Enhanced Drilling, Transocean develop new enhanced kick detection system

Norwegian offshore drilling technology and equipment company Enhanced Drilling has, together with partner Transocean, developed a new Enhanced Kick Detection system (EKD).

Enhanced Drilling said on Tuesday that the system eliminates the external effects of the rig and slip-joint motion, to give a highly accurate return volume flow measurement enabling rapid detection of flow anomalies, resulting in reduced time spent on flow-checking.

“The new EKD system is based on experience and insight into Enhanced Volume Control gained over the last 20 years operating Enhanced Drilling’s proprietary Controlled Mud Level and Riserless Mud Recovery Managed Pressure Drilling technologies”, the company added.

The EKD system was successfully tested and qualified in a comprehensive test program that included simulation of historical real-life kick events at Enhanced Drilling’s testing facilities in Straume, Norway, in the autumn of 2020.

The testing went on for several months and culminated with the system enabling detection of gain and loss within 2 minutes at inflow rates of 10 lpm / 2.5 gpm with 6000 lpm / 1500 gpm pumping flowrate and more than -+ 2 m/ 7’ of heave. Following the test, the Enhanced Kick and Loss detection solution is now available for offshore deployment.

Enhanced Drilling also stated that the system removes the effect of slip-joint motion from the volume balance and incorporates fingerprinting for connections and other transient flow-conditions. This provides the driller with a continuous flow-check and will enable a significant reduction in the time spent on flow-checking.

“With external influences being eliminated, false indications can be removed, and tighter alarm parameters can be used. An intuitive user interface removes the need for human interpretation and reduces the driller’s cognitive load”, the firm said.

CEO of Enhanced Drilling Kjetil Lunde said: “We are very pleased to announce the launch of the EKD system. This development represents the next step in Enhanced Drilling’s technology journey as we continuously aim to deliver competitive technology for our clients”.

In recent company news, Enhanced Drilling secured a framework agreement with energy company Vår Energi. The company will, under the contract, provide cutting transportation system and riserless mud recovery services on Vår Energi-operated fields.