Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for a dynamic mudcap drilling and well control comprises of a tubular body (185) disposable in a well casing (180) forming an outer annulus (155) there between and an inner annulus (150) formable between the body and a drill string (190) disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a sealing member (110) to seal the inner annulus at a location above a lower end of the tubular body and a pressure control member (150) disposable in the inner annulus at a location above the lower end of the tubular body. In another embodiment, the assembly uses two rotating control heads (RCH, RBOP) (110, 115), one at the top of the wellhead assembly in a conventional manner and a specially designed downhole unit. Thus, creating dual barriers. Finally, the assembly provides a method for allowing the well to produce hydrocarbons while tripping the drill string.
Abstract:
The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for reducing the pressure of a circulating fluid in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention an ECD (equivalent circulation density) reduction tool provides a means for drilling extended reach deep (ERD) wells with heavyweight drilling fluids by minimizing the effect of friction head on bottomhole pressure so that circulating density of the fluid is close to its actual density. With an ECD reduction tool located in the upper section of the well, the friction head is substantially reduced, which substantially reduces chances of fracturing a formation.