Page 60: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Mar/Apr 2025)

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DEEPWATER MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING

Technical Challenges and Maintenance

Considerations

Despite their advantages, IRJs pose several technical and op- erational challenges The highly integrated system that combines fuid circulation, hydraulic controls, and electrical cables within a single unit. Its maintenance and repair require expertise across multiple disciplines, including mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control systems.

Their deployment in a subsea environment subjects them to ex- treme conditions, requiring robust maintenance strategies to ensure reliability. Some key challenges include: • Water Ingress and Corrosion: Continuous exposure to seawater increases the risk of equipment degradation.

• Complex Maintenance Procedures: Retrieving and replacing

IRJ components requires extensive rig downtime and specialized personnel.

• Integration with Existing Rig Infrastructure: Ensuring seam- less communication between the IRJ and the surface control sys- tem demands meticulous planning and execution.

To mitigate these challenges, proactive maintenance programs, routine inspections, and collaboration with original equipment man- ufacturers are essential.

ABOUT THE PAPER

Future of IRJ Technology in Deepwater

The paper, "Review of Design and

Operations

Operation of the Integrated Riser Joints

As deepwater exploration continues to push technological

Used in Deepwater MPD Operations," boundaries, the role of IRJs in MPD operations will only expand. was presented at the IADC/SPE

Innovations in automation, digitalization, and remote monitoring

International Drilling Conference and are expected to enhance IRJ capabilities, making deepwater drill-

Exhibition 2024 in Galveston, Texas, ing even safer and more effcient. Additionally, the integration of

USA. It explores the role of Integrated

Artifcial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms could

Riser Joints (IRJs) in Deepwater

MPD systems and discusses design further optimize wellbore pressure control, reducing reliance on considerations, operational challenges, manual interventions.

and field applications, highlighting how

MPD Engineers remain active in driving these advancements. His

IRJs enhance safety, efficiency, and well expertise and contributions to the feld continue to shape the future control in deepwater drilling.

of deepwater MPD, ensuring that offshore drilling operations evolve in alignment with modern safety and effciency standards.

https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/378943856_Review_ of_Design_and_Operation_of_the_

Conclusion

Integrated_Riser_Joints_Used_in_

The Integrated Riser Joint (IRJ) has emerged as a cornerstone

Deepwater_MPD_Operations of deepwater MPD, offering signifcant improvements in well control, operational effciency, and safety. As highlighted in the https://onepetro.org/SPEDC/ paper, IRJ technology represents a paradigm shift in deepwater proceedings-abstract/24DC/24DC/ drilling, enabling more precise pressure management and reduc-

D011S008R004/542905 ing operational risks.

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