Undeveloped reservoirs exist in basins around the world that are easily damaged by heavy drilling.  In basins with narrow margins, operators have spent more and drilled less trying to force their way through with heavy handed drilling practices.  Not surprisingly, operators are calling timeout to evaluate new technology to manage the BHP.  When it was introduced, not too long ago, automated managed pressure drilling (MPD) quickly established a new standard for BHP control by the immediate impact it had on drillability.  It reinvigorated stalled development projects in deepwater fields.  It increased drilling efficiency in high angle and horizontal wells.  It gave operators a new edge on safety in HPHT.  And, as a complement to other technologies, it helped create solutions in high risk fields where none existed before.  Adding impetus to the rising trend in automated MPD is the growing interest in automated drilling systems by operators and rig contractors alike.  Integration with rig control systems is under discussion, remote operations of unmanned systems are within sight, and closed-loop BHP control with wired pipe has already been done.  Automated MPD has changed the way new and existing fields around the world are being drilled and it is poised to change the game for some time to come.

Biography: 

Dr. Paul Francis is currently Business Development Manager, Eastern Hemisphere for @balance.  Until recently, he was leader of the global Low Cost Well Technology Theme for Shell where he led a team of experts implementing technologies such as Managed Pressure Drilling.

Paul recently chaired the SPE Forum “Well Construction in the Year 2020+” and is currently a member of the SPE Forum Steering Committee (Eastern Hemisphere).