Well Control

Training course

Module 1
Introduction to Well Control

Importance of Well Control

Provides a direct threat to the safety of the drilling
rig and its personnel.
Well control problems are costly in terms of time
and money.
Environmental Damage
Increased risk when drilling in unexplored areas
with unknown pressure regimes.
Prevention is always better than a cure.
Time is of the essence

Prevention of Blowouts
Alert and well trained crews
Knowledge on causes of kicks
Knowledge of warning signs
Shut-in responsibilities
Equipment
Trained crews to properly operate
equipment

Rules and Regulations

HSE
&
UKOA

Operators and rig team

members must comply with all
government regulations.
Regulations are in place to
ensure protection of workers,
natural resources and the
environment.
Supervisors, rig managers and
drillers must be certified in
Blowout Prevention and Well
Control Training.

Rig Team Responsibilities

Each Member Has an Important Role in Well Control
Driller
Kick Detection and Well Shut-In
Supervising Drill Crew During Well Control Operations
Floorhands, Derrickhands, Shakerhands, and All Crew Members
Remain Alert to Kick Warning Signs
Report to Assigned Station Bill During Well Control Operations
Mud Loggers
Report Indicators of Formation Pressure Increases to Driller
and Operations Supervisor
Monitor and Record Circulating System During All Operations

Rig Team Responsibilities

Each Member Has an Important Role in Kick Prevention
Toolpusher
Ensure that the Driller and Crew are Properly Deployed
Remain on Rig Floor During Start of Tripping Operations
Remain on Rig Floor During Start of Kill Operations
Brief Crews Prior to Crew Change of All Operations
For Offshore Operations - Inform Captain or OIM of Well
Control Operations so that Emergency Marine Procedures can be
Initiated Properly
Operators Supervisor
Overall Responsibility for Well Control
Ensure that All Team Members know Their Responsibilities
Keep Lines of Communication Open Among all Team Members
Brief all Team Members of Planned Operations
Service Personnel
Know Assigned Duties for Emergency Conditions

Your Role in Well Control

Data Engineer must be able to recognise the
signs of a developing well control situation.
Early detection enables the driller to close in the
well quickly and minimise the danger.
Important to understand theories and procedures
as you are expected to stay at you post during a
well control situation.
You will be expected to check calculations and be
pro active in supporting the operation.

Basic Principles

Key Terms

Hydrostatic pressure ,BHP

Surge/Swab Pressures
Dynamic pressure, BHCP
ECD
Pore pressure
Normal pressure
Fracture pressure
Overpressure
Underbalance
Under pressure

Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure
exerted by the weight of a static column of
fluid. It is a function of the height of the
column and the fluid density only
May be called Bottom hole pressure (BHP)
if combined with pressures induced by pipe
movement

Surge and Swab Pressures

Frictional pressure drops due to pipe
movement. May be + or depending on
direction of movement
Magnitude in static mud depends on.
Wellbore geometry
Mud properties
Running speed

Circulation Friction Losses

Total Friction Loss
Drill String
Safety Valve

Mud Pumps

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Mud Properties
Measured Depth
Size of the Drill String
BHA Components
Nozzle Sizes
Annular Clearance
Circulation Rate
Pipe Movement
Pipe Rotation
Surface Equipment
Cuttings Weight

Dynamic pressure
Bottom Hole Circulating Pressure
Hydrostatic + the additional pressure exerted on the
bottom of the hole by the movement of the fluid column.
The increase in pressure is due to annular friction and the
momentum of the mud. Usually expressed in psi
Magnitude of BHCP depends on
Annular geometry
Mud properties
Flow rate
Pipe rotation
Pipe Movement
Cuttings Weight

Effective Circulating Density

(ECD)
When the BHCP is converted to an
equivalent mud weight it is known as the
ECD
BHCP
Equivalent Circulating Density

TV Depth (ft) x 0.052

Equivalent Mud/Circulating Density

Operation

Bottom Hole Pressure

Pump OffBHP = Hydrostatic Pressure

EMD/ECD
= BHP TVD 0.052

Drilling

BHP = Hydrostatic Pressure + APL

= BHP TVD 0.052

Trip Out

BHP = Hyd Press - Swab Press

= BHP TVD 0.052

Trip In

BHP = Hyd Press + Surge Press

= BHP TVD 0.052

Equivalent Mud/Circulating
Density
Depth:
Annular Pressure Loss:
Swab Pressure:
Surge Pressure:
Operation

12,100 ft
300 psi
250 psi
400 psi

Mud Weight:

Bottom Hole Pressure

16 ppg

EMD/ECD

Pump Off

HP = 12,100 ft x 0.052 x 16 ppg

HP = 10,067 psi

= HP TVD 0.052
= 10,067 psi 12,100 ft 0.052
= 16 ppg

Drilling

BHCP = (12,100 ft x 0.052 x 16 ppg) + 300 psi

BHCP = 10,367 psi

= BHCP TVD 0.052

= 10,367 psi 12,100 ft 0.052
= 16.5 ppg

Trip Out

BHP = (12,100 ft x 0.052 x 16 ppg) - 250 psi

BHP = 9817 psi

= BHP TVD 0.052

= 9817 psi 12,100 ft 0.052
= 15.6 ppg

Trip In

BHP = (12,100 ft x 0.052 x 16 ppg) + 400 psi

BHP = 10,467 psi

= BHP TVD 0.052

= 10,467 psi 12,100 ft 0.052
= 16.6 ppg

Reverse Circulating
Bullheading can increase the BHCP upto
10x that of normal circulation due to
increased frictional pressure losses from
the drillstring.
Always Reduce flow rates when reverse
circulating.

Pore pressure
Pore pressure is the pressure of the fluid
contained in the pore spaces of
sediments or the rocks. It is also called
formation pressure

Normal pressure
Also referred to as Normal Formation
Hydrostatic Pressure. If no barriers occur to
prevent the free movement of fluids within a
formation, then it is reasonable to assume that
the pore fluid will be homogeneous through all
formations from the surface down. In offshore
wells the normal pore fluid is therefore
expected to be the local sea water.

Fracture pressure
A formation can be made to fracture by the
application of fluid pressure to overcome the
least line of resistance within the rock
structure. Normally fractures will be
propagated in direction perpendicular to the
least principal stress. Which of these three
stresses is the least can be predicted by the
fault activity in the area.

Leak-Off Test
Measures Horizontal Stress
Pump Off
Leak-off

Initial Shut-in Pressure

Minimum Horizontal Stress (Sb)

Pressure

Fluid
Compression
0

Linear
Increase

10

20

Shut-in Time (Minutes)

Record every minute for
20 minutes or until pressure
stabilizes.

Pre-existing Fractures
Opened by ECD

Volume Pumped (litres)

Overpressure
Subsurface pressure that is abnormally high,
exceeding hydrostatic pressure at a given depth.
Abnormally high pore pressure can occur in areas
where burial of fluid filled sediments is so rapid that
pore fluids cannot escape, so that the pressure of the
pore fluids increases as overburden increases.
Drilling into overpressured strata can be hazardous
because overpressured fluids escape rapidly, so
careful preparation is made in areas of known
overpressure.

Underpressure
Any pressure which is less than the local
normal pressure is deemed to be
underpressure.
Commonly Underpressure is caused by
depletion due to production.

Underbalance
Underbalance is of far more importance
than overpressure during drilling operations.
This occurs where the pore pressure is
greater than the mud pressure. The
resulting pressure imbalance provides a
driving force which can cause fluids to flow
from the formation into the well bore, or for
the walls of the well to be pushed into the
hole. The result is a fluid influx or stuck
pipe.

Pressure Gradients
Pressure Gradient (psi/ft) = Density (ppg) x 0.052
Commonly used Gradients
Substance

Weight

Gradient

Fresh Water

8.33 ppg

0.433 psi/ft

Sea Water

8.6 ppg

0.445 psi/ft

Formation Water

8.9 ppg

0.465 psi/ft

Base Oil

7.2 ppg

0.374 psi/ft

Pressure Gradient is the rate of change of pressure with depth

Pressure Gradients
Pressure Gradient = Density x Constant
Useful conversion constants
sg / m to psi/m 1.421
sg / ft to psi/ft 0.433
ppg / m to psi/ft 0.171
ppg / ft to psi/ft 0.052
Kg/m3 / m to Kpa/m 0.00981
ppg / ft to PPTF 51.952
sg / m to bar/m 0.098
sg / ft to bar/ft 0.03
ppg / m to bar/m 0.012
ppg / ft to bar/ft 0.0036

Hydrostatic Pressure Formula

PHYD = MW x FT x 0.052
This can be rearranged to:
EMW = PHYD / (FT x 0.052)

Pressure calculations always

use True Vertical Depth and
NOT Measured Depth

Hydrostatic Calculation Question

What is the overbalance at the
bottom of a well at 7493 ft TVD,
with a MW of 9.5 ppg and a pore
pressure of 3592 psi?
Give results in EMW ppg, psi/ft
and SG

Hydrostatic Calculation Answer

Given EMW = PHYD / (FT x 0.052)
Then for pore pressure
EMW ppg = 3592 / (7493 x 0.052)
So pore pressure = 9.22 ppg EMW
As MW = 9.5 ppg the overbalance is 0.28 ppg EMW
Given PPG x FT x 0.052 = PSI
Then overbalance in PSI = 0.28 x 7493 x 0.052 = 109
PSI
And finally,
given Pressure Gradient = Density (ppg) x 0.052
So 0.28 x 0.052 = 0.0146 psi/ft

Mud Weight and Formation

Pressure
Standard drilling practice is to have
the mud weight as close as possible
to balance with formation pressure.
Reasons for this are:

To minimise the risk of lost circulation.

To minimise the risk of differential sticking
To minimise formation damage.
To maintain an optimum ROP.

Trip Margin

Piston effect of swabbing requires a

safety margin between the formation
pressure and mud weight.
Trip margin is added to the mud weight
to ensure swabbing does not create
under balance.
Plot pressure reduction against running
speed. Using Swab/Surge Software.
A trip margin of 250 to 300 psi is usual

TRIP MARGINS
LOST CIRCULATION / UNDERGROUND BLOWOUT
FRACTURE PRESSURE = 10,587 psi

SWAB

SURGE

TRIP MARGIN

Decelerate

STEADY SPEED

STATIC

STEADY CIRCULATION

Start pumps

PRESSURE

9700

HP = 9700 psi

STATIC

Accelerate

9900

STEADY SPEED

Decelerate

STATIC

Accelerate

10,587

ANNULUS FRICTION PRESSURE

9500

9300
FORMATION PRESSURE = 9137 psi
KICKS / HOLE INSTABILITY

Bottom Hole Pressure is Affected by Pipe Motion

Kicks and Blowouts

A kick occurs when formation fluid enters the wellbore indicating the well is
in a state of imbalance. The drilling margins have been exceeded
Kicks can be controlled at the surface if caught early enough.
Blowouts occur when a kick cannot be controlled at the surface.
Surface blowout occurs if a well cannot be shut in to prevent kicks
reaching the surface
Underground blowout. Uncontrolled flow between two formations.
One is kicking and one is loosing.

Barrier Definitions
Any system that can be used to contain pressure and well
fluids within the well, wellhead and christmas tree.
Barriers may be active or latent
Active barriers are already in a condition to contain
pressure and well fluids
Latent barriers are not normally in a condition which can
contain pressure and well fluids. These can be come active
with some sort of external intervention.

Barriers
ACTIVE
Conditioned mud/brine
Wellhead housing
Tubing/Casing
Wireline plugs
RTTS packer
Closed annulus valves
Lubricator stuffing box
Closed tree valves
Closed BOP

LATENT
Open tree valves
Open BOP
Safety valve
Open wireline BOPs

Well Control Barriers

Two well control barriers need to be in place at all stages of the well

Barrier
Primary
First Line of
Defence

Secondary
Second Line of
Defence

Tertiary
Third Line of
Defence

Definition

Objective

Control kicks with Drill to TD without a

hydrostatic pressure well control event
only.
(Normal drilling)
Control kicks with
hydrostatic pressure
assisted by BOPs

Safely kill the kick

without the loss of
circulation

An underground
blowout

Avoid a surface
blowout. Regain
primary well control

Causes of Kicks
Most Common

Improper hole fill on trips

Drilling into known pressure zones with mud weight to low
Drilling into unexpected abnormally pressured formations
Loss of circulation. Fluid level not rate of loss is critical in well control

Swabbing, rapid pipe movement, balled bit

Overpressured shallow gas sands
High ROPs in gas bearing formations, control ROP.
Loss of hydrostatic during or after cementing operations
Incomplete removal of formation fluids from the wellbore or BOP
stack during testing or workover operations
Post perforation kick. Weighting up brine may cause bigger kick as
lighter oil migrates reducing the hydrostatic. Well is overbalanced but
still kicks.
Least Common

Warning Signs of Kicks

Drilling Break. Always flow check.
Increase in flow returns
Pit gain
Incorrect trip volumes. Pressure may prevent mud draining from the string.
Decrease in SPP or rise in SPM
Increasing gas values. CG , BG
Well flows with the pump off, Ballooning , Loss of ECD, Charged fractures.
Change in mud properties. > Salinity may > viscosity of mud > ECD
Increasing mud temperature
Cavings
Cutback in DxC or shale density
PWD
Gas cut mud expanding. 1200m bubble point.
Pinched bit, undergauge hole
Hookload/WOB variation, buoyancy

Kick Types

Two types of Kick exist:

1 Underbalance Kick The formation
pressure increases to higher than the
hydrostatic
2 Induced Kick Hydrostatic decreases to
below formation pressure.

Kicks

Most occur during trips.

Legal requirement to monitor all trips.

Most critical time is first 10 stands.

Gas Migration

 EnCana Corporation

Boyles Law - Open well with water base mud

821 bbls
16.5 ppg

6705 ft
P2 = HP = 5752 psi

13,410 ft

2 bbls

1 bbl

P1 = HP = 11,505 psi

V2 =

11,505 psi x 1 bbl

V2 =

5752
V2 =

2 bbls

11,505 psi x 1 bbl

14 psi

V2 =

821 bbls

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Behavior - Water Base Mud and Open Wellbore

Unload Point

40 bbls

Normally the Driller

should be able to
detect the expanding
gas with pit level and
flow monitoring
equipment.

20 bbls

Length of Mud

Length of Free
Rising Gas

UNLOAD POINT!
Length of Mud = Length of Gas

10 bbls

Unload Depth =

Length of Gas Kick x TVD

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Behavior - Water Base Mud and Open Wellbore

Unload Point

40 bbls

Normally the Driller

should be able to
detect the expanding
gas with pit level and
flow monitoring
equipment.

20 bbls

Length of Mud

Length of Free
Rising Gas

UNLOAD POINT!
Length of Mud = Length of Gas

Unload Depth =
10 bbls

375 ft x 12,100 ft

Unload Depth = 2130 ft

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Behavior - Oil Base Mud and Open Wellbore

Unload Point
Bubble Point Depth
10 bbls

10 bbls

The real danger is when the

bubble point depth and the
unload condition depth are equal.
This condition is extremely
hazardous since violent
unloading of the well can occur
with no warning to the Driller.

Liquid Gas in Solution

Breaks Out

WELL SUDDENLY
UNLOADS!

Bubble point pressures range from 1500 - 5000 psi depending on the type of
OBM and wellbore conditions.

Bubble Point Depth = Bubble Point Pressure MW 0.052

10 bbls

Critical Influx =
Volume

0.25 x (Bubble Point Depth)2 x Annular Capacity

Total Vertical Depth

Critical Influx Volume is the initial kick volume that will unload the mud from the bubble point depth to the surface..

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Behavior - Oil Base Mud and Open Wellbore

Unload Point
Bubble Point Depth
10 bbls

10 bbls

Liquid Gas in Solution

Breaks Out

The real danger is when the

bubble point depth and the
unload condition depth are equal.
This condition is extremely
hazardous since violent
unloading of the well can occur
with no warning to the Driller.

WELL SUDDENLY
UNLOADS!

Bubble point pressures range from 1500 - 5000 psi depending on the type of
OBM and wellbore conditions.

Bubble point depth = 2000 psi 11 ppg 0.052 = 3496 ft.

10 bbls

Critical Influx =
Volume

0.25 x (3496 ft)2 x 0.0623 bbl/ft

12,100 ft.

= 15.7 bbls

Critical Influx Volume is the initial kick volume that will unload the mud from the bubble point depth to the surface..

 EnCana Corporation

Explosive Unloading
Type 1
A small isolated bubble of gas is swabbed
in (unnoticed), circulated to the surface
(no expansion or further kick indications),
where it expands and is also accelerated
upwards by trailing bubbles of gas
expanding underneath segments of mud.
The net effect is an instantaneous (a couple of seconds
at most) very high gas rate that could result in a flash
fire if not effectively dealt with.

 EnCana Corporation

Explosive Unloading
Type 2
A slow continuous flow from a tight highpressured formation enters the wellbore over a
long period of time undetected. The net effect of
this influx is that there is a column of gas cut
mud from the bit right up to the rotary table.
The net effect is a "domino" unloading of the well,
whereby a large part of the annulus is unloaded of mud.
As well as enough gas at surface to cause a flash fire,
the well will probably become much further
underbalanced and the "tight" zone will flow faster and
perhaps a second (permeable) zone will become
underbalanced and will also start to flow.

 EnCana Corporation

Practices to Prevent Unloading

Tripping
Limit tripping speeds to minimize swab / surge
Monitor hole fill in and out of the hole

Drilling

Adjust detection equipment alarm as low as possible

Circulate BU at any increase in gas levels
No more than one connection in hole
Flow check all drilling breaks

Be alert to activities that allow undetectable influx volumes

Swabbing when picking up off bottom
Drilling through gas sands
Mud transfers, spills and leaks, pulling wet pipe, partial losses

Circulate bottoms up through open choke with BOP closed

Especially the last 1500 - 3000 ft. of bottoms up

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Through Cement Kicks

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Through Cement Kicks

A

Initially after cement placement, slurry

behaves as a fluid and transmits
full hydrostatic pressure.

Static gel strength development begins;

meanwhile fluid is lost from cement slurry
to permeable formations causing
volume reductions.

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Through Cement Kicks

C

Cement slurry static gel strength reduces

transmission of hydrostatic pressure
simultaneously as volume losses occur.
Together these factors cause loss of
overbalance pressure, permitting gas to
enter and percolate through the unset cement.

Gas percolation leads to formation of a

discrete gas channel through the unset
cement. Gas may channel to a lower pressure
zone or back to surface. Once formed,
these channels will remain in the cement.

End of Module Summary -Key

Terms

Overpressure

Pore pressure

Overburden
Hydrostatic pressure
Fracture pressure
Normal pressure

Underbalance

Under pressure

Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
Aquifiers
Disequilibrium
Compaction
Charged Sands
Aquathermal Pressuring
Clay Diagenesis
Tectonics
Diapirism

 EnCana Corporation

Condition Mud Prior to Trips

Check the
mud prior
to trips!!

Mud Engineer and Derrickhand/Shakerhand

Should not be more than 0.1 ppg difference
weight in and out
Mud properties out should be within prescribed limits
If returning mud/fluid is gas cut - circulate additional
bottoms up and/or condition mud prior to POOH

 EnCana Corporation

Slugging Considerations
Have a standard procedure for slugging the pipe
Know the pit gain caused by slug falling.
Dont chase the slug with extra volume
Be aware of the hydrostatic increase due to
accumulated slugging.

Know how to use your slugging formulas

Pit Gain =
From Slug
Depth Slug
Falls

Slug Volume x

(Slug Density - Mud Density)

(Mud Density)

Length of Slug x

(Slug Density - Mud Density)

(Mud Density)

 EnCana Corporation

Slugging Considerations
Mud Density:
Slug Density:
Slug Volume:
DP Cap:
Slug Length:

Drill String
Safety Valve

Mud Pumps

Pit Gain = 40 bbls x

Pit Gain =

16 ppg
18 ppg
40 bbls
0.017220 bbl/ft
2322 ft

(18 ppg - 16 ppg)

16 ppg

5.0 bbls

Depth Slug
= 2322 ft x
Falls
Depth Slug =
Falls

290 ft

(18 ppg - 16 ppg)

16 ppg

Establish Baseline Criteria

Measure SPRs as high as 5 bbl/min rotating and static.
Record PWD readings.
Establish baseline ECDs while rotating and
reciprocating the drill string. Record PWD readings.
Record PWD readings from reciprocating the drill string
with the pump off.
Run hydraulics for swab and surge pressure correlation
and effects of mud compressibility.
Record drain down volumes and pit changes when
degasser and centrifuges are started.
Establish flow on connection footprint following drillout.

Baseline Conditions
A baseline well condition for mud compressibility
will be established in cased hole for a number of
circulating and rotating conditions just before
drilling out
Baseline tests will include PWD responses.
All changes in the well can be referenced to this
baseline.

Acceptable Flowchecks
The Flow check should have monitored the well
for a minimum of 15 minutes. Always rotate pipe
slowly) when conducting a flow check - this will
help prevent sticking and will break up the gels.
Bleed off any drill pipe pressure before
conducting a flow check.
A decreasing trend of flow can be identified from
a plot of Volume Vs Time.
The rate and volume of flow follows the trend
seen at previous flow checks.

 EnCana Corporation

Flow Checks During Trips

It is a good practice to check the well for flow during trips.
The best times for slow checks are:

Before pulling off bottom

After pulling the first few (5) stands
When there is a discrepancy in the trip
record
Half way up the open hole
At the shoe
Prior to pulling the BHA into the BOP
stack
When out of the hole

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Solubility in Oil Based Mud

A gas influx in an oil based mud will not behave in
the same manner as a gas influx in a water based mud.
This is caused by the ability of gas to dissolve in an
oil based mud.
This has consequences for both:
The size of an influx when detected
And the way in which an influx will act
These areas will be examined in this presentation

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Solubility in Oil Based Mud

Conclusions - Whilst Circulating Bottoms Up
In an OBM there will be very little increase in pit
gain until the gas breaks out of the mud. This
can lead to a very rapid pit gain
In a WBM there will be a continual increase in
pit gain as the influx is circulated out. The
speed of increase will get bigger as the
circulation continues
The influx in an OBM will arrive at the surface
later than it would in a WBM
As mud is lost a secondary kick may start

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Solubility in Oil Based Mud

Flowcheck in a Deep Well
16

W BM

12

OBM

Pit Gain 8
( bbl )
4
0

10

20

30

40

Time ( minutes )

50

60

70

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Solubility in Oil Based Mud

Riser Unloading
20
16

Pit Gain
( bbl )

W BM

12

OBM

8
4
0

10

15

20

Time ( minutes )

25

30

 EnCana Corporation

Hydrates

 EnCana Corporation

Hydrates
Inhibition with methanol

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Solubility in Oil Based Mud

Circulating out a Drilled Kick From 6000 ft Well
Comparison with a 50:50 oil water emulsion mud.
An emulsion mud acts more like an OBM than a
WBM unless free gas is present
Gas dissolves preferentially in the oil until it
becomes saturated
An emulsion mud will reach saturation before
an OBM, once mud is saturated free gas will
form

 EnCana Corporation

Gas Solubility in Oil Based Mud

Conclusions - Influx Behavior

Dissolved gas does not migrate

Negative flow check does not mean no
influx
Influx in OBM will take longer to arrive
at surface
Gas break out of OBM can be rapid

 EnCana Corporation

Hole Fill Requirements

Proper hole filling procedures prevents the loss of hydrostatic
pressure as pipe is tripped in or out of the well
Dry
Pipe

Hydrostatic Loss
per ft of Pipe
Pulled

=
=

Wet
Pipe

Hydrostatic Loss
per ft of Pipe
Pulled

=
=

Mud Gradient x Pipe Displacement

(Annular Capacity + Pipe Capacity)
(0.832 psi/ft x 0.00919 bbl/ft )
(0.364 bbl/ft + 0.01722 bbl/ft )
0.02 psi/ft or 1.91 psi/std
Mud Gradient x (Pipe Displacement + Pipe Capacity)
(Annular Capacity + Pipe Capacity)
0.832 psi/ft x (0.00919 bbl/ft + 0.01722 bbl/ft )
(0.364 bbl/ft + 0.01722 bbl/ft )
0.058 psi/ft or 5.5 psi/std

 EnCana Corporation

Hole Fill Requirements

Proper hole filling procedures prevents the loss of hydrostatic
pressure as pipe is tripped in or out of the well

Proper Hole Fill Procedure Requires:

Dry
Pipe

Wet
Pipe

Determine the maximum acceptable loss of hydrostatic between fills

Use trip sheets and accurately measure mud volumes
Proper manifolding of valves and equipment
Responsible monitoring and communicating results

Hydrostatic Loss
per ft of Pipe
Pulled
Hydrostatic Loss
per ft of Pipe
Pulled

Mud Gradient x Pipe Displacement

(Annular Capacity + Pipe Capacity)
Mud Gradient x (Pipe Displacement + Pipe Capacity)
(Annular Capacity + Pipe Capacity)

 EnCana Corporation

Kick Detection
Well Flow Check Procedure While Drilling
1. Stop the rotary
2. Position the top drive for access/installation/operation of string
safety valves.
3. Stop the pump.
4. Align the flowline to the trip tank.
5. Engage the hole fill pump.
6. Monitor the trip tank for gain or loss 10 - 15 minutes.
If the Well Flows:

If Well Flow is Very Slight:

If No Well Flow:

Shut In Immediately

Shut-in the well on the annular.

Resume operations and

continue to monitor kick
warning signs.

If on bottom: Circulate bottoms up

through the choke for verification
that no influx has occurred.
Know the flow back volumes
for your rigs surface lines.

If off bottom: Strip to bottom and

circulate bottoms-up.

Once the pumps are off.,

ECD is lost. Flow may
be strong. Be ready
to shut-in.

 EnCana Corporation

Overbalance
Key Prevention Factor

Key Points

Overbalance controls formation

pressure
Monitor and record mud/fluid
densities in and out on a
continuous basis
Overbalance is reduced when
tripping out the hole because of
swab pressure
A 250-300 psi trip margin
should be maintained as a
minimum
Mud densities must be
increased when drilling
abnormally pressured zones

 EnCana Corporation

Kick Detection
Key Prevention Factor

Key Points

Early kick detection minimizes

the severity of the kick
Trend monitoring is of utmost
importance to early kick
detection
The rig team must communicate
warning signs to appropriate
supervisors to ensure kick
prevention
Detection systems such as flow
show devices and pit level
indicators must be calibrated
regularly and maintained in
proper working order

 EnCana Corporation

Hole Problems
Key Prevention Factor

Key Points
Hole problems can
indicate loss of well
control
Loss of circulation loss of
hydrostatic
Torque and drag increases
Stuck pipe working pipe
during well control may
induce loss of circulation
Gas cut mud or
contamination by H2S or
CO2 can lead to loss of
well control

 EnCana Corporation

OBM Rheology Effects

Kick Tolerance
The maximum volume of gas (based on a given pore pressure) that can be circulated from the
well without causing excessive mud loss at the casing shoe.
Calculate the Kick Tolerance
(Assume 0.5 ppg Kick Intensity)
1. Calculate the MASP for shoe Leak-Off
Mud Density = 16 ppg
9 5/8 Shoe @ 12,075 TVD

LOT = 18 ppg
5 Drill Pipe

2. Calculate the maximum allowable underbalance.

3. Calculate the maximum length of gas
beneath shoe (to cause SICP = MASP).
4. Calculate this volume at shut-in, V1 shut-in
5. Calculate this volume at the shoe, V shoe

510 ft of 6.5 Drill Collars

8.5 hole
TD @ 14,345 ft
Gas Gradient = 0.1 psi/ft

6. Calculate what V shoe would be at shut-in

V2 shut-in. (Use Boyles Law)
7. Report the Kick Tolerance as the lessor of
V1
and V2
.

Kick Tolerance - worked example

Calculate the Kick Tolerance
1. Calculate the MASP for shoe Leak-Off

1256
Mud Density = 16 ppg
Mud Gradient = 0.832 psi/ft
9 5/8 Shoe @ 12,075 TVD
OH DP ANN VOL
= 0.0459 bbl/ft

LOT = 18 ppg (0.936 psi/ft)

5 Drill Pipe

MASP = (LOT EMW - MW) x SHOE TVD x 0.052

MASP = (18 ppg - 16 ppg ) x 12,075 ft x 0.052) = 1256 psi
2. Calculate the maximum allowable underbalance.
MAX ALLOWABLE UNDERBALANCE= MASP TVD 0.052
= 1256 psi 14,345 ft 0.052 = 1.68 ppg
3. Calculate the hydrostatic pressure loss due to influx including
the kick intensity.
HYD PRESS LOSS = MASP - (KICK INTENSITY x TVD x 0.052
= 1256 ppg - (0.5 ppg x 14,345 ft x 0.052) = 883 psi
4. Calculate the maximum length of gas beneath shoe
(to cause SICP = MASP).

OH DC ANN VOL
= 0.0291 bbl/ft

510 of 6.5 Drill Collars

8.5 hole
TD @ 14,345 ft

Gas Gradient = 0.1 psi/ft

MAX GAS LENGTHshoe = HP LOSS (GRmud - GRgas)

= 883 psi (0.832 psi/ft - 0.1 psi/ft) = 1206 ft

Kick Tolerance - worked example

Calculate the Kick Tolerance
5. Calculate this volume at shut-in, V1 shut-in

1256

If the gas length is equal to or less than than the drill collar length then:

V1 shut-in
Mud Density = 16 ppg
Mud Gradient = 0.832 psi/ft
9 5/8 Shoe @ 12,075 TVD
OH DP ANN VOL
= 0.0459 bbl/ft

LOT = 18 ppg (0.936 psi/ft)

5 Drill Pipe

= MAX GAS LENGTH x OH DC ANN VOL

If the gas length is greater than the drill collar length then:

V1 shut-in =
LDC x OH DC ANN VOL + ((MAX GAS LENGTH - LDC ) x OH DP
ANN VOL)
= (510 ft x 0.0291 bbl/ft) + ((1206 - 510) x 0.0459 bbl/ft)
= 46.79 bbls
6. Calculate this volume at the shoe, V shoe
V shoe

OH DC ANN VOL
= 0.0291 bbl/ft

510 of 6.5 Drill Collars

8.5 hole
TD @ 14,345 ft

Gas Gradient = 0.1 psi/ft

= MAX GAS LENGTH x OH DP ANN VOL

= 1206 ft x 0.0459 bbl/ft = 55.36 bbls

7. Using Boyles Law calculate what V shoe would be at shut-in

V2 shut-in. (Use Boyles Law)
V2 shut-in. = V shoe x LOPSHOE HP @TVDBOTTOM
= 55.36 bbls x 11,302 psi 11,960 psi = 52.3 bbls
8. Report the Kick Tolerance as the lessor of

 EnCana Corporation

Kick Tolerance - Graphical Analysis

Plot Max Allowable
Underbalance

Max Length of Gas (MGL) =

(No Kick Intensity, Swab Case)

Plot the Max Kick Vol

Allowed at Shut-in

0.052 x TVD
MASP Leak-off
(Gmud - Giinflux)

1256 psi
0.052 x 14,345 ft

= 1.68 ppg

1256 psi

= 1715 ft

(0.832 psi/ft - 0.1 psi/ft)

= 510 ft x 0.0291 bbl/ft + ((1715 - 510) x 0.0459 ) = 70.15 bbls

MGL x DPAV x Pfrac @ shoe

Phydrostatic @ TD
2.0
MAX UNDERBALANCE (ppg)

Plot Equivalent =
Max Kick Vol to
Shoe @ Shut-in

MASP

1.8
1.6

1715 ft x 0.0459 bbl/ft x 11,302 ft

11,960 psi

= 74.38 bbls

Max Allowable
Underbalance
= 1.68 ppg
Max kick size that can be safely circulated
to the shoe without exceeding MASP = 52.3 bbls

1.4
1.2

(Vk)max2

1.0

(Vk)max1 74.38 bbls

0.8

70.15 bbls

0.6
0.4
0.2
0

10

20

30
40
Kick Size bbls

50

60

70

 EnCana Corporation

Kick Tolerance - Graphical Analysis

Kick Tolerant Region
100
1.8

Max Allowable
Underbalance
= 1.68 ppg

0.5 ppg Kick Intensity

Kick Tolerant Region

1.6

MAX UNDERBALANCE (ppg)

1.4
Max kick size that can be safely circulated
to the shoe without exceeding MASP = 52.3 bbls

1.2
1.0

(Vk)max2
74.38 bbls

0.8

(Vk)max1

0.6

70.14 bbls

0.4
0.2
0
10

20

30

Kick Size (bbls)

40

50

52.3 bbls

60

70

 EnCana Corporation

Choke Line Friction

Pressure
The choke line friction pressure must be removed
when circulating kicks from the well.
Remember!!

Drill String
Safety Valve

Mud Pumps

Choke line friction pressure is the amount of pressure

loss when circulating at slow pump rates through
the choke line with the BOP closed.
When the well is shut-in and circulation is through
the choke, the choke line is applying additional
unwanted pressure to the formation. The amount
of choke line back pressure can be determined
by knowing the slow pump pressure for the system.
Choke Line Friction Pressure Should be Measured:
After a round trip;
After any mud weight change;
After any significant change in mud properties
or type;
Each time the choke and kill lines are flushed.

 EnCana Corporation

Slow Pump Pressures

The slow pump pressure is used a s a reference
pressure when circulating kicks from the well.
Remember!!

Drill String
Safety Valve

Mud Pumps

Circulating pressure is the sum of all the friction

pressures in the circulating system or flow path.
When the well is shut-in and circulation is through
the choke, the choke is used to apply controlling
pressure to the formation. The amount of choke
back pressure can be determined by knowing the
slow pump pressure for the system.
Slow Pump Pressure Should be Measured:
Each tour;
After any mud weight change;
Every 500 ft of new hole drilled;
After each BHA change or trip;
After any significant change in mud properties
or type.

 EnCana Corporation

Slow Pump Pressures

Slow circulating rates should be pre-determined and should be based on

the following;

Rig barite mixing capability

ECD on open hole
Reaction time for choke operator
Pump & pressure limitations
Capacity of mud gas separator
Choke line friction (floaters)
Convenience and ease of use

Pipe depth should be near bottom (within 50 ft)

Procedure:

Position string
Rotate slowly
Reduce pump speed to desired slow circulating rate
Allow drill pipe pressure to stabilize and the driller should record circulating rate
and pump pressure from the drillers console. Lead floorhand or AD should
record circulating rate and drill pipe pressure reading from the choke panel and
standpipe.

Drilling Programs
What information should they contain

Casing requirements
Expected formation pressures
Expected formation changes
H2S potential
Identification of loss zones
Kick tolerance
Stick diagram for posting in dog house
as per regulations

 EnCana Corporation

OBM Density Effects

 EnCana Corporation

Circulation System
Estimating Pump Pressures
New Pump Pressure
Drill String
Safety Valve

= Old Pump Pressure x

New SPM
Old SPM

Mud Pumps

New Pump Pressure

= Old Pump Pressure x

New Mud Density

Old Mud Density

 EnCana Corporation

Bullheading - Drilling Wellbores

Key Points
Drill String
Safety Valve

Mud Pumps

Used to pump influx back into

formation
Depends upon:
Amount of open hole
Influx location compared to permeable
zone

When to Bullhead
Large volume of influx
Excess surface pressure
H2S
Pipe off bottom - stripping not feasible
No pipe in hole
Surface pressures need to be reduced

 EnCana Corporation

Bullheading - Drilling Wellbores

Important Considerations
Characteristics / condition of open hole
BOPE & casing rating (wear?)
Type of influx & relative permeability of
the formation
Quality of the filter cake
Consequence of fracturing open hole
Influx position