet conduit, respectively.

9. The PMD of claim 8, wherein the PMD has a double PMD obturation position in which the first obturation inlet and the first obturation outlet are open, the second obturation inlet and the second obturation outlet are open, and the internal obturation line is blocked, to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the first obturator and the second obturator.

10. The PMD of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing is configured to receive a segment of the sounding column through it.

11. The PMD of any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising a well sealing mechanism coupled to the casing to receive a segment of the drill string through it and to seal the drill string into place.

12. The PMD of claim 11, wherein the well sealing mechanism is a bearing assembly releasably coupled to the housing.

13. The PMD of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first obturator comprises an obturation housing and an obturation cartridge, and wherein at least a portion of the obturation cartridge is supported in the obturation housing.

14. The PMD of claims 4 and 13, wherein at least a portion of the double shut-off valve is disposed in the sealing housing.

15. The PMD of claim 14, wherein the double-seal valve is movable relative to the sealing housing between the open and closed positions.

16. The PMD of claim 2 comprising a directional valve assembly and a first obturator assembly, wherein at least a portion of the directional valve is supported in the directional valve assembly; at least a portion of the first obturator is supported in the first obturator assembly; and the directional valve assembly and the first obturator assembly are coupled to the housing.

17. The PMD of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the directional valve is rotatably supported in the housing, the directional valve has a body with an inner surface defining an inner orifice, the inner orifice being in fluid communication with the inlet, the body having a first opening and a second opening extending therethrough and in fluid communication with the inner orifice, and wherein, in the bypass position, the second opening is in fluid communication with the outlet and the first opening is closed; and in the shut-off position, the second opening is closed and the first opening is in fluid communication with the first shut-off inlet conduit.

18. The PMD of claim 17, wherein the inner orifice of the directional valve is configured to receive a segment of the probe column through it.

19. A method comprising: connecting an inlet of a pressure management device (PMD) housing directly to a blowout preventer (BOP) stack of a drilling system, the housing having an outlet and having defined therein an internal sealing line between the inlet and the outlet; releasably attaching and fluidically connecting one or more plugs to the housing; and providing a flow path from the inlet to the outlet, wherein providing the flow path comprises one of: blocking the internal sealing line and opening at least one of one or more plugs to permit fluid communication between at least one plug and the inlet and outlet; blocking the internal sealing line, opening a first of one or more plugs and closing a second of one or more plugs to permit fluid communication between the first plug and the inlet and outlet;and unlock the internal sealing line and close one or more plugs to restrict fluid communication between one or more plugs and the inlet and outlet, and to allow fluid communication between the inlet and outlet through the internal sealing line.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the flow path comprises blocking the internal obturation line and the opening of at least one obturator, and the method comprises allowing fluid communication between the inlet and a diverted pump flow inlet of the casing, the diverted pump flow inlet being fluidically connected to a flow diverter of the drilling system.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the flow path comprises blocking the internal obturation line and the opening of at least one obturator; and providing the flow path further comprises synchronizing the blocking and the opening.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the flow path comprises unlocking the internal obturation line and closing one or more obturators; and providing the flow path further comprises synchronizing the unlocking and closing.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the flow path comprises blocking the internal obturation line, opening the first obturator and closing the second obturator; and providing the flow path further comprises synchronizing the opening and closing.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein one or both of: blocking the internal shut-off line comprises placing a directional valve in a shut-off position, the directional valve being in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet; and unblocking the internal shut-off line comprises placing the directional valve in a bypass position.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the directional valve is supported on a directional valve assembly and the method comprises, prior to providing the flow path, releasably attaching the directional valve assembly to the housing.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein placing the directional valve in the shut-off position or in the bypass position comprises actuating the directional valve by means of a remotely controlled actuator.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein each one or more obturators has a respective obturation inlet and a respective obturation outlet, and wherein one or both of: opening at least one obturator comprises opening the respective obturation inlet and opening the respective obturation outlet of each of at least one obturator; and closing one or more obturators comprises closing one or both of the respective obturation inlet and the respective obturation outlet of each one or more obturators, or closing one or more obturators.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein opening at least one shutter comprises synchronizing the opening of the respective shutter inlet and the opening of the respective shutter outlet.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein closing one or more obturators comprises closing both the respective obturator inlet and the respective obturator outlet, and wherein closing one or more obturators further comprises synchronizing the closing of the respective obturator inlet and the respective obturator outlet.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein opening at least one shutter or closing one or more shutters comprises actuating a double shutoff valve operatively coupled to each of at least one shutter or to each or more shutters.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the actuation of the double shut-off valve is carried out by means of a remotely controlled actuator.

32. The method of any one of claims 19 to 31 comprising, prior to providing the flow path, releasably coupling a sealing mechanism to the housing, the sealing mechanism being configured to be sealed to a segment of a drill string of the drilling system.

33. A sealing assembly, comprising: a sealing cartridge; a sealing housing having a first end, a second end, a wall with an internal surface defining a chamber, and a sealing inlet and sealing outlet extending through the wall and in fluid communication with the chamber, the first end having an opening providing open access to the chamber, and the chamber configured to removably receive at least a portion of the sealing cartridge through the opening; and a double shut-off valve in communication with one or both of the sealing inlet and sealing outlet, the double shut-off valve having a closed position in which the double shut-off valve blocks one or both of the sealing inlet and sealing outlet; and an open position in which the double shut-off valve unlocks the sealing inlet and sealing outlet.

34. The sealing assembly of claim 33, wherein at least a portion of the double-closing valve is positioned in the chamber and configured to removably receive at least a portion of the sealing cartridge therein.

35. The sealing assembly of claim 34, wherein at least a portion of the double-seal valve is positioned between the wall of the sealing housing and the sealing cartridge, when at least a portion of the sealing cartridge is received in the double-seal valve.

36. The sealing assembly of claim 33 comprising an installation mechanism for supporting the sealing cartridge and aligning the sealing cartridge with the opening at the first end.

37. The obturation assembly of claim 36, wherein the installation mechanism comprises a telescopic arm and a support bracket at or near a free end of the telescopic arm, the telescopic arm being selectively extendable and retractable relative to the obturation housing, and the bracket being configured to engage and support a portion of the obturation cartridge.

38. The sealing assembly of claim 36, wherein the installation mechanism is configured to restrict axial movement of the sealing cartridge while permitting rotary movement of the sealing cartridge.

39. The sealing assembly of claim 33, wherein the sealing cartridge comprises a cartridge installation arm.

40. The sealing assembly of claim 33, wherein the double shut-off valve can be rotated relative to the sealing housing between the open position and the closed position, and the sealing cartridge can be rotatably locked to the double shut-off valve or the sealing housing.

41. The sealing assembly of claim 33, wherein the double-seal valve comprises a wall having an inlet port and an outlet port extending through it, and wherein, in the open position, the inlet port and outlet port are aligned with the sealing inlet and outlet, respectively; and in the closed position, the inlet port and outlet port are misaligned with the sealing inlet and outlet, respectively.

42. The shutter assembly of claim 33, wherein the shutter cartridge has a cartridge inlet and a cartridge outlet, and wherein the cartridge inlet and cartridge outlet align with the inlet port and outlet port, respectively, when the shutter cartridge is received into the chamber. MA / t / ZUZZ / UOUO ! O 103 43. The sealing assembly of any one of claims 33 to 42, wherein the sealing cartridge has a first alignment profile and the sealing housing or double shut-off valve has a second alignment profile configured to engage with the first alignment profile.

44. A method comprising: inserting a sealing cartridge into a sealing housing, through a first open end of the sealing housing, the sealing housing being operatively coupled to a fluid-connected housing with a blowout preventer stack of a drilling system.

45. The method of claim 44 comprising, prior to insertion, coupling the sealing cartridge with an installation mechanism, and wherein insertion comprises actuating, by means of an actuator of the installation mechanism, the installation mechanism to move the sealing cartridge relative to the sealing housing.

46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein actuating the installation mechanism comprises detecting a torque of the actuator of the installation mechanism.

47. The method of claim 44 comprising, prior to insertion, supporting the obturation cartridge on a telescopic arm, wherein insertion comprises retracting the telescopic arm relative to the obturation housing.

48. The method of claim 44 comprising, prior to insertion, aligning a sealing cartridge alignment profile with a sealing housing alignment profile or an alignment profile of a double shutoff valve coupled to the sealing housing, wherein insertion comprises aligning the sealing cartridge alignment profile ML / t / ZUZZ / UOUO / O 104 with the sealing housing alignment profile or the double shutoff valve alignment profile.

49. The method of claim 44, wherein insertion comprises pulling a sealing cartridge installation arm through an opening 5 at a second end of the sealing housing.

50. The method of claim 44 comprising removing the sealing cartridge from the sealing housing.

51. The method of claim 50 comprising, before removal, coupling the sealing cartridge with an installation mechanism, wherein removal comprises actuating the installation mechanism to move the sealing cartridge relative to the sealing housing and uncoupling the sealing cartridge from the installation mechanism.

52. The method of claim 50 comprising, prior to removal, supporting the obturation cartridge on a telescopic arm, and wherein removal comprises extending the telescopic arm relative to the obturation housing.

53. The method of claim 50, wherein removal comprises pushing a sealing cartridge installation arm to eject the sealing cartridge from the sealing housing.

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