Modular MPD Choke Skids for Redundant 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 modularity and cost-effectiveness.
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 varying drilling conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full conventional MPD system is deployed, then surface back pressure control capability is achieved, but operational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional MPD system into modular components (choke manifold, HMI control system, coriolis meter skid, PRV) that can be independently selected and assembled. This allows operators to deploy only the necessary components for each specific drilling scenario, reducing overall system cost while maintaining essential back pressure control capabilities through selective configuration of modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular MPD system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions across different drilling operations. The choke manifold, for example, can be configured with 1-3 chokes depending on redundancy requirements, and the same basic platform supports both MPD operations and conventional drilling with a full bore bypass line, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Reliability
If a full MPD skid with multiple chokes is assembled, then equipment redundancy is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments redundancy into optional modular configurations rather than requiring all components simultaneously. Operators can choose between single-choke, dual-choke, or triple-choke setups based on risk assessment, allowing redundancy to be added incrementally only where needed without forcing complexity on all installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the choke manifold by adding or removing choke components based on changing drilling conditions and risk assessments. This dynamic adaptability means the system complexity can be adjusted in real-time to match actual operational needs rather than being fixed at maximum complexity from the outset.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the manifold is separated into individual skids, then flexibility for customization is improved, but assembly and integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into standardized individual skids (choke skids, HMI control skid, coriolis meter skid, PRV skid) with defined connection interfaces. This segmentation enables flexible assembly configurations while the standardization of connection points and mounting interfaces reduces the actual assembly complexity compared to custom-integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each skid is pre-configured and pre-tested as an independent module before field deployment. The HMI control system is pre-programmed with MPD parameters, and flow lines are pre-routed on each skid, so that field assembly primarily involves connecting pre-prepared modules rather than performing complex integration work on-site.
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 block and an outlet flow block are secured to each skid. The flow blocks provide multiple apertures to provide different pathways for the drilling fluid through the flow blocks. The flow blocks may direct the fluid through a first choke, a second choke, a pressure relief valve, or a bypass.