APPLICATION OF MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING (MPD) TECHNOLOGY IN WELLS A AND B IN FIELD X

Abstract

Drilling oil and gas wells in deep formations and depleted reservoirs is often constrained by a narrow drilling margin. Under conditions where the difference between pore pressure and fracture gradient is very small, conventional methods based on static mud hydrostatic pressure carry a high risk of triggering a kick or loss of circulation. This study evaluated the use of the Constant Bottom Hole Pressure (CBHP) variant of Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology to maintain bottom hole pressure (BHP) stability. Through a descriptive and comparative qualitative methodology based on a literature review, the evaluation was conducted on two scenarios: Well A with natural overpressure, and a deepwater well (Well B) with extreme depletion (crossed margin). Hydraulic analysis results demonstrated that the dynamic application of Surface Back Pressure (SBP) in MPD was capable of precisely controlling fluctuations in Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD). In Well A, SBP successfully compensated for the lack of hydrostatic pressure in the bottom mud without damaging the formation. Meanwhile, in Well B, the combination of MPD-CBHP and Wellbore Strengthening proved effective in widening the mud weight window, maintaining borehole stability, and eliminating the need for a contingency liner.