Study on the Annular Pressure Prediction Method for Ultra-Deep Well Hydraulic Lift Dual-Gradient Drilling

Abstract

With the ongoing advancement of oil and gas exploration into deep and ultra-deep formations in China, precise wellbore pressure control under complex geological conditions has become a critical technical challenge for safe drilling operations. To overcome the limitations of existing dual-gradient drilling (DGD) technologies—particularly their poor applicability and limited pressure regulation capability in land-based drilling—this study introduces an innovative hydraulic-lift dual-gradient drilling annular flow model, tailored for ultra-deep vertical wells. The model accounts for solid–liquid phase separation flow characteristics and the hydraulic-lift effect of downhole dual-gradient pumps. The Stability Enhancing Two-Step (SETS) method is employed to solve the strongly nonlinear, coupled governing equations, significantly improving computational stability and efficiency. Experimental validation reveals that the model’s predicted pressure distribution closely matches measured data, with a maximum average error of only 16.4%, confirming the model’s accuracy and applicability. Additionally, this study systematically analyzes the impact of key parameters—such as drilling fluid flow rate, viscosity, lift pump speed, and the number of pump sections—on bottomhole pressure regulation, providing valuable insights into their influence on annular pressure behavior. The findings offer a solid theoretical foundation for optimizing drilling parameters and ensuring safe, efficient drilling in ultra-deep wells under challenging geological conditions.OPEN ACCESS Received: 16/07/2025 Accepted: 19/08/2025

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