Multi-mode Pumped Riser Bypass for Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pumped riser systems face challenges in accurately controlling wellbore pressure, detecting influxes, and seamlessly switching between closed and open modes, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns during hydrocarbon drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A bypass arrangement is introduced in the riser system to allow fluid bypass around the sealing element, enabling seamless switching between closed and open modes, accurate volume measurement, and controlled pressure management, while also reducing wear on sealing elements and facilitating the use of a single hardware setup for both Surface Back Pressure and Controlled Mud Level operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a closed riser system with sealing element is used to control wellbore pressure, then pressure control capability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and sealing element wear accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic switching between closed and open riser modes through a bypass arrangement with controllable valve. The sealing element can be opened or bypassed based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level dynamically rather than maintaining a permanently complex closed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser system is segmented into separate functional paths: a main flow path through the sealing element and a bypass path around it. This segmentation allows independent control of each path, enabling pressure control through the sealing element when needed while providing a simpler alternative path to reduce complexity and wear when full pressure control is not required.
2Stress or pressure
If a sealing element is used to close the riser annulus for pressure control, then pressure regulation capability is improved, but the sealing element experiences increased wear and reduced lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element's operational state is made dynamic rather than static. The system can switch between engaging the sealing element for pressure control and opening the bypass to eliminate wear when pressure control is not needed. This dynamic operation significantly extends sealing element lifetime by allowing periodic rest periods without wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass arrangement provides a self-service mechanism where the system can automatically reduce wear on the sealing element during operations that do not require precise pressure control. The control system monitors conditions and opens the bypass when full pressure control is not required, allowing the sealing element to rest and recover.
3Quantity of substance
If volume measurements are taken in closed mode with flow measurements over time, then volume control is achieved, but measurement accuracy decreases due to accumulated errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing a known reference volume in the riser before operations begin. Volume changes are then measured as deviations from this reference point using pressure sensors, rather than attempting to measure absolute volumes over time. This preliminary setup eliminates accumulated measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical flow measurement methods with pressure-based measurement. Instead of relying on flow meters and time-based calculations that accumulate errors, the system uses accurate pressure sensors to detect volume changes through pressure-volume relationships, providing more precise measurements without accumulated errors.
4Device complexity
If the riser is operated in open mode with atmospheric pressure at the top, then system simplicity is improved, but the ability to control wellbore pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on requirements. During normal operations where simplicity is preferred, the system operates in open mode. When pressure control becomes necessary, the sealing element is engaged or the bypass is closed to transition to closed mode. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain simplicity when possible while providing pressure control capability when needed.
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 enhances the accuracy of wellbore pressure control, improves influx detection, and allows for efficient switching between operational modes, thereby increasing operational flexibility and reducing the risk of equipment wear and safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
the pump is able to regulate the wellbore pressure by (rapidly) changing the pressure at the riser outlet by changing the pressure at the inlet of the return pump
Implementation Method 2
The return pump of such a system also adjusts the pressure at this outlet of the riser which is given by the level of liquid, such as mud, in the riser in order to regulate the wellbore pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a riser system in the form of a pumped riser, i.e. a riser having an outlet from the riser at a depth below the surface of a body of water, where the outlet is coupled to a return pump to return fluid from the riser to the surface, and various operational methods to facilitate greater versatility when performing hydrocarbon drilling related operations. The arrangement also comprises a sealing element to seal an annulus of the riser, and a by-pass around the sealing element. Various methods makes it possible to switch between open mode and closed mode, and vice versa, monitoring leakage across the sealing element, as well as performing other operations exploiting the advantages of the two different modes.