Control systems and methods for real-time downhole pressure management (ECD control)

US7721822B2 · 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: Mar 10, 2006
• Grant date: May 25, 2010
• Expiry date: Jun 11, 2027

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 in real time via a data transmission system. In one arrangement, the data transmission system includes data links formed by conductors associated with the drill string. The conductors, which may include electrical wires and/or fiber optic bundles, couple the control unit to the APD Device and other downhole tools such as sensors. In other arrangements, the data link can include data transmission stations that use acoustic, EM, and/or RF signals to transfer data. In still other embodiments, a mud pulse telemetry system can be used in transfer data and command signals.