Control systems and methods for active controlled bottomhole pressure systems

US7174975B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Baker Hughes Holdings LLC · US

Inventors

• Sven Krueger · Trossingen, DE
• Volker Krueger · Celle, DE
• Harald Grimmer · Celle, DE
• Roger Fincher · Conroe, US
• Larry Watkins · Houston, US
• Peter Aronstam · Houston, US
• Peter Fontana · London, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 9, 2004
• Grant date: Feb 13, 2007
• Expiry date: Aug 2, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B21/085
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

Methods and control systems are provided for a wellbore drilling system having an active differential pressure device (APD device) in fluid communication with a returning fluid. The APD Device creates a differential pressure across the device, which reduces the pressure below or downhole of the device. In embodiments, a control unit controls the APD Device to provide a selected pressure differential at a wellbore bottom, adjacent a casing shoe, in an intermediate wellbore location, or in a casing. In one arrangement, the control system is pre-set at the surface such that the APD Device provides a substantially constant pressure differential. In other arrangements, the control system measures one or more parameters (e.g., wellbore pressure, formation parameters, BHA parameters, etc.) and adjusts an operating parameter of the APD Device to provide a desired pressure differential. Devices such as an adjustable bypass can be used to control the APD Device.