WEP Installation of MPD
As part of the drilling project and subsequent production on the Gudrun oil field using the West Epsilon jack-up platform, the MPD (Managed Pressure Drilling) system was required. This system is an adaptive drilling process used to precisely control the pressure profile in the well.
The pressure at the bottom of the well is usually maintained above the pressure of the pores of the rock formation by controlling the density of the drilling fluid. When this density becomes too high, the formation begins to absorb the drilling fluid and this makes it necessary to stop drilling and install casing pipes to isolate the open hole from the formation. The MPD system is designed to extend the drilling time without using casing pipes, allowing drilling beyond conventional depth limits or pressure variations.
The NAVIC team analysed and designed a structure and installation modification to adapt the West Epsilon platform to the equipment supplied by Mi SWACO. As part of the preparation of the piping system, several supply and discharge lines of drilling mud were placed on the platform, including connections and supports. The design included the possibility of changing the position of the drilling rig depending on the well in which the operation was carried out.
