Automated drilling pressure control in deepwater GOM fields.

The article reports on Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology which enables redevelopment sidetracks in mature oil fields. It also shows how deployment and training efficiencies have improved the technology's application. As reported, Shell E&P Co., Signa Engineering and At Balance Americas have been deploying MPD for several years. The initial success in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) was at Mars Field in 2004. The lessons learned there were later applied at Auger Field, where similar problems occurred. Mars and Auger are in the deepwater GOM in 2,800-3,000 ft of water, southeast and southwest of New Orleans, respectively. It is also reported that based on GOM success, Shell is now using the system in Canada, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.