Abstract: A method includes pumping fluid into a drill string extending through a riser into a well. A managed pressure drilling system is operated to maintain a selected fluid pressure in the well between the well and the drill string. A fluid influx into the well or a fluid loss into a formation traversed by the well is detected using measurements of fluid pressure in the well and fluid flow into and out of the well. The method includes automatically abating the fluid influx by closing an annular blowout preventer disposed in the riser or abating the fluid loss by operating the annular blowout preventer and pumping a sacrificial fluid into the drill string.

Abstract: A system for determining annulus fluid volume in a well bore during a drilling operation, the system having a pressure wave generator positioned at the top of a well, wherein the pressure wave generator generates a pressure wave that propagates through the annulus fluid in the well; a first pressure wave receiver positioned in the annulus of the well to receive the generated pressure wave at a first time value; a second pressure wave receiver positioned in the annulus of the well to receive the generated pressure wave at a second time value; and a controller that determines a change in annulus fluid volume based at least in part on a phase shift between the received pressure wave at the first and second time values.

Abstract: A method includes pumping fluid into a drill string extending through a riser into a well. A managed pressure drilling system is operated to maintain a selected fluid pressure in the well between the well and the drill string. A fluid influx into the well or a fluid loss into a formation traversed by the well is detected using measurements of fluid pressure in the well and fluid flow into and out of the well. The method includes automatically abating the fluid influx by closing an annular blowout preventer disposed in the riser or abating the fluid loss by operating the annular blowout preventer and pumping a sacrificial fluid into the drill string.

Abstract: A method for responding to an adverse fluid event such as a fluid gain or fluid loss event includes pumping a drilling fluid through a drilling system having a drill string and into a well bore. The drilling system also includes at least two pressure control components operatively coupled to the drill string. The bottom hole pressure of the well bore may be monitored. Once a fluid loss condition or a fluid gain condition is detected, a response for each of the at least two pressure control components to the fluid loss or fluid gain condition is determined. The responses for the at least two pressure control components are prioritized, and at least one of the pressure control components are adjusted to mitigate the adverse pressure condition.