The choke and kill manifold is a core component of well control equipment, connected to the blowout preventer (BOP) stack. Integrated with components such as choke valves and check valves, this critical device controls well pressure, handles well kicks and blowouts, and ensures operational safety during drilling and workover operations.
Core Functions and Applications
Well Pressure Control for Operational Balance
During operations when abnormal formation pressure rises occur and well kick signs appear, the discharge flow rate of drilling fluid can be controlled by adjusting the choke valve opening. This regulates and stabilizes wellbore backpressure, maintaining dynamic balance between well pressure and formation pressure to prevent fluid invasion and well kick escalation.
Well Killing Operations to Restore Pressure Balance
When well kicks require active pressure restoration, the manifold serves as the core channel for well killing operations. Kill fluid is injected through the kill line while coordinating choke valve adjustments to control discharge flow rates, ensuring steady displacement of drilling fluids and restoring downhole pressure balance.
Formation Fluid Diversion for Safety Assurance
During emergency blowouts or high-pressure fluid loss situations, the manifold guides formation fluids to safe areas such as blowout pits and burning pits. This prevents direct jetting into operational areas, reducing risks of casualties, equipment damage, and environmental pollution.
Auxiliary Operations and Functional Adaptability
The manifold serves as a pressure monitoring platform with reserved interfaces for pressure gauges and sensors. It supports auxiliary operations including downhole fluid circulation, well flushing, and acid fracturing fluid injection during workover and well testing operations.
The choke and kill manifold functions throughout the entire well control process, serving as both a defensive line against well control accidents and core equipment for emergency response. Its reliability and operational precision directly determine well control success and on-site safety assurance levels.