IADC Surface Stack Supervisor

Level Course
IADC Surface Stack Driller Level
Course
 Orientation

• Introductions.
• Silence cell phones.
• Emergency evacuation routes and
muster points.
• Restrooms.
• Designated smoking areas.
• Breaks.
 Emergency Exits
Muster Point

2
In case of
Emergency… or Drills
Accommodation DTC
Blocks

Mess

Mosque
Accm.
Office Building Blocks

Muster
Point

Main Gate
Topics

▪ Sedimentation & Oil

Formation
▪ Porosity &
Permeability Reservoirs
▪ Traps & Salt Domes

8
Objectives

▪ Explain how reservoirs are

formed and found
▪ Describe and explain the
importance of porosity and
permeability
▪ Identify different types of
reservoirs, traps, and salt domes Reservoirs
▪ Explain the importance of
prospecting and exploratory
drilling and how it’s done

9
Oil Formation

What is needed:

1. Source

2. Reservoir Rock

3. Trap or Structure

4. Seal or Cap Rock

10
Normal Formation Pressure

Normal formation pressure

Is equal to the hydrostatic
pressure of formation water
occupying the pore spaces from
the surface to the subsurface
formation.
Native fluid in this region,
dependent on its salinity and is:

0.465 psi/ft
Normal Pressure by Region
Source
Continental Marine
Environment Environment

Mountain Building By
Tectonic Activity Mechanical
Weathering

Continental Deposition

Marine
Freshwater Environment

Metamorphism

13
Reservoir Rock Characteristics

Porosity is a
percentage
(10-40%) or
ratio of pore
spaces to rock

Permeability is the measure of

connected pore space in a formation,
expressed in 1000 millidarcies (mD)

14
Formation Characteristics
• Porosity
• Measurement of void space within rock
Impermeable shale reservoir rock
• Ratio of void space to solid volume --
expressed as a percentage
• Permeability
• Measures the ability of fluids to pass
through porous material Sand
• Permits hydrocarbons to flow into a well grain
and allows for both production & kicks Pore Space

• Reservoir
• A subsurface body of rock having sufficient
porosity and permeability to store and Permeable
transmit fluids Salt water
Pathway
• If a formation can flow, potential well
control problems can develop

Cross section of sandstone formation

15
Reservoir Rock Characteristics

Sponge Test

16
Porosity vs Depth
Traps

Anticline Trap Fault Trap Salt Dome

18
 Pressure Basics
• Pressure
– Pressure is the force (exerted over a surface
area) divided by the area and is expressed in psi
– Pressure = Force ÷ Area =
– Pressure = Force ÷ [(D2) x.7854]
• Pressure Demonstration
– In general, people do not understand the effects
of pressure and volume in a well control
incident
– Although the following video is not a well
control incident, it is an excellent demonstration
of the speed and power of pressure

Drilling operations
V
19
 Fluid Gradient Calculation
• In this example, the fluid is fresh water,
weighing 8.33ppg
• What is the fluid gradient in psi/ft that water is
exerting on the well?
Fluid Gradientpsi/ft = Fluid Weightppg x 0.052 1ft 0.433psi/ft
Fluid Gradient = 8.33ppg x 0.052
= 0.433psi/ft
Now its your turn… Fluid weight = 16.9ppg
= 16.9ppg x 0.052
= 0.878psi/ft
Fluid Gradient to PPG
.465 ÷ .052 = 8.9 ppg

Fluid Wt. = 8.33ppg

Wellbore showing force of HP

20
Hydrostatic Pressure

• What is Hydrostatic Pressure?

• The total fluid pressure created by
the weight of the vertical column of
drilling fluid in the wellbore
• What measurement is used to
calculate HP?
• HP = Mud Weight x 0.052 x TVD
• Note: The first two numbers in this
calculation convert the mud weight into
a gradient…
And then multiply the gradient by the
TVD of the well to obtain HP
• Let’s discuss the difference between
TVD and MD

21
Hydrostatic Pressure and Derivation of 0.052 Factor
THE BOX HAS EACH SIDE 1 FT AND ITS VOLUME IS 1 CUBIC FEET
THE BOX (WEIGHTLESS) IS FILLED WITH FLUID HAVING DENSITY OF 1 PPG.

1 CUBIC - FT = 7.48 GALLONS

THE WEIGHT OF BOX = (7.48 GALLONS X 1 PPG )= 7.48 LBS
1 FT COLUMN OF FLUID WEIGHS 7.48 LBS ACTING ON AREA 1 SQ-
FT OR 144 SQ-INCH 1 FT

PRESSURE = FORCE / AREA 7.48

LBS
7.48 /144 = 0.05194 = 0.052 PSI/SQ-IN or PSI
A FLUID WITH 1 FT COLUMN AND 10 PPG DENSITY WILL EXERT A 1 FT
HYDROSATIC PRESSURE AS:
MW x 0.052 PSI / FT of mud column ".
10 x 0.052 = 0.52 PSI/FT 12 IN
PRESSURE GRADIENT IS PRESSURE EXERTED BY 1 FOOT OF FLUID
COLUMN = (Mud Density x 0.052 ) PSI PER FT
Ph = G press. * TVD
12 IN
Pressure
Pressure = Force / Area

Hydrostatic Pressure (Psi)

Ph = Mud wt. (ppg) x 0.052 x TVD
Ph = Mud wt. (pcf) x 0.007 x TVD
Mud gradient (Psi/Ft)
= Hydrostatic pr. of 1 ft column of Mud

Mud wt. (ppg) x 0.052 = Mud gradient (Psi/Ft) = Mud wt. (pcf) x 0.007
Conversion:
ppg x 7.48 = pcf & pcf / 7.48 = ppg
Hydrostatic Pressure
Formula Variations
• Mud Weight (ppg) x .052 x Depth (ft) = Pressure (psi)

• This formula has three variables namely: Mud Weight, Depth

& Pressure

PSI

.52
MW .052 TVD

Gradient

• Pressure (psi)  .052  Depth (ft) = Mud Weight (ppg)

24
Hydrostatic Pressure
Formula Variations

PSI If the Pressure and Mud Weight are known, then the
formula can be arranged to obtain the Depth as follows:

.52
MW .052 TVD

Pressure (psi)  Mud Weight (ppg)  .052 = Depth (ft)

Gradient

25
Exercise

If the pressure and depth are known, how would you calculate the
mud weight? Formation Pressure = 7860 psi TVD = 11,200 ft.
MW= 13.4

If you know pressure and mud weight what would be the TVD?
formation pressure = 7860 psi., MW = 13.4 ppg
TVD= 11,200
PSI

Well data
TVD 9500 Ft .52
MW .052 TVD
Current Mud Weight 10.5 ppg
Formation pressure gradient .52 psi/ft
Find the formation pressure Gradient
T.V.D. – True Vertical Depth

Height
TVD

You must consider the vertical height or depth of the fluid column; the shape of the hole
doesn’t matter.

The Driller must know true vertical depth (TVD) measurements.

Pressure Hydrostatic, Ph = Mud wt. x 0.052 x TVD

Hydrostatic Pressure

6240 psi 7800 psi 5616 psi 6058 psi

6100 psi Pf
Understanding Depths
• True vertical depth (TVD)
• Vertical distance from surface to the bottom of the
well
• Used to calculate pressure (down-hole and surface)
• Measured depth (MD)
• Length of the wellbore from the surface to the
bottom of well/bit
• Used to calculate volumes 11,000ft 12,000ft
(drill string and annulus) TVD MD Casing shoe
• Calculations involving depth MD 6,000ft
TVD 5,460ft
• Correct depth measurement (TVD or MD) must be
used in well control calculations
• Using the wrong depth can result in an accident or
disaster

TVD vs. MD
29
Calculating Hydrostatic Pressure
• Formula
HP = Fluid Weight ppg x 0.052 x TVDft

• Calculations
– Let’s use the following well data
to perform some sample HP
calculations
Mud
Mud ininthe
the
Well
Well10.5
8.9
9.2ppg
ppg
ppg

8,520ft
4,500
Fluid Depth HP
Weight TVD

A 9.2ppg 8,520ft 4,076psi

B 10.5ppg 8,520ft 4,652psi

30
Bottom Hole Hydrostatic Pressure

• BHP is the sum of all pressures at the bottom of

the hole expressed in psi
• BHP can vary depending on type of operations
and various pressures acting on the wellbore
• Here are a few examples If:
• Well is static
• BHP is only the Hydrostatic Pressure of fluid in
wellbore
• Normal circulation
• BHP is the Hydrostatic Pressure + the pressure
from circulating friction in the annulus
• A kick being circulated out
• BHP is the Hydrostatic Pressure + the pressure
from circulating friction in the annulus + Back
Pressure held on the Choke

31
 Formation Pressure
• Formation pressure (FP)
• Is the pressure of fluid/gas within the pore
spaces of the formation.
• FP must be controlled to prevent the well from
flowing during drilling operations.
• Compensate for a change in formation
pressure
• Adjust mud weight when FP changes.

Pressure gauge: 20 psi increments

32
ABNORMAL PRESSURES
Artesian Well

Distance could be > 1000 km

RKB

TVD
TVD

Abnormal Pore Pressure

Formation Pressures

Abnormal formation pressures:

Formation pressure > hydrostatic
pressure of the formation water
occupying the pore spaces.
Abnormal pressured formations
are typically associated with Well
Control problems.
Commonly caused by means of the
under-compaction of shale’s, clay-
stone or faulting formations.
Exercise
WHAT IS THE FORMATION PRESSURE GRADIENT AT 8000 ft ?

8,000 ft

9,000 ft

Gas Gradient: 0.1 psi/ft

Water Gradient: 0.465 psi/ft
(0,465 x 9000) - (9000 - 8000) x 0,1
Pressure Gradient = = 0,5106
8000
Formation Pressures
Subnormal Pressure:
Any formation pressure that is Less Than normal pressure and
usually associated with lost circulation problems.

It can be due to reservoir depletion, and/or faults in the

formations.

Transition Zone:
Is the formation in which the Pressure Gradient begins to
change from a normal gradient to a subnormal gradient or,
more usually, to an abnormal gradient.
Abnormal Formation Pressure

Considered to be:
• Pressure that is greater than the hydrostatic pressure
caused by a full column of Formation water.

• Downhole tools which help detect abnormal pressures:

• (MWD) Measurement While Drilling
• (LWD) Logging While Drilling
• (PWD) Pressure While Drilling
Changes in Cuttings

Compressive Shear

• Change in cuttings:
• Amount and size may increase as
formation pressure increases.
• Formation pressure increase will
cause an increase in shale density

This is due to normal Compaction and

little effort to drill formation.

Abnormal Reactive
Additional Indicators

• Further abnormal pressure

indicators at shale shakers:
• Discolored fluid.
• Unusual odors.
• Foamy fluid.
Gas Content

• Increase of gas content in the

returns:
• Trip gas:
• Enters wellbore when
circulation is stopped.
• Connection gas:
• Occurs when making
connections.
• Background gas:
• Found in cuttings ( Cap Rock)
• Measure and monitor
background gas to assist
in kick detection.
Transition Zones

• Area between normal pressured and over pressured

zones:
• Proper drilling program should indicate transition zones
• Based on Offset Well data
• Include mud weight changes within these zones.
• Ensure mud weight is changed according to plan when transition zones are encountered.

• Drilling breaks:
• ROP may significantly increase or decrease.
• May be mistaken for a kick.
• Flow check may be required.
• The transition zone is the seal or cap-rock on the over-pressured formation.
Transition Zones

• This shale will have some low level of porosity and the
fluids in the pore space can be over-pressured.
• There is then an increase in pressure with depth until the
“over-pressured” formation is entered.
• Permeability is so low that the fluid in the shale, and in
the over-pressured zone below the shale, cannot flow
through, and become trapped. (Cap-rock)
• Cap-rock of a reservoir is not totally impermeable but is a
very low permeable formation.
Trend Analysis
• Abnormal formation pressure may result in an influx
and a subsequent loss of HP.
• Trends that can indicate increased formation fluid
pressure:
• Slow increase in torque.
• Increase in hook-load.
• Increase in connection gas.
• With any sign of FP change a flow check should be
preformed
Relationship Between BHP and FP
• Bottom-hole Pressure (BHP)
• BHP is the pressure measured at
the bottom of the well
• Differential pressure is the
difference between BHP and FP
• Well Conditions
• “Balanced” if BHP = FP
• “Overbalanced” if BHP > FP
• “Under balanced” if BHP < FP BHP <>= FP
• Managing BHP
• A kick is the uncontrolled release
of formation fluids in the wellbore
when BHP < FP
• Keeping pressures slightly
overbalanced can prevent kicks

Bottomhole Pressure
46
U-Tube Concept

• Key concept in well control that describes the drill-pipe

and annulus as being connected at the bottom of the well,
each being a leg that together form a “U.”
• Fluid pumped down drill-pipe flows up annulus.
• Fluid of equal density in both legs results in balance, thus
creating columns of equal height.

47
U-Tube Effect

Heavier weight fluid in drill-pipe

forces lighter fluid up annulus
until bottom-hole is balanced.
▪ Kill weight fluid pumped down
drill-pipe exerts greater
hydrostatic pressure (HP) on well.
▪ Heavier fluid initially increases
pump pressure until it reaches
tubulars, at which time is
decreases.
o Once mud reaches bit, pump
pressure increases again due
to increased height of heavier
fluid in the annulus.

48
The U-Tube Concept
• Formation pressure pushes
equally on both sides of the U- ? ?
tube once stable shut-in
obtained. (Balanced)
• If this is correct, why do SIDPP
and SICP differ when the well
was shut-in?

• On the next few slides, you will

learn how to calculate SIDPP
and SICP, and learn why these
two pressure gauges read
differently

Wellbore showing force of HP

49
Determining Stable SIDPP and SICP
First, we must begin by:

• Recording shut-in pressures:

• With the well shut-in, it takes time for pressures to build and stabilize
• Record SIDPP/SICP every minute until the well stabilizes
• Determining Well stabilization:
• Pressure buildup becomes less
• The last series of pressure readings are very close or the same
• Well is stabilized as readings become constant
• Use these stable shut-in pressures to complete a kill-sheet
• Pressures may only remain stable for a brief period before increasing

Due to gas migration

50
Stable SIDPP and SICP
▪ Both sides of the well are now
396 200
stable and have a BHP of psi psi
5,400psi which is equal to
formation pressure – 5,400psi
▪ It took 200psi plus mud
hydrostatic to balance one side
of the well (Drill-pipe)
▪ And it took 396psi plus mud
hydrostatic and gas hydrostatic
to balance the other side of the
5,400psi 5,400psi
well (Casing)
▪ Difference between BHP and
FP is what the gauges read.
5,400psi

Determining SIDPP and SICP

51
 Determining SIDPP
• How do you calculate SIDPP?
200
– First calculate HP ? ?
psi

• Well data
– MWppg = 10ppg FP = 5,400psi

10,000ft TVD
– TVDft = 10,000ft
MW
• Formula for calculating HP 10ppg
HPpsi = MWppg x 0.052 x TVDft
= 10ppg x 0.052 x 10,000ft
= 5,200psi Casing Drillpipe
– Next, calculate SIDPP
▪ Formula for calculating SIDPP 5,400psi
SIDPPpsi = FPpsi - HPpsi
= 5,400psi – 5,200psi Note: SIDPP is used when
= 200psi calculating kill weight mud
Determining SIDPP and SICP
52
Calculating SICP
• How do you calculate SICP?
• It is more difficult to calculate
SICP than SIDPP
• Why?
• The annulus may contain several
types of fluid including; mud, oil,
water, and gas, as well as, drilled
cuttings and solids; therefore, the
density throughout the entire
annulus is unknown.

Drilling operations
53
Calculating SICP
• First step in calculating SICP
– Calculate length of the kick ?
• Well data
• Present MW = 10ppg

10,000ft TVD
• Annular capacity around collars = 0.053bbls/ft
MW
• Collar length = 600ft
10ppg
• Kick size = 25bbls
• Gas weight = 2ppg

• Formula for calculating kick length

Kick Lengthft = Kick Sizebbls ÷ Annular Capacitybbls/ft
? ft
472 25bbls

= 25bbls ÷ 0.053bbls/ft
5,400psi
= 471.69ft
Note: Rounding to the nearest foot
will not affect the overall SICP Calculating SICP
54
Calculating SICP
• Second step in calculating SICP
• Calculate the total HP of the well ?
– Calculate HP of kick
– Calculate HP of mud in annulus above kick
• Formula for calculating HP of Kick

10,000ft TVD
(Gas) MW

9,528ft
10ppg
HP = Kick Weightppg x 0.052 x Kick Lengthft
= 2ppg x 0.052 x 472ft
= 49psi
• Formula to calculate HP of remaining mud 472ft 25bbls
HP = MWppg x 0.052 x (TVDft – Kick Lengthft)
= 10ppg x 0.052 x (10,000ft – 472ft)
= 10ppg x 0.052 x 9,528ft 5,400psi
= 4,954.5 4,955psi

Calculating SICP
55
Calculating SICP
▪ Let’s transfer these two pressures 396
(49psi and 4,955psi ) to the well … ?
psi

• The final step in calculating SICP

• SICP is equal to the difference between

10,000ft TVD
formation pressure against the sum of all
hydrostatic pressures
• Final formula for calculating SICP
SICPpsi = FPpsi – (HP Mudpsi + HP Gaspsi) 4,955psi
+
= 5,400psi – (4,955psi + 49psi) 49psi
= 5,400psi – 5,004psi 5,004psi
= 396psi
5,400psi
Note: Cuttings could add additional hydrostatic resulting in a lower casing pressure

Calculating SICP
56
Gas Migration Pressures will continue to
increase as gas migrates.
What will happen if
pressures are not properly
handled?

While Drilling/Circulating
Drilling/Circulating
Even though pit continues to increase,
BHP
kick is not
BHP <>FP
yet detected.
FP
Doenters
A Kick youNothink
the itwellbore
kick inwas
theequipment or to
and begins
Wellbore
human error?
expand, further reducing bottom hole
As the
After the well
gas continues to expand
is shut-in and secure,and
gas
hydrostatic
migrate, pressure. Pit begins
BHPtoto
can no longer itexpand,
furtherbut
reduces
continues
allowingmigrate
additional influxes
increase.

57
Effects of Well Bore Geometry
IF:
• Formation psi increases higher than BHP , pressure at
surface increases (Underbalanced)
• BHP increases more than the formation Psi ; Result:
lower psi at surface (overbalance)
• Depending on influx type, surface psi will increase or
decrease as influx it is circulated out (water, oil, gas)
• Pressure change is cause by Wellbore geometry
(annular clearance)
• Low annular cap. Creates a taller influx column (increase) Such
as running casing.
• High annular cap. Creates short influx column (decrease)
PEMDAS/ GEMS Order of Operations
PEMDAS/ GEMS Order of Operations
PEMDAS EXAMPLE

SOLVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

U-Tube Exercise
Use GEMS or PEMDAS

• Calculate mud returns after 10.6 ppg barite slug has

been pumped:
• Mud weight: 9.6 ppg
• Slug volume: 30 bbls.
• SV- Slug Volume
• SW-Slug Weight
• MW-Mud Weight

Pit Gainbbls = SVbbls x [(SWppg – MWppg) ÷ MWppg]

Pit Gain = 3.124 bbls

U-Tube Exercise

• We have pumped 321 strokes of KWM into (4-inch OD/

3.34 ID) drill pipe when a problem occurred. The kill is
stopped prior to KWM reaching bit, how do you
determine new SIDPP?
• Copy the sample data below to calculate SIDPP:
• TVD to bit is 11,700 ft.
• Original mud weight is 12.7 ppg.
• KWM is 13.2 ppg.
• Original stable SIDPP is 304 psi.
• Pump output is 0.0945 stks/min.
U-Tube Exercise
First calculate how much KWM has been pumped into the drill pipe.
Strokes x pump output 321 x .0945 = 30.4 bbls
Capacity=(ID2) ÷ 1029.4 (3.342) ÷ 1029.4 = .0108
Height of KWM= BBL ÷ DP Capacity: 30.4 ÷ .0108 = 2815 ft

KWM x .052 x KWM TVD 13.2 x .052 x 2815 = 1932 psi

OMW x .052 x OMW TVD
OMW x .052 x TVD
Stable SIDPP – ΔP
This is your new SIDPP.
12.7 x .052 x 8885 = 5867 psi
1932 + 5867 = 7799 psi
12.7 x .052 x 11,700 = 7726 psi
7799 – 7726 = 73 psi
304 – 73 = 231 psi
231 psi
U-Tube Exercise

Calculate new SIDPP formula:

SIDPPpsi = (KWM – OMW) x 0.052 x (TVD – TVD of KWM)
New SIDPP = 231 psi
• Given the original stable SIDPP was 304 psi, we can subtract the
original from the new to determine that SIDPP has decreased
by 73 psi.
• This change in hydrostatic pressure has only occurred inside the
drill pipe. No KWM is in the annulus to cause a lower pressure
on the casing side.
U-Tube Exercise
Calculate number of strokes required to pump cement
into position after casing is set:
Stks* = [(Casing ID2 ÷ 1029.4) x Casing MD] ÷ Pump Output
• Casing ID = 7.825 in.
• Casing MD = 4,200 ft.
• Pump Output = 0.0831 bbl/stk.
• Strokes* = [(7.8252 ÷ 1029.4) x 4,200] ÷ 0.0831
• Strokes ~ 3,006 stks.

*Stroke counter is reset after spacer and cement are pumped; thus, this will
represent number of strokes after spacer and cement are pumped.
U-Tube Exercise
Calculate top of cement (TOC) using following data:

TOCft = Well TVDft – [*PPpsi ÷ (Δ Fluid Densityppg x 0.052)]

• Well TVD = 10,000 ft.

• Pump Pressure = 450 psi
• Mud Density = 10.0 ppg; Cement Density = 16 ppg
• TOC = 10,000 – [450 ÷ (16 x 0.052)]
• TOC ~ 9,459 ft.

*PP = Pump Pressure

Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
• Sum of all pressures at the bottom of the well.
• A dynamic pressure.
• Changes depending upon operation at hand.
• When well is static, BHP is HP of fluid in wellbore.
• During normal circulation, BHP is HP + pressure from circulating friction
in the annulus.
• When a kick is being circulated out, BHP is HP + pressure from
circulating friction + backpressure held on the choke.
Pressure Losses
+PDP +PDHT
Circulating Pressure
Force applied to transport fluid from one point to
another

Highest at mud pump and zero at flow line

Pressure gauge represents remaining pressure lost in
the system

Factors influencing circulating Pressure

System Dimensions - length, ID, Friction in Pipe,

nozzles, chokes, bends and elbows

Fluid Properties - Density, Viscosity, Yp, Gel Strength

Flow Rate - Pressure increases with flow rate

Affects of Pressure Loss

PSI PSI
30 SPM 50 SPM
Affects of Pressure Loss

PSI PSI
30 SPM 30 SPM

10 ppg 15 ppg
Affects of Pressure Loss

PSI PSI
50 SPM 50 SPM

Large nozzle Small nozzle

Affects of Pressure Loss

PSI PSI

Hole size
Mud System Pressure Losses

100 psi 0 psi

100 psi
80 SPM
• Pumping through a pipe with a mud pump at 80 spm
• The gauge on the pump reads 100 psi.
• The gauge on the end of the pipe reads 0 psi.
• It can be assumed from this information that the 100 psi drop
in pressure through the pipe is the result of friction losses in
the pipe as the fluid is pumped through it.
Mud System Pressure Losses
2600 psi
2500 psi

100 psi 0 psi

80 SPM

300 psi
Annular APL

400 psi
Pressure
2100 psi

500 psi
Losses 1600 psi

1300 psi
300 psi
Mud System Pressure Losses
0 psi
0 psi
0 psi

0 SPM
TVD: 10,000 ft.
MW: 10 ppg.

The Hydrostatic pressure is ?

MW x 0.052 x TVD:

MW = 10 ppg 0 psi
10 x 0.052 x 10,000 = 5,200psi.
10,000 ft TVD

0 psi
5200 psi

This bottom gauge shows the bottom hole

hydrostatic pressure.
Mud System Pressure Losses
2600 psi
2500 psi
MW = 10 ppg 0 psi
100 psi
10,000 ft TVD 80 SPM

300 psi
If we now start to circulate at 80 spm through our system with the
same pressure losses as before.

400 psi
As you can see from this example the bottom hole pressure has 2100 psi
increased by 300 psi.

psi
500
This increase is due to the Annular Pressure Losses (APL) acting
down on the bottom of the well and is usually called:
5500 psi 1600 psi

WHAT is Bottom Hole Circulating 1300 psi

Pressure” (BHCP) ?
Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD)
• The effective density of the circulating fluid in the wellbore resulting
from the total hydrostatic pressure imposed by the static fluid column
and the friction pressure. (API STD 65)
• Created by annular friction pressure losses.
• Quantified by adding mud weight to frictional pressure losses.
• Expressed as total mud weight.

Determine ECD using the following Data:

Mud Weight: 13.2 ppg.
AFPL: 300 psi.
TVD: 11,726 ft.

ECDppg = MWppg + [AFPLpsi ÷ 0.052 ÷ TVDft]

ECD ~ 13.69 ppg

*AFPL is annular friction pressure loss in psi and is approximately equal to

10% of the pump pressure for normal hole geometries.

83
Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD)

The APL while circulating has the same effect on bottom hole
pressure as increasing the mud weight.

This theoretical increase in mud weight is called the Equivalent

Circulating Density (ECD) or Equivalent Mud Weight.

It can be calculated by using the following formula:

ECDppg = MWppg + [AFPLpsi ÷ 0.052 ÷ TVDft]

Summary

• Annular Pressure Losses are the pressure losses caused by the flow of
fluid up the annulus and are the only Pressure losses in the system
that affect BHP.

• Equivalent Circulating Density is the effective density at any depth

created by the sum of the total hydrostatic plus the APL.
Exercise

300 psi
40 SPM
- Bottom Hole Hydrostatic Pressure ?

450 psi
0.052 x 12 x 8000 = 4992 psi
MUD WT = 12 ppg - Pump Pressure @ 40 spm ?

600 psi
MD = 9,550 ft 300 + 600 + 800 + 1200 + 450 = 3350 psi

TVD = 8,000 ft -APL? 450 psi

800 psi
- ECD at 40 SPM ?
450/.052/8000 + 12 = 13.1 ppg
1200 psi
New Pump Pressure Calculation
Change In Pump Speed
• Change in pump pressure due to changes
in pump speed:
• Old PP = 420 psi.
• Old SPM = 30 New SPM = 40.

New PPpsi = (New SPM ÷ Old SPM)2 x Old

PPpsi

New Pump Pressure ~ 746 psi

New Pump Pressure Calculation
Change In Mud Weight
• Calculate change in pump pressure (PP)
due to change in mud weight (MW):
• Original MW = 10.6 ppg.
• New MW = 10.9 ppg.
• Old PP = 530 psi.

New PPpsi = (New MWppg ÷ Original MWppg)

x Old PPpsi

New Pump Pressure = 544.9 psi

Mud Weight Change
2600 psi

A well is being drilled using:

MW: 10 ppg
80 spm
SPM: 80 spm
SPL: 2600 psi
It is decided to increase the
mud weight to 11 ppg.

Mud wt 10 ppg
Mud Weight Change
2860 psi
To calculate this change in
pressure use the following
formula : 80 spm

New Mud ppg

x Old psi. =
Old Mud ppg

11
x 2600 = 2860 psi New Pump Pressure
10 Mud wt. 11 ppg.

*The formula that was just used to calculate the pressure

change due to a change in mud weight, is also the formula used
to calculate the Final Circulating Pressure.
Pump Strokes Change
4063 psi
The way we calculate this change
in pressure is to use the following
formula : 100 spm

2
( New SPM (spm)
Old SPM (spm)
) x Old (psi) = New (psi)

2
( 100 (spm)
80 (spm)
) x 2600 (psi) = 4063 (psi)

Mud wt 10 ppg
Exercise
At 100 spm the pumping pressure is
2850 psi with 13 ppg.
• What is the new pressure if the
pumps are decreased to 65 spm ?

( )65

100
2
x 2850 = 1204 psi

• What is the new pressure if the mud

weight is then decreased to 10.5 ppg ?

10.5
x 1204 = 972 psi
13
LOT & FIT TEST
Integrity & Strength Tests
FIT & LOT
• Characteristic of a formation to withstand applied
pressure, such as HP of fluid, and, therefore, resist
fracturing.
• Formation composition, porosity and pore
pressure comprise formation strength.
Such as:
• Shale.
• Limestone.
• Salt sands.
• Leak off test (LOT):
• Pressuring up of wellbore until fluid enters
formation.
• Formation integrity test (FIT):
• Pressuring up wellbore to predetermined
value.
• Prior to conducting test:
• Use properly calibrated gauges.
• Circulate the hole clean.
• Ensure mud weight is consistent
throughout well.
• Ensure no leaks from surface equipment.
• Zero Gain/Loss (to find an unexpected
leak)
 FIT Procedure
FIT Preparation:
After running casing and cementing, allow the proper amount of time for cement to harden as per
Company policy.
• Drill cement (10-15ft not more than 50ft API Standard).

FIT Procedure: Close BOPs and slowly pump down the drill string, building to the required
pressure. DO NOT EXCEED THIS PRESSURE. Hold this pressure for a pre-determined period while
recording the test.
Note: Upon completion of the test, it is a good practice to compare volume pumped to volume bled to see if any fluid was
lost to the formation.
Formation Integrity Test

Pressure up to a pre-
determined value and hold for
a designated period of time.
Leak Off Test
• Now that we understand the FIT,
let’s discuss the second integrity
test – the Leakoff Test
• Why do we perform a LOT?
• To know the absolute
pressure/threshold that the
casing shoe/formation can
withstand
• In order to do so, the wellbore must
continue to be pressured until it
begins to leak or break down
Leak-Off Test

1 Continue pressuring until limits of

the formation are exceeded.
2

The leak or break-back

pressure that deviates from
the trend is the leak off
pressure.
Pressure Integrity Tests
• Tests verify cement and newly-
drilled formation can withstand
wellbore pressure required to
safely drill to next casing/liner
depth.
• Conducted after casing is run
and cement set.
• Cement pump is often used
because it can pump low
volume at high pressure.
MAMW or Fracture Gradient
The Maximum Allowable Mud Weight (MAMW):
Total pressure, represented as fluid
density, above which leak off or 0 psi
formation damage may occur with no
14.2
pressure on surface. ppg

2218 14.2 MAMW = 14.2

MMW= ppg
ppg
3000 x 0.052 3,000
ft
2218 psi
FG = 0,7393 psi/ft

Fracture Gradient (FG) = 2218/3000 = 0,7393 psi/ft

FORMATION STRENGTH DATA :

SURFACE LEAK-OFF PRESSURE FROM surface Pressure from Leak

off test ( called A ).
FORMATION STRENGTH TEST (A) 720 psi
MUD WEIGHT AT TEST (B) 9.6 ppg
Drilling fluid density used
during the test ( called B )
(A)
(B) + = (C) 14.2 psi/ft
Shoe T.V. Depth x .052 Calculate the MAMW

MAASP = ( (C) – CURRENT MUD WEIGHT ** )x 0.052 X Shoe Vertical Depth*

= 343 psi
*Shoe Vertical Depth = 3000 ft
**Current Mud Weight = 12 ppg (14.2-12) x0.052 x 3000 = 343 psi
Exercise (use kill sheet)
280 350

The well is shut in.

MAASP ?
11.4 Fracture pressure
at the shoe Mud Density Gradient Shoe VD
5550 ft ppg
TVD [0,78 – (0,052 x 11,4)] x 5550 = 1039 psi

KMW ?
11.4 + ( 280/.052/8600) = 12.1 ppg
8,600 ft
TVD

• New MAASP ?
(0,78 x 5550) – (0,052 x 12,1 x 5550) = 837 psi
Formation Fracture Gradient at
shoe is: 0.78 psi/ft
Exceeding MAASP Limitations
▪ A possible breakdown may
occur:
– At the shoe or in open hole
– Between casing and formation
– Casing integrity or wellhead
▪ This breakdown can result in
a catastrophic event such as:
– Broaching the annulus
– Underground blowout
– Flow at surface

103
Maximum Anticipated Surface Pressure
Maximum Anticipated surface pressure is the Maximum pressure that can come
@ surface in a known or predictable set of conditions in worst case scenario
(well full of gas)
MASP

MASP = (Formation Pressure – Influx gradient x Tvd)

For worst case scenario, Igr = 0.1 Psi /Ft is considered

Influx (Gas) Gradient = 0.1 Psi/Ft

All BOP’s , well heads, valves, Choke lines and
manifolds, Casings should be designed /Selected to
have working pressure ratings higher than MASP
Formation Pressure
( with design factor ≈20%)

*MASP is a Key element in Well Design and equipment selection*

 Calculate MAASP
• MAASP must be recalculated
• Calculate MAASP using the following data: when:
• (MAMW) = 13.1 ppg. • Mud weight is changed.
• Test depth = 10,000 ft TVD • A weaker zone is
• Present Mud Weight (PMW) = 10.5 ppg encountered while drilling.

• MAASP = (MAMWppg– PMWppg) x 0.052 x Casing or

Liner Shoe TVDft

• MAASP = 1,352psi
Effects of an Underground Blowout

Second relief well being drilled

Blowout on first relief well

Crater at original well location

where underground blowout
occurred

106
Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW)
• The conversion of pore pressure Formula: EMW = Pore psi / .052 / TVD
(psi) to mud weight (ppg) and/or
fracture gradient to mud weight.
• HP must be greater than pore
pressure but less than fracture
pressure (drilling window).
• Other factors included in
calculating EMW:
• Surface pressure on a gauge.
• Equivalent circulating
density (ECD).
• Backpressure (if any).
• TVD of EMW.
Calculating EMW
• Calculate EMW (at shoe depth) using FIT and LOT data:
• LOT = 3,560 psi.
• FIT = 3,000 psi.
• Shoe TVD = 5,128 ft.

EMWppg = LOTpsi ÷ (0.052 x Shoe TVDft) or

EMWppg = LOTpsi ÷ 0.052 ÷ Shoe TVD ft)

EMWppg = FITpsi ÷ (0.052 x Shoe TVDft) or

EMWppg = FITpsi ÷ 0.052 ÷ Shoe TVDft
Calculating EMW
EMWppg = 3560 ÷ (0.052 x 5128) = 13.3 ppg

EMWppg = 3000 ÷ (0.052 x 5128) = 11.2 ppg

At every depth of a well there exists a pore pressure and a fracture gradient. An EMW can be
calculated for each, and the “Drilling Window/Margin” is the gap between the two EMWs.

EMW can be a “Pore Pressure,” expressed as a mud weight. Formula: EMW = Pore psi / .052 /
TVD. It can also be a “Fracture Gradient,” expressed as a mud weight. EMW can be MAMW if
the depth of the needed EMW is the TVD of the shoe.

Remember, a FIT is performed to a particular pressure test level based upon

anticipated pore pressure, not necessarily the absolute Leak Off of the formation
at the shoe.
EMW at the shoe depth is often referred as Maximum Allowable Mud Weight
(MAMW).
MASP

• Maximum Anticipated Surface Pressure (MASP) is the highest pressure

expected to
be encountered at surface during well construction.
• Calculated from the pore pressure of formation.
• Helps determine selection of mud weights, BOPs, wellhead, surface manifolds
and casing.
• Exceeding MASP can result in formation damage, casing burst, damage to
equipment, blowout, harm to personnel and environment.
 Kick Tolerance - Definitions
•Kick Tolerance: The maximum volume of influx that can be taken
and circulated out without breaking down the weakest formation
•Kick Intensity: The increase in mud density required to balance the
formation pressure. It can also be defined as the difference
between the kicking formation pore pressure and the current mud
density.
•Rig Detection Threshold: The volume of influx that can be
detected by the kick detection system of the specific rig and as
determined by the most recent field tests by the personnel of the
rig.
•Kick Margin: The difference between the formation strength and
the maximum wellbore pressure gradient when handling a kick.
❑ A rig crew shut in on a 2.5 ppg kick with a 20 bbl gain. Using the kick tolerance
window below, can the crew successfully shut in and circulate the kick out of the well
without fracturing the well’s weak point?

a. Yes
b. No
The rig team has just calculated Kick Tolerance for a range of kick intensities, and the Kick Tolerance
Window is provided below.

The rig team predicts a maximum 1 ppg kick in this hole section. From the graph above, determine how many
bbls they could close in on and successfully circulate out without breaking down the shoe?
A. 19 bbls
B. 30 bbls
C. 44 bbls
D. 17 bbls
Gas Behavior
Gas Migration
• Gas is lighter than liquid, thus it migrates toward surface.
• Kick size and pressure do not change appreciably.
• Factors that affect the rate of migration:
• Fluid density and viscosity.
• Deviated wellbore.
• Fluid makeup (oil- or water-based).
• If kick occurs in horizontal section, it may migrate upward
to top of horizontal section and become trapped.
Gas Migration
• Gas kicks migrate up wellbore,
even when shut-in, as gas (< 2ppg)
is lighter than water-based fluid.
• Gas kicks generally do not mix in
water-based fluids.
• Before shut-in:
• Gas expansion is uncontrolled.
• Fluid is displaced by the gas
kick.
• HP decreases.
• If not shut in, additional kicks
may occur.
• After shut-in:
• Gas continues to migrate,
increasing shut-in pressures.
Water Base Mud
Gas Migration
• Kicks can enter wellbore in gaseous
or liquid form.
• Gas behavior and solubility are
affected by pressure and
temperature, etc.
• Gas kicks are more soluble in oil
than in water-based (aqueous)
fluid and are harder to detect.
• Generally, fluid kicks vary in weight
due to potential mixtures.
• When shut-in, gas in a liquid state
migrates slowly.
• During circulation, kicks break out
of solution and expand rapidly
upon reaching the bubble point.
Oil Base Mud
Gas Migration
• Gas kick in water-based fluid:
• Gas typically does not mix with
fluid (H2S is an exception).
• Kicks usually easier to detect.
• Migration and expansion
typically quicker.
• Gas kick in oil-based fluid:
• Gas may remain in solution
until reaching bubble point.
• Harder to detect the kick.
• Rapid expansion as gas breaks
out of solution.
Oil vs Water

125
Boyle’s Gas Law

• Boyle's Law
• Boyle's law states that the pressure of
a gas with constant mass is inversely
proportional to its volume provided the
temperature of the gas is kept constant.
 Boyle’s Gas Law
• AT A CONSTANT TEMPERATURE, THE VOLUME AND PRESSURE OF GAS ARE INVERSELY
PROPORTIONAL TO EACH OTHER

• AT A CONSTANT TEMPERATURE, THE PRODUCT OF PRESSURE AND VOLUME

OF A GAS SAMPLE REMAINS CONSTANT - P x V = CONSTANT

2 FT

1 FT
V2= 8 CFT
P2= ?
P1=100 PSI
V1= 1 CFT

2FT

1 FT
P1 x V1 = P2 x V2 = CONSTANT
P x V = CONSTANT If, V2 = 8 CFT what is P2 ?
P1= 100 PSI , V1 = 1 CFT P2 = P1 x V1 ÷ V2
P1 x V1 = 1 x 100 = 100 P2 = 100 x 1 ÷ 8 = 12.5 psi

# 47 P.17 homework Sup

Volumetric Method Bleed & Migration

DP

Bleed & Migration

865

DP

Bleed & Migration

795

DP

SICP+ margin = 725

SICP = 625

2970

Pore Pressure + margin

2900

Pore Pressure = 2800

0 100 200 300 400

Time
Gas Behavior When Shut-In
• Gas kick prior to shut-in:
• Gas expansion is uncontrolled.
• Fluid is displaced by the gas.
• HP decreases.
• If not shut-in, additional kicks may occur.
• Post shut-in:
• Gas will continue to migrate once wellbore stabilizes, (though kick not
expand) and increase shut-in pressures.
 The following animation
illustrates how gas behaves
in an open well.

Play

Gas Behavior Open Well 131

Gas Expansion Open Well

A 10,000ft mud column with a gradient of

0.5 psi/ft compresses one barrel of gas at
TD.

Gm = 0.5
10,000 ft

psi/ft

Gas

The gas bubble pressure is:

TVD 10,000 10,000 x 0.5 = 5,000 psi
Press. 5,000
Vol. gas 1
Press. x Vol. gas = the constant.
Constant 5,000
For the example, imagine that we got 1 bbl of
gas and then the flow stops!
 The gas has risen so that the top of
the bubble is at 5,000ft from the

5,000 ft
surface.

The pressure in the gas is:

Gm = 0.5 5,000 x 0.5 = 2,500 psi
psi/ft V2 =P1 x V1/P2
V2= 5000 X 1 /2500 = 2 BBLS

TVD 10,000 5,000

Press. 5,000 2,500
Vol. gas 1 2
Constant 5,000 5,000
 2,500 ft
The top of the bubble is at
2,500ft from the surface.

The pressure in the gas is;

2,500 x 0.5 = 1,250 psi
Gm = 0.5
psi/ft

TVD 10,000 5,000 2,500 The volume of gas is found:

Press. 5,000 2,500 1,250 5,000 / 1,250 = 4 barrels
Vol. gas 1 2 4
Constant 5,000 5,000 5,000
 At 1,250ft from
the surface.

1,250 ft
Pressure;
1,250 x 0.5 =
Gm = 0.5 625 psi
psi/ft

TVD 10,000 5,000 2,500 1,250 Volume of gas;

Press. 5,000 2,500 1,250 625 5,000 / 625 = 8
Vol. gas 1 2 4 8 barrels
Constant 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
 P1 x V1=P2xV2
Gm = 0.5 V2=5000 x1/14.7
psi/ft =341 BBL

TVD 10,000 5,000 2,500 1,250 0

Press. 5,000 2,500 1,250 625 14,7
Vol. gas 1 2 4 8 341
Constant 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
 The following animation
illustrates how gas behaves
in a shut-in well.

Play

Gas Behavior Shut-in Well 137

No Gas Expansion Closed Well

0
psi

10 ppg
Bubble will maintain the same volume and
pressure when migrating (if volume does not
change, pressure does not change).
10,000 ft

5,200 1 bbl

psi
0 psi 1,300
psi
Pressure at surface is equal to the pressure of
the gas bubble - hydrostatic of the mud from
10
10ppg
ppg surface to bubble.

7,500 ft
1 bbl
5,200 psi

1 bbl

5,200 psi 6,500 psi Pressure at TD is equal to the pressure of the

gas bubble + hydrostatic of the mud from the
bubble to TD.
1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain
0 psi 1300 psi 2,600
psi

5,000 ft
10 ppg

1 bbl
5,200 psi

BHP and surface pressure will continue

to increase as gas continues to
5,200 psi 1 bbl
migrating.

1 bbl Depending on the MAASP, an

underground blowout can happen.
5,200 psi 6,500 psi 7,800 psi

1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain

0 psi 1300 psi 2600 psi 3900
psi

2,500 ft
10 ppg 5,200 psi 1 bbl

1 bbl
5,200 psi

5,200 psi 1 bbl

1 bbl

5,200 psi 6,500 psi 7,800 psi 9,100

psi

1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain

0 psi 1300 psi 2600 psi 3900 5200
psi psi

2,500 ft
10 ppg 5,200 psi 1 bbl

1 bbl
5,200 psi

5,200 psi 1 bbl

1 bbl

5,200 psi 6,500 psi 7,800 psi 9,100 BHP=Ph + SICP

psi
=5200+5200

1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain 1 bbl gain

=10400 PSI
 The following animation
illustrates how gas behaves
in a horizontal well.

Play

Gas Behavior Horizontal Well 143

 Oil Base Mud

Applications:
• Prevention of Differential Sticking
• Formation Reactivity Issues (Swelling Shale's & Clays)
• Reduction of Reservoir Formation Damage
• HP/HT
 Oil Base Mud

Gas Solubility Increases as:

• Bottom hole pressure increases
• Bottom hole temperature decreases
• Gas density increases
• % of base Oil increases Solids content, % of emulsifiers and/or
• brine decreases
Oil Base Mud
• In comparison with the same shut in pit
gain in WBM:

• The influx in OBM will arrive at surface

later

• It will cause a smaller pit gain when it

arrives close to surface (gas still in
solution)

• The pit gain will increase more rapidly

when it arrives

Pit Gain: OBM vs WBM

Oil Base Mud

Kick Detection in OBM:

If the well has not become underbalanced,

then:

• Dissolved gas in an OBM does not migrate

• Flow check would be static (negative)

• In WBM a large influx in a shallow well,

the flow check would be positive Gas is in solution
• In WBM a small influx in a shallow well or
a large influx in a deep well, the flow
check would be positive but will flow less

148
Oil Base Mud

• Special Precaution while drilling:

• Gas sensors must be installed
• Rig Sup. must be notified of any changes in
background gas or connection gas.
• No transfer of base oil or OBM from supply
boat to the active mud pit.
• Flow-check should be extended to 15 / 30
Special Precaution while tripping:

While circulating when back on bottom, if flow rate or pit gain indicate a kick, consider completing the bottoms up circulating through the choke as you would in the Driller’s method.

Circulate influx with current mud weight to avoid excessive overpressure.

minutes.

149
Oil Base Mud
1. More forgiving on trips when drilling near balance
through low permeability zones
– No migration if gas in solution

2. Easier to take care of the well while waiting to

circulate
– No migration if gas in solution

3. Lower casing and casing shoe pressures Advantages of OBM in Well Control

– Maximum Pressure may be Shut-In Pressure

4. Less chance of drill string sticking

150
 Kick Fluid (Influx) Gradient

Kick fluid gradient is not required for kill procedure.

It can be useful to determine the magnitude of Max surface

pressures (Annulus) expected.

It will help with the planning and Readiness for safe Handling
and Disposal of the Influx (Kick Fluids) when it arrives on surface.

Influx Type Influx Gradient

Gas 0.05 - 0.2 psi/ft
Oil 0.3 - 0.4 psi/ft
Water > 0.4 psi/ft
Buoyancy Effect

• Hook load decreases in equal proportion to

the fluid displaced by the string.
• Denser fluids create greater buoyancy
effect and vice versa.
• In denser fluids, greater force is
required to push string downhole
during tripping/stripping operations.
• Equation for finding buoyancy factor (BF):
BF = 65.4 – MWppg ÷ 65.4
Pipe Light & Pipe Heavy
• Pipe light:
• When wellbore pressure and buoyancy effect are
greater than the force of string weight.
• Requires snubbing. Third Party.
• Pipe heavy:
• When force of string weight is greater than wellbore
pressure and buoyancy effect.
• Requires stripping.
• Should have spare annular element on hand.
High Angle Wells
• During a well control operation in a high-angle well, SICP will read close to
SIDPP.
• Gas migration and expansion will not occur in horizontal section.
• When circulated into vertical section, gas may expand rapidly.
High Angle Well Kill Calculations
Tapered Drill string
• With a tapered string, displacement will vary with different sizes of pipe
that comprise the string.
• With a kick in the well, pressure will increase as the kick migrates because
annular capacity decreases further up the well.
• When creating ICP-to-FCP schedule, compensate for less volume and fewer
strokes-to-bit when the string is tapered.
 Effect of Pipe Slugging
RIG RIG
FLOOR FLOOR RIG
FLOOR

FLOW FLOW
LINE LINE FLOW
LINE

BACKFLOW TO
TRIP TANK
= VOLUME OF
EMPTY PIPE

Heavy Slug Keeps Mud

BEFORE SLUG HAS U-TUBED AFTER SLUG HAS U-TUBED Level Inside Pipe Below
Rig Floor Pulling DRY’
Slug is pumped to provide a length of dry pipe while POOH

Correctly Monitoring the fill up during Trip out and

minimize mud spillage from wet trips.
 Height of Dry (empty pipe) = He
Height of slug = Hs

Slug Weight = Sw
Mud Weight = Mw

Equating both sides

Hs x Sw = (Hs + He) x Mw
This relationship gives us

He = Hs x (Sw – Mw)÷Mw

Sw = (Hs + He) x Mw ÷ Hs

Expected Gain in system after pumping Slug = Vol of Dry Pipe =He x DP Cap

Gain = DP Cap x He = DP Cap x Hs x (Sw – Mw)÷Mw

And Hs = Slug Vol ÷ DP Cap
Gain = DP Cap x Slug Vol x (Sw – Mw) .
DP Cap x Mw

Gain = Slug Vol x (Sw-Mw)÷Mw

 SLUG TAPERED STRING
ORIGINAL MUD Dry Dry
Pipe Pipe
HEAVY MUD -
SLUG As slug enters in smaller pipe,
height of slug increases
thereby increasing the height of
If I pump the slug, I will
observe the well flowing Dry(empty) pipe..
(displacement of the empty And vol of empty pipe
pipe volume). …..showing Gain

Dry
Pipe
Everything is Normal until Slug begins to enter in
smaller ID pipe

❑ Gain is Maximized when….

All the slug is in Smaller Pipe ( Max slug height)
AND
all the Dry pipe is in Bigger pipe (Max empty pipe vol)
 SLUG - In Tapered strings
Dry
Pipe Slug Acquires a new height in smaller pipe
Dp1 = Hs2 = Slug Volume ÷ DP2Cap
This gives a new Dry pipe height = He2 = Hs2 X (Sw-Mw)÷Mw
Gain maximized when all Dry pipe is big pipe

New Dry pipe Vol =He2 X DP1Cap = Slug Vol x (Sw-Mw) x DP1Cap
DP2Cap X Mw
Dp2
Initial Gain was = Slug Vol x (Sw-Mw) ÷ Mw
New Dry Pipe Vol = Initial Gain x DP1Cap ÷ DP2 Cap
Gain During POOH = New Dry Pipe Vol – Initial Gain
= Initial Gain x (DP1Cap ÷ DP2 Cap – 1)
Reason:
DP1 is bigger pipe
DP2 is Smaller pipe
 SLUG - In Tapered strings
Now as the big pipe is pulled out, height of empty (Dry ) Pipe is
constant but the volume changes..
Dry
Dp1 Pipe
Until all the big pipe is out and all the Dry pipe is smaller pipe (Same)
During this time, volume of Dry pipe is reducing…
Showing Loss in Trip tank( More fill up then steel Vol)
It will settle down to a new volume of Dry Pipe = He2 x DP2Cap

Dp2

= Hs2 X (Sw-Mw) x DP2Cap And : Hs2 = Slug Vol ÷ DP2Cap

Mw

So, Slug Vol (Sw-Mw) x DP2Cap = Slug Vol x (Sw-Mw)

New Dry Pipe Vol = DP2Cap x Mw Mw

New Dry Pipe Volume = Slug Vol x (Sw-Mw) = Initial Gain

Mw
• After pumping slug there will be an initial gain = Gi = Slug Vol x ( Sw-Mw) ÷Mw
• Until When slug bottom reaches top of Small pipe : i.e. Top of small pipe @ (Hs + He)
from surface, normal fill up is expected
• Additional gain (steadily ) is expected until all the slug goes in small pipe and all the Dry
pipe is Big Pipe

Total additional Gain = Initial Gain (Gi) x DP1 Cap -1

DP2 Cap

• As all the Big pipe is POOH a steadily increasing fill up expected ..until all
the big pipe is out.

• Finally, all additional Gain will be lost..

• New Empty pipe Vol = Initial Gain (Gi)
Trip Sheets

Used to record fluid pumped in and fluid

displaced from the well while tripping.
If abnormal hole fill readings are detected
at trip tank:
▪ Stop tripping.
▪ Perform flow check, pit gain or pressure
check.
oIf flow, pit gain, or pressure increase is Trip Sheet
detected, shut in the well, strip to
bottom and circulate bottoms up.
• This is known as a stripping operation.

165
Lost Circulation

Caverns

Fractures

Permeable
Lost circulation
• Causes of Lost Circulation:
• High Drilling Fluid Weight.
• Trip Into Well Too Fast.
• Underground Blowouts.
• Pressure due to Annular. Circulating Friction. (ECD)
• Annulus Loaded with Cutting After an Extended
Period of Fast Drilling.
Lost Circulation
• Does a kick always occur after a total loss of circulation?
A. No, it depends on the mud level in the annulus and the formation pressure.
B. Yes, losses will always occur above any potential kick zone.
C. No, it depends on the reduction in drill string weight.

Over balance (psi)

L.max. = ------------------------- ft.
Mud gradient (psi/ft)

➢ Where:
L.max: Maximum Fluid Level Drop Before a Kick Occur

• While drilling ahead through a faulted formation, the flow meter drops from 60%
to 35%.What is the most likely cause of this?
A. There is a washout in the string.
B. Partial lost circulation has occurred.
C. A kick has been swabbed in.
D. Total lost circulation has occurred
Casing Float Valve Failure
RKB

FLOWLINE

MUD LEVEL

Running Casing FLOAT COLLAR

CASING SHOE
Casing Float Valve Failure
RIG FLOOR

MUD LEVEL
DROPS & U-Tubes
FLOWLINE

Mud and cement

columns U tubes after
Cement flows back into
the casing
Hydrostatic drops
Well goes underbalance
FLOAT FAILS
Kick Prevention – Casing & Cementing
• Casing and cementing program
• Kick prevention procedures while running
casing and during cementation will be
reviewed with the drilling crew and
cementation crew.
• Use of Auto-fill float Valves:
• Float valves can be configured to fill
automatically while run in the hole and
reduce surge pressure ;deactivate prior to
cementing operations.
• See Rigs ERP for Running Casing if Flow is
detected inside casing

Fire and Loss of Rig

Exercise
• HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE LOSS IF CASING FLOAT FAILS

• 13 3/8” string of casing is run into the hole with conventional float. The Driller did not fill the casing after
running 14 joints 40 ft. each. If the float were to fail at this point, and mud U-tubes up inside the casing,
calculate the effect on bottom hole pressure.
• Well Data:
• Casing capacity=0.152 bbls/ft
• Annular capacity=0.1238 bbls/ft
• Mud Weight=12.6 ppg

• BHP decreases by 298 psi.

• BHP decreases by 102 psi
• BHP decreases by 202 psi
• BHP decreases by 83 psi
Exercise
❑Pressure can be built up between two casing strings. A bad cement job has
been performed for the inner casing . What is the consequences of the
pressure build up between the casing strings?( Three Answers)
A. Increase E.C.D
B. Collapse inner casing.
C. Fracture of the formation below casing shoe.
D. Differential sticking.
E. Burst of the outer casing.

❑ If a self-fill float in casing gets plugged and the casing does not get filled,
what are the well control risks?
• a. If the plug suddenly clears the mud level in the annulus will drop.
• b. Losses may occur due to higher mud level in the annulus.
• c. You will not be able to reverse circulate to kill the well.
• d. You will not be able to pump LCM.
Ballooning
BALLOONING
What happens ?
While drilling stressed or micro-
fractured Shale
Pre-existing Fractures Opened by ECD
Fills with mud mud is lost when pumping; then
mud returns when pumps are
stopped
 Pumps off: Hydrostatic less than
fracture pressure
 Pumps on: ECD exceeds
fracture pressure
 fractures open
 mud is lost
 Pumps off: Hydrostatic less
than fracture pressure
 fractures close
E
C  Expels mud which produces
D well flow
BALLOONING

The expanding
wellbore,
“Ballooning effect”,
may occur in
plastic shale.

The wellbore
slightly expands
due to ECD and
returns to its ECD
original diameter
when pumps are
switched off

Pumps Off Pumps On

Fingerprinting
• A unique form of trend analysis
• Losses are measured while drilling.
• Circulation is stopped, and returns
measured.
• If formation is ballooning, returns will be
nearly equivalent to losses.
• Decrease and Increase in pit level can also
be caused by mud
draining from flowline and solids control
equipment.

Measure Losses and Gains at Connections

 The following animation
illustrates how to fingerprint
ballooning formations.

Play

Fingerprinting Ballooning 179

Ballooning or Kick

Don’t assume formation is ballooning; assume

it’s a kick.
▪ Divert to trip tank.
▪ Perform flow check.
▪ Expected returns established via
fingerprinting.
▪ If returns exceed losses, it is likely a kick.
If unsure whether ballooning or an influx, If unsure whether ballooning or an influx, circulate bottoms up using the Driller’s method at
a low SPM.
Increasing mud weight may escalate the ballooning effect or damage the formation.

circulate bottoms up using the Driller’s

method at a low SPM.
▪ Increasing mud weight may
escalate the ballooning effect or
damage the formation. 180
Lower Density Fluid Above Barrier

• If negative HP is created above a barrier, there is a risk of losing the

barrier and well flowing.
• Calculate HP of a lower density fluid above a barrier.
• Cement plug depth: 8,000 ft.
• Formation pressure: 4,800 psi.
• Fluid weight above plug: 9.8 ppg.

• First, calculate HP; then subtract HP from FP.

HP = MWppg x 0.052 x TVDft
ΔP = HP – FP

ΔP = 4,800 - 4,077 psi

= 723 psi
Kicks During Wireline Ops

• Causes of kicks during wireline operations:

• Frequent trips can result in swabbing.
• Especially in tight hole sections.
• Failure to keep the hole properly filled.
• Gas migration and expansion.
• Unable to circulate kick out.
• What do you do in this situation?
Shut in and perform the Volumetric method
Wireline & Kick Prevention
• To prevent kicks during wireline
operations:
• Be sure to keep the hole
filled.
• Be mindful of running
speeds.
• Diligently monitor trip tank.

Wireline
Barriers
Module Objectives
Understand :
• Barrier systems.
• BOP stack, valves and wellhead components.
• BOP closing unit and control panels.
• Manual and hydraulic chokes.
• Equipment alignment and stack configuration.
• Testing of barriers.
• Function and pressure tests.
• Drill string valves.
• Well control rules and regulations.
 Barrier Management Defined

• Ensuring proper barriers (drilling fluid, BOPs, etc.) are in place and
maintained to counter undesirable flow of formation fluids and/or, in
the event of flow, to prevent a release of formation fluids into the
environment.
 Barrier Description

Any device, fluid or material that prevents the unwanted

flow of wellbore or formation fluids.
Industry practice is to always have two independent
barriers in place.
Barrier Example

Blowout Preventer Preventer

• Fluid, or hydrostatic:
• Water-based fluids such as
brines or treated freshwater.
• Oil-based mud (OBM).
• Synthetic oil-based mud
(SOBM).
• Mechanical:
• BOPs.
• Safety valves.
• Backpressure valve (BPV).
• Manually operated valves.
Barrier Classification
• Primary, or working/operational barrier:
• Used during normal operations.
• Often a fluid:
• Must be controllable.
• Capable of being monitored.
• Secondary:
• Supports normal operations; second line of defense:
• BOP.
• Plug.
Barrier Classification

• Tertiary (No Longer): Secondary becomes the primary

barrier in the event of a failed primary barrier.
• Any additional barrier used in emergencies; the last
resort.
• Blind/shear rams.
• Shear rams.
• Blind rams for open hole.
• Could be hand operated on small BOP units.
Testing Mechanical Barriers

• Positive pressure tests: pressure is applied against the

barrier for a predetermined time period.
• Negative pressure test: under balancing the wellbore to
determine if barrier will hold against formation
pressure.
Negative Test
Objective:
Test in which the hydrostatic pressure is
reduced such that the net differential
pressure direction is from the formation
into the wellbore.
Procedure:
• Pipe is pulled up to predetermined
depth and fluid displaced with lighter
fluid.
• If cement holds formation pressure
back, the well will not pressure up
and/or flow.
• If flow or pressure increase is
detected, the cement integrity has
been compromised.

Inflow Test
Kicks During Wireline Ops

• Causes of kicks during wireline operations:

• Frequent trips can result in swabbing.
• Especially in tight hole sections.
• Failure to keep the hole properly filled.
• Gas migration and expansion.
• Unable to circulate kick out.
• What do you do in this situation?
Shut in and perform the Volumetric method
Wireline & Kick Prevention
• To prevent kicks during wireline
operations:
• Be sure to keep the hole
filled.
• Be mindful of running
speeds.
• Diligently monitor trip tank.

Wireline
Kick Detection
Warning Signs & Indicators

Positive Indicators Secondary

1) Increase In Flow Rate. 1) Increased Drilling Rate.
2) Increase In Pit Volume. 2) Increase In Rotary Speed. (RPM)
3) Well Flow with pump off
3) Increased Drill String Torque and Drag.
4) Change in Cutting Size and shape.
5) Increase String Weight
6) Increase in Flow line Temperature.
7) Increase Gas In Return Drilling Fluid.
8) Increase in Chlorides Ion (salt) Content.

10) Shale Density Decrease.

11) Pump Pressure Decrease.
12) Mud Weight Decrease
13) “D” exponent Decrease
Kick Detection – While Drilling

• Increase in Drilling Rate

• Increase in Torque and Drag
• Change in Pump Speed or Pressure
• Change in D - Exponent (For shale only)

• Change in Cutting size and shape

• Chloride Trends
• Decrease in Shale Density
Lagging Indicators
• Temperature Measurements Bottoms Up

• Gas Cut Mud

• Connection Gas
 Kick Indicators

❑ What are the indicators that the

well is flowing?
1) Increase In Flow Rate.
2) Increase In Pit Volume.
3) Well Flows With Pumps-Off.
If Indicator Is Seen ,
Shut In the Well Immediately,
NO FLOW CHECK
 1-Return Flow Rate Increase

It Is the First Positive Indicator of a Well Kick.

GAUGE
on
Driller’s
Console

PADDLE
➢Qin = Qout. If Qout Increase With Out
Changing the Pump Speed this Is a Sign That
Formation Fluids Enter the Well Bore.

GAUGE
on
Driller’s
Console

PADDLE
 2-Pit Gain Increase

➢Pit Volume Totalizer PVT is Required to GAUGE

on
Monitor the Active Mud Volume. Driller’s
Console
➢Both Audible and Visual Alarms Can be
Set for Gains and Losses.
❑While drilling, which of the following situations make kick detection with a
P.V.T more difficult?
A. Allowing mud to overflow the shakers.
B. Reducing the pit level alarm settings from 10 bbls to 5 bbls.
C. Keeping active mud system transfers to a minimum when drilling ahead.
D. By-passing the solids control pits.
GAUGE
on
Driller’s
Console
➢So Circulate Bottom Up
➢Decrease ROP to Handle Cuttings.
 Trip Tank

Trip Tank Level

PUMP
TRIP TANK Stands Pulled

204
Failure to Keep Hole Full of Drilling Fluid - Tripping

Is One of the Major Causes of Kicks Due

To The Lack of Driller’s Alertness.

❑Which of the following causes of well kicks is

totally avoidable and due to a lack of alertness by
the Driller?
A. Lost circulation.
B. Gas cut mud. Flowline
C. Not keeping the hole full.
D. Abnormal pressures
3-Well Flow With Pump Off
➢ If the Mud Pumps are not Operating and the Well
Continues to Flow then the Fluid is Being Pushed Out
of the Annulus By Some Other Force . (ECD
LOST)

➢ Flow Back May be due to U-tube Effect but the Flow

Will Decrease With Time.
Review Questions
❑What are the positive indicators of a kick seen by the
Driller? (TWO answers).
A. Increase in flow rate (constant SPM).
B. Decrease in pit volume (constant SPM).
C. Decrease in flow rate (constant SPM).
D. Increase in pit volume (constant SPM).

❑Which of the following is the first positive indicator of a

well kick?
A. Pit volume Increase
B. Flow line increase
C. Pump pressure increase
Secondary Warning Signs

As the Formation Pressure gets Closer to the Mud Weight,

We Will Observe Changes in:
1) ROP
2) Hole Condition
3) Gas Levels
4) Cuttings Properties
5) Mud Properties
1-Increased Drilling Rate ROP
• The Drilling Break May Indicate that a Higher-Pressure
Formation has Been Entered and therefore the
Overbalance has been Reduced
• Or that a Higher Porosity Formation has Been Entered.
2-Pump Pressure Decrease
➢ If Lower Density Formation Fluid
enters the Well-Bore, It Will
Require Lower Pump Pressure to
Circulate Up the Annulus.
➢ As the Fluid in the Annulus
becomes Lighter the Mud in the
Drill Pipe Will Tend to Fall and the
Pump Speed (SPM) Will Increase.

➢ Notice:- These Effects Can be

Caused by other drilling
Problems.
(e.g. Wash-out in the Drill
String or Twist off)
3- Increase In Rotary Speed (RPM)

➢ This Is Because the Formation is Breaking up Easier

and Therefore, Offering Less Resistance to the Bit.

HP=Pc*Q/7.5
4-Increased Drill String Torque and Drag
• Drag:-Is the Resistance in the Direction of the Well
During Pulling out.
• Torque:-Is the Resistance of Rotation.
• At High Rate of Penetration , the Annulus is Loaded
with Cuttings which Resist the Movement of the Drill
String in Both Rotating and Reciprocating.
5-Shale Density Decrease

➢The Shale Density Will Increase Under Normal

Tendency due to Rock Compaction.

➢But when Abnormal Pressure Zone is Penetrated, the

Formation Fluids have been Trapped , So the Formation
Porosity Is Still High.

➢And Thus, Shale Density Is Less Than Shale of Less

Pressure.

213
6-Drill String Weight Change
➢ The Heavier the Fluid, the More the Buoyancy the
Fluid Will Provide.

➢ If a String Weight Increase Is Noticed, the Increase

Could Be Due to an Influx of Formation Fluid
Decreasing the Density of the Fluid Surrounding the
Pipe.
7-Change in Cutting Size and
Shape
• Drilled Cuttings May Become Larger, Splintery with Angular
• Edges When Abnormal Pressure Zone Is Entered,
• As these Cutting are Removed With a Minimum of Bit
Rotation.

215
8-Increase In Flow Line
Temperature
➢ Flow Line Temperature Often Increase Before an Abnormal
Pressure Zone Is Drilled.
9-Increase Gas In Return Drilling Fluid

Drilled Gas—
Entrained With Cuttings
2) Connection Gas–
Swabbed Into the Hole or Loss In
3) Trip Gas---
A Measure Of Swabbed gas Over an
Entire Trip

217
10- Increase In Chlorides Ion (Salt) Content

➢ If Insufficient Pressure Exists Formation Fluid May

Enter the Well-Bore and Change the Chloride Content
Of the Mud.

➢ Depending On the Chloride Content Of Mud and that

Of Formation Decrease Or Increase May Occur to the
Mud.

218
11-Variations From Normal “d” Exponent

➢D-Exponent is Proportional to Rock

Strength and Normally Pressured
Formation.
➢D-exponent Increases Linearly
With Depth Reflecting Increased
Rock Strength With Depth.
➢For Abnormally Pressured Shale the
D-Exponent Decreases From Normal
trend and Decrease With Depth.
井深

It should be remembered that the d-exponent was developed primarily for use in
shale type formations drilled with rock bits.
➢ If Any Of the Previous Warning Signs are Observed:
Flow Check
1) Position Drill String
2) Stop Pumps.
3) Check For Flow

If Negative Circulate Bottom Up.

If Positive Shut the Well In.
 The Purpose of the Shut-In
1) Stop the Influx Into the Well-Bore
2) Applying Back Pressure On the Surface on Both Sides Of SIDPP , SICP to
Be Taken For Kill Mud.

Hard Shut-in (Choke Closed) Soft Shut-in (Choke Opened)

Tripping Drilling Drilling Tripping

Install (stab) FOSV Position drill-string Position drill-string Install (stab) FOSV
Close FOSV Shut down pumps Shut down pumps Close FOSV

Close BOP Close BOP Open HCR Open HCR

Open HCR Open HCR Close BOP Close BOP

Notify Supervisor Notify Supervisor Close choke Close choke
Line up on trip tank Line up on trip tank Notify Supervisor Notify Supervisor
Record SIDPP,SICP,Pit Record Line up on trip tank Line up on trip tank
gain SIDPP,SICP,Pit gain
Record Record
SIDPP,SICP,Pit gain SIDPP,SICP,Pit gain
 Post Shut-in
Monitoring and
Activities
Shut-In Casing Pressure (SICP)

• Fluid in annulus is mixture of different fluids and solids (original

mud, cuttings, gas and other kick fluids).
• Reading on casing gauge represents total HP in the annulus
against formation pressure.

IMPORTANT:
SIDPP and SICP are critical factors in understanding bottom
hole conditions and are used when performing well
control calculations.
Determining Stable SIDPP & SICP

• Recording shut-in pressures.

• With the well shut-in, it takes time for pressures to build and
stabilize. Record at regular intervals.
• Determining when the well is stabilized:
• Pressure buildup decreases.
• Last several pressure readings are very close or the same.
• Well is stabilized as readings become constant.
• Pressures may only remain stable for a brief period of time
before increasing. Why?
Determining Stable SIDPP & SICP

What shut-in pressure should you use?

Bumping the Float

• Bumping float to ascertain SIDPP:

• Bring pump online at a slow pump rate.
• Allow drill pipe time to pressure up.
• Monitor drill pipe gauge closely as drill pipe pressure steadily
increases.
• When drill pipe pressure drops slightly on gauge, shut pump
down and record SIDPP.
• Casing gauge reaction?
Trapped Pressure

Trapped pressure on drill-pipe after well is

shut-in:
• After pump is stopped, if there is pressure on drill-pipe
gauge, bleed pressure off drill-pipe in increments of 100 psi
and monitor.
PLEASE TAKE A
10 MINUTE
BREAK
Pre-recorded Data
 Kill-sheets

• You will use the data given

to fill out the kill-sheet.

NEXT
 Slow Circulating Rates (SCR)
• Taking SCRs establishes known pressures at selected pump
rates.
• Known kill rate pressures.
• Helps in creation of ICP-to-FCP step-down chart for well
control operations.
• Reaction time.
*SCRs are read on the drill pipe gauge on the choke panel*

• If fluid density or properties change.

When to • After any type of pump service or repair.
Update SCRs:
• After bit or other BHA changes are made.
• Once 500 feet of new hole is drilled.
• Each tour.
• If not updated and accurate, can adversely affect well
kill operations.
Kill Plan
Not a Kill Sheet

• A proper kill plan is an important aspect of the drilling

program and should include:
• Assessment of potential risks.
• Roles and responsibilities.
• Which kill method to use in a given situation.
• Proper kill weight mud.
• Well control drills.
• Stressing that relevant data is detailed in handover
notes.
Determining ICP

• To determine ICP if slow circulating rate (SCR) is

unknown:
• Record SIDPP.
• Bring pumps up to Kill Rate Speed.
• Hold casing pressure constant.
• When up to KRS, take new drillpipe reading.
• New drillpipe reading is the ICP.
• Subtract SIDPP from new drillpipe reading – this
is the slow circulating pressure at the desired
SCR, which one can input on killsheet.
Pump Startup
• Slowly bring pump up to desired kill rate speed or in gradual
stages to prevent formation damage or over-pressuring the
well.
• Keep casing pressure constant while bringing pump online.
• Once you reach the correct kill rate, switch to maintaining
steady drillpipe pressure to kill well.
• Pump and choke operators must maintain good
communication.
• Verify ICP on DP gauge.
Pump Pressure & ICP

• Startup pump pressure may not equal ICP with a

known SCR:

• Wrong SCR is being used.

• Pump output incorrect.

• Gas migration ma be occurring in the well.

• In this case, the calculated ICP will be less than
the actual ICP.
Lag Time
• Delay between choke adjustment on the casing side
and pressure change on the drillpipe side.
• Often critical to operation at hand.
• Lag time approximation:
• 1 second per thousand feet down the casing and 1
second per thousand feet up the drillpipe through a
fluid column.
• Or, more simply, 2 seconds per thousand feet MD.
Lag Time = MD of Circulation Point ÷ 1,000 ft x 2
Seconds
*Beware of chasing the choke*
Lag Time
Choke
Drillpipe Adjustment
▪ Choke operator adds 100psi to the
casing side trying to increase drillpipe 200
300 + 100
from 200psi to 300psi. Was he psi psi
successful?
▪ Note - not understanding lag time or
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
overreacting can easily result in choke Seconds
operators over - adjusting. This can
potentially lead to damaging the well

12,000ft MD
or allowing additional influxes during
the well kill.
▪ Be patient - wait for the adjustments
to show up on your gauge.

Lag Time

238
Kill Procedures & BHP

• How kill procedures can affect BHP:

• Change of SPM while maintaining ICP:
• Increasing SPM decreases BHP.
• Decreasing SPM increases BHP.
• Any time pump rate is changed, hold casing
pressure constant during rate change.
• Change of mud weight.
• Failure to follow pressure schedule.
• Not following startup or shutdown procedures.

*see notes
Casing Pressure Exceeding MAASP

• If casing pressure approaches MAASP during a

well kill:
• Reduce safety margin.
• Decrease pump speed.
• After re-completing kill sheet to determine
correct pressures to maintain via choke.
• May need to stop and perform Volumetric method.
• Calculate strokes, bit-to-shoe, to know when gas
reaches casing.
Pump Shutdown
• After kick is circulated out:
• Hold backpressure constant on casing while
bringing pump speed down. Drillers Method
• Capture pressure equal to or slightly greater than
SIDPP. Drillers Method

• After kill procedure, shut down pumps, bleed

pressure, shut well back in and verify it is dead.
• Weight and Wait Method
• Monitor the well for pressure build up.
– If no pressure buildup, open choke to check for
flow.
Complications

• Problems during kill operation:

• Incorrect pump used to kill
well.
• Running out of weighting
material.
• Miscalculated kill weight fluid.
• Bad weather.
• BOP failure.
• Plugged bit.
• Rig power failure.
Complications During Kick Circulation
Drill pipe Bottomhole
Problem Casing Pressure
Pressure Pressure

Plugged nozzle
1
Plugged choke
3 1 2
Washed choke
3 1 2
Hole in drill pipe
1
Pump failure
1 3 2
Partial lost returns
1 2
Total lost returns
2 1 1

Steps
1. List pressures relating to the complication in sequential order 1,2,3
2. Some pressures may rise (green vertical arrow)
3. Some pressures may drop (red vertical arrow)
4. Some pressures stay constant (blue horizontal arrow)

243
Complications During Kick Circulation
Drill pipe Casing Bottomhole
Problem
Pressure Pressure Pressure
Circulate with constant pit level 3 1 2

Circulate with constant casing pressure 2 1

Hold drill pipe pressure constant while kill 1 2

mud goes to bit

Increase pump rate while holding drill pipe 1 2

pressure constant

Decrease pump rate while holding casing

1
pressure constant

▪ Misconceptions in well control can hinder the recognition of downhole

complications
Constant pressure Lower pressure Higher pressure

244
Hydrates
 HYDRATES

❑ Hydrates are frozen compounds made

up of gas and water. They have the
physical appearance of dirty ice.
Hydrates occur when certain gasses
are present, with water in between a
critical range of temperatures and
pressures.
❑ Hydrates may occur:
Downstream of the choke (very low
temperatures due to adiabatic cooling
across the choke).
Upstream of the choke (high pressures
and low temperatures e.g. Deepwater
BOP or choke lines).
246
HYDRATE FORMATION
❑ Hydrates can build up and plug off parts of the system including:
- Choke and kill lines.
- In or below BOPs.
- Chokes and gas handling equipment.
- Around the string.
- In ram cavities.
- In well head and LMRP connectors
- In the choke and kill manifold

Hydrates are formed in conditions when Natural gas is present with water and
at low temperatures

*Injecting Methanol or Glycol (Anti Freeze) at a rate of 0.5 - 1 gal per minutes
on the upstream side of a choke*
247
Pump Pressure Discrepancy
• Why pump pressure at
shutdown may not equal
expected pressure:
• Secondary kick in well.
• Incorrect calculations.
• Faulty float.
Stopping Kill Procedure
• Kill procedure may need to be stopped if:
• Having difficulty maintaining surface pressures.
• Pump failure or plugged bit.
• Casing pressure not following projected trend.
• Choke washout or plugging.
• Valve in stack leaking.
• Pit volume changes not following projected trend.
• Faulty PVT.
• Losing fluid over shakers.
• Fluid transfer goes awry.
PLEASE TAKE A
10 MINUTE
BREAK
Well Control Methods
Driller’s Method
• Removal of an influx in a single circulation; often requires a second circulation of
kill weight fluid to restore hydrostatic balance.
• Minimal wait time: after well stabilizes and shut-in pressures are recorded, circulation can
begin.
• First circulation removes kick; second kills well.
• How do you determine if a second circulation is required?
• During first circulation, greater pressure exerted on shoe than with Wait & Weight
method.
Reasons to Use Driller’s Method

• Kicks swabbed in while tripping.

• Horizontal wells with long laterals.
• Poor mixing facilities or lack of barite on
location.
• Stuck pipe and pressure concerns.
• Strokes from surface to bit are greater than
bit to casing shoe.
▪ Strokes from surface to bit are greater than bit to casing shoe.

Original MW
KWM

Drillers Method W & W Method

Gas at Casing Shoe Gas at Casing Shoe,
kill mud in drill string

▪ Shoe pressure will be the same with either kill method.

Driller’s Method
Hold safety meeting and
begin forward planning

Safely remove possible trapped Slowly bring pump to desired kill

pressures throughout the system. rate speed while holding casing
Resume normal operations. pressure constant

Verify correct ICP and

Stop circulating, shut maintain while circulating
back in and verify out the kick. This is generally
the well is dead referred to as the 1st
circulation of the Driller’s
method.

Continue circulating kill fluid After kick removal, slowly shut

throughout the entire well
while maintaining FCP on drill pipe
Utilize drill pipe pressure
ICP to FCP schedule while
pumping kill fluid to the bit
down the pump, while shutting
back in and trapping pressure on
the casing side equal to or slightly
greater than the original, stable
SIDPP. Weight up the pits and
begin a 2nd circulation.
Driller’s Method
SIDPP

0 psi

Mud Pump
SICP
psi
0

1st Circulation

2nd Circulation
Driller’s Method
500
900
0 SPM

First Circulation

➢ Bring pump to kill rate,

Mud wt opening choke HOLDING
10 ppg
CASING PRESSURE
CONSTANT

SCR
30 spm ➢ Once at kill rate, look at drill
300 psi pipe pressure

TVD 10000’
 500
900
0 SPM

First Circulation

➢ Bring pump to Kill Rate,

Mud wt Opening Choke HOLDING
10 ppg
CASING PRESSURE
CONSTANT

SCR
30 spm ➢ Once at Kill Rate, Look at
300 psi Drill Pipe Pressure

TVD 10000’
 800
900
30 SPM

First Circulation

➢ Drill pipe pressure should be

Mud wt the sum of the SCR and
10 ppg
SIDPP.
ICP = SIDPP + SCR
SCR
= 500 + 300
30 spm = 800 psi
300 psi

TVD 10000’
 800
1000
30 SPM

First Circulation

➢Hold this Pressure Constant

Mud wt until the Influx Is Removed.
10 ppg

➢Casing Pressure Will

Continue to INCREASE
SCR Because of Gas Expansion.
30 spm
300 psi

TVD 10000’
 800
1500
30 SPM

First Circulation

➢Casing Pressure Will

Mud wt Continue to INCREASE and
10 ppg INCREASE Because of Gas
Expansion.

SCR
30 spm
300 psi

TVD 10000’
 800
500
30 SPM

First Circulation

➢Casing Pressure Will

Decrease as gas Is Pumped
Through the Choke, and
Finally Will be Equal to
SIDPP When All Gas Is
Pumped Out Of the Well.

➢Shut Down HOLDING

CASING PRESSURE
CONSTANT
 500
500
0 SPM

End Of First Circulation

➢ SICP Should Equal Original

SIDPP = 500 PSI
Casing pressure is not equals to drill pipe pressure at
the end of first circulation.

Still Have Gas In The Well

ACTION!!!

Alternative Second Circulation

❑After the first circulation if:-

1. SICP = SIDPP = 500 psi OK
2. SIDPP = 600, SICP = 600 Trapped Pressure
3. SIDPP = 500, SICP = 600 Still influx in the annulus
4. SIDPP = 600, SICP = 700 Trapped pressure + influx
 Answer
❑A Well is being killed using the Driller’s method.
SIDPP = 500 psi SICP = 900 PSI
After the first circulation, the well is shut in and the pressures read: -
SIDPP = 500 psi SICP = 650 PSI
Which of the following actions should be taken?
A. Continue with second circulation of Driller’s method, holding
casing pressure constant until kill mud reaches the bit.
B. Bullhead annulus until Shut In Casing Pressure is reduced to 500
psi.
C. Reverse circulation until shut in casing pressure is reduced to
500 psi.
D. Continue with the first circulation of Driller’s method until kick is
out then line up on kill mud density and begin second
circulation of Driller Method.
 Answer
❑A well is being killed using the Drillers Method.
Original SIDPP = 750 psi Original SICP = 1000 psi
After the first circulation, the well is shut in and the pressures
read:-
SIDPP = 750 psi SICP = 850 PSI
It is decided not to spend anymore time circulating.
Which one of the following actions should be taken?
A. Use the Wait and Weight Method.
B. Bullhead to reduce SICP to 0 psi.
C. Continue with second circulation of Drillers Method.
(Holding Casing Pressure Constant until kill mud reaches the bit)
D. Reverse circulate to reduce pressures to 0 psi.
 Answer
❑A well is being killed using the Driller’s method.
SIDPP = 600 psi SICP = 900 PSI
After the first circulation, the well is shut in and the pressures read: -
SIDPP = 600 psi SICP = 700 PSI
It is decided not to spend any more time cleaning the hole.
Which of the following actions should be taken?
A. Continue with second circulation of Driller’s method, holding
casing pressure constant until kill mud reaches the bit.
B. Bullhead annulus until Shut In Casing Pressure is reduced to
600 psi.
C. Use Volumetric technique to remove remaining influx.
D. Continue with the second circulation of Driller’s method,
following a calculated drill pipe pressure schedule as kill mud is
pumped to the Bit.
Answer
❑ Part of the way through the 1st Circulation of the Driller’s
Method, the pump was shut down and the well was shut
in. What is the overbalance in the well?
• Well Information: Current SIDPP = 625 psi Current SICP =
975 psi
• Initial Circulating Pressure = 1420 psi
• Initial SIDPP = 600 psi
• Initial SICP = 835 psi
• a. 795 psi overbalanced
• b. 25 psi overbalanced
• c. 140 psi overbalanced
• d. 445 psi overbalanced
Second Circulation
 500
500
0 SPM
Second Circulation

Kill mud
weight
11 ppg
 Dec.
500
30 SPM

Second Circulation

➢ When Pump To Kill Rate

Hold Casing Pressure
Constant Until Kill Mud
Reaches the Bit, Drill Pipe
Pressure Will Drop From ICP
to FCP.
➢ From 800 psi to 330 psi

Kill mud
weight
11 ppg
 ???
KMW at The Bit with Pump OFF
500
0 SPM

❑SIDPP should be zero, if not

1) KMW not enough
2) Trapped Pressure
3) Wrong Strokes calculation

Kill mud
weight
11 ppg
 330
Dec.
30 SPM

Second Circulation

➢ Once Kill Mud Enters the

Annulus, Switch to Drill Pipe
Pressure and
Hold Constant until Kill Mud
Reaches Surface (FCP)
➢ Casing Pressure Will
Continue to Decrease.
Kill mud
weight
11 ppg
 330
0
30 SPM

Second Circulation

➢ Casing Pressure Will

Continue To Decrease and
Will be ZERO When Kill Mud
at the Surface.

Kill mud
weight
11 ppg
 0
0
0 SPM

Second Circulation

Kill mud
weight
11 ppg
 Driller’s Method
First Circulation Second Circulation

OMW KMW KMW

Surface Surface

ICP SICP FCP

Bit Bit

Total Well System

Total Annulus Stroke Drilling String Stroke Stroke
Wait & Weight
Wait & Weight Method
• Fluid weight increased prior to circulating.
• Used in wells with long open hole sections.
• Fewer circulations.
• Requires good mixing facilities and full
crews.
• Lower pressures on casing shoe and at
surface.
Strokes from surface to bit are less than bit to casing shoe

KWM
Original MW

Drillers Method W & W Method

Gas at Casing Shoe Gas at Casing Shoe

KWM in Annulus

Shoe pressure will be less than Drillers Method

Wait & Weight Method
Hold safety meeting and
begin forward planning

Safely remove possible trapped Weight up pits, prepare kill

pressures throughout the system. sheet, and prepare to pump
Resume normal operations. kill fluid

Stop circulating, shut Slowly bring pump to

back in and verify desired rate while holding
the well is dead casing pressure constant

Continue circulating kill fluid Verify correct initial

throughout the entire well while circulating pressure (ICP)
maintaining FCP on drill pipe

Utilize drill pipe pressure

ICP to FCP schedule while
pumping kill fluid to the bit
 500
900
0 SPM

Single Circulation

Mud wt KMW ➢ Bring Pump to Kill Rate,

10 ppg 11 ppg
HOLDING CASING PRESSURE
CONSTANT
SCR ➢ Once at Kill Rate, Switch to
30 spm Drill Pipe Pressure
300 psi
➢ Drill Pipe Pressure should be
I.C.P. = SCRP + SIDPP
= 300 + 500
TVD 10000’
= 800 psi
 800
900
30 SPM

Single Circulation

Mud wt KMW ➢ Once at Kill Rate, Switch to

10 ppg 11 ppg Drill Pipe Pressure
➢ Drill Pipe Pressure Should be
SCR I.C.P. = SCRP + SIDPP
30 spm
= 300 + 500
300 psi
= 800 psi

TVD 10000’
 700
950
30 SPM

Single Circulation

Mud wt KMW ➢ Allow Drill Pipe Pressure to

10 ppg 11 ppg Fall.
From
SCR ICP = 800
30 spm
To
300 psi
FCP = 300 x 11 = 330 psi
10
➢ As Kill Mud Is Pumped to the
Bit.
TVD 10000’
 400
1100
30 SPM

Single Circulation

➢ Allow Drill Pipe Pressure to

Mud wt
10 ppg
KMW Fall.
11 ppg
From
ICP = 800
SCR To
30 spm
300 psi FCP = 300 x 11 = 330 psi
10
➢ As Kill Mud Is Pumped To
the Bit.
TVD 10000’
 330
1100
30 SPM

Single Circulation

➢ Allow Drill Pipe Pressure to

Mud wt
10 ppg
KMW Fall.
11 ppg
From
ICP = 800
SCR To
30 spm
300 psi FCP = 300 x 11 = 330 psi
10
❖As Kill Mud is Pumped to the
Bit.
TVD 10000’
❖THEN Hold FCP Until Kill Mud
Reaches Surface
 330
1500
30 SPM

Single Circulation

Mud wt KMW
10 ppg 11 ppg
➢ Hold FCP Until Kill Mud
Reaches Surface
SCR
30 spm
300 psi

TVD 10000’
 330
1000
30 SPM

Single Circulation

Mud wt KMW
10 ppg 11 ppg
➢ Hold FCP Until Kill Mud
Reaches Surface
SCR
30 spm
300 psi

TVD 10000’
 330
0
30 SPM

Single Circulation

➢ Hold FCP Until Kill Mud

Reaches Surface

➢ When Kill Mud at the

Surface SICP Will be ZERO.
 0
0
0 SPM

Single Circulation

➢ When Pump Shut off Both

Pressures Will be ZERO
 Wait and Weight Method

KMW KMW
Surface Surface

Step Down Drill FCP

Pipe Schedule

Bit
Bit

Drill String Stroke Total Well System Stroke

Wait & Weight: Pressure Flow Path

1600

1400 Gas at Surface

1200

ICP
Drill Pipe and Casing Pressurespsi

1000

800

600

FCP
400 Original Mud at
Kill Mud at Bit
Surface Kill Mud at
Surface &
200 Shut Down

Strokes 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000

SICP SIDPP
Managed Pressure Drilling

“Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) is an

adaptive drilling process used to precisely control the
annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore.
The objectives: are to ascertain the down-hole pressure
environment limits and to manage the annular
hydraulic pressure profile accordingly.”

294
Drilling Methods
• OVERBALANCED DRILLING: Drilling with BHP higher than formation
pressure = CONVENTIONAL DRILLING.
• Objective: To minimize the chance of an influx.

• PERFORMANCE DRILLING: Drilling with low BHP to enhance ROP & bit life.
Used in well construction =
• AIR or GAS DRILLING.
• Objective: To enhance penetration rate

• UNDERBALANCED DRILLING: Drilling with the BHP below reservoir

• pressure – naturally lower or induced =
• UBD.
• Objective: To minimize reservoir damage

• MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING: Drilling with precisely controlled

• BHP to avoid influx, fluid loss or borehole instability. Pressure
• profile managed by addition of surface pressure or by change in
• hydrostatics or friction pressure.
• Objective: To minimize pressure related drilling problems
 Managed Pressure Drilling

Drilling Window While Drilling

Theoretical Well Profile with straight Lines

296
Managed Pressure Drilling

A Real well Diagram

Narrow Drilling Window

Loss of BHP….will induce an influx

An increase in Mud Weight …

Fracture Risk (Possible losses)

297
Managed Pressure Drilling

Conventional Drilling
Bottom Hole Circulating Pressure is manipulated by TWO Variables:

BHCP = Hydrostatic Pressure

+ APL ( Friction Pressure loss in annulus)

Managed Pressure Drilling ( MPD)

Bottom Hole Circulating pressure is manipulated by More Variables

BHCP = Hydrostatic Pressure

+ APL ( Friction Pressure loss in annulus)
+ Surface Pressure

298
 Managed Pressure Drilling

Ability to be conducted with narrow drilling windows

and make a previously un-drillable well now Drillable.

Two Key Details:

1. Constant Circulation during Connections.

2. Pressurized Fluid system, with back pressure

applied at surface to act on entire well profile

Constant and controlled Bottom Hole pressure

throughout the entire hole section

299
Advantages of MPD Drill through Narrow
Drilling Windows

No Loss in Bottom Hole

Pressure During
Connections

Increased Visibility
of Critical Well
Conditions

Greater Control
of Bottom-Hole
Pressure

300
Additional Advantages of MPD
• Improve ROP, avoid NPT such as kick or losses or unstable hole

• Enhance Early Kick and Loss Detection

• Mitigate reservoir damage due to mud and cuttings invasion

• HPHT application

• Improve well stability

• Mitigate hole problems

• Enable drilling through narrow pore and fracture pressure

windows

• Characterize the reservoir while drilling

Source: Weatherford©2018
Supporting Tools for MPD

MPD Enabling Tools:

• Rotating Control Device/Diverter ( RCD)

• Dedicated choke
• Mass Flow meter (Coriolis)
• Drill String Floats
• Continuous Circulating Device
• Separation Package

302
 MPD Equipment
Sealing Elements are
Snug Against Drill
Pipe
Rotating Circulating Device (RCD)

Elements Housed in
Bearing, Which
Rotates

Pressurized System
Below RCD

303
 MPD Equipment

Sealing Element

Clamp

Control Console

Rotating Circulating Device (RCD) & Control Console

304
MPD Variations & Lay out
Independent of
Secondary well control
equipment

Located Downstream
of Secondary Well control
equipment

305
Coriolis Mass Flow Meter

A key MPD component:

Coriolis mass flowmeter

Provides real-time data

for volumetric flow, fluid
density and return mud
temperature.

306
 WC-

MPD Choke Manifold MPD

Choke A

Coriolis Mass
Flow Meter Fluid From Well

Choke B
307
Underbalanced drilling (UBD)
• Underbalanced drilling (UBD): The hydrostatic head of
the Drilling Fluid is intentionally designed to be lower
than the pressure of the formations that are being drilled.

• The hydrostatic head of the fluid may naturally be less

than the formation pressure, or it can be induced by
adding different substances to the liquid phase of the
drilling fluid, such as:

o Air
o Nitrogen
o Natural gas

*Whether induced or naturally underbalanced, the result may be an influx that must be circulated from the well, and controlled at surface*

308
 Comparison

Pressures in conventional drilling Pressures in underbalanced drilling.

309
 Comparison
Possible formation damage No invasion of solids or mud filtrate

310
Advantages of Under-Balanced Drilling

Advantages:

1. Maximizing Hydrocarbon recovery

• There is no invasion of solids or mud filtrate into the reservoir
formation, and this often eliminates the requirement for any well
cleanup, and Stimulations after drilling is completed.
• Enhances Well Productivity.

2. Minimizing pressure related drilling problems.

• Improved ROP due to negative chip hold down effect
• Differential sticking risk is mitigated
• No losses

311
Advantages Vs Disadvantages UBD
Advantages:
• Increases ROP and Improves Bit Life
• Decrease Formation invasion and
damage
• Eliminates Differential sticking
• Reduces risk of Lost Circulation
• Improves Reservoir Knowledge
Disadvantages:
• Possible Wellbore stability problems
• Increased Drilling Costs
• Compatibility with Mud pulse
telemetry (MWD)
• Increased borehole erosion
• Possible increase in torque and drag
due to hole un stability
312
Special equipment and considerations
Underbalanced drilling (UBD):

Drilling Fluid Systems

o Foam
Measurements
o Mist
o Gasified o Pressure while drilling (PWD) sensors
o Conventional measurement while drilling (MWD)
Injection Methods
tools in UBD have limitations
o Drill Pipe injection
o Electromagnetic measurement while drilling
o Annular injection
(EMWD)
o Parasitic string gas
injection

313
Volumetric Methods
Volumetric Methods
• A method of managing gas migration while keeping BHP within
acceptable limits.
This method can be used Under the following circumstances:
• When the well cannot be circulated.
• Bit plugged.
• Pump or power failure.
• Extreme cold weather (frozen lines).
• Prior To Pumping Kill Fluid With Conventional Method.
• Pipe Off Bottom.
• Drill String Or Bit Plugged.
• Wash-Out In The Drill String.
• Drill String Out Of Hole.
• If Drill String Have Been Cut and Left In Hole.
Gas Migration and Expansion

With well shut-in, gas must be allowed to expand in a

controlled manner (Volumetric) as it migrates.
▪ If well is shut-in, migrating kick will increase wellbore
pressures because it does not expand.
▪ With well not shut-in, gas will expand uncontrollably
and pressure within kick will decrease, thus
decreasing HP of fluid.
oRisk of going underbalanced and inducing
additional influx(es) or blowout.

316
True Volumetric Method

Hold safety meeting and

begin forward planning. Properly
align valves for bleeding fluid.
At this point, pressures should stabilize.
This completes the Volumetric method.
Note: At this point, the well is not dead. Calculate psi per bbl and then
select the number of barrels to
bleed per cycle. Also select a
working and safety margin.

As gas migrates, allow

Once gas reaches the surface, pressures to increase until
close the choke immediately safety and working margins
and re-evaluate the well. have been reached. Begin
bleed Cycle 1.

Continue the process until gas Bleed the proper amount of fluid
reaches surface (additional cycles) through the choke (Cycle 1), while
maintaining the correct casing
pressure

Allow pressure on the casing gauge to increase to the

next pre-determined pressure. This will offset the loss of
fluid hydrostatic before beginning the next bleed cycle
 Kill Line Choke Line

Working Margin 600

Wellhead Safety Margin550

SICP 500
SICP = 500 psi
Safety Margin = 50 psi
Applied one time only • First thing we must calculate the psi per bbl value
Working Margin = 50 psi
Kick Size 10 bbls • Formula: psi per barrel = (fluid gradientpsi/ft ÷ annular
OMW 12 ppg. capacitybbls/ft) at top of hole
Kick WT. 2 ppg. Casing
• .624 ÷ .0246 = 25 psi/bbl : 2 bbl is equal to 50 psi
MAASP = 1800 Shoe
Annular cap .0246
• Next is select a safety margin that is easy to read on the
casing gauge. 50 psi

• Now we select a Working Margin, this is a low number, so

we do not cause a large change in the wellbore pressure
quickly and is also easy to read on a gauge.
 Kill Line Choke Line

Working Margin 600

Wellhead Safety Margin550

SICP 500
SICP = 500 psi
Safety Margin = 50 psi
Applied one time only
Working Margin = 50 psi
Kick Size 10 bbls • Cycle 1: allow gas to migrate until casing pressure increase
OMW 12 ppg. and safety and working margin has been reached 600 psi
Kick WT. 2 ppg. Casing
MAASP = 1800 Shoe • Bleed fluid through the choke until casing pressure drops
back to safety margin 550 psi
Kill Line Choke Line
650
Working Margin 600
Wellhead Safety Margin550

SICP 500

• Cycle 2: allow gas to migrate until casing pressure

reaches new working margin 650 psi
Casing
Shoe
• Bleed fluid through the choke until casing pressure drops
back to low working margin 600 psi
Kill Line Choke Line
700
650
Working Margin
Wellhead Safety Margin550

SICP 500

• Cycle 3: allow gas to migrate until casing pressure

Casing reaches new working margin 700 psi
Shoe
• Bleed fluid through the choke until casing pressure drops
back to low working margin 650 psi
Kill Line Choke Line 700 750

Working Margin
Wellhead Safety Margin550

SICP 500

• Cycle 4: allow gas to migrate until casing pressure

reaches new working margin 750 psi
Casing
Shoe • Bleed fluid through the choke until casing pressure drops
back to safety margin 700 psi
Have a good
Evening
Stripping Pipe

330
Stripping Tank
• Marked with 0.5 to 1 bbl increments inside
for ease of monitoring and reading levels.
• Tank volume readout may be direct or
remote.
• Most have capacities less than 10 bbls.
Stripping

Two ways:
▪ Strip a stand, then bleed volume equal to pipe
displacement.
Closed End Displacement ▪ Or simultaneously strip in and bleed fluid.
• Used to track:
• Volume of steel vs. volume of fluid
displaced/bled.
• Connections, stands, lengths and trip
time.
• Pressure changes on
casing relative to stands run in and
bubble migration and expansion.
• Use a trip tank/pit to accurately monitor
fluid volumes.
Issues with Stripping Operations
• Pipe movement under pressure:
• Adjusting annular closing pressure for stripping.
• Stripping procedures, trip speed, length of stand.
• Trip no faster than one joint per minute.
• Fluid and pressure calculations:
• Volume to bleed in relation to pipe displacement.
• Proper use of casing pressure while stripping in.
• Monitoring casing pressure in relation to gas
migration.
Recording Data for Stripping
Total Excess
Theoretical
Actual Deviation Pressure
Actual Displacement Theoretical
Stand Ending Deviation (pit gain) to
Starting Pit Ending Pit
# Pit per Stand When excess equals maintain
Volume Volume
Volume bbls allow psi on Casing
bbls/std
increase on casing
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Stripping Chart

Total Excess
Theoretical
Actual Deviation Pressure
Actual Displacement Theoretical
Stand Ending Deviation (pit gain) to
Starting Pit Ending Pit
# 2 Pit per Stand When excess equals maintain
Volume Volume
bbls/std
Volume 4 bbls allow 50 psi on Casing
increase on casing
1 30 2 32 750
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
First Stand

Total Excess
Theoretical
Actual Deviation Pressure
Actual Displacement Theoretical
Stand Ending Deviation (pit gain) to
Starting Pit Ending Pit
# 2 Pit per Stand When excess equals maintain
Volume Volume
bbls/std
Volume 4 bbls allow 50 psi on Casing
increase on casing
1 30 2 32 32 0 0 750
2 32 2 34
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Second Stand

Total Excess
Theoretical
Actual Deviation Pressure
Actual Displacement Theoretical
Stand Ending Deviation (pit gain) to
Starting Pit Ending Pit
# 2 Pit per Stand When excess equals maintain
Volume Volume
bbls/std
Volume 4 bbls allow 50 psi on Casing
increase on casing
1 30 2 32 32 0 0 750
2 32 2 34 34 0 0 750
3 34 2 36
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Third Stand

Total Excess
Theoretical
Actual Deviation Pressure
Actual Displacement Theoretical
Stand Ending Deviation (pit gain) to
Starting Pit Ending Pit
# 2 Pit per Stand When excess equals maintain
Volume Volume
bbls/std
Volume 4 bbls allow 50 psi on Casing
increase on casing
1 30 2 32 32 0 0 750
2 32 2 34 34 0 0 750
3 34 2 36 36.8 0.8 0.8 750
4 36.8 2 38.8
5
6
7
8
9
10
Fourth Stand

Total Excess
Theoretical
Actual Deviation Pressure
Actual Displacement Theoretical
Stand Ending Deviation (pit gain) to
Starting Pit Ending Pit
# 2 Pit per Stand When excess equals maintain
Volume Volume
bbls/std
Volume 4 bbls allow 50 psi on Casing
increase on casing
1 30 2 32 32 0 0 750
2 32 2 34 34 0 0 750
3 34 2 36 36.8 0.8 0.8 750
4 36.8 2 38.8 41.1 2.3 3.1 750
5 41.1 2 43.1
6
7
8
9
10
Fifth Stand

Total Excess
Theoretical
Actual Deviation Pressure
Actual Displacement Theoretical
Stand Ending Deviation (pit gain) to
Starting Pit Ending Pit
# 2 Pit per Stand When excess equals maintain
Volume Volume
bbls/std
Volume 4 bbls allow 50 psi on Casing
increase on casing
1 30 2 32 32 0 0 750
2 32 2 34 34 0 0 750
3 34 2 36 36.8 0.8 0.8 750
4 36.8 2 38.8 41.1 2.3 3.1 750
5 41.1 2 43.1 44.6 1.5 4.6 800
6 44.6 2 46.6 47 .4 1 800
7
8
9
10
Lube & Bleed Method
Hold safety meeting and begin forward planning.
Properly align valves for pumping & bleeding fluid.

Identify/establish all pressure

Continue the process until gas has
limits within the system.
been replaced by fluid. Determine
Determine MAASP & maximum
if you have regained hydrostatic
mud weight. Verify adequate fluid
control of the well.
volume on location to kill well.

Slowly pump planned

Begin pumping fluid for
volume without exceeding
the next planned cycle.
MAASP. Accurately measure
volume pumped.

If fluid begins to flow through the Shut down pump and wait
choke, stop and re-evaluate the for fluid to fall through the
well conditions. Consider gas, gaining additional HP.
additional wait time.

Carefully bleed off surface pressure

equivalent to the gain in HP. Use the
killsheet to project these values.
Lube & Bleed Method
• Injecting fluid into the well and then bleeding
off surface pressure by an amount equal to
the HP gained until all of gas has been bled
from well.
• After using Volumetric method to bring gas to
surface, use Lube & Bleed method to bleed
gas off in cycles.
• The use of this method by inexperienced
personnel is not recommended.
Lube & Bleed
• Used to remove gas from the well.
• Will reduce surface pressures.
• In some cases, used as a well kill
method.
• Typically limited by MAASP.
• Misunderstanding of the mechanism
behind this method can lead to
disaster/blowout.
LUBE AND BLEED TECHNIQUE

When gas reaches the BOP, another procedure is used:

The Lube and Bleed technique

• A pumping and bleeding schedule is established. It is

like the one used for the volumetric method.

• A pumping unit is used to pump small volumes of

mud.

• The fluid density and rheology need to be adjusted

for the fluid to descend rapidly through the gas.

• In practice vs theory the waiting time between each

bleeding cycle is based on actual observation.

345
LUBE AND BLEED TECHNIQUE

The Lube and Bleed cycle and volume method lubrication worksheet
Bullhead Method
Bullhead Method
The Bullhead Method

• Pumping kill fluid downhole with intention of forcing formation fluids

back into the formation.
• Commonly used during workover operations or in high concentration
H2S fields.
• Displaces formation fluids with drilling fluid.
The Bullhead Method
Areas of concern:
• Selecting the proper fluid weight.
• Minimizing damage to formation.
• Integrity of:
• Wellhead.
• Tubing and casing.
• Downhole tools and BHA.

Usually, H2S or last resort

Pump Rate
• Pump rate during bull-heading depends upon fluid
viscosity and density.
• Viscosity and fluid density affect the gas migration
rate, thus the pump rate you’ll choose to bullhead.
Review
• The Driller’s method results in greater pressure being exerted
on the shoe than the Wait & Weight method?

A. True, Driller’s results in greater pressure exertion on shoe than

the Wait & Weight.
B. False, Driller’s does not result in greater pressure exertion on
shoe than the Wait & Weight.
C. Neither method exerts greater pressure on the shoe than the
other.
• What is the best well control method to use to remove a kick
swabbed in while tripping?

A. Wait & Weight.

B. Driller’s.
C. Bullhead.
• While executing the Wait & Weight method, an ICP-to-FCP pressure
schedule is used. Once reached, FCP is maintained on which gauge?

A. Casing pressure gauge.

B. Kill line pressure gauge.
C. Drillpipe pressure gauge.
• Under what condition should the Volumetric method
be used to handle an influx?

A. When tapered drillstring is in use.

B. When gas is at surface and needs to be bled off.
C. When the well cannot be circulated.
• Which of the following is NOT a consideration when
performing the Lube & Bleed method?

A. Managing gas migration.

B. Waiting for fluid to pass, or fall, through the gas.
C. Not exceeding MAASP.
• What is the recommended safe stripping speed of
pipe through the annular?

A. One stand a minute.

B. Two minutes per stand.
C. One joint a minute.
• Under which of the following circumstances
would Bull-heading be the best response to an
influx that occurs during a drilling operation?

A. When the formation can handle it and drilling

ahead is critical to completing the well on time.
B. When drilling in a high concentration H2S field.
C. While drilling in a horizontal section with a
narrow drilling window.
Shallow Gas, Water Flows & Top-hole Drilling
Shallow Top-hole Drilling

• During top-hole drilling, causes of abnormal

pressure:
• Charged formation (e.g. injection wells
nearby).
• Shallow sands.
• Trapped fluids.
• Weight of overburden.
Causes of Underbalance in Top-hole

• Mud weight too low.

• Gas cutting.
• Swabbing.
• Lost circulation.
• Artesian flow.
• Reduced HP while waiting for cement to
set.
Top-hole Drilling Practices

• Proper top-hole drilling practices to

reduce flow:
• Maintaining proper mud weight.
• Regular hole sweeps.
• Drilling a pilot hole.
• Controlled ROP.
• Pumping out of hole.
SHALLOW GAS
Shallow Gas

Introduction
Since years, shallow gas blowouts have jeopardized the oil industry drilling
operations, killed many people, and destroyed many rigs.
An analysis of well control statistics completed by Veritec has revealed that:
• 33% of all gas blow outs: results from shallow gas kicks.
• 54% of shallow gas blowouts cause severe damage or total loss of the
drilling support, due to the failure of the diverter system.
Shallow Gas

Diverters are not a

well control
equipment.

DIVERTERS,
Surface gas blowout produce a huge amount of gas and
abrasive solids, flowing at very high velocity, quickly
eroding and destroying most of the existing diverter
components, and causing fire and/or explosion.
Shallow Gas

Shallow gas can

lead to blow out.
Semi subs & Drill
Ships can be
moved but jack ups
can’t.
 Shallow Gas

Large of amount of
caving and cuttings
due to erosion of the
wellbore.
IPM Standard says to
not drill in shallow gas
areas.
Shallow Gas
Shallow Gas
 Shallow Gas

Definition

• SHALLOW GAS is any gas accumulation encountered

during drilling at depth above the setting point of the first string of casing
intended for, or capable of pressure containment.

• Generally, occurs as normally pressured accumulations in shallow sedimentary

formations with high porosity and permeability.

• Drilling through such gas bearing formations requires extreme caution and
extra vigilance.

*Because of the difficulty in early detection of an influx while drilling top hole sections , the gas,
upon entering the wellbore expands and reaches the surface very rapidly and with little warning*
Prior to Spudding

Special Planning & Evaluating

• SHALLOW SEISMIC SURVEY (3D & 4D)

• SHALLOW GAS PLAN SPECIFIC TO THE RIG / WELL

• DRILL A PILOT HOLE, NORMALLY 97/8” OR LESS

• MWD-LWD
Shallow Gas
Preparation

• RESERVE OF HEAVY MUD

✓ WILL BE 1 TO 2 ppg HEAVIER THAN THE MUD WEIGHT BEING USED.
✓ THE MINIMUM VOLUME WILL BE THE CALCULATED ANNULAR VOLUME FOR THE
SECTION TD.

• ALL MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

✓ MUST BE CALIBRATED AND IN GOOD CONDITION
✓ THE MOST RELIABLE INDICATOR REMAINS THE FLOW OUT SENSOR.

• CLEAR DRILLING OR TRIPPING PROCEDURE

Shallow Gas

Prevention
• FLOW-CHECKS WILL BE MADE EVERY TIME A PROBLEM IS SUSPECTED, AND EACH
CONNECTION WILL BE SYSTEMATICALLY FLOW-CHECKED WHILE DRILLING IN
POTENTIAL SHALLOW GAS ZONES.

• CONTROL THE RATE OF PENETRATION TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF SOLIDS

WHICH COULD CAUSE FRACTURING OF THE FORMATION AND RESULT IN LOST
CIRCULATION.

• SWABBING MUST BE PREVENTED WHILE TRIPPING OUT OF HOLE AND IF

NECESSARY, THE DRILLSTRING SHOULD BE PUMPED OUT
Shallow Gas

IF THE WELL START TO FLOW WHILE DRILLING

DO NOT STOP PUMPING

OPEN DIVERTER LINE AND CLOSE DIVERTER
INCREASE PUMP SPEED (depends on formation)
SWITCH TO HEAVY MUD (MONITOR VOLUME)
RAISE THE ALARM
START EVACUATION PROCEDURE
Diverter
Diverter with Annular Packing Element

Flow line
Annular packing
to Shakers
element
Head
Piston
Diverter
open port
Diverter Body
close port

Functions should be interlocked

Open Vent Line & Close Diverter
Vent line
Or
to over
Open Diverter & Close Vent Line board
Diverter with Insert Type Packer
Drill pipe
• This diverter shares the
Functions should be Insert packer
flowline and vent line (just
one outlet). interlocked lockdown dogs

Diverter close port

• This diverter just close,
opening must be done
Diverter lockdown
manually after the situation is dogs
controlled (no opening
chamber).
Standard packer
Flow- Line Seal
• THE LOCKDOWN DOGS MUST Insert packer
BE CLOSED.
Flow / Vent line
• Difference in costs and brand
Support housing
(this one is more expensive).
Flow- Line Seal
Diverter

Wind
5
What is the position of
the valves while drilling ? 1

If the diverter needs to be 2

operated, what will be 3 4
the sequence ?

First open the overboard lines, close valve 1 and then close the
diverter.
Check the wind to define which line we are going to use to vent
the gas.
Minimum Diverter Requirements

• CLOSING TIME SHOULD NOT EXCEED 30 SECONDS FOR DIVERTERS

SMALLERS THAN 20 ’’ AND 45 SECONDS FOR DIVERTERS OF ABOVE
20’’ NOMINAL BORE
• A DIVERTER HEAD THAT IS CAPABLE OF PACKING OFF AROUND THE
KELLY, DRILL PIPE OR CASING WILL BE USED
• AT LEAST TWO RELIEF LINES SHALL BE INSTALLED TO PERMIT
VENTING OF THE WELL-BORE RETURNS AT OPPOSITE ENDS OR SIDES
OF THE RIG.
• ON LAND RIGS A SINGLE LINE IS ACCEPTABLE
• THE DIVERTER RELIEF LINE(S) SHALL BE AT LEAST 8 INCH DIAMETER.
Equipment
Blowout Preventer Stack

• Seals and controls oil and

gas wells.
• Prevents uncontrolled
fluids from exiting the
wellbore.
• Shuts in and seals the
annulus.
• Various configurations
for different sizes that
range from 2K to 20K psi
ratings.
Annular BOP

• Versatile pressure control

devices for wellheads: • Annular BOP
• Seals on a range of pipe
sizes.
• In emergency may seal
on wireline or open
hole.
• Can function as
lubricating head for
stripping pipe.
• Many models energized
by well.

Play Video
Ram BOP

• Wide application in field:

• Wide range of sizes, pressure ratings and
configurations.
• Specific ram blocks used for special
applications.
• Ram Operation
• Seals pressure from below and close with
1,500 psi from the accumulator.
• Some models in surface BOP stacks can be
closed manually.
Ram Video

Play Video

385
 Weep-hole
• The function of the weep-hole is to isolate wellbore pressure from the pressure in
the operating cylinder.
• Should leakage occur in either the wellbore or operating chamber the weep-hole
will provide a vent to atmosphere.
• If mud is observed coming from the weep-hole this would suggest that the piston
*If there is no weep hole so
rod mud seal requires replacing.
the well pressure which may
• If hydraulic fluid is observed leaking from the weep-hole this would imply that be 10000 psi will be directed
the seal between the bonnet and piston rod is leaking. to the opening chamber and
• Plastic packing is forced into an exterior groove around a doughnut-shaped damage it*
plastic packing ring. As more plastic is forced into this groove by screwing the
piston in, the force is transmitted to the bottom of the groove which effects a seal
around the connecting rod, and to the sides of the groove which creates a seal
against the body of the preventer.
• There is no relief mechanism to maintain the correct plastic packing pressure. For
this reason, care should be taken to screw the piston in just far enough to stop the
leakage. If the piston is screwed in too far, excessive hydraulic pressure will be
necessary to operate the preventer, and rod damage can result
Blocks for Ram Type BOP
Ram Type Function Equipment

Seals on a single pipe size.

Pipe Ram

Seals on multiple pipe sizes,

Variable Bore Ram
hexagon kelly, and tapered
(VBR)
strings.

Seals on open wellbore; does

Blind Ram
not close on pipe or wireline.

Blind/Shear Ram Seals wellbore after cutting the pipe.

Designed to cut pipe.

Shear Ram (“Cutters”)
Redundancy

• Redundancy is critical with well

control equipment.
• If one BOP fails, one or more
Barriers that are dependent on
each other to shut in the well.
Accumulator

• Hydraulically powered system

that rapidly closes the BOP.
• System redundancy:
• Extra fluid pumps.
• Excess fluid capacity.
• Backup system.
• Minimum of two independent
energy sources.
• Nitrogen MUST be used to fill
bottles.
Job Principle Of Control System

Open Place Central Place Close Place

Blocked Oil
Hydraulic Oil Path Hydraulic Oil

Close Open
Cavity Cavity

Close Open Close Open

Both Blocked Oil Path
Cavity Cavity Cavity Cavity

Oil Tank Oil Tank

Principle Figure Of 3P 4W Switch

 API RP In BOP Control Unit
(1) The Unit should be Located a Safe Distance(100/150 ft.) from the Well-Bore.
(2) TWO Sources of Power Should Be Available On the BOP Control Unit.
(Should Have Two Different Pump Systems)
(3) API Pre-Charge Pressure 1000 psi for Accumulator Cylinder.
(4) Each Pump System Should Be Protect Against Pressure Build Up With TWO

Different Protection Systems. (The First Is a Switch)

(5) The Two Pump System Automatically Start When the Pressure Decrease To
90% Of Working Pressure ( 2700 psi ) And Automatically Stop Within Plus
Zero Or Minus 100 psi Working Pressure (Switch Function)
(6) The second device (relief valve) should be size to relieve at a flow rate at least
equal to the design flow rate of the pump and should be set to relieve at not more
than 10 % over the control unit pressure. (3300 psi)
**Air pumps should be capable of charging the accumulators to the system
working pressure with 75 psi.
BOP Closing System, Simplified

Driller’s Console
Accumulator

BOP Stack
 Usable fluid
(Recoverable
oil)

Hydraulic fluid volume at 3,000 psi equals 6.67 gallons.

Hydraulic fluid volume at 1,200 psi equals 1.67 gallons.
Therefore usable fluid operating under the above pressure;
equals 6.67 – 1.67 = 5 gallons
❑Which gas is used to pre-charge the accumulator bottles on a BOP
Hydraulic Control Unit?
A. Air.
B. Nitrogen.
C. Oxygen.
D. Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
E. Methane.

❑Nitrogen is the gas used to pre-charge accumulator bottles.

A. TRUE B. FALSE

❑What is the minimum recommended (API RP53) pre-charge pressure for

the accumulator bottles on a 3000-psi Hydraulic Control Unit?
A. 3000 psi.
B. 1000 psi.
C. 1200 psi.
D. 200 psi.
Usable Fluid

Accumulator Bottle Size 10 Gallon

Boyle’s Low :
P1 V1 = P2V2 = P3V3
V1 P1 3000 PSI
Therefore :
P3V3 P3V3
V1 = and V2 =
P1 P2 V2

With VU = V2 – V1 V3 P2 VU = V 2 – V 1

The Formula Becomes

P3V3 P3V3 1200 PSI

VU =
P2 - P1
P3
1000 PSI

1000X10
VU =
1000X10
1200
- 3000

VU = 5 Gallon
❑If a function is operated on the remote BOP control panel without operating
the master control valve, how will the function work?
A. Slower.
B. Faster.
C. The same.
D. Will not work at all.
Hi-Lo Bypass (2 Position/2 Way Valve)

➢Valve Allows You To Put Full Accumulator Pressure To Rams and

HCR Valves Only But the Most Likely Ram Is Blind/Shear Rams
❑On the remote panel the High-Low bypass valve allows you to put full
accumulator pressure to which of the following.
A. Rams only.
B. Annular only.
C. All functions.
D. Rams and H.C.R. valves only.

❑On which ram operation would you be most likely to use the by-pass
(manifold valve) facility?
A. Variable bore rams.
B. Blind/Shear rams.
C. 5 inch pipe rams.
D. 3-1/2 inch pipe rams.
Choke Manifold

• The manifold system controls and distributes fluid

flow (gas, fluid or mixture) from the BOP and well.
• Provides alternative flow paths so individual chokes
or valves can be repaired or replaced without
disruption to operation.
• Valve alignment should be checked every shift.
Manifold

• Piping system from BOP to manifolds must be rated to

handle maximum anticipated pressures.
• Overall rating is determined by the lowest rated component in the system.
Chokes

• Applications:
• Control fluid flow rate and provide
backpressure during well control
operations.
• Backpressure increases
friction by restricting
the flow of fluids
through an orifice.
Chokes

• Types of chokes include:

• Remotely actuated, adjustable.
• Manual adjustable.
• Fixed orifice.
Connection
Flanges and Sealing Rings
API 6B API 6BX
2000 – 5000 psi (Low Pressure) 5000 – 20000 psi (High Pressure)
Not Face To Face Face To face
Need To Be Occasionally(Weekly) Re-Tightening. NOT Need

Use (R & Rx Ring Gaskets). Use BX Ring Gasket

Has a Specified Distance between(Made Up Flange)-(Stand Off) No Made Up Flange

Type “R”

Type “RX”

Type “BX”
Ring Grooves

The most common ring grooves are:

API 6B - 2,000 / 5,000 psi•
API 6BX - 2,000 / 20,000 psi•
---------------------------------------------------
Ring gaskets to be used for specific grooves are:
API 6B - use API type “R” or type “RX”•
API 6BX - use API type “BX”•

❑ All BX Ring baskets have hole diameter.

❑ The pressure passage hole illustrated in the ‘RX’ Ring cross section on rings ‘RX-
82’ through ‘RX-91’ only.
❑ Hole diameter shall be 0.06 inches for rings ‘RX-82’ through ‘RX-85’, 0.9 inches
for rings ‘RX-86’ and ‘RX-87’, and 0.12 inches for rings ‘RX-88’ through ‘RX-91’.
BOP Stack Arrangements

• Configured for a range of

applications and factors:
• Rig type and height.
• Wellbore configuration.
• Area regulations.
• Types of formation fluids.
• Maximum anticipated formation
pressure.
BOP Stack Selection

• Must be rated for the maximum

anticipated surface pressure
(MASP) of the formations being
drilled.
• Should test BOP to the maximum
pressure for which it is rated.
BOP Stack

• Must contain individual components able to close on

open hole and tubular sizes being used.
• Metallurgical properties and elastomers must be able
to withstand temperatures and any corrosive fluids
(i.e. H2S, CO2, etc.) that may be encountered.
Drill String Valves

• Used to prevent backflow, and

some serve as barriers.
• Types:
• Full opening safety valves (FOSV).
• Backpressure valves (floats).
• Inside BOPs.
• Upper kelly cock.
Full Opening Safety Valves (FOSV)

• Known as TIW valve.

• First stabbing valve installed
when tripping.
• Correct size valve and closing
wrench is required on the rig
floor at all times.
• Must be stored in the open
position.
• Must be pressure-tested when
the stack is tested.
Failure and Remediation

• Potential failure of the valve and remedial

actions:
• Trash can clog valve, restricting closure.
• When attempting to open a valve with pressure
on one side, personnel can damage the
operating stem.
• Corrective action: before opening the valve,
apply pressure on the back side of the valve
equal to pressure being applied on the opposite
side.
• For damaged valves: call out service personnel
to perform valve drilling or replace the valve and
send it in for repair.
Backpressure Valve (Float)

• Applications include:
• Pressure-based operations.
• Prevents well from
U-tubing during drilling operations.
• Prevents fluid from backwashing,
which can cause cuttings to clog
mud motors and MWD/LWD tools.
Pit Management

• If the pit gains too great during

well kill, transfer to reserve or
holding tank.
• If formation fluids reach the pit
system:
• Mud-gas separator not sufficient to
handle volume and pressure of
formation fluids.
• Gas in the fluid may result in a fire at
the surface.
• H2S and other types of gases are
highly dangerous at the surface.
Fluid Maintenance

• General roles and responsibilities

during drilling and/or well kill:
• Derrickman ensures mixing facilities are in
order and correct kill fluid is being
pumped.
• Fluid engineer regularly checks the flow
properties of the fluid.
• Pit hand ensures correct weight and
viscosity of fluid coming out of the
discharge pit. This provides information
about mud properties and the general
well condition.
Pit Management During Kill Ops

• Pit line-up for a kill

operation:
• Check valve and pit
alignment prior to
performing a kill operation.
• Ensure pit alignment allows
for pumping properly
weighted fluids downhole.
Pit Management

• If the pit gains too great during a

well kill, transfer to the reserve
or holding tank.
• If formation fluids reach the pit
system:
• Mud-gas separator not sufficient
to handle volume and pressure of
formation fluids.
• Gas in the fluid may result in a fire
at the surface.
• H2S and other types of gases are
highly dangerous at the surface.
Pit Management

• If the pit gains too great

during a well kill, transfer to
the reserve or holding tank.
• If formation fluids reach the
pit system:
• Mud-gas separator not
sufficient to handle volume and
pressure of formation fluids.
• Gas in the fluid may result in a
fire at the surface.
• H2S and other types of gases
are highly dangerous at the
surface.
Mud-Gas Separator (MGS)

• Separates gas from drilling

fluid.
• Gas is vented, and drilling fluid
is saved and reused.
• Located downstream of the
choke manifold.
Mud-Gas Separator Poor Boy (Gas Poster)
MGS. Down Stream To Choke Manifold
Mud Gas Separator Vent

Back Pressure
From Choke Manifold
Pressure Buildup

Maximum Working Pressure

Efficiency

To Shale Shakers

Liquid Seal
Vent Pipe ( ID, H )
➢ Determines the Back-Pressure (Build Up Pressure) Generated Within the
Separator.

➢ It Must Be Not Less Than 6 inch to Avoid Build Up Pressure Increase Which
May Cause Entering Gases to Shale Shaker Area.
Dip (U) Tube / Liquid Seal
➢ Limit the Maximum Working Pressure of the Mud/Gas Separator.

➢ The Primary Factor In Limiting the Capacity or (Efficiency) of MGS.

Hot Mud Inlet Line Function

1- In case of a pressure build-up in the MGS. We can use the hot
line to change the kill mud weight in the dip tube.
2- For flushing dip tube when needed.
 D2
❑Which of the following
dimensions in the diagram
below, limit the H4 GAS TO VENT

maximum working pressure

of the mud/gas separator? FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
D3

MUD/GAS
SEPERATOR H1

D1
TO SHALE
SHAKERS
A. The height of the main body (H1).
B. The height of the dip tube (H2).
LIQUID SEAL
C. The total height of the vent line (H4). H2
D. Diameter of the inlet pipe (D3).
 D2

H4 GAS TO VENT

FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
D3

MUD/GAS
SEPERATOR H1

D1
TO SHALE
SHAKERS

❑Which of the following dimensions is the H2

LIQUID SEAL

primary factor in limiting the capacity of the

mud-gas separator?
A. The height of the dip tube (H2)
B. The height of the main body (H1)
C. The total height of the vent line (H4)
 D2

H4 GAS TO VENT

❑In the figure, which dimension FROM CHOKE

MANIFOLD
D3
determines the back pressure
MUD/GAS
generated within the separator? SEPERATOR H1

D1
TO SHALE
SHAKERS

A. The length and the inside diameter (D3) of the inlet pipe
from the buffer tank to the choke manifold. H3 H2
LIQUID SEAL

B. The dip tube height (H2).

C. The body height (H1) and the body inside diameter
(D1).
D. The derrick vent pipe height (H4) and inside diameter
(D2).
 D2
❑Use the illustration of the
mud/gas separator in Figure H4 GAS TO VENT

and the following data to

calculate the operating FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
pressure at which gas blow- D3
through may occur:
MUD/GAS
H1 - body height = 20 ft. SEPERATOR H1
H2 - dip tube height = 15 ft.
H4 - vent line height = 147 ft. D1
Mud density = 10 ppg TO SHALE
SHAKERS

A. 3.4 psi
B. 5 psi LIQUID SEAL
H2
C. 7.8 psi
❑When should the vacuum degasser be used?
A. During drilling/circulating.
B. During a kick situation.
C. During a well test situation.

❑What is the purpose of a Vacuum Degasser?

A. It is only used while circulating out a kick.
B. It is mainly used to remove gas from mud while drilling
C. It is mainly used to separate gas from liquids while testing.
D. It is a standby in the event of the “Mud/Gas Separator (Poor Boy)” failing.

❑Why can a Vacuum Degasser not to be used in place of mud gas separator
during the control of a kick?
A. Because it has capacity limitations.
B. Because it is not sited in an explosion proof area.
C. Because cuttings must be removed first
Mud-Gas Separator

• Pressure ratings and volume

handling capacity vary
depending on manufacturer and
size.
• Gas blow-by from overloaded
MGS may result in gas in the pit
area.
Degassers

• When formation fluids reach surface,

they are managed by the mud-gas
separator and further downline by the
degasser.
• Most common degasser is vacuum type
that uses vacuum pump to move fluid.
• If mud-gas separator and/or degasser
cannot handle the amount of formation
fluids being returned:
• Divert, slow circulating rate, or shut back
in.
THANK YOU Dyakuyu Дякую

GRACIAS Shukriya ‫شکریہ‬

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