7-1

W ELL C ONTROL
M ETHODS
T
here are many techniques for
controlling a well. Whether a kick has
occurred during drilling or workover
or whether a live well must be controlled, the
basics are the same. These methods maintain
bottomhole pressure at a desired level, typically
Basic mathematics at or above the formation’s pressure in order
to prevent further influx of formation fluid.
are required In live wells, it is not always desirable to kill
the well, but rather to control the pressure at
for every well a manageable and safe level. Some techniques
provide for circulating a fluid to remove kicking
fluid or bringing the well to the desired level of
control operation pressure control. Other pump techniques allow
fluid to be pumped into a well, with no returns
taken at the surface. Non-pumping techniques
allow pressure control of the formation and/
or allow stripping into or out of a well.
These techniques all have common goals:

7-2
controlling the kicking or producing formation
and avoiding lost circulation. The difference
in these methods occurs if fluid weight is
increased and if the well will be circulated. The
Proper
principles in this chapter are well established and
documentation
is one of the
work equally well in all applications (drilling,
most neglected workover, completion) when warranted.
aspects of This chapter discusses various Constant
well control Bottomhole Pressure Methods of controlling
operations. the well and methods for choke response. If
the goal is to remove kicking fluid, there are
two techniques to prevent additional influx.
The first is to add enough backpressure on
the present fluid column to equal formation
pressure. The second is to hold enough
backpressure and displace the original fluid in
the well with a fluid that is dense enough to
equal or exceed formation pressure.
Note: Shut In Drillpipe Pressure (SIDPP),
Shut In Tubing Pressure (SITP) and Shut In
Coiled Tubing Pressure (SICTP) all refer to the
same pressure, the pressure on the pump side
of the U-tube. Shut In Casing Pressure (SICP)
and Shut In Wellhead Pressure (SIWHP) refer
to the pressure on the choke side of the U-tube.
Although these terms are interchangeable, the
most common usage based on specific applica-
tions is presented. In addition, techniques
presented in this section assume that correct
Well Control Operation Data Sheet
STROKES OR THEORETICAL ACTUAL PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT ACTUAL
TIME VOLUME CIRC. PRESS. CIRC. PRESS. +/- PSI @ STKS ADJ. PRES. AFTER CASING PRESS.
C HAPTER 7
shut-in pressures are known and correct control
procedures have been implemented until the
kill operation can begin (unless otherwise
noted).
DOCUMENTING WELL CONTROL
During any well control operation data
collection and documentation are valuable
tools, helping to organize the operation and
lend confidence to those on the job. The crew
can know what is going on and feel in control
of a situation. But proper documentation is
one of the most neglected aspects of well
control operations. Clear and concise records
are essential to ensure proper pressure is
maintained and that trends can be identified
and evaluated. Unusual occurrences should be
documented. Solutions to many complications
are evident when good records illustrate the
problem.
Circulating pressures, volumes pumped
(often expressed in pump strokes), fluid
properties (e.g., density and viscosity), pit
changes, and choke position should be noted.
The chart below is an example of what should
be recorded at a minimum.
FLUID IN FLUID OUT CHOKE POS. PIT
WT. VIS WT. VIS % OPEN LEVEL REMARKS
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-3

THIS WELL DATA WILL BE USED IN THIS CHAPTER UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

1. USE PUMP #1 PUMP

KILL RATE SPEED – ________ spm
PUMP PRESSURE – ________ psi
PUMP #1 – 6” × 16” Duplex OUTPUT – 0.157 bbls/stk
2. STROKES TO DISPLACE TUBING – 905 stks
PUMP #2 – 5-1/2” × 16” Duplex OUTPUT – 0.126 bbls/stk
3. STROKES FOR BOTTOMS UP – 3,323 stks
MAXIMUM PUMP PRESSURE – 3,950 psi
4. STROKES, TOTAL CIRCULATION – 4,228 stks ANNULAR

PUMP #1 SLOW PUMP RATE

RAM
PRESSURE PIT
SPM BPM (PSI) RAM
HCR
16 2.50 350
24 3.75 770 RAM
BOP STACK RATING – 10,000 psi
32 5.00 1,350

USE PUMP #1 AT 24 SPM

VOLUME IN ACTIVE PITS – ? bbls
SIDP – 520 psi SURFACE LINE VOLUME – 3.5 bbls
SICP – 820 psi PRESENT MUD WEIGHT – 12.5 ppg
ICP – 1,290 psi RESERVE PIT MUD WEIGHT – 11.7 ppg
FCP – 832 psi
KICK SIZE – 16 bbls
INTEGRITY/LEAK-OFF TEST
MUD WEIGHT – 10.0 ppg

INTEGRITY/LEAK-OFF TEST
DRILLPIPE PRESSURE – 1,600 psi
OD – 4-1/2” DEPTH OF TEST
ID – 3.826” (SHOE OR WEAK ZONE)
WEIGHT – 16.6 lbs/ft TVD – 5,030 ft
CAPACITY – 0.01422 bbls/ft
LENGTH – 9,450 ft CASING
OD – 9-5/8”
DRILL COLLARS ID – 8.835”
WEIGHT – 40 lbs/ft
OD – 6-1/2”
GRADE – N-80
ID – 2.8125”
INTERNAL YIELD (100%) – 5,750 psi
CAPACITY – 0.00768 bbls/ft
LENGTH TVD – 5,000 ft
LENGTH – 550 ft
LENGTH MD – 5,000 ft

HOLE SIZE – 8-1/2” bit WELL DEPTH

with 3 10/32 jets TVD – 10,000 ft
MD – 10,000 ft

7-4 Determining Choke Adjustment
Determine Choke
Determine C hoke AAdjust
djus t CChoke
hoke Slowly
AAdjustment
djus tement Determined Pressure
Determined
PUMP PUMP
CIRCULATING TECHNIQUES
There are three common circulating
methods used in well control. They are the
Driller’s Method, the Wait and Weight Method
and the Concurrent Method.
The differences between these are when
to circulate the kick from the well, and when
to pump the kill fluid if it is decided that
the well will be killed. They are all constant
bottomhole pressure methods. This means
that after the well is shut in, until the time
the well is killed, pressure at the bottom of
the well must be maintained at, or slightly
above, the formation pressure. If this can
be accomplished without lost circulation or
equipment failure, the well can be killed
without taking further influx.
The following must be thoroughly known
prior to starting any well control technique.
Pressure
CHOKE RESPONSE
maintained at
or through the An understanding of what to expect
choke - controls is essential for any well control operation.
pressure Pressure maintained at or through the choke,
throughout controls pressure throughout the well.
the well.
Improper responses can lead to additional
influx, formation, and/or equipment failures.
C HAPTER 7
S lowly byby Make SSure
Make ure Change
C hange
P res s ure TTransits
rans its
PUMP
Determining choke adjustment
There are several critical times when proper
action must be taken.
w Pump start up: As the pump is brought on
line, a pressure increase felt throughout the
system will be imposed. As pressure on the
casing begins to increase, the choke must
be rapidly opened from a closed position
to allow fluid to bleed through, but only
opened enough so that pressure remains
constant. If wellbore pressure increases too
much, losses or damage to the formation
may occur. If pressures are allowed to
decrease below the shut in value, additional
influx may occur. This is explained in more
detail later in this section.
w Proper choke adjustments: Once the pump
is running at correct rate, adjustments to
maintain proper circulating pressure are
made by choke adjustments. If drillpipe
pressure is thought to be too high,
determine excess amount as accurately as
possible. This is the amount of pressure
that must be bled from the casing pressure
by choke adjustment. Determine the casing
pressure to be bled in order to correct
circulating pressure. The determination may
be made by calculator, line increment on
the gauge, or in your head. Only when this
is known, carefully adjust the setting of the
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
choke towards a more open position. If the
circulating pressure is too low, the same
procedure is used, except the choke will be
adjusted towards a more closed position.
w Perhaps one of the more common
mistakes is watching the choke position
indicator gauge and assuming that each
increment will adjust the pressure by the
same amount. Flow rate and pressure losses
through an orifice are not linear. As the
choke orifice is increased or decreased the
choke indicator scale does not represent set
pressure adjustments. The indicator scale
only shows the relative position of the
choke and which way the choke is moving
– open or closed. Pressure adjustments
should be carefully made using gauge
pressure, not the indicator.
w Gas at choke: Fluid type, flow rate,
and choke sizes are related to maintaining
correct pressures. If a different fluid type
goes through the choke, its frictional
coefficient and flow rate will either increase
or decrease. This is the case when gas hits
or follows fluid through the choke. An
abrupt decrease in pressure across the choke
may occur. If this happens, pressure will
decrease throughout the well, potentially
causing another kick.
w Pressures should be recorded throughout
the operation. If pressure abruptly
decreases, consult the recorded value and
immediately adjust the choke towards the
more closed position until the last recorded
value is obtained. Give proper lag time
to correct pressure throughout system, and
readjust as needed.
w As gas (which has very low density)
exits through choke, liquid replaces it.
This subsequently results in an increase in
circulating pressure on drillpipe. Determine
amount of the increase on drillpipe, and
adjust choke toward a more open position
to bring drillpipe pressure back to planned
value. This step may be repeated several
times while circulating gas through choke.
w Fluid following gas through choke: Gas
requires a much smaller opening or orifice
size to maintain the same pressure as a
7-5
liquid. When fluid following gas hits the
choke, it results in an abrupt increase in
friction and pressure buildup. This increase
in pressure may cause formation failure.
Immediately consult the recorded pressure
chart and adjust the casing pressure to the Pressure and
last recorded value (prior to fluid hitting circulating rate
choke) by adjusting the choke towards the changes are
more open position. Give proper lag time felt throughout
to correct pressure throughout system, and the well’s entire
readjust as needed. circulating
system.
w Pump shut down: If the well is still live
(i.e., no kill fluid is to be pumped) and the
well must be shut in, the objectives are to
not trap excessive pump pressure or allow
additional formation fluid to feed in. When
the pump speed is decreased, circulating
pressure decreases and flow across the
choke decreases. If the casing pressure
begins to decrease, adjust the choke towards
the more closed position to maintain the
last recorded value prior to taking the
pump off line. As pump speed is reduced
again, pressure will again decrease and more
choke adjustment is necessary. Once the
pump is stopped, the choke may have to
be closed rapidly to maintain a planned
pressure. If pressure falls below planned
values, additional influx may occur. On the
other hand, high pressures may lead to
formation breakdown.
LAG/TRANSIT TIME
Imagine the well’s circulating system as
a U-tube. This means that the casing and
standpipe pressure are closely related and
pressure signals and circulating rate changes
are felt throughout the entire U system. In well
control, this is an important concept. Tubing or
drillpipe pressure reports on downhole pressure.
If drillpipe pressure changes from planned values
(to maintain constant bottomhole pressure),
it must be corrected. This is accomplished
by varying the amount of choke pressure on
surface.
When choke pressure is altered, a pressure
wave is initiated that will be felt throughout
the circulating system. It will not produce an
immediate response on the drillpipe pressure

7-6
gauge, but will lag behind. This transit delay
should be taken into account before another
attempt is made to alter drillpipe pressure.
A rule of thumb can be applied: Wait
Too high a pump
approximately two seconds for every 1,000’
rate may result
(304.8 m) of string length that is in the well.
in over-pressuring
On a 10,000’ (3048 m) well, for example,
a formation to
the point of
it takes approximately twenty seconds for a
damage or
pressure change made on the choke to be
fracture. seen on the drillpipe or tubing gauge. This is
approximately ten seconds for the change to
travel from the choke down the annulus to the
end of the drillpipe, and another ten seconds
for the change to travel up the drillpipe and
back to surface. On deeper wells a considerable
amount of time may pass before the change is
felt throughout the system. If additional changes
are made during this lag time, overcorrecting
may occur resulting in additional influx or lost
circulation.
The rule of thumb is an approximation to
establish lag time. Once a correction is made,
find the approximate time delay that it takes
to see the change, and make a note of the
time difference. It should be pointed out
that many things affect this time delay. The
compressibility of gas will slow this response
time down. Factors such as circulating rate,
9 Pressure change
registers on pump
gauge after transit
time
PUMP
8
7 4 - 8 Pressure
change transits
through system
Choke
adjustment
C HAPTER 7
fluid type and fluid compressibility will also
have an effect. The point is to realize that
responses are not instantaneous.
BRINGING A PUMP ONLINE
Mistakes can be made when choosing pump
rates to circulate out a kick. Pump start-up
procedure is also a critical time. Remember, a
slower pump rate results in less annular friction
and minimizes pressure against the formation.
As hydraulic diameter and capacity between pipe
and casing decreases, so should the pump rate.
Too high a rate may result in over-pressuring
formation to the point of damage or fracture.
And when gas reaches the surface, separator
equipment may become overloaded. The extra
circulating time at slower rates may be worth
it when compared to complications that may
result.
Below are some suggestions for simplifying
the first few minutes of a kill operation.
Remem-ber that we must maintain a constant
bottomhole pressure while bringing the pump
on line.
1. Communications. Make sure communication
between pump and choke operator are good
and that they have discussed how they are
going to react to each other’s operation.
3 Pressure change
registers on kill
manifold pressure
gauge
1 Choke position
change
4
2 Pressure
Pulse goes
opposite way
5
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
Communication
PUMP
Pump
Controller
Brings pump
online slowly
or in stages
as directed
2. Start pump slowly. Pumps should be
brought up to speed slowly, or in stages.
This process should take several minutes
and should have been discussed prior
to pump start up. Rigs with mechanical
pumps, constant speed pumps or rigs
without a hydraulic choke run additional
risk of formation or equipment failure.
On rigs with mechanical pumps, the pump
cannot be brought on line slowly. Its
slowest speed is at idle, which is often the
kill rate. If a manual choke is used, it
may not be able to open or close fast
enough during pump start up. Start up
procedure in either case is to open the
choke immediately prior to pump startup.
This may allow the well to flow and another
influx occur, but it is preferable to breaking
down a formation from uncontrolled
pressure surges. After pump is up to speed,
casing pressure should be adjusted back to
the value it had before pump start up.
Another possibility is to equip the
standpipe with a bypass choke. This would
be opened prior to starting the pump.
7-7
Choke
Operator
Holds choke
pressure
according to
proper value
The pump is then brought on line and
the bypass choke gradually closed to divert
more fluid down the string. This controls
the flow of fluid similar to rigs that can
bring a pump online as slow/fast as desired
to minimize pressure surges or reductions
in pressure felt throughout the well.
3. Hold casing pressure constant initially.
Casing (choke) pressure should be held
constant (at correct shut in value) while
bringing up the pump to kill rate speed.
The exception to this is cases where high
annular/choke/kill line friction pressures
If casing
are present. This case is discussed in the
pressure is
Complications section. If casing pressure
allowed to drop
is allowed to drop when bringing a pump when bringing
up to speed, bottomhole pressure will also a pump up to
drop. This may result in more kick influx. speed, the
If the pump is brought on line and the bottomhole
choke is not opened or operated quickly pressure will
enough, a rapid increase in pressure may also drop.
lead to formation and/or well equipment
breakdown. Either should be avoided, but
a secondary kick is preferable to formation
and well equipment failure.
 PUMP START UP & CHOKE PRESSURE
C HAPTER 7
7-8
Pump start
up and
choke
pressure

Before Bringing Surface Subsea

Startup Pump Online Pump at Kill Rate Speed

Remember casing pressure is backpressure.

As soon as the pump is on line and
running at kill rate speed, return the casing
pressure to its proper value.
4. The Circulating Pressure seen on the
pump gauge is typically called the Initial
Circulating Pressure or ICP. This is a
combination of pressure to circulate the
well at a given rate and prevent the well
from flowing. Mathematically, it can be
expressed as ICP = SIDPP + KRP, where
SIDPP is the shut in drillpipe pressure and
KRP is the pump pressure at the desired
kill rate. If proper start up procedures are
used and there is a significant difference
between the actual ICP value and the
calculated value, decisions should be made
whether to use the actual value or to shut
down, evaluate and begin again.
5. Maintain Kill Rate. Once the kill rate speed
Once the kill
is chosen, it should not be changed. If
rate speed
is chosen, it
pump speed is changed, then calculations
should not be such as the initial circulating pressure, final
changed. circulating pressure, and the pressure chart
or graph must be changed as well.
DRILLER’S METHOD
The Driller’s Method is a technique used
for circulating formation fluids out of well with
or without killing the well. It is often used to
remove kicks swabbed in during a trip out of
the hole. The Driller’s Method is simple and
straightforward. It is important to understand
the techniques and ideas used in the Driller’s
Method because other methods of well control
incorporate many of its principles.
In certain cases however, the Driller’s
Method may cause somewhat higher casing
pressures than do other techniques and requires
more time to kill the well. It is ideally suited
for tripping applications. Once back to bottom
the annular fluid column is circulated and
the influx removed. It is also used where
no weighting material is needed or available.
In addition, it is used to remove gas kicks where
high migration rates can cause shut in problems.
It may also be used where personnel and/or
equipment resources are limited. However, it is
not often used on wells where lost circulation
is anticipated or expected.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-9

In the Driller’s Method, first the kick is
circulated out of the hole. Then, if the well is
underbalanced, replace the fluid in the hole
with a fluid exerting more pressure than the
kicking formation.
Following is the Driller’s Method procedure:
1. Well is shut in after the kick.
2. Record Stabilized Shut In Drillpipe (SIDPP)
and Shut In Casing Pressures (SICP).
3. Kick is immediately circulated out of hole.
4. When this is finished, well may be shut in
a second time.
5. If necessary, fluid weight is increased.
6. Well is circulated a second time with new,
heavier fluid to regain hydrostatic control.
EXAMPLE PROBLEM
The well is shut in after a kick and the
SIDPP, SICP, and kick size recorded. Using
well data from page 7-3 and the following
information, the Driller’s Method will be
explained.
Kill Rate Speed is 24 spm
Kill Rate Pressure is 770 psi (53.09 bar)
Pump, 6” × 16” (152.4mm × 406.4mm) duplex
Fluid Weight in Hole 12.5 ppg (1498 kg/m³)
SIDPP is 520 psi (35.85 bar)
SICP is 820 psi (56.54 bar)
START CIRCULATION
Bring pump up to kill rate speed (24
spm) while maintaining casing or backpressure Maintaining
constant. (Or at planned pressure versus pump bottomhole
rate, as is the case in subsea and slim hole.) pressure prevents
This will maintain the bottomhole pressure, the well from
prevent the well from flowing, and minimize flowing while
chances for formation damage to occur. In this minimizing the
chance of
example, after the pump is brought to speed,
formation
the casing value should be adjusted to 820 psi
damage.
(56.54 bar).
FIRST CIRCULATION
When the pump is running at the Kill
Rate Speed and casing pressure has been
adjusted with the choke to its correct value
(same pressure as when well was shut in, and
at planned values for subsea and slim hole),
the control point is shifted to the drillpipe
pressure gauge. The drillpipe pressure at this
time is called the Circulating Pressure (CP), or
in other methods Initial Circulating Pressure
(ICP). It is the combination of the SIDPP, and
the pump pressure at this pump speed. In this
example, the Circulating Pressure is 1,290 psi
(88.95 bar).

Rate, Stks/min

0
Pump

520 820

Pump Pressure Choke Pressure

Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead

STROKES

0
Hold casing
pressure
constant
when
Stroke Counter bringing
pump online.
 C HAPTER 7
7-10

The Circulating Pressure is held constant PRESSURE ADJUSTMENTS

by using the choke, and the pump rate is kept
As the kick is being circulated, maintain
constant at the Kill Rate Speed until the kick
drillpipe pressure according to planned
is circulated out of the hole. If the kick is
pressure.
A rule of thumb gas, pressure adjustments may be necessary If the drillpipe pressure is incorrect, it must
for lag time is to maintain the proper Circulating Pressure. be adjusted to its proper value. To do this,
to wait about Generally speaking as the kick expands, it determine the amount of pressure (high or low)
two seconds displaces fluid and results in lost hydrostatic that must be corrected. Do not estimate. Small
per thousand
pressure, which is compensated for by increasing changes less than 50 psi (3.45 bar) are typically
feet of well
casing pressure. If the kick is pure salt water or not considered, unless low or excess pressures
depth.
oil, few pressure adjustments are required. are critical. The amount of pressure needed,
must be added to or taken away from the casing
value (backpressure). Lag time should
be taken into account for this pressure
Rate, Stks/min
change to be reflected on the drillpipe
24 gauge. Remember that a rule of thumb
for this lag time is to wait approximately
Pump
two seconds per thousand feet of well
depth. Many factors affect lag time,
1290 820
so only after an adequate amount
of time should another correction be
considered if a response is not seen.

Pump Pressure Choke Pressure THE KICK AT SURFACE

Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead
On gas kicks, casing pressure first,
STROKES and then drillpipe pressure (after the
22 lag time for changes from one gauge
to another) will start to drop as the
Stroke Counter kick starts coming through the choke.

Once pump is at planned

circulating speed, circulating
pressure is noted. This is the Rate, Stks/min
pressure to maintain.
24
Pump

870

Pump Pressure Choke Pressure

Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead

STROKES

1200
If pressure falls below where
it should be, an adjustment Stroke Counter
should be made.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-11

The choke must be quickly adjusted to bring ONCE KICK IS REMOVED

casing pressure back to the value it had before
the gas hit the choke. It is advisable to keep
a written record of the casing pressure as a
reference. After the casing pressure is brought
back to the proper value, and after the
proper amount of time for pressure to stabilize
throughout the system, then switch back to the
drillpipe gauge pressure and make necessary
corrections. When fluid following the kick
goes through the choke, casing pressure may
increase. Again, adjust casing pressure to its
last recorded value.
If the fluid weight has to be increased after
the kick has been circulated out, there are two
basic options. The first is to shut the well in
again. The control point is again the casing
pressure while slowing down and stopping the
pump. It must be held constant as the pump
rate changes. If casing pressure is allowed to
drop below the SICP another kick could be
taken (if well is underbalanced). If all the
influx has been removed, the hydrostatic in the
annulus should equal the hydrostatic in the drill

1
Pressure needs to
come up 100 psi

(820)

1: for pressure adjustments first determine

how much pressure is needed.
2: then adjust casing pressure by only that
amount.
Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure 3: allow proper lag time and reevaluate.

2 3 Tubing Pressure
will increase
after
casing pressure
is increased (920)
(820-920)
Increase
Casing
by
amount low

Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure

Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure

Rate, Stks/min

24
Pump

If casing pressure
is allowed to
drop below the
original SICP
another kick
Pump Pressure Choke Pressure could be taken.
Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead

STROKES

3000
When gas begins exiting
Stroke Counter through the choke, casing
pressure may begin to change.
 C HAPTER 7
7-12
1: if casing pressure
is allowed to 1 3
abruptly decrease
2: so will drillpipe/
tubing pressure given
lag time
3: to prevent this
from happening, if
casing pressure begins
to change quickly Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure
adjust the choke
4: if you react properly, 2 4
drillpipe/tubing
pressure fluctuations
will be minimal.

Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure

Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure

If the well is
to be shut in, Rate, Stks/min
maintain casing
pressure at least 0
equal to the
original shut in
drillpipe/tubing
Pump
pressure.

520 520

Pump Pressure Choke Pressure

Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead

STROKES

3400
Stroke Counter

string. Both pressures should be approximately
the same, close to the original SIDPP value. If
pressures are not close, another influx may have
If bottomhole entered the well. Also, monitor for pressure
pressure is kept buildup. This is a sign that another influx
constant as kill entered the well and is migrating.
fluid is pumped The second option is to keep circulating.
to the bit, the
If possible, align to a smaller pit to continue
circulating
circulating while pits will be weighted with a kill
pressure
fluid. This technique may lessen the chances
changes.
for sticking by keeping the fluid moving.
In either case, at this point a minimum of
two calculations need to be performed: the Kill
Weight Fluid and the Strokes to Bit.
If bottomhole pressure is kept constant as
kill fluid is pumped to bit, circulating pressure
changes. In order to determine what circulating
pressure to hold, a pressure chart of pump
strokes vs. pressure should be prepared. This
requires more calculations. Once kill fluid
reaches the bit, circulating pressure at that
point is held constant throughout remainder of
the operation. For that reason, it is called the
Final Circulating Pressure or FCP. Calculations
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-13

for these are explained further in the Well
Control Basics chapter. But, in this example,
kill weight fluid will be 13.5 ppg (1618 kg/m³)
and FCP 832 psi (57.37 bar). Fluid weight in
the active pit needs to be increased to 13.5
ppg (1618 kg/m³) before the second circulation
is started.
STARTING SECOND CIRCULATION
The start up procedure for the second
circulation is identical to the start up procedure
on the first, except for the numerical value
pressure held on the casing. If no additional
influx was taken, the SICP should essentially
equal the original degree of underbalance
(SIDPP). Once fluid weight has been
A second option is to hold casing pressure
constant (only if certain that no influx is in
the wellbore) until kill weight fluid reaches
the bit. In this example, it takes 905 strokes.
Drillpipe pressure will change as kill weight
A pressure vs.
fluid displaces old fluid. Do not maintain stroke chart will
drillpipe pressure constant at this time. It help safeguard
should be changing due to both friction against a
pressure changes and the hydrostatic pressure secondary kick
changes as the original fluid is displaced by while kill fluid is
kill fluid. A prepared pressure vs. stroke (or circulated.
volume) chart will indicate the appropriate
value.
Rate, Stks/min

increased, circulation should again start

24
by maintaining casing pressure constant
at planned values, 520 psi (35.85 bar) in Pump
this example. When the pump is at Kill
Rate Speed (24 spm) and you are holding 832
the casing pressure constant, you will be 520
starting to displace the lighter fluid in
the drill string.
It is necessary to follow a prepared Pump Pressure Choke Pressure
pressure vs. stroke chart and make the Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead

adjustments as required. This safeguards

against a secondary kick occurring while STROKES
kill fluid is circulated. If a secondary kick 905
had already occurred, correct pressures
are maintained. Stroke Counter

Maintain proper
pressure as kill fluid is
pumped to the bit.
Rate, Stks/min

24
Pump

520

Pump Pressure Choke Pressure

Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead

STROKES

22
Maintain casing
Stroke Counter pressure as pump is
brought online.
 C HAPTER 7
7-14

KILL WEIGHT FLUID REACHES BIT
By the time the drillpipe is full of kill
weight fluid (905 strokes), circulating pressure
should have gradually changed from the original
Always protect
circulating pressure (commonly referred to
personnel
as Initial Circulating Pressure, ICP) to the
when opening
calculated Final Circulating Pressure (FCP). The
closed BOPs.
pressure should be 832 psi (57.37 bar) in this
example. Circulation continues maintaining
FCP constant until the kill weight fluid reaches
the surface. As kill fluid is pumped up the
annulus, an increase in hydrostatic pressure
causes the drillpipe pressure to increase. Choke
adjustments are made as necessary to maintain
FCP. Gradually, all the backpressure is removed
as the kill fluid (increasing the annular
hydrostatic pressure) is circulated up the
annulus.
Once kill weight fluid reaches surface, well
can be shut in for the third time. Drillpipe and
casing pressure should be zero. If, after 15 to
Rate, Stks/min
24
Pump
832
Pump Pressure Choke Pressure
Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead
STROKES
4200
Stroke Counter
30 minutes, the pressure is zero, the well may
be dead. Open choke to see if there is any
flow. If pressures are not zero, or if flow is
detected, start circulating again. The problem
may be that kill weight fluid is not consistent
throughout the well. Another kick may be in
the hole or perhaps an insufficient kill fluid
was used. Even if the well is dead be aware
that trapped pressure can exist under closed
BOP. Always protect personnel when opening
closed BOPs.
DRILLER’S METHOD KILL REVIEW
1. The well is shut in.
2. Record Shut in Drillpipe/Casing pressures.
3. Circulation is started by holding casing
pressure constant until pump is at kill rate.
4. When pump speed is at kill rate, drillpipe
pressure is recorded and kept constant with
choke adjustments as necessary. Drillpipe
pressure should be the sum of SIDPP and
kill rate pump pressure.
5. The drillpipe pressure and pump rate are
kept constant until the kick is circulated
out of the hole.
6. Then the well is shut in (or circulated) and
the fluid weight increased.
7. A heavier fluid is prepared and circulation
is started again. Either a pressure chart
is followed or the casing pressure is kept
constant (assuming no additional influx)
until the drillpipe is full of new heavy fluid.
8. When the drillpipe is full of heavy
fluid FCP should be maintained until the
annulus has been displaced with kill fluid.

As the annulus fills with kill fluid,

a trend of gradually adjusting Rate, Stks/min

the choke to maintain correct 0

circulating pressures is noted.
Casing pressure should decline Pump
to a negligible value providing
additional influx was not taken.

Pump Pressure Choke Pressure

Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead
It may take more strokes than
calculated to get a consistent kill
fluid at surface, after which the STROKES
pumps should be shut off, the well
shut in and monitored for pressure
5400
buildup. If no pressure buildup is Stroke Counter
seen, the well should be dead.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
Rate, Stks/min
0 pump online.
Pump
520
Pump Pressure
Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe
STROKES
0
Stroke Counter
WAIT AND WEIGHT METHOD
The Wait and Weight Method is a compromise
of the various advantages and disadvantages
inherent in the different constant BHP
methods. The Wait and Weight Method kills
the kick in the shortest time and keeps the
wellbore and surface pressures lower than
any other method. It requires good mixing
facilities for weighting the fluid, full crews,
and additional supervisory help. All are
available on most marine rigs and on deep
or geo-pressured land operations. For some
companies this is the preferred method for
killing a well.
In the Wait and Weight Method, the well
is shut in after a kick. The stabilized pressures
and kick size are recorded. The fluid weight
is increased before starting to circulate, thus
the name, Wait and Weight. Then the fluid
is circulated through the well, maintaining
the correct weight and pressures while killing
the well.
In actual practice, it is rare to kill a well
in one circulation because of inefficient fluid
displacement in the annulus. This is true
with any well-killing method.
7-15
Hold casing
pressure constant
when bringing
820
Choke Pressure
Casing / Wellhead
Following is the Wait and Weight procedure:
1. The well is shut in after the kick.
2. Stabilized Shut In Drillpipe (SIDPP) and Shut In
Casing Pressures (SICP) recorded.
3. Pits weighted to calculated kill fluid weight.
4. When pits are weighted, circulation begins.
5. A prepared circulating pressure chart is followed,
kill fluid circulated through well.
EXAMPLE PROBLEM
Once again we will use the example on
page 7-3. Well is shut in after a kick and the
following information recorded.
Kill Rate Speed = 24 spm
Kill Rate Pressure = 770 psi (53.09 bar)
Pump, 6” × 16” (152.4 mm × 406.4 mm) Duplex
Fluid Weight in Hole 12.5 ppg (1498kg/m³) It is rare to kill
SIDPP = 520 psi (35.85 bar) a well in one
SICP = 820 psi (56.54 bar) circulation,
Strokes to Displace Drillpipe = 905 strokes due to
inefficient fluid
Strokes for Bottoms up = 3,323 strokes
displacement in
Strokes for Total Circulation = 4,228 strokes
the annulus.
BRINGING THE PUMP ONLINE
Once kill rate speed is chosen, it should
not be changed. If pump speed is changed, then
calculations such as initial, intermediate and
final circulating pressure must be recalculated.
 C HAPTER 7
7-16

1
Pressure needs to (732-832) (820)
come up 100 psi

1290 820

Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure

If pressure falls below where it should be, an adjustment

should be made. Determine how much pressure is needed
for the adjustment.

2
(650) (820-920)
Once pump is at planned circulating speed, Increase
Casing
Initial Circulating Pressure is noted. by
amount low

Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure

Adjust casing pressure by only that amount.

832 830

Tubing Pressure
3
will increase
after
casing pressure (732-832) (920)
is increased

Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure

It is your responsibility to maintain correct circulating pressure as the
kill fluid is pumped to the bit (ICP and FCP) and up the annulus
(maintaining FCP). Pressure adjustments should be made accordingly. Give proper lag time and reevaluate.

In this example, casing pressure is 820 psi STARTING CIRCULATION

(56.54 bar) and should be held while bringing When pump is up to kill rate speed and
the pump up to kill rate speed. casing pressure is adjusted with choke to same
If the casing pressure is allowed to drop pressure it had prior to pump start up, control
when bringing a pump up to speed, the is shifted to drillpipe pressure, at this time
bottomhole pressure will also drop. This may called Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP). It is
result in more kick influx. If the pump is merely the combination of the SIDPP and
brought on line and the choke is not opened, pump pressure at that speed. In the example
or operated quickly enough, then a rapid above, the ICP is 1,290 psi (88.95 bar).
The initial
increase in pressure may lead to formation
circulating
and/or well equipment breakdown. PRESSURE SCHEDULE
pressure is the
Remember that casing pressure is During the timeframe or number of pump
combination of
the SIDPP and
backpressure. As soon as the pump is on line strokes that the kill fluid takes to fill the
pump pressure and running at kill rate speed, return casing drillpipe, drillpipe pressure should decrease
at that speed. pressure to its proper value. from the Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP) to
the Final Circulating Pressure (FCP).
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
When drillpipe is full of kill weight fluid
(905 strokes), the drillpipe pressure gauge should
be showing Final Circulating Pressure (832 psi
[57.37 bar]). Hold that pressure constant on
drillpipe pressure gauge until kill fluid weight
is circulated throughout the well and pumps
are shut down after the kill operation.
PRESSURE ADJUSTMENTS
As the kick is being circulated, maintain
drillpipe pressure according to planned pressure.
If the drillpipe pressure is incorrect, it must
be adjusted to its proper value. To do this,
determine the amount of pressure (high or low)
Don’t let this happen: If casing pressure decreases,
2 changes from one gauge to another) will start
(832)
Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure
So will drillpipe/tubing pressure.
3 proper amount of time for pressure to stabilize
(250)
Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure
Correct action prevents additional influx: if casing
pressure begins to change, quickly adjust the choke.
4
(832)
Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure
If you react properly, drillpipe/tubing pressure
fluctuations will be minimal.
5
(832)
Tubing Pressure Casing Pressure
7-17
that must be corrected. Do not estimate. Small
changes less than 50 psi (3.45 bar) typically are
not considered unless low or excess pressures
are critical.) The amount of pressure needed,
must be added to or taken away from casing
value (backpressure). Lag time should be taken When fluid
into account for this pressure change to be following the
reflected on drillpipe gauge. A rule of thumb kick goes
for this lag time is to wait approximately two through choke,
casing pressure
seconds per thousand feet of well depth. Many
will begin to
factors affect lag time, so only after an adequate
increase.
amount of time should another correction be
considered if a correction is not seen.
THE KICK AT SURFACE
On gas kicks, casing pressure first, and
then drillpipe pressure (after the lag time for
to decrease as the kick starts coming through
the choke. The choke must be quickly adjusted
to bring casing pressure back to the value it had
before the gas hit the choke. It is advisable to
keep a written record of the casing pressure
as a reference. After the casing pressure is
brought back to the proper value, and after the
throughout the system, control switches back
to the drillpipe gauge for necessary pressure
corrections. When the liquid following the kick
goes through the choke, casing pressure will
begin to increase. Again, adjust casing pressure
to its last recorded value.
As gas begins exiting through choke, casing pressure may begin to change.
832 1300
 C HAPTER 7
7-18

In our example, we try to stabilize casing If the well is dead, and BOP will be opened,
pressure at 1,200 psi (82.74 bar) to maintain be aware that trapped pressure can exist.
drillpipe pressure at 832 psi (57.37 bar).
WAIT AND WEIGHT KILL REVIEW
When using the CONTINUE CIRCULATION 1. The well is shut in after a kick and stabilized
wait and weight Once the kick is out of the well maintain SIDPP, SICP and kick size information
method the first
Final Circulating Pressure, 832 psi (57.37 bar), recorded.
calculation
until kill weight fluid reaches the surface.
should be kill 2. The first calculation should be kill fluid
fluid density. SHUTTING BACK IN density.
If circulating pressures have not fallen 3. The rest of the worksheet is filled out while
below planned values and the kick has been the fluid density in the pits is increased.
removed, then the well can be shut in again. 4. When ready to circulate, the pump
Drillpipe and casing pressures should be zero is brought to kill rate speed while
(give 15 to 30 minutes). If the pressure is zero, maintaining proper casing (backpressure)
the well is dead. If it is not zero, start circulating with the adjustable choke.
again. The problem may be that the kill weight 5. Maintain drillpipe (or tubing) pressure
fluid density is not consistent throughout the according to the pressure chart. All pressure
well or maybe another kick is in the well. adjustments begin with adjustment of
casing (backpressure) from the choke. Every
pressure adjustment should be recorded.
Rate, Stks/min 6. When heavy fluid reaches the bit, maintain
24 drillpipe (or tubing) pressure at the Final
Pump Circulating Pressure until kill weight fluid
returns to surface.
832 7. When gas, or liquid following the gas,
starts to go through the choke, casing
pressure must be stabilized at the last
Pump Pressure Choke Pressure recorded value. Once pressures stabilize,
Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead
then drillpipe (or tubing) pressure must be
STROKES adjusted and kept at its proper value until
4200 the well has been killed.
Stroke Counter

As the annulus fills with kill fluid,

a trend of gradually adjusting Rate, Stks/min
the choke to maintain correct
circulating pressures is noted. 0
Casing pressure should decline Pump
to a negligible value providing
additional influx was not taken.

Pump Pressure Choke Pressure

Drillpipe / Tubing / Standpipe Casing / Wellhead
It may take more strokes than
calculated to get a consistent kill
STROKES
fluid at surface, after which the
pumps should be shut off, the well 5400
shut in and monitored for pressure
buildup. If no pressure buildup is Stroke Counter
seen, the well should be dead.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-19

The necessary data collection can prove to

CONCURRENT METHOD
The Concurrent Method, which involves
weighting up fluid while in the process of
circulating out the kick, has also been called
the Circulate and Weight Method or Slow
Weight-up Method. It is a primary constant
bottomhole pressure well killing method.
To execute the Concurrent Method some
bookkeeping and calculations are required
while in the process of circulating out the
kick because there may be several different
fluid weights in the string at irregular intervals.
Because some of the calculations must be done
on the fly, operational personnel have often
opted for either the Driller’s or the Wait and
Weight Method, dismissing the Concurrent
Method as too complicated.
The following discussion and examples
demonstrate how the necessary data collection
and subsequent calculations can be simply
accomplished. It is not such a formidable task as
to cause a summary dismissal of the Concurrent
Method from consideration. Normally the data
keeping is centralized at the choke operator’s
panel on the rig floor.
be a valuable tool in that it can help organize
the kill operations and lend confidence to
those on the job. In short, they can know what
is going on and feel in control of the situation.
Two extra columns of recorded data are needed
in addition to what is normally kept (namely,
pressure changes required as fluid weight
changes versus when the different fluid enters
the string and will reach the bit).
Some operators require Concurrent
Method data to be recorded even if they intend
to use the Driller’s or the Wait and Weight
Method. In this way, with the necessary data
always available, the Concurrent Method can
be resorted to in case of problems in the
fluid weighting-up process without shutting
down and then re-establishing circulation. (It
is during start-up and shut-down that either
lost circulation or secondary kicks are most apt Some operators
to occur.) Therefore, in view of the potential require
advantages offered by the Concurrent Method, concurrent
it is recommended that adequate records be method data
kept during the process of circulating out any to be recorded
kick. A sample worksheet is used in this section even if they
and is offered as a guide. intend to use
other methods.

EXAMPLE PROBLEM
Note: The procedure outlined below is for use in straight holes where measured depths are essentially the same as true
vertical depths. As with procedures for Wait and Weight and Driller's Methods, special treatment required by high angle
holes can be found later in this chapter. The same well and kick data used in the previous examples for the Driller's
Method and Wait and Weight Method will now be used in the following Concurrent Method.
1. The well has been shut in on a kick. Kick size, stabilized shut in drillpipe (SIDPP) and casing pressures (SICP) are
recorded on a worksheet. At this time sufficient data is available to perform standard well control calculations.

Kill Mud Weight (KMW)ppg = (SIDPPpsi ÷ TVDft ÷ 0.052) + Original Mud Weight (OMW)ppg
= (520 ÷ 10,000 ÷ 0.052) + 12.5
= 13.5 ppg

Kill Mud Weight (KMW)kg/m³ = (SIDPPbar ÷ TVDm ÷ 0.0000981) + Original Mud Weight (OMW)kg/m³
= (35.85 ÷ 3048 ÷ 0.0000981) + 1498
= 1618 kg/m³
 C HAPTER 7
7-20
A. Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP)psi = SIDPPpsi + Kill Rate Pressure (KRP)psi
= 520 + 770
= 1290 psi

Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP)bar = SIDPPbar + Kill Rate Pressure (KRP)bar

= 35.85 + 53.09
= 88.08 bar

B. Final Circulating Pressure (FCP)psi = KRPpsi × KMWpsi ÷ OMWppg

= 770 × 13.5 ÷ 12.5
= 832 psi

Final Circulating Pressure (FCP)bar = KRPkg/m³ × KMWbar ÷ OMWkg/m³

= 53.09 × 1618 ÷ 1498
= 57.34 bar
C. Drill string internal volume (usually expressed in pump strokes).
D. Circulating drillpipe pressure must be adjusted from the ICP to FCP as heavier fluid weights are
pumped to the bit. Usually the pressure adjustments are calculated as psi per point of fluid weight.

Density/Pressure Correction Adjustment psi/pt = (ICP – FCP) ÷ ([KMW – OMW] ÷ 10)

= (1290 – 832) ÷ ([13.5 -12.5] ÷ 10)

= 45.8 psi/pt

Density/Pressure Correction Adjustment bar/10 kg/m³ = (ICP – FCP) ÷ ([KMW – OMW] ÷ 10)
= (88.08 – 57.34)÷ ([1618 – 1498] ÷ 10)
= 0.023 bar/10 kg/m³
Note: drillpipe pressure schedule can be expressed graphically as shown.
2. Circulation is started by pumping original fluid weight, taking returns through choke which is
controlled so as to hold casing pressure constant as detailed in the Bringing the Pump Online
portion of this chapter.
3. After the pump has been brought up to the desired kill rate with choke backpressure held at
the stabilized shut in casing pressure, note and record the initial circulating pressure, ICP.
Compare it with the calculated ICP and if there is a difference of more than 50 psi (3.45
bar), investigate.
Adjust circulating
drillpipe pressure 4. Holding drillpipe pressure at established ICP and pump rate as in Step 3, start weighting
from the ICP to up the active pits. As each point of fluid weight increase (one point equal one tenth of a
FCP as heavier pound per gallon) starts into drillpipe, the choke operator should be informed. The time
fluid weights and total pump stroke count along with new fluid weight going in is recorded on the data
are pumped to form. The number of strokes to get this heavier fluid to the bit is calculated (by adding
the bit. total drill string internal capacity expressed in pump strokes to the total stroke count when
the new fluid weight was started in) and recorded on the worksheet. When this heavier fluid
reaches the bit the choke is adjusted by Density/Pressure Correction Adjustment amount,
which in this example is 45.8 psi/pt (0.023 bar/10kg/m³).
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-21

5. The described choke adjustments in Step
4 are repeated as each point of fluid weight
increase reaches the bit. After the final kill
fluid is at the bit, the drillpipe pressure
should be at the calculated final circulating
pressure which should be maintained until
kill weight fluid is recovered in the returns
at the surface. With the well full of kill
weight fluid, check to see if the well is
dead.
Using the Concurrent Method as outlined
will result in some extra backpressure above
that which is required to balance formation
pore pressure. This is because no decrease in
drillpipe pressure is allowed for the heavier
fluid until it reaches the bit. In most cases,
this should not be a problem because it only
amounts to 100 psi (6.89 bar) or less. However,
if fluid weight can be increased rapidly, or in
the case of deep wells, it may be desirable to
control the rate of fluid weight increase to limit
the amount of backpressure.
In the example problem, if all increments
of required weight increase were inside the
string before a pressure adjustment decrease
was due, the excess backpressure would amount
to approximately 275 psi (18.96 bar). One way
to prevent this excess backpressure would be
DRILL PIPE PRESSURE SCHEDULE
1300
ICP = 1290
to only weight up part way, say to 12.8 ppg
(1534kg/m³), then hold the weight going in at
12.8 ppg (1534 kg/m³) until it clears the bit.
The appropriate circulating pressure should
then be 1,060 psi (73.87 bar) and excess Using the
backpressure would be limited to less than 100 concurrent
psi (6.89 bar). method may
The advantages of the Concurrent Method result in extra
are summarized below. backpressure
w Circulation may begin immediately above that
after stabilized surface pressures have been required to
determined. This may keep the pipe free balance the
as well as prevent the need for employing formation.
the Volumetric Method to avoid excessive
surface pressure build up due to gas
migration that might occur during the time
required to weight up the fluid pits for the
Wait and Weight Method.
w Circulation may continue throughout
kill operation since no shut in periods
are required for fluid pit weight up. This
can be beneficial in those wells where
circulation helps keep the pipe free and
helps prevent the hole from packing off
around the drill string.
w There are no planned pump shut-downs
and start-ups (as in other methods) thus
reducing the likelihood of a secondary kick
or of exerting excessive backpressure that
could result in lost circulation. Pressure chart for
the concurrent
method

1200

1100

1000

900

800 FCP = 832

New Mud Wt. In. ppg 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 12.9 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5
New Mud Wt. In @ Strokes 0 50 290 530 770 890 1010
New Mud Wt. @ Bit - Strokes 905 955 1195 1435 1675 1795 1915
DP Press - New Mud @ Bit - psi 1290 1244 1198 1153 1107 1061 1015 969 924 878 832
 C HAPTER 7
7-22

w The Concurrent Method provides a backpressure to be held, ensuring that no

systematic method of dealing with fluid additional formation fluid feeds in, or that
weight variations, either heavier or lighter, no formation break down occurs. This
without interrupting circulation. These could be especially beneficial on those
techniques can be applied during the rigs with limited fluid mixing capability
Driller’s or Wait and Weight Methods and the fluid weight increase is 1.0 ppg
as a way of fine-tuning the amount of (119 kg/m³) or more.

Recording information is necessary in the concurrent method.

Well Control Operation Data Sheet
STROKES THEORETICAL ACTUAL PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT ACTUAL FLUID IN FLUID OUT CHOKE POSITION PIT
TIME OR VOLUME CIRC. PRESS. CIRC. PRESS. +/- PSI @ STKS ADJ. PRES. AFTER CASING PRESS. WT. VIS WT. VIS % OPEN LEVEL REMARKS

0200 Shut In 520 820 12.5 48 12.5 5555 0 +16 Took kick, stabilized SI pressures

0205 50 1290 820 12.5 50 12.5 57 40 +16 Start circ thru choke @ 24 spm

0210 170 1290 -46 1075 1244 820 12.6 52 12.5 60 40 +16 12.6 start in hole

0215 290 1290 -92 1195 1152 830 12.8 54 12.5 58 40 +16 12.8 start in hole

0225 530 1290 -136 1435 1016 840 13.1 56 12.5 58 38 +17 13.1 start in hole

0235 770 1290 -46 1675 970 850 13.2 58 12.5 60 36 +18 13.2 start in hole

0245 890 1290 --92 1795 878 870 13.4 58 12.5 60 36 +19 13.4 start in hole

0250 1010 1290 -46 1915 832 870 13.5 56 12.5 58 35 +20 13.5 start in hole

0253 1075 1244 860 13.5 54 12.5 58 40 +22 1st DP press. adj. at 12.6 @ bit

0258 1195 1152 860 13.5 54 12.5 6 42 +23 2nd DP press. adj. at 12.8 @ bit

0303 1435 1016 865 13.5 52 12.5 54 44 +24 3rd DP press. adj. at 13.1 @ bit

0318 1675 970 870 13.5 52 12.5 54 45 +26 4th DP press. adj. at 13.2 @ bit

0328 1915 878 870 13.5 52 12.5 54 46 +28 5th DP press. adj. at 13.4 @ bit

0333 2500 832 880 13.5 54 12.5 54 50 +29 6th DP press. adj. at 13.5 @ bit

0400 2750 932 +136 3405 900 13.2 54 12.5 54 55 +31 Barite line plugged. 13.2 In.

0438 3300 832 -136 3655 1250 13.5 54 0 25 +80 Mud In back to 13.5

0500 3405 968 200 13.5 54 12.5 50 70 0 12.5 ppg @ choke

0505 3655 832 350 13.5 52 12.5 60 65 0 DP Press adjust for 13.2 @ bit

0515 3810 832 150 13.5 52 12.5 50 85 0 13.5 back at bit

0522 120 13.5 52 100 0 13.5 back @ surface

W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
Water
Sea Floor
MD for Friction
Pressure Calculations
TVD for Hydrostatic
Pressure Calculations
Production Zone
DEVIATED/HORIZONTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Technology improvements in tools, instruments
and techniques have made horizontal drilling
routine in some areas. However, for many years
well control problems associated with high
angle, directional wells were largely ignored.
Although the physics of well control don’t
change, there are considerations when dealing
with kicks in highly deviated wells.
Considerations for constant bottomhole
pressure methods in high angle wells are:
w Friction pressure calculations based on
measured depths
w Hydrostatic pressure calculations based on
true vertical depths
w Selection of best well control method.
The Wait and Weight Method uses a table
of calculated values to predetermine changes in
the drillpipe gauge pressure as kill weight fluid
is pumped from the surface to the bit. These
changes are caused mainly by two variables:
w Gaining kill weight fluid down the string,
which will decrease pressure.
w Additional frictional pressure (resistance to
flow) gained in the string due to circulating
a heavier fluid.
7-23
ICP
Vertical
Directional
Kickoff
Point
Horizontal FCP
Horizontal
Point
Straight versus high angle well pressures
In a vertical well, basic calculations are
required to plot decreased pressure values and
pump strokes when making a pressure schedule.
Two assumptions are made. The first is that
the length of the column of Kill Weight
Mud increases the same amount for each
incremental increase in pump strokes. This is
correct if the string has no changes in internal
diameter (ID) of tubulars, drillpipe, HWDP
and collars. The second assumption is the true
vertical height of the column of kill weight
fluid increases the same amount for each
incremental increase in pump strokes. This
is true if the well is vertical and the first
assumption is correct.
If standard Wait and Weight killsheets are
used on highly deviated wells, the calculations
Calculations on
could result in imposing higher backpressure
a standard wait
than required to balance formation pressure.
and weight
In some cases this may be as much as 500 killsheet could
psi (34.48 bar). On the standard Wait and result in higher
Weight killsheet, calculations predict drillpipe backpressure
pressure from ICP to FCP based on pump than required
strokes (volume at measured depth), treating to balance the
the gain in hydrostatic and friction as a simple formation.
linear relationship. That is to say, the pressure
change stays constant for each increment of
volume pumped from the surface to the bit.
 C HAPTER 7
7-24

On highly deviated and horizontal wells the
relationship of hydrostatic and friction must
On highly be treated separately, with friction based on
deviated measured depth, and hydrostatic on TVD. It
horizontal wells is possible to gain full effects of hydrostatic
the relationship pressure with several hundred strokes still left
of hydrostatic to pump kill fluid to the bit (and its resulting
and friction frictional increase). If this extra pressure is not
must be treated acceptable, a pressure schedule compensating
separately. for the well’s directional aspect should be used.
A highly deviated or horizontal well’s
pressure schedule will only have a linear pressure
schedule in the vertical portion from surface to
the kick off point or KOP. Then from the KOP
to the bit, calculations are based on directional
(TVD and MD) data. The horizontal well’s
pressure schedule has a linear pressure change
for the vertical section, a schedule for the
radius from the KOP to horizontal, and a
linear pressure chart from the horizontal point
to the bit. The calculations get complex, using
several sets of directional data and measured
lengths.The necessary calculations follow:

1. Calculate the Increase in Circulating Friction Gradient (psi/ft or bar/m)

Increase in Frictionpsi/ft = (FCPpsi – Original Kill Rate Pressurepsi) ÷ Length of stringft

Increase in Frictionbar/m = (FCPbar – Original Kill Rate Pressurebar) ÷ Length of stringm

2. Calculate the Gain in Hydrostatic Pressure Gradient (psi/ft or bar/m)

Gain in Hydrostaticpsi/ft = SIDPPpsi ÷ TVDft of well

Gain in Hydrostaticbar/m = SIDPPbar ÷ TVDm of well

Or,

Gain in Hydrostaticpsi/ft = (KWMppg – OWMppg) × 0.052

Gain in Hydrostaticbar/m = (KWMkg/m3 – OWMkg/m3) × 0.0000981

The above calculation assumes rounding up of the kill fluid or use of a heavier than actual
calculated kill fluid.

3. Calculate the Circulating Pressure (CP) at a given depth (requires both MD and TVD depths)
CP = ICP + (Increase in Friction × MD) – (Gain in Hydrostatic × TVD)

CPpsi = ICPpsi + (Increase in Frictionpsi/ft × MDft) – (Gain in Hydrostaticpsi/ft × TVDft)

CPbar = ICPbar + (Increase in Frictionbar/m × MDm) – (Gain in Hydrostaticbar/m × TVDm)

Repeat #3 for several equal lengths along
curve of directional well to plot what circulat-
ing pressure should be. (This also works for
vertical, horizontal and coiled tubing depths
or lengths).
You may notice when the horizontal length
is significant (as long as/longer than well's
vertical portion), that the CPKOP may be below
the FCP value, and then increase to the FCP
due to friction gain. This is because of the
increase in hydrostatic pressure over the TVD,
without the addition of friction from the KOP
to the bit over the horizontal section.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-25

From this discussion, questions arise. Are
the extra steps necessary and is the Wait and
Weight Method the optimal choice? If the
pressure difference between strokes to the kick
off point on a standard pressure schedule and
the pressure calculated at CPKOP is more than
100 psi (6.89 bar), then it is probably justified.
If it is less than 100 psi (6.89 bar), it may
be better to just use the standard method
of calculating the pressure schedule, unless
you are close to MASP (Maximum Allowable
Surface Pressure), or are having lost circulation
complications. Factors such as kick size, MASP,
and SICP may dictate that pressures be plotted
accurately and adhered to closely.
The chart below shows the differences if
a standard or straight well pressure plot (ICP
to FCP) is followed versus pressure required by
calculations. In this example, special deviated
pressure change calculations are not needed
when the average angle is less than 60° and/or
the kick intensity is less than 1.0 ppg (120
kg/m³). Generally, the higher the angle and/or
increase in kill weight fluid, the greater is
the necessity for a detailed pressure chart to
prevent overpressuring the well.
Following is a simple method to determine
the pressure decrease necessary to balance
or slightly exceed formation pressure while
pumping the kill fluid from the surface to the
bit in a deviated well. The graphical solution
offered on page 143 simplifies what otherwise
would require numerous detailed calculations.
First it is necessary to plot ICP and FCP
vs. strokes (or volume) on graph paper. Next,
determine the greatest discrepancy. This will
Kicks size, MASP
occur in the vicinity of the end of the angle
and SICP may
buildup. Calculation #3 on page 144 will
dictate that
predict the CP. From the MD, the volume and
pressures be
strokes can be determined and plotted. Then
plotted
the difference in pressure can be determined.
accurately and
A major advantage of the Wait and Weight adhered to
Method is that it results in lower annular closely.
surface pressures in straight holes when kill

COMPARISON OF MAXIMUM PRESSURE DISCREPANCY

VS STRAIGHT AND HIGH ANGLE WELL PRESSURE PLOTS
CALCULATED CIRCULATING PRESSURE AT EOB
TVD KICK AVERAGE STRAIGHT HOLE DEVIATED HOLE IF STRAIGHT HOLE
MD AT EOB INTENSITY ANGLE METHOD PT. A METHOD PT. B METHOD, A – B
FEET FEET PPG DEGREES PSI PSI PSI

12,000 7,654 1.0 60 878 825 53

5,786 1.0 75 804 721 83
3,910 1.0 90 738 622 116
7,654 2.0 60 1,156 1,051 105
5,786 2.0 75 1,008 841 167
3,910 2.0 90 876 643 233
7,654 3.0 60 1,435 1,276 159
5,786 3.0 75 1,212 961 251
3,910 3.0 90 1,014 659 355
15,000 9,154 1.0 60 959 900 59
6,563 1.0 75 828 757 95
3,910 1.0 90 738 583 155
9,154 2.0 60 1,319 1,200 119
6,563 2.0 75 1,104 914 190
3,910 2.0 90 876 635 241
9,154 3.0 60 1,679 1,500 179
6,563 3.0 75 1,356 1,071 285
3,910 3.0 90 1,054 652 402

CALCULATIONS USE 11.5 PPG ORIGINAL FLUID, 3°/100 FT RATE OF ANGLE BUILD, 2,000 FT KOP

7-26
weight fluid comes up the annulus and before
a gas influx reaches the surface. This results
in a gain of annular hydrostatic pressure and
therefore requires less surface pressure (choke
The driller’s backpressure) in order to balance formation
method is well pressure. In horizontal, or very high angle
suited for wells, the effect of hydrostatic pressure gain
horizontal well is not realized until the kill fluid starts up
control. the vertical portion of the hole, that is, above
the Horizontal Point (HOP). If the drill string
volume plus the annular volume from TD to
the HOP is greater than the annular volume
from the HOP up to the surface, then the
influx will be circulated out before heavier fluid
starts killing the annulus. Surface pressures will
have already reached their highest value (as in
the Driller’s Method).
In this case, the primary benefit from the
Wait and Weight Method is the chance to kill
a well in one circulation. Other benefits, such
as lower surface pressure than in the Driller’s
Method may not be fully realized or could be
totally absent. The Driller’s Method should be
given consideration as a viable option since kill
weight fluid is not in the vertical portion of the
well before the influx in circulated out.
The Driller’s Method is well suited for
horizontal well control. It offers simplicity
over other methods (especially, in light of the
previous discussion on how to calculate the
pressure change schedule in the Wait and
Weight Method). It also minimizes shut-in time
and removes the influx in a shorter time than
the Wait and Weight Method, with no complex
pressure charts to follow.
Regardless of which well control circulating
method is used (W&W, Driller’s, Concurrent),
or if the deviated well application is used, the
ICP and FCP would be the same. The difference
between vertical well control calculations and
deviated/horizontal wells occurs between ICP
and FCP, with the greatest discrepancy at the end
of angle build-up. The deviated/horizontal well
calculations will closely approximate circulating
pressures that will occur during the second
circulation of the Driller’s Method.
High angle and horizontal wells can exhibit
unexpected behavior after the kick has been
circulated out. A reason for this is hole washout
C HAPTER 7
or enlargement in shale sections, while sand
sections may be relatively in gauge (due to fluid
cake build up on the face of permeable sands).
These irregular washout sections can result in
pockets of gas accumulation from circulating
out the influx. At the slower circulating rates
gas migrates into these sections. Once the well
is thought killed, it is common to open the
BOPs and circulate bottoms up to clean out the
well. Typically, this is with higher circulating
rates (e.g., turbulent flow). This may provide
an efficient job of sweeping the gas out of the
washed out pockets. The gas will freely expand
and soon show at surface as:
w Increase in fluid return rate on flow sensor
w Pit gain indicated by PVT
w Severely gas cut fluid
Obviously, under these conditions, the well
should be shut in again and circulated out
through the choke and fluid-gas separator. It is
possible that this gas will be enough to induce
another kick from the formation if not shut in
and controlled. Since the fluid is already at kill
weight the Driller’s Method should be used to
finish circulating out. Resist the temptation to
increase fluid weight. Another circulation at
higher pump rates may be required to finish
cleaning out any gas pockets.
In horizontal well control, consideration
must be given to the differences between TVD,
MD, and how the horizontal section will
affect kick detection and well control efforts
and calculations as illustrated above. These
include:
w With more producing formation exposed,
the potential flow capabilities increase
tremendously. This can result in larger
influxes, increased risks of lost circulation
and surface equipment complications.
w Kicks are harder to detect in the horizontal
portion when they first occur. The only
defense may be in the vertical portion
of the well. Well conditions must be
monitored every minute, when in possible
high pressure zones. The driller needs to
be alert for drilling breaks, pump pressure
changes, etc. The amount of influx may be
much greater than it seems at first.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
Cutting Buildup
w The difference between SIDPP and SICP
will be minimal, unless the influx size is
greater than the horizontal volume, or if the
influx extends to the vertical portion.
w There is the possibility of the kick
going into weak spots or fractures along
the horizontal wellbore, not giving reliable
pressure readings on surface. When well is
shut in, monitor it for fluctuations or a
decrease in SIDPP or SICP. Lost circulation
right after a kick is possible and it could
lead to an underground blowout and
sticking of pipe in the horizontal section.
w Gas may not migrate, or migrate slower in
the horizontal section than the vertical
or curved section. Also, when circulating
the influx, as long as it remains in the
lateral section, no expansion should occur
(providing bottomhole pressure remains
constant). Once in the vertical section,
expansion and pressure adjustments to
maintain constant bottomhole pressure
will become more frequent.
w In horizontal section, gas can stay on upside
or top of the hole, especially if the section
has any pockets to trap gas in the upper
portion. This gas may not be circulated out,
and can be a problem while tripping and
pulling this gas into the vertical portion.
w The order of the string in a horizontal
well may be reversed from conventional
drilling. This is to say, the collars are near
the surface, HWDP (heavy weight drillpipe)
below the collars, and drillpipe and
tools beneath the HWDP. All of this
affects annular volumes and velocities while
circulating an influx, with higher velocities
(and expansion potential).
7-27
The horizontal
well can create
complications.
Gas Pockets
w Gas may be more strung out due to
the horizontal portion and hole washout.
However, once in the vertical section,
especially around the collars, the influx
will elongate due to the smaller annular
clearances. The velocity through the choke
can increase rapidly, increasing pressure
at the choke. The choke may have to
be adjusted quickly to maintain proper
bottomhole pressure, and to minimize
pressure on the casing shoe and weaker
formations.
w The proper depth is important when
calculating kill weight fluid. Although
the well may have a measured depth (MD)
several thousand feet longer than the true
vertical depth (TVD), TVD is still used to
calculate kill weight fluid. Also, MD is used
to calculate volumes for either well type.
Though this seems simple, simple things
have resulted in many blowouts.
w If conditions such as lost circulation
or other well kill related problems occur,
it may be necessary to stop the kill and
reevaluate the best method to kill the well.
Safety of personnel should always be the
most important part of a well kill planning
and execution process.
Gas may not
w Underbalanced Drilling/Producing
migrate or may
While Drilling (UBD/PWD) wells are
migrate slower
allowed to flow while drilling. Killing of
in the horizontal
these wells may damage future production.
section.
However, the well can be shut in and
kill weight fluid calculated. If the well has
vertical fractures the well could still flow,
as the kill fluid might have gone into a
fracture that was empty or depleted.

7-28
UNDERBALANCED DRILLING (UBD)/
PRODUCING WHILE DRILLING (PWD)
UBD or PWD deviates from standard well
control methodology because it relies heavily
on surface equipment to maintain control of
the well rather than the hydrostatic pressure of
the fluid column. The well is allowed to flow,
and that flow is tolerated to a certain extent.
It must be noted that this technique is not
suitable for all areas. Wells with a high flow
potential, or high pressures and temperatures
should be drilled with conventional techniques
and well control procedures. UBD/PWD has
several advantages.
w It provides production and reservoir
information while drilling.
w It minimizes potential hydrostatic pressure
or drilling fluid damage to the formation.
w It reduces or eliminates complications in
potential lost circulation zones.
The basis for UBD/PWD or drilling while
the well is flowing was founded on air drilling
techniques. In UBD/PWD underbalanced
conditions (i.e., a combined hydrostatic and
circulating pressure less than the formation
pressure) are used. In some areas, this requires
low-density liquids such as water, brines, or
oils. In subnormally pressured formations
gas (usually nitrogen) can be injected into
the circulating system to reduce the effective
hydrostatic pressure.
Drilling continues when a producing
formation is entered, unless pressures or
production rates become too great. At this point
the well is usually killed using conventional
well control techniques.
With the introduction of UBD equipment,
UBD equipment
drilling while the well is flowing (hence, PWD)
has made
became a reality for many horizontal wells.
drilling while the
Much of the UBD/PWD technology is the
well is flowing a
reality for many
same as the air drilling techniques, with the
horizontal wells. exceptions of higher pressure rated equipment
and production/storage facilities on location.
C HAPTER 7
DRILLING WITH NO RETURNS
Drilling with no returns is common in
many areas such as the Austin Chalk because
of formation fractures. In some areas, the
fractures are so large that drilling two or three
days with no returns or limited returns may be
routine. The use of field brine appears to be
the fluid of preference as it can be dumped
into the reserve pit or the fluid tanks. If the
brine water gets low the drilling and pump
rates are slowed until adequate water can be
obtained and normal drilling resumed.
MUD-GAS SEPARATOR INADEQUATE
The gas busters (mud-gas separators) on
UBD/PWD wells sometimes become
overloaded and blow by into the separation
tanks. Choke size should be slowly decreased
until gas quits coming out of the separator
flowline. If it appears to be getting out of hand,
well may be shut in and the decision made
to kill the well.
SPREAD THE KICK
Spread the kick is a technique that keeps
the well under control by drilling while flowing
in the Austin Chalk. It was discovered that most
wells were ruined after a kick was encountered,
because the accepted way was to pump 10 ppg
(1198 kg/m³) brine water down the hole to
control pressure. It was found that every other
fracture in the Austin Chalk area seemed to be
depleted or underpressured. By drilling ahead,
not using any kill weight fluid and controlling
the formation by using backpressure with the
choke, the well could be drilled to the next
fracture. Once in the next fracture, which
is presumably underpressured, the present
pressure invades the depleted zone, resulting in
a pressure reduction on surface. This technique
has become common in some areas that have
this type of vertical fracturing. This is a
technique that works in some, but not all areas.
Well control plans need to be area and well
specific.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
PRODUCING TOO MUCH OIL
Producing too much oil or gas on a UBD/
PWD well can lead to complications, but this
seldom is a problem. The well can be shut in,
until more storage can be brought to location,
or tankers can haul out the oil to market.
LEAKING ROTATING HEAD
A leaking rotating head is serious and must
be repaired. The well may or may not be shut
in. If it is not shut in, drilling should be halted
until the preventer is repaired. (Pumps may be
left running at the operator’s discretion.) The
annular preventer or pipe ram (or both) should
be closed, and pressure relieved from the area
between the rotating head and closed BOP.
The rotating head element is then replaced.
Remember the well is producing and pressure
is present under the closed BOP. Flammable
fluids, the possibility of the closed BOP leaking
and the chance of an explosion exist.
7-29
DRILL THROUGH ANNULAR PREVENTER
If the pressure limitation of the rotating
head is reached, drilling can continue, using
the annular preventer in the same fashion as
the rotating head. Keep pipe well lubricated,
Producing too
and the closing pressure at the minimum much oil or
necessary to obtain a seal. However, remember gas on a
that the useful life of the packer will decrease
and if it fails, the remainder of the BOP stack
UBD/PWD well
can lead to
must be adequate to provide necessary well complications.
control.
TRIPPING OUT
There are basically two options if the string
must be tripped on a UBD/PWD well. The
first is the use of a snubbing unit to strip the
pipe out under pressure and/or while the well
is still flowing. The second option requires
that the well is static. This necessitates that
the pipe be stripped into the curved or vertical
section, and the well circulated with a fluid
of sufficient density to keep the well from
flowing.
The yellow area is the pay
zone. Horizontal wells cut
more pay, one good reason
for horizontal drilling.

7-30
If the well kicks while tripping out from
this point, stripping back to bottom of casing
and circulating a heavier fluid may be tried.
Another technique is to bullhead heavy fluid
In some regions to bottom of casing just above open hole,
it is common to then check for flow. If hydrostatic column in
inject gas, foam casing is adequate to stabilize well, tripping
or lightweight may continue. If well cannot be stabilized,
fluid to reduce
conventional well kill techniques may need to
hydrostatic
be applied.
pressure for high PIPE CONNECTIONS
penetration.
If well is allowed to flow, backflow
protection devices must be used. Often a series
of backpressure valves (BPVs) are used. If one
fails, there is another to prevent venting of
formation fluids through pipe to the rig floor.
Pressure build-up and surges may occur
during a connection and they may exceed
safe design limits. Keep connection time to a
minimum. If only one BPV is used, the joint
or stand to be made up should have a safety
valve in place until pipe can be stabbed and
made up.
INJECTION TECHNIQUES
In some regions it is common to inject gas,
foam or lightweight fluid to reduce hydrostatic
pressure for high penetration rates and/or to
prevent formation damage. This may be done
by injecting down the drillstring, into casing, or
down parasitic tubing strings run with casing
string. Injection rates may be varied to control
pressure and flow rates at surface.
C HAPTER 7
UBD/PWD EQUIPMENT
The basic equipment consists of a mud-gas
separator, a gas flare line, flow lines, separation
tanks and pumps to move oil to frac or storage
tanks and circulate fluid back to tanks for
reuse. A Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit
may be used to collect gas instead of flaring.
Lighting is important at night on a
land location. The derrickhand usually works
the separation tanks, and needs good tank
lighting.
UBD/PWD equipment can be assembled
with elaborate features including shale shakers,
sand controllers, gas separators, multiple flare
lines, automatic floats and indicators on tanks
and warning lights. State and federal regulations
may dictate minimums, but safety dictates
maximum equipment arrangement.
UBD/PWD equipment often makes a
land location look like a miniature refinery.
When an operator builds a location or specifies
equipment layout, consideration must be given
to prevailing winds when locating flare lines.
Tanker truck access is important – a turnaround
must be built on location for access to fluid
and oil storage tanks. All weather roads must
be in place when well goes horizontal. In some
areas, this may not be a serious concern. The
drawing below is a standard and a UBD/PWD
location Layout.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
ROTATING/CONTROL HEADS
The rotating head was originally designed
for air drilling with operating limits in low
pressure ranges (less than 500 psi [34.48 bar]).
If pressure increased higher, the operator would
have to operate through the annular. With the
increase in UBD/PWD horizontal drilling, a
need for rotating or control heads that could
control pressure while drilling underbalanced
was created. Several accidents have occurred
with the rotating head by putting too much
pressure on the rotating head rubber. This
necessitated the improved rotating and control
heads of today, several models of which hold
up to 5,000 psi (344.75 bar) static pressure.
The following are special considerations
for optimum rotating and control head
performance. When ordering this equipment,
the Kelly type should be specified. It is generally
recommended to keep at least one extra set
of sealing elements on location at all times in
the event that one or more needs replacing.
It is recommended that the closing unit for
the rotating head be independent of primary
closing unit.
KELLY TYPES
w Tri-Kelly – The Tri-Kelly is perhaps the
optimum kelly type because it has three
sides and a rounded smooth corner, which
yields longer stripper life.
w Hex-Kelly – The Hex-Kelly is more
common than the tri-kelly. However, the
sharp corners do slightly cut the stripper
rubber, and shorten the wear life.
w Square-Kelly – The Square Kelly is perhaps
the least desirable. Field experience has
shown that it is hard to get a good seal
using this shape with a rotating head.
STRIPPER RUBBERS
w Natural stripper rubbers are used for air,
gas, and water based fluid drilling. They are
available in high or low-pressure design.
w Polyurethane stripper rubbers are available
for oil based fluid drilling.
w Other elastomeric compounds may
be custom designed based on operating
conditions and requirements.
7-31
PRESSURE TESTING
Pressure tests should be performed
following the testing procedure from the
rotating head manufacturer.
DOUBLE ANNULAR
When horizontal drilling began, rotating
heads were not adequate to handle the pressure,
so operators started using the double annular.
With the development of high pressure rotating
heads, the use of this preventer is on the
decline. The double annular also is restricted
by the height of the substructure on many
rigs.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS – HIGH ANGLE/
HORIZONTAL AND UBD/PWD WELLS
The operator’s representative should have
all the rig crews trained before drilling the
curve. They need to understand that the well
may be shut in at any time, and it often
looks more serious than it really is. Surface
equipment should be tested prior to drilling
the curve (in addition to normal testing), and
the crew must understand that the blowout
prevention equipment will work. It is good
to show them the test report to build their
confidence. Make sure all know their stations
and responsibilities.
Tourly safety meetings should be held.
The crew assignments for horizontal wells
are similar to vertical wells in most safety
operations, and station bills during a kick
will be the same. For example, on many UBD/
PWD wells, the operator’s representative is
usually on the choke, the driller is on the brake,
and the toolpusher is on the accumulator Too much
controls. The derrickhand is on the separation pressure on the
tanks to pump oil and fluid when necessary, rotating head
and to report any problems to the driller. The rubber may
motorman position is typically at the pumps cause accidents
and the kill fluid valve in case of an emergency. with the
Floorhands must assist the derrickhand or rotation head.
motorman, look for leaks around the blowout
prevention equipment, and report to the driller.
If there is a mud engineer on location, he
can assist the derrickhand in switching oil and
drilling fluid using the pumps.
 C HAPTER 7
7-32
Standard
ICP to FCP plot 1300
versus actual ICP 1,290psi
pressure
distribution

1200
DP Pressure Schedule by standard method
(ICP-FCP) / Total Strokes to bit = psi/100 stks
100

1100
PUMP PRESSURE
ICP = 1290
FCP = 832
A = 814
1000 Min. CDPP to balance FBHP B = 788
Adjusted by: C = 831
CDPP=ICP-Hydrostatic Gain + Friction Gain D = 833

900

A Kill mud @ top of drill collars FCP 832psi

B Kill mud @ top of Bit A C D

800
C After kill mud is going through bit

C to D kill mud filling annulus

B

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

PUMP STROKES
Max Disparity @ B = 44psi (Excess back pressure)

Make sure emergency numbers are posted
in several locations and that everybody on
location knows where they are.
It can be a terrifying experience when the
first kick occurs with oil and gas flowing to
surface, the rig shaking, flowlines bouncing
up and down, and a flare burning in the air.
Proper training can be the best preparation for
this kind of experience.
On UBD/PWD wells, it is recommended
in the horizontal portion to have two operator’s
representatives working twelve-hour shifts. This
is because flowing wells require additional
Make sure supervision on the floor most of the time.
emergency
numbers are PRESSURE CHART MODIFICATIONS
posted in
several
The pressure chart calculations and
locations.
treatment from ICP to FCP are an
oversimplification of what is really happening to
circulating pressures. In most cases this results
in holding slightly higher pressure against
formation as kill fluid is pumped to the bit.
Factors not usually taken into account on well
kill worksheets are:
w ID differences for circulating friction
(BHA, tapered strings, etc.). A small
difference in diameter may make a large
difference in friction.
w Pressure change calculations assume that
each stroke moves the fluid the same
length. If the BHA has a smaller ID than
the pipe above, each stroke of the pump
will displace fluid a greater length than if it
were in the larger diameter pipe.
w Friction through motors, tools and bit. The
frictional pressure losses across downhole
motors and logging tools usually are well
documented at optimum pump rates, but
not necessarily so at (slow) kill rate speeds.
Calculations may be made to negate these
pressure losses, resulting in less psi/ft
(bar/m) decrease as kill fluid is pumped.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
w Hole inclination. As discussed in the
section on Horizontal and Deviated wells,
increase in friction and gains in hydrostatic
pressure are not linear (psi/ft [bar/m]) in
these conditions.
w Annular friction losses. Traditional
thinking puts annular friction at slow
circulating rates at minimal values. These
are usually dismissed. However, in smaller
diameters, this may be several hundred psi
(bar) and should be taken into account.
This may be treated similarly to choke line
friction on subsea BOPs, that is to say,
the choke pressure is adjusted lower by the
amount of friction.
w MWD/LWD technologies. Several arrays
of instruments transmit downhole pressure
while circulating. The difference between
hydrostatic and reported circulating annular
pressures gives actual annular friction loss.
This is treated as above.
w Fluid properties. Frictional properties vary
depending on the type of fluid, circulating
time and velocity.
It should be obvious that if all the above is
taken into account, a sophisticated electronic
spreadsheet may prove more beneficial than
typical worksheet calculations. Well specific
spreadsheets taking the above into account
should be considered on critical applications
or when losses may be anticipated.
COILED TUBING CONSIDERATIONS
The well control techniques and principles
discussed in this chapter are usually not limited
by unit type. Depending on well geometry and
unit type, modification to calculations may not
be needed. However, this is not the case with
coiled tubing units with pipe on the reel on
surface. If the Wait and Weight technique is
employed, the formula to determine circulating
pressure at any point must be applied. It may
take several barrels (m³) or several hundred
strokes pumped before the gain in kill fluid
hydrostatic begins to be pumped vertically. This
results in an increase in circulating friction as it
is pumped in the reel hub and throughout the
rest of the coiled string. Hydrostatic pressure
gain does not occur until the kill fluid is
7-33
pumped vertically down the coiled tubing in
the well. The following calculation may be used
(as previously discussed) to calculate circulating
pressure at various points.
Circulating Pressure = ICP +
The volumetric
(Increase in Frictionpsi/ft or bar/m × MD) –
method allows
(Gain in Hydrostaticpsi/ft or bar/m × TVD)
controlled
expansion of
gas during
VOLUMETRIC METHOD migration.
OF WELL CONTROL
The Volumetric Method can be described as
a means of providing for controlled expansion
of gas during migration. It can be used from
the time the well is shut in after a kick until
a circulating method can be implemented and
can be used to bring a gas kick to the surface
without using a pump. As with other constant
bottomhole pressure methods, the Volumetric
Method is based on the principles of the
Gas Law. It trades pressure for volume at the
appropriate time to maintain a bottomhole
pressure that is equal to, or slightly higher
than, the kicking formation pressure without
exceeding the formation fracture pressure.
The Volumetric Method is not intended
to kill the kick, but rather it is a method of
controlling the downhole and surface pressures
until killing procedures can be started. In cases
of a swabbed in kick, it can be used to bring the
influx to surface. And, providing no additional
influx allowed in, volumetric techniques can be
used to replace the gas with fluid to bring the
well back into hydrostatic pressure control.
The effects of gas migrating up the hole
have been previously discussed in this manual
in Kick Theory. The primary concern is that
migrating gas can cause pressure increases at
the surface, downhole and throughout the well
that could in turn cause surface equipment
or casing failure, or formation break-down
with resulting lost returns and possibly an
underground blowout. The Volumetric Method
reduces these high pressures by a systematic
bleeding of fluid to allow expansion of gas.
 C HAPTER 7
7-34

There are several situations in which the BOYLE’S LAW

Volumetric Method may be applicable.
w String is out of the hole
w Pumps are inoperative due to mechanical
The single
or electrical malfunctions
bubble theory
w String is plugged
is used in well
w A shut-in period such as weighting up
control
drilling fluid prior to using Wait and
discussion for
Weight, or repairs to surface equipment
simplicity.
(choke, piping, fluid mixers, etc.)
w A washout in the drillstring that prevents
displacement of the kick by one of the
circulating methods
w String is a considerable distance off bottom
and the kick is below string
w Casing pressure develops on a production
or injection well because of a tubing or
packer leak
w During stripping or snubbing operations.
The need for the Volumetric Method can
usually be determined from casing pressure
behavior as early as a few minutes after a kick
is shut in. If casing pressure does not increase
after about 30 minutes, there is probably no gas
associated with the kick. (Except with oil-based
fluid or highly deviated wells, where solubility
or hole angle may prevent or slow migration.)
If casing pressure continues to increase above
original shut in pressure, gas is present. A
possible need for the Volumetric Method exists
P1 V1 = P2 V2
Where: P1 = pressure at position 1; V1 =
volume at position 1; P2 = pressure at position
2; and V2 = volume at position 2.
Boyle’s Law describes the pressure/volume
relationship for gas. If gas expands (increasing
volume) pressure within the gas will decrease.
This is precisely the action taken with
the Volumetric Method. The gas bubble
is allowed to expand by bleeding off a
calculated volume of fluid at the surface,
thereby reducing wellbore pressures.
2. Single Bubble Theory. Used in well control
discussion for simplicity. It is also assumed
that a kick comes from total depth of well.
Actually a kick may be strung out in the
form of many bubbles over thousands of
feet or meters, meaning considerable gas
expansion has been allowed by the time the
well is shut in. This means a lower SICP.
Note: Gas density is usually estimated from
1.25 to 2.75 ppg (150 to 330 kg/m³) with
2.2 ppg (264 kg/m³) being the norm for
10,000 ft (3048 m) wells. As gas expands,
its density decreases. Some very shallow gas
could be less than 0.25 ppg (30 kg/m³).
SITP

with delays in starting a primary circulating

method.
A few basic principles are required to SICP
perform the Volumetric Method correctly.
Length of mud above gas

1. The Gas Law. Normally, Boyle’s Law is MW

used for well control purposes (it ignores

temperature effects and gas compressibility
factors).
TVD

Nomenclature:
BHP = bottomhole pressure, psi (bar)
HP = hydrostatic pressure, psi (bar)
SITP = shut in tubing pressure, psi (bar)
GAS H
SICP = shut in casing pressure, psi (bar)
MW = mud weight, ppg (kg/m³)
l = length of mud column above gas, ft (m) MW
Hm
H = height of gas bubble, ft (m)
Hm = height of mud below gas ft (m)
Ptg = pressure at top of gas, psi (bar)
Pbg = pressure at bottom of gas, psi (bar) BHP
TVD = true vertical depth, ft (m)
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-35

Initial Conditions
520 Typical casing pressure profile when able
2000 to use SIDP to moniter FBHP & Hole
Geometry is uniform
820 Bleed mud from annulus at a rate to
keep SIDP between 620 to 670 psi

Choke Pressure, psi

Ann. = 0.05618 bbl/ft
Choke pressure
1500 50 psi Working Margin increase is equal to
12.5 ppg hydrostatic pressure
decrease

100 psi overbalance

5000' 1000 Minimum choke pressure to

balance FBHP
Ann. = 0.0503 bbl/ft
820 SICP

7,450'

Gas Kick 500

20 40 60 80 100
10,000'
FBHP = 7,020 psi Gas Bubble Size, bbls. (Kick + Expansion)

3. Bottomhole Pressure Determination

(1) BHP = HPmud + HPkick influx + SICP
or when kick is in position as shown in sketch on page 7-34,

BHPpsi = ([TVD – H] × MWppg × 0.052) + (Hft × gas densityppg × 0.052)+ SICPpsi

BHPbar = ([TVD – H] × MWkg/m³ x.0000981) + (Hm × gas densitykg/m³ × 0.0000981) + SICPbar

The rising gas bubble can be treated as a bottomhole pressures. Bottomhole pressure is
surface pressure with respect to the fluid below the sum of the pressure at the bottom of the gas
it. This concept can also be used in calculations bubble, Pbg, added to the hydrostatic pressure
to determine pressures in the gas bubble or of the fluid column below the gas.

BHP = Pbg + HP of fluid below gas or BHP = Pbg + (Hm × MW × Conversion Factor)

BHPpsi= Pbgpsi + HPpsi of fluid below gas or BHPpsi = Pbgpsi + (Hmft × MWppg × 0.052)

BHPbar= Pbgbar + HPbar of fluid below gas or BHPbar = Pbgbar + (Hmm × MWKg/m³ × 0.0000981)

The rising gas

(2) Annulus pressure profile: The annular (3) Fluid to bleed: The Volumetric Method
bubble can be
pressures experienced during a properly execut- allows controlled expansion of gas so no addi-
treated as
ed volumetric control procedure will closely tional influx is taken and pressures stay below
surface pressure
approximate the pressures seen on the first formation breakdown. This is done by bleeding
with respect to
circulation in the Driller's Method. off calculated amounts of fluid from annulus.
fluid below it.
 C HAPTER 7
7-36

VOLUMETRIC METHOD WHILE STRIPPING

1600 (continuous stripping - no shut down)
rgin
ma
ing
w ork
f rgin
it o
r lim ma
pe ing
1400 Up work
f
it o HP
r lim FB
we nce l
No Expansion Lo ala si/bb
b p
d to 1
Use Trip Tank Volume Control
ea 16.4
er

100 psi
Casing pressure allowed to increase due to
s sur late @

Casing Pressure
e
migration by bleeding only the amount of . pr alcu
1200 mud equal to total tubing displacement csg C

100 psi
(No gas expansion allowed)

6.1 bbls.

100 psi
Expansion
1000 6.1 bbls.
Use Casing Pressure Control
Hold choke pressure constant while bleeding

100 psi
6.1 bbls mud from annulus allowing gas expansion
to neutralize the effects of migration

100 psi
800
100 psi working margin
723 psi to balance FBHP

100 psi over-balance

100 psi ¸ 6.1 bbl = 16.39 psi/bbl
1
1.0 bbl ¸ 0.03962 = 25.24 /bbl
1
25.24 X 12.5 ppg X 0.65 = 16.41 psi/bbl
600
7.53 bbls

7800
Expansion
Bottom - Hole Pressure

7700
7675 psi
100 psi Working Margin
7600
7575 psi

100 psi over-balance

7500 No Expansion
FBHP

7400

7300

10 10 20 30 40 50

Gas Expansion Allowed (Bbls bled-off over total tubing displacement)

Each barrel (m³) of fluid that is bled from that permits the casing pressure to be held
the annulus causes: constant. Casing pressure is held constant only
A. Gas to expand by one barrel (m³); while bleeding fluid. At other times, the casing
B. Hydrostatic of fluid in annulus to decrease; pressure is allowed to increase, reflecting the
effects of migration. Thus, volumetric control
C. Wellbore pressures to decrease;
is accomplished in a series of steps that causes
D. Surface casing pressure should stay the the bottomhole pressure to rise and fall in
Volumetric control same (intentionally held constant while succession.
uses a series of
bleeding off with choke). Step 1. Let the gas migrate and wellbore
steps to cause
bottomhole
The amount of fluid to bleed is the gas pressures increase.
pressure to rise
expansion needed to return BHP to formation Step 2. Bleed fluid (holding casing pressure
and fall in pressure plus a desired overbalance. The use constant) and the wellbore pressures decrease.
succession. of manual choke is recommended. Also, The steps are repeated until gas reaches the
measurement of volume is critical to this surface or other kill operations are initiated. In
method. Where possible, the fluid returning this way bottomhole pressure is held within a
from a gas separator into a small stripping range of values that is high enough to prevent
tank is suggested. Note that it is important to another influx but low enough to prevent
bleed off fluid from the annulus at a rate formation breakdown.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-37

The following examples illustrate common from the annulus so SIDPP remains the same.
situations where the Volumetric Method is Surface annulus pressure will increase by the
applicable. Assume it has been determined that amount of hydrostatic pressure bled off. This
gas is associated with the kick; surface pressures process is continued until gas reaches surface.
are increasing as the gas migrates up the well. Once gas is at surface, do not bleed gas unless
SIDPP increases. If SIDPP does not increase, A safety factor
STRING ON BOTTOM, NO BACKPRESSURE and gas is bled, this may allow more formation is imposed since
VALVE IN THE STRING influx. With gas at surface and SIDPP stabilized, the choke
that is all that can be done until other well cannot hold the
This is the simplest application of the bleed-off rate
control techniques can be initiated (i.e., a
Volumetric Method because the shut in to SIDPP.
circulating constant bottomhole pressure method
drillpipe/tubing pressure can be used to directly
or the Lubricate and Bleed Method, as discussed
monitor bottomhole pressure. No calculations
later).
are necessary. The standpipe or drillpipe
Since it is practically impossible to operate
pressure gauge will be the controlling guide.
a choke so the bleed-off rate holds the SIDPP
Theoretically, liquid fluid can be bled off
exactly, a safety factor is imposed, by allowing
SIDPP/SICP to increase from gas migration.
7000
The overbalance insures sufficient bottomhole
pressure is imposed against kicking formation
holding 150 psi over FBHP

Gas @ surface with BHP balanced = 1400 psi SICP & 79.5 bbls

6000 to prevent more formation fluid influx and to

compensate for slight errors operating choke.
5000 The amount of overbalance usually ranges
Casing pressure, psi

Pr
es

from 50 to 200 psi (3.45 to 13.79 bar). The

75.0 bbls
su
re

4000
@

choice is influenced by tolerance allowed by the

bo

m
tt u

Gas @ surface 1505 psi

of
ga

3000
s
bu
bb
le
difference in SICP and calculated estimated
integrity pressure (MASP). For example, if
2000 estimated integrity pressure is 1,050 psi (72.4
re required to
hold 150 psi overbalan
ce
bar) and SICP is 800 psi (55.16 bar), then
1000 casing pressu
820
casing pressu
re required to
balance FB
HP @ 11.57 psi/bbl
probably no more than 100 psi (6.89 bar) of
overbalance would be allowed unless it was
16 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
certain that portions of the influx were above
Kick size, bbls (including expansion)
the weak zone.

Above: pressure size profiles can be generated to estimate maximum gas expansion and pressure.
Below: volumetric technique – controlled expansion to maintain constant BHP.

Initial Conditions
Gas migrates to establish Gas migrates to establish
over-balance = 100 psi working margin = 50 psi Gas above DCs Bottom of gas @ shoe Top gas @ surface If FBHP balanced
520 Top gas @ shoe
(start bleeding)
620 670 670 670 670 520
670
820
885 916 849 979 972 1504 1411
12.5 ppg
1303'

1420'

73.22 bbls 79.80 bbls

Annulus = .05618 b/ft
1534 psi
3890 psi 1441 psi
LOT = 4290
28.65 bbls
510'

5000' 4070 psi 5000' 4135 psi 3920 psi 3920 psi
4166 psi 4099 psi 4229 psi @ 5000' 3770 psi
Annulus = .05053 b/ft
526'

26.56 bbls

6779 psi @ 9124'

MASP =1040 4262 psi @5526'
33 psi
326'

16.5 bbls

9362' 6,970 psi 6973 psi @ 9317'

6812 psi @ 9450'
47 psi

9450' 6963 psi

451'
50 psi
484'

Annulus = .02915 b/ft 550'

9846' 7,020 psi 7020 psi @ 9769' 358 psi
16 bbls Gas 154' Migration 231' Migration
= 57 psi
10000' = 549' BHP = 7170 psi BHP = 7020 psi
BHP = 7120 psi BHP = 7170 psi BHP = 7170 psi BHP = 7170 psi BHP = 7170 psi
FBHP = 7020 psi

7-38
STRING OUT OF WELL OR PLUGGED
Where it is not possible/reliable to use
shut in tubing/drillpipe pressure to monitor
Boyle’s Law:
downhole conditions, the use of casing or
annulus pressure is required. Following is an
P1V1 = P1V1
example.
WELL DATA
Depth: 11,500 ft (3505.2 m)
Casing: 7-5/8” (193.67 mm) at 10,000 ft (3048 m),
24 lbs/ft (0.017 kg/m), 0.04794 bbls/ft (0.025
m³/m) capacity
Tubing: 2-7/8 (73.03 mm), 10.4 lbs/ft (15.48
kg/m), 0.00353 bbls/ft (0.00184 m³/m)
displacement, 0.00449 bbls/ft (0.00234 m³/m)
capacity.
Off bottom, influx swabbed in below tubing.
Fluid density: 12.5 ppg (1498 kg/m³)
SCIP: 600 psi (41.37 bar)
Final pit gain after shut in: 52.25 bbls (8.3 m³)
Formation BHP: 7,475 psi (515.4 bar)
Suppose while shut in, waiting for orders,
casing pressure increases from 600 to 700 psi
(41.37 to 48.27 bar). Since the well has remained
shut in and tubing has not been moved, it can
be assumed the influx has begun to migrate
upward. Total BHP is now 7,475 + 100 = 7,575
psi (515.4 + 6.89 = 522.3 bar). An estimate may
be made of the distance of migration.
Fluid gradientpsi/ft = Fluid Densityppg × 0.052
= 12.5 × 0.052
= 0.65 psi/ft
Fluid gradientbar/m = Fluid Densitykg/m³ × 0.0000981
= 1498 kg/m³ × 0.0000981
= 0.14695 bar/m
Gas Migration Distanceft = Pressure Increasepsi ÷ Fluid Gradientpsi/ft
= 100 ÷ 0.65
= 154 ft
Gas Migration Distancem = Pressure Increasebar ÷ Fluid Gradientbar/m
= 6.89 bar ÷ 0.14695 bar/m
= 46.9 m
C HAPTER 7
This represents the distance from bottom of
well to bottom of influx. Bottomhole pressure
can then be estimated by adding the pressure
within the gas plus the hydrostatic of the fluid
below the gas. Also, the hydrostatic pressure of
the influx contributes to bottomhole pressure
and can be considered. Boyles Law can be
used to demonstrate that the 100 psi (6.89 bar)
increase is equivalent to about 0.71 bbls (0.113
m³) of fluid in the annulus as shown by:
P1V1 = P2V2
7,475 psi × 52.25 bbl = (7,475 psi – 100) × V2
V2 = 52.96 bbls gas
The amount of expansion is:
52.96 bbls – 52.25 bbls = 0.71 bbls
P1V1 = P2V2
515.4 bar × 8.3 m³ = (515.4 bar – 6.89 bar) × V2
V2 = 8.413 m³ gas
The amount of expansion should have been:
8.3 m³ – 8.413 m³ = 0.113 m³
Casing pressure must compensate for fluid
bled from the well in this technique. If bottomhole
pressure is allowed to return to its original
7,475 psi (515.4 bar), a bleed off of 0.71 barrels
(0.113 m³) of fluid should have occurred while
compensating for hydrostatic pressure of the
fluid bled. The hydrostatic pressure of the 0.71
barrels (0.113 m³) while in the well would have
exerted approximately 15 psi (1 bar). So, casing
pressure would now have to be the original 600
psi (41.37 bar) plus 15 psi (1 bar) and should
now be 615 psi (42.4 bar). It should be noted
that if casing pressure had been allowed to fall
to 600 psi (41.37 bar) without compensating for
the hydrostatic pressure lost due to expansion
that the bottomhole pressure would have
been reduced below formation pressure thereby
allowing additional influx into the well.
When choke is opened to bleed off fluid
two things are happening simultaneously: 1)
the gas bubble is expanding and; 2) the influx
is migrating. Both of these affect hydrostatic
pressure in the well and must be considered
when applying the Volumetric Method in the
field.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-39

STRIPPING/MOVING PIPE AND 1600

VOLUMETRIC METHOD WHILE STRIPPING
(continuous stripping)

VOLUMETRIC CONSIDERATIONS f w ork

ing
ma
rgin

it o rgin
r lim ma
pe ing
1400 Up w ork
f
it o
Suppose in the example given, the crew has No Expansion Low
er
lim
ce
lan bl
ba psi/b
FB
HP

received orders to strip back to bottom before Use Trip Tank Volume Control d to
rea 16.4
1

100 psi
Casing pressure allowed to increase due to ure @

Casing Pressure
ess late
a circulating method is implemented. During 1200
migration by bleeding only the amount of
mud equal to total tubing displacement csg. pr Calcu

100 psi
the stripping operation pipe will be moving,
(No gas expansion allowed)

7.4 bbls.

gas may be migrating, and fluid will be bled

100 psi
Expansion
1000 Use Casing Pressure Control

off at choke. To carry out operation safely, a 7.4 bbls.

Hold choke pressure constant while bleeding

100 psi
6.1 bbls mud from annulus allowing gas expansion

plan or stripping pressure schedule must be to neutralize the effects of migration

100 psi
designed. 800

Assume that well is shut in with 600

100 psi working margin
723 psi to balance FBHP

psi casing pressure. In designing a bleed-off 100 psi over-balance

schedule, a safety margin and a working margin 600

7.53 bbls

are chosen. In this example we use 100 psi

(6.89 bar) for each. In other words, the choke 7800
Bottom - Hole Pressure

will not be opened for any bleed-off until Bleed

casing pressure has been allowed to rise to 800 7700

7675 psi

psi (55.16 bar). During first bleed-off, casing 7600

100 psi Working Margin
7575 psi

pressure will be maintained between 700 and 7500

100 psi over-balance
Migrate
800 psi (48.27 and 55.16 bar). FBHP

It is necessary to carefully measure any 7400

fluid bled from the well and to estimate its 7300

equivalent hydrostatic pressure. Tubing will

10 10 20 30 40 50

be fitted with at least one backpressure valve Gas Expansion Allowed (Bbls bled-off over total tubing displacement)

so total displacement will be that of the full

outside diameter.
0.00802bbls/ft × 90’ = 0.72 bbls/stand
0.00413m³/m × 27.43m = 0.113 m³/stand
Pressure equivalent to well fluid in open casing:
0.65psi/ft ÷ 0.04794bbls/ft = 13.6 psi/bbl
0.14695bar/m ÷ 0.025m³/m = 5.88 bar/m³
Pressure equivalent in casing/tubing annulus:
0.65psi/ft ÷ 0.04441bbls/ft = 14.6 psi/bbl
0.14695bar/m ÷ 0.02316m³/m = 6.34 bar/m³
With this information, a stripping/bleed-
off schedule is created (see above). Using chart,
the following steps describe a procedure when
tubing is continuously stripped into the well.
1. Strip in well without bleeding fluid until
casing pressure increases 200 psi or 13.79
bar (100 psi [6.89 bar] for safety margin
and 100 psi [6.89 bar] for working margin)
from 600 psi (41.37 bar) to 800 psi (55.16
bar).
2. Once casing pressure has reached 800 psi
(55.16 bar), it is used as a guide for bleed-off
rate. As long as tubing is moving into well,
continue bleeding at a rate to hold choke
pressure between 700 and 800 psi (48.27
and 55.16 bar). After bleeding equivalent
of 100 psi (6.89 bar) of fluid hydrostatic
pressure above pipe’s cross section
displacement, (13.6 psi/bbl, so 100 psi ÷
13.6 = 7.4 bbls [assuming gas is below
tubing]) allow casing pressure to increase by
another 100 psi. Carefully
3. At this point discontinue using casing measure fluid
pressure as control. As pipe is lowered into bled from well
well, carefully bleed off only amount of
and estimate
tubing displacement (0.72 bbls [0.15 m³]
its equivalent
per 90’ [27.4 m] stand) as it is lowered into
hydrostatic
well. Casing pressure is allowed to increase.
density.
If casing pressure has not increased by 100
psi (6.89 bar) after stand is lowered and
set on slips, close choke, and make up
next stand. Continue bleeding only pipe
displacement when the connected stand is
lowered.

7-40
4. When casing pressure has increased to 900
psi (62.06 bar) control changes once again
back to casing gauge. While continuing to
strip, maintain casing pressure between 800
and 900 psi (55.16 and 62.06 bar) until
a gain of 7.4 bbls (1.13 m³) is noted. At
this point, change control once again to
measurement of tubing displacement.
Steps are repeated until tubing has been run
to bottom or gas reaches surface.
POSITION OF THE INFLUX
It is not practical to take every geometric
change into consideration for most volumetric
techniques. Simplicity and a prudent safety and
working margin will enhance the chance for a
successful operation.
When stripping into the well, consideration
should be given to what will happen when the
BHA stings into the main body of the gas. As
gas is displaced or migrates around the BHA,
its vertical length increases and may result in a
decrease in effective hydrostatic pressure.
Many operators simplify matters by using
the annulus between the tubing and casing
for psi/bbl (bar/m³) calculation. Although this
may result in slightly higher pressures if there
is a long open hole section, remember the
majority of expansion will occur nearer the
surface.
PRESSURE EQUIVALENT TO WELL FLUID
In the example, the open casing volume
was used to illustrate equating fluid removed
from the well to hydrostatic pressure loss. A
more conservative approach would have been
to use the tubing/casing annulus. Like safety
margins, this must be a well-specific decision.
Some of the considerations required are
estimates of the bubble position, maximum
Choosing allowable pressures, amount of open hole in
appropriate relation to the casing seat, well geometry and
safety and size of pipe to be stripped in.
working margins
must be done SELECTING SAFETY & WORKING MARGINS
on a case by
Choosing appropriate safety and working
case basis.
margins must be well-specific. For example,
formation integrity pressure may be a concern.
C HAPTER 7
If, in the example above, the estimated
formation integrity pressure were 1,200 psi
(82.74 bar), the selections of 200 psi (13.79
bar) total margins would likely be safe since
1,200 – 800 = 400 psi (82.74 – 55.16 = 27.58
bar), which should be ample tolerance.
If casing pressure does not increase after a
few stands (about three stands in example) it
could mean that the well is already taking fluid
and that fracture pressure has been exceeded.
Once it is established that the well is taking
fluid, stripping may continue by bleeding just
enough fluid to equal the total displacement
of the tubing. In this situation, less fluid would
be forced into the formation and the losses
might stop once the gas rises above the fracture
point.
STRIPPING WITH SMALL TUBING
The stripping procedure in the example is
well suited for conditions with larger pipe sizes
and gas influxes of 50 bbls (7.95 m³) or less.
When tubing smaller than 2-3/8” (60.33 mm)
OD is used on kicks larger than 50 bbls (7.95
m³), a slightly different (and simpler) procedure
has been successful. Using the same example:
1. Establish safety/working margins as before.
2. Bleed off volume of fluid (in this case
we use the more conservative 6.1 bbls or
0.97m³) from the well that equals the
hydrostatic pressure of the working margin
(100 psi or 6.89 bar) while holding casing
pressure constant at 800 psi (55.16 bar).
3. Close the choke and continue stripping
without bleeding until the casing pressure
increases by the 100 psi (6.89 bar) working
margin (to 900 psi or 62.06 bar). The
increase in casing pressure is caused by the
effects of migration and the compression
of the gas by the tubing volume stripped
into well. (This eliminates the need
for coordinating the bleed-off with pipe
movement and measurement of barrels bled
off in order to compensate for the total
tubing displacement.
4. After desired Shut In Casing Pressure has
been reached (900 psi), resume bleeding
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
fluid out of well at a rate that allows
casing pressure to be held steady within
the limits of the working margin (800-900
psi) until 6.1 bbls above the cross section
displacement of pipe has been bled off.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the tubing is on
bottom or gas is at surface.
LUBRICATE & BLEED (LUBRICATION)
The Lubricate and Bleed Method is often
a continuation of the Volumetric Method, and
is used once kick fluid reaches the wellhead. It
is also used if perforations or circulating ports
in the tubing are plugged, tubing is sanded up
or plugged, circulation is not feasible or high
well pressures start to reach rated wellhead
pressure ratings.
In the Lubricate and Bleed Method, fluid
is pumped into the well and allowed to fall
down into the annulus. Sufficient time must
be allowed for the fluid to begin to affect
(increase) the annular hydrostatic pressure.
Since hydrostatic pressure was added to well,
backpressure may be taken or bled off equal to
the gain of hydrostatic.
To begin lubricate and bleed, fluid must be
pumped into well. This fluid must be carefully
measured. From the number of pump strokes
Pump (lubricate) Allow fluid to fall
fluid in well
7-41
or from a measure of volume pumped, length
of fluid when in the wellbore can be calculated.
Once length is known, the gain in hydrostatic
pressure created by it can be determined. This
value will be bled off on surface.
The lubricate
EXAMPLE and bleed
method is often
Surface pressure (SICP) is 4,650 psi (320.62 bar) a continuation
Casing ID =6.004” (152.5 mm) of the volumetric
Tubing OD = 2-7/8” (73.03 mm) method.
Fluid weight = 9.0 ppg 1078 kg/m³
Pump is a Gardner Denver PZ9 with 0.044 bbl/
stk (0.007 m³/stk) output
In this example we would bring the pump
online enough to slightly overcome wellbore
pressures. This requires a high pressure pump.
The pump forces fluid into the well, which
will raise pressures. Therefore, pressure and
injected fluid should be limited, typically to a
200 psi (137.9 bar) increase above the shut-in
pressure.
When fluid was injected, it took 195
strokes to increase casing pressure by 200
psi (13.79 bar) to 4,850 psi (334.41 bar).
The volume pumped into the well can be
calculated:
195 stks × 0.044 bbl/stk = 8.58 bbls
195 stks × 0.007 m³/stk = 1.365 m³ Lubricate and
bleed process
Bleed off pressure Bleed off gain in
from pump hydrostatic pressure
HP Gained

7-42
We want to avoid excessive pressures at all
times. However, we must wait until the fluid
drops down the annulus before we can bleed
off the 200 psi (13.79 bar) of injection pressure
Some of the and take casing pressure back to 4,650 psi
worst blowouts (320.62 bar). If we do not wait for the fluid to
have occurred fall, we can lose fluid (and its hydrostatic) out
during trips. of the well when we start to bleed off. Only
after sufficient time has been given, can the
injection pressure increase be bled off. Waiting
for the fluid to fall depends on well geometry,
type of fluid and section it has to fall through.
This can take 15 to 30 minutes or longer
depending on fluid type and well geometry.
Next, we can calculate how much
hydrostatic pressure was gained when we
pumped liquid into the well, and then bleed off
an equivalent amount of backpressure. First,
calculate the length from the volume pumped
in:
8.58 bbls ÷ 0.027 bbl/ft = 318’
1.365 m³ ÷ 0.01408 m³/m = 97.9 m
Now calculate gained hydrostatic pressure.
9.0 ppg × 0.052 × 318’ = 149 psi
(approx. 150 psi)
1078kg/m³ × 0.0000981 × 97.9 m = 10.3 bar
The 150 psi (10.3 bar) gain in hydrostatic
pressure is subtracted from the present casing
pressure of 4,650 psi (320.62 bar) and then
casing pressure bled down to that value.
4,650 psi – 150 psi = 4,500 psi
320.62 bar – 10.3 bar = 310.32 bar
The procedure, injecting fluid, waiting for
it to hold hydrostatic pressure, then bleeding
off casing pressure, is repeated until annulus is
full of fluid and casing value is 0 psi. If the
well was underbalanced, the space that gas
occupies in wellbore must be replaced with a
fluid heavy enough to compensate for pressure
underbalance (this may not be predictable or
possible).
C HAPTER 7
WELL KICKS WHEN THE
PIPE IS OFF BOTTOM
Some of the worst blowouts have occurred
during a trip. If fluid weight was heavy enough
to operate without kicking, the swabbed kick
on the trip would be signaled by the hole not
taking the proper amount of fluid. Kicks on
a trip usually result from a failure to detect
swabbing.
Once it has been determined an influx has
entered the wellbore (by improper fill or flow
detection) and well is shut in, pressures should
be low. Once shut in, stripping or staging may
be used to control the well, while incorporating
volumetric corrections to pressures held during
circulation or the trip back to bottom.
Volumetric corrections compensate for kick
length changes as wellbore geometry changes,
and due to displacement of fluid out of the well
from gas expansion. If these considerations are
ignored, hydrostatic pressure may be lowered
enough to allow further influx into the well.
If possible, stripping back to bottom is
considered the best option. The trip back to
bottom and what pressures to hold, versus
volume gained, can be complex with multiple
pipe sizes and well geometry. Once on bottom,
circulating bottoms up using a Driller’s Method
should regain hydrostatic control of the well.
While not recommended, the concept of
staging to bottom is the use of a much heavier
fluid at that depth needed to overcompensate
for the kick in the hole. This should take
into account the depth where you will be
circulating, and the effect that a heavier fluid
and ECD will have on casing shoe, or weak
zones in the wellbore. After heavy fluid has
been circulated, the well is held static by
the additional hydrostatic. At this point, the
preventer is usually opened and a predetermined
amount of pipe is run into the well. The
process of circulating a heavy fluid (cutback)
and then tripping back in to a predetermined
depth is then repeated, until pipe is back to
bottom. Each circulation uses a less dense
heavy fluid until on bottom where the proper
mud weight is circulated.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
Force
BOP Force
Against Pipe
BPV
Area
Pressure
Force equals area × pressure
Several complications may arise from staging
back to bottom. First, the well cannot be killed
until kick is out of the hole and entire column
of fluid is conditioned. Second, if influx is
gas, it will migrate, expand and displace fluid
from well, resulting in a hydrostatic loss, which
may lead to additional influx entering wellbore.
Also, if too much pipe is run, the heavy fluid
displaced by tripping pipe reduces hydrostatic
pressure and may allow well to flow. If pipe is
tripped in until it is noticed the well is flowing,
additional influx and higher shut-in pressures
may cause additional complications. If influx
is gas and is below the end of the string,
maintaining planned circulating pressures
without using volumetric corrections for gas
expansion may lead to further influx and
disaster. It must be stressed that increases in
fluid levels in pits (not due to pipe displacement,
weight material or chemicals to treat fluid
system during circulation) is probably due to
gas migration and expansion.
7-43
STRIPPING
Stripping is moving pipe into or out of
the well against well pressure when the force
of that pressure is less than the weight of
pipe being stripped. Remember additional
influx and/or excessive pressures can occur if
pressure is not monitored and corrected for
the displacement of the pipe being stripped
and gas expansion.
Exercise care when stripping. If necessary
pipe weight (tripping in or out under pressure)
is not maintained, pipe can be blown from
well. Stripping complications can occur due
to some preventers being wellbore pressure
assisted to various degrees. Also, the wear
factor on sealing elements may lead to element
failure and pressure venting to rig floor. If
preventer develops a leak, this may lead to
rapid failure of a sealing element and/or
preventer and may jeopardize the operation.
There is also the possibility of the wrong
preventer being opened if speed exceeds
caution. All stripping operations should be
performed carefully, with all personnel briefed
and familiar with their responsibilities.
Stripping policies and procedures vary.
The procedures given here cover essential
elements of stripping with equipment that is
normally available on a rig, although it is
usually better to get a regular stripping or
snubbing crew.
Depending on pressure, pipe, collars and
tool joints may not strip down of their own
weight, but require a pull-down (snub) force.
The force required to push pipe down through
preventers against well pressures and preventer
Stripping should
friction may be estimated as follows. be performed
Swt = (0.7854 × D² × P) + F
carefully, with all
personnel
Where: briefed and
Swt = Estimated weight to strip into hole familiar with their
responsibilities.
0.7854 = π ÷ 4
D = diameter of largest collar or tool joint in
preventer rubber inches (mm).
P = annular pressure psi (bar)
F = approximate pipe weight to slide through
packer rubber

7-44
Note: Preventer type, element type, total
element area sealing pipe, closing pressure,
wellbore pressure, fluid type, lubrication,
condition of pipe and preventer elements, all
affect force necessary to strip pipe through a
preventer. For example, with minimum closing
pressure and no well pressure it takes about
2,000 lbs. (907.2 kg) to move 5” drillpipe
through a closed Hydril 13-5/8” annular
preventer.
String weight must be greater than computed
force or pull down force (snubbing) will be
required. The equation shows why it might be
necessary to start pipe with a few stands of ram
to ram stripping rather than with the annular
preventer. When using ram to ram stripping,
tool joint is never in the preventer so the term
D is smaller. Based on this equation, it is
obviously difficult to get the first few collars in
the hole if there is any annulus pressure.
Travelling blocks have been used to push
pipe down. This is dangerous because pipe
might slip back up and start to unload out
of the hole. Be careful about the beginning
of stripping operations. If pipe is not heavy
enough to go into the hole against the well
pressure, it needs to be kept under restraint
at all times while stripping, until it is heavy
enough to overcome upward forces.
When stripping in or out of the hole it
is necessary to have a float or inside BOP in
the string. Also, a safety valve should be on the
open box as a joint or stand is pulled/lowered.
Two safety valves may be used. One is on the
string and another is either taken off the last
joint pulled or made up on the next to be run.
These valves must be in place in the event the
float or inside BOP fails, so the string can be
shut in. Safety valves should be left open so
pipe will not pressurize without warning.
Displacement principles are the same
in stripping/snubbing as in normal tripping
When stripping procedures with the exception of pressure.
in or out it is
When stripping into the hole, fluid will be
necessary
displaced out of the hole and when stripping
out of the hole, fluid must be pumped into the
to have a float
hole. The arrangements for doing this should be
or inside BOP in
tested before committing to stripping operations.
the string.
The displacement is important because failure
of the displacement system will cause either
lost circulation or the kick size to increase and
could possibly result in both situations.
C HAPTER 7
Stripping operations require excellent
communications between the choke operator
and driller. As tool joint nears the floor, driller
must inform choke operator that he will be
slowing and stopping pipe. Choke operator
must dictate the overall rate of pipe movement,
as it will be his responsibility to maintain
pressures as close as possible according to
calculations.
Some operators close off the accumulator
bank and strip using accumulator pumps for
pressure. This is a bad technique as pumps are
used too erratically. A better procedure would
be to close off one-half of the bank and keep
it for reserve or to turn off either electric or
air pumps and keep one type of pump for
reserve.
STRIPPING WITH THE
ANNULAR PREVENTER
The annular preventer is the most
satisfactory stripping head normally on the rig.
It is easier and quicker to use the annular
preventer than rams or a combination of the
two. There are limits and some special points
that need to be checked before using the
annular preventer.
BEFORE USING ANNULAR PREVENTER
1. Check accumulator reservoir for fluid.
2. If gas is not present, annular preventer
closing pressure must be relaxed until
preventer slightly leaks when moving pipe
to provide lubrication. Remember any
fluid vented from well to lubricate
packer should be captured in trip tank.
Annular preventer characteristics vary;
closing pressure recommended by preventer
manufacturer should be used to adjust
pressure if top of annular preventer cannot
be seen. If gas is present underneath BOPs,
a leak-tight seal must be effected.
3. Make sure pressure regulator valve for
annular preventer will relieve pressure back
through valve. This valve is key to move-
ment of preventer packer around tool
joints. It must work to avoid tearing packer.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-45

4. Annular closing lines must be short in
length and large enough in diameter to
allow closing fluid to move. The use of
a small accumulator bottle on the closing
line near the annular preventer is a real
asset in preventing wear during stripping.
5. Annular preventers may allow protector
rubbers to pass through them. They must
be removed when stripping in. When
stripping out, annular to ram stripping
techniques should be used to prevent the
possibility of leaks (as fluted designs are
stripped through annular) or protector
rubbers from breaking off (if they will
not pass through packer).
6. Limit speed of pipe. Pass tool joints slowly
through preventer. One second a foot is a
good rate to remember, and go even slower
at tool joints. Ultimately it is the choke
operator who should set the speed.
7. Sharp, rough tool joints or pipe necks create
excessive wear on the annular elements.
8. Use a lubricant in bowl on top of annular
preventer when stripping in. Soluble oil
and water, oil bentonite suspension and
water are all good pipe lubricants.
STRIPPING IN THE HOLE WITH THE
ANNULAR PREVENTER
When stripping into hole, fluid will have
to be released from hole equal to total cross
section area (displacement/capacity) of pipe.
The easiest way is to hold annular pressure When stripping
constant when going back into hole, so the pipe in, fluid will have
displaces correct amount of fluid, except for any to be released
upward displacement of kick or gas migration. from the hole
Check the amount of fluid displaced in a trip equal to total
tank. If volumes displaced do not correspond cross section
to calculations, pressure adjustments should be area of pipe.
made.
If choke pressure is maintained constant
prior to bleed off, when pipe enters the
kick, kick length will increase due to reduced
clearance between the pipe and wellbore.
Therefore, choke pressure must be corrected.
This correction, with an example is described
under the Volumetric Method of Well Control.
As a practical consideration, unless the stripping
operation is going to take several days or
annular pressures are high, it may be better
to ignore volumetric corrections. The potential
for error or problems is perhaps greater when
trying to overcorrect annular pressure than it is
to ignore the volumetric corrections.

Step 2: slowly lower pipe into hole. Ease each tool

joint through preventer. Check annular regulator
TYPICALSTRIPPING IN WITH
valve on accumulator to be sure it is working
THE ANNULAR PROCEDURE Step 3: Land pipe, fill pipe, install safety valve
and regulated pressure to preventer is remaining
constant. As casing (or annular) pressure starts on new stand, remove safety valve from stand
Step 1: make up landing in slips, make up pipe. Repeat sequence
nipple and backpressure to increase, bleed off excess (above starting)
pressure (volumetric method). again beginning with Step 2.
valve. Install open safety
valve on top of pipe.

Safety
Valve

Landing
Nipple ANNULAR ANNULAR

RAM
RAM

RAM
RAM
PUMP KILL LINE CHOKE LINE
PUMP KILL LINE CHOKE LINE

Back RAM
RAM

Pressure TRIP TANK

Valve TRIP TANK

7-46
STRIPPING OUT OF THE HOLE
WITH THE ANNULAR
If a pump down type of float is used,
be sure that it is seated before committing to
When stripping
out, fluid will pulling the pipe. Remember to keep the safety
valves open when pulling the pipe so that if the
have to be
float leaks, it will not pressure up the pipe.
pumped into
When stripping out of the hole, the fluid
annulus to keep
hole full. will have to be pumped into the annulus to
keep the hole full. There are a number of ways
to do this, but the best way is to arrange to
circulate across the BOP stack from the kill to
the choke line. A cementing pump generally
works better than the rig pump. Backpressure,
which is initially about 100 psi (6.89 bar)
greater than casing pressure, is maintained
from the choke. As the pipe is pulled, fill
up from circulating across the top should
be automatic. The fluid should be taken
from a single tank with an accurate volume
measuring system. After each stand, the total
pipe displacement should be compared to fluid
actually taken by the well. Casing pressure
should stay constant and corrections to volume
TYPICAL STRIPPING OUT WITH THE ANNULAR PROCEDURE
Step 1: start circulating across the hole Step 2: check to ensure the annular
with 100 psi greater pressure than shut preventer is leaking and the hole is taking
in pressure. Install safety valve and begin mud. Ease tool joints through the rubber.
slowly pulling pipe. Check annular regulator.
ANNULAR
ANNULAR
RAM
RAM
RAM
PUMP KILL LINE
RAM
PUMP KILL LINE CHOKE LINE
RAM
RAM
TRIP TANK
C HAPTER 7
pumped in the hole can be made by adjusting
the choke. The pump should be kept running
throughout the activity.
When stripping out of the hole, casing
pressure should drop as the collars are pulled
out of the kick fluid. However, the upward
migration of gas and some upward drag will
tend to raise the casing pressure. Again, the
correction to the casing pressure is made
according to the Volumetric Method.
Every three or four stands, it might be
necessary to use the pipe rams to strip the pipe
rubbers through an open annular preventer. If
possible, release the pressure between the pipe
ram and the annular preventer before opening
the annular preventer.
Again, good communications should be
exercised between choke operator and driller.
While stripping out, at some point there
will not be enough pipe weight for the pipe to
stay in the well against the wellbore pressure.
Make provisions and issue warnings in order
to protect the crew.
Step 3: Land pipe on slips. Check mud
displacement and annular pressure. Break
off stand and install safety valve. Repeat
sequence again beginning with Step 1.
ANNULAR
RAM
CHOKE LINE
RAM
PUMP KILL LINE CHOKE LINE
TRIP TANK
RAM
TRIP TANK
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-47
Step 1: with well shut in on TYPICAL PROCEDURE FOR STRIPPING IN WITH PIPE RAMS
blind ram, lower pipe until BPV/LN
assembly is just above blind ram.
Use open safety valve on each Step 2: Close the upper Step 3: open blind ram. Lower
stand, keep annulus pressure stripping ram. Pressure up the next tool joint into the
constant by releasing mud between rams to well pressure stack until it is just above the
through choke. using pumps. upper stripping ram.

LN
BPV

LN
PUMP
BPV
TRIP TANK
PUMP PUMP
TRIP TANK

TRIP TANK

LN
BPV

Step 7: open lower ram and

Step 4: close the lower Step 6: close upper rams lower pipe until tool joint is
stripping ram. Bleed off Step 5: lower the pipe until and choke, pressure between just above upper stripping ram
pressure between the two the tool joint is just below the rams to well pressure using and repeat sequence starting
rams. Open upper rams. upper stripping ram. pumps. with Step 4.

PUMP
PUMP PUMP
TRIP TANK
PUMP TRIP TANK TRIP TANK

TRIP TANK

LN
BPV
LN LN LN
BPV BPV BPV

STRIPPING IN THE HOLE WITH PIPE RAMS
Higher pressure operations and specialized
stripping BOP stacks use ram to ram stripping
techniques. The pipe rams can be used to strip
pipe in much the same manner as with the
annular preventer, except two pipe rams have to
be used to pass tool joints. Packing in pipe
ram blocks is adequate and will continue to
extrude and seal for a long period of stripping.
Pressure on the closing side of the rams should
be reduced for stripping operations to avoid
burning packing around pipe as the pipe is sliding
past. There are no strict rules about pressure on
closing side of rams, but 400 psi (27.58 bar) is
often used. Other recommendations vary from
100 to 500 psi (6.89 to 34.48 bar).
When using rams for stripping, upper ram
should be used to better manage packer wear. If
rams on bottom are kept as a master valve, or
safety ram, ram to ram stripping would require
a four ram stack, or an annular preventer in
place of one set of rams would be required.
Stripping rams must be spaced far enough
apart so tool joints will not interfere with either
ram when both are closed. This requires a
When using rams
single ram with a spacer in the stack. Adjacent
for stripping,
rams in double or triple sets should not be
upper ram
used for stripping. Always use safety valves
and keep them open. The constant annulus should be used
pressure can be checked by the volumetric to take
calculations every several stands if necessary, or maximum wear.
if that is the operating policy.
Calculations must be used. Even 100 psi
(6.89 bar) of well pressure will not allow 93 feet
(28.3 m) of 4-1/2 inch (114.3 mm) 16.6 ppf (24.6
kg/m) pipe to strip down of its own weight.

7-48
TYPICAL PROCEDURE
FOR STRIPPING OUT
WITH PIPE RAMS
Step 1: circulate across stack keeping
well pressure on choke. Using upper
stripping ram, slowly raise pipe until
next lower tool joint is just below
upper stripping ram. As pipe is raised,
mud pumped across hole should
automatically displace into hole.
C HAPTER 7
Step 2: stop pipe and close
lower stripping ram. Shut down
pump and bleed off the pressure
between stripping rams.

Before
beginning, be
sure the work PUMP
PUMP
TRIP TANK
string float is TRIP TANK

holding properly.

LN LN
BPV BPV

Step 4: close upper stripping ram. Step 5: open the lower stripping
Step 3: open upper ram, pull Pressure up, circulate area between ram. Repeat sequence beginning
tool joint above the upper ram. rams to well pressure using pumps. with Step 1.

PUMP
PUMP
TRIP TANK
TRIP TANK PUMP
TRIP TANK

LN LN LN
BPV BPV BPV

STRIPPING OUT OF THE HOLE WITH
PIPE RAMS
The upper stripping ram should be used
to take most of the wear. Begin by ensuring
that the float is holding properly. Also, keep
an open safety valve on the tool joint box.
Each stand or every several stands, check
the displacement according to the table and
compare with the fluid volume being displaced.
If there is a significant refusal of the well to take
fluid, then the Volumetric calculations can be
used within limits to correct the displacement.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
CONCENTRIC TECHNIQUES
Snubbing and coiled tubing units are
specialized and take advantage of stripping
principles. Both units can strip and snub.
Stripping is moving pipe in or out of a well
against pressure when pipe weight is greater
than the force to be overcome. Snubbing is
forcing pipe in or out of a well against well
pressure sufficient to eject the pipe. This is
accomplished by special slip assemblies and
hydraulic jacks on snubbing units and by the
tubing injector head on coiled tubing units.
Pressure control is maintained by specialized
stripper assemblies.
A snubbing unit can work up to the BOP
pressure rating. The only limitation is snub
force to overcome the cross section area of pipe
and well pressure. Larger units are sometimes
required to snub large pipe against high well
pressures. Once sufficient pipe weight is in
the well, snubbing ceases and stripping begins.
Snubbing units are used for remedial activities
because of their size, portability and ability to
handle unexpected pressure. They help drilling
rigs during complications like stuck pipe, or
being caught out of the hole when the well
kicks, and to clear blocked drillpipe during a
kill operation. They are compact enough to
fit inside most derricks and provide additional
safety by providing extra BOPs.
The typical coiled tubing unit can strip in
up to 5,000 psi (344.75 bar) of pressure under
normal conditions. Coiled tubing is usually
run with one or more backpressure valves
in the string. In any event, since the tubing
is shut in at pump valves, the entire cross
sectional area is exposed to well pressure when
considering required snub force. The injector
head of the coiled tubing unit provides the
necessary force to move pipe into or out of well
under pressure.
Snubbing and coil tubing units can strip
tubing inside tubing or drillpipe. This has
many applications. In remedial operations, it
is possible to strip pipe inside the producing
tubing string and then kill the well. In wells
where circulation is not possible in the tubing
7-49
or drill pipe (sanded up, plugged string or bit,
etc.) these units can strip inside these strings,
clear the obstruction and then kill the tubing/
drillpipe, and the well.
Discuss procedures and operations performed
Snubbing units
by snubbing and coil tubing units with all
can work with
personnel involved. Unauthorized personnel
as much pressure
should stay clear of the area where one of
as the BOPS are
these units is working. As with any specialized
rated to.
operation, proper supervision is required. The
service company provides personnel trained
and experienced to handle the job, however if
complications arise, or if unsafe or improper
techniques are used, the operation should be
shut down until the complications are solved.
Small tubing units can also strip pipe
into a well. The string of pipe, often called a
macaroni or spaghetti pipe, is used as a work
string inside an existing production tubing
string. For practical purposes, the small tubing
rig cannot snub this pipe into the well.
Depending on the type of the well, stripping/
volumetric techniques may be warranted. There
are four basic scenarios:
w Producing gas or oil wells, flowing
while tripping in. Seldom in this case
are volumetric techniques required. As the
displacement of steel enters, the production
choke allows pressure compensation. If
excess pressure builds, the tripping speed
may be slowed or stopped until acceptable
levels are obtained.
w Shut in gas well. The shut in gas well
seldom poses a problem with stripping in.
As the pipe displacement compresses the
gas, excess pressure in the well will begin
to inject the gas back into the formation.
If this is acceptable, no surface volumetric
control will be necessary. If this is not
acceptable, as pressure increases, excess
pressure (gas) is bled from the choke
to maintain a predetermined level. An
unacceptable condition may arise when gas
separation occurs and may actually damage
the formation if pumped back in. Again,
predetermined pressure is held as pipe is
tripped, with excess pressure bled off.
 C HAPTER 7
7-50

techniques if minimizing potential damage

w Shut in oil well. If the native formation
oil carries asphaltines, fines, etc., and may
cause formation damage (e.g., plugging or
In some areas, bridging) if injected back into formation,
bullheading is volumetric/stripping techniques may be
a common way used to keep pressure fairly constant.
to kill wells
w Fluid filled well. If a well kill attempt is
before working
not successful, a kill string can be stripped
them over. to bottom and the fluid conditioned
or replaced with another (i.e., kill or
completion fluid). Stripping pipe back to
bottom should use volumetric/stripping
to the formation is a concern.
The previous scenarios require detailed
information about the formation and produced
fluid characteristics. If the volumetric/stripping
techniques will be used, then the predetermined
pressures should be maintained and the
liquid level of the tanks should be closely
monitored. Pressure corrections should be made
corresponding to the tank level changes as
calculated (i.e., gain or loss).

Considerations for bullheading BULLHEADING

Pump pressure /Rate
Bullheading, also called deadheading, is a
PUMP
common way to kill a well in workover in some
Pressure areas. This technique works when there are no
obstructions in the tubing and injection into the
formation can be achieved without exceeding
C
any pressure limitations. In bullheading, the
W well fluids are pumped back into the reservoir,
displacing the tubing or casing with a sufficient
M quantity of kill fluid. Bullheading is applicable
M
in some drilling circumstances, mainly if an
Annulus Status H2S kick is taken. Here it may be preferable to
pump it away, back into the formation, instead
of bringing it to the surface.
In remedial operations, bullheading has
Produced fluid type(s) limited applications and it is subject to many
problems, such as the following:
PIT
w High viscosity formation fluids may be
Fluid level
Adequate fluid? difficult and time consuming to bullhead.
Adequate weight?
w Tubing and casing burst pressures should
Tubing be known and not exceeded. When
condition
Packer status bullheading down the tubing, some
pressure may have to be applied to the
Gas casing so the tubing will not burst.
Migration
Rate w Gas may present a serious migration
problem. Should the gas migration
Kill point? Perforation/Formation
~vs~
problem occur, it is usually recommended
Overdisplace? Injector rate that viscosifiers be added to the kill fluid.
w Low reservoir permeability may require that
Formation Fracture?
the fracture pressure be exceeded.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-51

BULLHEADING PROCEDURE 3500

1. With the well shut in, determine 3350
the tubing pressure (if bullheading down 3200
casing, determine the casing pressure). 3000 Working pressure range
2. Prepare a rough pressure chart using strokes during Bullhead
versus pump pressure. Start out with 0
Static pressure that
strokes and SITP at head of chart. would fracture
2500

SURFACE PRESSURE (psi)

As you bring pump up with just enough formation
pump pressure to overcome well pressure, Maximum pump
fluid will start to compress the well pressure with 150
gases or fluids until the formation begins psi safety factor
2000
accepting them. This pressure may be
several hundred psi (bar) over the SITP.
Be careful not to exceed any maximum
pressure. Pump at planned rates. Normally 1500
the pump is slowly brought online, then
once the injection is established, it is
brought to the desired kill rate, and then
slowed back down as the kill fluid is 1000
thought to be near the formation. Static tubing pressure
to balance pore
When injecting the produced fluids into pressure
the formation, the added hydrostatic of
pumped kill fluid will lower the tubing 500
pressure. Record the actual pressure values
on the chart at their proper volume or
stroke intervals until at tubing end/bit.
0
3. Once the kill fluid starts to enter the 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
formation, since it is usually not the same
TUBING VOLUME DISPLACED (bbls)
type of fluid, a pressure increase will be
seen on the pump. Stop the pump, unless
an over-displacement has been approved, too large to bring to surface or where surface
shut the well in and monitor. equipment cannot withstand the anticipated
If pressure is still seen, then gas may have maximum pressure which could be placed on
migrated up faster than it was being pumped it.
A well cannot
down, or the kill fluid is not of sufficient It should be remembered that the decision be considered
density. The lubricate and bleed technique, or to bullhead in drilling must be made before dead until the
a reverse or normal circulation method may hand, as part of the shut in procedure. If there kill fluid has
be used. It must be remembered that a well is delay before the decision is made to use this displaced the
cannot be considered dead until the kill fluid technique, gas may migrate up, and decrease old fluid in
has completely displaced the old fluid. the chances of forcing the kick back into the the casing.
Another bullheading technique, used formation that produced it. Pumping this way,
mainly in drilling requires pumping into the that is, pressuring up the wellbore, can result
annulus and not allowing returns through in formation fracture at the shoe or other weak
the drillpipe. As mentioned, this does have points in the system.
applications such as sour gas, and kick sizes

7-52
MUDCAP DRILLING
Mudcap Drilling allows drilling to continue
while managing severe lost circulation in an
overpressured environment and maintaining
control of well. It is used where returns
cannot be circulated back to surface. It is also
used if annulus pressures at surface approach
operational limits, with excessive loss of drilling
fluid or if surface fluid handling capacity is
exceeded.
In mudcap techniques, the upper portion
of the annulus is loaded with heavy, viscous
fluid called mudcap. The hydrostatic pressure
exerted by the mudcap forces drilling fluids,
formation fluids and drill cuttings into weakest
exposed open hole zone, and drilling
continues as a lighter-than-kill-weight,
formation compatible fluid is pumped down
drillstring. Mudcap drilling does not require
surface fluid handling and processing
equipment. It does require high drillpipe/
pump pressures to generate enough force to
balance formation pressure and induce and
maintain fluid injection into weakest zone.
Mudcap drilling offers advantages where
formations cannot be drilled by conventional
or underbalanced (PWD or flow) methods.
ADVANTAGES OF MUDCAP DRILLING
w Eliminates lost time and money spent
combating lost circulation
w Reduces surface pressure on annulus
w Less complex than flow drilling
w Eliminates hydrocarbons, H2S at surface
w Minimizes surface fluid processing equipment
requirements
w Requires less environmental planning than
PWD drilling
Mudcap drilling DISADVANTAGES OF MUDCAP DRILLING
allows drilling
w More planning than conventional drilling
while managing
w Increases logistical requirements over
severe lost
conventional drilling
circulation in an
overpressured w More complex drilling and tripping
environment. operations than conventional drilling
w Higher pressure rotary drilling equipment
than conventional or PWD drilling
C HAPTER 7
w Requires higher pump pressures which may
require existing rig pump modifications or
alternate pump selection
w Increases requirement for highly trained and
competent personnel
w Increases drillstring sticking potential at point
of injection by either differential pressure or
cuttings/packoff
w Increased formation damage potential
w Drill cuttings and fluid samples can’t be
obtained due to well shut in at surface.
There are several mudcap drilling
techniques, including pressured and non-
pressured. In pressured, a pressure of from 150
to 200 psi (10.34 to 13.79 bar) is maintained
on the annulus. The pressured mudcap allows
monitoring of annulus pressure to indicate
downhole changes. The pressure is maintained
against a rotating or control head BOP, often
referred to as a Rotating Control Device
(RCD).
In the non-pressured technique, annulus
pressure is maintained at zero. This does not
allow monitoring of annulus pressure. Annulus
fluid level can be expected to rise and fall
as drilling progresses. The hydrostatic pressure
of the mudcap is maintained by varying the
density and height of the mudcap in the
annulus and may require pumping additional
heavy, viscous fluid into the annulus.
In the floating mudcap drilling technique,
lost circulation has occurred but drilling
proceeds with fluid in the annulus seeking an
equilibrium level. The floating mudcap is the
equilibrium level to drilling depth.
In the previous techniques mudcap fluid is
usually drilling mud with thixotropic properties
and a sufficient density to yield a hydrostatic
pressure greater than formation pore pressures.
Viscosity should be high to minimize gas
migration and have the capability to stay in
place in the annulus. Typically, mudcap fluid
is located within the cased section of the
annulus. Some mudcap losses to formation can
be expected, and mudcap fluid design should
attempt to minimize formation damage.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
The drilling fluid injected down the string
is usually a clear fluid that produces less
hydrostatic pressure than formation pressure.
Since drilling fluid is pumped into the
formation, cost is a major factor in selecting
the optimum drilling fluid. Another factor
is compatibility with formation fluids. Clear
fluids with minimal density and viscosity
are often used. However, with excess torque
or cuttings buildup, increasing the drilling
fluid’s viscosity may be necessary. Polymers and
viscosifying agents (e.g., bentonite) must be
carefully selected as both can do irreversible
damage to matrix and fractured formations.
Mudcap
PUMP
RCD
BOP Stack PUMP
Choke Line
PUMP
Kill Line
Convergence Point
7-53
Higher pressure rated equipment is typically
used in mudcap drilling. Casing and wellhead
should be rated to maximum predicted surface
pressure plus enough applied pressure on
surface to bullhead formation fluids into the
formation with fresh water. Other pressure Since drilling
considerations include provisions or placement fluid is pumped
of a bleed off line between RCD and BOP into formation,
cost is a major
stack to relieve trapped pressure. Non-ported
factor in
backpressure valves are incorporated into the
selecting fluids.
string to prevent flow inside the drillpipe. A
minimum of two ball or dart type valves are
usually run below the MWD/LWD tools,
Monels or the downhole motors. Consideration
should be given to the abrasion
resistant properties of these valves.
While tripping, a trapped pres-
sure phenomenon called squirt com-
monly occurs while using some
RCDs, though not as severe as in
flow drilling. Squirt is a result of the
inability of rubber sealing elements
to completely seal around grooves
in tool joints or the bottom of a
tool joint while tripping out of the
hole. The trapped wellbore fluids
are released when the tool joint is
extracted above the sealing element.
The amount of volume expelled
is directly proportional to the pres-
sures below the RCD. A Top Hat
or secondary venting device can be
installed above these types of RCDs
to vent liquids, gas or H2S away
from the rig floor. If an RCD has
more than one sealing element,
squirt is not normally experienced,
as that occurs between the elements.
Additional equipment and consid-
erations include the following:
w Tool joints should not have
rough/hard banding, sharp
edges or deep multiple grooves.
Spiral design collars and BHA
components wear on the RCD
sealing equipment, and their
use is not recommended.

7-54
w Use a short BHA to limit out-of-hole time
(pick-up) while changing BHA during trips.
w Tripping is a concern and long life drilling
bits should be used to minimize trips
Well control
w Positive pulse MWD/LWD and PWD
during mudcap
drilling is limited tools usually provide better performance in
to maintaining a mudcap drilling than negative pulse tools.
predetermined w Chemical pumps may be used to inject
pressure on the oxygen scavengers and corrosion inhibitors
annulus. if fresh water is used as the drilling fluid.
A bactericide can be used to prevent H2S
forming from fluid and downhole bacteria.
w Pressure bleed off from high drillpipe
pressures during connections is a concern.
Pressure venting must be reliable and easy.
w Annulus must be continuously monitored–
whether by pressure or liquid level.
w Additional volumes of kill fluid should be
kept on location due to the amount of
injection and Bullheading involved.
Well Control during mudcap drilling is
typically limited to maintaining a predetermined
pressure on the annulus, similar to underbalanced
drilling. If pressure increases, do not overreact.
Pick up off bottom and review drilling parameter
trend lines. If annulus pressures increase or
approach preset operating limits or pressure
limits of the RCD, shut the annular preventer
and bleed off pressure between the RCD and
annular preventer. Pump additional mud down
the annulus to increase size and hydrostatic
pressure of mudcap. To evaluate BHP pressure
differential, check SIDPP by using procedures
to obtain SIDPP value with a float in the string
(see Complications chapter). If SIDPP is the
same as the initial SIDPP, too much formation
fluid may have entered the annulus and/or the
mudcap length was reduced. Corrective actions
are limited to Bullheading additional mudcap
fluid down the annulus until pressures reach
previous trend lines and/or increasing drilling
fluid density.
If well will be killed, Bullhead kill methods
are commonly used. Standard well control
procedures are usually not applicable due to
C HAPTER 7
the formation’s lost circulation potential and
inability to support a full column of kill weight
fluid.
Tripping calls for heightened alertness.
Tripping under pressure may be necessary and
stripping calculations for buoyant balance point
must be determined. Tripping practices follow.
w Remove the annular pressure by
bullheading mudcap fluids down the
annulus as necessary.
w Bleed off pressure from the drillpipe.
Ensure that floats are holding.
w Monitor the annulus while tripping.
w Once drillpipe is pulled to the casing
shoe, fill the string with kill weight mud
to remove differential pressure from the
backpressure valves.
w Evaluate well status and ensure pressure is
static or mudcap level is constant. Proceed
to POOH and if possible, pump the
displacement of each stand (including the
BHA if applicable) while pulling. If not
possible, circulate across the BOP stack
and closely monitor fill.
w Once the top of the BHA is below the
RCD, close the annular preventer, check
for pressure and remove or open the RCD
packing element.
w Pull the BHA out of the hole.
w When the bit clears the blind rams, close
the blind rams. If possible bleed trapped
pressure, then open the annular.
w Monitor pressure below the blind rams
while changing the BHA. Check that no
pressure has built up below the BOP. If
pressure exists, pump kill fluids into the
well until the pressure is zero. Open the
blind rams.
w Run the BHA in the hole. Depending on
policy, the RCD packing element may or
may not be installed at this time.
w Fill the drillpipe at least every 10 stands
while tripping in the hole.
w If the RCD packing element has not been
installed, install it when the BHA is at the
casing shoe.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
w As more pipe is lowered, mudcap fluid is
displaced and the annulus may show signs
of pressure or flow.
w Whenever underbalanced logging is
required in an open hole section, a
lubricator capable of covering the entire
length of the logging tools should be used.
As a subset of tripping, running liners is
another area of concern. Underbalanced wells
are sometimes completed with an uncemented
liner to reduce formation damage from cement.
External Casing Packers (ECPs) can be used for
zonal isolation. Depending on the completion
objective, solid or slotted liners can be used.
A solid liner is run in the same manner as in
conventional wells. Monitor the annulus during
its run. Surge pressure created by running liner
may cause the annular mudcap fluid to be
forced downward and perhaps into the loss
zone. If this occurs, well may begin to flow at
surface. Also, when liner is below mudcap level,
upward displacement of lighter fluids may allow
well to flow. Annular preventer or casing rams
should be closed and the mudcap fluid pumped
until desired annulus pressures are obtained.
It is more difficult to run a slotted liner
because there is communication between the
liner ID (through slots) and annulus. With
slotted liner across BOPs, well cannot be shut
in. The potential for this complication can be
minimized by having a liner to safety valve
crossover and a safety valve made up on a
drillpipe joint. If necessary, this assembly can be
installed and run across BOP, and BOPs closed.
Surge pressures will be less than those for a
conventional liner because of communication
between liner ID and annulus. However,
annulus still must be monitored and kept full
at all times.
REVERSE CIRCULATION
Reverse circulation, as the name implies,
is a reversal of normal circulation or standard
well kill pump direction. The pump is lined
up to pump down the casing annulus, and
returns are taken through the string to a choke
manifold.
7-55
ADVANTAGES OF REVERSE CIRCULATION
w It is the shortest or quickest route to
circulate something to the surface.
w It gets the problem inside the strongest
pipe from the start.
w Many times the annular fluid (packer
fluid) is sufficiently dense to control the
formation, which minimizes fluid mixing
and weighting requirements.
DISADVANTAGES OF REVERSE CIRCULATION
w The largest percentages of frictional
pressure losses are inside the smallest
diameter. Usually, this will be in the tubing.
When reversing, the majority of pump
pressure to circulate is now exerted on
the annulus. In drilling, weak formations
may not withstand the extra pressure. In
remedial operations, weak or bad casing
may fail, or if high rates (resulting in high
pressures) are attempted, gas filled and/or
weak tubing may collapse from the pressure
differential.
w Reverse circulation is generally not
recommended where there is danger of
plugging circulating ports, perforations,
or bit nozzles in the string with cuttings or
debris in the well and where there chances
of loss circulation or stuck pipe.
w If the tubing is gas-filled, there may
be difficulties establishing and maintaining
circulating rates and pressures due to its
expansive and compressive nature. The
choke operator should expect that a slight
adjustment might create large changes in
circulating pressure.
w If there are different density fluids
throughout the circulating system, When reversing,
calculating pressures to maintain can the majority of
become complex. pump pressure
w If there is gas in the annulus, it may to circulate is
migrate upward faster than the pumping exerted on
rate. The addition of viscosifiers may the annulus.
reduce this problem, but will increase the
pump pressure.
w If there is a possibility of H2S gas
being present, ensure that the gas is routed
through the proper piping, separation and
flare equipment.

7-56
The basics for reverse circulating are
essentially the same as for any constant
bottomhole method. It differs in that no
circulating rate or pressures are predetermined.
The pump must be brought up to speed,
bottomhole pressure stabilized and circulating
pressure established.
It also differs that instead of using tubing
pressure to monitor bottomhole pressure, the
casing gauge is used. Instead of using back or
choke pressure from the casing, backpressure
is exerted from, and the choke is run off
the drill string or tubing. It should be noted
that if gas is not already at surface, it will
reach the surface much sooner than regular
circulation.
Often, when a circulating port is opened
in the tubing, fluids in the annulus will U-tube.
This may require pumping at a very fast rate
to fill the annulus, just trying to catch up with
the dropping fluid level. This problem can
be minimized by keeping the tubing’s choke
closed until the pump start up procedure can
begin.
When bringing the pump on line, tubing
pressure should be held constant. This may
not be easy when the tubing string is full of gas.
Once the pump is running at the desired speed
(also accounting for the time lag it takes to
stabilize throughout the system), casing (now
pump) pressure is held constant until the
tubing has been displaced. This is very similar
to the Driller’s Method.
Complications can occur when the annular
fluid is not the proper density to control
the formation. Consideration should be given
whether to circulate and displace the tubing
and annulus, then weight up, or to increase
the weight and circulate using a Weight and
Wait technique. If the packer fluid is too
heavy, fluid loss and formation damage may
occur.
In areas where
If tubing is full of formation gas, friction
air drilling is
pressure change as kill fluid circulates upwards
accepted
cannot be accurately calculated. Standard
practice, water
circulating techniques are inadequate. Under
is scarce and not
these circumstances, the estimated hydrostatic
usually found
gain in tubing can be calculated, and choke
on location.
pressure decreased by that amount. Prepare a
chart of pressure to hold, versus strokes, and
use it as a guideline. A standard kill sheet
pressure chart will help to plot the pressure.
C HAPTER 7
AIR DRILLING WELL CONTROL
Generally, a kick is defined as an unwanted
intrusion of liquid or gas into the wellbore.
The principles of air drilling allow kicks until
the formation is producing at a large enough
rate that air drilling must be discontinued or
the conditions are no longer safe. When the
influx rates are too high, the decision may be
made to fluid up, or water the hole and kill the
well. In many areas, it is very rare to shut the
well in, unless there is equipment failure, or if
higher than expected pressures and production
are encountered. (This prevents the hole, and
casing shoe from pressuring up.)
Depending on the region and accepted
practices for the area, well killing techniques can
differ. In some areas, changing from injecting
air to pumping water (still taking returns
through the blooie line) is common practice.
In other areas, water may be used, but returns
are taken at the choke line. In other areas,
wells are completely shut in and the hole filled
by pumping into a kill line (using a method
similar to Lubricate and Bleed).
In areas where air drilling is accepted
practice, a common consideration when it
is necessary to kill the well is saving water.
Water often is scarce and not usually found on
location. Fresh water is used in some areas, but
often it is brine water, produced from wells in
the area. It must be hauled in, and stored in
tanks or storage pits. Supplies are limited and
efforts are made to reduce downhole losses.
Whether taking returns through a blooie
or choke line, most kill techniques pump water
down the drill string to the bit. A high pump
rate is used due to vacuuming of the drill
string. Vacuuming is simply the producing
formation pulling a suction on the drillpipe.
There is also a tremendous differential between
the weight of water being pumped, and the
formation gases in the annulus. For these
reasons, the water is pumped at a high rate
down the drill string. In many areas it is
common practice to slow the pump rate down
just prior to when water is calculated to reach
the bit, to prevent a sudden increase (or surge)
in pressure on the pump.
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
From this point, different techniques can
be used. These techniques depend largely on
the geology, the estimated or known formation
fracture gradients, what equipment is on hand
or can be rigged up and what works best for
the area. The simplest technique is to continue
pumping at a high rate. Once sufficient water
hydrostatic has built up in the annulus, the
formation ceases to flow and the well is killed.
Another technique that gives more precise
control of pressure is circulating through a choke.
Since the choke system has a smaller diameter
than the blooie line, circulating through the
choke will impose more backpressure on the
well. The extra backpressure may be enough to
keep the well from flowing, or it may require
using a choke technique.
Choke techniques use different variations
to maintain the equivalent hydrostatic pressure
of water to regain control of the well. In one
technique, as soon as the water rounds the
bit, the choke is closed enough to exert the
water’s hydrostatic as backpressure. As water
is circulated up the hole, the backpressure is
gradually decreased by the calculated gain in
water hydrostatic. It should be pointed out
that the formation gases also exert hydrostatic
pressure. For this reason, a safety factor is
usually used to prevent the well from pressuring
up higher than the equivalent weight of the
water used. (Remember, the water may be brine
and weigh more than fresh water.)
The safety factor is the weight of the water
being used less the estimated weight of the
formation gasses. Suppose a well was to be
mudded up using a 9.3 ppg (1114 kg/m³) brine,
and the estimated formation gasses (including
misting of formation liquids) was estimated
to be 2 ppg (240 kg/m³). To calculate the
equivalent pressure to start holding: 9.3 ppg –
2.0 ppg = 7.3 ppg (1114 – 240 = 874 kg/m³),
and is multiplied by the depth (TVD) and
by 0.052 (0.0000981) to give the equivalent
hydrostatic or backpressure to use initially on
the choke as the brine starts its way up from
the bit.
From volume, strokes pumped, or according
to time, the estimated gain in hydrostatic pressure
can be calculated, and choke pressure decreased
by that amount. This can be simply done by
7-57
constructing a chart of pressure to hold, versus
strokes pumped. A standard kill sheet pressure
chart will suffice, but remember it is choke
pressure, not tubing or drillpipe pressure,
being plotted. Many air drilling operations do
not use fluid pumps so a drillpipe pressure It defeats the
gauge is not required equipment. If it becomes economics of
necessary to kill the well using a conventional air drilling to
method (Driller’s, Weight and Wait, etc.) then water the hole
these gauges become necessary. and perform
Another technique uses the same principle a leak-off test.
of removing backpressure as hydrostatic is
gained, except that the pressure is not applied
on the choke until water is estimated to be
at the casing shoe. And then, it is only the
equivalent hydrostatic from the shoe to surface
that is held. As hydrostatic is gained above the
shoe, the equivalent is bled from the choke.
This last choke technique is based on many
unknowns.
Often the formation fracture or formation
strength at the casing shoe is not known, or
known by personnel on location. It defeats
the economics of air drilling to water the hole
to perform a leak-off test. Therefore, in many
areas this is not performed. Little is known
about the structural integrity of the formation,
or the quality of the bond between the cement
and casing. Because of this, many people used
to (and in many areas still do) use a rule of
thumb of choke pressure to hold. This rule of
thumb is to take half the casing depth and
use that figure as psi of pressure to hold. In
other words, if casing were set at 500’ (152.4
m) then the backpressure to hold would be
250 psi (17.2 bar).
Whichever method is used, an advantage
is gained by using backpressure. If the influx is
gas and at a high enough rate, it may produce
a mist from the kill fluid. Water is precious
in many regions and this mist may not be
recoverable. Holding backpressure through the
choke slows the rate of expansion, allowing
water droplets to fall back down hole and
reduce misting and the amount of water lost.
Once the fluid has reached surface, the
well usually has been killed due to hydrostatic
pressure of water. If well continues to flow,
conventional circulating techniques must be
used.

7-58
MULTI-COMPLETION AND
MULTILATERAL CONSIDERATIONS
In slim hole wells
When producing from multiple zones or
more than 90
wellbores, well control is generally limited to one
percent of the
hole length is
or more of the following procedures, selected
drilled with bit on a case by case basis.
diameters that w Mechanical barriers. If zonal isolation
are smaller is possible, conventional techniques may
than 7”. be used. Each producing zone may
be separately controlled/killed. Mechanical
plugs may be set to achieve isolation.
w Fluid barriers. Plugs, pills or cement
may be spotted across a producing zone
to achieve isolation or pressure control.
Depending on the well type (i.e., gas), this
alone may not be sufficient to maintain a
degree of safety.
w Live well intervention. Coiled tubing
and snubbing units are used to work on
wells with multiple zones. They are also
used to set mechanical barriers or perform
circulating kill on producing zones.
C HAPTER 7
w Bullhead kill. Depending on zonal integrity
and characteristics, bullheading may be
used. It is difficult to determine the zone
taking fluid and if downward momentum
of fluid is displacing produced fluids back
into the formation.
SLIM HOLE CONSIDERATIONS
This discussion on Slim Hole is based
on drilling applications, but the principles
and suggestions apply to all small annular
applications.
Slim Hole refers to wells where more than
90 percent of the hole length is drilled with bit
diameters less than 7” (177.8 mm), or drilled
with bits smaller than those in a conventional
hole at the same depth. Ultra Slim Holes are
wellbores in the 4” (101.6 mm) range.
Well control concerns for slim annular
versus conventional annular configurations
focus on high annular friction while pumping,
on heightened chances to swab in a kick,
effects of extensive vertical height of even small
kicks and the resultant rapid evacuation of
the annulus.
Multilateral well control
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-59

High annular friction may lead to fluid smaller increase in flow, a smaller gain in pit
losses while circulating. If formation breakdown or during the earlier stages whenever possible.
results, the liquid column may decrease, allowing While tripping, the same warning signs
a kick to occur. It is possible to drill in are applicable as in conventional wells (i.e.,
underbalanced conditions with high ECDs the hole takes less than the calculated fill, the
(annular friction pressure loss) preventing the hole does not take any fluid to fill, the well
well from flowing. However, if the pumps are starts to flow, a gain in the pits).
shut down, the potential for the well to flow Remember that the volumes and reaction
may exist. If you are using jointed pipe, then times are smaller in slim hole than during
connection time should be minimal. standard drilling, and it is easier to swab a
As previously discussed, the selection of kick in.
pump rates may be critical. Kill rate speed Pointers for slim hole kick detection follow:
and pressures must keep the annular friction
w Always use a trip log sheet.
manageable. The use of downhole pressure
sensor tools (if and when available in smaller sizes) w Calculate the pipe displacement accurately.
to determine annular friction is recommended. w Calculate the theoretical fill.
If they are unavailable, then friction calculations w Measure the trip tank accurately.
(preferably with the use of computer programs)
w Record the actual values.
may be performed.
Due to the smaller clearance, swabbing w Compare against theoretical values.
potential increases dramatically. Calculations w Consider U-tubing of the slug affecting
for trip speed at a given depth should be several fillups.
made and followed. In some instances, tripping w Consider a pumpout to non-swab
without pumping out of the hole may not be potential depth.
possible without a high potential for swabbing.
Each barrel (m³) of influx will extend KICK DETECTION EQUIPMENT
upwards many more times in length than it
will in non-slim hole wells. This may result in Besides existing kick detection equipment
a higher initial SICP and in higher pressures (flowline sensors, pit-volume totalizer, trip tanks,
at weak points along the wellbore (considering stroke counters, pressure gauges, torque/drag
the influx is below those points). Every effort indicators), consider the following:
to minimize kick size should be taken. The
influx comes to surface much quicker and SENSOR PACKAGE/DATA ANALYSIS UNIT
has the potential for very high expansion
w Stroke Counters
as it travels upwards. If undetected at first,
this potential may quickly evacuate the fluid w Flows in per pump
above the influx as expansion occurs. When w Standpipe Pressure One well control
circulating through the choke, high gas flow w Casing Pressure concern for slim
rates at the choke may be experienced, requiring annular versus
w Bell Nipple Pressure
a rapid response as the influx expands. conventional
w Flows out per each line configurations is
KICK DETECTION w Mud Density in the high annular
While drilling, kick detection is basically w Mud Density Out friction while
the same between Slimhole and Standard pumping.
w Mud Gas Level
techniques (i.e., ROP, the increase in flow,
w Mud Level in each tank
pit gain, pump pressure decrease, pump speed
increase, gas/oil shows, string weight changes). w Depth indicators
However, a kick must be detected on a much w MWD/LWD tools
 C HAPTER 7
7-60

Think of the six methods of well control as tools.

ü Driller’s Method
ü Wait and Weight
ü Concurrent
ü Volumetric
ü Lubricate and Bleed
ü Bullheading

Choose your tools according to wellsite specifics.

advanced techniques. They have not been

COMMUNICATIONS
After each team member has received his
or her instructions and job responsibilities,
then the work can begin. The information
gathered during that phase can be checked for
changes from the norm. These changes can be
subtle enough that reporting this insignificant
change may be considered trivial. All changes,
no matter how slight, should be reported to a
supervisor. If you are in doubt, communicate.
Remember that well control is a team effort.
OTHER CONTROL TECHNIQUES
Each well is
unique, so well
This chapter discussed the main well
control and
contingency control options. Each well is unique, so well
plans need to control and contingency plans need to be
be developed developed on a case by case basis. Techniques
on a case by such as Low Choke Method, Dynamic and
case basis. Momentum Kills, etc., are specific and more
included in this section. The potential for
misuse, misunderstanding, and loss of life,
equipment and resources is high and extreme
caution should be exercised. These techniques
should only be used by personnel who have
been specially trained for this particular kind
of work.
SUMMARY
Proven methods of well control exist.
These methods have advantages and limitations.
Pressure, kick type, well control problems,
location, rig and well type affect the choice for
the proper method to control a well. Often
several (Bullheading, Reverse Circulation and
Driller’s) are incorporated into a well killing
operation. Experience and common sense are
the two most important factors for method
selection. t
W ELL C ONTROL M ETHODS
7-61

A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE THREE PRIMARY CIRCULATING WELL KILLING METHODS

WELL HAS BEEN SHUT IN ON A KICK. KICK SIZE, STABILIZED SIDPP AND SICP ARE RECORDED.

DRILLER’S METHOD
1. Begin circulating original mud by slowly bringing the pump up to the kill rate while using the choke to maintain
the casing pressure at the shut-in value.
2. Compare the pump pressure to the calculated initial circulating pressure (ICP). If not equal, investigate.
3. Circulate the influx out of the well at the kill rate, maintaining constant pump pressure with the choke.
4. Either continue circulating from isolated pit or simultaneously shut down the pump and close the choke to
prevent trapping pressure or additional influx. (SIDPP should equal SICP).
5. Weight up the active system to the calculated kill fluid density.
6. Circulate the drillpipe full of kill fluid at the kill rate, while using the choke to hold the casing pressure
constant at its last shut-in value.
7. When kill fluid is at bit, change from casing pressure control to pump pressure control (should be equal to
calculated Final Circulating Pressure). Keep pump pressure constant with choke until well is full of kill fluid.
8. Shut down pump and check for flow; close the choke, and check for pressure build-up.

WAIT AND WEIGHT METHOD

1. Weight up the active system to the calculated kill fluid density.
2. Calculate a drillpipe pressure schedule/graph.
3. If shut-in pressures increase significantly due to gas migration, use the Volumetric Method by bleeding off mud
from the annulus maintaining constant drillpipe pressure.
4. Begin circulating kill weight fluid by slowly bringing the pump up to the kill rate while using the choke to
maintain the casing pressure at the shut-in value.
5. Compare the pump pressure to the calculated initial circulating pressure (ICP). If not equal, investigate and
recalculate if necessary.
6. Displace drillstring with kill weight fluid, adjust drillpipe pressure according to calculated schedule using choke.
7. When the kill mud reaches the bit the circulating pressure should be at the calculated FCP.
8. Maintain the FCP using the choke while pumping at the kill rate until the kick is out of the well and the
annulus is full of kill weight fluid.
9. Shut down pump and check for flow; close the choke, and check for pressure build-up.

CONCURRENT METHOD
1. Begin circulating original mud by slowly bringing the pump up to the kill rate while using the choke to maintain
the casing pressure at the shut-in value.
2. Compare the pump pressure to the calculated initial circulating pressure (ICP). If not equal, investigate.
3. Begin weighting up active pits while pumping. Each point of fluid weight increase should be recorded with
the pumps stroke count at that time.
4. The total strokes to get each unit of increase in mud weight to the bit is calculated.
5. As each point of heavier mud reaches the bit the choke is adjusted to reduce circulating pressure by:
(ICP – FCP) ÷ [(KMW – OMW) × 10]
6. When the kill mud reaches the bit the circulating pressure should be at the calculated FCP.
7. Maintain the FCP using the choke while pumping at the kill rate until the kick is out of the well and the
annulus is full of kill weight fluid.
8. Shut down pump and check for flow; close the choke, and check for pressure build-up.