Managed Pressure Drilling Valve Assembly for Rapid Wellbore Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional managed pressure drilling systems are complex, costly, and require significant personnel, with unreliable seals and slow mode transitions, leading to limited adoption due to equipment wear and high operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fast-acting managed pressure drilling rig with a controller that identifies pipe movement stability and bottomhole pressure, using a main valve, a second valve, and chokes to trap pressure during connections, enabling rapid sealing and pressure control, reducing equipment and personnel needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional choke-based managed pressure drilling systems are used to precisely control surface and downhole pressure, then pressure stability is improved, but equipment complexity and crew requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential pressure control function from the complex conventional system and implements it through a simplified valve assembly with automated control. The system removes unnecessary equipment while retaining the core capability of maintaining bottomhole pressure stability through automated valve operation based on pressure sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated control where pressure sensors continuously monitor bottomhole pressure and the controller automatically adjusts valve positions to maintain pressure stability. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for substantial crew intervention and complex manual control systems while maintaining pressure control effectiveness.
2Reliability
If rotating control device seals are constantly engaged to provide dynamic sealing during drilling operations, then seal reliability is improved, but seal wear increases due to constant contact with the running string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic valve assembly that can move between engaged and retracted positions. The seal is constantly engaged during drilling operations to maintain reliability, but the entire valve assembly can be rapidly retracted when mode transitions are needed, minimizing seal wear by reducing continuous contact time with the running string while maintaining sealing effectiveness when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional managed pressure drilling systems transition between drilling modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but transition time increases to at least 30 minutes due to flowline reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is pre-positioned and integrated into the drilling system in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming flowline reconfiguration during mode transitions. The automated control system can rapidly actuate the valve to the required position, enabling mode transitions in seconds rather than minutes by having all control components ready and positioned beforehand.
4Stability of the object's composition
If advanced control systems with multiple choke-based systems are implemented to provide higher pressure stability, then pressure control precision is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional valve assembly that performs multiple pressure control functions within a single integrated system. The automated control mechanism provides advanced pressure stability control capabilities while maintaining simple installation requirements, as the single integrated assembly can be installed in one operation rather than requiring complex installation of multiple separate choke systems.
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
The system provides up to 75% improvement in wellbore pressure stability with 20% less equipment and cost, allowing rapid mode transitions and reducing non-productive events, while maintaining bottomhole pressure during pipe connections and unexpected interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the controller closes a main valve... after the main valve is closed, the controller closes at least one of the first choke and a second choke, and maintains the second valve in the open position, wherein the bottomhole pressure is trapped
Implementation Method 2
a choke valve, designed to maintain well bottomhole pressure within specified limits by trapping pressure or by releasing trapped pressure within the wellbore
Implementation Method 3
a pressure relief choke configured to provide fine pressure stability control within the well and to act as a pressure relief valve in response to wellbore overpressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A fast-acting managed pressure drilling rig is disclosed. A main valve (304) configured as an alternative for a conventional rotating control device and effects a seal between the running pipe outside diameter and the well annulus is provided to control drilling of a well bore. A second valve is configured to trap pressure in the wellbore. A choke valve (308) maintains well bottom hole pressure within specified limits by trapping pressure or by releasing trapped pressure within the wellbore. A controller (704) is configured with at least one processor to affect operation of the main valve, the second ratio valve, the choke valve, and the pressure relief choke in response to information received bN, the controller representing operation of the managed pressure drilling rig.