Dynamic Set Point MPD Control for Heave Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems are inadequate for drilling wells in offshore environments with harsh weather conditions, particularly due to heave-related pressure differentials caused by wind and waves, leading to surge and swab effects that disrupt borehole pressure control.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic set point system is implemented to real-time control MPD equipment components such as the choke, backpressure pump, rig pump diverter, and continuous circulation device, using data from existing control systems to maintain precise borehole pressure management by calculating and providing set points that compensate for heave effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing MPD systems are used in offshore environments with harsh weather conditions, then drilling operations can be performed, but heave-related pressure differentials cause surge and swab effects that disrupt borehole pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary counteracting actions by calculating predicted heave effects and adjusting MPD equipment set points in advance to compensate for upcoming surge and swab pressure differentials. The dynamic set point system proactively adjusts choke, backpressure pump, and rig pump diverter parameters before the heave effects fully manifest, preventing pressure control disruptions rather than merely responding to them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static to dynamic control by continuously adjusting MPD equipment set points based on real-time heave data and drilling conditions. The dynamic set point system modifies choke opening, backpressure pump rate, and rig pump diverter settings dynamically in response to changing heave conditions, maintaining effective borehole pressure control despite varying weather conditions and drilling parameters.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic set point control is implemented to compensate for heave effects, then borehole pressure stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring actual borehole pressure, heave conditions, and drilling parameters, then using this information to adjust dynamic set points for MPD equipment. The feedback loop compares predicted versus actual pressure conditions and refines set point calculations in real-time, achieving stable borehole pressure control through adaptive response to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a dynamic set point calculation system as an intermediary between heave measurement and MPD equipment control. This intermediary layer processes heave data, predicts pressure differentials, and generates adjusted set points that account for surge and swab effects, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling sophisticated compensation for heave-related disturbances.
3Productivity
If real-time calculation and adjustment of set points is performed, then non-productive time is reduced, but computational requirements and data processing needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of heave effects and dynamic set points based on predicted drilling conditions and historical data. By pre-calculating compensation parameters and preparing adjusted set points before they are needed, the system reduces real-time computational burden and enables faster response to changing conditions, minimizing non-productive time while managing data processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, system and methods for controlling borehole pressure in a MPD system to compensate for heave effects on a drilling rig are provided. The systems and method described herein involve calculating and implementing set points for two or more MPD system components in real time. These MPD components that are controlled via the dynamic set points may include a choke, a backpressure pump (BPP), a rig pump diverter (RPD), a continuous circulation device, one or more mud pumps, a pressure relief system, or some combination thereof. By calculating and providing these set points in real-time during various well and drilling operations, non-productive time, well control events, and costs to remedy issues resulting from improper pressure levels within the borehole may be mitigated or avoided.