Interval density pressure management methods
First Claim
1. A method for computing a theoretical surface annular back pressure in a subterranean wellbore during a managed pressure drilling operation, the method comprising:
- (a) deploying a tool string in the wellbore, the tool string including first and second subsurface longitudinally spaced pressure sensors deployed at corresponding first and second measured depths in the wellbore;
(b) causing the first and second pressure sensors to acquire first and second annular drilling fluid pressure measurements at the first and second measured depths; and
(c) causing a processor to process the first and second pressure measurements to compute the theoretical surface annular back pressure for a wellbore interval between the first and second measured depths, wherein the theoretical surface annular back pressure is computed according to the following equation;
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Abstract
A method for estimating equivalent top of fluid level or a theoretical surface annular back pressure in a subterranean wellbore includes acquiring first and second axially spaced pressure measurements in the wellbore. The pressure measurements may then be processed to compute the equivalent top of fluid level and/or theoretical surface annular back pressure of drilling fluid between the measurement locations. A tool string including a large number of axially spaced pressure sensors (e.g., four or more or even six or more) electronically coupled with a surface processor via wired drill pipe may be used to obtain a plurality of values corresponding to various wellbore intervals. The equivalent top of fluid level and/or theoretical surface annular back pressures may be used in automated managed pressure drilling operations.
42 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for computing a theoretical surface annular back pressure in a subterranean wellbore during a managed pressure drilling operation, the method comprising:
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(a) deploying a tool string in the wellbore, the tool string including first and second subsurface longitudinally spaced pressure sensors deployed at corresponding first and second measured depths in the wellbore; (b) causing the first and second pressure sensors to acquire first and second annular drilling fluid pressure measurements at the first and second measured depths; and (c) causing a processor to process the first and second pressure measurements to compute the theoretical surface annular back pressure for a wellbore interval between the first and second measured depths, wherein the theoretical surface annular back pressure is computed according to the following equation; - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification