Universal Riser Joint for MPD and SMD Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine drilling systems lack the ability to efficiently and reconfigurably switch between managed pressure drilling (MPD), subsea mudlift drilling (SMD), and conventional drilling without substantial disassembly of the riser.
Innovation Solution
The riser joint apparatus includes flexible couplings, a mud return line, and a flow diverter manifold with valves and conduits that allow for selective fluid routing, enabling easy transition between drilling modes by controlling fluid flow and pressure through the use of SMD and MPD pumps and chokes, without the need to disassemble the riser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the riser is designed for conventional drilling only, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different drilling modes (MPD, SMD) is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The riser joint is designed with multiple functional components that enable it to perform different drilling operations. The flow diverter manifold with selectable outlets, combined with the mud return line and SMD pump integration, allows a single riser configuration to support conventional drilling, MPD, and SMD modes through valve positioning and flow routing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser system incorporates dynamic flow control through valves and chokes that can be adjusted during operation. The flow diverter manifold allows dynamic routing of mud flow between different paths (annulus return, SMD pump intake, MPD choke), enabling the system to adapt its configuration without physical reassembly.
2Ease of operation
If the riser is reconfigured for different drilling modes by disassembly, then the system can be simplified for each mode, but the time and labor required for reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The riser incorporates dynamic flow control components including valves and chokes that can be adjusted during operation without disassembly. The flow diverter manifold allows dynamic routing of mud flow between different paths through valve positioning, enabling rapid mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser is pre-configured with integrated flow control components (flow diverter manifold, mud return line, SMD pump connections) that are positioned and connected in advance. This preliminary integration of all necessary components allows operators to switch between drilling modes by simply adjusting valve positions rather than performing complex disassembly and reassembly operations.
3Measurement precision
If flow control devices are added for MPD and SMD, then the precision of fluid pressure and flow rate control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control functionality for both MPD and SMD operations is merged into a single integrated manifold system. The flow diverter manifold combines multiple control functions (annulus return, SMD pump intake, MPD choke) in one location, allowing centralized control of fluid flow and pressure for different drilling modes without requiring separate, distributed control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control system is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that handles both MPD and SMD operations. The same manifold, valves, and pump infrastructure serve multiple purposes depending on valve configuration, eliminating the need for mode-specific control hardware and reducing overall system complexity despite the precision control capabilities.
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
Enables efficient and flexible operation across different drilling modes, allowing for precise control of fluid pressure and flow rates, enhancing drilling efficiency and reducing the need for extensive system reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
a pump ('SMD pump') disposed at a selected elevation below the water surface, having its suction side in fluid communication with the annulus and its discharge connected to a mud return line
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element, called a rotating control device ('RCD') is disposed at a selected longitudinal position in the annulus and a fluid outlet is provided below the RCD such that returning mud from the annulus may have its flow rate and/or pressure controlled
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a tube having at least one flow outlet in communication with an interior of the tube. The apparatus includes valves for selectively connecting the flow outlet to one of a fluid return line and an inlet of a fluid pump. The apparatus also includes valves for selectively connecting the outlet of the pump to the fluid return line and closing the pump outlet. A method includes returning mud from a wellbore into a riser extending between the wellbore and a drilling unit on the surface of a body of water. Flow from a tube in the riser is selectively diverted to an inlet to a fluid pump or a mud return line extending from the tube to the drilling unit. When the flow is diverted to return mud flow in the riser is stopped above the tube. When flow is diverted to the inlet of the pump, the pump is operated to lift the mud to maintain a selected mud pressure in the wellbore.