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Aberdeen Drilling School HPHT PDF
Aberdeen Drilling School HPHT PDF
DERRICK
10" VENT
MGS
PRESSURE 8
SENSOR
FROM C & K
36" DIAMETER MANIFOLD, 4" PIPE REMOTELY
MUD - GAS ACTUATED
SEPERATOR
DOWNSTREAM
CHOKE TEMP. 6
SENSOR
REMOTE MANUAL
TO SHALE SHAKER
CHOKE
CHOKE
MANUAL
CHOKE
DOWNSTREAM
REMOTE 5 CHOKE TEMP.
CHOKE SENSOR
TO PORT
MAIN DECK LEVEL FLARE LINE
6 Meters
TO
STARBOARD
DIP TUBE FLARE LINE
PRESSURE 7
SENSOR
UPSTREAM KILL
LINE TEMP. 4 GLYCOL
INJECTION
SENSOR
POINT
ANNULAR
PREVENTEE
D RI L LI N G S
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TR O L T R AI NIN
HIGH PRESSURE
HIGH BOTTOM HOLE TEMPERATURE
HPHT
This course has been prepared by Aberdeen Drilling Schools
using industry standard HPHT operational guidelines.
50 Union Glen, Aberdeen AB11 6ER, Scotland, U.K. Tel: (01224) 572709 Fax: (01224) 582896
E-mail info@aberdeen-drilling.com www.aberdeen-drilling.com
CONTENTS
Section
1 COURSE INTRODUCTION
8 BULLHEADING OVERVIEW
10 STRIPPING
13 MANAGEMENT OF OPERATIONS
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1. COURSE INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
(A)
(B)
(C)
1-2
HPHT Course - Section 1
➞ DRILL PIPE
➞ CASING
PRESSURE PRESSURE
9900 psi
683 bar
DRILL PIPE :
SIDPP + HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE OF MUD = FORMATION PRESSURE
ANNULUS :
SICP + HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE OF MUD + HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE OF INFLUX = FORMATION PRESSURE
1-3
HPHT Course - Section 1
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
SUBJECT :
WHAT HAPPENS :
✺ BASIC PHYSICS ?
✺ THE WORD IS -
PREVENTION !
EARLY DETECTION !
1-4
HPHT Course - Section 1
OPERATION IN PROGRESS
WHILE THE KICK OR BLOWOUT OCCURRED
NUMBER OF
DRILLING COMPLETION WORKOVER (WELL KILLED) BLOWOUTS
1 Bit on bottom 19
2 Pulling out of hole (POOH) 17
3 Going in hole (GIH) 4
4 Circulating 3
5 Fishing 2
6 Logging 1
7 Casing running 2
8 Primary cementing (incl. Nipping down BOP) 9
9 Drill stem testing -
10 Exchanging BOP Xmas tree (excl. cementing) 1
11 Running tubing and packer 3
12 Killing -
13 Perforation 1
14 Squeeze cementing 1
15 Stimulation -
16 Cleaning 1
17 Gravel packing 1
18 Pressure testing (Production well alive) -
19 Regular production 6
20 Production testing -
21 Wireline work 4
22 Maintenance (Xmas tree, wellhead) 4
23 Freezing -
24 Production logging -
25 Testing of safety valves 1
26 Stimulation (without killing) 1
27 Gas lifting 1
28 Misc. concentric tubing operations -
29 Water injection -
30 Gas injection -
31 Operation unknown 18
100
* Worldwide statistics based on case histories.
1-5
HPHT Course - Section 1
Incident in 20 to 25 Wells
or
4% - 5%
* Worldwide statistics based on verbal survey of oilfield personnel.
or
100% to 200%
* Worldwide statistics based on verbal information supplied by N.S. Operating Companies.
1-6
HPHT Course - Section 1
4 IMPROPER INSTALLATION/INSPECTION 2%
5 INADEQUATE TESTING -
6 INADEQUATE DOCUMENTATION 2%
1-7
HPHT Course - Section 1
CAUSES OF
PROBLEMS AND LOST WELLS
✺ OPERATIONAL MISCONDUCT
1-8
HPHT Course - Section 1
COMMON DIFFICULTIES
✺ KICKS
(AVERAGE KICK FREQUENCY : 2 PER HPHT-WELL)
✺ LOST CIRCULATION
✺ STUCK PIPE
1-9
HPHT Course - Section 1
1 2 3 4
FRACTURE
PRESSURE
PORE
PRESSURE
NORMAL
PRESSURE
D
E 13,000 ft ≈ 4000 mtr
P
T
H
TRANSITION
ZONE
1 - 10
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CONTENTS
Gases and liquids are both fluids. That is they can both flow or be pumped.
Gases are compressible whereas liquids are almost incompressible. This means
that a change of pressure will cause a “large” change of volume of a gas, but the
same change of pressure will cause only a very small change of volume of a liquid.
Gases can be changed into their associated liquids at the correct conditions of
pressure and temperature. This means that a gas is an evaporated (or boiled-off)
liquid and a liquid is a condensed gas.
When the pressure or temperature of a gas change then the volume also changes
according to the appropriate gas laws.
The basic equation of state for a unit of mass (ie 1 mol) of a perfect or ideal gas is:-
When the mass of gas is “n” mols, then the equation of state for a perfect gas becomes:-
TABLE 2.1
2-2
HPHT Course - Section 2
What is the volume of 8 lbm of methane gas (Mol wt = 16) at a pressure of 350 psia
and a temperature 100°F?
SOLUTION
2-3
HPHT Course - Section 2
In many cases drilling operations are planned using a system of units which is
either the SI or Oilfield systems. Some conversion factors between the two systems
are shown in TABLE 2.2.
TABLE 2.2
metres x 3.281 = ft
litres x 0.2642 = US gallons
Kg/litre (or SG) x 8.33 = ppg
bar x 14.504 = psi
bar/10m x 0.4415 = psi/ft
litres/m x 0.0001917 = bbl/ft
Kg x 2.2046 = lb
cm x 2.54 = ins
1 atmosphere x 14.695 = psia
°C x 1.8 + 32 = °F
In some cases metric pressure in units of Kgf/cm2 may be used. In this case the
added conversions are:
In the above table, to convert from Oilfield units to SI, then divide the Oilfield unit
value by the above listed conversion factors.
2-4
HPHT Course - Section 2
Real gases do not behave exactly according to the ideal equation of state [2.11a]
given above, particularly at high pressures and temperatures. To account for such
variations the equation of state is modified to the form:-
The value of Z depends upon the SG of the gas, its pressure and temperature. The
value of Z is 1 at atmospheric conditions and it varies between 1, down to about 0.6
and then up to a value which may be greater than 2.4. The variation of Z for a gas
with a molecular weight of 23.5 is as is shown in FIG 2.1.
FIG 2.1
2.2
200 OF
2.0
GAS COMPRESSIBILITY FACTOR Z
150 OF
1.8 250 OF
1.6 300 OF
1.4
1.2
0.6
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
2-5
HPHT Course - Section 2
2.2.1: The density and pressure gradient of a real gas, of molecular weight M, in
oilfield units and in SI units is given by:-
P.M
Oilfield : w = ––––––––––––– (ppg) Gg = 0.052 x w (psi/ft)
80.3 x Z x T
.001 x P x M
SI : w = –––––––––––––– (Kg/l) Gg = 0.981 x w (bar/10m)
8314 x Z x T = 0.433 x w (psi/ft)
The specific gravity of a gas is measured relative to the density of air rather than
fresh water. (As for liquids and solids.)
A gas has a pressure of 12000 psia and a temperature of 300°F. The molecular
weight is 23.5. What will be its density and pressure gradient. Use FIG 2.1 for the Z
value.
SOLUTION
From FIG 2.1 at 12000 psia and 300°F, the Z value is 1.59. Substituting this into
the density formula (TABLE 2.2), gives:
2-6
HPHT Course - Section 2
If a gas undergoes a change of state from conditions of P1, V1, T1 and Z1 to those
at a new condition of P2, V2, T2 and Z2 (as shown in FIG 2.2) then, from
Eqn 2.21 :
P1 x V1 P2 x V2
––––––– = ––––––– [Eqn 2.31]
Z1 x T 1 Z2 x T2
This assumes that the gas remains as a gas and that there is no change of mass by
leakage or addition.
FIG 2.2
P1 V1 P V
= R = 2 2
Z1 T1 Z2 T2
P1 x V1 = P2 x V2 [Eqn 2.32]
2-7
HPHT Course - Section 2
The density of a gas is proportional to the gas pressure. The gas pressure gradient
formula is given above in 2.2.1.
As a gas bubble is expanded to the surface, its pressure and its pressure gradient
must change (and reduce). However, it can be shown that, as the gas bubble
expands and its gradient reduces, the length of the gas bubble increases so that
the total pressure drop across the bubble is constant for constant T and Z
conditions.
The standard volume of a gas (Std cu m) is the equivalent volume which the gas
would occupy at standard atmospheric conditions of 14.695 psia (usually quoted as
14.70) (1.0132 bar) and 60°F (15.6°C). The value of Zs is taken as 1. Thus a gas
which has a volume of V (cu ft) at P, T and Z will occupy a standard free volume (cu
ft) of:-
P x V x 520 x 1 35.37 x P x V
Vs = –––––––––––––– = –––––––––––– [Eqn 2.41]
14.70 x T x Z TxZ
Vs 35.37 x Pbh
Expn ratio = ––– = –––––––––– [Eqn 2.51]
V Zbh x Tbh
Vs 284.8 x Pbh
For SI Units, the expansion ratio is — = ––––––––––––
V Zbh x Tbh
The expansion ratio of 1 unit of methane gas expanded from a TVD of 14000 ft in a
well with 18.2 ppg mud and BHT of 300°F is shown in FIG 2.3.
2-8
HPHT Course - Section 2
FIG 2.3
Assumed Conditions
Specific
Pressure (Est) Volume of Volume
(18.1ppg) Temp Methane Depth of Gas
PSIG °F ft3 /lb ft ft 3.
2-9
HPHT Course - Section 2
A graph of calculated expansion ratios for a gas (23.5 Mol.Wt) for a well of about
16000 ft TVD (4900m) and with a mud density programme as specified, is shown
in FIG 2.4.
FIG 2.4
340
GAS EXPANSION RATIO
320
3
300
220
2000 3000 4000 5000
CURRENT TVD of Drilling (m)
2 - 10
HPHT Course - Section 2
A 10 bbl (1590 litre) gas kick is taken at 15420 ft (4700m) TVD in a well with 1.95
SG mud and the SIDPP is 350 psi (24.13 bar). The downhole temperature is
estimated to be 320°F (160°C) and the downhole Z value of the gas is 1.677.
Question:
Solution:
Part (a): The bottom hole pressure of the gas influx is:
Pbh = SIDPP + mud hydro = SIDPP + Gm x TVD
= 350 + 1.95 x 0.433 x 15420
= 13370 psig = 13385 psia (935 bar)
Tbh = 320 + 460 = 780°R
Part (b) : The rate of production of gas at the surface for a slow circulation rate of
2.5 bbl/min is then:
2 - 11
HPHT Course - Section 2
FIG 2.5
SIDPP
SICP
Interest Di
Depth of
Mud
Gm m
Ca =
bbl
Linear Gm
Capacity
TVD - D
Gas
Lgas
Gi
Vg
Mud
Gm
Pbh = Ppore
Initial assumptions
The maximum pressure Pi at any depth of interest Di below the surface occurs
when the top of the gas bubble is adjacent to the point at depth Di.
2 - 12
HPHT Course - Section 2
Then:-
Pi = Pbh - Gm x (D - Di - Lg) [a]
To calculate the maximum pressure at the casing shoe, substitute Dshoe in place of
Di. To calculate the maximum pressure at the choke, substitute 0 for Di. The above
analysis is primarily for a surface BOP stack. For a sub-sea well head, the method
can be adapted .
2 - 13
HPHT Course - Section 2
The above anaylsis ignores changes in temperature, gas Z values and also the
pressure drop across the gas influx. Corrections for those can be made and
incorporated into the values of coefficients “b” and “c” as well as modifying the
analysis for the Wait and Weight method of pressure control.
TABLE 2.3
In addition, a set of graphs, as shown in FIG 2.6 can be used to make approximate
estimates of changes in Z values between two circulation depths.
2 - 14
HPHT Course - Section 2
FIG 2.6
SURFACE PRESSURE
Compressibility ratio vs depth for different kill weight muds.
2.0
18
1.9 17
16
1.8
15
1.7 14
13
1.6
12
1.5 11
Z=Z2 /Z1
1.3 Z
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
Calculate : (a) The maximum pressure at the casing shoe and the associated
choke pressure. Has the MAASP been exceeded?
2 - 15
HPHT Course - Section 2
Solution:
Part (a) :
= 16.06 bbl.
Hence the pressure at the choke, with the gas at the shoe is:
Hence the MAASP has not been exceeded neither at shut-in (830 psig) at the
shoe (810 psig).
2 - 16
HPHT Course - Section 2
Part (b) :
The method used in Section 2.6.1 can be adapted to calculate the pressure at the
choke for the sub-sea wellhead condition. Refer to FIG 2.7.
FIG 2.7
L is the vertical depth from the RKB
Pdp Pck
to the sub-sea wellhead.
Cc ft/bbl
For the condition when the influx is L
Di
at the top of the annulus, Di = L and
the value of the pressure at the top
of the annulus and the choke pressure Mud Line
Ca ft/bbl
Once this has been done, the maximum D
pressure at the choke, when the gas is Hm Mud Wm ppg
at the choke will be approximately:
Pbh
Pckmax = Pckwhd + L x (Gm - Gg) [Eqn 2.64]
2 - 17
HPHT Course - Section 2
In most simplified kick analyses it is assumed that the kick is non-dispersed among
the mud. ie it is assumed that a gas influx is a single large gas bubble. Non-
dispersed kicks do occur in the cases where an influx is swabbed in or when the
well flows with no mud circulation from the pumps.
However, in cases of drilled kicks, when the well flows whilst the mud is being
circulated, the influx will be mixed with and dispersed within the mud as the influx
enters, as shown in FIG 2.8. As a consequence the following may be deduced:
FIG 2.8
(a) (b)
Mud
0.046 bbl/ft (a) 5 bbl non-dispersed influx
for same
SICP-SIDPP = 86 psi Dispersed
Mud Gm = 0.75 psi/ft Kick Zone
Gi (by "standard"
formula) = 0.235 psi/ft
(b) The influx will be dispersed much higher up the annulus than the value from
the simple calculation. This means that the influx will arrive at the choke
sometime earlier than expected.
(c) The influx gradient and density will in fact be lower than those calculated
by the method :
Gi = Gm - (SICP - SIDPP)/Hi
(d) These will result in a slightly lower kick tolerance than may be expected from
the usual calculations.
2 - 18
HPHT Course - Section 2
The main reason why the more accurate calculation of influx gradient is not made is
that the time interval of flow, whilst the mud is being circulated and the influx enters,
must be known. This is at present unlikely to be available, with any reliability, on
the rig.
A 26 bbl gas influx entered a well whilst the pumps were running. The SICP and
SIDPP values recorded were as 650 and 300 psig, with current mud of 12.0 ppg at
11500 ft TVD. The time interval of flow was estimated to be 5 minutes and the mud
circulation was 8 bbl/min whilst the influx flowed.
(b) The height and volume of the mixed zone and the influx gradient
for this case.
2 - 19
HPHT Course - Section 2
SOLUTION
= 0.172 psi/ft.
66 x 350
= 0.624 - ––––––––––– = 0.084 psi/ft.
26 x 1646
This is only about 49% of the value calculated by the simpler method, for a
non-dispersed kick.
2 - 20
HPHT Course - Section 2
If the buoyancy force is greater than the weight of the immersed body, then this
body will rise upwards within the fluid. This is called migration (or percolation).
Generally, if an immersed body has a density which is less than the surrounding
fluid, then it will migrate upwards. The greater the density difference, the greater will
be the migration rate, all other factors being equal.
The factors which govern the rate of migration of an immersed body are:
Gas
Weight
Liquid
2 - 21
HPHT Course - Section 2
If a gas bubble migrates in a static shut-in well and it is not allowed to expand, then
the gas pressure will not change (except for temperature changes), and so it will
bring formation pressure up with it. This means that all well-bore, bottom-hole and
surface pressures will also rise, with consequent dangers to the well. See FIG 2.10
FIG 2.10
Vg
Pp
Vg
Ppore Ppore
This is usually quoted as lying in the range 450 to about 1500 ft/hr.
However, recent research, published in June 1993, indicates that even in a shut-in
well, free gas migration rates ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THOSE
VALUES.
Experiments on real wells and computer studies have confirmed that gas cooling,
2 - 22
HPHT Course - Section 2
mud seepage to open hole sections and wellbore elasticity can give values of SICP
and SIDPP which are much lower than they would be otherwise. If gas migration
rates are calculated on surface-read changes in SICP and SIDPP, then they are
likely to produce gas migration rates which are significantly lower than true values.
In this case, pressure at the choke is bled off until the SIDPP has fallen to its
original value by an amount dP. This allows the gas to expand by an amount dV1
and a similar volume of mud issues from the choke. It also allows the BH pressure
to fall to its original value. This process is repeated periodically. Since the gas is
allowed to expand in the annulus, the SICP will not fall back to its starting value.
The anticipated pressure profile for the SIDPP and SICP is as shown in FIG 2.11.
Eventually, the gas may be brought to the choke and the situation is then similar
to the first circulation of the Driller’s Method with the gas at the choke.
FIG 2.11
SICP
Pressure
SIDPP
Time
In this situation, no U-tube exists, and the SICP is used to monitor pressures. It is
then necessary to allow gas to migrate to the surface and control surface (and
bottom hole pressure) by the volumetric method.
2 - 23
HPHT Course - Section 2
Research carried out in the UK and Norway indicates that, when the pumps are
started and circulation is established, the gas migration rate is likely to be much
higher than the values quoted above. The shear-thinning effects on the mud and
reduced gels allow larger gas bubbles to overtake smaller ones, when circulation
is in progress.
Data on this has been published in the paper “Gas Rise Velocities During Kicks” by
A.B.Johnson and D.B White (SPE Drilling Engineering December 1991 pp256-263).
This migration velocity is added to the upward velocity of the mud in the annulus as
the kick is circulated. This has the effect of causing gas to arrive at the surface
much earlier than anticipated, and higher gas flow-rates to be produced.
NB: The above has been written with respect to gases. For liquid influxes, the
laws of buoyancy still apply as they do with solids (eg wood) in liquids. The
relative incompressibility of a liquid influx is likely to mask any significant
changes in SIDPP or SICP. The fact that no such changes may be recorded
should not be taken to imply that liquid or dense gas influxes do not migrate.
2 - 24
HPHT Course - Section 2
Gas influxes must be allowed to expand. The initial SICP should obviously be less
than MAASP, but to circulate a gas kick safely, then it is also necessary that the
choke pressure of the expanding gas at the casing shoe should not exceed
MAASP.
Kick Tolerance is the maximum tolerable gas influx volume which can be taken and
circulated safely to the surface.
FIG 2.12
MAASP
SICP
0 E L PRESSURE
DEPTH (TVD)
Mud
Gra
di
ent/
Pre
ssure
Line
Shoe S N K
Fra
H max (gas)
ctu
re
F
Lin
e
D
M
A H1 (gas)
B
C
Phyd Ppore
SIDPP
2 - 25
HPHT Course - Section 2
From the diagram it can be shown that the maximum tolerable influx length Hmax,
either at the bottom of the hole or at the shoe is given by:
MAASP - SIDPP
Hmax = –––––––––––––– [Eqn 2.91]
Gm - Gi
When the value of SIDPP is > 0, then this is for a drilled kick.
When the value of SIDPP = 0, then this is for a swabbed kick, with the bit stripped
back to bottom.
(i) at the casing shoe, which is then reduced to an equivalent volume at the bottom
of the hole, or
(ii) at shut-in, and then converted back into a volume at bottom hole.
The Kick Tolerance is the smaller of the values calculated from (i) and (ii).
For many applications of a drilled kick, it is most likely that the value of Hmax for
the bottom hole condition will determine the kick tolerance.
HOWEVER in cases where there are long open hole sections, the value of Hmax at
the shoe may be the more important and thus set the kick tolerance.
Kick Tolerance, for oilfield unis, may also be expressed in terms of tolerable SG
addition, from Eqn 2.91, as follows :
Further work on this topic is contained in the paper “Understanding Kick Tolerance
and its Significance in Drilling Planning and Execution”,
by K.P Redman (SPE Drilling Engineering December 1991 pp 245-249).
2 - 26
HPHT Course - Section 2
FIG 2.13
Tolerable SIDPP
Circulate
Kick Out
Calculate the Kick Tolerance for a gas influx with gradient of .15 psi/ft for a
SIDPP = 450 psig.
Solution
2 - 27
HPHT Course - Section 2
The equivalent volume of this gas at bottom hole conditions, by Boyle’s Law is:
Thus the kick tolerance for this influx condition is 32.7 bbl rather than 34.1 bbl.
NB. In some cases the W & W method will give a greater safety margin on
formation breakdown than the Driller’s method. The condition for this
benefit is:
The W & W method, however, will usually always give a lower value of maximum
2 - 28
HPHT Course - Section 2
2 - 29
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CONTENTS
Liquid reservoirs
Here the reservoir fluid is a homogeneous liquid and the following points may
be noted:
a) A liquid influx will remain as a liquid, but some gas may be produced
downstream of the choke, if the liquid has dissolved gas within it. An
average gas production rate in North Sea hydrocarbon liquid reservoirs
is about 1,000 - 1,500 SCF/Res bbl of oil.
b) The liquid will not mix with water based muds, although the kick may
be dispersed in the mud. A liquid influx will mix readily with the oil phase
of oil based muds.
c) The pressure at the choke will change only a little as the influx is
circulated to the choke. The measured pit gain will be a reasonably
accurate measure of the influx volume.
Gas reservoirs
Those are reservoirs in which the fluid is free gas and when this is produced
to surface, there is free dry gas at the surface.
a) Such a gas influx will not dissolve readily in water-based muds, the
solubility being about 1% of the gas solubility in oils.
d) An influx from a free gas reservoir in an oil based mud will dissolve
readily in the oil phase of the OBM.
e) A dissolved gas influx in OBM will behave as a liquid influx until its
bubble point pressure is reached, after which large volumes of gas may
be released in the annulus, with rapid rises in choke pressure.
f) The measured pit gain will generally be somewhat smaller than the true
free gas influx volume, the discrepancy becoming larger at low
pressures.
3-2
HPHT Course - Section 3
The effects of such kicks on choke pressure are indicated in FIG 3.1.
FIG 3.1
A&C
A
C Q
PUMP STROKES
3-3
HPHT Course- Section 3
a) For pressures above the bubble point line and below the critical
temperature, ie ZONE A: the material in the reservoir is a liquid.
b) For pressures above the dew point line, ie ZONE B: the material in
the reservoir is a gas.
c) For material outside the dew point line ie ZONE C: the material is
always a gas.
FIG. 3.2
De
6000
w
Critical CP
Po
Point
int
Lin
e
ine
Pressure psig
oint L
2 - Phase Zone D
10%
le P
25
bb
%
40
Bu
4
2
0
-200 400 800
Temperature °F
3-4
HPHT Course - Section 3
Graphs of the solubility of (a) methane gas (CH4) in diesel and (b) the
solubility of methane, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in
diesel are shown in FIGS 3.3 and 3.4.
FIG. 3.3
600°F
500°F
400°F
200°F
8
Gas solubility to
1000 scf CH4/std bbl Oil
achieve saturation.
Increase of
6 temperature reduces
pressure to get
saturation.
4
At constant pressure,
increase of
temperature increases
2 saturation.
FIG. 3.4
8 Meth
ane
4
e
oxid
rbon Di
Ca
Ethane lphide
gen Su
Hydro
0
100 200 300 400
Temperature, °F
3-5
HPHT Course- Section 3
It should be further noted that the solubility of hydrocarbon gases in water is about
1% of the solubility in hydrocarbon liquids.
However, when a gas kick enters a well-bore with oil-based mud, the gas
dissolves in the oil phase of the OBM, producing a new fluid mixture, which
will have an entirely unique phase equilibrium diagram, with the new mixture
being in the liquid phase of the phase relationship. This liquid will have its
own distinctive bubble point pressure, depending upon the gas/liquid
concentration and temperature.
Thomas, Lea and Turek in their paper “Gas Solubility in Oil-Based Drilling
Fluids-Effects on Kick Detection” (SPE 11115 1982), conclude the following:
a) Pit gain (in 1982) was the most reliable kick indicator in both WBM and OBM.
Regardless of solubility or not, there is a volume increase which should be
detectable.
c) The pit gain detected is limited to the “condensed” volume of the free gas
entering from the reservoir.
d) As a gas influx dissolves in the oil phase of the OBM, this masks the surface
responses of pit gain and flow, which are less pronounced than in WBM.
3-6
HPHT Course - Section 3
The consequence of this is that a small, undetected, dissolved swab of 1/4 bbl may
not be detected until it reaches its bubble point and becomes 75 bbl of free gas in
the annulus just below the slip joint.
A gas influx of 10 bbl flowed into a well in a period of 10 minutes, when the mud
circulation rate was 8 bbl/min. The bottom hole pressure was 12,000 psia, the
gas Z value was 1.7 and the temperature was 260°F.
Calculate :
a) The gas/mud and the gas/oil concentrations, if the oil volume factor in the
oil-based mud was 0.55.
b) The bubble point pressure when the temperature was 140°F and the gas
SG relative to air was 0.75. Use the formula given in Equation 3.32 in the
REFERENCE to Section 3.
SOLUTION
Part (a)
Hence the kick influx rate was Qgk = 19,471/10 = 1,947 SCF/min.
3-7
HPHT Course- Section 3
Part (b)
The bubble point pressure will be the saturation pressure at which the above is the
gas/oil concentration at 140°F.
Using the values for “a” and “b” as quoted in Equation 3.3.1 and calculating “n”
from:
This value is then substituted in Equation 3.3.2 to calculate the bubble point
pressure as:
Pb = a x Tb x Rgo1/n
The rate at which drilled gas is released into the mud in the annulus is related to
the volumetric rate at which the rock is being drilled and to the gas content of the
pore spaces:
The rate of release of drilled gas into the annulus is likely to be small in relation to
the rate of inflow in a kick situation. This produces very low gas/oil concentrations
in the mud, if the gas dissolves, and those would produce low bubble point
pressures.
3-8
HPHT Course - Section 3
Some typical drilled gas/oil concentrations are shown in FIG 3.5 below.
TVD = 15,000 ft
ROP = 100 ft/hr
Mud = 15 ppg
Gas/oil = 10 SCF/bbl oil in mud
Bubble pt = 67 psig
Depth = 86 ft to bubble point
FIG 3.5
Drilled Gas Concentration SCF/bbl Oil in Mud
15
15 ppg 4,000 ft
10 15 ppg 8,000 ft
5 15 ppg 15,000 ft
20 40 60 80 100
Penetration Rate ft/hr
Kick gas is likely to enter a well at a very much higher rate than drilled gas,
due to the pressure underbalance. It is not generally possible to measure the
rate at which a reservoir flows, in a drilling situation, but some estimates can
be made using a radial transient flow model and some typical values are
shown on the graphs in FIG 3.6.
3-9
HPHT Course- Section 3
FIG 3.6
4000
3000
Gas Kick Inflow Rate SCF/min
Gas SG = 0.60
2000
Gas SG = 0.65
Gas SG = 0.70
1000
SIDPP - psia
If there is drilled gas plus influx flowing gas then the total gas production flow-rate
will be Qdg + Qkg = Qg. However, as indicated above, the drilled gas rate is so
small in relation to the influx flow-rate that it is reasonable to neglect it.
3 - 10
HPHT Course - Section 3
It is normal to assume, with water based muds, that the pit gain as measured for
a drilled kick is the same as the influx volume.
It has been indicated above that when a kick gas dissolves in an oil based mud,
the pit gain is limited to the CONDENSED volume of the influx gas, and so:
In this case the “influx” was 3 bbl and the “measured pit gain” was 2.72 bbl. ie the
ratio:
O’Bryan and Borgoyne in their paper “Swelling of Oil-Base Drilling Fluids Due to
Dissolved Gas” (SPE Paper No 16676 Dallas Sept 1987) base a simple method
(and approximate) for predicting this “expansion ratio” upon the behaviour of
methane/diesel solutions. Typical graphs of the swelling of such solutions from
20,000 psia to bubble points at 100, 200, 300 and 400°F are given in the paper,
and shown below in FIGS 3.7(a) and 3.7(b).
FIG 3.7(a)
1.4
T = 200 °F
Oil = No.2 Diesel
Gas = Methane
1.3
Volume Factor Bo, BBL/STB
e
ur
ss
re
tP
1.2
in
800 SCF
Po
/STB
le
bb
Bu
600
1.1
400
200
1.0
0
Miscibility Pressure
0.9
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Pressure (1000's psia)
3 - 11
HPHT Course- Section 3
FIG 3.7(b)
1.4
T = 300 °F
Oil = No.2 Diesel
Gas = Methane
1.3
Volume Factor Bo, BBL/STB
e
ur
ss
re
tP
1.2
in
Po
le
bb
600 SCF
/STB
Bu
1.1 400
200
1.0 0
Miscibility Pressure
0.9
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Pressure (1000's psia)
The method for determining the influx multiplier, for a dissolved gas kick is shown
below by means of worked example:
A gas influx has entered a well while drilling ahead and the gas is believed to
have dissolved in the oil-based mud. The following is the relevant data:
b) The bubble point pressure if the gas is released when the temperature is
about 150°F.
3 - 12
HPHT Course - Section 3
SOLUTION:
PART (a)
(i) From the graph on FIG 3.6 the rate of gas inflow for the above conditions
is given as 2154 SCF/min (Qgk) at a SIDPP of 700 psi.
(ii) The gas/mud concentration for the contaminated mud zone is:
FIG 3.8
1.4
c = Bo = 0.9836 T = 200 °F
Oil = No.2 Diesel
d = Bog = 1.123 Gas = Methane
1.3
Volume Factor Bo, BBL/STB
e
ur
ss
re
Miscibility Pressure
tP
1.2
in
800 SCF
Po
/STB
le
bb
d b
Bu
600
1.1
400
200
1.0 a
c 0
(v) Enter the graph at a pressure of 13,679 psia and draw a line vertically up
from this to cut the 600 SCF/bbl gas/oil line at point “b” and the zero
concentration line at “a”.
Draw horizontal lines from “b” and “a” to cut the end vertical axis (volume
factors)
.
(vi) Scale off from the vertical axis the values of Bog and Bo as the volume factors
for the 600 SCF/bbl solution and pure diesel.
3 - 13
HPHT Course- Section 3
(vii) Calculate the pit gain (bbl) per 1,000 SCF of dissolved gas from:
(viii) Calculate the pit gain which would have been seen, per 1,000 SCF of
undissolved gas (ie as if in a water based mud) from:
This means that the pit gain of 7.5 bbl dissolved gas represented
1.75 x 7.5 = 13.1 bbl of free gas influx.
PART (b)
To estimate the bubble point pressure at 150°F, use the graphs in FIG 3.7 for 100
and 200°F at 600 SCF/bbl and interpolate between to get the Pbp value at 150°F,
as follows:
= 4033 psig
3 - 14
HPHT Course - Section 3
Part (c).
The pressure at the choke will stay almost constant while the gas remains in
solution. Hence at the bubble point depth,
This example indicates that the pit gain as measured, for a dissolved gas influx, is
less than the real volume of dense free gas flowing from the reservoir.
This will be the case when the pumps are running, as for a drilled kick. In the case
of a swabbed kick, with the pumps off, there will be only a small amount of mixing
and the influx gas will not dissolve fully, at least until gas streaming causes
sufficient mixing for this to occur. In the case of no mixing, the recorded trip tank
gain will be approximately equal to the influx volume.
The graphs shown in FIG 3.7 also show that the bubble point pressure reduces as
the gas/oil concentration is reduced. This means that a small dissolved influx may
not reach its bubble point pressure until it has passed through the choke.
In a recent publication by Lindsay & White, the "influx volume/pit gain" ratio
described above has been drawn in graphical form for an 88:12 OWR oil-based
mud between 2,000 and 9,000 ft TVD. This is shown below in FIG 3.9.
FIG 3.9
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
BOTTOM HOLE PRESSURE (PSI)
3 - 15
HPHT Course- Section 3
3 - 16
HPHT Course - Section 3
n
[ ]
P
Rso = ––––– [Eqn 3.31]
a.Tb
Where:
Rso =
saturation gas/liquid concentration, SCF/bbl
P =
saturation, or bubble point pressure, psia
T mixture temperature °R
=
a =
a constant = 1.922 for hydrocarbon gas in base oil
b =
a constant = 0.2552 for hydrocarbon gas in base oil
n an index = 1.24 - 1.08 x SGg + 1.16 x SGg2, for
=
hydrocarbon gas in base oil
SGg = gas specific gravity, relative to air.
From this it can thus be shown that the bubble point pressure for a
specific gas/liquid concentration of Rgo is:
The rate at which drilled gas is released into the mud in the annulus is
related to the volumetric rate at which the rock is being drilled and to the
gas content of the pore spaces:
P b x d 2 x f x Sg x Rp
Qgd = –––––––––––––––––––– SCF/min [Eqn 3.41]
310.97 x Zb x Tb
3 - 17
HPHT Course- Section 3
The radial flow rate of kick for a uniform thickness transient gas reservoir is
given by:
k x h x (Pf2 - Pb2)
Qgk = –––––––––––––––––––––––– MSCF/day [Eqn 3.42]
1424 x Pd x Zb x Tb x µ
3 - 18
D RI L LI N G S
EE N C
RD
HO
• ABE
OL S •
HPHT Course
& WEL
N TRE
CE
L
ON G
C
TR O L T R AI NIN
GUIDANCE NOTES
Flexible Hoses
Strict attention must be given to the flexible hoses to ensure that they are
designed for appropriate temperatures, pressures and well fluids. The hose
should be checked to ensure that it is the correct length for the given stack.
Chokes
The choke manifold should be equipped with two remote hydraulic chokes
and at least one manually operated choke.
MGS Instrumentation
The MGS should be instrumented and controlled so that the working
pressure is not exceeded.
MGS Bypass
An alternative method to dispose of produced fluids must be provided in
the event the capacity of the MGS is exceeded.
4-2
HPHT Course - Section 4
Continuous Emergency
Service Service
Equipment Rating(1 Month) Rating(1 Hour) Pressure (psi)
4-3
HPHT Course - Section 4
MUD/GAS SEPARATOR
FIG. 2
10" DOWN TO
THERMO-COUPLE SHAKER
AND PRESSURE HEADER BOX
TRANSDUCER
FLOW LINE FLANGE
18"
10" Sch. 80 PIPE
3', 1"
27' - 5"
24' - 4"
MUD
HEAD
THROUGHPUT PERFORMANCE
BY-PASS AT 60 DEG F. GAS FLOW
PRESSURE (psi) (mm scf/day)
32 50.0
30 47.6
28 45.2
26 42.8
24 40.4
22 37.9
20 35.5
O AD
18 NL N 33.0
U
RGI
16 MA 30.4 20" PIPE
SI X - STG
14 6P 27.8
H
IT
12 W 25.1
OAD
10
UNL 22.4
10" PIPE Sch. 80
8 19.5 INSIDE
6 16.4
4 13.0
2 8.9 6" TO TRIP TANK
0
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
FLUID DENSITY Lb/gal
4-4
HPHT Course - Section 4
VENT TO TOP OF
DERRICK
10" VENT LINE
MGS
PRESSURE
SENSOR
8
FROM C & K
36" DIAMETER MANIFOLD, 4" PIPE REMOTELY
MUD - GAS ACTUATED
SEPERATOR VALVES
DOWNSTREAM
CHOKE TEMP.
SENSOR
6
DOWNSTREAM
REMOTE 5 CHOKE TEMP.
CHOKE SENSOR
TO PORT
MAIN DECK LEVEL FLARE LINE
6 Meters
TO
STARBOARD
DIP TUBE FLARE LINE
PRESSURE
SENSOR
7
UPSTREAM
KILL LINE TEMP.
4 GLYCOL
SENSOR
INJECTION
POINT
SHEAR
RAMS
5" B B1
RAMS
VARIABLE
RAMS
C C1 5" A A1
RAMS
H-4
SEABED CONNECTOR
4-5
HPHT Course - Section 4
STARBOARD PORT
TO MGS VALVE
ALARM
VALVE STATUS TO BOP TEMP. SENSOR
MANUAL CHOKE
REMOTE CHOKE
REMOTE CHOKE
CHOKE/KILL
MANIFOLD
MUD GLYCOL
BYPASS MANIFOLD INJECTION
CMT UNIT
CHOKE LINE
ANNULAR
RAM
HCR VALVE
RAM
KILL LINE
RAM
RAM HCR VALVE
15 M BOP STACK
4-6
HPHT Course - Section 4
KILL SYSTEM
Kill Pump
A 15,000 psi kill pump capable of slow circulation rates +/- 0.5 bbls/min
should be available. There should be a good communications link between
the kill pump and rig floor. Consideration should be given to equipping the
kill pump for remote operations from the rig floor. There should also be a
choke on the bleed down line to reduce erosion of plug type valves when
bleeding off pressure.
Minimum pit level indicator requirements are 2 pit level indicators per
active tank for semi submersibles. All tanks should be monitored and
include a pit volume totaliser.
4-7
D RI L LI N G S
EE N C
RD
HO
• ABE
OL S •
HPHT Course
& WEL
N TRE
CE
L
ON G
C
TR O L T R AI NIN
CONTENTS
It should be noted that Vbh is the free gas influx volume at bottom hole conditions.
In a water-based mud this will equal the measured pit-gain, but in an oil-based
mud with a dissolved gas kick, the pit gain correction factor should be introduced.
2200 2200
1 .3
ft
00
ft :
/1
s i/
F
°F
0p
250°
0
.3
0.9
:1
i/ft
°F
°F
°F
°F
ft
ps
00
350
280
300
32 0
5
1
0.8
F/
5°
.2
:1
2100 2100
i/ft
0 ps
0.8
2000 2000
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Well TVD - 10005 ft Bottom Hole pressure - 10005 psia
5-2
HPHT Course - Section 5
The graphs in FIGS 5.1(a) and (b) indicate the relative values of such
expansion factors at constant mud weights against depth (FIG 5.1a) and at
constant bottom hole temperatures against bottom hole pressures (FIG 5.1b)
for a gas with SG = 0.7 relative to air (MWt = 20.3).
A 10 bbbl gas kick is taken at a TVD of 16500 ft in a well with 0.9 psi/ft mud and
a temperature gradient of 1.35°F/100 ft. The slow pump rate is to be 2.5 bbl/min.
The gas SG relative to air is estimated to be 0.65.
(b) The gas flowrate at the outlet from the MGS,in MMSCF/Day.
SOLUTION:
(a) From the graph for 0.9 psi/ft mud and 1.35°F/100 ft temperature
gradient, the gas expansion ratio is measured as 2194 SCF/bbl.
(b) The gas flowrate at the MGS outlet, for a pump rate of 2.5 bbl/min is:
It is obviously necessary, when choosing the slow pump speed, to ensure that
the gas production rate calculated as above does not exceed the handling
capacity of the MGS.
(a) adequate pressure integrity for the highest anticipated pressures. This will
be at least 15000 psi with test pressures of 22500 psi for HP wells.
(b) adequate temperature range capability without loss of the main physical
properties. This will be at least 250°F for continuous operation and 320°F
for 1 hour. Sub-zero temperatures on the downstream side of the chokes
will also be likely.
(e) An adequate buffer chamber between the downstream side of the chokes
and the mud gas separator, to dampen out pressure surges and
accommodate slugs of mud/gas.
(f) A means of by-passing the mud gas separator, rapidly, in the event of the
blow-down pressure rating of the MGS being approached, so that the
pressure in the MGS can be reduced and the well can be shut in safely.
FIG 5.2
Glycol
Injection
Point
CHICKSAN
CONNECTION
TO KILL
STANDPIPE IN
DERRICK
TO 3" DST
STANDPIPE
IN DERRICK CHOKE
LINE
FROM MUD
MANIFOLD
REMOTE
CHOKE
MANUAL
CHOKE TO MANUAL
CHOKE
CHICKSAN STRIPPING
CONNECTION
MANUAL TANK
CHOKE REMOTE
CHOKE
FROM TO 4:1
CEMENT DEBOOSTER
PUMP KILL
LINE AND
CHICKSAN
CONNECTION
BUFFE
RTANK
TO PORT
FLAREBOOM
TO STARBOARD
FLAREBOOM
KILL PUMP
TO TO
KILL LINE CHOKE LINE
(CHOKE & KILL (CHOKE & KILL
MANIFOLD) MANIFOLD)
POORBOY
DEGASSER
18 - 21ft
SEAL
TRIP SENSORS IN
TANK MUD PITROOM
5-4
HPHT Course - Section 5
In the manifold indicated, all equipment from the 3" choke line and HCR valves
through the various choke valves to the entry to the buffer chamber is rated at
15000 psi working pressure. All valve stem seals using elastomers should have
those rated as for any elastomers connected to the BOP stack. The buffer
chamber and the lines and valves leading into it are rated at 10000 psi, whilst
the lines downstream of the buffer chamber leading to the mud gas separator
are rated at 5000 psi.
The remote, hydraulic chokes may be either bean type or plate type and the
flow through those is either like flow through a nozzle or flow through a
sharp-edged orifice, as shown in FIG 5.3.
FIG 5.3
Unfortunately the compressibility effects of gases mean that the flow of gases
through an orifice or nozzle is more complex than that of a liquid. There is also
a "critical pressure ratio" for the flow of gases through a nozzle or orifice and
this means that if the downstream pressure is less than that specified by the
critical pressure ratio, then the nozzle or orifice flow is said to be “choked”, ie it
is not capable of flowing more fluid regardless of how low the downstream
pressure is, unless the upstream pressure is raised or the orifice size is
increased. For natural gases the critical pressure ratio is about 0.544. In such
cases of choked flow, the flow through the orifice is directly dependent on the
upstream pressure.
5-5
HPHT Course - Section 5
For a gas of SG 0.65 and upstream temperature of 120°F and for an orifice with
a 1" diameter in a 3" diameter choke line, the gas flowrates are:
Because gases have very low densities and viscosities, compared to liquids, a
given pressure drop across a choke valve will flow much larger volumes of gas
than mud or hydrocarbon liquids. However, if the choke orifice or nozzle is
“Flow Choked” as described above, the upstream pressure will be self adjusting
to allow the appropriate gas flowrate for the actual choke aperture. This means
that when gas starts to flow through the choke, large and rapid changes in
choke pressure can occur, causing difficulty in maintaining constant bottom hole
pressure.
5-6
HPHT Course - Section 5
Experiences in the early 1980’s with influxes of high pressure gas in deep wells
indicated that in some cases the capacity ratings of the surface handling
equipment, in particular the liquid seal tubes, vent lines and mud gas separators
(Poor Boy Degassers), were not adequate to circulate the influx safely out of the
well, at the “normal” slow circulating rates, although influx volumes and shut-in
pressures indicated that anticipated maximum well-head pressures could be
safely accommodated.
Typical mud gas separators in use at that time are shown overleaf in FIG 5.4
and are vertical in design. The liquid seal was achieved by either a U-tube or a
dip-tube with a liquid seal height of about 10 ft and a vent tube of about 6"
diameter. In addition separator capacity was usually less than 10 MMSCFD.
FIG 5.4
2" Siphon
Breaker
Siphon
Breaker
Usually Fitted
Dip Tube
Height
Drain
Shaker
Trough
TRIP-TANK API
U-TUBE
MOUNTED DESIGN
(b) The range of fluid rheologies likely, from heavy mud to gas and
even hydrocarbon liquid or condensate.
5-7
HPHT Course - Section 5
Generally there are 2 common types of design ie the vertical and the horizontal.
An example of a recent vertical MGS design is shown in FIG 5.5.
FIG 5.5
PRESSURE
SENSOR/GAUGE
➝
"GAS"
➝
➝
➝
FROM
➝
BUFFER MGS CHAMBER
TANK 30" TO 48" DIA
BAFFLE
PLATES
➝
"LIQUID" POOL
GAS/CUT
➝
SHAKER
DIP OR SEAL TUBE ➝ h PIT
➝
PRESSURE
SENSOR
5-8
HPHT Course - Section 5
5-9
HPHT Course - Section 5
FIG 5.6a
4.0 ft dia
12
Separation Capacity MMSCF/Day
10
3.5 ft dia
8
3.0 ft dia
6
2.5 ft dia
Gas SG = 0.70
2 Pressure inside MGS = 5.0 psig
MGS Temp = 60°F
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Liquid Density in MGS (ppg)
FIG 5.6b
12
4.0 ft dia
Separation Capacity MMSCF/Day
10
3.5 ft dia
8
3.0 ft dia
6
2.5 ft dia
4
Gas SG = 0.70
2 Pressure inside MGS = 9.0 psig
MGS Temp = 60°F
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Liquid Density in MGS (ppg)
5 - 10
HPHT Course - Section 5
The flowrate into the MGS governs the velocity in the vent line and thus the
friction pressure loss of the vent line. The Weymouth formula (Given in the
appendix to this section) is commonly used to calculate the pressure loss along
the vent line for a range of gas gravities. Generally the heavier the gas, the
greater will be the pressure loss and the blowdown pressure for a particular gas
flowrate.
For an 8" vent line with an equivalent length of 250 ft, the blowdown pressures
for a range of flowrates are shown in FIG 5.7.
FIG 5.7
Gas SG = 0.70
5 ID = 7.625" (8" nominal)
Temp = 60°F
8 10 12 14 16 18
Gas Flowrate MMSCF/Day
The blowdown pressure inside the MGS is also related to the hydrostatic
pressure at the base of the liquid seal dip tube or U-tube by the formula below:
5 - 11
HPHT Course - Section 5
It cannot be assumed that the liquid gradient in the dip tube is that of the mud.
At best, the mud gradient is likely to be heavily gas-cut. At worst it is likely to be
gas-cut condensate liquid, with a gradient of 0.3 psi/ft. This is used in worst-
case scenario estimates. For a dip-tube of 18 ft and 0.3 psi/ft liquid gradient, the
maximum tolerable blowdown pressure inside the MGS would then be 4.8 psig.
If the blowdown capacity exceeds the separation capacity, then this means that
liquid droplets will be carried over into the vent line.
This is regarded, from bitter experience, as being much too arbitrary for the
correct operation of the MGS in HPHT wells with gas kicks.
From the gas expansion factor, Eqn 5.1.1, the gas formation volume factor can
be calculated from:
Bg = 1/Vsc bbl/SCF
It can then be shown that the correct slow circulating mud rate, Scr, for a MGS
with a specific 10 MMSCF/Day separating capacity is given by:
Or, for a MGS in which the separation capacity is Cmgs MMSCF/Day, then
the optimum slow circulation rate will be:
5 - 12
HPHT Course - Section 5
FIG 5.8
4.0
BHT = 350°F
Slow Circulation Rate bbl/min
3.0
BHT = 250°F
2.5
This may produce Scr values which are significantly lower than those which may
sustainable by a normal triplex mud pump. In such a case a special kill pump or
a cement pump may be used. For such a case, the correct slow circulating
pressure (assuming FCP has been reached) will be:
The following data applies to a gas influx taken while drilling a gas condensate
zone in a HPHT well with a water based mud.
5 - 13
HPHT Course - Section 5
It is estimated that the gradient of the liquid in the MGS seal will be 0.5 psi/ft
when the gas is flowing through the MGS.
(a) The overall gas expansion factor from bottom hole to standard
surface conditions.
(f) The safety margin between blowdown and separation at the optimum
SC rate.
(g) The slow circulation pressure at the optimum slow circulating rate.
SOLUTION
(a) The overall gas expansion factor is calculated from Eqn 5.1.1:
= 14265 psia.
5 - 14
HPHT Course - Section 5
(c) The separating capacity for a 3.5 ft ID MGS at 9 psig can be obtained
from the graphs in FIG 5.6(b).
(d) The optimum slow circulating speed is calculated from Equation 5.3.3.2
or from the graph FIG 5.8.
By calculation:
(e) The blowdown capacity of the 8" vent line at a pressure of 9 psig in
the MGS is taken from the graph on FIG 5.7:
At 9 psig, blowdown for 0.7 SG gas in an 8" x 180 ft vent line is about
18.25 MMSCF/day.
(f) Hence the safety margin between separation and blowdown is about
18.25 - 5.75 = 12.5 MMSCF/day.
(g) The slow circulating pressure at this reduced rate will be:
It should be noted that the selected optimum slow circulation rate for the
operation of the MGS need not be used from the start of the circulation process.
Low and Jansen suggest that the circulation process should initially be started
as quickly as possible with as high a circulation rate as is feasible for the safe
circulation past the casing shoe. They then indicate that this circulation should
be stopped when it is estimated that the influx (or dispersed kick) is about 4000
ft below the surface and the well then shut in. Thereafter circulation should be
re-established, possibly with a kill pump, at the optimum slow circulation rate
and appropriate DP circulating pressure until the influx is evacuated from the
well.
5 - 15
HPHT Course - Section 5
The temperatures at the BOP and choke line are likely to be of importance in a
well control operation from 2 aspects:
Computer model predictions of both the sub-sea BOP temperature and surface
choke temperatures (produced by TEMPEST program) for a deep HPHT well
for various uncontrolled flowrates through the choke are shown in FIG 5.9. In a
normal well control kill operation it is estimated that the SS BOP temperature
would be about 250°F.
FIG 5.9
300
250
200
Temperature at Sub-Sea BOP °F
150
Predicted Surface
Choke Temp °F
100
5 - 16
HPHT Course - Section 5
At special slow circulation rates, other computer simulations indicate that there
is a cooling effect from the SS BOP up to the choke of between 12°F and 48°F,
as shown in FIG 5.10, for 8.375 - 8.5" open hole sections.
FIG 5.10
130
120
TEMPERATURE (°F)
110
100
90
80
70
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
5 - 17
HPHT Course - Section 5
Hydrates are ice-like solids which are formed when gases are flowing in the
presence of small quantities of water vapour.
The temperatures at which hydrates can form may be well above the
temperature at which pure ice would normally be formed, particularly at
pressures above atmospheric. A typical set of graphs showing the temperatures
and pressures at which hydrates can form in hydrocarbon gas-flow situations is
shown in FIG 5.11. If a pressure/temperature plot for a particular gas is below
the line for that gas, then hydrates will form.
4000
3000
2000
1500
Pressure for hydrate formation (psia)
1000
800
600 e
han
et
400
M
300 s
ga
ty
a vi
200 gr
6
0.
150
7
0.
100 8
0.
80
9
0.
60
0
1.
40
30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Temperature (°F)
5 - 18
HPHT Course - Section 5
Hydrates form as small lattices of water with interstices which contain gases.
The water forms an ice with molecules of gas locked into the frozen solid lattice.
Those can build up into large pieces of solid hydrate at bends or restrictions,
such as chokes or other valves. See FIG 5.12.
FIG 5.12
Solid Hydrate
Gas + Water Build-up
(Vapour)
When hydrates form, the gas becomes “locked” into the solid at the local
pressure. It is estimated that 1 cu ft of hydrate may hold the equivalent of
170 SCF compressed gas. This can be released when the hydrate is melted by
the application of heat.
FIG 5.13
h - Total Heat of enthalpy
Lines of
Constant
Temp.
T2
2 Expansion 1 T1 > T2
Pressure
5 - 19
HPHT Course - Section 5
FIG 5.14
4000
3000
UPSTREAM PRESSURE (psia)
2000
1000
-72
0
-80 -60 -40 -20 0
DOWNSTREAM TEMPERATURE (Deg F)
Once hydrates have formed they may lead to complete plugging of chokes,
fail-safe valves, choke lines and expansion points at entry to the MGS. It is
normal to try to prevent hydrates from forming by the injection of a suppressant
at the upstream side of the choke or at the BOP, on the occasions when
hydrate formation is likely.
To predict whether or not hydrates are likely to form, a graph such as that
shown in FIG 5.11, may be used, for gas with the appropriate SG.
5 - 20
HPHT Course - Section 5
Question
Estimate whether or not hydrates are likely to form downstream of the choke,
without glycol injection.
Solution
(a) From FIG 5.10, at a BOP temperature of 130°F and a slow circulation
rate of 2 bbl/min, the estimated upstream choke temperature will be about
115°F.
From the graph, for an expansion from 2500 psia, the estimated down
stream temperature would be -67°F. Thus the cooling or drop in
temperature through the choke would be :
δT = 46 - (-67) = 113°F.
5 - 21
HPHT Course - Section 5
It is common in HPHT wells to make provision for the injection of glycol hydrate
suppressant at a point into the BOP upstream of the inner choke line valves and
upstream of the choke at the choke manifold. This is done by a glycol injection
pump which can deliver at a pressure up to the rated pressure of the choke
magnifold. The injection is started at a point when the gas influx is some depth
below the BOP, such as 1500 to 2000 ft. The minimum injection rate is about
.05 gpm but should be increased as necessary.
TABLE 5.14
Boiling pt.
at 14.7psia °F 387 473 546 148
If hydrates have formed and plugged the lines, the well must be properly shut in
and steps taken to melt the hydrate plug. Such steps may be:
(a) Steam or hot liquid jets directed onto the external surfaces of the affected
areas.
(b) Circulation of heated mud into the MGS, if hydrates are forming there.
(c) The injection of small quantities of methanol into the area upstream and
downstream of the hydrate plug. Methanol has a freezing temperature
of -143°F.
5 - 22
HPHT Course - Section 5
5 - 23
HPHT Course - Section 5
By “steady flow” it is intended that the mass flowrate between stations 1 and 2
in a “duct system” does not change, although the other properties and geometry
may change.
Then SFEE states:- The total energy at point 1 = total energy at point 2.
The SFEE is most important in analysing the nature of gas flow through pipes,
ducts, nozzles and orifices.
5 - 24
HPHT Course - Section 5
Laminar and turbulent flow regimes exist for the flow of gases as for liquids and
the criteria is the same i.e. at Reynolds numbers less than 2000 the flow is
laminar and at Reynolds numbers greater than 4000 then the flow is turbulent.
Between those 2 values the flow is transitional.
The viscosity of a gas is usually much lower than that of liquids and so for
gases the flow regime is often turbulent even at relatively low velocities. For
example, air at 14.7 psia and 520°F abs has a viscosity of 0.00948 cP and a
density of .0765 lbm/cuft. For a flow of only 5 ft/s in a pipe which is 2" ID the
Reynolds Number is then NRe = 10000, which is clearly in the turbulent region.
5 - 25
HPHT Course - Section 5
The equation for the volumetric flowrate is derived directly from the steady flow
energy equation above and takes the form of:-
It is usual to adopt base temperature and pressure as 60°F and 14.7 psia so
that when those are inserted in Equation 5.8.1 the constant becomes 7727.13
which gives the flow in SCF/hour.
5 - 26
HPHT Course - Section 5
Choke valves are usually plte chokes, which behave as sharp-edged orifices, or
bean type chokes, which behave as nozzles. A choke orifice is similar to those
used for metering gas flows, except that the pressure drop across the choke is
likely to be very much higher than that used for flow metering. Under those
circumstances it is necessary to take into account the compressibilty effects of
the gas. The most appropriate comparison to this condition is the flow through a
prover orifice which is used to assess the flow from a gas producing well which
cannot be readily piped into an existing system for measurement. In this case
the appropriate flowrate formula is that suggested by the US Bureau of Mines,
which can be modified to include the “velocity of approach factor E : ie:-
D = pipe ID inches.
1
E = –––––––––––––
√[ 1 - (d/D)4]
At low pressures Zav will tend to 1 and the flow will agree with that predicted by
the normal orifice flow equation. However, at high pressures and temperatures
the effect may be to reduce the flow.
5 - 27
HPHT Course - Section 5
From the above theory and observations, the flow in the surface lines is likely to
be in the turbulent regime. The Weymouth formula is one which is used most
frequently in calculating the flow capacity of pipes or alternatively, if the flow is
known, to calculate the friction pressure drop in the pipe line. The Weymouth
formula is primarily intended for use with pipes from 10 to 30 inches internal
diameter, but it is used, to acceptable standards of accuracy, for pipes of 6 and
8 inches diameter. The flowrate capability of a pipe is given by:-
1/2
(P12 - P22) x D5
Q = .0013716 x
[ ––––––––––––––
ƒ x Sg x L x Z x T ] [Eqn 5.10.1]
f = the pipe friction factor. For smooth pipes the friction factor,
between Reynold’s numbers of about 2500 and 100000, is given
to a good approximation, by Blasius’ solution of Colebrook’s
function, as:
0.0791
ƒ = –––––– [Eqn 5.10.2]
Nre0.25
5 - 28
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CONTENTS
6.4 TRAINING
A. Drilling Procedures
- Stripping-in procedures.
6-3
HPHT Course - Section 6
- Flexible choke and kill hose pressure testing and inspection frequency
and procedures.
6.4 TRAINING
6-4
HPHT Course - Section 6
6-5
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CONTENTS
The valves located on the BOP, surface and subsea, systems will be
closed The choke and kill manifold will have the choke closed plus, in the
event that the choke is not a positive sealing choke, a block valve
immediately upstream or downstream closed. The valve downstream of
the choke can only be used as a block valve if it is the same working
pressure as the choke, and is equipped to open when underpressure.
- Stop drilling.
- Pick drill string off bottom to predetermined shut in point. Stop the mud
pump. If flow is excessive begin next step immediately and strip drill
string to close in predetermined point once well is secured.
- Close annular and open choke line valves.
- Ensure well is shut in and begin recording shut in pressures.
- Pass word to the OIL COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE and SENIOR
DRILLING CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE of the well condition.
- Pick up circulating kill assembly if it is to be used.
- Check space out then close upper pipe rams.
- Bleed off any trapped pressure between the annular and rams.
- Open annular.
- Complete recording of shut in pressure build up and pit gain.
- Decide kill programme. Refer to decision tree Section 7.11.
- Stop drilling.
- Pick drill string off bottom to predetermined shut in point. Stop the mud
pump. If flow is excessive begin next step immediately and strip drill
string to close in predetermined point once well in secured.
- Close upper annular and open choke line failsafe valves.
- Ensure well is shut in and begin recording shut in pressures.
- Pass word to the OIL COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE and SENIOR
DRILLING CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE of the well condition.
- Pick up circulating kill assembly if it is to be used.
- Check space out and close upper pipe rams.
- Adjust BOP closing pressure as required for stripping and landing drill
string on upper pipe rams.
- Land drill string on upper pipe rams, adjust BOP closing pressure and
down weight on upper pipe rams to prevent the hydraulic effect on the
drill string.
- Close wedge locks.
- Bleed off any trapped pressure between the annular and rams.
- Open annular.
- Complete recording of shut in pressure build up and pit gain.
- Decide kill programme. Refer to decision tree Section 7.11.
- Direct the wireline loggers to cease operations and close the well on
the upper annular.
- Open kill line valves and begin to record shut in pressure and pit gain.
- Pass word to the OIL COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE and SENIOR
DRILLING CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE of the well condition.
- Decide on kill programme. Refer to decision tree Section 7.11.
Note:
If at all possible the wireline should be pulled or stripped out of the
hole. If the line needs to be cut and dropped, a surface hydraulic
cable cutter should be used. The shear rams should be considered
as a last resort and used only if the annular(s) fail to secure the well.
7-3
HPHT Course - Section 7
WELL FLOWS
OPERATION
IN PROGRESS
DRILLING TRIPPING
(BIT ON BOTTOM) (BIT OFF BOTTOM) NO PIPE IN BOP
CLOSE OPEN
STOP PUMP SAFETY VALVE CHOKE LINE
SEE YES
NOTE 1
NO
DROP STRING
WAIT THEN
CLOSE
SHEAR RAMS
PRESSURE UP
TO S.I.D.P.P. OPEN
SAFETY VALVE
OPEN KELLY COCK
OR TOP DRIVE
SAFETY VALVE OBSERVE WELL
MUSTER HALL
CREWS FOR ADVISE
INFORMATION WITHDRAW ALL
WORK PERMITS STANDBY BOAT
7-4
HPHT Course - Section 7
WELL FLOWS
OPERATION
IN PROGRESS
CLOSE OPEN
STOP PUMP SAFETY VALVE CHOKE LINE
MUSTER HALL
CREWS FOR ADVISE
INFORMATION WITHDRAW ALL
WORK PERMITS STANDBY BOAT
7-5
7-6
FLOW DETECTED
WELL SHUT IN
Monitor DP/CSG
Pressures
is pipe NO Strip to
on bottom? bottom
YES YES
Doubt
exists
NO
Wait and Driller's
Weight Method
Start circulation at
selected SCR
Stop pumps
YES
U/S Choke temperature
and restart approaching ?? °F
at lower SCR
NO
Gas at choke
YES
Clear BOP
Circulate riser
Open well
7-7
HPHT Course - Section 7
CALC:
INFLUX VOLUME
VOLUME TO BE BULLHEADED ALLOW PRESSURES TO STABALISE
MAX. INJ. PRESSURE GRAPH
POSITION OF INFLUX
YES NO IS NO
IS INCREASE
CONTINUE FLUID BEING INJECTION
BULLHEADING PRESSURE AT INJECTION
INJECTED? MAXIMUM? PRESSURE
YES
GO TO
WELL KILL
CIRCULATION
YES
IS NO STOP PUMPS IS NO IS NO
INJECTION SHUT IN. ALLOW SICP< PRESSURE
PRESSURE PRESSURES TO ORIGINAL TRAPPED
DECREASING? SICP? IN WELL?
STABILISE
YES YES
NO YES
IS GO TO
SIDP=SICP? WELL KILL
CIRCULATION
7-8
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8. BULLHEADING OVERVIEW
HPHT Course - Section 8
Rev.1/07-05-96
BULLHEADING OVERVIEW
If the bit is off bottom, the influx can be bullheaded and the well killed with
the normal mud weight. In most cases (i.e. the influx was induced by
swabbing).
Bullheading can also be used if it is apparent that the surface pressure (or
H2S presence) would pose a serious risk to the rig and its equipment
during normal killing operations.
The well MAASP figure should be considered and reviewed prior to the
bullheading operations. Maximum bullheading pressure needs to be
worked out well in advance so as to minimise any confusion in this
operation.
8-1
HPHT Course - Section 8
Bullheading a kick can be the method used when the following conditions
exist:
F. Plugged or parted drillstring where kill mud cannot get to the bottom
of the hole.
When an influx is detected and the well is shut in, the following critical
parameters shall be evaluated:
Decide the rate and the volume to be bullheaded. The volume shall be
based on the influx volume and how the influx was taken. For a kick taken
during drilling, the volume circulated while the kick was taken must be
added to the measured surface gain plus a safety factor for uncertainty and
migration.
For a kick taken during tripping (swabbed), the volume should be equal to
the influx. Make sure sufficient mud volume is on hand to complete the
bullheading operation.
If the influx occurred during drilling, do not start bullheading before the
shut-in drillpipe pressure has stabilised.
NOTE: The weight of the mud can be the same as the actual mud
in use when the kick or influx occurred.
Start the bullheading at a low rate and establish an injection rate. (Volume
vs. Pressure). Monitor the injection pressure to check that it is less than
the maximum pressure to be used. If this pressure is less than MAASP
value there is a good chance that the influx is being pumped back to where
it came from.
8-3
HPHT Course - Section 8
Attempt to keep a constant rate and plot the injection pressure versus the
volume. Have the LOT information available so this information can be
compared.
NOTE: Update the leak-off test plot each time the mud weight
is changed. Take SCR down kill/choke-line with the cement
unit after setting the first competent casing string and
all succeeding casing/liner strings.
When the initial predetermined volume is bullheaded, shut the well in and
observe the annulus and drillpipe pressures. If the shut-in annulus
pressure has dropped, proceed with the bullheading operation until the
annulus and drillpipe pressures are equal. Bleed off any trapped pressure.
If the kick or influx was taken during drilling and bullheading operations
were performed, proceed with a conventional kill method.
If the kick or influx was taken during tripping consider stripping back to
bottom (possibly in stages) and using a conventional kill method once
bullheading has been completed.
NOTE: In this case the formation has been fractured and may have been
charged.
Shut the well in and bleed off any trapped pressure. Circulate out the influx
with a limited SPM in order to maintain returns and to minimise the rate of
gas on surface.
8-4
HPHT Course - Section 8
If the size of the influx volume is minor, shut in the well and consider to
circulate in a heavy mud pill with sufficient density and volume to create at
least 50 psi overbalance
Flowcheck the well on trip tank, open the BOP and RIH if the well is stable.
When the drillstring has displaced the top of the heavy pill to the surface,
shut the well in and place another pill in the annulus.
Flowcheck the well on trip tank, open the BOP and RIH if the well is stable.
Strip in to bottom (or to the top of the reservoir) and circulate the influx
according to normal kick handling procedure.
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CONTENTS
The circumstances when the VOLUMETRIC METHOD is used fall into the
following categories:
(a) Drill-string at or near bottom but with some problem which makes
it impossible to circulate a kick in a normal way. (Plugged or
damaged or burst string).
(b) Drill string off-bottom, with a gas kick rising below or above the bit.
(Possibly a swabbed kick).
(c) Drill string out of the well with a migrating gas influx shut-in within
the well. (Possibly a swabbed kick).
Part 1, whereby the gas is allowed to migrate to the surface and mud is bled
from the well in pre-determined volumes, while the gas is within the annulus.
During this stage the gas pressure is reduced and the choke pressure rises,
whilst the bottom hole pressure remains almost constant, within a safety
tolerance margin.
At the end of this stage, the gas volume and the choke pressures are
substantially the same is if the gas had been brought to the choke by the first
circulation of the Driller’s Method.
Part 2, when the gas is bled from the well at the choke and mud is lubricated
(pumped) into the well. During this stage the gas volume and choke pressure
reduce, while the bottom hole pressure again remains substantially constant.
Current mud is used throughout.
9-2
HPHT Course - Section 9
The fundamental principles which apply for the gas behaviour, assuming that
no gas escapes from the annulus, are :
(c) The total gas hydrostatic pressure in the well is constant regardless
of whether the gas is expanded or unexpanded, or if it is a single
bubble or a system of small bubbles. This means that as the gas is
allowed to expand its density and its pressure gradient reduce.
(d) If a volume of mud is bled from the well, then the gas in the well
must expand by the same volume.
9-3
HPHT Course - Section 9
(b) The approximate volume of the expanded gas at the choke. From
this it is then possible to estimate the total volume of mud which
needs to be bled from the choke during the rise of the gas in the
annulus.
It is also unlikely that the SIDPP will be known and in many cases when the
volumetric method is used, the kick will have been swabbed and hence the
degree of final pressure imbalance, when the bit is eventually back on bottom,
should be zero.
It has been indicated above, that even although no mud is circulated, but mud
is bled off as the gas rises, and the choke pressure is adjusted accordingly to
maintain “constant” bottom hole pressure, the net result is the same as if the
1st circulation of the Driller’s Method is used.
9-4
HPHT Course - Section 9
For a swabbed kick, with the correct pre-swab bottom-hole pressure, the
SIDPP = Pdp = 0. Then :
Where Vg1 =
initial gas influx volume, bbl.
Gm =
current mud gradient, psi/ft.
Pbh =
bottom hole pressure, psia.
Ca =
annulus capacity at the top section of the
annulus, bbl/ft.
Pckmax= maximum anticipated pressure when gas is
at the choke psia.
NB:Some texts use 200 instead of 228 as the coefficient in Eqn 9.22.
This produces an error of about 10% on the low side for Pckmax.
The expansion of the gas, and the total amount of mud to be bled off is then :
9-5
HPHT Course - Section 9
The change in choke pressure for bleeding off a volume of mud changes from
section to section of the well, if there is drill string in the hole.
Example :
How much mud has to be bled off at each stage of the well to give a change in
choke pressure of 200 psi?
The volume of mud to be bled off at each stage to give a 200 psi change in
the choke pressure is then :
9-6
HPHT Course - Section 9
And if the change in choke pressure for each bleed-off is to be 200 psi
(ie DPck = 200), the :
(a) All pressure control equipment and the choke has been checked and
is correctly lined up.
(d) The choke pressure gauge is accurate and has as fine a scale
graduation as possible.
9-7
HPHT Course - Section 9
(1) Elect to bleed off a constant volume of mud on each step and then
calculate the increase in choke pressure due to the reduction in the
mud hydrostatic pressure. This gives THE CONSTANT VOLUME
METHOD OF WELL CONTROL.
This means that, as the gas rises past the various sections of the
drillstring (if it is in the hole), then the change of choke pressure will
differ from one section to the next.
Obviously, if there is no drillstring in the hole, the calculations involve only one
value of dPhm.
(a) Estimate the rate of gas migration and the approximate position of
the gas in the well as the operation is about to start.
(b) Estimate the total volume of mud to be bled off and the maximum
choke pressure.
(d) Allow the choke pressure to build up above its initial shut-in value by
(i) The Safety Margin PLUS (ii) The operating margin. This value is :
(e) When Pck1 has been reached, the choke operator opens the choke
and HOLDS THE CHOKE PRESSURE CONSTANT AT THIS
VALUE while the correct amount, dVm, of bleed-off mud is bled to
the measuring tank. When this has been done, the choke is closed.
(f) The choke pressure is now allowed to rise again ( due to gas
migration without expansion) until the choke pressure is now Pck2,
where:
(g) When Pck2 has been reached, Step (e) is repeated. If the gas has
moved from one section of the well to another, the new mud bleed
volume will require to be bled off.
(h) This process is repeated until gas is recorded to be at the choke. For
each step, the new choke pressure is :
Graphs of (a) Choke pressure against gas distance ( or time interval) from
bottom hole and (b) Choke pressure against mud bled-off volume are shown
in FIGS 9.1 and 9.2 below.
FIG 9.1
CHOKE PRESSURE (PSI)
δVM
δVM
δVM
Pck4
δVM
Pck3
Pck2
Pck1
SKP
FIG 9.2
Pck (PSI)
Pck1
δVM δVM
9-9
HPHT Course - Section 9
When the gas is located behind the surface choke the PHASE 1 of the
operation is completed.
The process of pumping mud into the top of a closed-in well containing gas,
and then bleeding off gas at the choke, is known as lubricating mud into the
well.
(d) The output per stroke of any pump to be used should be accurately
known. “Pumps” include mud pumps, cement pumps or dedicated kill
pumps.
9 - 10
HPHT Course - Section 9
9.4.1 Calculations
At the end of the Phase 1, the gas will be behind the choke and the choke
pressure will still have the Safety Margin component within it.
Since the gas is at the top of the well, it will usually be only one annulus
capacity at the top of the well which enters into the calculations, unless there
is drillpipe and collars in the well near to the top.
The total volume of gas at the choke is estimated from Eqn 9.24 as :
This can be used as a guide to determine how much mud has to be lubricated
into the well, but when no more gas is being released at the choke, the
lubrication would be stopped, unless a policy of lubricating and bleeding extra
(clean) mud is adopted as a safety measure.
The total volume of mud to be lubricated into the well is broken down into
manageable slugs, so that the choke pressure is not being reduced too
rapidly when gas is bled off. As a rule, lubricating mud to give an in crease of
mud hydrostatic pressure of 100 psi is reasonable.
Thus, per 100 psi of mud hydrostatic pressure pumped into the well, the
volume of mud injected will be :
The number of pump strokes which have to be pumped to inject this volume
of mud are given from :
9 - 11
HPHT Course - Section 9
When mud is lubricated into the well against a closed choke, the bottom hole
pressure rises due to:
In addition, the Safety Margin pressure will still be acting on the bottom hole.
Then, if Pchk1 = initial choke pressure ( with SM) before mud injection,
Pchk2 = new choke pressure after mud injection.
And when gas is bled off, for a 100 psi mud injection, the choke pressure is
allowed to fall by:
(a) Record the final pressure at the choke after all mud of Phase 1 has been
bled off and the gas is stabilised at the choke. This is Pchk1.
(b) Operate the pump slowly and for the pre-determined number of strokes to
inject (via the kill line) the correct volume of injection mud, Vmi. It is
essential to do this slowly so that the mud (heavier than the gas) has time
to sink down through the gas. When the mud has been injected, the pump
is stopped.
(c) The choke pressure will rise to a new value, Pchk2. Give this time to
stabilise and calculate the drop in choke pressure, dPchk, necessary as
gas is bled off.
(d) The choke operator should then open the choke slowly and allow the
choke pressure to fall by the predetermined amount ÎPchk, as calculated .
(e) This procedure is repeated until all the gas has been exhausted from the
annulus.
(f) When all the gas has been exhausted and the system stabilised, record
the final choke pressure : Pck (end) . It should be remembered that the
Safety Margin pressure is still held within this pressure.
9 - 12
HPHT Course - Section 9
If the choke pressure is greater than the Safety Margin, the well will still
be underbalanced and kill mud will have to be circulated eventually.
(g) If it is possible, drillstring may be snubbed and stripped back into the well
to bottom, with current mud in the well.
(j) If there is no SIDPP when string has been stripped back to bottom, then it
would be necessary to flowcheck and condition the mud before proceeding
with further operations.
FIG 9.3
Pchk2
Pchk1 BLEED-OFF GAS
CHOKE PRESSURE (PSI)
MUD HYDRO
δVmi δVmi
ALL GAS
δVmi REMOVED.
δVmi FINAL
SICP
9 - 13
HPHT Course - Section 9
EXAMPLE:
At the end of a volumetric process to bring a 30 bbl swabbed gas influx to the
surface the following were the relevant values:
For a 200 psi hydrostatic operating margin, the volume of mud to be pumped
is the dVm = 200 / 16.48 = 12.14 bbl.
The pump strokes to do this are dSt = 12.14 / 0.117 = 104 strokes.
With the choke closed, the pump is slowly stroked for 104 strokes and the mud is
injected through the kill line. As it does so it (a) increases the mud hydrostatic
pressure on the bottom hole by 200 psi and (b) it compresses the gas by a volume
of 12.14 bbl.
The new choke pressure after the mud injection therefore rises to :
Pchk = P gas = Initial gas vol x Initial choke press / New gas vol
Once pressures have settled, the choke is then slowly opened, and the gas is
allowed to vent to the MGS . The choke is held open until the 200 psi of mud
hydrostatic pressure is removed from the bottom hole, ie until the choke pressure
has fallen to 2300 - 200, ie 2100 psi.
It should be noted that in doing so, the mass of gas in the well has been reduced
and the gas hydrostatic pressure is less than it was before.
This process is repeated, with successive 12.14 bbl mud injections and choke
pressures, after the bleed-offs of gas, coming down in 200 psi intervals, eg 1900,
1700, 1500 psi, etc, until all the gas (135 bbl) has been vented from the well.
9 - 14
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10. STRIPPING
CONTENTS
10.1 STRIPPING
10.1 STRIPPING
2) Install NRV :
- Drillpipe Dart
- Gray Valve
= 0.052 X WT ppg
D2 - d 2
(1029.4 )bbls/ft
= 0.052 X 18
8 3/82 - 52
( 1029.4 )
= 0.938
0.04385
= 21.35 psi/bbls
10 - 2
HPHT Course - Section 10
= 23 psi
=
1
( 1
0.433 X 1029.4 X (MW - Influx MW) X Influx Vol X (D2 - d2) - D2 )
= 1 1
0.433 X 1029.4 X (18 - 2.9) X 10 X
((8 3/8 -6 1/2 )
2 2
-
8 3/82 )
= 53.53 X 15.1 X 10 X [0.03585 - 0.01426]
= 175 psi
10 - 3
HPHT Course - Section 10
- Fill drill string while RIH and completely fill every 5 stands.
5. Estimate the surface pressure rise when BHA enters the influx.
10 - 4
HPHT Course - Section 10
15. Stop stripping when tool joint is just below top preventer.
17. Pressurise the cavity between the two preventers to equalise across
them.
10 - 5
HPHT Course - Section 10
SAFETY
MARGIN
OPERATING
150 250 MARGIN
0
e
ressur
Pore P
1300 SAFETY
MARGIN
1417
4,500 MAASP 1,500
PRESSURE GAUGE
(psi)
3,000
Stand = 93.9 ft
Stand = (approx.)
10,900 ft 9 5/8"
MAASP
= 1417 psi
27.7 Stands (approx.)
13,500 ft
10 bbls 8 1/2" TVD
10 - 6
HPHT Course - Section 10
It's extremely important that good relevant data gets recorded when a well
control incident occurs. It cannot be stressed enough how vital recorded
information will be in determining future courses of actions and assisting in
learning from an unscheduled event. It is the Driller's sole responsibility to
accurately record all relevant information during a well control situation.
The Mud Loggers, if onboard, will provide back-up recording information to
the Driller. It will be the Driller's responsibility to advise the necessary
supervisory staff plus the Mud Loggers should a well control event occur.
The Mud Loggers once informed will switch their equipment to well control
status and establish running logs and tables as accurately as possible.
7) Time and Gauge Pressure when old Mud behind Influx at Surface.
10) Start and Completion of time when Removing Trapped Gas in BOP's.
STRIPPING WORKSHEET
Time Surface Change in Bit Pipe PSI of Mud Over Vol of Mud Total Vol
(Hr/Min) Operation PSI Surface PSI Depth Stripped Bled/Lub Balance Bled/Lub of Mud
10 - 8
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Liquids are not totally incompressible and those compressibilities are themselves
influenced by temperature and pressure. Compressibility is usually defined as :
= bbl/bbl/psi
= 1/psi.
ie c = ∆V
VxP
FIG 11.1
This has obvious implications on pressure control whilst drilling and tripping, apart
from any influences on other rheological properties.
w = mass/volume
11 - 2
HPHT Course - Section 11
Referring to FIG 11.2, the effects of changes in pressure and temperature can
be reasoned, as follows:
FIG 11.2
START
DENSITY
Increase Increase
Pressure Temperature
HIGHER ? LOWER
DENSITY = DENSITY
This assumes that the density does not change with depth. This assumption itself
additionally assumes that the increase in density due to pressure effects is
balanced exactly by the reduction in density due to temperature effects within a
well. This assumption is not necessarily correct.
11 - 3
HPHT Course - Section 11
350°F
6.0e-6
78°F
4.0e-6
COMPRESSIBILITY (1/psi)
COMPRESSIBILITY (1/psi)
4.0e-6
2.0e-6
17-lbm/gal Muds
Diesel Oil Mud
2.0e-6
Mineral Oil Mud A 17-lbm/gal Muds
Mineral Oil Mud B Diesel Oil Mud
0.0e+0 Mineral Oil Mud A
0 5000 10000 15000
Mineral Oil Mud B
PRESSURE (psig)
0.0e+0
0 5000 10000 15000
PRESSURE (psig)
FIG 11.4
18.0
78°F
17.5
200°F
17.0
DENSITY (lbm/gal)
350°F
16.5
15.0
0 5000 10000 15000 20000
PRESSURE (psig)
Temperature profiles in flowing wells differ from static or geothermal profiles, the
mud generally being cooler whilst circulation is in progress. Also, the mud is
warmer when moving up the annulus than when pumping down the drillstring.
Typical flowing and static temperature profiles, from reference 2, are shown in FIG
11.5. Those have been used to show the effects of compressibility and
temperature on actual downhole mud density pressure, as shown in
FIGS 11.6(a) and (b) from reference 2.
11 - 4
HPHT Course - Section 11
FIG 11.5
MUD TEMPERATURE VS. DEPTH
0
➝
➝
5,000 ft, 300 gpm
5
➝
DEPTH (1.000 ft)
➝
25,000 ft, 300 gpm
15
➝
TG = 0.020oF./ft
20
25 ➝
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
TEMPERATURE (OF)
MWO VSO VCO VWO VDO
13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0
0.25
∆ MUD WEIGHT (ppg)
∆ PRESSURE (psi)
0
0
-0.25
-0.50
-0.75
-500
-1
-1.25
-1.50 -1,000
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000
MWO VSO VCLO VWO VDO TG GPM MWO VSO VCLO VWO VDO TG GPM
13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.010 0 13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.010 0
13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.012 150 13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.012 150
13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.014 300 13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.014 300
13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.016 0 13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.016 0
13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.018 150 13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.018 150
13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.020 300 13.50 23.00 0.0 77.00 0.0 0.020 300
11 - 5
HPHT Course - Section 11
It can be seen that, for the conditions specified, bottom hole pressures at 20000 ft
(6100 m) may be about 400 psi less than those anticipated by the constant
temperature hydrostatic pressure formula. The implications of such pressure
reductions on pressure control and on the potential for swabbing must be noted.
An analysis has been made using the above graphs for a nominal 17 ppg OBM at
depths to 16000 ft (4875 m), with a circulating temperature gradient of 1.5°F/100ft
(4.94 °F/100m). The results are shown in FIG 11.7 and indicate that the static
bottom hole pressure may be about 156 psi less than that calculated by a constant
17 ppg density assumption, which would have given a pressure of 14144 psi.
FIG 11.7
It has also been estimated that for a water based mud with a starting density of
17ppg, with a similar circulating temperature profile, the reduction in bottom hole
pressure would be about 105 psi below the constant density value.
11 - 6
HPHT Course - Section 11
It can readily be deduced from FIG 11.4 that even at atmospheric pressure, as
at the flowline, the effects of temperature can influence the mud density. This is
shown in FIG 11.8 for a range of 90:10 oil based muds with SG’s ranging from
1.8 to 2.2 over a range of possible surface temperatures from 30 to 210°F.
FIG 11.8
100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210
2.2 SG
2.1 SG
2.0 SG
1.9 SG
1.8 SG
REFERENCE TEMPERATURE = 120°F
TEMPERATURE (Deg F)
90
80
70
1.862 SG
60
50
A
40
30
2.3
2.2
2.1
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
DENSITY (SG)
11 - 7
HPHT Course - Section 11
To standardise the reporting of mud densities some companies now ask that all
mud densities at the surface be corrected to a standard reference temperature. In
this graph, the reference temperature is 120°F ie a 2.0 SG mud has a specific
gravity of 2.0 at 120°F. and the graph is interpreted as follows :
Temperature SG
°F
30 2.055
80 2.02
100 2.01
150 1.98
200 1.95
Solution.
Draw a line AB from the 1.9/100°F point parallel to the 1.90 SG line.
11 - 8
HPHT Course - Section 11
As mud/gas rise within the annulus, it is cooled from the circulating bottom hole
temperature down to the mud temperature at the subsea BOP. As the mud/gas
then rises up the choke line, it is further cooled to the temperature at the surface
choke. The degree of this cooling depends upon:
(a) The velocity of the flow in the chokeline and hence the friction
“heating” effect.
(b) The time interval during which the mud is moving from the BOP to the
surface. The longer this is, the greater is the cooling effect.
Generally the higher the circulation rate, then the higher will be the choke line
temperature, for the same starting BOP temperature.
For a specific rig/well conditions those are shown in FIGS 11.9(a) and (b), for
12.25 and 8.375 inch open hole sections.
160 130
150
120
TEMPERATURE (°F)
TEMPERATURE (°F)
140
110
130
120 100
110
90
100
80
90
80 70
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
70
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 MUD FLOW RATE (bpm)
MUD FLOW RATE (bpm)
110 130 150 170 193 110 120 130 140 147
Mud Temperature at BOP (°F) Mud Temperature at BOP (°F)
It should also be noted that those are for conditions when mud is present in the
system. If a situation arises where the annulus becomes filled with gas which is
flowing rapidly, then the BOP and the surface choke temperatures may be
substantially higher than indicated, as shown in FIG 11.10. This applies to a
computer model study for the flow of gas for a 12 hour period at different
flowrates with a bottom hole temperature of 350°F.
11 - 9
HPHT Course - Section 11
FIG 11.10
300
250
200
Temperature at Sub-Sea BOP °F
150
Predicted Surface
Choke Temp °F
100
Many papers have been produced regarding the downhole effects of temperature
and pressure upon the downhole rheology of drilling fluids.
Reference 3 below gives some interesting data relating to the PV, Yield and
filtration characteristics of a range of oil-based muds at elevated temperature and
pressure.
It is concluded that for such muds there is a relatively simple linear log relationship
between PV and the value of temperature expressed as 1000/T°F, although the
relationship for change of viscosity for water-based muds was a direct linear
relationship with temperature.
It should be stressed that swabbing effects under the bit depend largely upon the
PV and that those will not only change with tripping speed per stand but also with
the temperature profile in the well. It is likely that at higher pulling rates there is
little difference in swab pressure predictions between power law and Bingham
plastic models, but at slower tripping rates the power law model is likely to give
more reliable predictions of swab pressure.
Some typical PV-Temperature graphs for oil-based and water based muds are
shown in FIG 11.11.
11 - 10
HPHT Course - Section 11
FIG 11.11
60 B
55
50 A
45
MUD VISCOSITY cP
25
C
20
15
10
0
100 °F 200 °F 300 °F 400 °F
MUD TEMPERATURE °F
(1) A Model for Predicting the Density of Oil-Based Muds at High Pressures and
Temperatures. By E.K.Peters, M.E.Chenevert and C.Zhang. SPE Drilling
Engineering, June 1990, pp141-148.
11 - 11
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It has been established over many years that borehole stability is one of
the essential features of safe and efficient drilling and shale stability or rock
stability is of importance in this respect. When a rock or shale behaves in a
stable way then problems such as sloughing shales do not occur. The
opposite is also the case: when a shale or a rock behaves in an unstable way,
then borehole problems show up.
FIG 12.1
Normal Overburden
Press. grad. = 2.31 SG
1.074 SG 2000 m
Pore Pressure
Overpressured = 2.32 SG
12 - 2
(c) Inaccurate pore pressure measurements from logs.
HPHT Course - Section 12
FIG 12.2
O
16
ve
g
e
Ov
ghin
ps
rb
erb
lla
al
15
an
co
slou
ala
ce
se
nc
ind r
to
14
au
uce
e to iou
Collapse Fracture
et
ca
oc
Stab
oi
us
ale
av
Pl ce ba
et
13
n
e
as
du
nc
eh
fra
Stable Sh
ala
tic oonin
le S
ct
cB
anc
12
rb
ur
B
de
e
ll
e
bal
sti
hale
ha
Un
11
der
Pla
vi
g
ou
Un
10 r
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Underbalance, ppg Overbalance, ppg
Also, it can be seen that, as the natural pressure of the shale increases, the
margin of tolerance to cause such plastic behaviour diminishes : a 17 ppg
(2.04 SG) shale may require only about 0.8 ppg to cause it to behave in this
way.
12 - 3
HPHT Course - Section 12
When such a shale behaves in a plastic mode it effectively causes the borehole
diameter to expand as a balloon. While circulating, additional over-pressures are
applied by the APL thus expanding the wellbore further. When circulation stops,
the wellbore "balloon" is allowed to relax again as the added over-pressures are
removed. It is suggested by the writer of the reference that this may cause a
number of indicators at the surface :
(b) The well appears to take fluid whilst circulating and to flow fluid back
when circulation is stopped due to the ballooning effect. For instance, it is
estimated that a nominal 8 inch hole may balloon to 9 inches. If this
happens over a 2000 ft long section, the hole volume may be 17 bbl
larger whilst circulating than with the pumps off.
(c) Even after mud density may have been increased, there may still be
increasing gas levels. If there is a SIDPP which approximates to or is
slightly less than the APL, it is possible that this may be caused by the
ballooning effect, which is shown in FIG 12.3.
FIG 12.3
17.5 17.5
Borehole wall "balloons"
or breathes
17.5
17.5
17.5
12 - 4
HPHT Course - Section 12
On occasion, when successive increases in gas level have led to mud weight
increases, due to SIDPP values, it may be necessary to consider the effects of
bleeding off some pressure at the choke with the well shut in.
In the case of a "normal" influx situation, the effects of opening the choke to
bleed off and then closing the choke again should lead to (i) an increase in
choke pressure (more influx has been taken) and (ii) the SIDPP should remain
unchanged while (iii) the pit gain rises slightly.
In the case of wellbore ballooning, the effects of opening the choke should
give the following :
(i) The choke pressure should either stay the same or drop when the choke
is closed again.
(ii) The SIDPP should drop by a little, as the ballooning effect is allowed to
relax, when the well has been shut in again.
While this material and the indicated reference have been written with respect
to shales, there have been indications that this problem has arisen in HPHT
wells in shales, limestones and sandstones in deep Jurassic sections in
proximity to gas sands when ECD effects were substantial. One way of
reducing the ballooning may be to circulate slowly and to minimise APL effects.
12 - 5
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- Ensure that Company policies and instructions are properly given, and
that they are properly understood and implemented.
- Advise the Office Management of the day to day progress and of any
aspects of the prognosis or well plan which might cause the loss of well
control.
- All personnel are fully familiar and trained in well control procedures.
- Pressure tests and drills are carried out in accordance with procedures
specified.
Should a conflict occur between the objectives of the well and the Rig
Personnel or well safety, the OIM will have the final decision.
13 - 2
HPHT Course - Section 13
The procedures will cover the operating practices and minimum equipment
requirements so that safety of personnel and equipment is achieved. A
thorough review of the intended operation will be made to effect proper
planning, training and good oil field practices.
The drilling programme is a written document for the intention of covering all
details in managing and conducting a drilling operation. It is produced by the
drilling department and used as a information source in achieving the
operation’s objectives. Based on available well data it provides, with as much
accuracy as possible, information on:
- Well Targets.
- The deviation control programme (this is issued for all wells including
intended straight holes).
13 - 3
HPHT Course - Section 13
Any deviation from the Drilling Programme will need to be confirmed and
approved by the Oil Company Drilling Manager.
DRILL CREW
13 - 4
HPHT Course - Section 13
The Oil Company Rig Site Representative should communicate with his/her
Office Drilling Superintendent or the person designated daily. Should field
operations warrant, communication between the two will occur as many times
throughout the day as required.
The Oil Company office and the Drilling Contractor’s office should
communicate with each other as required. Daily communication while drilling
below the last casing seat above the HPHT section should take place. This
frequency should increase if field operation concerns become apparent.
All Oil Company office personnel as well as the Drilling Contractor’s personnel
who have a position of responsibility over the field operation should have
provided, modes of communication, (e.g.) pagers, mobile telephones etc.,
thereby being available on a 24 hour basis.
A Daily Operations Meeting should be held on the rig by the Senior Rig Staff.
In attendance will be the Oil Company personnel, Senior Drilling Contractor
personnel and Third Party Personnel directly involved in well operations, such
as the Mud Engineer, Mud Logging Engineer and Cementer. This meeting will
be chaired by the OIM and will discuss current and planned operations.
Recording of this meeting will be documented in the vessel log book.
Briefings, from the Daily Operations Meeting, to the crews will be passed on
by those in attendance. All instructions to the Driller should be in written form
and posted on the drill floor, and a copy kept on file.
All crews should start each working shift with a brief meeting, stressing Safety
Awareness for procedures and practices to be followed. Each crew member
should have a short hand-over with his counterpart. This person should bring
to his Supervisor’s attention anything out of the normal practice. The
Supervisor should correspondingly discuss any points he/she feels needed
with the person in charge, so all personnel are fully conversant with the
operations and conditions present.
Rig Safety Meetings should occur as normal in field operations. The out of
norm procedures and practices will be highlighted in each meeting where
crews have open discussions increasing their safety and operational awareness.
13 - 5
HPHT Course - Section 13
Oil Company & Drilling Contractor personnel will then follow the procedures
laid down in the Emergency Procedures Manual. Oil Company personnel
should also ensure that the installations owners management and duty
personnel are alerted and stand-by for assistance.
The OIM will be in charge in any kick situation. Consideration for moving the
installation off location (if a mobile unit) should be made if an emergency well
control situation is deteriorating to the extent where the risk to personnel and/
or the installation is becoming evident. This decision should be made after
consultation with key members of the offshore management team.
Consultation with shore based operational personnel can be made, but due to
the gravity of the situation, it may not be possible or warranted.
13 - 6
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• BOP SCHEMATIC
1.1 General
1.2 HPHT Drilling Policies and Procedures
1.3 HPHT Tripping Procedures
1.4 HPHT Coring Procedure
1.5 Suspension of Operations
1.6 Casing Wear
Riser Extension
Flex Joint
13 5/8" Annular
Kill Line
Test Valve
Mini Collet Connector
Mini Collet
Connector
Upper Outer
Kill Valve
Upper Outer Upper Inner
Choke Valve Kill Valve
Upper Inner Shear/Blind Rams
Choke Valve
Wellhead
Connector
14 - 1
HPHT Course - Section 14
10" DOWN TO
THERMO-COUPLE SHAKER
AND PRESSURE HEADER BOX
TRANSDUCER
FLOW LINE FLANGE
18"
10" Sch. 80 PIPE
3', 1"
27' - 5"
24' - 4"
MUD
HEAD
THROUGHPUT PERFORMANCE
BY-PASS AT 60 DEG F. GAS FLOW
PRESSURE (psi) (mm scf/day)
32 50.0
30 47.6
28 45.2
26 42.8
24 40.4
22 37.9
20 35.5
AD
18 NLO N 33.0
U GI
16 MAR 30.4 20" PIPE
I
14 6 PS 27.8
X - STG
H
IT
12 W 25.1
D
10 LOA 22.4
UN 10" PIPE Sch. 80
8 19.5 INSIDE
6 16.4
4 13.0
2 8.9 6" TO TRIP TANK
0
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
FLUID DENSITY Lb/gal
14 - 2
HPHT Course - Section 14
VENT TO TOP OF
DERRICK
10" VENT LINE
MGS
PRESSURE
SENSOR
8
FROM C & K
36" DIAMETER MANIFOLD, 4" PIPE REMOTELY
MUD - GAS ACTUATED
SEPERATOR VALVES
DOWNSTREAM
CHOKE TEMP.
SENSOR
6
DOWNSTREAM
REMOTE 5 CHOKE TEMP.
CHOKE SENSOR
TO PORT
MAIN DECK LEVEL FLARE LINE
6 Meters
TO
STARBOARD
DIP TUBE FLARE LINE
PRESSURE
SENSOR
7
UPSTREAM
KILL LINE TEMP.
4 GLYCOL
SENSOR
INJECTION
POINT
SHEAR
RAMS
5" B B1
RAMS
VARIABLE
RAMS
C C1 5" A A1
RAMS
H-4
SEABED CONNECTOR
14 - 3
HPHT Course - Section 14
STARBOARD PORT
TO MGS VALVE
ALARM
VALVE STATUS TO BOP TEMP. SENSOR
MANUAL CHOKE
REMOTE CHOKE
REMOTE CHOKE
CHOKE/KILL
MANIFOLD
MUD GLYCOL
BYPASS MANIFOLD INJECTION
CMT UNIT
CHOKE LINE
ANNULAR
RAM
HCR VALVE
RAM
KILL LINE
RAM
RAM HCR VALVE
15 M BOP STACK
14 - 4
HPHT Course - Section 14
1.1 GENERAL
This document is the HPHT Well Control Supplement for *** and should be
used in conjunction with the contractor Well Control Manual (Well
Operations Manual Part 4 Sections 1 to 4) and the operator Well Control
Manual.
It is essential that in the event of an influx entering the wellbore the well is
closed in as soon as possible. For this reason Pit and Trip drills need to be
carried out on a regular basis (daily initially) to ensure the rig crews are
fully trained. Stripping drills will be carried out while tripping in the hole
before drilling out the 13 3/8" and 9 5/8" shoes.
The Driller has the authority and responsibility to shut the well in at any
time that he suspects the well is flowing. It is better to shut the well in
quickly and then bleed off any suspected trapped pressure than to flow
check a kick indicator. The shut-in procedures are listed in the Contractor
Well Control Manual.
Once a kick is identified, and the initial well closure performed, a procedure
to kill the well should be discussed and agreed by key personnel. No
changes to this procedure should be made by any individual without
agreement from Drilling Management and the key offshore personnel.
If there is any doubt about the status of the well then it should be shut-in
and the situation analysed. Note that the well design allows for shut-in at
any stage in the operation without casing or other mechanical failure.
14 - 5
HPHT Course - Section 14
The following procedures should be adhered to while drilling below the 9-5/
8" shoe.
1) Always determine the choke and kill line slow circulating pressure each
time the BOP is tested.
3) Always drill with a drop-in dart sub in the string placed in the BHA
above the HWDP. Check all ID's for restrictions and ensure that the
drillpipe has been drifted to maximum required.
7) Ensure that the flowline drain down volume is known at various pump
rates, and not just the drilling pump rate. The mud loggers should
monitor drain down on every connection to check that the well is not
flowing.
9) After drilling out the 9 5/8" shoe and prior to performing the LOT pull
into the shoe. Close in the well for at least one hour and observe for a
pressure build up as the mud heats up. Record this pressure and the
volume of mud bled off. This may eliminate any well control false
alarms later.
14 - 6
HPHT Course - Section 14
10) Minimise any requirement to change the active mud volume by adding,
subtracting, or weighting up while the well is being drilled. This will
mask any small kicks. Stop drilling while any essential mud volume
changes are required. Ensure the Driller has given his permission and
the Mud Loggers are aware of the operation. Be aware that doubling
the active pit volume, halves the ability to detect a pit volume increase.
14 - 7
HPHT Course - Section 14
d) Do not pull out of the hole if the hole is not stable, i.e. no losses or
flow.
e) Pull out (not pumped) of the hole 10 stands and run back in hole to
bottom no faster than the calculated swab/surge rate.
j) Stop tripping while filling the trip tank. Allow level to stabilise prior
to resuming trip.
a) Stop tripping while the trip tank is emptied and lined back up.
b) Flow check as a minimum half way to the shoe and at the shoe.
14 - 8
HPHT Course - Section 14
5) Drop the Hydril Drop-in dart at the shore before pumping the slug. This
will prevent any gas breaking out the core and expanding up the
drillpipe.
6) POOH to 1500 ft. Circulate through the choke and record gas levels.
7) POOH
14 - 9
HPHT Course - Section 14
6) If the stock levels of Barite, Cement , Mud or Mud additives falls below
a minimum level.
11) If any other condition exists which the operator considers to create a
hazard which is unacceptable.
14 - 10
HPHT Course - Section 14
During the Jurassic testing phase the 9.5/8" casing will act as the
production casing and water is planned to be utilised as the packer fluid.
The total drilling time to TD, from the 9.5/8" casing point, is prognosed as
11 days. This short period of drilling, at minimal casing inclination, should
contribute significantly to minimal casing wear, as should the use of best
practices including minimising deviation in 36" hole and close control of
mud properties in 8-1/2" hole. Furthermore, the safety factor on the burst
rating of the casing is 1.38 (after allowing for temperature derating) which
is considerably higher than the normally recognised minimum design rating
of 1.1.
For nominally vertical well, casing wear will not be a concern. However,
ditch magnets and wear bushings will be utilised and monitored during the
8.1/2" hole section. Although these methods can identify whether or not
any wear has taken place they cannot define the casing's residual
strength.
(3) A final caliper survey will be performed and the casing's residual burst
capacity determined prior to any testing operations taking place.
14 - 11
HPHT Course - Section 14
14 - 12
HPHT Course - Section 14
WELL FLOWS
OPERATION IN PROGRESS
DRILLING
TRIPPING OUT OF HOLE
RECORD PRESSURES
AND TIME
RECORD PRESSURES OPEN CHOKE LINE
AND TIME FAILSAFES
CLOSE MIDDLE PIPE RAMS
HANG OFF STRING
CLOSE UPPER ANNULAR
HANG OFF STRING
INSTALL TOP DRIVE
OPEN STAB-IN FOSV
RECORD PRESSURES
AND TIME
DRILLER
PREPARE TO INFORM
KILL WELL ONSHORE
OPERATION
YELLOW CHART DRILLING WHEN KICK OUT OF HOLE RED CHART
OCCURRED
TRIPPING
RED CHART
14 - 13
HPHT Course - Section 14
BULLHEADING
PURPLE CHART
YES
PIPE ON BOTTOM?
NO
14 - 14
HPHT Course - Section 14
YES NO
PIPE IN
TRIPPING. OUT OF HOLE.
HOLE?
ESTIMATE EXPECTED
SURFACE PRESSURE/GAS YES MIGRATION RATE
VOLUME. LESS THAN 1000
FT/HR.
BULLHEAD
NO IS SURFACE EQUIPMENT NO
CAPABLE OF HANDLING?
ALLOW INFLUX TO
MIGRATE AND
BULLHEAD YES
EXPAND TO
SURFACE.
NO IS STRING WEIGHT GREATER
THAN THE UPWARD FORCE
FROM WELL? NO
WELL DEAD
BULLHEAD
YES YES
SNUBBING UNIT?
RUN IN HOLE TO
STUCK BOTTOM. CIRCULATE
YES BOTTOMS UP.
BULLHEAD
NO
ABLE TO STRIP?
NO
YES
BULLHEAD
DEVELOP STRIPPING
PROGRAMME.
14 - 15
HPHT Course - Section 14
ON BOTTOM KILL
YELLOW CHART
OPTIONS:
SHUT IN WELL. HYDRATES?
SLOW DOWN PUMPS UNTIL YES CHOKE MANIFOLD
CLEAR BLOCKAGE.
CIRCULATION REGAINED. ALLOW TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE
BULLHEAD KILL WEIGHT FLUID. TO INCREASE. APPROACH. -20 DEG F?
SPOT LCM, BARITE OR CEMENT
PLUG ACROSS LOSS ZONE. NO
BULLHEAD MUD DOWN
YES
ANNULUS WHILE SPOTTING SLOW DOWN PUMPS IS MUD GAS SEPERATOR
HEAVY MUD DOWN DRILLPIPE AND BY-PASS M.G.S. APPROACHING CRITICAL
BELOW THIEF ZONE. LEVEL?
RUN TEMPERATURE LOG INSIDE
DRILLPIPE TO EVALUATE NO
UNDERGROUND BLOWOUT. YES
SHUT IN WELL UNTIL IS MUD TEMPERATURE
MUD TEMPERATURE APPROACHING FLASH
DECREASES. POINT (212 DEG F)?
NO
CIRCULATE OUT INFLUX
14 - 16
HPHT Course - Section 14
1) Operator Supervision
During any Well Control Incident the Drilling Manager will liaise with the
Offshore Drilling Supervisor and the Manager and agree a plan to kill the
well with them.
During any Well Control Incident he will be the company focal point for
external contact with the Health and Safety Executive etc. he will provide
assistance to the Drilling Manager to ensure that all operations activities
are executed in accordance with company and legislative EHS
requirements. He will manage and supervise the activity of the Senior
Drilling Engineer.
During any Well Control Incident he will assist the Drilling Manager with
any technical problems.
Drilling Supervisor
The Drilling Supervisor is operator senior representative on the rig. He is
responsible for issuing detailed written daily drilling instructions to the
Superintendent and supervising any service personnel contracted to
Operator.
14 - 17
HPHT Course - Section 14
He should hold daily planning meetings, pit drills and attend pre-job safety
meetings to keep the rig crew informed of potential drilling hazards that
may arise.
During any Well Control Incident the Drilling Supervisor must ensure the
well is secure and confirm pressures and gains recorded. He must then
develop a well kill procedure in consultation with the Superintendent / OIM
and the Operator Drilling Manager. Once the procedure is approved he
must ensure it is followed and any changes are agreed between all parties.
If there is any doubt he should shut the well in.
During any Well Control Incident he should provide support for the Drilling
Supervisor and follow his instructions.
2) Supervision
Rig Manager
The Rig Manager provides onshore support for the OIM and Rig
Superintendent. He communicates daily with the Operator Drilling
Superintendent to discuss operations, safety and logistics.
During any Well Control Incident the Rig Manger will liaise with the OIM
and Operator Drilling Manager to develop and approve the programme to
kill the well.
During any Well Control Incident the OIM must be kept informed of and
agree to all operations. The OIM has the authority to stop any operation he
believes to be unsafe.
Rig Superintendent
The Rig Superintendent must ensure the crews are trained in, and the rig
equipment is capable of, the early detection of over pressure. This shall
include pit drills in consultation with the Operator Drilling Supervisor.
14 - 18
HPHT Course - Section 14
During any Well Control Incident the Rig Superintendent shall ensure the
well has been properly secured by the Driller. He will take an active role in
the development of the plan to kill the well and will supervise the crew and
operation of the well control equipment throughout the well killing
operation. He may delegate responsibility to the Day/Night Toolpusher.
The Day Toolpusher must supervise the Drilling crews to ensure the
procedures detailed by the Operator Drilling Supervisor and outlined in the
Drilling Programme are carried out in a safe and efficient manner.
The Day/Night Toolpusher shall report any Well Control Incident to the Rig
Superintendent once the well has been secured.
Driller
The Driller is responsible for supervising the Drilling crew and
implementing the instructions issued by the Operator Drilling Supervisor in
a safe and efficient manner.
The Driller is responsible for monitoring the well using the rigs
instrumentation for signs of a kick or Well Control Incident and reacting to
those signs to secure the well.
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1.1 General
1.2 HPHT Drilling Policies and Procedures
1.3 HPHT Tripping Procedures
1.4 HPHT Coring Procedure
1.5 Suspension of Operations
1.6 Casing Wear
1.1 GENERAL
This document is the HPHT Well Control Supplement for well *** and
should be used in conjunction with the contractor. Well Control Manual. It
should be referred to during the HPHT section of the well which will be
below 13,500 ft TVD RKB. As this document has been developed
specifically for the drilling of well *** it will form part of the well *** it will
form part of the well-specific training which has been planned.
It is essential that in the event of an influx entering the wellbore the well is
closed in as soon as possible. For this reason Pit and Trip drills need to be
carried out on a regular basis (daily initially) to ensure the rig crews are
fully trained. Stripping drills will be carried out while tripping in the hole
before drilling out the 13 5/8" and 95/8" shoes.
The Driller has the authority and responsibility to shut the well in at any
time that he suspects the well is flowing. It is better to shut the well in
quickly and then bleed of any suspected trapped pressure that to flow
check a kick indicator. The shut-in procedures are listed in the Contractor
Well Control Manual.
Once a kick is identified, and the initial well closure performed, a procedure
to kill the well should be discussed and agreed by key personnel. No
changes to this procedure should be made by any individual without
agreement from operator Drilling Management and the key offshore
personnel.
If there is any doubt about the status of the well then it should be shut-in
and the situation analysed. Note that the well design allows for shut-in at
any stage in the operation without casing of other mechanical failure.
15 - 3
HPHT Course - Section 15
1) Always drill with a ported float in the string. This will allow the well to
be shut-in in the event of a flow yet enables SIDPP to be read with
some accuracy in heavy POBM. Due to the inaccuracy in monitoring
the well while RIH regular flow checks should be carried out as well as
a trip record kept.
2) Always drill with a drop-in dart sub in the string placed in the BHA
above the HWDP. Check all ID's for restrictions and ensure that the
drillpipe has been drifted to maximum required.
6) Ensure that the flowline drain down volume is known. The mud loggers
should monitor drain down on every connection to check the well is not
flowing.
8) After drilling out the 9 5/8" shoe and prior to performing the LOT pull
into the shoe. Close in the well for at least one hour and observe for a
pressure build up as the mud heats up. Record this pressure and the
volume of mud bled off. This may eliminate any well control false
alarms later.
15 - 4
HPHT Course - Section 15
15 - 5
HPHT Course - Section 15
c) Do not pull out of the hole if the hole is not stable, i.e. no losses or
flow.
d) Pull out (not pumped) of the hole 10 stands and run back in hole to
bottom no faster than the calculated swab/surge rate.
a) Flow check as a minimum half way to the shoe and at the shoe.
15 - 6
HPHT Course - Section 15
2) Use steel core barrels with pressure relief ports / plugs. Maximum
length of barrel is 60 feet.
5) Drop the Hydril Drop-in dart at the shoe before pumping the slug. This
will prevent any gas breaking out the core and expanding up the
drillpipe.
6) POOH to 1000 ft. Circulate through the choke and record gas levels.
7) POOH
15 - 7
HPHT Course - Section 15
10) If any other condition exists which the operator considers to create
a hazard which is unacceptable.
15 - 8
HPHT Course - Section 15
The 10 3/4" * 9 5/8" casing has been designed to have sufficient strength,
including a safety factor, to withstand reservoir pressure less a gas
gradient to surface.
During the Jurassic testing phase the 10.3/4" * 9.5/8" casing will act as the
production casing and water is planned to be utilised as the packer fluid.
The total drilling time to TD, from the 10.3/4" * 9.5/8" casing point, is
prognosed as 6 days. This short period of drilling should contribute
significantly to minimal casing wear, as should the use of best practices
including close control of mud properties, minimal wellbore inclination and
non-rotating sleeves.
Ditch magnets and wear bushings must be utilised and monitored during
the 8.1/2" hole section. Although these methods can identify whether or not
any wear has taken place they cannot define the casing's residual
strength.
(2) Ditch magnets and a wearbushing will be utilised and monitored during
drilling operations.
(3) Should drilling operations continue beyond 15 days, and there are
definite indications from the ditch magnets that some casing wear has
taken place, then the caliper will be re-run. The casing burst should be
reviewed at this time and compared to the requirements of further drilling
operations in terms of well control.
(4) Should, for any reason, drilling continue beyond 30 days, and where a
caliper was not re-run at 15 days, then a caliper should be run and the
casing re-evaluated.
(5) Irrespective of (3) or (4) above a final caliper survey will be performed
and the casing's residual burst capacity determined prior to any testing
operations taking place.
15 - 9
HPHT Course - Section 15
15 - 10
SHUT-IN DIAGRAM – TOP DRIVE
GREEN CHART
WELL FLOWS
OPERATION IN PROGRESS
INSTALL OPEN
STAB-IN FOSV
OR
INSTALL
PICK UP & SPACE CLOSE STAB-IN FOSV TOP DRIVE CLOSE
OUT STRING SHEAR RAMS
CLOSE ANNULAR
RECORD PRESSURES
AND TIME
DRILLER
PREPARE TO INFORM
KILL WELL ONSHORE
OPERATION
YELLOW CHART DRILLING WHEN KICK OUT OF HOLE RED CHART
OCCURRED
TRIPPING
RED CHART
OFF BOTTOM KILL CHART
RED CHART
YES NO
PIPE IN
TRIPPING. OUT OF HOLE.
HOLE?
ESTIMATE EXPECTED
SURFACE PRESSURE/GAS YES MIGRATION RATE
VOLUME. LESS THAN 1000
FT/HR.
BULLHEAD
NO IS SURFACE EQUIPMENT NO
CAPABLE OF HANDLING?
ALLOW INFLUX TO
MIGRATE AND
BULLHEAD YES
EXPAND TO
SURFACE.
NO IS STRING WEIGHT GREATER
THAN THE UPWARD FORCE
FROM WELL? NO
WELL DEAD
BULLHEAD
YES YES
SNUBBING UNIT?
RUN IN HOLE TO
STUCK BOTTOM. CIRCULATE
YES BOTTOMS UP.
BULLHEAD
NO
ABLE TO STRIP?
NO
YES
BULLHEAD
DEVELOP STRIPPING
PROGRAMME.
OPTIONS:
SHUT IN WELL. HYDRATES?
SLOW DOWN PUMPS UNTIL YES CHOKE MANIFOLD
CLEAR BLOCKAGE.
CIRCULATION REGAINED. ALLOW TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE
BULLHEAD KILL WEIGHT FLUID. TO INCREASE. APPROACH. -20 DEG F?
SPOT LCM, BARITE OR CEMENT
PLUG ACROSS LOSS ZONE. NO
BULLHEAD MUD DOWN
YES
ANNULUS WHILE SPOTTING SLOW DOWN PUMPS IS MUD GAS SEPERATOR
HEAVY MUD DOWN DRILLPIPE AND BY-PASS M.G.S. APPROACHING CRITICAL
BELOW THIEF ZONE. LEVEL?
RUN TEMPERATURE LOG INSIDE
DRILLPIPE TO EVALUATE NO
UNDERGROUND BLOWOUT. YES
SHUT IN WELL UNTIL IS MUD TEMPERATURE
MUD TEMPERATURE APPROACHING FLASH
DECREASES. POINT (212 DEG F)?
NO
CIRCULATE OUT INFLUX
YES
PIPE ON BOTTOM?
NO
1) Operator Supervision
During any Well Control Incident the Drilling Superintendent will liaise with
the Offshore Drilling Supervisor and the Contractor Rig Manager and agree
a plan to kill the well with them.
During any Well Control Incident he will assist the Drilling Manager with
any technical problems.
He should hold daily planning meetings, pit drills and attend pre-job safety
meetings to keep the rig crew informed of potential drilling hazards that
may arise.
During any Well Control Incident the Drilling Supervisor must ensure the
well is secure and confirm pressures and gains recorded. He must then
develop a well kill procedure in consultation with the contractor Rig
Superintendent / OIM and the Operator Drilling Manager. Once the
procedure is approved he must ensure it is followed and any changes are
agreed between all parties. If there is any doubt he should shut the well in.
During any Well control Incident he should provide support for the Drilling
Supervisor and follow his instructions.
15 - 11
HPHT Course - Section 15
2) Contractor Supervision
During any Well Control Incident the Rig Manager will liaise with the OIM
and Operator Drilling Manager to develop and approve the programme to
kill the well.
During any Well Control Incident the OIM must be kept informed of and
agree to all operations. The OIM has the authority to stop any operation he
believes to be unsafe.
Rig Superintendent
The Rig superintendent must supervise the Contractor Drilling crews to
ensure the procedures detailed by the Operator Drilling Supervisor and
outlined in the Drilling Programme are carried out in a safe and efficient
manner.
He must ensure the crews are trained in, and the rig equipment is capable
of, the early detection of over pressure. This shall include pit drills in
consultation with the Operator Drilling Supervisor.
During any Well Control Incident the Rig Superintendent shall ensure the
well has been properly secured by the Driller. He will take an active role in
the development of the plan to kill the well and will supervise the crew and
operation of the well control equipment throughout the well killing
operation. He may delegate responsibility to the Night Toolpusher.
Night Toolpusher
The Night Toolpusher has similar responsibilities as the Rig
Superintendent during the nightshift. He works in consultation with the
Operator Night Drilling Supervisor.
The Night Toolpusher shall report any Well Control Incident to the Rig
Superintendent once the well has been secured.
15 - 12
HPHT Course - Section 15
Driller
The Driller is responsible for supervising the Contractor Drilling crew and
implementing the instructions issued by the Operator Drilling Supervisor in
a safe and efficient manner.
The Driller is responsible for monitoring the well using the rigs
instrumentation for signs of a kick or Well Control Incident and reacting to
those signs to secure the well.
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REFERENCE I
REFERENCE II
REFERENCE III
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
Pressure Design
A prediction of static bottom hole pressure must be made based on nearest
offset well data. A prediction of maximum surface pressure must be made
based on a fully evacuated of mud and formation fluid from TD to the surface.
A fluid gradient of .15 psi/ft will be used unless offset data can support the
use of an alternative gradient.
Temperature Design
A prediction of static bottom hole temperature must be made based on
nearest offset well data.
Casing Design
The deep intermediate casing string (i.e. the last string set prior to drilling into
the deep high pressure objective) must be designed for the lesser of the
maximum anticipated surface pressure determined in 2.1, or the pressure
determined by the deep intermediate casing shoe strength minus the
formation fluid gradient to the surface. If the operator determines that sour
service tubular design is applicable, then appropriate actions will be taken to
incorporate those considerations into the design.
APP 1 - 3
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
Elastomer Design
Specialised Training
Crew training specific to the well being drilled, should be conducted on each
HP well to ensure correct reactions to well control situations and to
understand the specific decision tree to be followed for that well.
Pre-Spud Meeting: A pre-spud meeting should be held on the rig to brief all
crews on the well and its hazards.
Crew Safety Meeting: A crew safety meeting should be held prior to drilling
out the deep intermediate casing to discuss and clarify well control
procedures. Pre-tour meetings should update all crews as to current
situations.
Operator Supervision
The Operator should have 24 hour supervision on the rig, from prior to
drilling out below the deep intermediate casing until the HP zone is
abandoned.
Well Consent
It will be necessary to submit additional information outlined in Appendix III
with the well consent application in addition to CSON 11 to ensure that
sufficient planning has been performed for the HP well.
APP 1 - 4
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
Temperature Monitoring
Temperatures upstream of the choke, at the flowline, and on the test system
flowline, must be monitored to ensure that the continuous temperature rating
of the elastomer system is not exceeded during drilling, well control operations
and testing. If the continuous temperature is approached, corrective
measures must be taken to reduce the temperature such as slowing down the
pumps, reducing the choke size or closing in the well.
Short Trips
A short trip (5-10 stands) should be made prior to tripping out of the hole
while the high pressure hydrocarbon-bearing zone is exposed to the wellbore
and bottoms up should be circulated to ensure adequate hydrostatic
overbalance over the formation pressure.
Coring Precautions
Procedural and equipment precautions should be taken while coring HP
reservoirs to avoid inducing swab kicks and provide necessary options to
handle a kick. Coring of the HP reservoir while drilling on the first well on a
structure should be discouraged.
BOP Drills
BOP drills should be performed at frequencies to ensure crew proficiency.
Simulated kick drill should be conducted prior to drilling out previous casing
shoe track.
APP 1 - 5
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
Barite Supplies
Prior to drilling below deep intermediate casing, there must be sufficient
barite on the rig to weight up the active mud system; and there must be
sufficient capacity for weighting up the mud quickly to enable the mud weight
to be raised to a level above the maximum predicted pore pressure for the
well.
Flow Checks
Flow checks should be longer with OBM (15-20 mins) and more frequent
when approaching HP objective. If in doubt, circulate bottoms up with
intermediate flow check(s) as per 3.4 above.
Autochoke Control
The maximum allowable annulus surface pressure control should be disabled
for 12-1/4" and smaller hole sections.
Drilling Limitation
Drilling should not be continued into and/or through the high pressure
hydrocarbon section unless a mud can be used in the well which is heavy
enough to hydrostatically balance the predicted formation pressure and still
maintain returns at the surface.
Shoe Test
After drilling 10-20 ft of new formation below the deep intermediate casing
string, a formation leak-off or integrity test must be performed to determine if
shoe strength is adequate to drill into the high pressure objective.
APP 1 - 6
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
Swabbing
If the well is swabbed and not flowing, the drillstring should be un back to TD
and bottoms up circulated through the choke. If the well is swabbed and
flowing, bullheading or weighting up off bottom are alternate options to
enable running back to bottom to circulate out of the influx. Long stripping
jobs back to bottom should be discouraged to avoid undue wear and tear on
the BOP’s.
Choke Operations
The person controlling the well kill operations must have available a schedule
for predicted drill pipe pressure during the kill operation. If abnormal
response is indicated from the schedule then the well should be shut in. If
the well is losing or behaving incorrectly, then the decision to circulate out
the kick should be re-evaluated and bullheading should be considered.
Temperature Monitoring
The temperature must be monitored at the flowline and upstream of the
choke with readout on the rig floor, so that the rig crew knows when the
continuous temperature rating is approached during drilling, or well control
operations and corrective measures can be taken.
APP 1 - 7
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
Mustering Of Crews
At the discretion of the OIM or other designated personnel, muster stations
should be sounded when a kick is taken and people given explicit instructions
as to their courses of action. The situation should be reviewed as well
control progresses, and the option of abandonment or evacuation re-
evaluated in light of well conditions.
APP 1 - 8
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
Flexible Hoses: Strict attention must be given to the flexible hoses to ensure
that they are designed for appropriate temperatures, pressures and well
fluids. The hose should be checked to ensure that it is the correct length for
the given stack.
BOP Stack Outlets: There should be a minimum of two outlets to the choke
manifold below the upper set of pipe rams on a subsea stack.
Hang Off Rams: The upper pipe rams should be positioned in the stack so
that they can be used to hang off the drillstring with the blind/shear rams
closing above.
Chokes: The choke manifold should be equipped with two remote hydraulic
chokes and at least one manually operated choke.
Kill System
Kill Pump: A 15,000 psi kill pump capable of slow circulation rates +/- 0.5
bbls/mins should be available. There should be a good communications link
between the kill pump and rig floor. Consideration should be given to
equipping the kill pump for remote operations from the rig floor. There should
also be a choke on the bleed down line to reduce erosion of plug type valves
when bleeding off pressure.
High Pressure Line: High pressure line from the kill pump to the rig floor with
a circulating head and flexible hose or chicksans ready for quick make up
should be available.
APP 1 - 9
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
The BOP stack including flexible hoses should be pressure tested to their
full working pressure on the test stump prior to running.
Kill and choke lines, including moonpool hoses, should be pressure tested
to their full working pressure prior to drilling out deep intermediate casing
or more frequently if recommended by manufacturer.
Failsafes, choke valves, target flanges wall thickness on long sweep bends
should be checked between wells or if poor condition is discovered while
checking the autochokes and target flanges in the above inspections.
Detectors
The gas detectors should be cleaned and inspected weekly. They should
be tested every two weeks and prior to drilling into the high pressure
objective of the well in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
APP 1 - 10
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
REFERENCE I
160
155 X
X 390 ft
ANNULAR FLOW TEMPERATURE (deg F)
+ 0 ft
150
X
X X
145
140 +
135
+
130
+ +
125
15000 16000 17000 18000 19000
BHT TAKEN TO BE CONSTANT AT 420
210
X 390 ft
ANNULAR FLOW TEMPERATURE (deg F)
+ 0 ft X
200
190 +
180 X
X
X
170
+ +
+
160
Depth 12000 13000 14000 15000 16000
Static BHT 340 346 350 354 358
APP 1 - 11
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
REFERENCE II
This set of curves represents the worst case scenario for the sea floor
flowing temperature conditions for wells with a static bottom hole
temperature of 420 F. flowing at 50 MMCFD rate for one hour up the
annulus.
Any lower condensate content in the gas would result in a lower sea floor
flowing temperature than that on the curves.
400
ANNULAR FLOW TEMPERATURE (deg F)
380 AT
E
WR )
F LO F/D
TH C
DE
P
M MS
L L (50 )
360 WE FT F/D
00 SC
150 0 MM
( 5
FT
00
190
340
320
280
260
300 320 340 360 380 400 420 440
O
BOTTOM HOLE TEMPERATURE ( F)
APP 1 - 12
HPHT Course - Appendix 1
REFERENCE III
1 BHP and BHT estimate for proposed well with offset well data
including location, depth, pressure and temperatures, and method
of estimating BHP and BHT.
APP 1 - 13
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PREFACE
PREFACE
The guidelines are not legally binding. The user may consequently select
other technical and operational solutions than those indicated in the
guidelines, provided it can be documented that the selected solutions meet
the requirements of the regulations.
If the operator when commencing drilling for the first time in an area does
not have necessary information from previous drilling operations in the area,
the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will be able to assist in obtaining basic
documentation.
Scope
The guidelines deal with issues that should be taken into consideration
during drilling of deep high pressure wells.
The term deep high pressure wells shall be understood as wells deeper than
4000 m (TVD) and/or has an expected shut-in wellhead pressure greater
than or equal to 690 bar (10,000 psi).
If the well is deeper than 4000 m (TVD), but has an expected shut-in
wellhead pressure lower than 690 bar, the particular part of the guidelines
dealing with 1035 bar equipment (15 000 psi) is not applicable.
APP 2 - 1
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
During the drilling phase, the operator should give particular attention to
signs indicating abnormal wear such as steel chips in the return flow from
the well or abnormal wear of the wear bushing. When signs of abnormal
wear are detected, logs should be run to verify the degree of wear.
The need to run additional casings (e.g. 7" tie-back during production start)
should be given special consideration.
Drilling mud
The choice of drilling mud should be considered in detail on the basis of
well stability and well control, and should be tested prior to and during
drilling at expected pressure and temperature conditions.
The following should in particular be considered for the choice and use of
drilling mud:
Drilling mud (with the necessary admixtures) should be tested to the highest
predicted temperature for the well during static and dynamic conditions in
order to determine rheology and control of filter loss. These are critical
parameters for the drilling, as a reduction of viscosity may impede well
control, and an uncontrolled filter loss may result in “sticking pipe”. Another
high temperature effect is dehydration of the drilling mud (“high temperature
gelation”) resulting in a risk of “swabbing”.
In connection with DST it is also important to have the drilling mud stability
verified, as the drilling mud will remain static for considerable periods of
time.
Due to increased pressure and temperature in the well, the average specific
density of the drilling mud will differ from the values measured on the surface.
APP 2 - 2
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
Cementing
Testing of cement mixtures should be carried out in accordance with the
recommendations given for drilling mud. It is however important to carry out
additional modelling in order to determine an exact circulation temperature.
Exact testing of cement and admixtures is important to ensure good cement
behind the casing string.
- filter loss
- hydration
- rheology
- setting times
- temperature
- short term strength
- long term strength (strength retrogression)
- gas density
- free water
APP 2 - 3
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
High pressure wells will always entail special and strict requirements to
prognostication of pressure and temperature. Experience has shown that in
the majority of cases where well control problems have occurred, there have
been previous problems in connection with lost circulation. Consequently it
will be of vital importance to a safe and efficient drilling operation to be able
to predict the maximum expected pressure, as well as margins between
fracturing pressure and pore pressure.
Organisation
For planning and implementation of operations of this kind, it is necessary
that the operator at all times has specially qualified personnel available for
consultation, and that they take an active part in the planning of the work
ashore as well as on board.
In addition to traditional drills such as fire and lifeboat drills, trip and flow
drills, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will strongly recommend choke
drills to be carried out.
These drills should be carried out prior to drilling out of surface casing and
intermediate casing. The well is circulated through choke lines to define
pressure curves and response times during circulation through kill/choke
lines at various rates. This drill will increase the familiarity of the personnel
with such operations, and improve co-ordination between the driller and the
choke operator.
It is vital during high pressure drilling that the drilling crew is in no doubt as
to what procedures to follow when well control equipment is activated. It is
important that shut-in and circulation procedures are well drilled and
understood.
APP 2 - 5
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
Operational requirements
The following operational limitations should be considered:
Weather conditions
Drilling
Tripping etc.
During tripping in/out of the drillstring in the well the following should be
taken into consideration:
a) the need for a float-valve and circulation sub to be installed in the BHA
before running the string
b) that special procedures are drawn up for tripping in high pressure zones,
e.g.:
c) that the well during pulling of the drillstring is kept full with mud. When
drilling a well with a small diameter, it is important to be able to circulate
during pulling of the drillstring in order to prevent piston effect and
resulting reduction of the bottom hole pressure.
APP 2 - 6
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
Well killing
In order to be prepared for handling a kill situation quickly, kill lines should
be permanently connected to the cementing unit, alternatively have a
permanent connection to a separate well killing system.
Relief well
It is important that plans for relief wells are drawn up together with the
drilling programme. The plans should be regularly updated as drilling
progresses. Based on directional measurements made in the well, there
should be a regular assessment of suitable location(s) from where possible
relief well(s) should be drilled. This will as a rule require the original well to
be drilled with MWD from sea bed to TD.
Well control
A considerable part of the planning process in connection with deep high
pressure wells should be related to ensuring that the drilling installation
has suitable well control equipment to handle formation fluids under the
expected volume, pressure and temperature conditions on the surface
during circulation of a “kick”. The operator should in this connection
consider the possibility of “bullheading” of “kicks” as an alternative to more
traditional circulation procedures.
In connecting with planning of the well, volumes of reservoir fluid that may
be produced on the surface for a given influx should be estimated.
Furthermore, maximum circulation rates for surface equipment should be
estimated.
APP 2 - 7
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
Finally the risk of hydrate formation during a well control operation (e.g.
during circulation) should be considered. Information from neighbouring wells
(oil type, composition, “bubble point’, temperature) will be of particular
importance in this type of evaluations.
Pressure control
Careful evaluation of pressure conditions and formation integrity is important
when drilling in transitional zones. The following parameters should be given
special consideration:
a) It is important that LOT/FIT is carried out in every new open hole interval,
and where weaker zones are anticipated
b) the need to run RFT at regular intervals, and where the pore pressure
can be expected to change, should be considered
- drilling parameters
- pore pressure
- stratigraphy
- early detection of “kicks”
APP 2 - 8
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
Well testing
During production testing of deep high pressure wells the following governing
principles should be observed:
Due to the corrosive nature of the zinc bromide, alternative media should
be considered during testing.
With regard to the manning situation, the following key persons should be
taking part in the operations during drilling of high pressure wells:
Contractor personnel
Through his internal control system, the operator will ensure that the drilling
contractor and service contractors comply with the qualification requirements
of the company, cf. Section 19 of the Drilling Regulations. In particular the
operator should focus attention on ensuring thorough professional
qualifications for personnel engaged in cementing, drilling and mud
operations.
It is of the utmost importance that the crew of the drilling installation function
as a well coordinated team, and that procedures and routines are well
established between the drilling contractor and the operator. This will as a rule
exclude the use of a new installation/new crew for drilling of high pressure
wells.
APP 2 - 9
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
For example, it is not uncommon that this type of wells are drilled with much
higher background gas level than in the case of more traditional drilling.
Inexperienced drilling personnel may react inappropriately if they are not
used to such situations. Regular safety meetings will be necessary, inter alia
to ensure that involved personnel acquire adequate understanding of the
physical/reservoir related principles that may cause a high background gas
level during drilling under such conditions.
Trip tank, flow meter, mud logging instruments and other critical sensors
should be subjected to a thorough maintenance and calibration programme.
Installation
Requirements to the following equipment packages should be important
when evaluating drilling installations for drilling of deep high pressure wells:
b) the top kelly valve should be able to close during full flow conditions;
c) the installation should have sufficient loading and hoisting capacity for
handling heavy casing;
APP 2 - 10
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
An alternative routing of the fluid/gas flow may be directly from the choke
manifold to high pressure overboard dump-lines. If the return is dry gas, it
should be possible to conduct it directly to the burner boom for burning.
It is important that well established procedures exist for the rig personnel, if
dumping overboard is the alternative when the mud/gas separator capacity is
exceeded.
b) equipped with a fluid additive system and circulation mixer when mixing
of heavy cement mixtures are required (specific weight 2.3 - 2.4 g/cm3);
c) the mixing system should have sufficient capacity with regard to rate,
pressure etc. and should be fitted with “batch”-tank or similar method
or cementing liners.
APP 2 - 11
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
e) equipped with kill/choke line designed for the expected pressure and
temperature (including flexible parts and elastomers).
a) valves
b) valve parts
c) hoses
d) adaptors
e) connection arrangement
a) choke valves
b) valve parts
c) gaskets etc.
APP 2 - 12
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
Equipment limitations
In addition to high pressures, also high temperatures will be a problem during
drilling of this type of wells. Downhole equipment such as LUB, electronic
instruments etc. have proved to represent considerable weaknesses in
electronic components.
a) corrosion
d) operational limitations
- well ageing
- reduced drilling progress
Special equipment
Particularly in the case of rigs with large built-in compensation for “riser
tension”, flexible high pressure hoses will be exposed to considerable stress
effects from wind as well as from waves in the moon-pool” area. The transition
zones of the hoses between the rigid and the flexible parts will be particularly
exposed.
In the course of time the most affected areas may develop micro-cracks in the
protective layers with increasing corrosion of the load-bearing part of the
hoses. With more extensive cracking the hose may also be liable to frost burst.
As a rule there will also be high temperatures in deep high pressure reservoirs.
The above mentioned hoses will however not be exposed to reservoir
temperatures, even during circulation of deep “kicks”. The time required for
transportation of gas and mud up to the surface will be sufficient to cause a
considerable temperature
reduction.
APP 2 - 13
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
In the case of sea bed and surface equipment, temperature limits will have
to be considered in relation to expected values during testing. A critical
area in this connection are BOP valves with flexible (elastomers)
components which during the test phase may become subjected to
temperatures close up to bottom hole temperature.
For relevant high pressure wells, the operator should therefore attach
particular importance to verifying the above mentioned well control
equipment according to the expected pressure and temperature conditions.
Planning and drilling of deep high pressure wells is essentially not very
different from the usual practice in ordinary drilling operations.
In the text above the focus has been on matters requiring more attention
and greater accuracy in order for drilling of deep high pressure wells to be
successful.
APP 2 - 14
HPHT Course - Appendix 2
q) drilling mud
- verification of the physical and chemical properties of the drilling mud
at high pressures and temperatures during static and dynamic
conditions
APP 2 - 15
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