Systems and methods for managing pressure in a wellbore
US9316054B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B21/085
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for drilling a subsea well from a rig through a subsea wellhead below the rig includes employing a single gradient or dual gradient drilling system that includes a drill string that extends from the rig into the well and surface mud pumps for pumping drilling fluid through the drill string and into a well annulus of the well. The drilling system includes a subsea rotating device for conducting the drilling fluid from the well annulus and through a solids processing unit. A subsea pump then conducts the drilling fluid from the solids processing unit to a return line back to the rig. The surface mud pump and subsea pump are staged in coordination to trap pressure and/or remove pressure in the well annulus to maintain a selected pressure gradient in the well annulus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.