MPD Training Simulators

Objective:

Introduce the student to hydrostatic pressure principles using one or multiple fluids in the wellbore. Learners visualize how pressure evolves with depth and density variations, and how Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW) correlates to hydrostatic gradients.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the relationship between fluid density, depth, and hydrostatic pressure.
  • Interpret depth-versus-pressure and depth-versus-EMW charts.
  • Differentiate the impact of single vs. multi-fluid columns.

Benefits for Students
By manipulating real-time sliders, students directly observe the physics behind pressure variation – developing intuition that will later support more complex MPD operations.

Objective:
Train users to analyze bottomhole pressure (BHP) evolution during drilling and connections, incorporating annular friction losses. With the simulator, student can quantify ΔP between static and circulating conditions and visualizes changes throughout the wellbore.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Compute BHP under static and dynamic conditions.
  • Assess annular friction and its contribution to total ECD.
  • Evaluate effects of multiple flow paths (drillstring, booster) and mixing of fluids.
  • Adjust the friction factor to study sensitivity on wellbore pressures.

Benefits for Students
Users gain a deep understanding of friction losses and the impacts on BHP, enhancing their ability to predict wellbore responses during real drilling operations.

Objective:
Provide an interactive environment for learning Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) fundamentals – especially Surface Backpressure (SBP) control and Anchor Point selection.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how SBP compensates for frictional and hydrostatic pressure changes.
  • Learn the influence of pressures above and below anchor-point location.
  • Examine transient conditions during connections and mud rollovers.

Benefits for Students
Students gain hands-on insight into pressure compensation strategies and the dynamic response of the system to operational changes – bridging theoretical MPD control curves with practical application.

Objective:
Introduce advanced hydraulics modeling under MPD conditions, combining physics-based formulations with realistic operational parameters.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Explore compressibility and transient effects on pressure propagation.
  • Evaluate multiple rheology models (Bingham, Power-Law, Herschel-Bulkley).
  • Understand the effects of RPM, U-tube and slug dynamics.
  • Quantify RPM impact on annulus pressure

Benefits for Students
The simulator develops a strong physical understanding of complex well behaviors. Trainees can replicate scenarios such as slugging, viscosity-related frictional pressure, etc. Enhancing diagnostic and operational decision-making skills.

Objective:
Demonstrate integrated control of Controlled Mud Level (CML), CML+, and MPD systems in transient operation.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Analyze considerations for CML applications and understand the pressure consequences
  • Master on the key differences and Pros X Cons of  SBP MPD x CML
  • Allow simultaneous operation of MPD and CML systems (CML +)
  • Understand automatic compensation of pressure during pump-on/off sequences in both SBP MPD and CML.
  • Study the interaction between riser fill, pump displacement, and well pressure under transient flow conditions.

Benefits for Students
This module consolidates all prior learning into a comprehensive dynamic model. Trainees can simulate real-world transition scenarios – such as CML-to-MPD handovers or hybrid control modes – achieving expert-level proficiency in modern managed-pressure operations.