AN AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BOTTOM HOLE PRESSURE IN THE UNDERBALANCE DRILLING

• Main Authors: GAO, BINGTANG, HOU, XUTIAN, YANG, CHUNGUO, ZENG, YIJIN, ZHANG, JIANLONG, GUO, CAIXUAN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French
• Published: 30.04.2005
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COUNTING; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; MEASURING; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS; PHYSICS; TESTING

This invention provides an automatic control system and method fox bottom bole pressure (BHP) in the underbalance drilling. It relates to a computer automatic control technology. The automatic control system according to the invention includes a processing module for the BHP based on the mechanisms of hydraulics. The BHP in the underbalance drilling is calculated from the acquired standpipe pressure (SPP), the calculated circulating pressure loss in the drilling tools, drill bit pressure drop and the fluid column pressure in the drill string. The resulting BHP is then compared with the set pressure value of the system. In case that the BHP is higher or lower than the set pressure, an instruction to regulate throttle valve opening will be issued in order to bring the BHP back to the set pressure range and complete BHP monitoring and control, The automatic control system and method according to the invention enable real-time tracking of the changes in BHP and achieve accurate and timely adjustment and control of BHP. The automatic control system and method improve the level of automation in the underbalance drilling process, and also enhance the reliability and safety in the underbalance drilling operation, which have wide foreground for application.