Automatic Standpipe Pressure Control for Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore pressure control methods in drilling operations, such as managed pressure and underbalanced drilling, face challenges in accurately regulating bottom hole pressure, especially during connections in the drill string when circulation is interrupted, leading to potential fluid loss or influx and formation damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automatic standpipe pressure control system using a rotating control device (RCD), choke manifold, and backpressure pump, combined with a hydraulics model and predictive control system, allows for continuous pressure regulation by varying backpressure in the annulus, even during non-circulating conditions, utilizing sensors and flow control devices to maintain desired wellbore pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If circulation is interrupted during drill string connections, then drilling operations can proceed with connections, but wellbore pressure control is lost leading to potential fluid loss or influx
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing alternative pressure control pathways before circulation interruption occurs. The backpressure pump and choke manifold are pre-configured to maintain annulus pressure control independently of the drilling circulation system, ensuring pressure control readiness before connections begin.
Solution Approach 2:
The annulus pressure system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drill string and wellbore. By controlling pressure in the annulus space rather than directly through the drill string circulation, the system maintains indirect pressure control during connections, preventing direct loss or influx while allowing connection operations.
2Reliability
If automatic standpipe pressure control is implemented, then continuous pressure regulation is achieved, but system complexity increases with multiple control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by using the same backpressure pump and choke manifold for both annulus pressure control and standpipe pressure control. These components serve dual purposes: maintaining wellbore pressure during connections and regulating standpipe pressure during circulation, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring standpipe pressure and annulus pressure through sensors and automatically adjusting the choke position and backpressure pump operation accordingly. This closed-loop control maintains desired pressure levels without requiring constant manual intervention, improving reliability while managing complexity through automation.
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 enables precise and continuous control of wellbore pressure, preventing fluid loss or influx and formation damage, by maintaining desired bottom hole pressure even during drill string connections, thereby enhancing drilling safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
backpressure pump
Implementation Method 2
choke manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling standpipe pressure in a drilling operation can include comparing a measured standpipe pressure to a desired standpipe pressure, and automatically adjusting a choke in response to the comparing, thereby reducing a difference between the measured standpipe pressure and the desired standpipe pressure. A standpipe pressure control system for use in a drilling operation can include a controller which outputs an annulus pressure setpoint based on a comparison of a measured standpipe pressure to a desired standpipe pressure, and a choke which is automatically adjusted in response to the annulus pressure setpoint. A well system can include a standpipe line connected to a drill string in a wellbore, a sensor which measures pressure in the standpipe line, and a controller which outputs an annulus pressure setpoint based at least in part on a difference between the measured pressure and a desired standpipe pressure.