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Revolutionizing Drilling: NOV Managed Pressure Drilling Shines in High-Pressure, High-Temperature Wells onshore in Europe

It maybe an old story but its a good one, technological advancements in NOV MPD continue to push the boundaries of what resources are ecconmically viable. NOV's Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) product line has recently demonstrated remarkable success in drilling multiple high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells for a major client onshore in Europe. Utilising the latest technology in the field NOV continues to deliver value to its clients utilising the most innovative, cost effective equipment with the most experienced MPD crews.

The Challenge of HPHT Wells

High-pressure, high-temperature wells are among the most challenging drilling environments encountered by the oil and gas industry. These wells are characterized by extreme conditions, with pressures exceeding 10,000 psi and temperatures surpassing 300°F (150°C). Drilling in such environments presents significant technical challenges, including maintaining wellbore stability, managing pressure fluctuations, and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.

Traditional drilling methods often struggle to cope with these challenges, leading to non-productive time (NPT), increased costs, and heightened risks. Enter NOV Managed Pressure Drilling, technology specifically designed to address these issues and enhance drilling performance.

What is Managed Pressure Drilling?

Managed Pressure Drilling is an advanced drilling technique that allows operators to precisely control the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore. By using a closed-loop system with real-time monitoring and adjustments, MPD maintains the pressure within a predetermined window, minimizing the risks of kicks, losses, and other pressure-related problems. NOV has spent decades perfecting the technology and the latest generation of equipment continues to prove itself.

The key components of an NOV MPD system include an L-RCD rotating control device, an NControl dual choke manifold complete with upstream coriolis flow meter. When properly integrated into the rig, these components work to ensure that the wellbore pressure remains within the desired range while drilling and during connections, providing greater control and flexibility during drilling operations.

The European Success Story

A major client in Europe recently embarked on a project to drill multiple HPHT wells in a geologically complex onshore field. Recognizing the challenges posed by the extreme conditions, the client opted to employ NOV Managed Pressure Drilling to mitigate risks and enhance performance.

Planning and Implementation

The project began with comprehensive planning and collaboration between the client, the drilling contractor, and NOV. Completeing HAZID/HAZOP to mitigate risk, detailed simulations and modeling were conducted to establish the optimal pressure parameters for each well. This meticulous preparation ensured that the NOV MPD system was tailored to the specific requirements of the project.

The MPD system was tested and pre-assembled following the plan from the rig survey then deployed on the drilling rig and installed in record time 3days (previously 7 days), providing real-time monitoring and control capabilities integrated into the drilling operations. The NOV team were highly experienced in MPD operations and trained the drilling crews in best practice for operating the MPD equipment and respond to any potential issues that might arise during drilling. Drills and fingerprinting were carried out to establish good practice and an accurate assessment of how the well would respond to changes applied by the NOV MPD System.

Drilling Performance

The results of the project were nothing short of exceptional. Over the course of drilling multiple HPHT wells, the MPD system consistently maintained the pressure within the desired window, effectively mitigating the risks associated with high-pressure, high-temperature environments. Key performance indicators (KPIs) highlighted the success of the MPD application:

1. Reduced Non-Productive Time (NPT): The precise pressure control provided by MPD minimized instances of wellbore instability, kicks, and losses, significantly reducing drilling NPT and associated costs by over 14 days compared to previous wells.
2. Enhanced Safety: By maintaining wellbore integrity and preventing pressure-related incidents, MPD enhanced the overall safety of the drilling operations, protecting both personnel and equipment.
3. Improved Drilling Efficiency: The ability to drill continuously without interruptions led to faster well completion times 30days per section compared to 45days previously and optimized resource utilization.
4. Cost Savings: The reduction in NPT, combined with the efficiency gains, translated into substantial cost savings for the client, making the project economically viable even in challenging conditions.

The Future of Managed Pressure Drilling

The success of Managed Pressure Drilling in these European HPHT wells underscores its potential as a game-changing technology for the oil and gas industry. As operators continue to explore and develop increasingly complex reservoirs, MPD offers a reliable and effective solution to overcome the inherent challenges of HPHT environments.

Looking ahead, the continued advancement of MPD technology, coupled with ongoing training and collaboration, will further enhance its capabilities and broaden its application. The success story in Europe serves as a testament to the transformative impact of MPD, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations worldwide.

Conclusion

Managed Pressure Drilling has proven its worth in the high-pressure, high-temperature wells of Europe, delivering outstanding performance and demonstrating its potential to revolutionize the oil and gas industry. By providing precise pressure control and mitigating risks, MPD has set a new standard for drilling in challenging environments. As the industry continues to push the boundaries of exploration and production, NOV MPD stands ready to lead the way, ensuring safer, more efficient, and more successful drilling operations.