This invention provides an automatic control system and method for bottom
hole pressure (BHP) in the underbalanced drilling. It relates to a
computer automatic control technology. The automatic control system
according to the invention includes a processing module for the BHP based
on the mechanisms of hydraulics. The BHP in the underbalanced drilling is
calculated from the acquired standpipe pressure (SPP), the calculated
circulating pressure loss in the drilling tools, drill bit pressure drop
and the fluid colunm pressure in the drill string. The resulting BHP is
then compared with the set pressure value of the system. In case that the
BHP is higher or lower than the set pressure, an instruction to regulate
throttle valve opening will be issued in order to bring the BHP back to
the set pressure range and complete BHP monitoring and control.