The term "ballooning" generally refers to the flow back of fluids
previously lost into a formation. The pressure associated with ballooning is typically a function of the fracture initiation and fracture closure pressures of the rock. There is also generally a finite volume of fluids for the ballooning system. As a volume of fluids are taken back into the well from the formation, the associated pressure is reduced. Ballooning generally occurs while circulating when the Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) is higher than the pressure required to open a fracture in the ballooning formation. When circulation is stopped and the Equivalent Static Density (ESD) at the formation is less than the fracture closure pressure, lost fluids will re-enter the wellbore, giving the perception of a kick. Fingerprinting can be used to assist with the determination of a well that is kicking as opposed to ballooning. The flowback of fluids upon each connection should show a decreasing flow rate trend and should match those of previous connections.
Pressure build fingerprinting can also be completed to show a reduction
in the pressure related to time when compared to a consistent volume of fluid bled back. The following chart shows an example of a ballooning well. Three bleed cycles were complete and the pressure build was plotted over time for comparison. The decreasing trend can be noted which was instrumental in the conclusion that ballooning was the source of flow realized from the well. This event can be mistaken for a kick, or a kick can be misinterpreted as ballooning. The investigation of ballooning should occur in a control manner. Always treat any well flow as a kick until it can be proven otherwise. Never assume that the well is ballooning.
Some general concepts to remember about ballooning:
Fluid lost to the ballooning formation is required to induce ballooning. The shut-in pressure should not increase after a volume of fluid is bled off. A pressure increase is the sign of a kick and NOT ballooning. Fluid return rate should not increase. A decreasing trend is expected as the volume in the ballooning formation is reduced. Shut-in pressure will not increase due to fluid/gas migration in the well in a pure ballooning scenario. Ballooning is normally associated with shales, or other low permeability zones. Ballooning formations are generally close to the last casing shoe depth as fracture pressures typically increase with increasing depth.
It is important to remember that with any diagnostic work, consistency is
the key. In order to compare data points for a bleed off of fluids, the process must be consistent. This should be considered when attempting to verify if ballooning has occurred or if the resulting pressure and volume are the result of a kick.
The following is a simple generalized procedure to assist with the
identification of ballooning:
Record the initial stabilized SICP.
Bleed off a small, measured volume into the trip tank (or another calibrated tank for reading small volumes). o A suggestion would be 5 bbl or less. With the choke left at the same opening size, time the flow back for each barrel. o A trend that shows a flow rate reduction is a sign of ballooning. Shut-in the well and record and plot the resulting casing pressure until it has stabilized. If the pressure is lower than the original SICP, continue to bleed off small volume increments. o Once it can be established that the source of flow is ballooning, continue operations as required.
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