Patent · US Active

Annulus pressure control drilling systems and methods

US8122975B2 · kind B2 · utility

38Cited by
64References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 18, 2010
Grant dateFeb 28, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 18, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B21/085
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore includes an act of drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a tubular string disposed in the wellbore, the tubular string comprising a drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to a surface of the wellbore via an annulus defined by an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of measuring a first annulus pressure (FAP) using a pressure sensor attached to a casing string hung from a wellhead of the wellbore. The method further includes an act performed while drilling the wellbore of controlling a second annulus pressure (SAP) exerted on a formation exposed to the annulus.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.