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Case History - Drilling Shallow Hazard

A safer way to drill exploration well in Far East shallow gas field

Location: Andaman Sea

Operator achieves new level of pressure control in shallow gas with industry first closed loop MPD system



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Challenges

  • Uncertain PP / FG prediction in deepwater exploration area
  • Weak surface casing shoe → Uncertain drilling margin
  • Small safety margin at shoe → Limits pressure fluctuation
  • Pressure fluctuation with conventional well control → Exceed pressure limits
  • Gas migration rate fast → No time for wait & weight


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Solution

  • Real-time Closed loop MPD - DAPC, IntelliServ, and PWD
  • DAPC for BHP control during drilling and gas kicks
  • DAPC for kick detection, gas circulation, and filling riser
  • IntelliServ for high speed data comm between PWD and DAPC
  • PWD for accurate downhole annular pressure data during kicks


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Results

  • BHP held within +/-15 psi while drilling
  • BHP held within +/-45 psi during connection
  • System detects & controls BHP during 5 kick tests on rig
  • DAPC controls BHP with real-time PWD during kick tests
  • Kick volumes reduced by factor of 10

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