Mobile pressure optimization unit for drilling operations

Abstract

A well drilling method can include transporting a pressure optimization unit to a rig site, the pressure optimization unit including a choke manifold, a control system which automatically controls operation of the choke manifold, and a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold, and then interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment. A pressure optimization unit for use with a well drilling system can include a choke manifold, a control system which automatically controls operation of the choke manifold, and a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold. The choke manifold, control system and flowmeter may be incorporated into a same conveyance which transports the pressure optimization unit to a rig site.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A well drilling method, comprising:
 transporting a pressure optimization unit to a rig site, the pressure optimization unit including a choke manifold, a control system which automatically controls operation of the choke manifold, a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold, and a flow diverter which diverts flow of the drilling fluid from a standpipe to the choke manifold; and   then interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment.   
     
     
         8 . A well drilling method, comprising:
 transporting a pressure optimization unit to a rig site, the pressure optimization unit including a choke manifold, a control system which automatically controls operation of the choke manifold, a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold, and a backpressure pump which pressurizes a well annulus; and   then interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment.   
     
     
         9 . A well drilling method, comprising:
 transporting a pressure optimization unit to a rig site, the pressure optimization unit including a choke manifold, a control system which automatically controls operation of the choke manifold, a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold, and a fluid analysis system which comprises a gas analysis system; and   then interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment.   
     
     
         10 . A well drilling method, comprising:
 transporting a pressure optimization unit to a rig site, the pressure optimization unit including a choke manifold, a control system which automatically controls operation of the choke manifold, a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold, and a fluid analysis system which comprises a rheology measurement system; and   then interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment.   
     
     
         11 . A well drilling method, comprising:
 transporting a pressure optimization unit to a rig site, the pressure optimization unit including a choke manifold, a control system which automatically controls operation of the choke manifold, a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold, and a rotating control device clamp control; and   then interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment.   
     
     
         12 . A well drilling method, comprising:
 transporting a pressure optimization unit to a rig site, the pressure optimization unit including a choke manifold, a control system which automatically controls operation of the choke manifold, a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold, and a rotating control device lubricant supply; and   then interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment.   
     
     
         13 - 24 . (canceled)