Revolutionizing Rig Integration with Next-Generation MPD Equipment: The Pressure Management Device (PMD)
Authors: Mammadov Elvin , Hoffarth Dan 
Published: May 2023

Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) is a method of controlling wellbore pressure using specialized equipment and techniques that adjust bottom hole pressure in real time. It can be performed with automated or semi-automated systems and trained field personnel, including operators or rig crew. When MPD systems are integrated into drilling rig operations, benefits of MPD systems and processes can be achieved but can be complex. This includes installing equipment, training personnel, and creating policies and procedures.

Integrating MPD into a drilling rig has always been challenging due to the timing of rig in and out operations, diversity in MPD equipment, and required of training rig crew to operate MPD equipment or having MPD personnel on site. Automated MPD has also been difficult to integrate and enable the rig crew to run due to the complexity of managing the MPD software. Drilling contractors will continue to be reluctant to carve out additional bandwidth requirements of their rig personnel to deliver MPD in addition to their main scope, as leads to task saturation and creates safety and operational concerns. Ultimately, the term when there is a requirement or expectation of additional or extra labor to operate any equipment is "mechanized" and referring to such a process as "automated" is incorrect.

Effective rig integration is crucial for the MPD industry to achieve performance drilling with a proactive MPD approach. Developed under the guidance of experienced super spec drilling rig contractors, The Pressure Management Device (PMD), offers a level of MPD and rig integration not yet experienced by industry while addressing the historical drawbacks, such as manual or mechanized controls, task saturation or additional time & labor burdens for rig crews or the need for an MPD subject matter expert (SME) on site. The PMD™ combines all MPD methods into a single device, eliminating the need for repeated rig in and rig out operations while providing autonomous pressure control without requiring any additional personnel on-site after initial rig up. Incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the PMD™ continuously monitors and adjusts pressure conditions in real time. Recognizing that many MPD failures are a result of operator (human) error, this advanced automation allows for seamless integration into existing rig operations which enables the use of MPD techniques without any additional burden on rig personnel or the need for specialized expertise to be on-site. PMD™ additionally provides a significantly reduced equipment complement and footprint that results in more cost-effective transportation, reduced HSE exposure and greater operational efficiencies. Overall, the PMD™ represents multiple major advancements in MPD rig integration offering an effective and efficient solution for drilling operations. With over 90% of traditional piping being eliminated, PMD™ additionally provides a significantly reduced equipment requirements enabling fast and safe handling. In pad drilling applications, and many other scenarios, there is no need to rig out the PMD during well-to-well walks or rig moves.

This paper compares traditional MPD to PMD™ performance from a rig integration perspective, focusing on the drawbacks of traditional MPD and how PMD™ addresses them with its patented new technologies, including AI and ML-based software automation and advanced automated systems in a redesigned version of next-generation MPD equipment. It serves as a comprehensive guide for future MPD land and offshore rig integration and outlines the steps to optimize performance with MPD techniques.