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Procedure If Shallow Gas Is Encountered
Procedure If Shallow Gas Is Encountered
Essential personnel proceed to assigned duties, to include personnel to watch for gas
under the drilling rig.
Open pump suction to heavy mud, and/or all fluid reserves and pump at max rate.
Pump twice the hole volume of kill mud at the maximum rate. Then stop and observe
returns at the diverter
Shallow Gas
The Diverter system must be treated as being susceptible to failure as the expected performance under gas flow conditions
cannot be readily predicted. Consequently if shallow gas is encountered, preparation to evacuate the rig should be made at
once.
If Drilling when shallow gas is encountered, stop drilling but do not stop
pumping.
Open the Air Operated Valve on the Diverter Line
Close the Diverter. It is essential that the well is not closed in and that the
diverter lines are kept clear at all times.
If Tripping
when shallow gas is encountered set slips.
when the shallow gas is encountered, first stab a fully open safety valve and then
close it, second
Open the Air Operated Valve on the Diverter Line,
Close the Diverter.
Make up the Top Drive.
Pick up the drill string until the Kelly cock is above the rotary table and pump mud at the maximum rate
Essential personnel proceed to assigned duties, to include personnel to watch for gas under the drilling rig.
Open pump suction to heavy mud, and/or all fluid reserves and pump at max rate.
Pump twice the hole volume of kill mud at the maximum rate. Then stop and observe returns at the diverter
Increase in Gas.
50 – 100+ % or Gas and Flowing Well. Inform Driller immediately and Co Man.
Driller to Open Vent line Valve, Close Diverter. Continue Pumping and Divert Gas/
Mud to Flare Pit.
If Sudden decrease in ECD Value, Inform Driller immediately and Co. Man.
Beware that Gas could be in Annulus.
If Sudden increase in ECD Value, Inform Driller immediately and Co. Man.
Beware that the Hole could be starting to Pack-Off. Stop Drilling and Circulate hole
clean. Be prepared to reduce pump rate if Hole is Packing-Off.
Precautions to take during Drilling from 150 – 300 meters.
1. Ignition sources, No Hot Work Permits, jobs to be restricted. Keep a gas detector at the rig floor and
monitor the area frequently.
2. Just essential people at the rig floor until 300m been reached.
NOTE: Clarify with the crew that gas readings do not mean that you need to close the diverter !!.
At least NOT until the situation looks like it is turning uncontrollable.