Design and Manufacture of an Original Equipment Manufacturer Deepwater Managed Pressure Drilling Integrated Solution

Abstract

Abstract Objectives/Scope Industry deepwater exploration and development continues to encounter complex reservoir challenges, demanding an alternative to conventional drilling. Applied backpressure Managed Pressure Drilling has proven to be a solution suitable for similar challenges on land and shallow water. Some projects around the world have expanded the application to deepwater. The degree of complexity for such a solution in deepwater is such that it remains niche. To deliver a successful solution, operators have relied on integrating components from multiple providers to ensure a complete system. The package is customized for each drilling rig, further adding complexity to the integration exercise. Because each component of the system is delivered from separate suppliers, the certification of the system by an appropriate agency must then be approved on a case-by-case basis to guarantee insurability of the offshore drilling unit. Beyond certification, the ability to optimize the package was limited by barriers inherent in a multi-supplier solution. Methods, Procedures, Process In 2016, a drilling contractor requested an integrated deepwater MPD package, aimed at adding versatility to their rig fleet. A fully integrated, single Original Equipment Manufacturer solution was designed and manufactured to meet the objective of MPD enablement for a package designed to move throughout the fleet. The design, manufacture, install and system integrity test of all components for two drilling rigs took place over a 12-month period. The system was witnessed and certified by DNV GL. First field deployment took place in late 2017. Results, Observations, Conclusions This paper describes the complexities of delivering a fully integrated deepwater MPD package, including RCD, riser gas handling system, MPD control system and pressure and flow management hardware as a first artifact with DNV GL OS-E101 classification. Novel/Additive Information The solution described is an industry first complete OEM deepwater MPD system.