The world of managed pressure drilling (MPD) is a confusing one. For instance, a term like "lite MPD" means "lightweight"-not "light on capabilities." Terms like "flex" are used to describe multiple service levels. Operators often discuss electric and hydraulic choke control methods and argue about which system controls better-when actually they are manipulating surface backpressure to hold a constant bottomhole pressure, which is usually over a mile away down a hole filled with all different types of compressible fluids, temperature variations and complex geometries. And what does it really mean to have an MPD-ready rig? The MPD Committee of the International Association of Drilling Contractors strives to standardize communication in this area and to provide terms and tables that will clarify the capabilities and levels of MPD. There are so many different owners of equipment and many different ways that MPD systems are being used, so it can be quite a challenge to properly standardize these industry terms.

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