IADC Dual Gradient Workshop 050511

MPD & UBO Committee
Dual Gradient Drilling Subcommittee

DGD Workshop
5 May 2011
Houston, Texas USA
Welcome
First Ever Dual Gradient Drilling
Workshop
Introducing Newly Formed DGD

Subcommittee
DGDsubcommitteeunderIADCMPD&UBO
CommitteeformedDecember2010
PurposeistopromotesafeDGDandhelpform
bestpractices
Chairman:JohnH.Cohen
John.Cohen@agr.com
ViceChairman:KristinFalk
Kristin.falk@oceanriser.com
NextsubcommitteemeetingMay6,2011atAGR
SubseaInc.
Directions to AGR Subsea, Inc.
Vision Statement
To facilitate the safe and effective

exploitation of hydrocarbons using
Dual Gradient Drilling
Mission Statement
To guide and foster the

understanding of methods and
applications of Dual Gradient
Drilling systems
Goals for 2011

Develop definition of Dual Gradient Drilling (DGD)
Write up summary of existing systems
Classification of DGD systems and applications
Employ IADC screening tool classifications
Sign up for DGD Subcommittee

34
Future Work
Best practices
Barrier philosophy
Barrier definitions for DGD
Identify technology gaps
DualGradientDrillingMethods:
TheirLayoutsandPressure
Profiles
JohnCohen,AGR
KenSmith,Chevron
KristinFalk,OceanRiserSystems
JasminBegagic,Transocean
IADCDualGradient DrillingWorkshop
Houston,TX
May5,2010
May 5, 2011
IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop
DefinitionsandBackdrop
ManagedPressureDrilling(MPD)isanadaptivedrillingprocessusedto
preciselycontroltheannularpressureprofilethroughoutthewellbore.
Theobjectivesaretoascertainthedownhole pressureenvironmentlimits
andtomanagetheannularhydraulicpressureprofileaccordingly.
DualGradientDrilling(DGD)isoneofthe4variationsofMPD.
TheothersareConstantBottomHolePressure,PressurizedMudCap
DrillingandReturnsFlowControl(HSE).
DualGradientDrilling(DGD):Creationofmultiplepressuregradients
withinselectsectionsoftheannulustomanagetheannularpressure
profile.Methodsincludeuseofpumps,fluidsofvaryingdensities,or
combinationofthese.
IndustryhastriedtoaccomplishDGDwiththelighterdensitybeing
providedbysolids,liquidsandgases.
WhatDifferentiatesTheseEfforts?
May 5, 2011
DGDApproachesandSystems
(DeployedBeforeorAftertheBOP)
DGDSystems
PostBOPDGDSystems
PreBOP
DGDSystems
SeabedPumping
Riserless
Mud
Return
Subsea *Controlled
*MudLift
Mud
Drilling
Pressure
Available
Active
Active
AGR
GE/Hydril
AGR
With
Liquids
With
Solids
Shell
Subsea
Processing
System
Continuous
Annular
Pressure
Management
Light
Weight
Solids
Additives
Inactive
Inactive?
(Shell)
Active
Inactive?
(Transocean)
DeepVision
MidRiser
Pumping
Dilution
Transocean
(Mauer)
With
Gas
Low
* Riser
*Delta
Vision
Return
System
Inactive?
Active
Inactive
(Transocean)
OceanRiser
Systems
*Note: These systems can be classified as, Controlled Riser Fluid Level systems under the IADC MPD Screening tool under development.
May 5, 2011
PressureProfilesinDeepwaterEnvironments
ConventionalDrilling
Single Gradient
Density at TD
Seafloor
Casing Points
Depth
Surface
Casing
Seawater
Hydrostatic
Fracture
Pressure
TD
Pore Pressure
Pressure
May 5, 2011
MidRiserPumping,SeawaterDensityinRiser
Seafloor
Depth
Dual Gradient
Density at TD
Surface
Casing
Seawater
Hydrostatic
Fracture
Pressure
TD
Pore Pressure
Pressure
SeabedPumping,SeawaterDensityinRiser
Dual Gradient
Density at TD
Seafloor
Depth
Surface
Casing
Seawater
Hydrostatic
Fracture
Pressure
TD
Pore Pressure
Pressure
MidRiserPumping,GasDensityinRiser
Dual Gradient
Density at TD
Seafloor
Depth
Surface
Casing
Seawater
Hydrostatic
Fracture
Pressure
TD
Pore Pressure
Pressure
ContinuousAnnularPressureManagement(Transocean)
Lightdrillingfluidis
pumpeddownthe
annulusformed
betweenthedrilling
riserandaninnerriser
(example: 16casing
string)orusing
dedicatedboosterlines.
Itmixeswiththereturn
mudfromthewellbore
andcreatesalighter
densitymudinthe
drillingriser.
Themudisprocessed
throughcentrifugesto
separateintothelight
dilutionfluidandthe
heavierdrillingfluid.
May 5, 2011
Courtesy of: Transocean Ltd.
CAPMDualGradientWellDesignwith
3CasingStrings
May 5, 2011
CAPMDualGradientWellDesignwith1Casing
StringandSubMudlineInjection
May 5, 2011
SubSeaMudLiftDrilling(GE/Hydril)
Aseawaterdriven
positivedisplacement
pump(MLP)islocated
abovetheBOP/LMRP.It
withdrawsthemudfrom
thewellandpumpsit
backtothesurface
throughalineattachedto
thedrillingriser.
Theriserisfilledwitha
seawaterdensityfluid,or
themud/riserfluid
interfacecanbe
maintainedatanydepth.
ASubseaRotatingDevice
(SRD)sitsabovethe
MudLiftPumpwhichcan
beusedtorapidlychange
thepressureprofileinthe
well.
May 5, 2011
Pacific
Santa
Ana
Seawater Power Line
Choke
Line
Drill
Pipe
Kill Line
Mud Return Line
Drilling Riser
Cross-Section
Subsea
Rotating
Device (SRD)
Solids Processing
Unit (SPU)
MudLift Pump
(MLP)
Drill String
Valve (DSV)
Courtesy of: Chevron
SubSeaMudLiftDrillingPressureProfiles
(MudlinePositiveDisplacementPump)
(Highdensitymudbelowthemudline,seawaterdensityintheriser)
Any WD up to
10,000
Dual Gradient
Density at TD
Casing Points
Seafloor
Depth
Surface
Casing
Seawater
Hydrostatic
Fracture
Pressure
TD
Pore Pressure
Pressure
May 5, 2011
ControlledMudPressure(AGRSubsea)
Adiskpump(head
pump)issuspended
fromtherigandplaced
neartheseabed.
Thepumpwithdraws
themudfromthewell
abovetheBOP/LMRP
andreturnsittotherig
throughanexternal
line.
Theriserisfilledwith
seawater.
May 5, 2011
Courtesy of: AGR Subsea Inc.
ControlledMudPressure(CMP)PressureProfiles
(MudlineHeadPump)
(Highdensitymudbelowthemudline,seawaterdensityintheriser)
Any WD up to
5,000
Dual Gradient
Density at TD
Casing Points
Seafloor
Depth
Surface
Casing
Seawater
Hydrostatic
Fracture
Pressure
TD
Pore Pressure
Pressure
May 5, 2011
LowRiserReturnSystem(OceanRiserSystems)
Apumpissuspended
fromtherigtoafixed
depthintheseawater
column.
Itisattachedtothe
riser,wherethemudis
withdrawnfromthe
wellboreandreturned
totherigthroughan
externalline.
Theriserisevacuated
andflushedwith
nitrogen,andthe
gas/fluidinterfacein
theriserismanaged.
May 5, 2011
Courtesy of: Ocean Riser Systems AS
LRRSDrillingPressureProfiles
(Pumpatfixeddepthbelowsealevel)
(Highdensitymudbelowtheloweredmudlevel,gasabovethisdynamic level)
2 or 3
Casing Points
Mud level
Seafloor
Depth
Surface
Casing
Seawater
Hydrostatic
Fracture
Pressure
TD
Pore Pressure
Pressure
May 5, 2011
Potential Gradient
Eliminate a
Casing Point
ThankYou!QuestionsofAnyofUs?
DGDSystems
PostBOPDGDSystems
PreBOP
DGDSystems
SeabedPumping
Riserless
Mud
Return
Subsea *Controlled
*MudLift
Mud
Drilling
Pressure
Available
Active
Active
AGR
GE/Hydril
AGR
With
Liquids
With
Solids
Shell
Subsea
Processing
System
Continuous
Annular
Pressure
Management
Light
Weight
Solids
Additives
Inactive
Inactive?
(Shell)
Active
Inactive?
(Transocean)
DeepVision
MidRiser
Pumping
Dilution
Transocean
(Mauer)
With
Gas
Low
* Riser
*Delta
Vision
Return
System
Inactive?
Active
Inactive
(Transocean)
OceanRiser
Systems
*Note: These systems can be classified as, Controlled Riser Fluid Level systems under the IADC MPD Screening tool under development.
May 5, 2011
Potential benefits of DGD from

an operators perspective
IADC Workshop Houston 5 of May 2011
1-
Classification: Internal
2011-04-26
Content
Dual gradient
Concept drawing of evaluated DGD
systems
Example of some evaluation criteria
Dual Gradient Drilling potential in
Statoil
Potential benefit seen from Statoil
by implementing DGD
2-
2011-04-26
The technology utilize the benefit of two different

fluid densities in annulus
Low density fluid in riser
Heavier density than conventional from
somewhere in the riser to TD
Can manipulate the wellbore pressure by level
adjustment of fluid interface in the riser
Depth
Conventional mud pressure
3-
2011-04-26
DGD mud
pressure
Pressure
Dual Gradient concepts evaluated within Statoil

Ocean Riser System
LRRS ECD
LRRS +
Riser less
AGR
RMR
EC-Drill
CMP
Riser Less
4-
2011-04-26
A selection of some of the evaluation criteria used

Development cost
Average estimate on time/cost saved for one well
Well control
Complexity
Method
Matureness of procedure
Safer system
System complexity
Foot print and weight
Combination with top hole drilling
Future potential
Drilling in depleted reservoir
Personnel and organisation
IP rights
Uncertainty on deliverables
5-
2011-04-26
Shown feasible with Dual Gradient Drilling methods

Dual Gradient technology is shown feasible and
beneficial at
NCS Depleted reservoir, narrow window
NCS Problems with reservoir section drilling
NCS Problems when cementing 9 5/8
production liner
GoM Slimmer well program
GoM Surface casing set deeper
GoM Reduce kick/loss, ++
NCS Riser Less Drilling Wellhead fatigue
All - safer system
Other potential field for Dual Gradient Drilling
Deep Water Brazil, Vest Africa,++
NCS - Visund, Norne, Floaters
6-
2011-04-26
Reason for implementing a Dual Gradient Drilling technology

Lower the cost of drilling in
deep water by
Reduce the number of
casing strings (slimmer
well program)
Reduce the NPT (Non
Productive Time)
Optimisation of cement
operations
Drill safer
Drill with more weighted
fluid (avoid shallow
hazards)
Faster detection of
volume instability
Quick response to
volume instability
7-
2011-04-26
Thank you
Dag Ove Molde
dmol@statoil.com, tel: +47 92 46 81 04
www.statoil.com
8-
2011-04-26
Benefits of Deepwater
.& a Challenge
IADC DGD Workshop
Houston May 5, 2011
Robert Ziegler
Typical Deepwater Casing

Programme
36-in. conductor w. 28 extension

22-in. surface casing (with high
pressure wellhead)
18-in. liner
16-in. liner
13 58-in. intermediate casing
11 78-in. intermediate liner
9 78-in. liner w. tie-back
total depth (TD) with 8 12-in.
hole.
Add expandables at your
pleasure
Heaven for underreamer
vendors
So, let us change the slope
DW-DGD considerations
Is a MPD technology
Can make a deepwater well
similar to drilling a land well
Reduce casing strings to what is
required for geological /
formation stability and pore
pressure considerations.
Inherent FIFO fluid material
balance kick detection vastly
improved
Very useful combination with
continuous circulation system to
also eliminate pressure
fluctuations
With or without a riser
Subsea RCD not essential
Is readily available
alternative to multiple
casing strings
Is 6 gen really only 5.1?
Current 6th gen newbuilts have

few, if any step-change
innovations
Instead of smart solutions like
RMR & DGD the focus is on more
power and large volumes leading
to very high cost of operation
Focus on pipe handling
automation with questionable
benefits
Outdated open riser systems
with no MPD capabilities (Gas
handler is step in right direction)
Outdated subsea BOPs with precharged accumulators
Dual Gradient Implementation Considerations

(Floating Rigs)
John Kozicz,
Technology Manager
Transocean
Design Considerations
Appropriate Process
Wellbore pressure profile
Equipment
Size / Availability
Pressure rating
Component Compatibility
Process
Behavior
Dynamic
Static
Emergency
Well Control
Barriers
Static overbalance
Design Optimization
Technical and Operational complexity
Minimized when
Process behaves statically when stopped
Process minimizes procedural and operational changes
Technical and Operational requirements

Impacts minimized when
Process requirements do not exceed existing equipment limitations
Ie no equipment redesign
Cost Effectiveness
Maximized when
Investment is minimized leverage existing equipment
Utilization is maximized alternate use / portability
Deployment efficiency maximized
Implementation Considerations
Technical
Barriers / Well Control
Equipment Pressure rating
External / Internal
Component Compatibility
Fluids / Additives / Gas (injected, produced)
Operability
Procedures / Training
Drilling Process behavior
Dynamic (drilling, circulating, etc)
Static (connections, tripping, etc)
Riser Disconnect (planned, emergency)
Plan / Schedule
Development Plan
Description
Duration
10
11
12
1
3
14
IPR Granted
Feasibility Testing
Commercial Agreement
Project Team
Phase I
Prototype Construction (comp)
Prototype Testing
Onshore
Offshore
Phase II
Procedures
HAZOP
Plant Final Design / Construction
FAT
Phase III
Field Trials
Operator/ Regulatory Agency
Participation
Review Existing
Develop New
Training
1
5
1
6
1
7
18
19
20
21
22
Procedures Development
Drilling Operations
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Circulation
Drilling ahead
Connections
Tripping
Displacement Drilling Fluid
Lost Circulation Treatment
Wireline logging
Running casing
Running liner
Cementing casing
Cementing liner
Balanced plug
High pressure squeeze
Stuck pipe procedure
Use and installation of packers
Bottom hole assemblies and hydraulics
RFT / OH
Well Testing / CH
TLC
Unchanged
Changed
w/DGS
Test
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Procedures Development cont

Well Control Operations
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Kick detection
Basic well control w/ DSV (Driller's method)
Basic well control w/o DSV : No shut in
Basic well control w/o DSV : With shut in
Kick detection during Pull out of hole
Kick detection during Pump out of hole
Shut while tripping
Trapped pressure management
Volumentric well control
Lubrication kill
Stripping
Bullheading
Shut-in while running casing
Test casing seat
Dynamic kill
Unchanged
Changed
w/DGS
Test
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Past efforts
DEEPVISION Delta VISION
SPSS
Past (current) efforts..
SMD
(Subsea Mudlift Drilling)
After K. Smith Global Offshore Conference, 28 Jan 02
Current Efforts
Thanks
Reconfigurable Riser MPD Pup Joint
CONFIDENTIAL
US patents: 6,273,193 and 7,866,399

Mud Line Pumping
5 May 2011
Conventional Top Hole Drilling
Mud Line Pumping

Top-hole drilling
Dual Gradient by definition
System commercially available
Current depth limit
2000 ft (600 m) over-the-side deployment
5000 ft (1500 m) through-the-moonpool
deployment
Replacement for pump and dump

operations
Managed Pressure Cementing (MPC)
Mud Line Pumping Concept

Subsea pump used to return
drilling fluid from subsea wellhead
to rig
Wellhead collection point is
through open top Suction Control
Module (SMO)
Variable speed pump automatically
compensates for operations
changes
Pump control based on differential
pressure/fluid level at SMO
Mud
Return
Line
Subsea
Pump
Module
Suction Module
The Suction Module is normally deployed through the

moonpool with a J-slot running tool installed on drill pipe.
Advantages of Mud Line Pumping

Allows use of engineered mud
Mitigates
Shallow water and gas flows
Minimize discharge of mud and cuttings to sea bed
Reduction of hole stability problems through use of engineered
fluids
Reduces mud costs
Closed loop / volume control

Operator can drill and circulate the hole without running
out of fluid
Increase casing shoe depth and eliminate one or more
casing or liner strings
Subsea
RCD
for
Top
Hole
Drilling
Subsea Rotating Control Device
RMR Demo 2000 DW JIP
(approx 300 psi rating )
Courtesy of Demo 2000 Deepwater RMR JIP
Adding RCD to SMO Changes

Instant control of wellbore pressure
Ability to stop shallow hazards on the fly
Further reduction of discharge to seabed
Loss of Mud Mirror visibility
Addition of redundant pressure sensors
Inability to pull seawater into SMO
Holy Grail of Offshore Drilling
Riserless Post-BOP System
Riserless Post-BOP System

AGR has IP for RDS
Deployment method will be water depth
dependant
May use open / floating mud cap
Suction Module or closed system with
RCD
Riserless Post-BOP Pros

Eliminate Marine Drilling Riser
Weight / Space / Running time
No risk of gas kick back to rig through
open top drilling riser
May be arranged to allow
communication with and control of
BOP in a drift off situation
Riserless Post-BOP Cons

Need to deploy a pump system and a small bore pump
return conduit
Need to deploy BOP control lines and C&K lines
Need to prevent U-tube / reverse flow from pump system
Will fracture well
Need to avoid entanglement between pump system, BOP
controls and drill string
Must be able to perform all wellbore operations riserless
THE END
Pump & Dump

Riserless Drilling with Seabed Returns
Dynamic Kill DrillingSM (DKD)
IADC Conference & Exhibition
Houston, Texas
May 5th, 2011
Pump & Dump

Seabed Returns
What is Pump & Dump?

A riserless drilling application
Dual gradient procedure seawater / weighted mud
Manages hydrostatic pressure with increasing depth
Process
Pre-well planning - fluid density, logistics, etc.
Ship large quantities of weighted WBM
Blending equipment mixes heavy fluid on-the-fly:
Weighted WBM slurry + seawater
Heavy brine + polymers for fluids loss & viscosity
control
Continuous mud circulation while drilling with returns
to the seabed
Change fluid density by adjusting blend ratio
Riserless Dual Gradient Drilling

Pump & Dump
Method
Riserless Mud
Recovery Method
Drillstring
Mud & seawater
blend pumped
down drillstring
Mud & cuttings

discharged to
seafloor
Mud & cuttings

return line
Mud & cuttings

pump
Suction module
Mud column

Seabed Returns Riserless Technique
EMW Change with Increasing Depth
5,000 8.6 ppg

Seawater
= 2,236 psi
500 12.0 ppg

DKD mud
= 312 psi
2,548 psi @ 5,500
EMW = 8.91 ppg
5,000 8.6 ppg

Seawater
= 2,236 psi
1,000 12.0 ppg

DKD mud
= 624 psi
2,860 psi @ 6,000
EMW = 9.16 ppg
5,000 8.6 ppg

Seawater
= 2,236 psi
1,500 12.0 ppg

DKD mud
= 936 psi
3,172 psi @ 6,500

EMW = 9.38 ppg
EMW downhole increases

without increasing EMW at the shoe
Impact of Dual Gradient on

Casing Program
Pump & Dump Equipment

Mixing Manifold
Allows uniformly-weighted mixing
on-the-fly
Ensures consistent mud density
Permits fluid density adjustments
while pumping
Delivering a wide range of mud
weights
8.5 to 16.0 lb/gal (1.02 to
1.92 g/cc)
Capable of mixing up to 3
different fluids
Capability to inject polymers directly
into shearing unit to control filtrate or
increase viscosity
Typical Mixing Manifold Assembly Layout

CaCl2 Water In
Meter
Valve
Sea Water In
Meter
Valve
Out to Active Pit
Shear
Unit
Meter
Valve
Base Fluid In
Readout Console
Pump & Dump Rigsite Installation
Blending Unit
Flow
Transmitters
Seawater
Flow Tube
Seawater Flow Control

Valve
16 ppg Mud Flow

Control Valve
16 ppg Mud
Flow Tube
Pump & Dump Equipment

Nominal flow rates: 800-2400 gpm
Mixing head weighs 250 lbs w/o valves
3-Leg assembly with gear

valves and flow meters
2-Leg mixing chamber
Dual Gradient Fluid Types

Pump & Dump
16 lb/gal fresh water mud
16 lb/gal saturated salt mud
16 lb/gal super saturated salt mud
Riserless Mud Recovery
High performance water-based fluids
Silicate fluid
PHPA / Polyamine fluid
Post BOP
Synthetic invert emulsion fluids
High performance water-based fluids
Fluid Volume Determination

Seawater & sweeps
Seabed returns with pump & dump drilling
Desired mud weight
Rate of penetration
Pump rate
Length of push
Circulating & conditioning
Pad mud
Applications
Short push
Ultra deepwater riserless drilling
Rig or equipment limitations
Thank you for your time
Questions?
Annular Level Control

Low Riser Return System (LRRS)TM
IADC DGD Workshop

Houston, May 5, 2011
Brre Fossli , CTO Ocean Riser Systems
The Principle of Annular Level Control

Low Riser Return System (LRRS)TM
The riser is only partially filled with

drilling mud, while the top of the
riser is evacuated
Single Mud Gradient Open System
A subsea mud pump is controlling

the level of mud within the riser
Adjusting the level of mud in the

riser makes it possible to change
the BHP in minutes.
Bar/Psi
Simple yet effective technology

2
Two Versions of the LRRS

LRRS ECD
LRRS +
Conventional
mud weight
Conventional
Well control
Minimal rig
integration
Different solution for different application, but same principle
Heavy mud
Modified well
control
procedures
Pumps in
series
LRRS ECD for ECD Compensation

ECD
Static
Depth
Dynamic
Pressure
ECD
Why Use Lower Level and Heavier Mud?
SSMudReturnPump
LRRS+ Matches the Drilling Window
Depth
Conventional mud pressure
LRRS mud
pressure
Pressure
Applicability of LRRS
MW
LRRS+
FG
PPG
LRRSECD
The LRRS can be applied and provide benefits through the entire well
7
LRRSECD Light-Weight System

LRRS equipment
Control System
Nitrogen purge
system
Variable speed Launch

system
drive
Power & control

umbilical
Discharge
piping
Suction Hose
Pump Module
Riser
Interface Joint
Total weight: 43 tonnes
Small footprint and weights

8
Subsea Mud Pump with

Proven components & solutions
Pump Performance:
1500 gpm
17.5 ppg mud
650 ft+ head/ 600 psi+
DNV-Drill N classified
Simple design, proven components and redundancy = RELIABILITY

9
ORS MPD Hardware Handling

Suspended Configuration
Docked Configuration
Technology Status LRRS

LRRS ECD Ready for pilot Q2 2012
11
Benefits
Improved well
control
Quality
improvements
Increased
production
Reduced costs
Bigger margins
Faster kick/loss detection
Better borehole quality
Improved cementing
Effective drilling in depleted fields
Less formation damage
Improved completion procedures
Faster drilling
Less NPT & consumables
The technology offer safer drilling at reduced cost

12
The Dual Gradient Drilling

System
David Dowell
Chevron North America Exploration and
Production Company

May 5, 2011
2011 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material is proprietary information of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and is Confidential Restricted Access to specific,
authorized individuals only. Unauthorized modification, duplication or distribution of this material is expressly
forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Riser at Seawater Gives Full DGD Effect
Seafloor
Dual Gradient
Density at TD
Depth
Fracture Pressure
Seawater
Hydrostatic
TD
Pore Pressure
Pressure
forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Chevron Prefers Positive Displacement Pumps
Seawater Hydraulically Powered
Riser Margin
Power generated on surface - minimal electrical power below surface
System has riser margin (most of the time), so well is dead
Positive Displacement Pumps
Improved overall well control capabilities
Due to design of pumps, the pump cant suck on well well must flow for pump to function
With PD pumps, gal in = gal out: therefore -- extremely fine kick detection
Pump prevents fluid backflow into well so well is isolated from return line
Pump measures flow out to the nearest pint
Basic design results in multiple levels of redundancy
Highly Versatile / Rapid Pressure Control
Add mud weight
Add backpressure
Change the fluid level in the riser

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
DGD Subsea Component Stack-Up

(Not to Scale)
Subsea Rotating Device (SRD)

Solids Processing Unit (SPU)
MudLift Pump (MLP)
Subsea Manifold
Standard BOP Stack

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Normal Drilling The U-tube Is Balanced
Sea Level
Drillstring
Annulus
Mud Line
Bit
forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Bottom Hole
DGD Drilling The U-tube Is Unbalanced
Sea Level
Drillstring
Annulus
Mud Line
Bit
forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Bottom Hole
The Drill String Valve Arrests the Natural U-Tube
Variable Opening
Valve in BHA
3 Sizes
Evaluating two Major
Companies Designs
Is be Tested in Tophole Operations
(JIP Design, 1998)

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
About the Drill String or Flow Stop Valve
Not essential
Makes operations appear more normal
Arrests the U-tube
Faster connections
Makes Kick Detection Simpler
Easier to manage the MLP
Helpful in flow rate management
Helpful in well control pressure reading
Run above the BHA, you cant wireline below it
Mechanism of operation, not intuitive

forbidden.
2011 Chevron

(Not to Scale)

MudLift Pump (MLP)
Subsea Manifold
Standard BOP Stack

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Surface Changes
Six rig pumps

Three for power fluid and Three for mud
One back-up for each fluid stream
Additional trip tank (riser fluid)

More piping for handing up to 3 fluids at once
Pits divided for multiple fluids

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
The Drilling Riser is Modified
MudLift Pump is SeawaterPowered, so Riser Modifications

are Needed
Two Six inch Lines
Seawater Power
Mud Return
Flange End of Riser

Seawater
Power
Line
Hydraulic
Line
Choke
Line
Drill Pipe
No Boost Line
3.5MM lb Flange rating
Standard 15K C&K lines

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Kill
Line
Hydraulic
Line
Mud Return
Line

(Not to Scale)

MudLift Pump (MLP)
Subsea Manifold
Standard BOP Stack

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Subsea Rotating Device Separates Mud from Riser Fluid
Located above the Solids

Processing Unit in the
DGD System
The Active guts: seals
and bearings are
retrievable
Seals pressure from both
below and above, typically
50 psi, up to 1000 psi WP
Maintains the gradient
interface
Allows for rapid Managed
Pressure Drilling type
operations
forbidden.
2011 Chevron

(Not to Scale)

MudLift Pump (MLP)
Subsea Manifold
Standard BOP Stack

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
The Solids Processing Unit (SPU)
Part of a riser specialty joint

Provides feed of mud to MLP
Sizes solids to 1-1/2 or smaller
Controlled and powered by the MLP
control system
Choke and Kill lines pass through it

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Tears Everything to Pumpable Sizes
Sits in Riser below SRD

Two separate feed paths
Can be flushed in multiple ways

forbidden.
2011 Chevron

(Not to Scale)

MudLift Pump (MLP)
Subsea Manifold
Standard BOP Stack

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
The Heart: MudLift Pump
(2) Triplex modules

80 gallon chambers
1800 gpm max rate
10,000 WD rating
PUMP SECTION
18.5 ppg mud

Contains Subsea
Manifold
HYDRAULICS
VALVE
MANIFOLD

forbidden.
2011 Chevron

(Not to Scale)

MudLift Pump (MLP)
Subsea Manifold
Standard BOP Stack

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Subsea Stack
The BOP Stack is

unchanged
One extra valve placed in
the Choke line for
improved operations
Still have complete
conventional Well Control
available.

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Questions?

forbidden.
2011 Chevron

What are the Value Sources?
Ken Smith
Project Manager, Dual Gradient Drilling Project
Production Company

May 5, 2011

forbidden.
Single vs. Dual-Gradient Drilling
Conventional
Single
Mud
Weight
Dual Gradient
Heavier Mud w/
Seawater Above
Mudline
Same Bottom
Hole
Pressure

forbidden.
Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

The Situation Today was Envisioned 15 Years Ago
15 years ago: Narrowing of the PP/FG window
and ECDs lead to MANY tight tolerance casings.
This leads to many drilling challenges, e.g.,
Deepwater Casing Program
Well control/Lost circulation

Challenging cement jobs
Mechanical challenges with tight tolerance tools
Restrictive completions
Today: We routinely drill nearly un-drillable wells
>30,000 deep
> 6,000 water depth
> 9,000 MRIs
Conventional Casing Program
Trend: New rigs capable of drilling to 40,000 to

enable industrys large portfolio of deepwater
projects
Were nostalgic for the past!
forbidden.
Casing Points Conventional Drilling
5 Casing Points
Seafloor
Single Gradient
Density at TD
Depth
Fracture
Pressure
Seawater
Hydrostatic
TD
Pore Pressure

forbidden.
Pressure
4
Casing Points Mid-Riser Dual Gradient
4 Casing Points
Seafloor
Dual Gradient
Density at TD
Depth
Fracture
Pressure
Seawater
Hydrostatic
TD
Pore Pressure

forbidden.
Pressure
Casing Points Seabed Dual Gradient
3 Casing Points
Seafloor
Dual Gradient
Density at TD
Depth
Fracture
Pressure
Seawater
Hydrostatic
TD
Pore Pressure

forbidden.
Pressure
Simplified Well Design Allows More Completion Opportunities
36
26
36
SWF Zone
20
22
16
(Conventional)
13-3/8
5-1/2"
Tubing
(SubSea MudLift)
7" Tubing
13-3/8
11-3/4
9-5/8
7-5/8
9-5/8
5-1/2
forbidden.
DGD is a Technology That Delivers Improved Drilling

Performance AND Improved Safety
S
A
F
E
T
Y
I
M
P
A
C
T
S
ENHANCE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE AND RISK
Much better detection, reaction and control of kicks, which WILL be smaller
Inherently safer wells, potentially with restored riser margin
Better environmental footprint
REDUCE DRILLING COST AND RISK
Fewer strings of casing to reach TD
Virtual elimination of lost circulation due to ballooning formations
Significant reduction in hidden downtime
Better cement jobs/fewer squeezes
IMPROVE WELL INTEGRITY
Reduced casing pressure loads
Greater completion integrity
IMPROVE WELL PRODUCTIVITY
Designer completions will become possible
IMPROVE PREDICTABILITY
Improved reliability/reduced downtime, leading to
More predictable outcomes

forbidden.
DGD is a Technology That Delivers Improved Drilling

Performance AND Improved Safety
Thank You!!
Questions?

forbidden.
An Introduction to Dilution-Based
Dual Gradient (DBDG) Drilling
Presented at the 2011 IADC Dual Gradient Workshop, 5 May 2011
by Paul Boudreau, Dual Gradient Systems LLC
How is a Dual Gradient Achieved

with the DBDG Process?
Heavier downhole mud weight is pumped down

drillstring, through bit, and into annulus.
At injection point (i.e., usually bottom of riser), a

lighter density dilution mud is injected into
annulus at a fixed dilution ratio.
Downhole and dilution muds combine at

injection point, resulting in column of diluted mud
weight above injection point.
Diluted mud is returned to rig and, in a

continuous process, separated by specialized
centrifuges back into downhole and dilution
mud weight components.
2
Simplified DBDG
Circulating Process
Surface
Diluted Mud
SHAKERS
CENTRIFUGE
SEPARATION
Riser
Dilution Mud
Injection Point
Annulus
below
Wellhead
Heavy Weight
Discharge
Light Weight
Discharge
Boost Line
Downhole, Dilution, and Diluted
muds are all the same fluid, only with
varying concentrations of barite.
Drillstring
Downhole Mud
How Do Dilution-based and Pumpbased Dual Gradient Systems Differ?

Dilution-based Dual
Gradient (DBDG)
Well Design
Wellhead Hydrostatic
Pressure
Location of
Inflection (Injection) Point
Location of Complex
Componentry
Pump-based Dual
Gradient (PBDG)
Fewer casing strings compared to single gradient

design. Casing points may vary between DBDG
and PBDG based on respective pressure profiles.
Diluted Riser Mud
Hydrostatic
Usually Seawater
Hydrostatic
At seafloor, or
potentially sub-mudline
At seafloor
At surface
At seafloor
Basic Dual Gradient Concept

Pressures and Gradients
PBDG: Inflection
point at seafloor
To achieve 12.5ppg equivalent mud weight at 20,000ft, the PBDG

system would require a 16.5ppg mud below the seabed (at 10,000ft),
with seawater hydrostatic at the wellhead.
Basic Dual Gradient Concept

DBDG: Inflection
(injection) point
at seafloor
To achieve 12.5ppg equivalent mud weight at 20,000ft, the DBDG

system could use a 14.5ppg mud below the wellhead (at 10,000ft),
with a diluted 10.5ppg mud weight in the riser above the wellhead.
Dual Gradient Concept with Sub-Mudline Injection

DBDG w/ SMLI:
Inflection (injection)
point moved, e.g., to
surface casing shoe
To achieve 12.5ppg equivalent mud weight at 20,000ft, the DBDG system

could use a 16.5ppg mud below the sub-mudline injection point (at
13,300ft), with a diluted 10.5ppg mud weight above the injection point.
DBDG vs. Single Gradient Well Design
Well Design Considerations
Not all casing seats determined solely

by PP/FG/MW inter-relationship.
Isolation of stray hydrocarbon zones.
Maintaining adequate kick tolerance.
Maintaining multiple barriers between
reservoir and the world.
Contingency planning.
Completions design.
8
DBDG vs. PBDG Well Design
DBDG vs. PBDG Well Design
Depleted Sand
10
DBDG w/ SMLI vs. DBDG Well Design
11
DBDG Circulating System Using

Surface BOP Stack (Not Shown)
DRILLSTRING
DEGASSER
SHALE
SHAKERS
INJECTION
STRING
CENTRIFUGES
MUD PITS
MUD PITS
MUD PITS
MUD
PUMPS
DILUTION MUD = LIGHT WEIGHT DISCHARGE

FLOW STOP VALVE
DOWNHOLE MUD = HEAVY WEIGHT DISCHARGE

DILUTED MUD = MIX MUD = FEED MUD
12
DBDG Circulating System

Using Subsea BOP Stack
DRILLSTRING
DEGASSER
SHALE
SHAKERS
BOOST
LINE
MARINE RISER
CENTRIFUGES
CHOKE
LINE
KILL
LINE
MUD PITS
MUD PITS
MUD PITS
SUBSEA BOP
MUD
PUMPS

FLOW STOP VALVE

DILUTED MUD = RISER MIX MUD = FEED MUD
13
CAPM (Continuous Annular

Pressure Management) System
14
CAPM Circulating System

PDP
DRILLSTRING
CONVENTIONAL FLOWLINE
PDIL
ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE
PRCD
SHALE
SHAKERS
CORIOLIS
FLOWMETER
DRILLING
CHOKE
MANIFOLD
INNER RISER
DEGASSER
MARINE RISER
CENTRIFUGES
PCHOKE
BOOSTER
LINE
PRISER
KILL LINE
CHOKE LINE
MUD PITS
MUD PITS
MUD PITS
SUBSEA BOP
PBOP
MUD
PUMPS

FLOW STOP VALVE
PPWD

15
Customized DBDG Centrifuge
16
Customized DBDG Centrifuge
17
DGS / TO Centrifuge Testing

Flottweg Centrifuge Testing Results
SOBM
Drilling
Fluid
G Force,
2
in/sec
Feed
Rate,
gpm
Diluted Downhole Dilution Dilution Rate,

Feed MW, Heavy MW, Light MW, QLight / QHeav y
ppg
ppg
ppg
Min - Ave - Max
90/10 OWR 220-1010
490-590
10.5-11.0
11.5-13.7
8.4-8.9
1.1 - 1.5 - 1.9
81/19 OWR,
500-1010
no LCM
490-600
10.8-10.9
13.2-15.5
9.0-9.6
1.6 - 2.3 - 2.8
81/19 OWR,
500-780
w/ LCM
490-500
10.9-11.1
14.8-15.4
9.3
2.4
Downhole, Dilution, and Diluted muds are all the

same fluid, only with varying concentrations of barite.
18
DGS Flow Stop Valve
19
Dual Gradient Drilling FSV

U-Tube Arrested with Pumps Off
Upstream - Drillstring
with Downhole Mud
Downstream BHA and Drill Bit
U-tube Pressure Resisted

by Spring Forces
20

Bringing on Pumps Through Choke
Pump Pressure +
U-Tube Overcome
Spring Force
Flow is Restricted to
Provide Main Piston
Opening Pressure
21

Main Valve Opened for Normal Drilling
Choke is Bypassed once Main

Valve Opens
22

Valve Closes Once Pumps Off
with Downhole Mud
23
Thank You
DGD Implications for Well Control

Mud Line Pumping
May 5, 2011
Houston Texas
John Cohen, R&D Technology Manager, AGR Drilling Services
Content
Riserless Operations
Top-hole Dual Gradient Drilling
Post-BOP Dual Gradient Drilling
Riserless Top-hole With

Seafloor pump
Mud is recovered and re-cycled
Weighted mud in the hole is the primary barrier
No need to save on mud
Engineered mud high mud weight
Enables staying well clear of pore pressure
A closed loop circulation system is created
Pump control system will detect well instability
Kick
Loss
An RCD may be used to enable controlling a low pressure
kick until mud weight has been increased (ref Demo 2000
North Sea Field Trial in 2004)
Suction Module With RCD
Courtesy of Demo 2000 Deepwater RMR JIP
Gas Kick
Influx
detected
08.00.10
35 seconds
SPM
stopped
08.00.45
Riserless Post-BOP
Maintains two barrier philosophy
Weighted mud in the hole is the primary
barrier
Full BOP system is the secondary barrier
A closed loop circulation system is created
Pump control system will detect well instability
Kick
Loss
Wellbore Ballooning
Early Detection Impact on

Kick Tolerance
Green Canyon - 14 " Hole @ 17,020-ft MD/TVD,
Conventional Case with 14" Casing @ 16,000-ft MD/TVD, 14.36 ppg FIT
DGD Cases with 16" Casing @ 13,500-ft MD/TVD, 14.2 ppg FIT,
120-gpm Kill Rate, Driller's Method, 50-psi margin
1
0.9
14.04-ppg Pore Pressure

12.85/13.08 ppg SMW/ESD OBM (Conventional)
KICK INTENSITY (ppg)
0.8
14.50/14.76/13.00 ppg SMW/ESD/DGMW OBM (Dual Gradient)
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.67-ppg intensity
max at 12.5-bbls
Dual Gradient
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.58-ppg intensity
max at 50-bbls
Conventional

0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
KICK SIZE (bbl)
SINTEF has shown that identifying an influx via Subsea Pump Power changes is
possible and will result in a significantly smaller influx volume in comparison to
conventional operations. As such a 50 bbl kick in a conventional system will
equate to a 12 bbl kick in CMP the result of which is shown above.
THE END
Well Control When Drilling With a

Partly-Evacuated Marine Drilling Riser
LRRS
Dual Gradient Workshop,

Houston May 5, 2011
CTO
Brre Fossli (ORS)
Applicability of LRRS
Mud Weight
Depth
LRRS +
New Well Control Priciples
FG
PPG
LRRS ECD
Conventional well Control
New well control procedures needed when drilling Intermediate sections (Overburdon)
-2-
Gradient (ppg)
6
10
12
Pressure (psi)
14
16
18
10000
20000
LOSS
10000
KICK
20000
Depth (ft TVD)
Depth (ft TVD)
Case 1 GoM: Conventional Drilling
10000
20000
Frac_Data
Frac_Data
Pore_data
Pore_data
-3-
Gradient (ppg)
6
10
12
Pressure (psi)
14
16
18
10000
10000
20000
Depth (ft TVD)
Depth (ft TVD)
Case 1 GoM: Drilling with LRRS
Mud Weight: 17.2 ppg

Frac_Data
Pore_data
10000
20000
20000
Frac_Data
Pore_data
-4-
Case 2 Macondo: Drilling with LRRS

10
Gradient (ppg)
12
Pressure (psi)
14
16
5000
5000
10000
15000
Depth (ft TVD)
Depth (ft TVD)
5000
10000
15000
Pore_data
Frac_data
LRRS
10000
15000
-5-
Case 2 Macondo: LRRS Improves Margins

8
10
Gradient (ppg)
12
Pressure (psi)
14
16
5000
10000
15000
Pore_data
Frac_data
LRRS
12,1
12,2
12,3
12,4
11000
5000
5000
10000
Depth (ft TVD)
Depth (ft TVD)
Margin Improvements
12000
10000
13000
Margin Improvements
15000
15000
14000
-6-
Case 2 Macondo: Riser Margins with LRRS

8
10
Gradient (ppg)
12
14
16
Casing/liner
Conventional
000
Mud
Weigh
t
[ppg]
Riser
Margin
Mud
Weight
[ppg]
Riser
Margin
22 Casing
9.6
Yes*
12.6
Yes
18 Liner
10.1
No
12.8
Yes
16 Liner
11.1
No
14.0
Yes
13 5/8 Casing
12.3
No
14.5
Yes
11 7/8 Liner
13.3
No
15.7
Yes
9 7/8 Liner
14.0
No
16.2
Yes
7x 9 7/8 casing
14.2
No
15.8
No*
000
000
LRRS @ 1700 ft
*Pump & dump procedure

* A riser margin possible in 8 section if 9
5/8 had been set 2000 deeper, as planned.
-7-
Conventional Barrier Diagram

Primary barrier elements:
Mud
Riser integrity
Secondary barrier elements:

BOP
Common barrier elements

Wellhead & seal assemblies
Casing & cement
-8-
Barrier Elements LRRS+

Primary barrier elements:
Mud
Level measurement
Secondary barrier elements:

BOP
Casing & Cement
Wellhead & seal assemblies
Common barrier elements

Wellhead & seal assemblies*
* Well and water depth spesific
-9-
Avoiding Common Barriers with LRRS

NCS (200mWD)
1400
20
1600
13 3/8
1800
2000
Depth [mMD]
2200
2400
9 5/8
9 5/8 and 13 3/8 csg

common barriers
Conventional:
Intersects at 2000 mMD
2600
Pressurized MPD:
Intersects at 2300 mMD
2800
3000
3200
3400
LRRS:
Independent barriers
entire section
Pore
Frac
3600
LRRS
PMPD
3800
Conv
Refr. Gullfaks
C-06
4000
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
MW [sg]
- 10 -
Improved Kick/Loss Control with LRRS

Improved kick/loss detection
Pumps as improved kick indicator
Flowmeter backup
Riser as trip tank
Primary barrier re-establish by changing level

Less danger w/gas above subsea BOP
New Procedures & Priciples
- 11 -
Modified Drillers Method for LRRS +

1. Close subsea BOP
& open choke line
2. Circulate at constant DPP:

via subsea choke
3. Gas separated from liquid

in riser
No gas or pressure in pump

system
Advantages:
Reduced choke-line friction
No pressure on the rig or riser
- 12 -
Conclusions
LRRS + used to drill overburden
Reservoir
LRRSECD
applicable for all drilling-related operations
Drilling
Casing operations & Cementing
Completion operations (sand control)
Workover
results in improved well control
Bigger margins - Mud weight fits drilling window

Riser margin possible for most cases
Improved well integrity
Improved kick/loss detection
Well control equal to or better than conventional
- 13 -
Dual Gradient Well Control

System
David Dowell
Production Company

May 5, 2011

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Different System - Learning the Terminology

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Nearly ALL Drilling Operations Procedures Change with

Drilling Operations
Unchanged
Changed
w/DGD
1. Circulation
2. Drilling ahead
3. Connections
4. Tripping
5. Displacing drilling fluids
6. Lost circulation treatment
7. Wireline logging
8. Running casing
9. Running liner
10. Cementing casing
11. Cementing liner
12. Balanced plug
13. High pressure squeeze
14. Stuck pipe procedures
15. Use and installation of packers

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
All Well Control Procedures Change

Well Control Operations
Unchanged
Changed
w/DGD
1. Kick detection
2. Basic well control with DSV
(Driller's Kill)
3. Basic well control w/o DSV: NO
shut-in
4. Basic well control w/o DSV: WITH
shut-in
5. Kick detection during tripping
6. Shut-in while tripping
7. Trapped pressure management
8. Volumetric well control
9. Lubrication kill
10. Stripping
11. Bullheading
12. Shut-in while running casing
13. Test casing seat
14. Dynamic kill

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
DGD As Safe or MORE Safe Than Conventional

Closed system
Kick detection is FAST!
Lower Casing Pressure
Less Gas
Riser margin can be restored!

Greater useable kick margin
Less lost returns
Greater kick control success
Fewer Underground Blowouts

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Conventional Drilling
Kick detection based on
flowline or pits
No riser margin available
Riser inventory lost in
emergency disconnect
Kick margin is low
Lost returns common
Kick control difficult
Kick Detection
Method
In DGD?
Flow Rate Increase
Better
Pit Gain
As good as ever
Flow Check
w/DSV-Good...w/o DSV Requires Fingerprint
Improper trip fill
As good as conventional
Indirect Signs
Some are different
Drilling Break
w/DSV-OKw/o DSV- Fingerprint
DPP & Speed
About the same as conventional
Mud changes
Similar, but appear earlier
Unique DGD Signs
(Comment)
Flow on C.U.B
Purpose-built process
Abnormal U-tube
Good, but hard to catch early
MLP Rate Increase
VERY GOOD

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Differences in DGD Well Control

U-tube is always present
We have a new way to read SIDPP
We probably will kill at higher circulating rates

May have higher gas flow rates
May not fully shut-in before killing
Most wells would self kill if open to C&K Line
The kick MUST be pumped to the surface
We almost always have a riser margin

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
DGD Well Control vs Conventional

Useful kick tolerance
Wellbore integrity
We Smash Gas Faster

BHP vs. Kick Volume
DGD
Reduced ballooning?
Rapid kick detection
We smash gas with the pump,
kick volumes MAY be less
Potentially faster kick recovery
We can pump faster when the time is right
Math is a little harder

More moving parts and more to learn about and watch

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Primary Well Control is UNCHANGED

NO changes to BOPE are made
Static pressure across the BOPE is inherently lower or much lower
than conventional
Conventional wells differential is MW SW = up to

5000 psi
DGD differential is SW SW = Nothing
This reduction applies to well control as well
We are almost always dead with seawater at the mud line
Even in a kick we can make the BOP differential ZERO
We fill the riser above the BOP with mud

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Well Control For DGD
We can:
Do ALL traditional well control procedures
We do:
Provide two independent means for measuring SIDPP and SICP
Accomplish ALL well control procedures
With and Without the DSV
Provide for control of well pressures even if the MLP fails
The BOP is STILL the primary well control device

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Keep BHP Constant

THE PRIME DIRECTIVE IS STILL TO KEEP THE BOTTOM HOLE
PRESSURE CONSTANT
This is done while the well is
Circulating
or Static
All contributing pressures in the well must be accounted for because

Circulating rates can be higher than in conventional well control

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Basic Well Control Requirements

(nothing new here)
Be prepared, have a good battle plan and make sure all the troops
know their jobs
Prevent kicks first
Detect kicks early, keep them small and pressures
Shut-in quickly, ask why later
Be prepared, have a good game plan and make sure all the players
know their jobs
Measure and verify pressures and volumes
Organize and execute the plan
Clear the influx from the well safely
Circulate kill weight mud
Clean-up and drill some more
forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Preplanning is Paramount
Use of a Simulator
Provides normal operation
parameter predictions
Useful design tool
Very powerful friction
pressure calculator
Being modified and
improved for future real
time use

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Simulator Output Montage
SPP and MRL/KLP
MLP Pressure and Volume
Kick Volume
Casing shoe and BHP
GPM and Gas Discharge
Choke opening
MLP inlet and outlet

pressure
Pressure at top of kick
Kick influx rate
Kick position
Kick height
Kill pump schedule

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
We Proved all of This In Our Test Well
Basic SMD Training (DGD)

Procedures Training
Well Control Training
Drilling Program
Pre-Spud Materials
forbidden.
2011 Chevron
We Drilled a Well & Tested Well Control

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Drillers Control Screen

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
All Important Objectives Met

Manage Bottom Hole Pressure at All Times
Constant inlet pressure mode (Drill)
Constant rate mode ( Kick or Kill)
Cuttings to Surface
Verify Dual Gradient Operation Procedures
All Equipment Operated as Designed
Personnel adapted quickly, training paid off
90% of Field Test Objectives met
Including multiple induced kicks to test ability to discern a kick

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
We did it right the first time we tried it. Any questions?

forbidden.
2011 Chevron
Dilution-Based Dual Gradient

Well Control
Presented at the 2011 IADC Dual Gradient Workshop, 5 May 2011
by Paul Boudreau, Dual Gradient Systems LLC
In this very short presentation, we will
Review Dilution-based Dual Gradient (DBDG) well

design, wellbore configuration, and well control
equipment.
Look at DBDG in conjunction with an MPD system;

i.e., Transoceans Continuous Annular Pressure
Management (CAPM) system. (Any feature which does
not apply to DBDG in absence of MPD will be highlighted.)
Compare CAPM/DBDG and conventional single

gradient well control.
Have a quick look at the various well control options

which may be employed within CAPM/DBDG.
DBDG vs. Single Gradient Well Design
Single Gradient
DBDG
Well Design Considerations
Not all casing seats determined solely

by PP/FG/MW inter-relationship.
Isolation of stray hydrocarbon zones.
Maintaining adequate kick tolerance.
Maintaining multiple barriers between
reservoir and the world.
Contingency planning.
Completions design.
3
CAPM (Continuous Annular Pressure

Management) DBDG System
CAPM/DBDG Circulating System

PDP
DRILLSTRING
CONVENTIONAL FLOWLINE
PDIL
ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE
PRCD
SHALE
SHAKERS
CORIOLIS
FLOWMETER
DRILLING
CHOKE
MANIFOLD
INNER RISER
DEGASSER
MARINE RISER
CENTRIFUGES
PCHOKE
BOOSTER
LINE
PRISER
KILL LINE
CHOKE LINE
MUD PITS
MUD PITS
MUD PITS
SUBSEA BOP
PBOP
MUD
PUMPS

FLOW STOP VALVE
PPWD


U-Tube Arrested with Pumps Off
with Downhole Mud
U-tube Pressure Resisted

by Spring Forces

Bringing on Pumps Through Choke
Pump Pressure +
U-Tube Overcome
Spring Force
Flow is Restricted to
Provide Main Piston
Opening Pressure

Main Valve Opened for Normal Drilling
Choke is Bypassed once Main

Valve Opens

Valve Closes Once Pumps Off
with Downhole Mud
Conventional vs CAPM/DBDG Well Control

Conventional
Single Gradient
Theory and Practice Conventional
CAPM / DBDG
Unconventional and new to industry
Special Equipment None
Flow Stop Valve required
Kick Detection Conventional, open

system subject to heaveaffected returns
Kick Volume Conventional, open
system subject to heaveaffected returns
Determination of Direct using SIDPP
Bottom Hole
Pressure
Enhanced using Coreolis flowmeters and

micro-influx detection on closed circulating
system
Smaller due to enhanced detection
Drillstring normally overbalanced. BHP

determined indirecly, by change in FSV crackopen pressure. (Direct after influx circulated
above BOP pressure gauge)
continued...
10

...continued
Conventional
Single Gradient
Well Control
Operations
Casing Shoe
Pressures
Margin Between
Wellbore Pressure
and Fracture
Weight-up Strategy
Conventional
Higher
Lower
Weight up below BOP,

then riser
Time to Kill Well Conventional, may even

use both choke and kill
lines
Redundancy in C&K Yes
Lines
CAPM / DBDG
More complex in that dilution must be
maintained, but also offers more flexibility
Lower shoe pressures due to heavier MW
between kicking formation and shoe
Larger due to higher MW
Can kill well by raising Downhole MW, Riser

MW, or both. May be able to kill well without
increasing Riser MW.
Increased due to having to dilute choke line
returns. May be reduced in some cases by
beginning circ through drilling choke.
No, must use one to inject dilution mud
11

Conventional Single Gradient
Kick
Detection
Bottomhole
Pressure
Determination
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Return flowrate
PWD
Pit gain (detection
problematic in very large
circulating systems)
(ROP)
(Hook load)
(Standpipe pressure)
1.
2.
3.
SIDPP
Shut in BOP pressure*
SICP*
CAPM / DBDG
1.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Delta flow in/out (using Coriolis flow meter on

mud return line)
Subsea BOP and Riser pressures (due to
more downhole mud flow into riser)
PWD
(ROP)
(Hook load)
(Injection / boost line pressure)
(Pit gain)
1.
2.
3.
Flow Stop Valve crack-opening pressure

Shut in BOP pressure (delta)*
SICP*
2.
* Especially once kick circulated above or out.

Kill Method
Options
1.
2.
3.
4.
Wait-and-weight
Drillers method
Riser Kill
Bullheading
1.
2.
3.
4.
Drillers Method (no increase in MW for first

circulation); through choke manifold and/or
MPD drilling choke manifold
Wait-and-weight (increase Downhole MW)
Riser Kill (increase Riser MW)
Bullheading
12
CAPM/DBDG Well Control Flexibility

In this example, a kick is
taken at 16,000ft at the
section TD. Because
there remains a wide
margin between the mud
hydrostatic and the frac
pressure at the previous
shoe (at 11,000ft), either
the riser mud weight or
the downhole mud
weight may be increased
to kill the well. The riser
mud weight in this case
is programmed to
increase for the next hole
section.
Note that the 12.85ppg
pore pressure at TD
exceeds the ~12.65ppg
frac pressure at the shoe
above (see dotted brown
line); thus SG well
control would not be
possible with this casing
design.
13
SG Well Control Kick Indicators
14
CAPM/DBDG Well Control Kick Indicators
15
15
CAPM/DBDG Well Control Options

Method
Advantages
Wait-andWeight
(increasing
Downhole MW)
1.
Drillers
Method
(no change to
mud weights for
first circulation)
1.
Riser Kill
(increasing
Riser or Choke
Line MW by
decreasing
dilution ratio)
1.
2.
2.
3.
2.
3.
Disadvantages
Lower annular pressures

compared to Drillers
Method (well-specific).
Lower shoe pressures than
with Riser Kill method.
1.
Circulation can begin

immediately.
Barite not required to begin
circulating.
Can calculate BHP down
annulus once kick is above
BOP stack.
1.
2.
Can kill formation quickly

by displacing choke line
and/or riser, even with
kick still on bottom.
In certain situations; e.g.,
salt water kick, allows
circulating up kick
conventionally through
open BOP.
No requirement to weight up
mud on surface prior to
commencing circulation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
Delay in circulation while building kill

weight mud.
Complicates fluid management and
calculations.
Requires additional circulation to kill well.
Higher surface pressures than W&W or
Riser Kill.
Higher shoe pressures are possible.
Requires both C&K lines (one to inject
dilution mud below closed BOP, one for
well returns) when circulating out through
the choke.
Requires use of both choke and kill lines to
inject dilution mud below closed BOP when
circulating out through the choke.
Relies on properly functioning FSV to
maintain constant BHP.
Increases shoe pressure compared to
W&W method.
16
Thank You
Overcoming Barriers to Implementation:

Past and Present
IADC Dual Gradient Workshop

5 May 2011, Houston, TX
SESSION: Testing the Concept
Barriers to Implementation & Experience to Date
Brian Tarr
Senior Well Engineer
Shell International E&P Inc.
Copyright of Royal Dutch Shell plc Date 5/11/2011
Setting the Scene
Barrier:
Resistance to Change; Anything that Slows or Stops
Progress towards a Goal; Additional Resources must be
Expended to Overcome.
New Technology Implementation Barriers:

Perception of Increased Risk Profile
Acceptable Risk Alternatives are Available
Perception of Limited Scope for Implementation (Niche Market)
Perception of Weak Business Case (for Some or All Parties)
Competition for Resources Required (Time, Money, Skills,
Personnel)
Copyright of Royal Dutch Shell plc
Stage Gate Approach to Overcoming Barriers
Stage Gate Approach to Overcoming Barriers
Technology Readiness Level (Shell System)
Starts with Problem or

Opportunity Statement
Ends with Value Creation

From Deployment
Stage 2
Stage 0 Stage 1
Opportunity
Identification
Select most
promising
Opportunity Generate Concepts
approach
Analysis
10A
Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Stage 7 Stage 8 Stage 9 Stage
Proprietary
Critical Risk Feasibility
reductions Demonstration
Test Technology Prototype
Prove
Concept
Support
First
Early
Implementation Deployment Stage 10B
Commodity
Support
Where Barriers Hardest to Overcome First Implementation
Investing in Promising Technology Trials

8. First
Implementation
Stage 6
Stage 7
Stage 8
Test Technology
Prototype
First
Implementation
Test Site Onshore

Trial
Trial
6
Offshore
Trial
7
No/little industry
experience
Focus is learning,
not value
Experience capture
is critical
8
5
Where Barriers Hardest to Overcome Early Deployment
Using Technology in First Major Project

9. Early Deployment
Stage 9
Early
Deployment
Technology proven but new to

asset/project
Integration & adaptation still
needed
Know-how is concentrated; cost
of learning
Realize value; gain competitive
advantage
9
Where Barriers Hardest to Overcome Staff Handover
Where Barriers Hardest to Overcome Staff Handover
Steepest Learning Curve is for Ops. Staff
Staff Resources
9
8
1-5
DISCOVER
Early
6-7
First
DEPLOYMENT
DEVELOP IMPLEMENTATION
TIME
Overcoming Implementation Barriers - Experience
Technical Issues Easiest to Overcome

Demonstrate Basic Technical Feasibility (Can Build on Later)
Use HAZID/HAZOP to Develop Safe Equip. Config. & Procedures
Business Issues Hardest to Overcome

Building a Strong Business Case (for All Parties)
Resourcing for Long Term Success (Time, Money, Skills, Personnel)
Securing Field Trial Opportunities (Whats in it for Me?)
Conclusion
Strong Business Focus is Critical!
Field Experience with

Deepwater Riserless Mud
JIP
IADC DGD workshop
Houston May 5, 2011
Robert Ziegler
Tophole Drilling
Mud and Cuttings
dispersed to Sea
High mud costs and
logistics
No volume control
Compromising
environmental
standards
Riserless Mud Recovery (RMR)

Maintain Stability
of Shallow
Formations
Control Shallow
Water and Gas
Extend depth of
Surface Casing
Conformance to
environmental
regulations
Mud Return
Line (MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Subsea Pump
Module (SPM)
DW RMR Equipment
Mud Return Line

(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
2 @ 3 stage Pump
Modules
Casing Mud Return
Line
Compensating
Anchor System
Fixed surface hang
off
DW RMR Performance
15.5
15
14.5
Operating Envelope
in 5000 ft water depth
Planned Capacity
at beginning of JIP
MudWeight(ppg)
14
General Operating
Range during Trial
13.5
4000ftWDrpmlimit
4000ftWDpowerlimit
13
5000ftWDRPMlimit
5000ftWDpowerlimit
12.5
6000ftWDRPMlimit
12
6000ftWDpowerlimit
11.5
11
10.5
700
900
1100
1300
1500
MudFlowrate(gpm)
1700
1900
2100
DW RMR Equipment
Mud Return Line

(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
Suction Module
&
Subsea
Electronics
Module
SMO on Deck
Subsea Electronics Module
DW RMR Equipment
Mud Return Line

(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
Suction Hose
Suction Hose
DW RMR Equipment
Mud Return Line

(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
MRL Anchor
System
MRL Anchor System
DW RMR Equipment
Mud Return Line

(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
Lower
Docking Joint
Lower Docking Joint
DW RMR Equipment
Mud Return Line

(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
Subsea Pump
Modules
Subsea Pump Modules
Moonpool Equip
Mud Return Line

(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
Handling
And
Hang off Equipment
Moonpool Frames
Hang off Joint and Gimbal
Flowhead
Winches
Umbilical Winch
To Lower SPM
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
25 ton Winch
Winches (2)
Umbilical Winch
To Upper SPM
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Upper Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
(MRL)
Suction Module
(SMO)
Lower Subsea
Pump Module (SPM)
Mud Return Line
Anchor
10 ton Winch
RMR Control System

Controlled from Rig Floor
Office and Workshop Container
Subsea and Surface Equipment
Monitoring
Power Container
Variable Speed Drive
Transformer
Rig Floor Panel
Office Container
RMR Benefits
Maintain Stability of Shallow
Formations
Economic use of improved muds
Control Shallow Water and Gas

Volume Monitoring of Well
Extend Casing Depths

More stable hole through better mud and better
management of BHP
Conformance with Environmental

Regulations
DW RMR Field Trial

Seabed 4657 bmsl
RMR case
5000 ss
Fault
5414 ss
Zone 1 (gas ??)
757 bml
5720 ss
Zone 2 (gas)
1063 bml
6575 ss
7044 ss
Zone 3 (W)
Zone 4 (W)
343 bml
30
230 bml
Seabed
Dispersion case
Shallow hazards
mitigation case
30
230 bml
30
13-3/8 at 5650 ss
993 bml
1918 bml
2387 bml
7500 ss /
13-3/8 7573 ah
Maximum Depth
With Pump and Dump
13-3/8 at 6900 ss
2243 bml
13-3/8
2243 bml
11-3/4 SET at 6900 ss

2243 bml
2843 bml
Zone 5
9-5/8
9-5/8
Well Continues to Reservoir Level
8400 ss /
8473 ah
Kick-off point
9-5/8
Benefits for Well

Overcome mud logistical
limitations
Safely drill potential shallow
hazards
Provide detailed mud logging
through shallow hazards
Problem free casing running
and high quality cement job
RMR Result
Deepwater RMR was field tested in
4657 ft (1419 m) water.
New technology effectively
designed built and field tested
through Joint Industry Project
Crossing The Chasm

Dual Gradient Technology
Charlie Weinstock
David Dowell
Production Company
May 5, 2011

This material is proprietary information of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and is Confidential Restricted Access
to specific, authorized individuals only. Unauthorized modification, duplication or distribution of this
material
expressly forbidden.
2011isChevron
Crossing The Chasm syndrome

From a book by Geoffrey Moore

material
2011isChevron
Technology Deployment Chasms

material
2011isChevron
CHARACTERISTICS
Innovators - Visionaries - Pragmatics
Visionaries
Innovators
Pragmatics
Technology Gatekeepers
Executive VP+ level
The Customer
Driven by new technology
Driven by Strategic advances
Driven by practicality
Need the truth, no tricks
Need BIG Breakthroughs
Need the proof, low risk
Want access & support
Has access, provides direction
Want field & profit history
to the big boss
financially
from worthy competitors
financial & technical support
strategically
not from Innovators
Tinder
Kindling & Accelerant
Sequoia Logs
Revolutionary
Quantum Leap Individual
Evolutionary
Analyzes Mathematically
Analyzes Strategically
Analyzes Financially
- Love their technology
- Easy sell, hard to please
- Will not use Ser #0001

material
2011isChevron
Fundamental Chasm-isms
1.
You CANNOT go from Innovation to a Pragmatics market

without going through a Visionary, early adopter, phase.
2.
You CANNOT jump a Chasm. You must either fight your

way through to establish a beachhead, or be lifted across
by someone on the other side.
3.
It is VERY HARD for any company to cross these chasms.

Most technology developments/deployments fail.
4.
A technology that makes it across Chasm #1, may be

radically different by the time it reaches Chasm #2.
5.
Once a technology falls into a chasm, it is even more

difficult for it to climb across, perhaps impossible.

material
2011isChevron
Todays Message
Most new technologies fail (commercially),

and they fail for a multitude of reasons,
but all successful technologies have 1 (and only 1) thing in common.
They find a way to cross the chasms.

material
2011isChevron
Questions or Comments
Thank You
material
2011isChevron
Field Trials of the CMP JIP

May 5, 2011
Omni Hotel
Houston, Texas
Introduction of New Technology

Which comes First
Or the
Fully developed well

control and rig procedures
Fully tested equipment
AGRs CMP Demo 2000 JIP

Application of dual gradient drilling methods
to improve wellbore pressure gradient
Utilize AGRs existing proven subsea pump
technology and equipment
Extend use of dual gradient drilling to post
BOP installation
Improve deepwater well safety and
construction efficiency using dual gradient
drilling
CMP Demo 2000 JIP

JIP members
Demo 2000 (Norwegian Resource Council)
BG
BP
Statoil
AGR Subsea
JIP to field trial dual gradient drilling system

Status: Looking for field candidate test site
AGRs Riserless Mud Return System
AGR Subsea Pumping System (RMR)

Top hole drilling system
Permits use of engineered drilling fluid
Subsea disk pumps returns drilling fluid from
mud line back to rig
Mitigates shallow hazards
Extends casing shoe depth
Reduce discharge to environment
Only commercial dual gradient drilling system
CMP Application
Operated with drilling BOP/Riser in place
Pump suction normal operation from riser
Pump suction in well control mode below
upper annular preventer
Riser filled with blanket fluid
Gas
Water
Seawater
Base oil
Benefit dual gradient drilling
CMP/Riser Interface
Double Block
Valves
Subsea
Pump
Modified Riser
Joint
Choke Line
CMP Test Needs and Status
Subsea pumps
AGRs disk pumps
Surface equipment and deployment method

AGRs surface equipment and winch for deployment
Drilling procedures
Procedures developed in Demo 2000 JIP
BOP/Riser interface
To be designed when rig selected
Control system
AGRs RMR control system to be used as base
Enhancements for dual gradient drilling underway
Bottom-hole pressure sent from independent well bore hydraulics model to

be used as pump set point
Flow Stop Sub

Valve
Valve Valve Adjustment

Spring
Plug
Valve
Adjustment
Sleeves
Rig adjustable
Low hold open force
Compensates for U-tube imbalance
Operation flow rate independent
CMP Procedures Developed

Tripping into and out of the well
Running casing
Casing cementing
System break down
Circulating kick out with anti U-tube
valve
Circulating kick out without anti U-tube
valve
Next Steps To CMP Field Trial

Equipment
Completed or in process
Development of Procedures
Completed in Demo 2000 JIP
Identify candidate wells for field trial

Confirm candidate well using simulations
Complete subsea equipment
Test Well
Water depth less than or equal to 2000 ft
Development well
Deploy equipment and test procedures before
drilling out from shoe
Well plan will be for single gradient
Continue test after drilling out shoe if safe
Well using Riserless Mud Recovery
Use equipment to adjust for ECD after CMP
test
THE END
Training for Dual Gradient Drilling

by
Curtis E. Weddle, III
Cherokee Offshore Engineering
May 5, 2011
Omni Hotel Westside
Houston, Texas
Operations As Safe or Safer

But never the same
again.
First run of prototype

MLP September, 2001
OCS Drilling and Permitting

Moratorium July, 2010
Everything Has Changed for DGD
Every procedure is changed
Every change must be checked
Every change must be taught
Every person taught must be

competent
Competence must be
demonstrated somehow
Every new lesson must be

recorded and acted upon
Every new change must be

taught
Building a Dual Gradient Drilling Learning

Program
Built on a considerable
body of work from the
Subsea Mudlift Drilling JIP
Revised for:
Equipment changes
Lessons learned from the JIP
Policy changes
The audience
If our learning ends it will

not be for a long, long
time
Process for Developing Procedures
Well Control
Procedures
Training
Simulator
HAZOP
Well on Paper
Drilling
Procedures
Peer Review
Develop Tools for Learning and Doing

Simulators
Drilling
Well Control
And for how to control the pump
Checklists and communications tools like valve line-ups

Worksheets and Programs
Pump set-up
Unplanned shut-down
Stack and pump testing
Tripping
Cementing
Well control
And on and on and on
6
But, That is not All..
Tally Book Inserts
Rig Posters
Valve Line-up
Actual Drill Screen While Drilling
And Still That is not All

Human Factors
Engineering
Identify problems
Make the controls better
Make the information
easier to understand
Training must be
intimately involved
with operations
Drilling
Introduce Kick
MLP to Rate Mode at PreKick Rate, stop Kick
09/26/01
Kick Detection and Kill Test
Well Services, Inc.
Dynamic Shut-In, Still

Pumping Kick Stopped
1600
600
500
SIDPP
"Stand Pipe Pressure, psi"
1500
400
Rig Pump Rate, gpm
Pressure PSI
Lessons, Improvements
and Problems
"MLP Inlet, psi"
1400
300
"MLP Rate, gpm"
1300
100
Confidential to JIP
Time (hh:mm:ss)
18:29:44
18:29:22
18:29:00
18:28:38
18:28:16
18:27:54
18:27:32
18:27:10
18:26:46
18:26:24
18:26:02
18:25:40
18:25:18
18:24:56
18:24:34
18:24:12
18:23:48
18:23:26
18:23:04
18:22:42
18:22:20
18:21:58
18:21:36
18:21:14
18:20:52
18:20:30
18:20:08
18:19:46
18:19:24
18:19:02
18:18:40
18:18:18
18:17:56
18:17:34
18:17:12
18:16:50
18:16:28
18:16:06
0
18:15:44
1100
18:15:22
Re-teach
SICP
1200
18:15:00
Recycle
200
Rates: Flow In GPM / SPM / Flowline % CSNG and KILL Pressure PS
1700
Train Just About Everybody
Virtually HUNDREDS of people must be trained
And all need a different level of training
AND
People must be trained for all occasions
Well planning
Engineers
Well Control
Operations
Operations
Drilling contractor
Pre-spud
Geoscience
Support
Regulatory
Management
11
Just the Contact Time is a HUGE Investment

Operations Training
10 Days
Well Control Training

5 Days
Pre-spud Meeting
7 Days
Preparation time is MANY

multiples of the contact time.
Thousands of man-days
25 HAZOPs of procedures alone
In EXCESS of 1000 man-days
12
Training Must be Sustained and Sustainable

It must also be:
Challenges
Consistent
Turnover
Accurate
Changing workforce
Challenging
Diverse levels of experience
Up-to-date
Time
Demonstrate success by proving

the competence of the students
to do their jobs
Manpower
Have a home and a

relationship with
operations
Keep earning a place in the
business
Including interested and

capable people
What About Industry Standards?

Are all DGD systems the
same?
Probably not
Probably different enough that the
training may be similar but not the
same
What must be done is common

though
Dual Gradient
Positive
Displacement Pump
or
Dilution
As safe or safer than conventional

drilling operations
Glass Spheres
Centrifugal pumps
Competency must be demonstrated
Mud Line Pumps
Competency must be maintained
Mid Water Pumps
Practice, practice and practice some more
Lessons learned must be captured

Improvement must be continuous
The End
Thank you
And
Questions?
Transient, Advanced and User-Friendly

Dual Gradient simulator
Johnny Petersen, Knut Bjrkevoll; SINTEF Petroleum Research
Rolv Rommetveit; eDrilling Solutions
Roger Stave; AGR Subsea AS

Houston, Texas
May 5, 2011
Why Simulator?
Dual Gradient Drilling is VERY different
from conventional drilling!
Drillers, Management, Regulatory
agencies etc. must understand
the Pros and Cons
the dynamical behavior.
Design, Education & Training

Well Control Procedures
During drilling: Understanding the well
Model
Dynamic two-phase flow control model developed by
SINTEF
Model presented in paper IBP1373_06 A general
dynamic model for flow related operations during
drilling, completion, well control and intervention
General and flexible implementation
Used for several field studies
MPD displacement and cementing
Flow test studies
RMR well control
Adapted to well control operations with the CMP

configuration
Feasibility evaluations
Procedures have been developed in cooperation with
oil companies
Drilling
Cementing
Running casing / liner
CMP pump failure
Well control
Procedures have been verified by computer

simulations
Program Output Example Results
Dry gas influx Constant bottom hole pressure

CMP pump at 5000 ft WD
Well depth below mud line 5000 ft
10 bbl influx size
Rig Pump Rate Gas Kick
Kick detection
Flow reduction to
circulate out kick
Kick circulation rate high
to prevent U-tubing,
no U-tube arrester valve
Stand Pipe Pressure Gas Kick
Pressure at 2000 l/m pump rate
Pressure at 1600 l/m pump rate

(avoid U-tubing)
Subsea Pump Pressure Gas Kick
Kick passing through pump
Increase Suction Pressure
Subsea Ambient Pressure
Gas Fraction at Subsea Pump Gas Kick
Pit Volume Gas Kick
Transient, dynamic PVT calculations

between OBM and Reservoir fluid
>
Volatile Oil GOR 408 Fluid Flow rate

Fluid Flowrate - Vol Oil 408
1400
1200
Flowrate (l/min)
1000
In Flow
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
WBM
800
600
400
200
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Time (seconds)
5000
6000
7000
Volatile Oil GOR 408 Gas Flow rate

Gas Flowrate - Volatile Oil
2500
Flowrate (l/min)
2000
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
WBM
1500
1000
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Time (seconds)
5000
6000
7000
Deepwater Dual Gradient Drilling System

If we are dealing with OBM, the gas kicks (below a
certain volume) will dissolve in the base oil of the mud.
As pressure and temperature (P,T) decreases, the gas
will boil out of the base oil.
CMP have one or more sub sea pumps, this produces
a discontinuous pressure profile
Careful calculations are needed to be aware of
possible problems with gas boiling out prior to sub sea
pumps
Dual Gradient Drilling System
Two pump system

Green line:
Normal drilling
Pressure where gas boils out of base oil
Depth
Black line:
Water
Blue line
CMP Mud
Vertical line:
Pressure where gas
boils out of base oil*
Pressure
Notice that gas boils out

prior to second pump
*Just for illustration
Future work
Adapt the Data Quality Module (DQM) to the CMP
system
DQM will check user input and real time signals
What-if simulation (option)

Standalone simulation started from the real time system
Accurately tuned to current situation
User specifies operational parameters ahead interactively
through a dedicated GUI, which also shows results as graphs
and numbers
Forward-looking for CMP

Frequent automatic calculation to a given footage ahead, to
provide accurate knowledge about what will happen if
continuing as now
Questions?
Pit Gain
3.0
Kick detection
2.5
Volume [m3]
2.0
1.0
CMP kick detection

Pit gain, taking into account
fluids in marine riser
Return flow rate: The subsea
pump power consumption
changes quickly with flow
rate, and very early kick
detection is probable
Large influxes will be
detected long before gas
reaches the subsea pump
Small influxes will also be
detected, but some gas may
pass the subsea pump
before detection
0.5
0.0
0
20
40
Sub Sea Pump Power
60
80
100
Time [min]
500.0
450.0
400.0
350.0
Power [kW]
1.5
300.0
250.0
200.0
150.0
Mud Volume Flow Rate In and Out
100.0
50.0
2500
0.0
In
20
40
2000
60
80
100
Out
Time [min]
1500
1000
500
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
Ti m e [ mi n]
60
70
80
90
100

IADC Dual Gradient Workshop 050511

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MPD & UBO Committee

Dual Gradient Drilling Subcommittee

Introducing Newly Formed DGD

Directions to AGR Subsea, Inc.

To facilitate the safe and effective

To guide and foster the

Goals for 2011

Sign up for DGD Subcommittee

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

Courtesy of: Transocean Ltd.

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

Mud Return Line

Courtesy of: Chevron

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

Courtesy of: AGR Subsea Inc.

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

Courtesy of: Ocean Riser Systems AS

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

Potential benefits of DGD from

The technology utilize the benefit of two different

Conventional mud pressure

Dual Gradient concepts evaluated within Statoil

A selection of some of the evaluation criteria used

Shown feasible with Dual Gradient Drilling methods

Reason for implementing a Dual Gradient Drilling technology

Typical Deepwater Casing

36-in. conductor w. 28 extension

So, let us change the slope

Is 6 gen really only 5.1?

Current 6th gen newbuilts have

Dual Gradient Implementation Considerations

Technical and Operational requirements

Procedures Development cont

DEEPVISION Delta VISION

Past (current) efforts..

(Subsea Mudlift Drilling)

After K. Smith Global Offshore Conference, 28 Jan 02

Reconfigurable Riser MPD Pup Joint

US patents: 6,273,193 and 7,866,399

IADC Dual Gradient Drilling Workshop

Conventional Top Hole Drilling

Mud Line Pumping

Replacement for pump and dump

Mud Line Pumping Concept

The Suction Module is normally deployed through the

Advantages of Mud Line Pumping

Closed loop / volume control

(approx 300 psi rating )

Courtesy of Demo 2000 Deepwater RMR JIP

Adding RCD to SMO Changes

Holy Grail of Offshore Drilling

Riserless Post-BOP System

Riserless Post-BOP System

Riserless Post-BOP Pros

Riserless Post-BOP Cons

Pump & Dump