What is EC-Drill®?
EC-Drill® is a Controlled Mud Level (CML) system designed for offshore wells. It adjusts fluid level in the marine riser to manage bottom hole pressure during all phases of well construction, using a Subsea Pump Module and Mud Return Line.
EC-Drill® is a Controlled Mud Level (CML) technology that allows manipulation of bottom hole pressure (BHP) while drilling a well. The system controls the BHP by adjusting the fluid level in the marine drilling riser, and thereby the hydrostatic pressure applied. This is achieved with a Subsea Pump Module (SPM) which pumps all mud and cuttings returns up a separate Mud Return Line (MRL). The system can be used to adjust bottom hole pressure at any point during well construction regardless of whether there is any pipe in the well. It can be used for many applications, including the traditional MPD application of holding BHP.
By the IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors) categorization System, EC-Drill® is a Controlled Mud Level (CML) system, it controls the mud level in the marine drilling riser. As a marine drilling riser is required, the system is only applicable to offshore wells.