MPD Technique in Haynesville Shale Delivers Significant Value in Over Pressured Zones, A Case Study on Four Wells.

An MPD system was utilized in the Haynesville Shale in Red River Parish, Louisiana. This area is known for its difficult high pressure and high temperature drilling environment; with pressure gradients up to 0.9 psi/foot; which allow the wells to produce at high rates. Significant micro-fracturing, with resulting higher porosities and permeabilities was expected, with over pressured zones to be encountered. The MPD system allowed for safer management of gas at surface during drilling operations, which was substantial due to the shale nature. During gas cut mud returns an influx of hydrocarbon was quickly detected and minimized with the system ability to manage surface back pressure. A modified driller’s method of well control was utilized to safely minimize the influx volume, circulate out the influx, and deplete the interval in a matter of hours.