Collaborative Engineering and Design Leads to Optimized MPD Land Rig Concept

Abstract

This paper presents a land rig concept optimized for managed pressure drilling (MPD) service deployment, achieved through close partnership between an MPD technology provider and a drilling contractor. An initial scoping phase identified high-level requirements based on the Operator's planned drilling plans. After the initial concept selection engineering teams continued to optimize MPD rig integration. The engineering teams collaborated closely on optimal placement and configuration for maximum operational efficiency. The system was designed to facilitate fast rig moves and walking within each pad with minimum disruption to other processes. Safety and handling issues were identified in the detailed design stage and allowed optimizing field deployment and operability. The equipment was paired with an MPD control system that was fully integrated in the rigs’ drilling automation platform, enabling consistent, reliable, and repeatable performance. This paper will outline the concept selection process, the design and deployment phase, and further optimization that was implemented after initial learnings.