Live Well Display & Automated Data Analysis To Improve Timely Well Control & Drilling Optimization Decision-Making In MPD Operations

Abstract A state-of-the-art MPD system should have not only highly accurate sensors measuring critical mud flow data and PLC automated chokes to precisely maintain desired annular pressure, but also the ability to aggregate, analyze and display this real-time information on monitors on the rig floor and in remotely located centers. In the past, this flow monitoring and detection capability that was primarily based on mass flow balance has helped safe and effective drilling of complex wells through early identification and interpretation of critical events such as kicks vs. ballooning and has enabled the safe drilling of prospects deemed un-drillable using conventional technology. This paper describes a number of enhancements including the system's ability to display and analyze not only the critical parameters of drilling hydraulics, but also other information that allows looking at the totality of the closed-loop system from different perspectives. It provides just-in-time engineering that improves the decision making process in time sensitive scenarios by increasing awareness and decreasing reaction time. It does this by utilizing a user friendly "live well display". The real-time MPD automation software platform that has been developed allows the conducting of advanced well hydraulics and drilling dynamics simulations, providing engineering calculation tools and customizable plug-in controls for multiple hardware components. By employing real-time models such as hydraulic, well control, swab-surge and T&D, the system displays information from different perspectives and aids in understanding what are the real limits during a drilling operation. The expandable database structure allows capturing more valuable data while continuity of data streams is secured with implementation of "heart beat" technology. The ability to control not only chokes but multiple components such as RCD, PRV, remote valves etc. provides further automation possibilities and minimizes the possibility of human errors. Finally, putting engineering and operational analysis, real time drilling process control and even automated reporting on the same software platform maximizes operational efficiency and increases safety for people and rig equipment during well control events and MPD applications.