Can this system completely replace the conventional MPD system?
EC-Drill® can fully replace conventional MPD systems, offering advantages like standard mud weight use, simpler rig integration, reduced operational complexity, and lower costs, with ongoing enhancements to match SBP flexibility.
It can completely replace the conventional MPD systems. The CML method has certain advantages and disadvantages over Surface Back Pressure (SBP) and Continuous Circulation System (CCS).
Significant advantages are CML uses standard overbalance mud weights. In addition, CML only requires having one mud system. Other MPD methods typically requires at least two mud systems (one for drilling and one for tripping + sometimes one for cementing). When changing between these operations significant time is spent to displace the mud systems, as well as the adding to the complications with logistics and mud pit space.
EC-Drill® does not provide influx management but relies on conventional well control methods. For influx management with MPD the EC-Drill® Dual MPD system is best alternative.