Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC

Guy Feasey

Albert C Odell, Ii

Eric Michael Twardowski

Wei Xu

Tuong Thanh Le

Jose A Trevino

Lev Ring

David Pavel

Mark A Mitchell

Sharp Okorie Ugwuocha

Scott Beattie

Sanjit Roy

Koray Kinik

Ferhat Gumus

Iain Cook

Ilia Pobedinski

Llia Pobedinski

Lain Cook

A computerized control system performs controlled pressure drilling in a formation with a drilling system according to a plan. A setup of at least the plan, the formation, and the drilling system is configured in the control system, and the setup is integrated with the drilling system. Functioning of the set up can then be conducted using one of a plurality of control modes, including an operating mode and a simulating mode. The control system functions the setup according to the operating mode for operational interaction with the setup using the integration of the setup with the drilling system. The control system can switch from the operating mode to the simulating mode for simulated interaction with the setup. The control system simulates for at least a time period the functioning of the setup according to the simulating mode using the integration of the setup with the drilling system. Current operations continue as at least one simulated operation or event is projected in the future. Ultimately, results from the simulating mode can be used in the operating mode as further operations continue.

Integrated drilling control system

A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.

Subsea drilling with casing

A method of drilling a subsea wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a tubular string extending into the wellbore from an offshore drilling unit (ODU) and rotating a drill bit disposed on a bottom of the tubular string. The method further includes, while drilling the wellbore: mixing lifting fluid with drilling returns at a flow rate proportionate to a flow rate of the drilling fluid, thereby forming a return mixture. The lifting fluid has a density substantially less than a density of the drilling fluid. The return mixture has a density substantially less than the drilling fluid density. The method further includes, while drilling the wellbore: measuring a flow rate of the returns or the return mixture; and comparing the measured flow rate to the drilling fluid flow rate to ensure control of a formation being drilled.

Dual gradient managed pressure drilling

A method for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore includes: injecting fluid through a top drive and flow sub into a top of the tubular string and lowering the tubular string into the wellbore. The flow sub: connects the tubular string top to a quill of the top drive, is in a top injection mode, and has a closed port and an open bore. The method further includes halting injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string. The method further includes, while injection and lowering are halted: disconnecting the flow sub from the tubular string top; adding one or more tubular joints to the tubular string and connecting the flow sub to a top of the added joints. The method further includes resuming injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string.

Contingent continuous circulation drilling system

An earth removal member for drilling a wellbore with casing or liner includes a tubular body and a head. The head is fastened to or formed with an end of the body, has a face and a side, is made from a high strength material, and has a port formed through the face. The earth removal member further includes a blade. The blade is formed on the head, extends from the side and along the face, and is made from the high strength material. The earth removal member further includes cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle adapter. The nozzle adapter has a port formed therethrough, is longitudinally and rotationally coupled to the head, and is made from a drillable material. The earth removal member further includes a nozzle disposed in the adapter port and fastened to the nozzle adapter.

Earth removal member with features for facilitating drill-through

A method for deploying a marine riser includes: assembling a rotating control device (RCD) spool with the marine riser; lowering the RCD spool through a rotary table of a drilling rig and into a moonpool of an offshore drilling unit; connecting a hose to an upper and lower adapter of the RCD spool in the moonpool; and lowering the RCD spool and the connected hose through the moonpool.

Riser auxiliary line jumper system for rotating control device

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Guy Feasey