New Automated MPD Riser System Allowed an Operator to Reduce Manual Working Hours in the Moonpool by 85% and Installation Time by 60%
Abstract In pursuit of efficiency and well construction cost optimization, the oil and gas industry demand continuous improvements and constant evolution of the service providers’ hardware and software, including Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technologies. Recently deployed in the Caspian Sea, the new automated riser system enabled an operator to reduce manual working hours in the moonpool by 85% and installation time by 59%. The improved efficiencies represent an additional saving of 19.5 hours rig time compared to the previous generation MPD below tension ring (BTR) systems, which are currently used on more than 19 floaters around the world. Lessons learned over the past 10 years led to the design and release of the new automated technology that resulted in this time and cost savings. The operator currently targets deep reservoirs that cannot be drilled using conventional drilling techniques because of very narrow operating windows. This paper discusses the service delivery process, engineering, and operational challenges that culminated in the flawlessly executed first deployment of the automated MPD riser system.