In recent years, we have seen an increase in the use of managed pressure drilling (MPD). The background to this follow-up was the occurrence in recent years of a number of somewhat serious incidents connected with the use of this equipment during drilling operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

The objective of the series of meetings was to gather knowledge and experience concerning the use of MPD operations.

Topics discussed in the meetings included:

Presentation of the contractor’s MPD system(s)/methods:

  • Process flow diagram of the MPD system
  • Barrier envelope during operation
  • Built-in redundancy in the MPD system
  • Pressure class/certification/robustness of the system and key components such as RCD, isolation valves, dump valves and flow meters
  • Which main standards the MPD systems are designed to
  • Experiences from use in Norway and internationally
  • Experiences from any tests or pilot wells
  • Documentation relating to experiences and systems, such as IADC, SPE articles etc.
  • Examples of training requirements in operating companies, drilling crews and other suppliers on first use of their MPD system(s)
  • Requirements for well control expertise, training and practice among the MPD personnel
  • Plans for developing new technology

The results are summarised in the attached report.