Abstract
This paper introduces an active wellbore sealing system for use in Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) incorporating a wellbore seal condition monitoring system. The paper will discuss how finite element analysis which has previously been validated with full scale testing can be expanded to develop the condition monitoring system.
In contrast to a passive rotating control device, an active MPD wellbore sealing system requires hydraulic pressure to engage a sealing element and form a wellbore seal. The paper will investigate the relationship between wellbore sealing pressure and hydraulic fluid parameters using the results of finite element analysis on a sealing technology which has been previously operated offshore in addition to extensive full-scale testing in a lab environment.
The paper will show how the required hydraulic fluid requirements to form a wellbore seal change over time due to sealing element wear. The information can be used to predict the remaining life of the existing sealing element as well as proactively alarm the driller of the need to replace a seal sleeve due to a sudden deviation from expected behavior. The implementation of a real-time, condition monitoring system for the MPD wellbore seal is intended to increase the rig's confidence toward using MPD for challenging hole sections as well as circulating out small influxes from the well without closing the SSBOP, further reducing the risk of stuck pipe events.
The active MPD wellbore sealing system is a non-rotating, offshore wellbore annular sealing device which is integrated into the riser. It contains a seal of elastomeric composition which seals against drill pipe during all tripping and drilling operations. As the seal wears, the hydraulic closing fluid requirement to maintain an annular seal changes, which indicates the amount of seal material remaining.