Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the pressure in a wellbore characterized by a drilling system utilizing real-time bottom hole pressure measurements and a control system adapted to control parameters such as well shut-in, drilling fluid weight, pumping rate, and choke actuation. In the preferred embodiments, the control system receives input from the bottom hole pressure sensor as well as pressure sensors, mud volume sensors, and flowmeters located at the surface. The control system then adjusts one or more of drilling fluid density, pumping rate, or choke actuation to detect, shut-in, and circulate out wellbore influxes. The preferred system operates automatically without any manual intervention in well control processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the pressure in a wellbore characterized by a drilling system utilizing real-time bottom hole pressure measurements and a control system adapted to control parameters such as well shut-in, drilling fluid weight, pumping rate, and choke actuation. In the preferred embodiments, the control system receives input from the bottom hole pressure sensor as well as pressure sensors, mud volume sensors, and flowmeters located at the surface. The control system then adjusts one or more of drilling fluid density, pumping rate, or choke actuation to detect, shut-in, and circulate out wellbore influxes. The preferred system operates automatically without any manual intervention in well control processes.