Maximizing the potential of closed-loop drilling (CLD) to achieve dynamic well control and effectively cut costs is an often overlooked opportunity in times of low oil prices. This paper details the operational effects of CLD to demonstrate its ability to yield operational-process-safety improvements and cost savings over conventional methods. While managed-pressure drilling (MPD) often is the tool that finally enables operators to reach their objectives, major cost savings come when MPD is integrated in the well-planning process from the beginning.
MPD for CLD
Not too long ago, the topdrive was in a similar position on the technology-adoption curve as MPD is today. The industry was in a downturn at that time, too—oil prices were low, cost pressure was high, and horizontal drilling had just taken off.
