Phase 2 - development a complete riser based Rotating Control Device

With this project, we will be developing a new generation RCD with revolutionary ultra-wear resistant sealing technology. Current art RCD's are not wear resistant enough, which leads to costly operation downtime while they are repaired or replaced. The RCD is the key component and primary obstacle to successful realization of offshore MPD from floaters. It is crucial to develop a RCD that can withstand wear at much higher level than current art RCD's, but this is a big challenge due to high pressure and drill string angular misalignment and lateral movement/-side force. Development and wear testing of the sealing sleeves with components for rotational sealing has been carried out, but it needs further development before it can be integrated. MPD will provide many benefits with respect to improvement in safety and drilling performance in challenging reservoirs with narrow drilling windows, and enable drilling in wells that have been defined as un-drillable. Our second objective is to close the technology gaps to pave the way for the realization of marine riserless, Dual Gradient Drilling (DGD), by merging our subsea «all electric» BOP and ultra-wear resistant RCD technologies. By qualifying the control system for ultra-deep water application, the RCD and auxiliary equipment can be directly integrated with our «all electric» BOP controls and a 15-kpsi rated 18 ¾ lower BOP stack for 4000 meters water depth. These technologies will provide a game changing advance in ultra-deep-water drilling technology. They will also be extremely useful and cost effective for offshore drilling at moderate water depths and for drilling wells through depleted reservoirs and layered reservoirs with different pressure regimes. This is a great challenge, and even impossible, with conventional drilling methods.