Well Control During Drilling

Operations

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Mahmoud Farag Radwan

Well Control and Intervention Specialist│Freelance Instructor
https:\\www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-farag-radwan-a9266626
Outline

◼ Kicks and Blowouts

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◼ Terminology

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◼ Causes of Kicks

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◼ Kick Detection

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◼ Shut-In Procedures

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◼ Killing Methods
◼ Driller’s and Wait & Weight Method
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Kicks and Blowouts

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Well Control

Kick

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◼ “an unscheduled entry of formation fluids into the wellbore, of sufficient

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Quantity to require shutting in the well.

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Blowout

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◼ Loss of control of a kick

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Blowout

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Impact of Well Control Incidents

◼ Increased exposure to hazards

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◼ NPT

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◼ Cost

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◼ Stress

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◼ Disposal of hydrocarbons

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◼ Equipment damage and or wear
◼ Drilling fluid problems
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Impact of a Blowout … Immediate

◼ HSE Impact

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Deaths / Injury

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◼

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◼ Loss of OU / Third Party Assets

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◼ Pollution (Air / Land / Water)

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◼ Local population at risk

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◼ Shut down of Production
◼ Control Costs
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Personnel
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◼

◼ Equipment

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Impact of a Blowout … Long term

◼ Company Image & Licence to Operate

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◼ Remediation of environmental pollution

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◼ Reservoir damage

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◼ Depressurisation

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◼ Crossflow / contamination

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◼ Deferment of production
◼ Loss of well
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◼ Diversion of other assets (rigs etc)
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 Terminology

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1.2
Levels of Well Control

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Partial or Complete Abandonment

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BOPs

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Specialists

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Well Control
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Hole full
Control &
Prevention Mitigation
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Primary Well Control

What is it?

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The use of hydrostatic pressure

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derived from the wellbore fluid to

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control the pore pressure in

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exposed formations
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Liquids, Densities and Pressure Gradients

◼ Liquids exert hydrostatic

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pressure

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◼ Pressure is related to the

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density of the fluid and height

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◼ Liquids are relatively

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incompressible, density almost
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 Hydrostatic Pressure (HP) Provides Primary Well Control
A column of fluid at rest exerts “hydrostatic” pressure within the fluid column.
Hydrostatic pressure is dependent on the mud

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weight and vertical depth to the point of interest.

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MW = 12 ppg

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HP = 0.052 x MW x TVD

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HP is in psi, MW in ppg, and TVD in feet.

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9 5/8” @ 8500 ft EXAMPLE:

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TVD

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What is the hydrostatic pressure per foot of vertical depth?

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What is the hydrostatic pressure at the casing shoe?
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TVD = 12,000 ft
HP @ shoe = .624 psi/ft x 8500 ft =5304 psi
What is the bottomhole hydrostatic pressure?
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HP @ TVD = .624 psi/ft x 12000 ft = 7488 psi
Hydrostatic Pressure - Pressure Gradient - Equivalent Mud Weight

Gradient = MW x .052

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HP = Gradient x TVD

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HSP = MW x .052 x TVD

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MW = Gradient ÷ .052

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MW = Pressure ÷ .052 ÷ TVD

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Gradient = Pressure ÷ TVD
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Note: Use TVD for Pressure.

Use MD for volume.

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Pressure vs Depth

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Multiple Fluid Gradients

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Well Control

◼ Fluids in rock pore spaces need to be kept under control at all times

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◼ Failure to control these fluids can lead to spontaneous and rapid flow into the

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well bore.

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◼ Initially such a flow is referred to as a Kick

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When the flow remains uncontrolled & escalates it is called a Blow-Out

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◼

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◼ Always strive for Primary Well Control in Drilling And Work-over Operations

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◼ Primary Well Control relies on the use of hydrostatic pressure derived from the
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wellbore fluid to control the pore pressure in exposed formations

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Drilling fluid density is a trade-off …

◼ Too low and the BHP will fall below the

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Pore Pressure and potentially result in a

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kick

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◼ Too high and the BHP can result in

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fracturing of the bore hole resulting in

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losses and wellbore problems

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Pore Pressure Profile - The lower limit

◼ Normal Pore Pressure Profiles

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Hydraulic connection to the water table

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◼

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◼ connection can be some distance away

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◼ other formations

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◼ non-sealing faults

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ORIGINS OF FORMATION PRESSURE
Sedimentation and Subsidence Process
Geologic Strata

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Ocean or
River Bed

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Normal Pressure

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Seal or
Caprock

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Abnormally
Pressured
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Zone
Permeable
Formation

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Normal Range of Water Densities

Pressure

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Abnormal
10.52 kPa/m

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(0.465 psi/ft)
or higher

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Subnormal
9.8 kPa/m
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(0.433 psi/ft)
Depth

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or less

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Pore Pressure Profile - The lower limit

Abnormal Pore Pressure Profiles

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◼ High water table or low elevation

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◼ Hydrocarbon bearing formations

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◼ Abnormal sedimentary burial

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◼ Undercompaction / geopressures / depopressures

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◼ Salt dunes

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◼ Tectonic pressures
Sub-Normal Pore Pressure Profiles
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◼ Low water table or high drilling location
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◼ Reservoir Depletion
◼ Tectonic extension after compression

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Abnormal Pressure - Rig Elevation

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Under-balance
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Sub-normal Pressures – Rig Elevation

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Over-balance

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Abnormal Pressure – Under-compaction

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Abnormal Pressure – Pressures trapped by Faults

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Abnormal Pressure – Pressures in / around Salt Domes

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Abnormal Pressure – Hydrocarbon Column Effect

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? ?

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Hydrocarbon Column Effect

Pressure

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Overpressure

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Top of Reservoir

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GOC

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OWC
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Water
Oil
Gas
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Formation Breakdown Gradient – the Upper Limit

3

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Principal Stresses

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1 2 2

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P

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2 2
3

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3
3
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2 2
1 = max. principal stress = v = vertical stress P
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2 & 3 = horizontal confining stresses

3 = minimum principal stress 3
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Overburden Gradient

Overburden pressure gradient is the sum

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of the fluid and rock pressure gradients

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Effectively the highest pressure that can be

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experienced

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Determining Formation Strength

Generally performed after setting casing

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◼ Drill out casing & rat hole

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◼ Drill +/- 5m of new formation

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◼ Circulate and condition mud to constant density

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◼ Pull back into shoe

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Performed as either leak-off test or limit test

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◼ Leak off test in plastic formations (clays / shales)

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◼ Limit Test more common in brittle formations (limestones) & where
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strength requirement is known
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Formation Strength - Limit Test

Test Objective:

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Limit Test Response
◼ Confirm pressure integrity of formation to a pre-

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determined pressure. Surface Limit Press. (LP)

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◼ Confirm assumptions made during well design.

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Surface Pressure
Limitations:

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◼ Limited information about casing shoe cement bond

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◼ Restricted to LP for the formation immediately below
the shoe.
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◼ Does not quantify properties associated with
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Volume Pumped
fracturing or in-situ stresses. (or time @ constant pump rate)

◼ Provides limited information!

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Formation Strength - Leak-off Test

Test Objective:

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◼ Obtain leak-off pressure or stable fracture pressure for

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the formation below the shoe. Leak Off Press Stable Fracture
(LOP) Propagation

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Limitations:

Pressure
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◼ Limited guidance on the integrity of the casing shoe

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cement bond.

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◼ Fracture gradient for single point only.

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◼ Formation damaged (controllable / small scale).
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◼ Limited information on in-situ stresses (fracture Hard Impermeable Formation
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gradient as upper limit of minimum horizontal stress).

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Formation Strength Test - Soft, Permeable Formation

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Pressure

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Initial Press

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Final Press

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Initial - Final

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Vol

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Formation Strength - Cement Integrity Test

◼ If P < 10% in 15 mins, cement is good & the new

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formation is impermeable (or effectively sealed by P

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Press
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mud cake)

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◼ If pressure drops noticeably after 3 - 5 mins, bring

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pressure back to initial shut-in.

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Press response for permeable formation

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Press

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Time

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Pressure response for inadequate shoe isolation (leak)

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Press

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Time

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Formation Strength Pressure

MAASP

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ρfs

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Formation Strength Gradient

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ρmu Limiting Pressure

(Limit / Leak-off Test)
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 Calculated Examples

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Stop Pump
Leak off
Initial Shut-in Pressure (ISIP)
Min. Horizontal Stress (Sh)

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Fluid Compression

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Pressure
Shut-in Time
(minutes)
Linear
Record every min. for 20 minutes or until pressure
increase

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stabilizes

0 1 2 3 4

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Barrels

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Leak off pressure ah = 900 psi
Test mud weight = 10.0 ppg
= 4,500 ft
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TVD shoe

900 psi ÷ .052 psi/ft/ppg ÷ 4,500 ft + 10.0 ppg = 13.8 ppg

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Combine the information

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Kick Types and Causes of Kicks

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 Kick Types

◼ While drilling tophole section with a diverter system – Diverter

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Procedures

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◼ While drilling with a full BOP stack – “On bottom drilling” due to

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unexpected Abnormal Formation Pressure

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◼ While tripping with a full BOP stack – “Off bottom” due to reduced

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Hydrostatic Pressure

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 Causes of Kicks
◼ A kick is the undesired flow of formation fluids into the wellbore.

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◼ The Rig Team must react to well control warning signs.

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◼ Industry-wide experience has shown that the most common causes of kicks are:

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1. Swabbing during trips

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2. Improper hole fill-up on trips

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3. Insufficient mud/fluid weight – human error

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4. Drilling into unexpected abnormal formation pressure

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5. Loss of circulation
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▪ Evidence also shows that the majority of kicks occur during trips.

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 Swabbing – Beware of Insufficient Hole Fill-
Up Swabbing is affected by:
◼ Pipe pulling speed

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◼ Mud properties

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◼ Annular clearance

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Procedure:

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◼ Monitor hole fill-up on trips!
Formation Fluids
◼ Limit pipe pulling and running speeds.

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◼ Add trip margin.

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◼ If swabbing is severe, consider pumping out of
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Warning signs of swabbing:
◼ Excessive overpull, drag, or torque

◼ Drilling in reactive formations (gumbo)

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions ◼ High rheology mud properties
 Use Trip Tanks and Document Trip Sheets
◼ Trip Sheets should be used to compare actual and
calculated volumes displaced.

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◼ Trip Tanks must be accurately calibrated and

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monitored by crew member.

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◼ Hole fill-up manifolding should account for pulling dry

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or “wet” pipe.

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◼ Plan the trip – have a set schedule of stands pulled

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between fill-ups, have a sound procedure for re-filling

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trip tank and transferring surface mud volumes.

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Reduction in Bottom Hole Pressure
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When in doubt,
flow check or shut-in the well! If MW is 12.2 ppg and falls 350 ft, what is the
decrease in BHP?
12.2 ppg x .052 x 350 ft = 271 psi
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 Insufficient Mud Weight – Monitor MWs In/Out Regularly!
Causes of insufficient mud/fluid density
are:

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◼ Drilling abnormal pressured formations

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◼ Improper water additions / leaking mud room or

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pit valves

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NOTE:

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◼ Barite settling/SAG in high angle hole sections

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◼ Mud/fluid density should be checked and logged
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◼ Human Error
often.
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◼ Values should be reported over rig intercom and

“light” conditions should be reported immediately.
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 Loss of Circulation – Monitor Pit Levels at All
Times Trip Tank

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BOP Stack
Choke Manifold
Mud Pumps Mud Pits

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Kill Line

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Gas Separator

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◼ Total loss of circulation can cause a potential loss of
hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore.

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◼ Loss of circulation causes a loss of pressure integrity in
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the circulating system.

◼ THE HOLE MUST REMAIN FULL!

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Kick Detection and Shut-In Procedures

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 KICK WARNING SIGNS – While Drilling
A warning sign is an indication observed at the surface by the rig crew.

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◼ Drilling Break ◼ String Weight Change

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◼ Increase in Flow Return Rate ◼ Reduced Drilling Fluid Density

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◼ Gain in Pit Volume ◼ Geo-pressured Shale Cuttings

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◼ Well Flows with Pumps Shut-off ◼ Flow Line Abnormalities

◼ Decrease in Circulating Pressure

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 KICK WARNING SIGNS – While Tripping
A warning sign is an indication observed at the surface by the rig crew.

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◼ Improper hole fill

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◼ Well begins to flow

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◼ Gain in Trip Tank Volume

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Secondary Well Control

◼ Use of Surface Equipment to restrict/prevent flow from well

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◼ How is it done?

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◼ Why does it work?

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◼ How to shut in the well?

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◼ How to interpret pressures?

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Kick Detection Equipment

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Kick Detection Equipment

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What is the most important piece of well control equipment on the rig?

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Flow Checks

◼ Involves physically checking the level of fluid in the annulus

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◼ Flow check are to be done

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◼ After drilling break

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◼ Just before pulling bit off bottom prior to a trip

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◼ At the last casing shoe

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◼ Prior to pulling the BHA out of the hole

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m AND
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ANY TIME THERE IS A DOUBT
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Kick Containment

◼ The size and severity of a kick depends upon

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The degree of underbalance

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◼

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◼ The formation permeability

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◼ The length of time the well remains underbalanced

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Any suspected kick should be shut in as fast as possible

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Blowout Control Equipment
◼ Annular & ram type preventers

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◼ Allow the well to be shut in at surface

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◼ Allow wellbore pressure to increase to balance Po and so stop well flowing

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◼ Downhole & surface drillpipe valves

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◼ Prevents flow up the drillstring when well is shut in

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◼ Choke control system
Provides system to monitor & apply annular back pressure to

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◼

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◼ Keep the well under control.

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◼ Hydraulic BOP control system ah
◼ Stores hydraulic energy to enable a fast & reliable response on closing the well.
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◼ Degassing equipment
◼ Separates gas from drilling fluid
◼ Diverts gas to safe area for venting.
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BOP Stack
◼ The BOP stack is located over the well head and under drill

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floor in surface BOP’s

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◼ They might include

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◼ Annular preventer

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◼ Pipe ram preventer

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◼ Drilling spool

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Blind/shear ram preventer

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◼

Casing head housing

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◼ The stack is assembled in many arrangements depending upon
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requirements
◼ Principal well control equipment on the rig
◼ Generally owned by drilling contractor
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Surface BOP Stack Configuration

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Annular Preventer

◼ Are available in different sizes, makes and pressure ratings

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◼ All contain a steel reinforced rubber packing that close around tubulars

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Ram Preventers

◼ Ram preventers close on the drill pipe by moving rams from a retracted position

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◼ They operate in pairs and seal the space below them when closed

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◼ They have openings that match the diameter of pipe for which they are designed

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◼ Also come in different sizes, makes and pressure ratings

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BOP Rams

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Hydraulic Control Unit

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Hydraulic Control Unit

◼ Stores hydraulic energy in accumulator bottles

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◼ Regulates operating pressure to a main manifold and separate annular prevent manifold

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◼ Diverts hydraulic oil to opening or closing sides of all preventers and valves

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◼ Can be operated remotely by actuators on valve handles

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◼ Pump redundancy – air and electrical pumps

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Hydraulic Control Unit

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BOP Hydraulic Control System

◼ Nitrogen pre-charge (+/- 1000psi) above

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float or in bladder

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◼ Nitrogen compressed by hydraulic oil

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pumped into bottom of cylinder to +/-

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3000 psi

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◼ As functions operated, N2 drives

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hydraulic oil out of cylinders

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Remote Panels

◼ Located on drillfloor and elsewhere

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on rigsite

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◼ Provide remote control of all BOP

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functions

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◼ Usual to have safety cover over

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shear ram function

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Closing in the drillstring

◼ BOPs only close in on annulus

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◼ Flow will continue up drillstring if

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open

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◼ Drillsting or inside BOPS (kelly

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cock) closes in on drillstring

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◼ Needs to have correct threads for

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drillstring
◼ Needs a key to close it
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◼ Needs to be stabbed on flowing well
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◼ TIW/Gray valve is a pump through

valve made on top of this for
stripping in.
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Choke Manifold

◼ Provide means of applying controlled back

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pressure to the well whilst circulating a kick

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◼ An assembly of HP flanged fittings

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◼ Several lateral outlets

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◼ Attached to the BOP stack with choke line

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◼ Choke helps to maintain back pressure

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◼ This prevents further influx
◼ The fluid from well can be diverted
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◼ The choke is operated manually or
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remotely
◼ A choke panel is usually on rig floor

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Remote Choke Panel

◼ Located on drill floor

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◼ Allows better coordination with Driller during well kill

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◼ Requires rig air to operate

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Poor-boy (atmospheric) degasser

◼ Used to remove gas from drilling fluid

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◼ Gas disposed via vent line

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◼ Fluids return to tanks via shaker header

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box

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◼ Capacity limited by separation efficiency

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and gas vent line pressure drop

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Well Shut-in
◼ Three Important Considerations:

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◼ String space-out for BOP closing and safety valve access or installation.

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◼ The drill/work string should be secured first. This is the shortest path to the surface for

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potential kicking fluids.

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◼ After the well is shut-in, verify that well flow has ceased.

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Types of shut-in:

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Soft shut-in – choke is open while drilling and tripping
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Hard shut-in – choke is closed while drilling and tripping
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Well Shut-in As Per API RP 59
While Drilling – Hard Shut-In While Drilling – Soft Shut-

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In
1. Pick up to correct space out. 1. Pick up to correct space out.

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2. Shut off pumps. 2. Shut off pumps.

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3. Open choke line valve (HCR). 3. Open choke line valve (HCR).

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4. Close the BOP.

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4. Close the BOP.

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5. Ensure that choke is closed. 5. Close the remote choke.

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6. Verify that well is shut-in. 6. Verify that well is shut-in.
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7. Record Time SIDPP, SICP, and Pit Gain. 7. Record Time, SIDPP, SICP, and Pit Gain.

8. Notify supervisors. 8. Notify supervisors.

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Time Line for a Drilled Kick

Soft - Shut In
Tk Td Tc Ts

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Occurrence Phase Confirmation Phase Securing Phase Kill Phase

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Open Close
Stop Pick Stop Flow Close

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Choke Bag /
Drilling Up Pumps Check Choke
Line Ram

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Hard - Shut In

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Tk Td Tc Ts
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Sec.
Occurrence Phase Confirmation Phase Phase Kill Phase
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Stop pumps Close

Stop Pick Flow Check Bag /
Drilling Up Open Choke Ram
line HCR
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Shut In Procedures - Tripping

1. Set slips below top tool joint.

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2. Stab a full opening safety valve and close it.

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3. Open the HCR and close the BOP, and choke.

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4. Pick up and stab the TDS.

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5. Open the safety valve.

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6. Notify the supervisors.

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7. Read and record SIDPP, SICP, Pit gain, TVD of Well, TVD of bit, time, and date.
8. Prepare to implement kill.
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 Well Control Drills

◼ Helps in Early Detection of Well Control Warning Signs

an
◼ Purpose of BOP drills is to familiarize the drillcrews with techniques that will be

w
implemented in the event of a kick.

ad
◼ Kick-induced well pressures are dependent upon influx volume. Drills make the

R
rig team more alert to warning signs and promote early kick detection.

F.
◼ Every effort should be make to ensure that the drill is carried out in the most

d
realistic manner possible.

ou
◼ Perform various drills once a week with each crew:

m
ah
• While drilling
M

• While tripping

• While drilling with a diverter

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 an
Killing the Well

1.5
w
ad
R
F.
d
ou
m
ah
M
 Analysing Pressures…The Well as a U Tube

Always consider the well as a U-Tube

an
Total pressures will always balance

w
ad
Pressures driven by:

R
◼ Pore Pressure

F.
◼ DP / Annulus contents

d
◼ Surface Pressure

ou
m
ah
M

Po = Reservoir
BHP
Copyright of Shell Global Solutions Pressure
Modelling a kick

◼ After a drilling kick an influx will be

an
located at bottom of hole

w
ad
◼ Usually “strung out” around the BHA

R
◼ Low annular capacity around BHA leads

F.
to long length of influx

d
◼ Shutting in the well allows pressure to

ou
build up so BHP rises back up to Po

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

Pressures after closing in well

◼ BHP will rise to equal Po

an
◼ Assuming drillstring full of drilling fluid,

w
ad
PDP will indicate reservoir

R
overpressure

F.
◼ Po can be calculated knowing TVD of

d
well and drilling fluid density

ou
◼ Pann greater than PDP due to lighter
fluid in annulus
m
ah
◼ New drilling fluid gradient can be
M

determined from Po

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

Pre-Kick Calculations

◼ Much of data required for well control operation can be pre-calculated

an
◼ Kick Control worksheet used to record key data

w
ad
◼ Well dimensions, depths etc

R
◼ Drillstring and Annulus Volumes

F.
◼ MAASP

d
◼ Strokes required to circulate specific lengths of drillstring and annulus

ou
◼ Slow circulating pressures

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

Slow Circulating Rates

◼ Allow continuous weighing up of drilling fluid as well is killed

an
◼ Allow for effective degassing at the mud/gas separator

w
ad
◼ Maintains standpipe pressure at acceptable level

R
◼ Reduces annular friction loss

F.
◼ Provides ample time for response to pressure fluctuations at choke

d
◼ Minimises chance of hydrate at choke (only HP/HT and/or subsea)

ou
◼ Minimises pressure loss through (long) choke line (only subsea)

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

Kick Sheets

◼ Available for different well configurations

an
◼ Need to be kept up to date

w
ad
◼ Should be updated every shift or on a significant

R
status change:

F.
◼ Casing installed

d
◼ Change in fluid gradient

ou
◼ Change in drillstring
◼ Change in pump liners
m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Weight Mud
The exact mud weight required to balance formation pressure.

an
◼ Kill weight mud is Shut-in drillpipe pressure is the difference between hydrostatic and formation

w
pressure.

ad
◼ Kill weight mud is calculated using the shut-in drillpipe pressure.

R
◼ Always round up to next highest tenth ppg.

F.
 
 SIDP 

d
KWM = 



+ OMW

ou

 0.052  TVD 

EXAMPLE:

m
ah
Shut-in drillpipe pressure = 200 psi
M

True Vertical Depth = 8500 ft

Original Mud Weight = 12.0 ppg
 
 200 
+ 12.0 = 12.45 ppg = 12.5 ppg


 0.052  8500 
Copyright of Shell Global Solutions
The Three Rules for Killing a Well

Rule 1

an
◼ Keep BHP  P0

w
ad
R
Rule 2

F.
◼ In standard well kill procedures the annular friction loss is assumed to have been lost in the drill

d
string

ou
Rule 3
m
ah
◼ Once the kick is inside the casing, the pressure rating of surface equipment and casing burst
M

become critical factors for well killing

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Well Control Methods – String in hole and on bottom

WAIT & WEIGHT BULLHEAD

an
◼ Not normally used now as first choice ◼ Applied when conditions dictate (HP wells,

w
ad
DRILLER’S fractured formations)

R
◼ Used by most operators in most applications ◼ inadvertently done when BHP too high!

F.
worldwide, SIMPLE! REVERSE

d
CONCURRENT ◼ Seldom applied as primary method

ou
◼ Applied by some operators who still refer to it ◼ could be an option when losses are severe &
as Driller’s method.
m continuous
ah
◼ Pumping weighted mud can start any time. ◼ Applied in workover / production situations to
M

kill well

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Pressure in the Well

Pdp
Pann

an
Po = pore pressure in kPa (psi)

w
Pdp = final closed-in DP pressure in kPa (psi)

ad
Pann = final closed-in Annulus pressure in kPa (psi)

R
PSCR = Slow Circulating Rate pressure in kPa (psi)

F.
1 = density of drilling fluid in use in kPa/m (psi/ft)

d
DS
2 = density of drilling fluid to kill well in use in kPa/m (psi/ft)

ou
D D = TV depth of hole in m (ft)

m
ρ ah DS = TV depth of casing shoe in m (ft)
1
hinf l = height of influx in m (ft)
M

hinfl

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Post Kick Calculations - Drillstring

Pdp 𝑃0 = 𝐵𝐻𝑃 = 𝑃𝑑𝑝 + 𝐷 ∗ 𝜌1

Pann

an
w
𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑛 − 𝑃𝑑𝑝

ad
𝜌𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑙 = 𝜌1 −
DS ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑙

R
F.
𝑃𝑑𝑝
𝜌2 = 𝜌1 +

d
𝐷

ou
D
𝑃𝑐1,𝑊𝑊 = 𝑃𝑑𝑝 + 𝑃𝑆𝐶𝑅
m
ρ1 ah
𝜌2
M
𝑃𝑐2.𝑤𝑤 = 𝑃𝑆𝐶𝑅 ∗
𝜌1
hinfl 𝑃𝑐1.𝐷𝑀 = 𝑃𝑑𝑝 + 𝑃𝑆𝐶𝑅
Copyright of Shell Global Solutions
Pressure stabilisation

How long for shut in pressure to

an
stabilise? FAST

w
900 700

ad
Pressure
R
PSI PSI

F.
d
Time

ou
HIGH LOW SLOW

m
PERMEABILITY PERMEABILITY
ah

Pressure
M

Time
Gas Migration – Shut-in Well

an
500 3000 5500

◼ BHP = FP at shut-in

w
5500
◼ If ignored, gas influx will migrate

ad
2500 causing:

R
HP ◼ BHP increase

F.
5000 5500 5000
psi ◼ Casing shoe pressure increase

d
ou
◼ Casing pressure increase

m
2500 ah ◼ Worst possible case is gas at the

5500 5500
FP
5500
FP
5500
FP
surface at its original pressure. By this
M

5500
BHP
8000
BHP
10500
BHP
time SICP = FP and BHP has nearly
doubled.
 Shut In Pressures vs. Influx Volume

an
w
ad
R
F.
d
ou
m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Shut In Pressures vs. Influx Type

an
w
ad
R
F.
d
ou
m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Float in Drillstring

Zero SIDPP How to find SIDPP

an
◼ Pump slowly down drillpipe and watch build up

w
0
600

ad
◼ Correct SIDPP is as soon as SICP starts to increase

R
F.
SIDPP SICP

d
ou
600

m
500 ah
M

Time Time

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Pump Start-up Procedures – Surface BOP
Pump Operator’s Responsibilities

an
w
◼ Begin slow and easy; it should take at least a full minute to bring the pump up to the planned

ad
kill rate.

R
◼ Monitor the pump rate increase and drillpipe and casing pressures. Communicate these

F.
values to the Choke Operator.

d
ou
◼ Pump pressure should rise steadily and casing pressure should remain relatively constant. If

m
any unusual pressure behavior is seen – stop pumping and communicate to the Choke
ah
Operator to close-in the well.
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Pump Start-up Procedures – Surface BOP
Choke Operator's Responsibilities

an
◼ Upon word from the Pump Operator that the pump has started, crack open the choke slightly and
monitor the drillpipe and casing pressures.

w
ad
◼ As the pump comes up to kill rate, adjust choke as necessary to control casing pressure constant at the
shut-in valve until the pump is up to desired kill rate.

R
F.
◼ Be aware of unusual pressure behavior and communicate to the Pump Operator the drillpipe and casing
pressures. Be prepared to instruct the Pump Operator to shut down the pump if unusual pressures are

d
seen.

ou
◼ When the pump has reached the proper kill rate, continue to control casing pressure constant until the

m
casing and drillpipe pressures have stabilized.
ah
◼ Record drillpipe pressure as the correct Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP). Compare it to the pre-
M

calculated ICP value.

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Driller’s Method

◼ Influx is circulated from well with original mud weight.

an
◼ ICP is held constant during the first circulation.

w
ad
◼ For underbalanced kicks a second circulation is required, using kill weight mud and a

R
drillpipe pressure schedule (as in wait and weight method).

F.
d
◼ For mechanically induced kicks not requiring mud weight increase, the second circulation

ou
is not required.

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Driller’s Method

Advantages

an
◼ Circulation begins immediately.

w
ad
◼ Barite supply not required to begin procedure.

R
F.
Disadvantages

d
ou
◼ Longer time on choke (if two circulations required).

m
ah
◼ Surface pressures will be higher than Wait and Weight.
M

◼ Shoe pressure may be higher than Wait and Weight.

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Driller’s Method

SIDPP SICP
Gas Kick Shut-in

an
w
ad
◼ Allow pressures to stabilize.

R
◼ Calculate Initial Circulating Pressure.

F.
d
SIDPP = FP - HP dp

ou
SICP = FP - HP ann

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Driller’s Method
Casing
ICP Pressure
Bring Well on Choke

an
Constant

w
ad
◼ Holding casing pressure constant by

R
adjusting choke.

F.
◼ With pump up to kill rate, pressure on

d
ou
drillpipe gauge is Initial Circulating Pressure.

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Driller’s Method
Casing
ICP Pressure Circulating Kick Out

an
Rising

w
ad
◼ Maintain ICP on drillpipe gauge until influx is

R
out of wellbore.

F.
◼ Expanding gas is pushing more mud out of

d
ou
annulus, so Casing Pressure is rising to

m
ah compensate and keep BHP constant.
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Driller’s Method

SIDPP SICP = SIDPP

First Circulation Completed

an
w
ad
◼ Well closed in.

R
◼ Original weight mud all around well.

F.
d
◼ Increase mud weight to KWM value.

ou
m
ah ◼ Fill out kill sheet.
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Driller’s Method
Casing
ICP Pressure
Bring Well on Choke

an
Steady

w
ad
◼ Holding casing pressure constant by

R
adjusting choke.

F.
◼ With pump up to kill rate, pressure on

d
ou
drillpipe gauge is Initial Circulating Pressure.

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Driller’s Method
Casing
Pressure
Circulating Kill Mud

an
Steady

w
ad
◼ Down Drillstring

R
◼ Drillpipe pressure dropping from ICP to FCP

F.
as kill mud is pumped down drillstring.

d
ou
m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Driller’s Method
Casing
FCP Pressure
Kill Mud Coming Up Annulus

an
Dropping

w
ad
◼ Final Circulating Pressure held on drillpipe

R
gauge.

F.
◼ As kill mud is being pumped up the annulus,

d
ou
the choke is being steadily opened to keep

m
ah FCP on drillpipe, hence casing pressure
decreasing.
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Driller’s Method

0 psi 0 psi Well Killed

an
w
ad
◼ Shut in well and check for pressure.

R
◼ Open choke and check for flow.

F.
d
◼ With no pressure and no flow – open BOPs

ou
and resume operations.

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

Wait And Weight Method

◼ “Wait” while the mud is “Weighted” up prior to circulating influx from the hole.

an
w
◼ Only used during underbalance kicks. (FP>HP)

ad
R
◼ Generally, well is killed in one circulation.

F.
d
ou
m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

Wait And Weight Method
Advantages

an
◼ The well may be killed in one circulation

w
ad
◼ Surface and wellbore pressures will generally be lower than when using the Driller’s Method.

R
F.
◼ Pressures at the casing shoe can be lower than when using the Driller’s Method.

d
ou
Disadvantages

◼ Waiting time may be lengthy.

m
ah
M

◼ Gas migration may be a problem.

◼ Necessary barite must be available.

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions
 Kill Procedures – Wait and Weight Method

SIDPP SICP
Gas Kick Shut-in

an
w
ad
◼ Increase MW to KWM.

R
◼ Fill out kill sheet.

F.
d
SIDPP = FP - HP dp

ou
SICP = FP - HP ann

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Wait and Weight Method
Casing
ICP Pressure
Bring Well on Choke

an
Constant

w
ad
◼ Holding casing pressure constant by

R
adjusting choke.

F.
◼ With pump up to kill rate, pressure on

d
ou
drillpipe gauge is Initial Circulating Pressure.

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Wait and Weight Method
Casing
Pressure
Rising Circulating Kill Mud

an
w
ad
◼ Down drillstring.

R
◼ Drillpipe pressure decreasing from ICP to

F.
FCP.

d
ou
◼ Casing Pressure Rising very slowly as gas

m expands.
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Wait and Weight Method
Casing
FCP Pressure
Kill Mud at Bit

an
Rising

w
ad
◼ Drillpipe Pressure now steady at Final

R
Circulating Pressure.

F.
◼ Casing Pressure rising slowly as gas

d
ou
expands.

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Wait and Weight Method
Casing
FCP Pressure
Gas at Surface

an
Maximum

w
ad
◼ Casing Pressure at its maximum.

R
◼ Drillpipe pressure steady at FCP.

F.
d
ou
m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Wait and Weight Method
Low
FCP Casing
Drillpipe Contents at Surface

an
Pressure

w
ad
◼ Low Casing Pressure – as light mud from

R
drillpipe circulated out.

F.
◼ Drillpipe pressure steady at FCP.

d
ou
m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Wait and Weight Method

FCP 0 psi
Well Killed

an
w
ad
◼ KWM at flowline.

R
◼ Strokes – Surface to bit plus bit to surface.

F.
d
◼ Choke 100% open.

ou
m
ah ◼ Casing Pressure – 0 psi.

◼ Drillpipe pressure – at FCP or higher value.

M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

 Kill Procedures – Wait and Weight Method

0 psi 0 psi
Shut Well In

an
w
ad
◼ Check for pressure on drillpipe and casing

R
gauge.

F.
◼ Open choke.

d
ou
◼ Check for flow.

m
ah
M

Copyright of Shell Global Solutions

Thank You