Managed pressure drilling (MPD) is an adaptive drilling process that precisely controls the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to determine downhole pressure limits and manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile to stay within formation pore and fracture pressure profiles. This is accomplished with a closed circulation system using a rotating control device, choke manifold, and other equipment to actively and continuously control pressure in the uncased wellbore section.

1. M anaged- P ressure- D rilling (MPD) Definition: “ MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to precisely control the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to ascertain the downhole pressure environment limits and to manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile accordingly.” By: IADC Underbalanced Operations and Managed Pressure Committee. Ref. Frink, P. (2006). “Managed pressure drilling—what’s in a name?” in Drilling Contractor, Mar-Apr. p. 36-39.

2. Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD) Explanation: “ MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to precisely control the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to ascertain the downhole pressure environment limits and to manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile accordingly.” By: Dr. Awal. Active, continuous control.

3. Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD) Explanation: “ MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to precisely control the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to ascertain the downhole pressure environment limits and to manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile accordingly.” By: Dr. Awal. Active, continuous control of pressure in the un-cased portion.

4. Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD) Explanation: “ MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to precisely control the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to ascertain the downhole pressure environment limits and to manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile accordingly.” By: Dr. Awal. Determine Formation Pore & Frac Pr profiles

5. Managed-Pressure-Drilling (MPD) Explanation: “ MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to precisely control the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore. The objectives are to ascertain the downhole pressure environment limits and to manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile accordingly.” By: Dr. Awal. Apply ( Pc + Static Pr + / - Friction Pr ) to stay >< Formation Pore & < Frac Pr profiles

6. How to Manage-Pressure-Drilling The key is Pc > 0 : Apply ( Pc + Static Pr + / - Friction Pr ) to stay >< Formation Pore & < Frac Pr profiles Pc > 0 is possible only when the Drilling Fluid Circulation Loop is a CLOSED SYSTEM.

7. How to Manage-Pressure-Drilling In Conventional (read: Overbalanced ) drilling method, the only way to control/adjust the Annular Pressure is to: Increase the mud weight, Or Decrease the mud weight. The Pump is not used to control the ECD.