Measurements of the annular pressure during drilling operations have many valuable applications.

The tool provides accurate downhole measurement of static and dynamic pressures.

Dynamic pressures include both the equivalent circulating density (ECD) and swab and surge pressures from pipe movement when making connections or tripping.

Knowledge of these pressures helps to prevent damaging the formation by exceeding the fracture pressure or allowing pressures to drop too low allowing formation fluids to flow into the wellbore.

The effectiveness of hole cleaning can be determined by measuring the cuttings build up in the drilling fluid.

The occurrence of other drilling hazards can be identified such as shallow water flow events or the onset of annular pickoffs.

The tool can also provide accurate leak-off test (LOT) and formation integrity test (FIT) data by measuring the pressure exerted on the formation, creating time savings as it is no longer necessary to circulate and condition the mud prior to the test taking place.

Having accurate wellbore pressure measurements will prevent the occurrence of non-productive time events by providing an earlier warning that a problem is developing, allowing the mud system to be maintained in optimum condition to maximize ROP.

It is possible to obtain real-time direct pore pressure measurements, with accuracy and precision comparable to that of wireline formation testers.

applications

•Accurate downhole measurement of equivalent circulating density (ECD).

•Kick detection, including shallow water flows.

•Swab/surge pressure monitoring while tripping and reaming.

•Monitoring of hole cleaning.

•Accurate downhole measurement of hydrostatic pressure and effective mud weight.

•Accurate leak-off test (LOT) and formation integrity test (FIT) data without circulating to condition the mud.