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A Record of Firsts in 2006
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At Balance has helped its customers achieve a number of industry firsts in pressure stability, well construction, and field life extension Like all useful drilling technologies the Dynamaic Annular Pressure Control (DAPC) system has provided a practical solution to many real world problems and a new category of benefits. Read about our record of firsts in well construction savings and field life extension: |
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One of the more significant industry first drilling innovations for constant BHP control occurred in 2006 in the Andaman Sea with the first use of a closed-loop pressure control system. This was the first time ever that an operator on his own initiative combined the DAPC system for automated BHP control, real-time PWD data, and wired drill pipe to safely drill shallow gas hazards from a drill ship in deepwater. During onsite simulated kicks with nitrogen the operator tested the integrated system and proved the DAPC system did indeed detect kicks early and control the BHP while circulating out the gas. In addition, it proved capable of maintaining the BHP while drilling wihtin a 15 psi window. |
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2006 saw the continuation of the horizontal reentry drilling program started in 2005 to access mature stranded oil with slim coiled tubing.
However, in this followup well the operator wanted to reduce operating cost even more by reducing the number of people on board. At Balance reprogrammed the DAPC system for remote operation from a data center located in a nearby North Sea country. With this capability the DAPC system required only one technician on board the rig. Control was managed by MPD Supervisors in the data center. The system demonstrated its ability to be remotely operated when all rig power was lost and the system had to be remotely started and controlled. The MPD Supervisors in the data center restarted the system remotely and got it back online as soon as power was restored. The operator realized the benefit of reduced personnel on board and reduced operating expense. |
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