MPD operations - challenges and solutions

Abstract

This Master Thesis is dedicated to investigation of air bubbles behavior rising in counter current liquid flow as a part of research on Managed Pressure Drilling techniques. Implementing of MPD provides better pressure control by possibility to regulate well back pressure with choke and pump system. However, even with such a high level of pressure control kick situations could not be avoided. One of the possible scenarios for dealing with the kick is forcing the influx back to the formation by means of bull heading. For experimental purposes, a 5 m experimental rig facility will be modified in order to create circulation system. Experiments will be conducted on 5 different fluids: water and PAC mixture with polymer concentration of 4g/l, 3 g/l, 2 g/l and 1 g/l. Density, viscosity and surface tension measurements are planned for all PAC mixtures. High FPS camera will be used to make a video of bubble behavior. Pressure readings will be conducted. A Ventury insert is planned to be installed in order to create pressure drop.