Computer-Controlled Choke for Secondary Kick Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively predict and control secondary kicks during oil and gas well drilling, particularly while managing a primary kick, as they do not accurately account for changes in downhole pressure and fluid influx.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a computer-controlled choke that calculates the difference in pressures to determine if a secondary kick is occurring by subtracting shut-in drill pipe pressure from shut-in casing pressure and adjusting casing pressure based on the kick volume, ensuring the correct bottom hole pressure is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional kick detection methods are used, then primary kick control is achieved, but secondary kicks cannot be predicted
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors casing pressure and pit volume during kick circulation, using this feedback to detect changes indicating secondary kicks. The computer processes real-time data and adjusts choke positioning based on detected conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing well conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates expected casing pressure based on primary kick parameters before secondary kicks occur. By establishing this baseline expectation in advance, the system can quickly identify deviations that indicate secondary kicks, enabling early detection and response.
2Productivity
If manual choke adjustment is used, then operator control is maintained, but response time to secondary kicks is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The computer-controlled choke system automatically detects secondary kicks and adjusts choke positioning without requiring manual operator intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operating parameters and making corrective adjustments, freeing the operator from continuous manual monitoring while maintaining rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical choke adjustment with an automated computer-controlled system. The computer calculates required choke positioning based on detected kick conditions and automatically positions the choke, substituting human judgment and manual operation with automated computational control.
3Reliability
If casing pressure is increased to control kick, then bottom hole pressure is maintained, but risk of further influx increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by making incremental choke adjustments rather than large sudden changes. The computer calculates small positioning changes that gradually increase bottom hole pressure to the required level, avoiding excessive pressure increases that could force additional influx while still achieving effective kick control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by detecting secondary kicks early and making preventive choke adjustments before significant additional influx can occur. By identifying kick conditions at their inception and responding proactively, the system prevents the harmful effect of large-scale influx before it can develop.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for predicting and controlling secondary kicks, while dealing with a primary kick experienced when drilling an oil and gas well. The method includes a step of determining whether a different pressure per cubic meter of mud pit volume has been caused by a secondary kick by subtracting shut in drill pipe pressure (SIDPP) from shut in casing pressure (SICP) and dividing the derived sum by a kick volume in KPa per cubic meter from the primary kick. A further step is then taken of increasing casing pressure until casing pressure equals pit gain times (X) rate of change in casing pressure per cubic meter of pit gain plus (+) SIDPP.