Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD)

Definition:

“MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to

precisely control the annular pressure profile
throughout the wellbore.
The objectives are to ascertain the downhole
pressure environment limits and to manage the
annular hydraulic pressure profile
accordingly.”
By:
IADC Underbalanced Operations and Managed Pressure
Committee.
Ref.
Frink, P. (2006). “Managed pressure drilling—what’s in a name?” in
Drilling Contractor, Mar-Apr. p. 36-39.
 Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD)
Explanation:

“MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to

precisely control the annular pressure profile
throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to
ascertain the downhole pressure environment
limits and to manage the annular hydraulic
pressure profile accordingly.”
By:
Dr. Awal.

Active, continuous control.

 Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD)
Explanation:

“MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to

precisely control the annular pressure profile
throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to
ascertain the downhole pressure environment
limits and to manage the annular hydraulic
pressure profile accordingly.”
By:
Dr. Awal.

Active, continuous control of

pressure in the un-cased portion.
 Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD)
Explanation:

“MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to

precisely control the annular pressure profile
throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to
ascertain the downhole pressure environment
limits and to manage the annular hydraulic
pressure profile accordingly.”
By:
Dr. Awal.

Determine Formation Pore & Frac Pr

profiles
 Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD)
Explanation:

“MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to

precisely control the annular pressure profile
throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to
ascertain the downhole pressure environment
limits and to manage the annular hydraulic
pressure profile accordingly.”
By:
Dr. Awal.

Apply (Pc+ Static Pr +/- Friction Pr) to

stay >< Formation Pore & < Frac Pr
profiles
 How to Manage-Pressure-Drilling

The key is Pc > 0:

Apply (Pc+ Static Pr +/- Friction Pr) to stay
>< Formation Pore &
< Frac Pr profiles

Pc > 0 is possible only when the

Drilling Fluid Circulation Loop is a
CLOSED SYSTEM.
How to Manage-Pressure-Drilling

In Conventional (read: Overbalanced) drilling

method, the only way to control/adjust the
Annular Pressure is to:

Increase the mud weight,

Or
Decrease the mud weight.

The Pump is not used to control the ECD.

 How to Manage-Pressure-Drilling

In Conventional (read: Overbalanced) drilling

method, the only way to control/adjust the
Annular Pressure is to:

It is a SLOW, time-consuming
Increase process.
the mud weight,
 Less time is available
Orto react to
unexpected situations that call for an
Decrease
increase the mud
or decrease in the weight.
applied hydraulic pressure in the annulus.

The Pump is not used to control the ECD.

 How to Manage-Pressure-Drilling

Therefore, an MPD process consists of:

Closed, pressurizable Circulation system.
 Controlled Pressures can be continuously
delivered against the entire annulus section.
 The system is Closed at ALL times. i.e.,
during drilling, and making/breaking
pipe connections.

Ref.
McCaskill, J. et al. (2006). “Managing wellbore pressure while drilling,” in
Drilling Contractor, Mar-Apr. p. 40-42.
 How to Manage-Pressure-Drilling

The MPD technology:

 Close the Annulus (Drillstem-Casing) with a
Rotating Control Device (RCD).
 Flow the returning mud through an adjustable

Choke Manifold connected to the RCD.

 A Float Valve (check valve) in the drill stem.
 A pressurized Shale-shaker & Degasser
(or 4-phase separator).
Ref. A Flare stack.
McCaskill, J. et al. (2006). “Managing wellbore pressure while drilling,” in
Drilling Contractor, Mar-Apr. p. 40-42.
 Objectives of Manage-Pressure-Drilling

TWO basic objectives of MPD:

Prevent INFLUX if you do not want it.

 Allow INFLUX if you want it.

This flexibility of doing both OBD and UBD

is the key feature of MPD.
Ref.
McCaskill, J. et al. (2006). “Managing wellbore pressure while drilling,” in
Drilling Contractor, Mar-Apr. p. 40-42.
Benefits of Manage-Pressure-Drilling

TWO basic objectives of MPD:

 Better Well Control

(Stability: Less Diff.Sticking, Kick, etc.)

 Less Well Intervention

 Significantly higher ROP!

1. Saves Rig-days  $$
2. No Formation Damage Higher Productivity
 $$