CLOSED SURFACE SYSTEM ALLOWS ACCURATE MONITORING OF DRILLING RETURNS

Acquiring production data and monitoring material balance through closed surface systems enhances underbalanced drilling operations by allowing real-time interpretation of the reservoir as it is drilled. One of the most important aspects of an underbalanced drilling operation is to be able to measure surface returns accurately and ensure that the operation remains underbalanced. To that end, the surface returns must be contained and carefully monitored to measure hydrocarbon production and separate all components. In a closed system, containment, separation, and measurement are all part of one process. Computers collect and analyze this information instantaneously to help the drillers maintain the proper underbalanced condition.