Implementation of Managed Pressure Casing Drilling and Managed Pressure Cementing Techniques in Unconventional Reservoirs

Abstract

Fields located in the southeastern area of the Neuquén Province of Argentina are widely recognized for their high formation pressures and related influxes while drilling the production section. Some of the challenges encountered when drilling using conventional techniques include kicks, losses, wellbore instability, and formation damage. They are also known for challenging cementing operations. These wellbore construction challenges can significantly impact non-productive time (NPT). Managed pressure cementing (MPC) has been implemented for recent wells after the target is achieved with managed pressure casing drilling (MPCD). This application enables the implementation of controlled bottomhole pressure (BHP) while cementing, without killing the well. Surface backpressure (SBP) is applied in accordance with the cementing pumping schedule, taking into account varying pump flow rates and fluid densities. In wells in which MPC was implemented, SBP was continuously applied to maintain the target equivalent circulating density (ECD) required for the cementing operation, avoiding expansion and gas migration. This paper describes the implementation, results, and behavior of the well while performing MPC. MPCD and MPC techniques have proven to be an effective combination to help optimize drilling time, improve bottomhole conditions, and reduce cementing costs. This paper includes lessons learned and recommendations to help enhance the implementation of these techniques and optimize the overall well construction phase to improve the performance of future wells.

A state-of-the-art review and prospect of gas hydrate reservoir drilling techniques

“…CWD has been verified by a large number of practices and has been successfully applied to gas hydrate drilling operations in the Canadian Arctic permafrost (Vrielink et al, 2008). Managed pressure casing drilling (MPCD) is built on MPD and leverages CWD techniques to handle the problem of downhole high pressure management in the process of open hole logging after tripping out, ensuring that the pressure control mechanism is in place (Balanza et al, 2015). At present, MPCD has been successfully applied in well Gao 124 -Geng 30, well Gao 132 -Geng 33, well Bei 3 -Ding 5 -Geng P34 and well Bei 3-342 -Geng P51 in Daqing Oilfield (Liu et al, 2020;Liu et al, 2021), and it is expected to be applied to gas hydrate drilling in China in the future.…”

Comprehensive Review on Exploration and Drilling Techniques for Natural Gas Hydrate Reservoirs

“…MPD variables: , Back pressure is applied through (a) rotating control device (RCD) and a MPD choke manifold [an additional non-return valve (NRV)–float valve is preferred during gas hydrate drilling to keep the wellbore pressurized during connections]. (b) MPD choke manifold consists of a back-pressure pump, rig pump diverter, and autochoke for precise maintenance of the bottom hole pressure.…”

“…Higher annular frictional pressure losses allow for drilling with relatively low mud densities, with reduced injection rates to avoid losses compared to conventional drilling. It has an added benefit of improving the drilling performance by avoiding tripping operations and facilitating dynamic well control in high pore pressure zones …”

“…Key advantages of MPCD include the following: , (a) It is capable of maintaining a high and constant BHP with a lower mud density. (b) It minimizes tripping operations and optimizes well control.…”

“…It has an added benefit of improving the drilling performance by avoiding tripping operations and facilitating dynamic well control in high pore pressure zones. 146 Key advantages of MPCD include the following: 146,158 (a) It is capable of maintaining a high and constant BHP with a lower mud density. (b) It minimizes tripping operations and optimizes well control.…”