TAMU Pemex

Offshore Drilling
Lesson 5B
High-Pressure Riser
1

Based on
Low Riser Return and Mudlift System,
by Sigbjrn Sangesland and Brre Fossli.
Proc. XIV Deep Offshore Tech. Conf.,
New Orleans, Nov. 13-15, 2002.
2

Low Riser Return and Mudlift System

High-Pressure Small Diameter Riser
Longer Hole Sections
Fewer Casing Strings
Mud Level in Riser far below Sea Level
Mud-Lift Pump keeps Mud Level low

Standard
Deep-water
Drilling
System using
18
Wellhead
and 21 Riser
4

Pore Pressure,
Fracture
Pressure and
Casing Program
5

13 5/8
Wellhead and
12 Riser
with Low
Riser Return
System
(LRRS)
6

Pore Pressure,
Fracture Pressure and
Casing Program for
LRRS

Cost Comparison between a Conventional 21

and a 14 (12 ID) High-Pressure Riser System

Some LRRS Advantages

Wellbore pressures can be changed

without changing the mud weight
This is accomplished by raising or lowering
the mud level in the riser

Underbalanced drilling can often be achieved

Drilling with water and a reduced fluid level
in the riser results in abnormally low
pressures in the wellbore

The riser can act as a mud / gas separator

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More LRRS Advantages

Well control is simplified

The riser can handle high pressures
No choke or kill lines are necessary

Drilling costs are reduced

Less time to run smaller riser
Use smaller rig
Fewer casing strings

Potential for 30% reduction in well costs

10