Interchangeable Dockable Module for Drilling Riser Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing borehole drilling systems face challenges in maintaining optimal drilling fluid pressure, leading to undesirable pressure levels that can exceed acceptable limits during pipe trips, due to the interaction between drilling fluid and riser fluid in the drilling riser system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an interchangeable dockable module with sealable hydraulic connections in the drilling riser system, allowing for reconfiguration of hydraulic connections to manage fluid pressure and enable various drilling configurations, including the use of pumps to control fluid density and pressure gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drilling fluid is pumped through the drill string to transport cuttings out of the borehole, then cuttings removal is achieved, but the drilling fluid pressure in the borehole may exceed acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the drilling fluid circulation path by introducing a separate pump system that can independently control fluid pressure. The pump system is divided into controllable segments with individual pressure control, allowing cuttings removal to continue while managing pressure levels separately from the main drilling fluid circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by using a pump to actively control and reduce drilling fluid pressure in the borehole. The pump adjusts pressure levels dynamically, allowing the system to maintain effective cuttings removal while keeping pressure within acceptable limits during operations such as pipe trips.
2Stress or pressure
If a pump is used to lift drilling fluid out of the borehole to maintain selected pressure, then pressure control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various drilling operations and pressure control scenarios. The same pump infrastructure serves multiple purposes including pressure reduction, fluid circulation control, and adaptation to different drilling conditions, thereby managing complexity through versatile design rather than multiple specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump acts as an intermediary device between the drilling fluid system and the borehole environment. It mediates pressure control by standing between the high-pressure drilling fluid circulation and the borehole conditions, actively managing the interface between these systems to achieve stable pressure control.
3Stress or pressure
If the drilling riser is filled with riser fluid of different density than drilling fluid, then pressure gradient control is achieved, but fluid interaction complications arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by using different fluid densities in specific locations - lighter riser fluid in the upper riser section and drilling fluid in the lower section. This localized differentiation allows pressure gradient control in the upper section while maintaining effective cuttings removal capability in the lower section where drilling fluid is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simplified model of fluid interaction by treating the interface between drilling fluid and riser fluid as a manageable boundary condition. Rather than fully simulating complex multiphase fluid dynamics, the system uses empirical pressure control relationships that replicate effective pressure management without requiring complete fluid interaction modeling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces drilling fluid pressure in the borehole, enabling the use of higher mud densities and maintaining a controlled pressure gradient, thereby preventing pressure exceedance and enhancing drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pump to lift drilling fluid out of the borehole so as to maintain a selected borehole pressure
Implementation Method 2
the density of the drilling fluid and the density of the riser fluid. The inlet pressure of the pump is equal to: P=(H1γb+H2γs)*C
Implementation Method 3
The drilling fluid flows back through an annular space ('annulus') 30 between the borehole wall, the liner or surface casing 14
Implementation Method 4
the density of the drilling fluid and the density of the riser fluid. The inlet pressure of the pump is equal to: P=(H1γb+H2γs)*C, wherein γb=the density of the drilling fluid, H2=the height of the column of riser fluid, γs=the density of the riser fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling riser system includes a plurality of interchangeable dockable modules having sealable hydraulic connections configured to connect to a module docking structure disposed in at least one specific segment of a drilling riser and to seal the hydraulic connections. Each of the interchangeable dockable modules includes at least one of an hydraulic termination or connection to an hydraulic device for each of a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the and at least one auxiliary line associated with the riser.