MPD system with a Controlled Mud Level (CML) method increasing your operational window

EC-Drill® is a Controlled Mud Level (CML) system that enables operators to 'drill the undrillable' well. It solves a long-standing challenge commonly encountered in many deep-water wells: drilling within a narrow pressure window.

With traditional techniques, the slightest excess or lack of wellbore pressure while operating in a narrow pressure window can mean the difference between success or failure: too much pressure and the formation will fracture; not enough will lead to hole instability and increase the chances of influx.

Thanks to the Dual Gradient effect created by EC-Drill, the pressure profiles in the well follows the same trend as the operating window enabling longer sections to be drilled.

Where Do You Apply EC-Drill® Technology

What EC-Drill® Can Do For You

v Enables deep-water drilling to continue uninterrupted for longer periods

v Reduces ECD effect

v Maintains a near-constant BHP

v Improved pressure manipulation enables effective drilling of depleted reservoirs and narrow pressure windows

v May also aid in the drilling of HPHT wells as BHP can be maintained just below fracture pressure

v Flexibility: option to switch to conventional drilling at any time.

How EC-Drill® Works

EC-Drill® is a Controlled Mud Level (CML) technology that allows manipulation of bottom hole pressure (BHP) while drilling a well. The system controls the BHP by adjusting the fluid level in the marine drilling riser, and thereby the hydrostatic pressure applied.

This is achieved by installation of a Subsea Pump Module (SPM) on the riser which pumps all mud and cuttings returns up a separate Mud Return Line (MRL). The system can be used to adjust bottom hole pressure at any point during well construction regardless of whether or not the drill string is currently in the well. It can be used for many applications, including the traditional MPD application of holding BHP constant when pumps are started and stopped during a connection.

By the IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors) categorization System, EC-Drill® is a Controlled Mud Level (CML) system, it controls the mud level in the marine drilling riser. As a marine drilling riser is installed, the system is only applicable to offshore wells.