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 drillingwhats 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 process. Increase the mud weight,

Less time is available Orto react to unexpected situations that call for an increase or decrease in the weight. Decrease the mud 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). A Flare stack.
Ref. 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 $$
2. No Formation Damage Higher Productivity $$