Wellbore Annular Pressure Control During Pumps-Off Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wellbore drilling practices rely on approximate rules for managing down-hole annular pressure, leading to suboptimal operations that can compromise wellbore stability and efficiency, as real-time APWD measurements are not always feasible, especially during pipe connections when pumps are off.

Innovation Solution

Measuring annular pressure data during pumps-off periods around drill pipe connections, identifying key values before and after connections, and comparing their variations to determine optimal drilling fluid circulation pump operations to maintain desired pressure ranges, using statistical analysis and fluid circulation models to set thresholds for efficient drilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If approximate rules are used for managing down-hole annular pressure, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidprecision of pressure control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously measures down-hole annular pressure and feeds this information back to the surface in real-time, enabling drillers to adjust drilling parameters dynamically. This closed-loop feedback mechanism replaces approximate rules with data-driven decision-making, improving pressure control precision while maintaining operational ease through automated monitoring and alert systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/manual pressure management methods with electronic sensing and data transmission systems. Pressure sensors down-hole continuously monitor annular pressure, and this data is transmitted electronically to the surface, substituting approximate mechanical rules with precise electronic measurement and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If real-time APWD measurements are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of annular pressure measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The down-hole measurement system is integrated into the existing drilling apparatus, with pressure sensors incorporated into the drill string or bottom-hole assembly. This multi-functional integration allows the same hardware to perform both drilling operations and pressure measurements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary devices such as pressure sensors and data transmission systems that bridge the gap between down-hole conditions and surface monitoring. These intermediaries enable precise measurement without requiring complex direct observation systems, simplifying the overall measurement architecture while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conservative drilling operations are applied, then reliability is improved, but productivity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of wellbore stabilityVSAvoiddrilling rate of penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic adjustment of drilling parameters based on real-time pressure measurements. Instead of static conservative or aggressive drilling rates, the system continuously optimizes drilling speed and pressure management based on actual down-hole conditions, allowing maximum productivity while maintaining wellbore stability through adaptive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes real-time pressure data to dynamically change drilling parameters such as weight on bit, rotation speed, and flow rate. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain reliable wellbore stability while maximizing drilling rate, replacing fixed conservative parameters with dynamically optimized values based on actual conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If aggressive drilling operations are applied, then productivity is improved, but reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling rate of penetrationVSAvoidwellbore stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Real-time pressure feedback allows the system to monitor wellbore stability during aggressive drilling operations. When pressure measurements indicate approaching instability thresholds, the system automatically alerts operators to reduce drilling aggressiveness, enabling sustained high productivity while preventing wellbore failures through continuous monitoring and adaptive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10711546B2Methods for operating wellbore drilling equipment based on wellbore conditions

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 NAT OILWELL VARCO LP

AI summary

A method, comprising acquiring annular pressure data from a wellbore where the annular pressure data is acquired over a time interval and at least a portion of the annular pressure data is acquired during a pumps-off period. At least first and second values are identified from the annular pressure data and the variation between the first and second values are compared to a first threshold. Drilling equipment is operated based on the comparison with the first threshold.