IADC/SPE 122281

Managed-Pressure Drilling: What It Is and What It Is Not

Kenneth P. Malloy, SPE, Stress Engineering Services, C. Rick Stone, SPE, and George H. Medley, Jr., SPE,
Signa Engineering, Don Hannegan, SPE, Weatherford International, Oliver Coker, SPE, ConocoPhillips, Don
Reitsma, SPE, @Balance, Helio Santos, SPE, and Joseph Kinder, SPE, Secure Drilling, Johan Eck-Olsen, SPE,
StatoilHydro, John McCaskill, SPE, Expro Group, James May, SPE, Smith Services, Kenneth Smith, SPE and
Paul Sonneman, SPE, Chevron Energy Technology
Copyright 2009, IADC/SPE Managed Pressure Drilling and Underbalanced Operations Conference and Exhibition

This paper was prepared for presentation at the IADC/SPE Managed Pressure Drilling and Underbalanced Operations Conference and Exhibition held in San Antonio, Texas, 12–13
February 2009.

This paper was selected for presentation by an IADC/SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have
not been reviewed by the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not
necessarily reflect any position of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, or the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or
storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of IADC/SPE copyright.

Abstract
Within the context of broad industry recognition of two drilling technologies, Underbalanced Drilling predates Managed
Pressure Drilling (MPD) by at least a decade. While there are some similarities in some of the equipment and possibly in
some of the techniques, the applications are different in their intent. This paper will discuss methodologies comparing
Conventional, Underbalanced, and Managed Pressure Drilling Operations with respect to objectives, planning, drilling
equipment and operations, and well control. The application of Managed Pressure Drilling was specifically created to give it
an identity apart from Conventional Drilling and apart from Underbalanced Drilling. There appears to be some confusion
with respect to methodology for Managed Pressure Drilling. What constitutes a Managed Pressure Drilling Operation? What
constitutes an Underbalanced Drilling Operation? Are they actually the same? Does it matter?

Figure 1 illustrates the general domains of Conventional Drilling Operations, Managed Pressure Drilling Operations, and
Underbalanced Drilling Operations.

Conventional Drilling Operations

Conventional drilling by most accounts had its beginnings at Spindletop, near Beaumont Texas in 1900. Three key
technologies contributed to the success of the well and later the drilling industry. They were rotary drive, roller cone bits, and
drilling mud. There have been some improvements over the years. Today, the conventional drilling circulation flow path
begins in the mud pit, drilling fluid (mud) is pumped downhole through the drill string, through the drill bit, up the annulus,
exits the top of the wellbore open to the atmosphere via a bell nipple, then through a flowline to mud-gas separation and
solids control equipment, then back to the mud pit. All this is done in an open vessel (wellbore and mud pit) that is open to
the atmosphere. Drilling in an open vessel presents a number of difficulties that frustrate every drilling engineer.

Conventional wells are most often drilled overbalanced. We can define overbalanced as the condition where the pressure
exerted in the wellbore is greater than the pore pressure in any part of the exposed formations. Annular pressure management
is primarily controlled by mud density and mud pump flowrates. In the static condition, bottomhole pressure (PBH) is a
function of the hydrostatic column’s pressure (PHyd) (Figure 2), where...
PHyd > PBH
In the dynamic condition, when the mud pumps are circulating the hole, PBH is a function of PHyd and annular friction pressure
(PAF) (Figure 2), where…
PBH = PHyd + PAF
In an open-vessel environment, drilling operations are often subjected to kick-stuck-kick-stuck scenarios that significantly
contribute to Non-Productive Time (NPT), adding expense for many drilling AFEs. Because the vessel is open, increased
flow, not pressure, from the wellbore is often an indicator of an imminent well control incident. Often, the inner bushings are
pulled to check for flow. In that short span of time, a tiny influx has the potential to grow into a large volume kick. Pressures
cannot be adequately monitored until the well is shut-in and becomes a closed vessel.
2 IADC/SPE 122281

Underbalanced Drilling
In general terms, underbalanced drilling operations and techniques are primarily utilized to enhance reservoir productivity.
Underbalanced Drilling (UBD) is a drilling activity employing appropriate equipment and controls where the pressure
exerted by the fluid in the wellbore is intentionally less than the pore pressure in any part of the exposed formations. The
intent is to bring formation fluids to the surface, where PHyd is less than PBH.
PHyd < PBH
Underbalanced Operations (UBO) is a well construction or maintenance activity employing appropriate equipment and
controls where the hydrostatic pressure exerted in the wellbore is intentionally less than the pore pressure in any part of the
exposed formations with the intention of bringing formation fluids to the surface.

In addition to improved rate of penetration, the chief objectives of underbalanced drilling are to protect, characterize, and
preserve the reservoir while drilling so that well potential is not compromised. To accomplish this objective, influxes are
encouraged. The influxes are allowed to traverse up the hole and are suitably controlled by three major surface containment
devices.

• Rotating Control Device (RCD)

• Drilling Choke Manifold
• Multiple Phase Separator

If the well is being produced while drilling, the gas is either flared, recirculated, or send on to a gathering station for eventual
sales. If the drilling is land-based, oil is typically stored in stock tanks.

Managed Pressure Drilling

The origins of Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) can be found in the utilization of a few specific technologies developed by
its forbearer…Underbalanced Drilling. Managed Pressure Drilling is primarily utilized to drill problem wells that are either
impossible or uneconomical to drill with conventional overbalanced drilling methods.

MPD is an application driven technology designed to mitigate drilling hazards; namely

• Lost Circulation
• Stuck Pipe
• Wellbore Instability
• Well Control Incidents

To drill these problem wells, various techniques can be employed to manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile of the
exposed wellbore. Proactive control of the equivalent mud weight within the drilling window (Figure 3) tends to allow the
option to set casing seats at depths greater than can be achieved conventionally through overbalanced drilling and reduces
overall non-productive time (NPT).

Managed Pressure Drilling utilizes technology to drill with a planned and prescribed pressure profile using techniques and
equipment beyond those available conventionally, while Underbalanced Drilling is simply drilling below pore pressure
intentionally. Where Underbalanced Operations typically seek formation influx into the well bore, Managed Pressure Drilling
makes every attempt to avoid influx. Any flow incidental to MPD operations is to be safely contained using an appropriate
process, in similar fashion to conventional drilling. Compared to conventional drilling practices, containment of influxes is
generally better controlled with MPD due to advances in techniques associated with the equipment employed.

Managed Pressure Drilling Definition

The Underbalanced Operations and Managed Pressure Drilling Committee of the International Association of Drilling
Contractors have defined Managed Pressure Drilling.

Managed Pressure Drilling 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. The intention of MPD is to avoid continuous
influx of formation fluids to the surface. Any influx incidental to the operation will
be safely contained using an appropriate process.
IADC/SPE 122281 3

• MPD process employs a collection of tools and techniques which

may mitigate the risks and costs associated with drilling wells that
have narrow downhole environmental limits, by proactively
managing the annular hydraulic pressure profile.
• MPD may include control of back pressure, fluid density, fluid
rheology, annular fluid level, circulating friction, and hole
geometry, or combinations thereof.
• MPD may allow faster corrective action to deal with observed
pressure variations. The ability to dynamically control annular
pressures facilitates drilling of what might otherwise be
economically unattainable prospects.
The centerpieces of the definition are rooted around the words “intent” and “precisely control”. The various technologies
available today allow us to control maintenance of the bottomhole pressure from the surface within a range of 30 – 50 psi.
One MPD method does not address all problems. Managed Pressure Drilling is application specific. The drilling engineer
will have his choice of many options that will best address the drilling problems he confronts.

Intent
If the intent is to allow continuous influx to the surface then the operation is decidedly underbalanced drilling. While there
are some similarities in equipment selection and similar training needs for personnel involved in the operation, Managed
Pressure Drilling is not a “poor boy” version of Underbalanced Drilling. On the contrary, done properly, contingencies need
to be explored requiring engineering forethought and planning. Managed Pressure Drilling systems readily connect to and
enhance conventional drilling rig capabilities.

Unlike underbalanced drilling, MPD does not encourage influx into the wellbore. Flares and four-phase separation units are
not required equipment. Although the equipment footprint and outlay for Managed Pressure Drilling operations is typically
not as extensive as Underbalanced Drilling, supplemental training for rig personnel is strongly encouraged.

Precise Control
The vast majority of Managed Pressure Drilling is practiced while drilling in a closed vessel utilizing a Rotating Control
Device (RCD) with at least one drill string Non-Return Valve, and a Drilling Choke Manifold. Various manufacturers
produce RCD’s that conform to API Specifications 16RCD and Specifications for Non-Return Valves have recently been
published as API Spec 7NRV. Manual controlled and microprocessor controlled chokes are available depending on the
application. Presuming that the wellbore is capable of pressure containment, by sealing the wellbore, pressure throughout the
wellbore can be better monitored at the surface on a real time basis. In a closed system, changes in pressure are seen
immediately. By more precisely controlling the annular wellbore pressure profiles, detection of influxes and losses are
virtually instantaneous. The safety of rig personnel and equipment during everyday drilling operations is enhanced. Drilling
economics tend to improve by reduction of excessive drilling mud costs and reduction of drilling related non-productive time.

As illustrated in Figure 1, in some challenging drilling environments wellbore stability pressures and pore pressure may be in
very close proximity to one another. In some wells the lines will cross, where the pore pressure will be less than the well bore
stability pressure. Under those conditions, precise control of the annular pressure profile is critical to simultaneous well
control and wellbore stability. In this application, underbalanced drilling is not the application of choice because of over-
riding well stability concerns.

Reactive MPD
There are two basic approaches to utilizing MPD – Reactive and Proactive. Reactive MPD uses Managed Pressure Drilling
methods and/or equipment as a contingency to mitigate drilling problems after they arise. The well is typically planned with
conventional drilling methods and MPD equipment and procedures are activated only after unplanned events occur.

Utilizing a Rotating Control Device (RCD) alone does not necessarily constitute Managed Pressure Drilling Operations. A
Rotating Control Device is an excellent supplemental safety device and adjunct to the BOP Stack above the Annular
Preventer. While many Rotating Control Devices are rated to 3000 psi and beyond under static conditions, used alone without
other complementary equipment, it is at best a highly effective reactionary tool that could be used to safely divert
hydrocarbons escaping from the wellbore away from the rig floor. This method is often times described as the Health Safety
Environmental (HSE) variation. As additional equipment and know-how are added, the operation becomes more and more
proactive where control is more precise.
4 IADC/SPE 122281

Proactive MPD
Proactive MPD uses Managed Pressure Drilling methods and/or equipment to actively and precisely control the annular
pressure profile throughout the exposed wellbore. This approach utilizes the wide range of tools and techniques available to
better control placement of casing seats, utilizing fewer casing strings, providing better control of mud density requirements
and mud costs, and employ finer pressure control to provide more advanced warning of potential well control incidents. All
of which lead to more time tending to drilling operations and less time spent in non-productive activities. In short, Proactive
Managed Pressure Drilling…

• Drills the Operationally Challenged

• Drills the Economically Challenged
• Drills the “Undrillable”

Variations
The Bottom Hole Pressure Profile Method, Point of Constant Pressure Method, the Mud Cap Method, the Constant Flow
Method, Casing Drilling, ECD Reduction, and the Dual Gradient Method are but a few of numerous proactive variations on a
theme, where the theme is manipulation of the wellbore pressure profile to diminish or eliminate chronic drilling problems.
Many drilling problems can be directly attributed to poor hydraulic control.

Hydrodynamics
Virtually every variation of Managed Pressure Drilling involves manipulation and management of the entire pressure profile,
particularly in the exposed wellbore. Listed below are many of the factors that affect downhole hydraulics. Used singularly or
in combination they can be manipulated, managed, employed, and exploited to accomplish the objectives of managed
pressure drilling to decrease non-productive time along with the hazards and the expenses that typically accompany that non-
productive time.

• Wellbore Geometry
• Drilling Fluid Density
• Drilling Fluid Rheology
• Annular Backpressure
• Wellbore Strengthening
• Annular Friction Pressure

In many cases where the drilling plan includes a section of hole that requires Proactive MPD, a very detailed wellbore
hydraulic analysis model will not only foretell the success of various MPD methods but may also guide the drilling engineer
in real-time while contending with difficult hydrodynamics scenarios.

References
Malloy KP: “A Probabilistic Approach to Risk Assessment of Managed Pressure Drilling in Offshore Applications”, Joint Industry Project
DEA 155, October 2008.
Malloy KP, V Roes: “Improved Reliability of Drilling Operations Using Managed Pressure Drilling Technology: A Case Study in a Brown
Field Environment”, OTC-18461-PP, May 2007.
Medley G, P Reynolds: “Distinct Variations of Managed Pressure Drilling Exhibit Application Potential”, World Oil, March 2006, pp. 41-
45
Roes V, D Reitsma, L Smith, J McCaskill, F Hefren: “First Deepwater Application of Dynamic Annular Pressure Control Succeeds”,
IADC/SPE 98077, IADC/SPE Drilling Conference Proceedings, Miami, FL, Feb 2006.
Smith K: “MPD helps to Make Problems Disappear”, Drilling Contractor, Sept/Oct 2006: pp. 48-49.
Sweep, MN., JM. Bailey, and CR Stone: “Closed Hole Circulation Drilling: Case Study of Drilling a High-Pressure Fractured Reservoir –
Tengiz Field, Tengiz, Republic of Kazakhstan”, SPE/IADC 79850, SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
February 19-21 2003
Tian S, GH Medley, CR Stone: “Optimizing circulation while drilling underbalanced”, World Oil, June 2000, pp. 48-55.
“Underbalanced Operations and Managed Pressure Drilling Glossary”, International Association of Drilling Contractors, www.iadc.org .

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the excellent work produced by the Underbalanced Operations and Managed Pressure
Drilling Committee of the International Association of Drilling Contractors since its inception in 1996. Additionally, the
authors wish to thank the management and staff of the Mohr Engineering Division and Stress Engineering Services,
especially Jack Miller and Dr. Joe Fowler, for their continued support of this technology and assistance in the preparation of
this paper.
IADC/SPE 122281 5

DEPTH

Borehole Stability

Pore Pressure

Frac or Lost Circulation

PRESSURE

Figure 1. Drilling Windows for Conventional Drilling Operations, Managed Pressure Drilling Operations, and Underbalanced Drilling
Operations.
6 IADC/SPE 122281

TVD

DYNAMIC
PBH = PHyd + PAF
STATIC
PBH = PHyd

psi
PAF
AnnularFriction Pressure

Figure 2. Ideally, Static and Dynamic Pressures Are Within Formation Pressure and Fracture Pressure Windows.

Overburden

Fracture
Depth

Collapse
Pore

Pressure
Figure 3. Drilling Window using Single Density Drilling Fluid