A drill pipe non-return valve (NRV) is essential in MPD operations. A U-tube analogy demonstrates that any positive unbalance in the annulus will result in forcing fluid up the drill pipe. [4] Referred to as a float, the NRV is usually driven by a piston. During circulation, drilling fluid forces the valve open against the spring. When pumps are off the valve is closed through a combination of the spring and wellbore pressure. [2]
Figure 2.7c Rig layout for MPD operations (KCA Deutag Source – adapted)
Note: Refer to Appendix 2 for full P&ID set-up of MPD integrated within a rig system.
3. Case Study 1- Statoil, Kvitebjørn [11]
3.1 Kvitebjørn: Background
Kvitebjørn, owned by Norwegian operator Statoil, is a gas condensate field …show more content…
As a ‘new’ technology, vastly experienced MPD personnel are rare. Drill crew training took place on KCA Deutag’s Drilling and Advanced Rig Training (DART) system in Aberdeen. The DART facility consists of a full-scale replica of an offshore platform and provides an opportunity for personnel to ‘drill the well’ in a safe environment on a simulator prior to drilling the well. Installed with an MPD software package, the DART simulator can imitate tight drilling margins in HPHT wells and simulate events such as kicks, losses and well-bore …show more content…
Elevated costs associated with NPT when drilling challenging wells appear to be accepted if, eventually, the well can meet its objectives.
Research for this report has found that the second most common application of MPD was to reduce HSE risks. Documented instances where MPD has been utilised to reduce NPT exist, although these are somewhat in a minority.
Despite employing MPD to tackle operationally unfeasible wells, operators cannot fail to notice the consequential reduction in NPT. With high levels of contingency added to budgets to allow for drilling related NPT, this reduction will result in tangible savings in time and cost. With the current unstable oil price and a tighter economy, it is becoming increasingly important to improve drilling efficiencies, reduce drilling budgets and ultimately enhance the value of any project.
Furthermore, as drilling moves into increasingly challenging environments where risks are higher, regulating bodies may insist on the use of a safer closed loop system and thus the application of HSE MPD may also increase.
4.1.3
Figure 2.7c Rig layout for MPD operations (KCA Deutag Source – adapted)
Note: Refer to Appendix 2 for full P&ID set-up of MPD integrated within a rig system.
3. Case Study 1- Statoil, Kvitebjørn [11]
3.1 Kvitebjørn: Background
Kvitebjørn, owned by Norwegian operator Statoil, is a gas condensate field …show more content…
As a ‘new’ technology, vastly experienced MPD personnel are rare. Drill crew training took place on KCA Deutag’s Drilling and Advanced Rig Training (DART) system in Aberdeen. The DART facility consists of a full-scale replica of an offshore platform and provides an opportunity for personnel to ‘drill the well’ in a safe environment on a simulator prior to drilling the well. Installed with an MPD software package, the DART simulator can imitate tight drilling margins in HPHT wells and simulate events such as kicks, losses and well-bore …show more content…
Elevated costs associated with NPT when drilling challenging wells appear to be accepted if, eventually, the well can meet its objectives.
Research for this report has found that the second most common application of MPD was to reduce HSE risks. Documented instances where MPD has been utilised to reduce NPT exist, although these are somewhat in a minority.
Despite employing MPD to tackle operationally unfeasible wells, operators cannot fail to notice the consequential reduction in NPT. With high levels of contingency added to budgets to allow for drilling related NPT, this reduction will result in tangible savings in time and cost. With the current unstable oil price and a tighter economy, it is becoming increasingly important to improve drilling efficiencies, reduce drilling budgets and ultimately enhance the value of any project.
Furthermore, as drilling moves into increasingly challenging environments where risks are higher, regulating bodies may insist on the use of a safer closed loop system and thus the application of HSE MPD may also increase.
4.1.3