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 . 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, and a flowmeter which measures flow of drilling fluid through the choke manifold; and   then interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising integrating the pressure optimization unit into a conveyance. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the conveyance comprises a wheeled vehicle. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the conveyance comprises a floating vessel. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein integrating further comprises rigidly attaching the pressure optimization unit to a frame of the conveyance. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein interconnecting the pressure optimization unit to the rig drilling equipment is performed without prior offloading of the pressure optimization unit from the conveyance. 
     
     
         7 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A pressure optimization unit for use with a well drilling system, the pressure optimization unit comprising:
 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,   wherein the choke manifold, control system and flowmeter are each incorporated into a same conveyance which transports the pressure optimization unit to a rig site.   
     
     
         14 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , further comprising a flow diverter which diverts flow of the drilling fluid from a standpipe to the choke manifold. 
     
     
         15 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , further comprising a backpressure pump which pressurizes a well annulus. 
     
     
         16 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , further comprising a fluid analysis system which comprises a gas analysis system. 
     
     
         17 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , further comprising a fluid analysis system which comprises a rheology measurement system. 
     
     
         18 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , further comprising a powered reel which stores line that connects the pressure optimization unit to rig drilling equipment. 
     
     
         19 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , wherein the conveyance comprises a wheeled vehicle. 
     
     
         20 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , wherein the conveyance comprises a floating vessel. 
     
     
         21 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , wherein the pressure optimization unit is rigidly attached to a frame of the conveyance. 
     
     
         22 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , wherein the pressure optimization unit is interconnected to rig drilling equipment concurrently with the pressure optimization unit being incorporated into the conveyance. 
     
     
         23 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , further comprising a rotating control device clamp control. 
     
     
         24 . The pressure optimization unit of  claim 13 , further comprising a rotating control device lubricant supply.