Basics of Well Control

Principle & Procedure

Note

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 This material is for restricted circulation only. Please do not ask the

instructor for a copy of presentation.

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Content
1. What is well control? 16. Formation Integrity Test
2. What is kick? 17. MAASP
3. Primary Well Control 18. Top Hole Drilling
4. Secondary Well Control 19. Shallow Gas Control
5. Tertiary Well Control 20. Top Hole Drilling With Riser
6. Hydrostatic Pressure 21. Well Control in Shallow Vs Deep
Wells
7. Pressure Gradient
22. Gas Cut
8. Bottom Hole Pressure
23. Effects of Gas Expansion in the Riser
9. Formation Pressure
24. Swab
10. Normal Formation Pressure 25. Surge
11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation 26. Trip Margin
Pressure
27. Slow Circulation Rate
12. Hydrostatic Effect
28. Calculating Circulating pressure
13. Causes of Reduction in Hydrostatic
Head 29. Equivalent Mud Density
30. Causes of Kick
14. U Tube Concept
31. Kicks While Drilling
15. Leak Off Test

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1. What is well control?
Well control is a technique used in oil & gas drilling:
• to prevent formation fluid to flow into the wellbore
• to control the formation fluid if it starts to flow into the wellbore

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2. What is kick?
It is defined as influx or flow of
formation fluid into the
wellbore.

This happens only when the

formation fluid pressure
exceeds the bottom hole
pressure exerted by wellbore.

kick
kick
Drilling Fluid
Drill String
Formation Fluid

Formation
Formation Pr. ≤ BHP Formation Pr. > BHP
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3. Primary Well Control
During normal drilling operation, the pressure
exerted by hydrostatic column of drilling fluid in
wellbore is always kept slightly more than the
formation fluid pressure.

The use of mud hydrostatic to balance the

formation fluid pressure is termed as Primary
Well Control.
Drilling Fluid
Drill String

Formation Fluid

Formation

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4. Secondary Well Control
If due to any reason the hydrostatic
pressure exerted by drilling fluid column
falls below the formation fluid pressure, the
formation fluid starts entering the wellbore.

In such situation we say that the primary

well control is lost.

Blow Out Preventers (BOP) is used in such

situation to prevent further flow of formation
fluid into the wellbore.

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4. Secondary Well Control
Later, the well is killed using the well killing
methods.

The main objective of secondary well control

is to restore Primary Well Control.

In case the overbalance is lost, the use

BOPs to prevent further flow of influx into
wellbore and later restore primary well
control is termed as Secondary Well Control.

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5. Tertiary Well Control
It includes techniques used to control the uncontrolled well when the primary
and secondary control is lost.

The objective of tertiary well control is to establish secondary well control

and subsequently primary well control.

Restoration of secondary well control includes activities like:

• Re-establishment of BOPs, Wellhead
• Re-establishment of wellbore conduit
• Drilling relief well

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5. Tertiary Well Control
BP intended to drill two relief
wells Relief Well #1 and Relief
Well #2 driller utilizing the rigs
Development Driller II and
Development Driller III
respectively to intercept the
uncontrolled oil well MC 252#1
well being by the Discoverer
Enterprise Drillship.

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5. Tertiary Well Control
The relief well will allow heavy
fluid to be pumped into the well
which will stop the flow of oil
from the reservoir.

Later cement will be pumped

down to permanently seal the
well.

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Exercise 1
What is the PRIMARY means of preventing kicks?

a. Closing in the well with the BOPs.

b. Monitoring pit levels and flow rate to recognise a kick.
c. Taking regular slow circulating rate pressures.
d. The use of mud hydrostatic to balance fluid pressure in the formation.

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Exercise 1
What is the PRIMARY means of preventing kicks?

a. Closing in the well with the BOPs.

b. Monitoring pit levels and flow rate to recognise a kick.
c. Taking regular slow circulating rate pressures.
d. The use of mud hydrostatic to balance fluid pressure in the
formation.

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Exercise 2
What is the correct definition of ‘Primary Well Control’ during normal
drilling operations?
a. Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by using BOP
equipment when the hydrostatic pressure in the well bore does not
balance or exceed the formation pressure.
b. Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by keeping the
dynamic pressure loss in the annulus equal to or greater than formation
pressure.
c. Preventing a kick by maintaining drilling mud hydrostatic pressure equal
to or greater than formation pressure.
d. Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by maintaining
the sum of drilling mud hydrostatic pressure and dynamic pressure loss
in the annulus equal to or greater than formation pressure.
© Drilling Mentor Pvt. Ltd.
Exercise 2
What is the correct definition of ‘Primary Well Control’ during normal
drilling operations?
a. Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by using BOP
equipment when the hydrostatic pressure in the well bore does not
balance or exceed the formation pressure.
b. Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by keeping the
dynamic pressure loss in the annulus equal to or greater than formation
pressure.
c. Preventing a kick by maintaining drilling mud hydrostatic pressure
equal to or greater than formation pressure.
d. Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by maintaining
the sum of drilling mud hydrostatic pressure and dynamic pressure loss
in the annulus equal to or greater than formation pressure.
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6. Hydrostatic Pressure
It is the pressure exerted by a static column of fluid.

It depends on:
density of the fluid
height of fluid column

Hydrostatic Pressure (psi) = 0.052 x Fluid Density (ppg) x True Vertical

Depth (feet)

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6. Hydrostatic Pressure
In case of oil & gas well drilling,

Hydrostatic Pressure (psi) = 0.052 x Mud Density (ppg) x True Vertical

Depth (feet)

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 6. Hydrostatic Pressure
= H3 = H4
H1 = H2
10 ppg

10 ppg
1000 feet

10 ppg 10 ppg

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7. Pressure Gradient 1 feet 8.33 ppg

Pressure per unit depth is termed as pressure gradient.

Fresh water has a density of 8.33 ppg.

Pressure exerted by 1 feet of fresh water column = 0.052 x 8.33 x 1 = 0.433 psi

8.33 ppg
Therefore, pressure gradient of fresh water is 0.433 psi/feet

Thus, a 10,000 feet well filled with fresh water exerts a hydrostatic pressure of:
= 0.052 x 8.33 x 10,000
= Pressure gradient of fresh water column x Total vertical depth
= 0.433 (psi/ feet) x 10,000 (feet)
= 4,330 psi 9,999 feet
10,000 feet

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7. Pressure Gradient 1 feet 8.92 ppg

Pressure per unit depth is termed as pressure gradient.

Salt water has a density of 8.92 ppg.

Pressure exerted by 1 feet of fresh water column = 0.052 x 8.92 x 1 = 0.465 psi

8.92 ppg
Therefore, pressure gradient of fresh water is 0.465 psi/feet

Thus, a 10,000 feet well filled with fresh water exerts a hydrostatic pressure of:
= 0.052 x 8.92 x 10,000
= Pressure gradient of fresh water column x Total vertical depth
= 0.465 (psi/ feet) x 10,000 (feet)
= 4,650 psi 9,999 feet
10,000 feet

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Exercise 3
A well 9,850 feet (MD)/ 9,320 feet (TVD) is filled with 9.2 ppg brine. What
will be the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the well?

a. 4459 psi
b. 4712 psi
c. 0 psi
d. The data provided to insufficient to perform the calculation

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Exercise 3
A well 9,850 feet (MD)/ 9,320 feet (TVD) is filled with 9.2 ppg brine. What
will be the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the well?

a. 4459 psi
b. 4712 psi
c. 0 psi
d. The data provided to insufficient to perform the calculation

Hydrostatic Pr. = 0.052 x MW x TVD = 0.052 x 9.2 x 9320 = 4458.68 psi

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Exercise 4
The formation pressure at 9300 TVD is 6320 psi. Which of the following
option is correct in case the pressure gradient of drilling fluid is 0.842
psi/feet?

a. The well is overbalanced

b. The well is underbalanced
c. The well is balanced

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Exercise 4
The formation pressure at 9300 TVD is 6320 psi. Which of the following
option is correct in case the pressure gradient of drilling fluid is 0.842
psi/feet?

a. The well is overbalanced

b. The well is underbalanced
c. The well is balanced
Pressure exerted by drilling fluid = Pressure gradient of drilling fluid x TVD
= 0.842 x 9300 = 7830.6 psi
Since the pressure exerted by the drilling fluid column (=7831 psi) is greater
than the formation pressure (=6320 psi), thus the well is overbalanced)
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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Bottom Hole Pressure is the sum of all pressures (static, dynamic & surface
pressure) being exerted at the bottom of the hole.

BHP = Hydrostatic Pressure ± Dynamic Pressure + Surface Pressure

Different types of dynamic pressure associated with a well:

• When circulating: Annular Pressure Loss (+)
• During Running in Hole: Surge (+)
• During Pull Out of Hole: Swab (-)

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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Annular Pressure Loss (APL)

When the drilling fluid travels up the

annulus, a downward friction force acts
between:
a. the drilling fluid and the wall of the
wellbore
b. the drilling fluid and the outer wall of the
drill string
Direction of frictional force between drilling fluid and wall of wellbore
Direction of flow of frilling fluid
Direction of frictional force between drilling fluid and outer wall of drill string
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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Annular Pressure Loss (APL)

Both these forces acts in downward direction.

Pressure = Force per unit area

The pressure equivalent of these two downward

frictional forces will be the APL.

Direction of frictional force between drilling fluid and wall of wellbore

Direction of flow of frilling fluid
Direction of frictional force between drilling fluid and outer wall of drill string
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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Annular Pressure Loss (APL)

This formula can be used to calculate the annular pressure loss to be

encountered:

P= [(1.4327 x 10^-7) × MW × L × V^2] ÷ (Dh – Dp)

P = annular pressure losses, psi
MW = mud weight in ppg
L = length of annular in ft
V = annular velocity in ft/min
Dh = hole or casing ID in inch
Dp = drill pipe or drill collar OD in inch

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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Swabbing

When the drill string is pulled up out of the hole during a

trip, mud must flow down past it to fill the space left
behind.
Energy is needed to make the mud move, and this is
shown as a pressure drop as the mud flows – a reverse
‘annulus pressure loss’.

The effect is that the total pressure exerted by the fluid

column is reduced slightly.

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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Swabbing

The effect of the bit and bottom hole assembly

can be compared with a loosely fitted plunger
in a syringe.

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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Swabbing

Principal factors encouraging swabbing are:

a. Pipe Pulling Speed: It takes more energy to move
mud quickly, so the faster the string is moved, the
greater the pressure drop.
b. Small Hole Clearance, or Slim Hole Geometry: It
takes more energy to move the same volume of mud
through a smaller space, so the less the annular space
available, the greater the pressure drop.
c. High Mud Viscosity, or Gel Strength: Evidently, it
takes more energy to move a thick mud than thin one,
hence the more viscous the mud, the greater the
pressure drop. © Drilling Mentor Pvt. Ltd.
8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Surging

When pipe moves downward with mud circulation through

drill string, additional bottom hole pressure called “Surge
Pressure” is created.
If surge pressure is too much, many problems will occur
as formation brake down, partial mud loss and lost
circulation.
This surge pressure adds to the bottom hole pressure.

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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Surface Pressure
Any kind pressure added to the system from surface (Example: pressure
generated using cementing unit, SIDPP, SICP) is called surface pressure.

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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Bottom Hole Pressure during different well situations:

a. When not circulating:

BHP = Hydrostatic pressure of mud column in well
(Here, Dynamic Pressure = 0, Surface Pressure = 0)

b. While drilling:
BHP = Hydrostatic pressure of mud column in well + Annular Pressure
Losses

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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
SICP & SIDPP
Density of mud in use= 10
ppg
Well TVD (=MD) = 10000 feet
Height of kick = 1000 feet
Density of kick = 8 ppg
Formation pressure = 5700
psi

10000 feet The driller notices the kick

and shuts the well.

1000 feet

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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
SIDPP

SICP & SIDPP SICP The same formation pressure acts

on both, drill string and annulus.

Hydrostatic pressure in drill string

= 0.052 x 10 x10000 = 5200

Hydrostatic pressure in annulus =

Hydrostatic pressure of mud column
10000 feet + hydrostatic pressure of kick
column
= (0.052 x 10 x 9000) + (0.052 x 8 x
1000) = 4680 + 416 = 5096 psi

1000 feet

5700 psi
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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
SIDPP

SICP & SIDPP SICP Drill string Annulus

SIDPP SICP
= 5700 – 5200 = 5700 – 5096
= 500 psi = 604 psi

5200 psi 5096 psi

10000 feet

5700 psi 5700 psi

1000 feet

5700 psi
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8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Bottom Hole Pressure during different well situations:

c. When the well is shut in after kick

In drill string:
BHP = Hydrostatic pressure of mud column in drill string + SIDPP

In annulus:
BHP = Hydrostatic pressure of mud column in annulus + Hydrostatic
column of kick column in annulus + SICP

SIDPP: Shut-In Drill Pipe Pressure

SICP: Shut-In Casing Pressure © Drilling Mentor Pvt. Ltd.
8. Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)
Bottom Hole Pressure during different well situations:

d. When running in hole (RIH)

BHP = Hydrostatic pressure of mud column in drill string +
Surge pressure

e. During Pull Out of Hole (POOH)

BHP = Hydrostatic pressure of mud column in annulus –
Swab pressure

RIH: Running In Hole Surge Swab

POOH: Pull Out of Hole
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Exercise 5
Which of the following would be the immediate effect of swabbing?

a. Reduction in bottom hole pressure

b. A kick
c. Losses
d. Increase in bottom hole pressure

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Exercise 5
Which of the following would be the immediate effect of swabbing?

a. Reduction in bottom hole pressure

b. A kick
c. Losses
d. Increase in bottom hole pressure

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Exercise 6
Which of the following are likely to increase the chance of swabbing?
(THREE ANSWERS)

a. Pulling through tight hole with the pump off

b. Pulling pipe too quickly
c. Pulling pipe too slowly
d. Pumping out of the hole
e. Pulling through tight hole with the pump on
f. High mud viscosity

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Exercise 6
Which of the following are likely to increase the chance of swabbing?
(THREE ANSWERS)

a. Pulling through tight hole with the pump off

b. Pulling pipe too quickly
c. Pulling pipe too slowly
d. Pumping out of the hole
e. Pulling through tight hole with the pump on
f. High mud viscosity

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Exercise 7
Over pull while tripping out is a stuck pipe warning sign. What well
control problem may be associated with over pull?

a. Swabbing
b. Losses
c. Hydrogen Sulphide gas
d. Surging

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Exercise 7
Over pull while tripping out is a stuck pipe warning sign. What well
control problem may be associated with over pull?

a. Swabbing
b. Losses
c. Hydrogen Sulphide gas
d. Surging

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Exercise 8
Which of the following increase surge pressures when running in the
hole. (TWO ANSWERS)

a. Small annular clearance

b. Large bit nozzles
c. Running-in slowly
d. High gel strength mud
e. Large annular clearance
f. Low gel strength mud

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Exercise 8
Which of the following increase surge pressures when running in the
hole. (TWO ANSWERS)

a. Small annular clearance

b. Large bit nozzles
c. Running-in slowly
d. High gel strength mud
e. Large annular clearance
f. Low gel strength mud

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9. Formation Pressure
It is the pressure of the fluid trapped in the pores of the formation.

The formation pressure can be:

• Normal
• Abnormal
• Subnormal

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10. Normal Formation Pressure
As the rock layers are deposited one upon the
other, the formation fluid is squeezed out of the
pores due to the overburden.

As long as the formation fluid is able to escape

from the pores, the formation pressure bleeds
down to normal value.

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10. Normal Formation Pressure
The generally accepted normal value ranges from
0.433 to
0.465 psi/feet.*

This is equivalent to hydrostatic pressure gradient

of a column of sea water.

* These values for normal formation pressure has been determined based on study
performed in basins of gulf coast areas of United States.

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11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation
Pressure
If the formation pressure gradient is more than 0.465 psi/feet, the formation
pressure is considered to be abnormal.

Whereas, if the formation pressure gradient is less than 0.433 psi/feet, the
formation pressure is considered to be abnormal.
Abnormal Pressure Gradient
0.465 psi/ feet
Normal Pressure Gradient
0.433 psi/ feet
Subnormal Pressure Gradient

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Exercise 9
At a depth of 10,000 feet, the formation pressure is 5200 psi. The
formation pressure is:

a. Above normal
b. Below normal
c. Normal

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Exercise 9
At a depth of 10,000 feet, the formation pressure is 5200 psi. The
formation pressure is:

a. Above normal
b. Below normal
c. Normal

Pressure Gradient = Pressure / TVD = 5200/ 10000 = 0.520 psi/ ft

It is above 0.465 psi/feet, thus above normal.

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Exercise 10
When pulling out of the hole from the top of the reservoir at 10,000 feet
swab pressures are calculated to be 150psi.
Mud Weight = 10.2 ppg
Formation Pressure = 5200 psi
Will the well flow?
a. No
b. Yes

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Exercise 10
When pulling out of the hole from the top of the reservoir at 10,000
feet swab pressures are calculated to be 150psi.
Mud Weight = 10.2 ppg, Formation Pressure = 5200 psi
Will the well flow?
a. No
b. Yes

Hydrostatic Pressure = 0.052 × 10.2 × 10000 = 5304 psi

Swab Pressure = 150 psi
BHP (= 5304 – 150 = 5154 psi) < Formation Pressure (5200 psi)
Thus the well will flow.
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11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation
Pressure
Causes of Abnormal Formation Pressure:
• Under compaction
• Artesian effect
• Faulting
• Salt Domes
• Gas Cap Effect
• Charged Sands

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11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation
Pressure
Causes of Abnormal Formation Pressure:
• Under compaction

Compaction is an ongoing process.

If the rate of deposition is slow and gradual, excess of trapped formation water is squeezed
out in this process, resulting into full compaction.

If the rate of deposition is high, not all the formation water may be able to escape.

The trapped formation water will then support the overburden and shall have abnormal
pressure.
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 11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation
Pressure
Causes of Abnormal Formation Pressure:
• Artesian effect
If an aquifer or water bearing permeable rock outcrops at surface high up in mountain area,
the pressure profile at different point is as follows:

2000 feet
4000 feet

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 11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation
Pressure
Causes of Abnormal Formation Pressure:
• Artesian effect
@4000 feet, formation pressure = 0.465 x 4000 = 1860 psi.
Thus, pressure gradient @ 3000 feet = 1860/3000 = 0.62 psi/ feet Abnormal Pressure Gradient

3000 feet
4000 feet

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11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation
Pressure
Causes of Abnormal Formation Pressure:
• Faulting

2000 feet

3000 feet

1395/ 2000 = 0.697 psi/ feet

0.465 x 3000 = 1395 psi

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 11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation
Pressure
Causes of Abnormal Formation Pressure:
• Gas Cap Effect

3000 feet

4000 feet
Gas with gradient 0.1 psi/ feet

Communication
with formation

Normally pressured formation with gradient

© Drilling Mentor Pvt. Ltd. 0.465 psi/ feet
11. Abnormal & Subnormal Formation
Pressure
Causes of Abnormal Formation Pressure:
• Charged Sands

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 12. Hydrostatic Effect
If the well is filled with fluid column of different densities, the net hydrostatic pressure is the
sum of hydrostatic pressure exerted by different column of fluid.

1000 feet Hydrostatic pr. = 0.052 x 8 x1000 = 416 psi

8 ppg 28oo feet

800 feet
9 ppg Hydrostatic pr. = 0.052 x 9 x800 = 374.4 psi

Hydrostatic pr. = 0.052 x 10 x1000 = 520 psi

1000 feet
10 ppg Net Hydrostatic Pr. At 2800 feet = 416 + 374.4 + 520 = 790.452 psi
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13. Causes of Reduction in Hydrostatic Head
Causes of reduction in hydrostatic head:
• Failure to fill the hole
• Water dilution at surface
• Removal of parts of barite from mud by solid control system such as
centrifuge

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 14. U-Tube Effect 520 Back Pressure

Drill string filled Annulus filled with

with 10 ppg mud 11 ppg mud

Hydrostatic pressure in drill string = Hydrostatic pressure in annulus =

0.052 x 10 x 10000 = 5200 psi 0.052 x 11 x 10000 = 5720 psi

U-tube

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15. Leak Off Test (LOT)
• LOT is conducted to determine the minimum pressure at which the
formation begins to leak.
• The test is conducted after drilling 10 – 15 feet of new hole.
• Generally carried out on exploratory wells.
• For development wells, LOT data of offset wells can be utilized.

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15. Leak Off Test (LOT)
Drilling to TD POOH For CSG Run Casing Cementing RIH with Next BHA

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 Cementing
15. Leak Off Test (LOT) Unit
Drill Shoe & Circulate to Hole Clean
Fresh Formation & displace with required MW for LOT
Close BOP, Connect with
cementing unit & record LOT

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15. Leak Off Test (LOT)
Formation Fracture Pressure
800

700

600
LOT Pressure
Surface Pressure (psi)

500

400

300

200

100

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5

Volume Pumped (bbl)

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15. Leak Off Test (LOT)
EXERCISE

Which of the following are important for the calculation of formation strength at the
shoe? (Select three answers)

a. Accurate pump strokes.

b. Accurate pressure gauge
c. Exact mud density
d. Exact vertical depth of the casing shoe.
e. Accurate hole capacity.
f. The pressure limit for the pump.
g. Exact measured depth of the casing shoe.
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16. Formation Integrity Test (FIT)
A Formation Integrity Test (FIT) is a test of the strength and integrity of a new formation.
It is the first step after drilling a casing shoe track.
 Drill out new formation few feet, circulate bottom up and collect sample to confirm that new
formation is drilled to and then pull string into the casing.
 Close annular preventer or pipe rams, line up a pump, normally a cement pump, and
circulate through an open choke line to ensure that surface line is fully filled with drilling
fluid.
 Stop the pump and close a choke valve.
 Gradually pump small amount of drilling fluid into well with constant pump stroke.
 Record total pump strokes, drill pipe pressure and casing pressure.
 Pump until casing pressure reaches the pressure required for formation integrity test.
 Hold pressure for few minutes to confirm pressure.
 Bleed off pressure and open up the well. Then proceed drilling operation.
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17. Maximum Allowable Annular Surface
Pressure (MAASP)
It is the maximum surface that annular surface pressure which can be applied
above the hydrostatic pressure of mud column before the shoe gets fractured.

MAASP is the minimum of:

• The maximum surface pressure that the casing or well head will hold
• The maximum surface pressure that the shoe will hold

During LOT, MAASP is equal to the surface Leak-Off Test Pressure for the test
fluid density

MAASP Changes with change in mud density.

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Example
A leak-off test is conducted at 9,000 feet casing shoe TVD with mud
density of 11 ppg & surface leak off pressure id 1,500 psi. What is the
MAASP for 11 ppg mud density?

a. 0 psi
b. 5148 psi
c. 1500 psi
d. None of these

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Example
A leak-off test is conducted at 9,000 feet casing shoe TVD with mud
density of 11 ppg & surface leak off pressure id 1,500 psi. What is the
MAASP for 11 ppg mud density?

a. 0 psi
b. 5148 psi
c. 1500 psi
d. None of these

For LOT, MAASP will be same as the surface leak off pressure.

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19. Shallow Gas Control Procedure
Diverter system should be used to
control shallow gas kick.

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19. Shallow Gas Control Procedure
Use of diverter system during drilling:
At first sign of flow, immediately stop rotation, space out tool joint
above rotary.
Open diverter vent line depending upon wind directional.
Close diverter packer.
Circulate out with available drilling fluid at maximum possible pump
rate.
Remove the non essential people from rig floor.

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19. Shallow Gas Control Procedure
Use of diverter system during tripping:
Set pipe on skips.
Install FOSV and close it.
Open diverter vent line depending on wind direction.
Close diverter packer.
Connect TDS.
Open FOSV.
Circulate out with available drilling fluid at maximum possible pump rate.
Remove the non essential people from rig floor.

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20. Determining Slow Circulating Rate (SCR)
• Slow circulation rate is the minimum rate at which the kick can be
circulated out.
• It is also known as kill rate.
• Normally SCR should be ½ or 1/3 of pump SPM at the time of drilling.
Example: If during drilling the pump SPM is 100, SCR will be 30 or 40 or
50.
• The pressure corresponding to the SCR (or kill rate) is called slow
circulating rate pressure or kill rate pressure (KPR).
• KRP is to be separately determined for each pump being used during the
drilling operation.

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20. Determining Slow Circulating Rate (SCR)
Main reasons for circulating out kick at SCR:
• To reduce annular pressure loss.
• To allow sufficient time for disposal of kick fluid at surface.
• To allow longer reaction time for choke adjustment.

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20. Determining Slow Circulating Rate (SCR)
Recording SCR
SCR should be recorded at near bottom for each pump being used at
regular interval and/ or when drilling condition changes such as:
• At the beginning of every shift
• After change in drilling fluid density
• After change in bit nozzle size or BHA
• After drilling a long section of hole (500 feet) in a shift
• After any kind of repair in mud pump fluid end

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Copyright material. For restricted circulation only.

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