Automated Pressure Drilling services utilize a comprehensive package of pressure control technology. They include the automated Dynamic Annular Pressure Control system, the Smith line of rotating control devices including the HOLD 2500, and the M-I Swaco line of pressure control technology including the Super AutoChoke.

Fully automated and programmed to continuously maintain pressure stability the DAPC system includes a choke manifold, an on-demand backpressure pump, and an advanced control system that sets it apart from other systems - the Integrated Pressure Manager (IPM).

Automated with built-in redundancy the choke manifold provides two main chokes, an optional auxiliary choke, remote operability, a manual control console, and networked pressure sensors.

On-demand around the clock and remotely operated the backpressure pump is an electrically driven triplex pump that circulates mud through the manifold when the flow rate drops too low or stops completely - a condition in which other MPD systems lose active control.

By unifying pressure measurement, data monitoring, equipment control, and real-time hydraulics anlaysis in a high speed network the Integrated Pressure Manager is able to control pressure, uninterrupted, without delays - a critical feature when a sudden imbalance requires immediate response.

Designed with rig safety and operational reliability in mind the HOLD 2500 incorporates a new Hydraulically Operated Lock Down system. This system eliminates the need to send personnel below the drill floor to release the locking mechanisms when installing or replacing the stripper element. It allows stripper elements to be changed independent of the bearing assembly, saving rig time and reducing inventory on location.

Operated by the driller from a system console installed on the rig floor the remote controlled hydraulic clamp improves rig safety and element replacement time.

Additional safety features include:

• A fail-safe locked mechanism that requires hydraulic pressure to open
• A Safety Interlock System that prevents release of the seal element in the presence of wellbore pressure
• A visual indicator pin on the head to confirm when the system is locked down.

The unique design of the Super AutoChoke incorporates a sliding shuttle connected to a dynamic trim sleeve. Flow from the well passes through the inlet and is controlled by the action of the shuttle assembly. As it slides back and forth the shuttle assembly adjusts the position of the dynamic trim relative to the circular orifice of the matching static trim.

An increase in annulus pressure or a decrease in the hydraulic setpoint pressure will cause the shuttle assembly to move away from the static trim, increasing the orifice size. This allows fluid to flow from the well and decrease the casing pressure until it equals the setpoint pressure.

A decrease in casing pressure or an increase in the setpoint pressure will cause the shuttle assembly to move toward the static trim, decreasing the orifice size. This reduces the fluid flow from the well, increasing the casing pressure until it equals the setpoint pressure.

The setpoint pressure applied to the backside of the shuttle assembly is adjusted by a pressure regulator and measured by the setpoint gauge located on the choke control panel. The annulus pressure is applied to the front side of the shuttle assembly.