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Well Control - Driller's Method
Well Control - Driller's Method
With this method, the well is killed in two circulations. During the first circulation: the influx is circulated
out of the hole using the existing mud. Additional influx is prevented by adjusting the choke to maintain a
constant bottom hole pressure slightly in excess of the pore pressure.
During the second circulation: the existing mud is replaced by mud of the required density to
(over)balance the pore pressure. The choke is adjusted to maintain a constant bottom hole pressure
slightly greater than the pore pressure.
2.1 Procedures
The mud is not weighted up for the first circulation: therefore, the pump rate is not limited by the
weighting material mixing capacity of the rig. However, the maximum pump rate is limited by other factors
such as the increased initial standpipe pressure, the need for choke adjustment, and surface gas
handling equipment. Also, if the choke starts blocking-off, pressure surges will be less at reduced
circulating rates. Normally, the pump speed selected will not exceed 50% of the usual circulating rate
applied for drilling operations.
maintain and record the density of the mud pumped into the drillstring. Ensure that it has the correct
value;
measure and record the properties of the mud returns;
de-gas, treat or discard any contaminated mud returns.
During the period that the heavy mud (including the overbalance) is pumped down the drillstring, the
standpipe pressure should decrease until the heavy mud reaches the bit at which time it should be:
Pst = Pc1 * rho2 / rho1 = Pc2
The standpipe pressure should remain constant after the heavy mud has reached the bit.
4.When the heavy mud reaches the surface, stop pumping and check whether the well is dead.
During the second circulation the following should also be carried out:
maintain and record the density of the mud pumped into the drillstring; ensure that it has the correct
value;
measure and record the properties of the mud returns until the well is killed;
de-gas, treat or discard any contaminated mud returns.