INSTITUT ALGERIEN DU PETROLE

School of Boumerdes
UFR: Drilling and Production

Well Control

PREPARED BY: A.NACEF

DRILLING INSTRUCTORS
 Contents
2

Introduction

Barriers

Origin of formation pressure

Well pressures

Pre-recorded information

Causes of kick

Warning Signs of Abnormally Increasing Formation Pressure

Indications that a kick is in progress

Secondary well control

Shut-in procedures

Well control methods
 Introduction
Why well control?
3

Types of formations fluids

Water

Oil/condensate

Gas

Of formations fluids, why is gas the most dangerous?

Explosive

Invisible

No smell

Displace with air

Together with sand, extremely stronger eroder

Gas leaks create extreme noise levels

 Introduction
4

Environmental consequences

Oil is a polluter (HSE)

The surface

Percolates down to the water
zone

Underground blow out into
the aquifer

Surface habitats
 Introduction
Material damage
5
TP 159 NEZLA 15.09.06
 Introduction
Material damage
6
 Introduction
Material damage
7
 Introduction
Blowout videos
8

Blowout.wmv Nezla blow out.wmv Equipo_FIRE.wmv

 Introduction
True Tragic Stories 9

TP 159 NEZLA 15.09.06

five workers were hurt while another two went missing after a blowout
 Introduction
03 levels of well control 10

 Primary well control : control a well with mud

hydrostatic pressure

 Secondary well control : control a well with BOP

equipment

 Tertiary well control : control a well by special

methods
 Barriers
What is a barrier 11

A barrier is the medium which is between the pressure and surroundings.

Well barriers are envelopes of one or more dependent well barrier

elements to prevent fluids or gases from flowing unintentionally from a
formation, into another formation or back to surface.

Primary barrier: The first barrier envelope where the WBEs are
exposed to the wellbore pressure and prevent flow from the source.

Secondary barrier: The second barrier envelope where the WBEs

will be activated/exposed to the wellbore pressure to prevent flow from
the source if one or more from the first barrier envelope elements fails.
 Barriers
12

The well barriers shall be defined prior to commencement of an activity or

operation by identifying the required well barrier elements (WBE) to be in
place, their specific acceptance criteria and monitoring method.

Barrier elements during drilling

Drilling mud

Casing

BOPs and wellhead

Cement/ top drive

Barrier elements during production

Flow line to master valve

X-mass tree

Wellhead with seal assembly

Production tubing/ production packer

Down hole safety valve if installed
 Barriers

Primary & Secondary well barriers

 Barriers
Requirement for a barrier
14

Must be observable
The fluid level
BOP
valves
Cement level

Must be tested
Mud weight
BOP
valves
Packers
Casing
cement
 Barriers
15

Barrier element How is tested

Drilling fluid Mud weight,
Measuring mud weight with mud balance
Mud level, h
Observing fluid level in the well

Casing Pressure test
Pressure tested at installation

Known strength
Cement Impermeable cement
Tested by FIT,LOT, SBT

Top of cement by CBL logging or observe if
cement returned to surface)
BOPs Connector by ring
Pressure tested at installation
Gaskets
Not to exceed 21 days
BOP Packer
Annular preventer
 Origin of Formation pressure
16

pressure
Normal pressure: pressure given
by the local water gradient, with no
closure.
Overpressure
Overpressure: pressure higher than
normal pressure

depth
Under pressure : pressure lower
than normal pressure
Under pressure
 Origin of Formation pressure
Causes of abnormal pressure
17

Overpressure (abnormal pressure) is caused by:

Under compaction

Aquifer

Salt Domes

Tectonic Movement

Structural trap

Formations with Pore Pressure Gradients below 0.433 psi / ft are

described as having under pressure (Subnormal Formation Pressure).
 Origin of Formation pressure
Causes of abnormal pressure
18

Under compaction of clay

It is usually caused by interruption to the percolation of the fluids

being driven from the pore space during compaction.

This causes the fluid to support part of the overburden of the

formations at shallower depths.
 Origin of Formation pressure
Causes of abnormal pressure
19
Aquifer
 Origin of Formation pressure
Causes of abnormal pressure
20
Salt formations
Pressure Gradient

Pore press.
D gradient
e
pt Overburden
h gradient

Salt formation
 Origin of Formation pressure
Causes of abnormal pressure
21

Tectonic Movement - Uplifting

 Origin of Formation pressure
Causes of abnormal pressure
22

Tectonic Movement - Uplifting

 Origin of Formation pressure
Causes of abnormal pressure
23
Structural trap
 Origin of Formation pressure
Causes of abnormal pressure
24

Pore Fluid Density Differences

Calculate the pressure gradient of each fluid and overpressures

1800 m
2200 m 0.2 s.g
2300 m

0.8 s.g

1.02 s.g
 Well Pressures
Hydrostatic Pressure
25

For a fluid of a different mud weight we simply

multiply 0.0981 or 0.052 by the density of the
fluid for the gradient and this by the TVD to
obtain the Pressure.

TVD MD TVD MD TVD MD

 Well Pressures
Hydrostatic Pressure
26

Exercise

Calculate for the following:

For a Mud weight of 1.50 sg what is the gradient? What is the bottom
hole pressure at 4040 m TVD well?

If my well is 5388 m TVD and my requires bottom hole pressure is 595

bar, what Mud weight do I need? What is the gradient?

What is the increase in bottom hole pressure if I drill from 2100 m

TVD to 3345 m TVD with a 1.25 sg mud?
 Well Pressures
Dynamic pressure loss
27

The pressure loss is influenced by:

Flowing velocity

Laminar/turbulent flow

The viscosity

The liquids flowing characteristics ( rheology)

The pipes inside surface

Change in flowing directions

200psi 150psi 100psi zero

flow
 Well Pressures
System pressure loss
28
Surface Equipment
Pressure Loss
Pump Pressure
Standpipe Pressure

Bell Nipple
0 psi

Drill String
Pressure Loss
Annular
Pressure Loss

Bit Jets
Pressure Loss
 Well Pressures
Changing Mud Weight and flow rate
29

Pump pressures respond to changes in flow rate and mud

weight as follows:

New Pump Pressure = Old Pump Pressure x (New SPM /Old SPM)2

New Pump Pressure = Old Pump Pressure x (New MW /Old MW)

Mud weight (MW) is expressed in ppg or sg .

 Well Pressures
Changing Mud Weight and flow rate
30

Example1 : the flow rate Q1 =800 lpm gives pressure loss of 60 bar, we
double the flow rate to Q2=1600 lpm what is the pressure loss, P2, now?

Solution:

Observe

Example2 : ?

Solution:
 Well Pressures
U Tubes
31

The drilling circulating system can be regarded as U-tube.

One side of the U-tube, is represented by the inside diameter of drill

pipe, the drill collars and the bit nozzles.

The B-tube is the annulus, the drill collar open hole, the drill pipe
open hole and the casing drill pipe annulus to the surface.

The pressure on bottom is the same for both the tubes

 Well Pressures
U-tube example 1
32

Is well bore balanced? Yes No

1.14 s.g

Where will be the flow observed?

A. Drill String B. Annulus 1.17 s.g

Will flow eventually stop? Yes No

3048 m
 Well Pressures
U-tube example 1
33

What is the estimated fluid level drop in Fluid Level Drop ?

annulus?
(1.17 sg 1.14 sg) x 0.0981 x 3048 m = 8.97
bar=130 psi 1.14 sg
1.17sg x 0.0981 = 0.1147 bar/m
1.17 sg

8.97 bar
= 78.15 m
0.1147 bar/m

What is the bottom hole pressure?

1.17 sg x 0.0981 x (3048 m 78.15 m)

3048m
=3040.9 bar
Bottom Hole Pressure ?
 Well Pressures
U-tube example 1
34
Drill Pipe

Can u-tubing create a surface pressure? Yes No ? Pressure

What is the drill pipe pressure?

(1.17 sg 1.14 sg) x 0.0981 x 3048 m= 8.97 bar 1.14 s.g

What is the bottom hole pressure?

1.17 s.g

Casing Side

1.17 sg x 0.0981 x 3048 m= 349.8 bar

Drill String Side

(1.14 sg x 0.0981 x 3048 m) + 8.97 bar = 349.8 bar

3048 m
Bottom Hole Pressure = ?
 Well Pressures
U-tube example 1
35
DP Pressure

What is the drill pipe pressure? ?
Casing
1.38 s.g x 0.0981 x 3048 m =412.6 bar ? Pressure
435 bar 412.6 bar = 22.4 bar
1.38 s.g

What is the casing pressure? 1.38 s.g

1.38 s.g x 0.0981 x 3048 m =412.6 bar

435 bar 412.6 bar = 22.4 bar

What is the bottom hole pressure?

3048 m
412.6 + 22.4 bar= 435 bar Formation Pressure = 435 bar
Bottom Hole Pressure = ?
 Well Pressures
U-tube example 1
36

What is the drill pipe pressure? Drill Pipe Pressure
?
1.38 s.g x 0.0981 x 3048 m = 412.6 bar
Casing
470 bar 412.6= 57.4 bar ? Pressure

What is the casing pressure? 1.38 s.g

1.38 sg x 0.0981 x (3048 m 250m) = 378.8 bar
1.38 s.g
0.026 bar/m x 250m = 6.5 bar
378.8 bar + 6.5 bar = 385.3 bar
470 bar 385.3 bar = 84.7 bar
250 m of Kick and

What is the bottom hole pressure? pressure gradient
3048 m is 0.026 bar/m
412.6 bar + 57.4 bar=470 bar
Formation Pressure = 470 bar
Bottom Hole Pressure = ?
 Well Pressures
U-tube example 2
37

20 ?

What is the pressure on top of B U-tube?

Bottom pressure= 20+(1.35*0.0981*2000)

=284.7 bar

1.3
3
1.35
P = SICP = 284.5 - (1.3+0.0981*2000)

=29.8 bar

2000 m
 Well Pressures
U-tube example 2
38

Calculate SICP SIDPP SICP

30 ?

1.43
1.43
2800 m

0.15
SIDPP= shut in drill pipe pressure
SICP =shut in casing pressure 3000 m
 Well Pressures
U-tube example 2
39

What is the density of influx? SIDPP SICP

0 15

1.40
1.40
1500m

?
SIDPP= shut in drill pipe pressure
SICP =shut in casing pressure 2000 m
 Well Pressures
ECDEquivalent Circulating Density)
40

Circulating Bottom Static Bottom Hole

= + Annular pressure loss
Hole Pressure Pressure

Annular Loss Pressure

ECD = Static mud weight +
True Vertical Depth x 0.0981

Example Assuming a 1.38 sg mud is being circulated at 1000 lpm at a depth of

2000m TVD/MD , the circulating pump pressure is 255 bar . If the circulating
pressure losses in the system are as follow:

Pressure losses through DP & DC = 200 bar

Pressure losses across the bit = 45 bar

Pressure losses in the annulus = 10 bar
What is the ECD?
 Pre-recorded information
Formation Strength Tests
41

Every formation has a limit to the pressure that it can withstand before it
permanently deforms or fractures. This limit needs to be determined so
that it will not be exceeded in well control operations.

How to measure fracture pressure ?

Leak-Off Test (L.O.T)

Formation Integrity Test (F.I.T)
 Pre-recorded information
Formation Strength Tests
42

Leak-Off Test (L.O.T)

Leak off tests fracture the formation and measure the actual

strength of the formation.

Formation Integrity Test (F.I.T)

Test the formation to a predefined pressure without fracture

the formation.
 Pre-recorded information
Leak-Off Test (L.O.T)
43

Procedures

Drill out float shoes and cement inside casing

Drill & wash rat hole

Drill 3m new formation, pull bit until shoe

Circulate until mud weight in = mud weight out

Close BOP

With cement pump, pump down DP and annulus

Record and plot pressure versus volume

Record volume pumped

Observe leak off

Stop pump and observe pressure stabilize

Bleed off pressure and record volume returned, compare with
volume pumped
 Pre-recorded information
LOT diagram
44
 Pre-recorded information
LOT Example
45

We drilled to 1803 m , casing depth 1800 m (remember, casing shoe TVD

for LOT calculations)

Mud weight= 1.35 sg

Leak off pressure=37 bar

What is the formation strength ?
Solution:

Notes : always round off down when we calculate LOT calculation.

 Pre-recorded information
MAASP
46

The Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure

MAASP is defined as the surface pressure which, when added to the
hydrostatic pressure of the existing mud column, would result in
formation breakdown at the weakest point in the well

This is the same pressure as the leak off pressure , when the mud
weight has not changed.

What happen to the maximum allowable annular surface pressure

when we increase the mud weight?
 Pre-recorded information
MAASP calculation
47

Example: For a LOT made with 1.3 sg mud, at a shoe at 2200 m (TVD)
and a MAASP of 95 bar, what would be the MAASP if the mud weight was
increased to 1.45 s.g
Solution :
 Pre-recorded information
Slow Circulating Rates (SCRs)
48
Why do we take them?
as a guide to surface pressures when circulating out a kick.
How?

with each mud pump in turn

use 2 rates (minimum)

use drill pipe gauge on choke panel to record pressures
When?

at the start of each tour (shift)

after any change in BHA

after any change in mud properties (e.g. weight)

after every 500 ft drilled depth- after changing pump liners
Where?

with the bit close to bottom
 Pre-recorded information
Kick Tolerance
49

It is the maximum kick volume that can be taken into the well and

circulated out without causing formation damage.

Kick tolerance is a function of formation pressure and formation

breakdown pressure.

1. Calculate the maximum tolerable kick length.

Kick length = (MAASP SIDPP) (Mud gradient Influx gradient)

2. Convert to a volume at the bottom of the hole.

V1 = kick length x drill collar to open hole annular capacity

 Pre-recorded information
Kick Tolerance
50
SIDPP
3. Convert the kick length calculated into a SICP

volume at the annulus section below the casing

shoe.

V2= kick length x DP to open hole annular capacity

4. Use Boyles gas law to convert this to a volume Top of gas at

casing shoe
in downhole conditions. P1*V1=P2*V2 Gas expended
while
circulated out
 Kick tolerance will be the smaller of the

two volumes calculated in steps 2) and 4).

Gas at
bottom
 Pre-recorded information
Kick Tolerance
51
Example
- Casing shoe at 2350 m. Hole depth = 3300 m
- Mud weight = 2 sg. Estimated gas weight = 0.2 sg
- SIDPP = 30 bars
- Leak of test at 13 3/8 casing shoe = 2.3 sg
- The drill string is composed from 15 x 9 m of 8 DC & 5 drill pipe
- DC/OH Capacity = 43.6 l/m, DP/OH Capacity = 62.7 l/m
1. Calculate the MAASP
2. What is the maximum kick volume that can be circulated out without
breaking the formation?
 52

Maintaining Primary Well Control

Well design
53
 Trip Margin
54

d frac

P frac

d equivalent

d mud

Depth Pp Pp +S Pp + S + P ann
 Trip Margin
55

Pressure Pressure

Hydrostatic
Hydrostatic pressure
pressure

Drilling
Tripping
Drilling Tripping
BHP
BHP
Depth Depth
Pore
pressure Trip Annular.
Pore pressure Annular margin pressure loss
pressure loss

( Tripping : swabbing + fail to fill )

Mud Weight without Margin Mud weight with Trip Margin

 Trip Margin
56

Trip Margin S is provided by a heavier mud weight

PP + S
MW = ( bars)
Depth x 0.0981

Swabbing
Fluids properties
Estimate S Tripping speed
Drill string configuration
Wellbore configuration

Notes: - Typically : Trip Margin 5 bars / 1000 m of vertical depth

- Tripping out: Fill the well each 10 stands .
- For information : In 12 section 15 bars overbalance will be consumed after pulling out 23 stands without
filling with a mud density = 2.00
 Volumes Monitoring
57

Tripping
A trip tank is a small tank with an accurate calibration scale which
can be used to measure the amount of mud entering and leaving the
tank .

Two types:

Trip Tank: Gravity Fill

Trip Tank: Pump feeding

Proper monitoring fluid level during tripping

Trip out :make sure hole takes the proper amount of mud

Trip in : make sure it gives up proper amount of mud and prevent
lost circulation due to surge
Trip tank
58
 Volumes Monitoring
59

Tripping

Trip tank with 2 compartments

- Attached 19.1 l / cm or 6.38 cm /stand 5

- Separated 9.5 l / cm or 12.84 cm /stand 5

- Capacities : Trip tank < 10 m3 ( 70 stands 5 with 122 l. metal /stand )

- Fill each 10 stands from trip tank / compare

- Continuous filling from trip tank / compare

- Detectable volume : 2 m3 while drilling / 1 m3 while tripping

- Pipe wiper should be installed after the bit is ripped out to shoe and after a negative flow check
- At any interruption during a trip, the FOSV should be always installed.
 Volumes Monitoring
60

Trip sheet
 Volumes Monitoring

Drilling 61

Diffrential Flowmeter 10%

Pit gain / loss 2 m3

 Volumes Monitoring

Mud Logging 62

TP180
 Volumes Monitoring

Mud Logging 63
 Causes of Kick
64

The main causes of kicks are:

Failing to fill the hole properly when tripping

Swabbing in a kick while tripping out

Insufficient mud weight

Lost circulation

Others ( shallow gas, during DST)

 Failing to fill the hole properly when tripping
65

This is one of the common causes of kicks.

fluid level decrease hydrostatic pressure

decrease well underbalanced kicks

Two possible arrangements for

monitoring mud volume during trips are:

Mud fill-up line with stroke-counter

Continuously circulating trip tank.

 Swab Pressures
66

Swab pressure: Bottom hole pressure temporary

reduction results from the upward movement of pipe
in the hole

The swabbing effect depends on several factors:

Speed at which the pipe is pulled

Mud flow properties, especially the yield point and gel

strength

Hole geometry

Balled-up equipment (bits, collars, stabilizers)

 Insufficient mud weight
67

 Hydrostatic pressure less than < formation pressure

 This may occur due to the following

Dilution of the drilling fluid.( taking mud from wrong pit, mud
balance out of calibration & personnel not properly trained)

Drilling into an abnormal pressure zone.

Reduction in drilling fluid density due to influx of formation
fluids, In particular gas.

Settling of weighting material.

Pumping long column of low weight spacer while cementing.

Any reduction in mud weight must be investigated and corrective actions is

to be taken
 Lost circulation
68

Drilling fluid level will drop reduction

hydrostatic pressure kick
Causes:

Cavernous or vugular formations.

Naturally fractured, pressure depleted or sub-
normally pressured zones.

Fractures induced by excessive pipe running speeds.

Excessively high annular friction losses.

Excessive pressures caused by breaking circulation
when mud gel strength is high.

Mechanical failure (casing, riser, etc.)
 Others Causes of Kicks
69

Annular flow after cement job

Lost control during DST

Drilling into adjacent wells

Drilling through (shallow) gas zones at excessive

rates
 70

Warning Signs of Abnormally Increasing Formation

Pressure
 Warning Signs of Abnormally Increasing Formation
Pressure
71

Some of the following indications are signs that abnormal formation

pressures are being encountered and the formation pressure will

eventually balance or exceed the bottom hole pressure exerted by the
mud column.

It is important to note that when these indicators are examined on an

individual basis they may not suggest that abnormally high formation
pressures have been encountered. But when these indicators are
grouped together, they can be a valuable tool.
 Increase In Drilling Rate
72

While drilling normally pressured shale, and assuming a fairly constant

bit weight, RPM, mud weight and hydraulics program, a normal

decrease in penetration rate can be expected.

When abnormal pressure is encountered, differential pressure and

shale density are decreased causing a gradual increase in penetration

rate.
 Drilling Exponent
73

d = log (R/60N)/log (12W/106D)

- Where R = drilling rate, ft/hr - N = rotary speed, RPM

- W = weight on bit, lbs - D = bit diameter, in

"d" is an indication of drillability, d- exponent trend line can be

established when drilling normally pressured zones. Deviation from

this trend to the left is a sign of increasing pore pressures.

A modified d-exponent dc is used to compensate for mud weight

changes. dc = d x (old MW/new MW) with mud weights in ppg.

Drilling Exponent
74
 Increase In Torque and Drag
75

Increases in torque and drag often occur when drilling underbalance

through some shale intervals.

As the result of this fluid in the shale expands, causing cracking,

spalling and sloughing of the shales into the wellbore.

Increases in torque and drag can be a good indicator of abnormal

pressure, especially if used with other indicators.

 Background Gas
76

 Background gas results from gas released from cuttings and hole caving

as they rise to surface.

Even in formations having normal pore pressure gradients, pore

pressure within the cuttings should increase with depth. Therefore the

amount of gas released from drill cuttings at surface should rise as a

direct consequence of Boyles Law.

However, if there is a change in the upward trend without a formation

change, this is probably an indicator than pore pressure is increasing

faster than normal.

 Connection Gas
77

 Connection gas is a measure of the amount of gas swabbed into a well

on connections.

A rising trend is a direct indicator of increasing pore pressure.

It should be noted that when drilling ahead, only two connection gas

peaks should be in the well at any one time.

This is to avoid the risk of BHP falling below balance.

The above problem is much less of a concern when drilling with a top

drive, with connections every ninety feet, but the situation should never

the less be carefully monitored.

Connection Gas
78
 Flowline Temperature
79

 The temperature gradient in the transition between normal and

abnormal pressure zones often increases to about twice the rate of the

normal temperature gradient.

Transition zones to over pressure typically occur in long shale

sequences. When drilling through over pressured shale, an increased

rate of mud temperature rise may be observed.

An increase in flowline temperature when used with other indicators,

can show the top of an over-pressured section with accuracy.

Flowline Temperature
80
 Change in Cutting Size and Shape
81

 Cuttings from normally pressured shale are small with rounded edges.

As differential between the pore pressure and bottom hole pressure is

reduced, the cuttings have a tendency to "explode" off bottom and

become long and splintery with angular edges.

Because of a reduction in differential pressure, fluid in the shale can

expand causing cracking and sloughing of the shales into the wellbore.

A change in the amount and shape of cutting should indicate that

abnormal pressure has been encountered.

Change in Cutting Size and Shape
82
 Decrease In Shale Density
83

Shale density normally increases with depth but it decreases as

abnormal pressure zones are drilled.

The density of the cuttings can be determined at surface and plotted

versus depth. A normal trend line is established and any deviation

should, in theory, indicate changes in pore pressure.

Decrease In Shale Density
84
 85

Indications that a kick is in progress

 Indications that a kick is in progress
In Drilling
86

 Increase in Return Flow: When an influx is flowing into a well with

normal circulation in progress, the total volume flowing out of the well
increases.
 Indications that a kick is in progress
In Drilling
87

 Pit Level Increase: Any invasion of formation fluid must result in the

expulsion of mud from the well, and this shows up as an increase in

surface active volume.

- The driller must be informed about any work that affect the active mud

system like:

- Surface additions to the mud system or dumping

- The addition of significant amounts of material such as barite

- The continuous use of de-sanders and/or de-silters and mud cleaners

 Indications that a kick is in progress
In Drilling
88

 Pump Pressure Decrease/Pump Stroke Increase: When an

influx enters the wellbore, the fluid column in the annulus becomes
lighter. The mud in the drill pipe begins to "U-Tube" and the Driller
may observe a pressure drop which may or may not be accompanied by
an increase in pump strokes.

- This particular warning sign may not mean there is a kick in the

wellbore. It may be an indication of pump problems, washout in the

string, washed nozzles.
 Indications that a kick is in progress
In Drilling
89

 Drilling break: When A sudden increase in rate of penetration is

usually caused by a change in formation type. It may however signal an

increase in permeability and a loss of pressure overbalance. Both these

effects result in faster drilling.

- Drilling break should be flow checked.

 Indications that a kick is in progress
In Tripping
90

 Incorrect Hole Fill Volume: Worldwide, a majority of kicks are

taken while pulling the drill string from the wellbore.

- It important to ensure that the correct amount of mud is added to the

hole to replace the drill string as it is removed.

- If an incorrect hole fill is not noticed at first, it becomes progressively

more obvious as more material flows into the hole.

- By using the trip tank, circulation can be maintained across the bell

nipple while monitoring volumes.

- A trip sheet will be filled out on each trip.

 Indications that a kick is in progress
In Tripping
91

 Hole Keeps Flowing Between Stands, While Running In: As a

stand of pipe is lowered into the well, the flow of mud from the well
starts and it continue over a few seconds after the stand is in and the
slips set.

- If the well has not stopped flowing by the time the next stand is ready

for running in, it is probable that something is wrong. The well must be
flow checked.
 Flow Check
92

A flow check is the observation of the well without circulation. Flow

checks are made to determine if the well is, or is not flowing.

If any of the previously mentioned indicators occur, either singly or

together, a flow check will be carried out to confirm the situation.

In Drilling: Stop rotation, pick up the Kelly to clear the bushings, with

the pumps on, then shut the pumps off and check for flow.

In Tripping: flow checks will be taken as follows:

- Just off bottom.

- At the lowest casing shoe.
- Prior to pulling drill collars through the BOP stack.
 93

Secondary Well Control

 Secondary Well Control
94

Secondary Control is the proper use of blowout prevention equipment

to control the well in the event that primary control cannot be properly
maintained.

Early recognition of warning signals and rapid shut-in are the key to

effective well control.

The size and severity of a kick depends upon:

- The degree of underbalance.

- The formation permeability.

- The length of time the well remains underbalanced.

 Secondary Well Control
95

As soon as the kick is detected, the procedure of secondary

well control is started and achieved as follows:
 Shut the well in

 Complete the kill sheet calculations

 Kill the well using the selected method

 Shut-In Procedures
96

Closing in a well that has taken a kick is the single most important step

in the well control process.

Two procedures are recognized:

- Soft Shut-In (Choke set up in OPEN position)

- Hard Shut-In (Choke set up in CLOSED position)

The procedures are slightly modified according to whether the kick is

taken while drilling or while tripping.

 Shut-In Procedures
Soft Shut-in
97
 Shut-In Procedures
While Drilling
98

Soft Shut-In

1. When a positive indication is observed, stop rotary, pick-up off

bottom until spaced out.
2. STOP pumps. (Check for Flow). If positive, then;
3. Open remote controlled choke line valve (HCR).
4. Close BOPs
5. Close remote choke
6. Record stabilized pressures and pit gain.
 Shut-In Procedures
While Tripping
99

Soft Shut-In

1. When a positive indication is observed, Set slips below top tool joint.
2. Install full opening safety valve and close same.
3. Pick pipe up, check for Flow. If positive, then;
4. Open remote controlled choke line valve (HCR).
5. Close BOPs
6. Close remote choke
7. Stab IBOP (Grey Valve) and open full opening safety valve.
8. Record stabilized pressures and pit gain.
 Shut-In Procedures
Hard Shut-in
100
 Shut-In Procedures
While Drilling
101

Hard Shut-In

1. When a positive indication is observed, stop rotary, pick-up off

bottom until spaced out.
2. STOP pumps. (Check for Flow). If positive, then;
3. Close BOPs
4. Open remote controlled choke line valve (HCR).
5. Record stabilized pressures and pit gain.
 Shut-In Procedures
While Tripping
102

Hard Shut-In

1. When a positive indication is observed, Set slips below top tool joint.
2. Install full opening safety valve and close same.
3. Pick pipe up, check for Flow. If positive, then;
4. Close BOPs
5. Open remote controlled choke line valve (HCR).
6. Stab IBOP (Grey Valve) and open full opening safety valve.
7. Record stabilized pressures and pit gain.
 Shut-In Procedures
While out of hole
103

Hard Shut-In

1. Close blind ram

2. Open remote controlled choke line valve (HCR).
3. Record stabilized pressures and pit gain.

If a soft shut-in is used reverse step 1 & 2 then close remote choke

After the well is closed in the options for the next step are:

- Stripping into the hole.

- Bull heading down the kill line.

- Volumetric method.
 Diverter Procedures
Shallow gas
104

Gas encountered in formations before the BOP is installed or where

shallow casing strings or conductor pipe are set.

Shallow gas flows will not be shut in as the pressure build up my induce a

fracture around the casing shoe. Shallow gas will be diverted.

Diverters are BOPs (usually of the annular type) which are designed to

close the well under the rig, while allowing the influx to evacuate safely
through the blooey line(s) below the preventer. (Ex: 21 + spool).

A float valve is to be run in the drill string.

 Diverter Procedures
105

Koomey
Unit

FLOW LINE
FILL UP LINE
TO SHAKERS
KOOMEY
UNIT

LINE 2
DIVERTER

HCR HCR
VALVE VALVE
CONDUCTOR

TO OVERBOARD LINES
PIPE

HCR HCR
VALVE VALVE

LINE 1
 Diverter Procedures
While drilling
106

At first sign of flow stop drilling but do not stop pumping.

Open diverter line to divert downwind

Close diverter (both functions should be interlocked).

Increase pump strokes to maximum and switch pumps to heavy mud.

Raise the alarm and announce the emergency and/or inform the rig
superintendent. Post personnel to look for gas.

If the well appears to have stopped flowing after the heavy mud has been

displaced, stop pumps and observe well.

If not: carry on pumping from the active system and consider preparing a pit

with heavier mud. When all mud has been consumed, switch pumps to water. Do
not stop pumping for as long as the well continues to flow.
 Diverter Procedures
While Tripping
107

At first sign of flow set slips (below top tool joint for kelly drilling).

Open diverter line, close diverter (both functions will be interlocked)

Make up Kelly or top drive.

Continue with the same steps as while drilling.

 108

Behaviour of Gas Influx

 Type of Influx
109

Influx type can be determined if we know:

- The amount of pit volume gain

- Shut-in drill pipe pressure
- Shut-in casing pressure

To determine fluid type in the wellbore:

1. Calculate estimated kick length

Height of Influx = Pit Gain Annular Capacity (at kick position)
2. Calculate Influx Gradient
Influx Gradient = Mud Gradient (SICP-SIDPP)/Height of Influx
 Type of Influx
110

Summary of kick fluid weight:

- Less than 0.156 psi/ft (less than 3 ppg) = Gas

- Between 0.156 and 0.468 psi/ft (from 3 to 9 ppg) = Mixture of gas, water, oil

- Between 0.468 and 0.520 psi/ft (from 9 to 10 ppg) = Salt water

 Gas Influx Behaviour in Open Well
111

Uncontrolled expansion
The effects of gas migration in open well or uncontrolled
expansion are:
- Reduction in bottom hole pressure
- Gas bubble pressure reduces
- Pressure below the bubble reduces
- Pressure above the bubble remains constant
 Gas Influx Behaviour in Open Well
112

S:
 Gas Influx Behaviour in Closed Well
113

Gas Migration:

If gas is allowed to migrate in the well bore that is closed-in, there will be
no room for expansion. Gas will carry its original pressure as it moves up.

Therefore, the effects of gas migration in closed well are:

- Gas influx pressure remains the same

- SIDPP & SICP will increase
- Bottom hole pressure will increase
- Pressure at any point below or above the influx will increase, and BHP,
SIDPP & SICP will all increase by the same amount.
Gas Influx Behaviour in Closed Well
114
 Gas Influx Behaviour in Closed Well
115

Percolation Rate:
In the close-in well situation, gas will travel up the annulus. The
percolation rate can be calculated by (in vertical section):

Increase in DP pressure (psi/hour)

Percolation Rate (ft/hr) =
MW (ppg) x 0.052
Or,

Increase in DP pressure (bar/hour)

Percolation Rate (m/hr) =
MW (kg/l) x 0.0981
 Gas Influx Behaviour in Closed Well
116

Volume of mud to be bled-off to keep bottom hole pressure

constant during gas migration is given by:

Increase in DP pressure x Pit Gain

Volume to be bled-off =
Formation pressure Increase in DP pressure
 Gas Influx Behaviour in Killing Well
117

When circulate up the annulus:

- The pressure of influx reduces due to decreasing of hydrostatic head of

fluid above it.
- Since the bottom hole pressure is maintained constant, so the casing
pressure will increase to compensate for the loss of mud hydrostatic.
- The maximum pressure at any point in the wellbore reaches when the
top of influx is at that point.
- The maximum pressure at the casing shoe reaches when the top of the
influx is at the shoe.
Gas Influx Behaviour in Killing Well
118
 119

Kick Calculations
 Kick calculations
Kill mud weight
120

SIDP

On the drillpipe side of the U-tube: P

Formation Pressure = Hydrostatic Pressure of Mud

in Drillpipe + Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure (SIDPP) SICP

On the casing side of the U-tube:

Formation Pressure = Hydrostatic Pressure of Mud
Mud
in the annulus + hydrostatic pressure of the influx
+ Shut In casing Pressure (SICP)

Mud

 PF = Head of Mud in Drillpipe + SIDPP

Gas

FP
 Kick calculations
Kill mud weight
121

Once the formation pressure is known, the mud weight required to

balance, or kill the well , can be calculated, since

Kill Mud Weight = FP/(TVD*0.0981) SG

Kill Mud Weight =SIDPP/(TVD*0.0981) + actually mud weight SG

Or

Kill Mud Weight = FP/(TVD*0.052) ppg

Kill Mud Weight =SIDPP/(TVD*0.052) + actually mud weight ppg
 Kick calculations
Circulating pressures
122

Initial circulating pressure

ICP = SIDPP + SCR

Final circulating pressure

FCP = SCR x (kill mud weight/drill mud weight)

Influx Gradient = Mud Gradient (SICP-SIDPP)/Height of Influx

Kill Sheet
 Kill methods
124

There are three basic methods of well control, all methods aim at
keeping bottom hole pressure constant and equal to formation
pressure.

 The Driller's.

 The Wait and Weight.

 The Volumetric (required in special situations).

 Drillers method
125

It deals separately with the removal of the kick and the addition of

kill weight mud. Two complete circulations are thus required, as a

minimum, for this method.

 FIRST CIRCULATION: Pump the kick out of the well, using

existing mud weight.

 SECOND CIRCULATION: Pump kill mud around the well.

 Drillers method
126

1. The well is closed in and the information recorded.

2. Calculate Initial Circulating Pressure ICP = SIDPP + PSCR.

3. Bring pumps up to SCR while slowly opening the choke and

keeping casing pressure at or near the closed in casing pressure
reading.

4. When pumps up to SCR, switch focus to DP pressure gauge and

adjust the choke to maintain the ICP on the drillpipe pressure
gauge until influx is removed from the well.

5. shut the well in, if the influx is totally circulated out you will get
SICP = SIDPP
 Drillers method
127

First circulation

 ICP = SIDPP + PSCR

Drillers method
128
 Drillers method
129

1. Once the kill mud is ready, bring the pump up to the kill rate.

Kill Mud Weight =SIDPP/(TVD*0.0981) + actually mud weight

2. keep the casing pressure constant at the same pressure as when

closed in until kill mud reaches bit

3. Once the kill mud reaches the bit, keep DPP constant until kill
mud reaches the surface.

DPP = FCP = SCR x (kill mud weight/drill mud weight)

 Drillers method
130

Second circulation

 FCP = SCR x (kill mud weight/drill mud weight)

Drillers method
131
 Drillers method
132

Advantages
 Its relatively simple - there are fewer calculations
 Minimum waiting around time can start 1st circulation as soon
as you know the stabilized SIDPP and SICP
 Minimum information required.

Disadvantages
 Highest annular pressure produced
 Maximum well under pressure time
 Longest on-choke time.
 Wait and Weight Method
133

The Wait and Weight is sometimes referred to as the Engineers

Method or the One Circulation Method.

Once the kill mud of the required weight is made up in the mud pits,
kill mud is pumped down the drill pipe while the influx is pumped
out.

The Wait and Weight method provides the lowest annular

pressures during the circulation of the kill mud, making it the safest
of the commonly used kill methods.
 Wait and Weight Method
134

1. Once the capacity of the drill string is calculated, it is possible to draw

a graph showing how drill pipe pressure varies as kill mud is pumped
down to the bit.

2. Once the kill mud is ready, bring the pump up to the kill rate while
keeping constant casing pressure.

Kill Mud Weight =SIDPP/(TVD*0.0981) + actually mud weight

3. Re-set stroke counter when kill mud has been displaced through
surface lines.

4. Follow step down chart as kill mud is displaced to bit.

5. After kill mud has reached the bit, the DPP is maintained at the Final
Circulating Pressure, until the kill mud returns to surface.
Wait and Weight Method
135
Wait and Weight Method
136
 Wait and Weight Method
137

Advantages

 Lowest well bore pressures, and lowest surface pressures

 Well is under pressure for less time

 Less choke time

Disadvantages

 Well remains shut in longer before circulation starts the kill

mud has to be weighted up and calculations completed. Influx
migration may be a problem.
 More calculations
Comparison between Drillers and W & W Method
138

The Drillers method is very simple because at each step of the

control, we have just to follow the reference pressure and keep it
constant.

In the W & W method the kick is controlled and the kill mud is
circulated in one step which means that a lot of time will be saved.

The W & W method may reduce the overpressure on the shoe.cc

Comparison between Drillers and W & W Method
139

In the different control method we know that as long as the gas is

not above the shoe, shoe pressure is:

Shoe Pressure = hydrostatic pressure at the shoe + SICP

We know also that, in this case, the pressure losses above the shoe
are constant, and annulus pressure will increase only because the
hydrostatic pressure in the annulus decreases because of the
expansion.

Finally, if the annulus become heavy (by increasing hydrostatic

pressure) we will have to open the choke and so reduce annulus
pressure and therefore shoe pressure.
Comparison between Drillers and W & W Method
Comparison between Drillers and W & W Method
Comparison between Drillers and W & W Method
Comparison between Drillers and W & W Method
Comparison between Drillers and W & W Method
Comparison between Drillers and W & W Method
 Conclusion

If the string volume is lower than the open hole annulus

volume, the wait and weight method will reduce the over

pressure at the shoe.

Pressure trends
 Volumetric Method
148

Used when a gas kick is taken into a well, and the pipe has been fully
tripped out of the hole or it is impossible to circulate through it.

If stripping cannot be done, mud must be bled from the annulus at

intervals to allow the gas to expand while it migrate through the mud,
aiming for a steady bottom hole pressure.

As gas migrates, the casing pressure rises. Once the pressure has risen
to some pre-set amount; say 100 psi, the choke is opened and the
volume of mud required to produce that same (100 psi) hydrostatic
pressure is bled off from the well.

The choke is then closed again, and the new casing pressure noted.
This operation is repeated each time the casing pressure rises to the
pre-set amount until the gas arrives to surface.
Summary of Problems while Killing the Well
The end