Publications

The drilling of deepwater and high pressure – high temperature (HPHT) drilling prospects in Indonesia involves a higher level of risk compared to conventional drilling operations. The exposure from deepwater and HPHT wells from hazards such as an influx in oil-based mud and gas expansion in the riser or narrow mud weight windows are common in these types of environments. To help ensure that well construction operations in these critical wells are run safely and efficiently, additional safeguards in the form of advanced drilling techniques and equipment utilization are required. By utilizing Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) equipment, such as a Rotating Control Device (RCD) and an automated MPD choke manifold, and by employing MPD techniques, such as Constant Bottomhole Pressure (CBHP) and Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD), surface backpressure can be exerted and relieved in a controlled manner during drilling to be able to minimize non-productive time. This paper will provide information on recent operations involving deepwater MPD and HPHT operations in Indonesia, as well discuss improvements to the technology and its methodology that will allow it to optimize and further expand its range of applications.