Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) Course

Lesson 1 • Wellbore Pressure Fundamentals

Covers pore pressure, fracture gradient, and the drilling window concept. Provides the pressure framework on which all MPD techniques are built.

Lesson 2 • Hazards Addressed by MPD

Identifies wellbore instability, kicks, lost circulation, and differential sticking as primary hazards MPD mitigates. Links each hazard to specific MPD responses.

Lesson 3 • MPD Classification and Variants

Examines the four primary MPD variants: constant bottomhole pressure, pressurized mud cap, dual gradient, and HSE-driven MPD. Students map each variant to its target application.

Lesson 1 • Rotating Control Device Technology

Examines RCD design, pressure ratings, bearing assembly, and sealing mechanisms. The RCD is the primary surface barrier enabling annular pressure control.

Lesson 2 • Downhole Measurement Tools for MPD

Reviews PWD, MWD, and annular pressure sensors that provide real-time bottomhole data. Accurate downhole data is essential for closed-loop pressure control.

Lesson 3 • System Integration and Layout Design

Addresses how RCD, choke, flow measurement, and downhole tools are integrated into a coherent MPD system. Students evaluate rig-specific layout constraints.

Lesson 4 • Flow Measurement and Detection Equipment

Explains Coriolis meters, return flow meters, and pit volume totalizers used to detect influx and losses. Accurate flow measurement underpins early kick detection.

Lesson 1 • Drilling Fluid Hydraulics Review

Revisits rheology, flow regimes, and friction pressure calculations as they apply to MPD. Accurate fluid hydraulics are the foundation of all MPD pressure models.

Lesson 2 • Hydraulic Modeling Software

Introduces steady-state and transient hydraulic simulators used in MPD planning. Students input well parameters and interpret model outputs for operational decisions.

Lesson 3 • Real-Time Hydraulic Monitoring

Describes closed-loop systems that compare modelled and measured BHP to trigger automated choke adjustments. Students interpret real-time dashboards and alarm states.

Lesson 4 • Backpressure and ECD Management

Explains how surface backpressure compensates for ECD changes during connections and flow rate variations. Students calculate required backpressure for target BHP.

Lesson 1 • MPD Candidate Well Selection

Establishes criteria for identifying wells that benefit from MPD, including narrow margins, depleted zones, and HPHT conditions. Students score candidate wells against selection criteria.

Lesson 2 • MPD Risk Assessment and HAZID

Applies hazard identification and risk matrix methods to MPD-specific scenarios. Students produce a risk register with mitigations for a planned MPD operation.

Lesson 3 • MPD Programme Documentation

Explains the structure and content of an MPD well programme, including operating envelopes, procedures, and contingency plans. Proper documentation ensures operational alignment.

Lesson 4 • Fluid Selection and Design for MPD

Covers mud weight, rheology, and fluid type selection to maximise the MPD operating window. Fluid properties directly control static and dynamic BHP.

Lesson 1 • Pre-Job Verification and Rig-Up

Details equipment inspection, pressure testing, and system verification before MPD operations begin. Thorough pre-job checks prevent equipment failures during drilling.

Lesson 2 • Monitoring and Alarm Management

Trains operators to interpret real-time displays, respond to alarms, and distinguish normal variation from genuine anomalies. Effective monitoring prevents escalation of well events.

Lesson 3 • Steady-State Drilling Parameter Control

Covers WOB, RPM, flow rate, and choke position management to maintain target BHP during drilling. Students practise parameter adjustments on a simulated well.

Lesson 4 • MPD Startup Sequence

Describes the step-by-step transition from conventional to MPD mode, including backpressure application and flow stabilisation. Correct sequencing prevents pressure spikes.

Lesson 1 • Bullheading and Dynamic Kill in MPD

Describes bullheading and dynamic kill as MPD-compatible well control techniques for specific influx scenarios. Students calculate kill fluid volumes and pump rates.

Lesson 2 • Early Kick Detection in MPD

Explains how MPD's closed-loop system enables earlier kick detection than conventional methods. Students identify influx signatures in flow, pressure, and pit data.

Lesson 3 • Influx Classification and Characterisation

Covers methods to determine influx type, volume, and source zone using surface and downhole data. Correct classification drives the appropriate well control response.

Lesson 4 • Well Control Drills and Simulation

Applies learned well control methods through timed simulation exercises with scored performance. Repeated simulation builds muscle memory for high-pressure events.

Lesson 1 • Managed Mud Cap Drilling Operations

Explains pressurised and floating mud cap techniques for drilling into highly fractured or cavernous formations. Mud cap drilling eliminates returns and requires specialised procedures.

Lesson 2 • Deepwater MPD Applications

Covers riser margin management, subsea RCD deployment, and dual gradient drilling in deepwater environments. Deepwater introduces unique hydrostatic and logistics challenges.

Lesson 3 • Automated and Closed-Loop MPD Systems

Reviews fully automated MPD systems that use real-time data to adjust choke position without manual input. Automation reduces human error and improves response speed.

Lesson 4 • HPHT MPD Operations

Addresses equipment ratings, fluid behaviour, and pressure control challenges specific to high-pressure, high-temperature wells. HPHT conditions narrow the operating window and increase risk.

Lesson 1 • MPD Competency Assessment

Defines competency standards, assessment methods, and certification pathways for MPD personnel at each role level. Competency assurance ensures operational readiness across the team.

Lesson 2 • Post-Well Data Analysis

Covers methods for extracting, cleaning, and analysing drilling data to evaluate MPD performance against the plan. Data analysis reveals gaps between planned and actual pressure control.

Lesson 3 • Continuous Improvement Planning

Applies improvement frameworks to translate lessons learned into actionable changes in procedures, equipment, and training. Students build a prioritised improvement action plan.

Lesson 4 • Lessons Learned and Knowledge Capture

Establishes a structured process for documenting lessons learned and distributing them across the organisation. Systematic knowledge capture prevents recurrence of operational errors.