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Manage Pressure Drilling (MPD) presents a pioneering methodology for enhancing control over well operations and drilling processes, furnishing a proactive approach to mitigate risks stemming from fluctuating downhole pressures. Through the meticulous regulation of drilling fluid via a choke valve, MPD adeptly manages fluid pressure dynamics, effectively addressing challenges posed by undesirable pressure fluctuations. These fluctuations, often instigated by the vertical oscillations of the drill string due to wave disturbances, known as Heave Motion, can jeopardize the integrity of the well. MPD thus serves as a robust contingency against weather-induced delays, optimizing operational efficiency and bolstering the effectiveness of offshore drilling endeavors. This paper introduces various nonlinear control techniques, notably Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control (STSMC), with a specific emphasis on their application. The central objective is to utilize these controllers to effectively manage the choke valve and mitigate pressure fluctuations within the well. The controller gains underwent detailed refinement using a genetic algorithm, with a focus on minimizing the integral time absolute error (ITAE). The mathematical analysis involves using Lyapunov stability criteria to confirm that the introduced controllers are asymptotically stable. Additionally, comprehensive performance comparisons among the proposed control strategies were meticulously conducted using MATLAB/Simulink simulations. Moving beyond simulation, real-time validation involved an experimental setup integrating the capabilities of the C2000 Delfino with the MCU F28379D Launchpad.
Rehman et al. (Mon,) studied this question.