The primary purpose of well control is to prevent a blowout (uncontrolled release of formation fluid). The well pressure control market includes blowout preventers (BOPs), MPD systems, and choke manifolds.

The Layers of Protection

The [LSI keyword: well pressure control market] has multiple layers. BOPs (annular and ram) are the final barrier, capable of sealing the well even if the drill pipe is in the hole. MPD is an active, dynamic control, adjusting pressure to prevent the influx in the first place. The well pressure control market for MPD is complementary to, not a replacement for, BOPs. The well pressure control market for "early" kick detection (using MPD's flow meters) can detect a smaller influx than conventional pit-volume monitoring, allowing a faster response. The well pressure control market for "automatic" BOP closing (integrated with MPD) is a future development.

The well pressure control market is segmented by equipment type, by application (onshore, offshore), and by well type. The well pressure control market for BOPs is the largest; for MPD it is the fastest-growing. The well pressure control market for "subsea" BOPs (used in deepwater) is more complex and expensive than "surface" BOPs. The well pressure control market for "MPD-enabled" well control (using the choke manifold to control a kick, rather than shutting in the well with the BOP) is a specialized technique. The well pressure control market for "well killing" (pumping heavy fluid to stop a flow) is the standard method; MPD can be used to kill a well with less risk of fracturing the formation.

Pressure Management in Narrow Margins

The well pressure control market for "narrow margin" wells is where MPD excels. In a narrow margin well, the conventional method (increasing mud weight) could fracture the formation, causing lost circulation. The well pressure control market for "MPD with constant bottom hole pressure" allows the mud weight to be set below the fracture gradient, and the backpressure is used to balance the pore pressure. The well pressure control market for "dual gradient" MPD is used in deepwater to reduce the hydrostatic pressure in the riser, further widening the margin. The well pressure control market for "MPD with managed" annular pressure is increasingly common in deepwater exploration wells.

As the well pressure control market continues to evolve, the focus will be on "real-time" pressure monitoring, on "automated" response (the system shuts in the well automatically if a kick is detected), and on "remote" well control (from an onshore center). The well pressure control market is about safety, and MPD is adding a new layer of proactive protection.

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