Modular MPD Choke Manifold for Cost-Effective Back Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems are economically unviable for unconventional wells, as they require high costs for full surface back pressure capabilities, and existing systems lack modular flexibility to adapt to varying drilling conditions and budgets.
Innovation Solution
A modular MPD system comprising a single manifold that can be assembled into a full MPD skid with 100% equipment redundancy, featuring multiple chokes, a full bore bypass line, and remote HMI control, allowing for customizable configurations and reduced equipment usage by separating into individual skids for specific operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full conventional MPD system is deployed, then surface back pressure capabilities are achieved, but cost becomes prohibitively high for unconventional wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional MPD system into modular components (choke manifold, bypass line, PRV, HMI) that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows operators to deploy only the necessary components for each specific drilling scenario, reducing overall system cost while maintaining essential back pressure capabilities when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular manifold design enables a single system to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a full MPD system with back pressure control, or be reconfigured as a simpler system without back pressure capability. The same hardware platform serves both conventional and unconventional well drilling needs, eliminating the requirement for separate expensive MPD equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a full conventional MPD system is deployed, then complete MPD functionality is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the MPD system into discrete modular units, the patent reduces operational complexity. Each module can be independently installed, configured, and maintained. The system can be assembled in different configurations depending on project requirements, allowing simplified deployments for less complex applications while retaining the option to add full functionality when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are added to the manifold while connected to the flowline, then system adaptability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are pre-configured and pre-assembled into complete functional units (skids) before being transported to the drilling site. This preliminary assembly allows rapid installation and configuration changes during operations, as the modules are ready-to-connect rather than requiring on-site assembly from individual parts.
Data Source
AI summary
The modular managed pressured drilling system provides multiple skids with individual chokes and PRVs on the skids. These skids secure to one another to construct a modular MPD system that provides the proper equipment for the drilling operation. An inlet flow junction and an outlet flow junction are secured to each skid. The flow junctions provide multiple ports to provide different pathways for the drilling fluid through the flow junctions. The flow junctions may direct the fluid through a first choke, a second choke, a pressure relief valve, or a bypass.