PVD Training

October 25, 2012

Authored by: Pham Van Thien
 PVD Training
Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................................................... 1
4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Minimize the Size of the Influx .................................................................................................................................. 2
Trap fluid ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
4.2 Shut in Preparation ................................................................................................................................................. 3
4.3 Hard Shut-in vs. Soft Shut-in .................................................................................................................................. 4
4.4 Shut-in Line up ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Hard Shut-in: ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Soft Shut-in: .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
4.5 Shut-in Procedure while Drilling on a Fixed Rig ...................................................................................................... 4
Hard shut-in procedure ............................................................................................................................................. 4
4.6 Hard Shut-in Procedure while Tripping on a Fixed Rig ........................................................................................... 5
4.7 Diverter Procedure while Drilling on a Fixed Rig..................................................................................................... 5
Diverting Procedure .................................................................................................................................................. 6
4.8 Shut-In Procedure while Drilling on a Floating Rig.................................................................................................. 6
Flow Checks ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Hard shut-in procedure ............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.9 Shut-In Procedure while Tripping on a Floating Rig................................................................................................ 7
Hard shut-in Procedure while Tripping on a Floating Rig .......................................................................................... 7
4.10 Shallow Gas and Diverting Procedure on a Floating Rig ...................................................................................... 8
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Handling Shallow Gas in the Conductor Hole ........................................................................................................... 8
4.11 Shut-in while Wireline Logging .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.12 Shut-in while Out of the Hole ................................................................................................................................ 9
4.13 Hang-Off Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................. 9
4.14 - Extracts from API RP59 .................................................................................................................................... 10
4.14.1 Closing In Kicks ........................................................................................................................................... 10
3.6 Soft Close-in Procedure. ............................................................................................................................... 10
3.7 Hard Close-in Procedure. ............................................................................................................................. 10
3.8 Soft Close-in Versus Hard Close-in Procedure. ............................................................................................ 11
3.9 Stabilised Pressures. .................................................................................................................................... 11
3.10 Closed-in Drill Pipe Pressure. ..................................................................................................................... 12
4.14.2 Formation Integrity Tests ............................................................................................................................. 13
3.11 Leak-off Test. .............................................................................................................................................. 13
3.12 Formation Competency Test. .......................................................................................................................... 13
4.15 - WORKSHOP 4(a) Surface ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.16 - WORKSHOP 4(a) - Answers ............................................................................................................................ 18

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 PVD Training
Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Minimize the Size of the Influx

Most operators use a shut-in procedure designed with this overriding purpose in mind: To minimise the size of
the influx. Early recognition of a kick and rapid shut-in is essential for effective well control. By taking action
quickly, the amount of formation fluid that enters the wellbore and the amount of drilling fluid expelled from the
annulus are minimized. Smaller kicks yield lower initial shut-in casing pressure and lower maximum casing
pressures while circulating out the kick as shown in Figure 4.1. This translates to lower casing shoe pressures at
all points during the circulation and reduces the chance of formation breakdown and an underground blowout.
Note: The larger the influx, the higher the casing pressures; so, minimizes the size of the influx.

Trapped Fluids/Pressures
Completions and workovers sometimes involve work on wells that were previously, or are currently, being tested
or produced. Depending on wellbore conditions and the type of completion, reservoir fluids (kicks) can be trapped
within or beneath downhole tools. The Field Representative must recognize and properly handle trapped fluids
and pressures, especially in areas where they are known to accumulate. Production data, flowing pressures and
shut-in pressure data are invaluable when determining reservoir pressure and the required fluid density.
One area where resevoir fluids can be trapped is the tubing string itself, as shown in Figure C.2. Tubing strings
can be shut off in a variety of ways, including: at the surface production tree, using a SSSV, or by setting a plug
in a tubing nipple (sometimes the tubing gets plugged with sand or paraffin). The volume of reservoir fluid trapped
(kick) can be quite substantial depending on where the tubing is plugged off.
Another area where reservoir fluids can accumulate is the tailpipe annulus below a production packer as shown
in Figure C.3. Hydrocarbons that accumulate in this area essentially go undetected until the packer is unset and
pulled. Additionally, wells that have dual production strings may have two areas (both tubing tails) where
fluids/pressures are trapped. In these cases, the reservoir pressure, required fluid density, and kick volume can
be determined using production data and wellbore details information.
A third area where reservoir fluids/pressures accumulate is below bridge plugs (or cement retainers) set in the
casing to temporarily abandon a lower interval (see Figure C.4). The amount of reservoir fluid trapped depends
on the bridge plug and perforation depths. Since this zone was previously tested or produced, records should
indicate the reservoir pressure and required fluid density needed to control the well. However, in areas where a

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

particular interval is receiving injection support, the pressure under a plug could have increased significantly
since the time the plug was originally set. The Workover Representative should always be prepared for the
highest possible pressure.
The setting depth of downhole tools (packers, bridge plugs, etc.) is an important aspect of well control. Minimizing
the distance between exposed perforations and these downhole tools will minimize the amount of trapped fluid.
Well control techniques are simplified when this distance is minimized.

Interpretation of pressures

Once the well has been shut in i.e. circulation has been stopped and the BOP closed, and allowed to stabilise,
there are two pressures which can be observed:
Shut in drill pipe pressure - SIDPP
Shut in casing pressure - SICP
SIDPP shows how much underbalance the well is, i.e. SIDPP is the difference between the formation pressure
and the hydrostatic pressure of the mud in the drill pipe.
SICP also indicates the amount of the underbalance but will vary depending on the size of the influx and the type
of influx.

All rig crews need to be trained to recognise the indications of a kick and shut the well in.
They should carry out regular drills to include kicks while drilling, tripping, running casing, and stripping back to
bottom.
In addition drills may be required to practice special or unusual operations.Crew assignments and current shut-in
procedures should be posted on the rig floor and other key locations.
Before going on tour, each member of the drilling team should attend the crew change meeting, and be fully
briefed on current activities. Meeting should have an agenda that encourages feedback. Any questions raised by
the crew should be addressed before going on tour. Refer to Section 5:2 unless this crew change practice is
common it shouldnt be referenced.

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Many blowouts have been caused by a failure to properly maintain the blow-out prevention equipment. It is
essential that a proper check is completed at the beginning of each tour to ensure all BOP equipment is
functioning properly and all the valves are physically checked for designated line up.

API RP 59 defines a Soft Shut-in as one in which a choke is used to stop well flow after annulus flow is
stopped by use of a BOP. Since this type of shut-in fails to minimize the size of an influx as effectively
as a hard shut-in, most Operator Companies recommend that it not be used in drilling operations.
Instead, a hard shut-in procedure is recommended.
The Hard shut in is defined as:
Step one: Space out
Stop rotating, pick the drill string up off bottom, space out to ensure tool joint is not located in selected BOP
element.
Step two: Shut down
Shut off pumps and confirm that well flow continues with pumps off.
Step three: Shut in well
Close selected BOP element first, then open the HCR against a fully closed choke.
Note: Either the rams or annular preventers can be used with surface stack

Position of Choke(s) and HCR for a shut-in line up during drilling operations.

Hard Shut-in:
Adjustable choke(s) closed
HCR failsafe valve closed

Soft Shut-in:
Adjustable choke open
HCR failsafe valve closed

Shut-in procedure should be agreed by the contractor and operating company and posted on the rig floor before
drilling begins.
Note: A Fixed rig is defined as a rig equipped with surface BOPs.

Hard shut-in procedure

(Most widely recommended procedure)
When any positive indication is observed while drilling that the well may be flowing,
1. Space out:
Stop rotating the drill string
Pick up with the pumps on until spaced out properly to ensure:
Drill string is lifted clear of bottom of hole

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Lower kelly valve is accessible above rotary table

No tool joint is located within BOP element selected for shut-in
2. Shut down:
Stop the pumps
Check for flow with pumps off
If flow is observed, immediately proceed to Step 3.
3. Shut-in:
Reverse steps 2 and 3Close selected BOP
Open HCR valve.
Verify the well is closed in.
Inform supervisors.
Record shut in drill pipe and casing pressures at two minute intervals.
Note: You will need to bump the float, if one is in use to determine SIDP.
Confirm measured and true vertical depth of the well and pit gain.
Remember: For the hard shut-in procedure the remotely operated choke is kept closed while drilling
ahead.

If there is any indication of swabbing and the well flows:

1. Sound the alarm
2. Set slips with the drill pipe box close to the drill floor for ease of stabbing
3. Install full opening safety valve with the valve open
4. Make-up and close safety valve.
5. Close upper pipe rams
6. Open HCR
7. Verify the well is shut-in
8. Inform supervisor
9. Install check valve (Gray valve)
10. Prepare to strip-in

Where casing strings or conductor pipe are set shallow, the fracture gradients may be low. It may therefore not
be advisable to shut the well in with the Blow-out preventer as the resulting surface pressures may fracture the
formation, causing lost circulation or broaching to the surface. In this situation, a gas kick should be diverted.
The diverter should be designed to function, in automatic sequence, the following:
1. Open a large diameter flow path to the overboard lines.
2. Close the flow lines to the shakers and trip tank
3. Close the diverter element around the drill string
4. If there are two overboard lines the upwind valve should be closed (manually if necessary)
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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Diverting Procedure
At the first indication of flow:
1. Increase pump rate to a maximum with existing mud.
2. Space out so the lower safety valve is above the drill floor
Note: with a top drive, no space out is needed
3. Close the diverter element (see automatic sequencing notes above)
4. Sound alarm. If gas is present:
a. evacuate all the rig floor crew to a safe area
b. Shut down non essential equipment
c. Deploy the deluge system on rig floor area.
d. On offshore installations monitor the sea for any evidence of gas breaking out around the conductor.
e. Consider / activate evacuation plan
5. Without stopping pumps, switch to kill mud if available (A pit of heavy mud should be mixed up prior to drilling
if this step is intended.)
6. If well appears to have stopped flowing (mud only coming out of diverter lines at apparent pumping rate), stop
pumping and see if flow stops. If flow continues, resume pumping and prepare to switch to water before
mud runs out. Keep pumping until well bridges or decision is made to evacuate location.

Shut-in procedure should be agreed by the contractor and operating company and posted on the rig floor before
drilling begins.
Note: A floating rig is defined as a rig equipped with subsea BOPs.
When positive indication of a kick is observed such as a sudden increase in flow or increase in pit level, then the
well should be shut in promptly. If flow with the pumps off is hard to detect or is masked by rig movement, a flow
check can be carried out on the trip tank to determine if the well is flowing.

Flow Checks
To obtain an accurate flow check using the trip tank:
a) Stop rotating, pick up and space out for closure of the annular BOP.
b) Shut down rig pumps.
c) Line up trip tank.
d) Close flow line to shakers.
e) Half fill trip tank with mud and perform a flow check long enough to confirm presence/absence of flow.
Note: This may take 15 30 minutes for small flow volumes when rig motions are significant.

Hard shut-in procedure

(Most Operators recommended this procedure)
When any positive indication is observed while drilling that the well may be flowing,
1. Space out:
Stop rotating the drill string
Pick up with the pumps on until spaced out properly to ensure:

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Drill string is lifted clear of bottom of hole

Lower kelly valve is accessible above rotary table
No tool joint is located within BOP element selected for shut-in
2. Shut down:
Stop the pumps
Check for flow with pumps off
If flow is observed, immediately proceed to Step 3.
3. Shut-in:
Reverse steps 2 and 3Close selected BOP
Open HCR valve.
Verify the well is closed in.
Inform supervisors.
Record shut-in drill pipe and casing pressures at two minute intervals.
Note: You will need to bump the float, if one is in use to determine SIDP.
Confirm measured and true vertical depth of the well and pit gain.
Adjust motion compensator to mid-stroke.
Remember: For the hard shut-in procedure the remotely operated choke is kept closed while drilling
ahead.

Hard shut-in Procedure while Tripping on a Floating Rig

If there is any indication of swabbing, or the well flows during a flow check, proceed as follows:
1. Sound alarm
2. Set the slips, allow for easy access for stabbing full opening safety valve.
3. Install full opening safety valve with valve open and make up.
4. Close safety valve.
5. Check space out for closure of the annular BOP. Adjust string height as necessary.
6. Close annular preventer.
7. Open both spring assist closure valves on upper choke line.
8. Verify the well is shut in (Use trip tank as needed to monitor riser fluid volume)
9. Inform supervisor.
10. Record shut in annulus pressure, pit gain, and exact depth of the bit and TVD of the hole.
11. Install inside BOP/Grey Valve.
12. Open the safety valve and prepare to strip back to bottom.
Note: At all times it should be remembered that if the well is flowing, or it is unclear if the pit gain is from the well,
the driller should shut the well in immediately before informing supervisors.

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Introduction
Shallow gas is a frequent hazard in offshore drilling for bottom supported rigs and floating drilling vessels.
Worldwide studies of blowouts indicate that shallow gas is the most serious cause of kicks leading to blowouts,
and that these blowouts have caused more rigs to be severely damaged or entirely lost, than any other well
control problem.
Attempts to divert shallow gas flows fail, on average, 50% of the time, and result in loss of equipment and/or
lives. Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared for encountering shallow gas unexpectedly.

Handling Shallow Gas in the Conductor Hole

Generally, formations penetrated in the conductor hole (26) section are likely to break down if a well is shutin
on a kick. Therefore, in areas prone to shallow gas, plans must be made to rigup to drill the conductor hole in a
way that prevents inadvertently shuttingin on a shallow gas flow. On bottom supported rigs this is accomplished
by nippling-up a diverter. A diverter may also be used on a floater by placing it at the top of the marine riser.
However, unlike bottom supported rigs, where running a surface diverter is the norm (there is a subsea diverter
system available for bottom supported rigs, although its use is uncommon), on floating rigs there is an
alternative: drill the conductor section without running a riser and take returns to the seafloor. Any shallow gas
flow is diverted to the seabed. This last option, to drill conductor hole riserless while taking returns to the sea
floor, is considered best practice.
Refer to Section 6.10 for Shallow Gas well control.

Many completion/workover operations incorporate wireline work. Some examples include perforating,setting
tubing plugs, running or pulling gas lift valves, and running cased hole logs. Usually, this type of work utilizes
special auxiliary BOP equipment such as lubricators, wireline BOPs, grease injectors, or pack-offs. Often
wireline work is performed under pressure, so in essence a "kick" is already in the well. When working on such
wells, it is good practice to ensure that the entire tool string can be brought up into the lubricator, which allows
for recovery of the tool prior to killing the well, if necessary. Another good practice is to have a means of
automatically shutting-in if the wire parts (e.g., a Bowen "Blowout Plug" in the stuffing box). Wireline work is
another operation in which rig crews and service companies should be trained and drilled in proper shut-in
procedures.
Similar to trips with tubing, wireline operations involve adding and pulling a volume of steel from the well. On
wells without pressure, monitoring fill-up requirements and return fluid volumes when running and pulling wireline
is just as important as it is when tripping tubing.
Upon detection of flow or leakage from the lubricator, appropriate steps must be taken to shut the well in.

Shut-In Procedure While Using Wireline

1. Alert crews.
2. Increase pressure to grease injector or packoff. Confirm flow has stopped.
3. Attempt to pull wireline tool up into lubricator without additional flow. (If unable to do so, close wireline BOPs.
Avoid moving wire through rams.)
4. Close uppermost applicable tree valve (or wireline blind ram) and confirm the well is shut in. (As a last resort, cut
wireline and drop tool if necessary to stop flow from the well.)
5. Read and record:
a. Shut-in surface pressure, psi
b. Estimate of fluid loss from lubricator assembly (if any), bbl
c. Time

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

It is always preferable to shut the well in on either the pipe rams or annular preventer with pipe in the hole,
however; there may be occasions where the pipe is out of the hole when a kick is taken.
Operations such as wireline logging or anytime the pipe is out of the hole require careful monitoring of the well
bore on the trip tank.
The well should be shut-in with the either the blind rams or shear/blind rams
Surface procedure
At any indication of flow:
1. Shut the well in with the shear/blind rams or blind rams.
2. Open up the HCR valve against a closed remotely operated choke, with the valve down-stream of the choke
closed.
3. Verify the well is shut-in (no leakage through rams or choke, etc.)
4. Inform supervisors.
5. Record shut-in casing pressure
Sub-sea procedure
1. At any indication of flow:
2. Shut the well in with the shear/blind rams.
3. Open up the spring assisted closure choke line valves against a closed remotely operated choke.
4. Verify the well is shut-in (line up and circulate through trip tank if required).
5. Inform supervisors.
6. Record shut-in casing pressure.

Disconnecting
Subsea stacks are designed to allow a floating drilling vessel to disconnect from the well while the well remains
shut-in. Weather, an out of control well, or other situations could require disconnecting. Listed below are the
recommended procedures for disconnecting in non-emergency and emergency situations.
Non-Emergency Disconnect:
1. Circulate bottoms up and pull into casing.
2. Figure space out to land hang-off tool in the wellhead.
3. Make up hang-off tool in the string and run it into the hole (making sure that the bit is still inside the casing
after hang off).
4. Land hang-off tool inside the wellhead with the motion compensator stroked open. Position compensator in
mid-stroke and adjust the compensator to support the pipe weight above the rams (recommend using air
weight for calculation).
5. Close the appropriate pipe rams and locks.
6. Back-off the right hand release sub on the hang off tool.
7. Pick up drillpipe above the BOP stack. Check for flow and close the shear/blind rams. Close the wedge locks if
ram is a Cameron ram.
8. Displace the riser with sea water and adjust riser tensioning. Dump the subsea accumulator bottles, if
applicable. Debalast part or all of the air buoyancy tanks on the riser, if applicable.
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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

9. Pull the remainder of the drillpipe out of the riser. Disconnect the LMRP and pull the riser.
Emergency Disconnect
Situations that might require an emergency disconnect include: the loss of well control, a sudden change in
weather, or waiting too long to do a "non-emergency" disconnect. In these situations, the following procedure is
recommended:
1. Pick up and space out to hang off on the designated hang-off ram.
2. Close hang-off ram with 1,500 psi closing pressure. Close wedge locks if ram is a Cameron ram.
3. Close lower pipe rams for a backup.
4. Adjust compensator to support string weight above rams, plus overpull of 10,000 lbs (time permitting).
5. Shear drillpipe with full operating pressure (3,000 psi).
6. Disconnect the LMRP and use the riser tensioners to lift it above the BOP stack.
Note: Studies conducted by Operator Companies and ram manufacturers indicate that complete shear of some
grades of drillpipe will not be obtained using 1,500 psi closing pressure. Five inch grade G drillpipe may
require up to 3,000 psi closing pressure for a complete shear. Also, note that high strength drillpipe that has
been sheared can explode, long after shearing. A sheared stub should be handled carefully and removed
from the rig as soon as possible.
Re-entering the well after Disconnecting
When re-entering the well after disconnecting, care must be taken to remove any trappe gas from under the BOP
stack. The following procedure is recommended:
Before opening well:
a. displace choke and kill lines to proper mud wt.
b. displace riser to proper mud weight by circulating down drill string prior to reconnecting to hung off string.
c. keep riser isolated from wellbore until pressures/fluids can be bled or circulated out using choke and kill lines
and d. prepare diverter for possible use when finally opening well to riser after following the rigs standard
procedures for removal of trapped gas below BOPs.
Note: If drillpipe has been sheared (as after an emergency disconnect), "shattered" pieces of the drillpipe may be
on top of the shear rams. Pick up these pieces with a magnet prior to opening the shear rams.

4.14.1 Closing In Kicks

3.6 Soft Close-in Procedure.

For a soft close-in, a choke is left open at all times other than during a well control operation. The choke line
valves are aligned such that a flow path is open through the choking system, with the exception of one choke line
valve located near the blowout preventer. When the soft close-in procedure is selected for closing in a well the:
1) choke line valve is opened, 2) blowout preventer is closed, and 3) choke is closed. This procedure allows the
choke to be closed in such a manner to permit sensitive control and monitoring of casing pressure buildup during
closure. This is especially important if formation fracturing and broaching to the surface is likely to occur if the
well is closed in without regard to the possibility of excessive initial closedin casing pressure.

3.7 Hard Close-in Procedure.

For a hard close-in, the chokes remain closed at all times other than during a well control operation. The choke
line valves are aligned such that a flow path is open through the choking system with the exception of the
choke(s) itself and one choke line valve located near the blowout preventer stack. When the hard close-in
procedure is selected for closing in a well, the blowout preventer is closed. If the casing pressure cannot be
measured at the wellhead, the choke line valve is opened with the choke or adjacent high pressure valve
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remaining closed so that pressure can be measured at the choke manifold. This procedure allows the well to be
closed in the shortest possible time, thereby minimising the amount of additional influx of kicking fluid to enter the
wellbore. Use of the hard close-in procedure is limited to well conditions in which the maximum allowable casing
pressure is greater than the anticipated initial close in pressure and a well fracture would not be expected to
broach to the surface on initial closure.

3.8 Soft Close-in Versus Hard Close-in Procedure.

The soft close-in procedure provides a means of monitoring casing pressure and a more sensitive control of
casing pressure buildup during closure than will be experienced using the hard close-in procedure. If the initial
closed-in casing pressure is likely to exceed the maximum allowable casing pressure, the soft close-in procedure
permits initiation of a low choke pressure procedure or other alternate procedures before maximum allowable
casing pressure is reached. In this situation, the soft close-in procedure has a distinct advantage over the hard
close-in procedure. The major disadvantage of the soft close-in procedure is that the additional time involved in
opening the choke line valve and closing the choke will allow additional influx into the wellbore. This procedure
will result in a larger kick volume and potentially higher casing pressure than obtained if the hard close-in
procedure is used while circulating out the kick. The hard close-in procedure is somewhat less complicated, can
be performed by one man working on the rig floor, and is more likely to be performed without inadvertent delays
in closure than the soft closein procedure.

3.9 Stabilised Pressures.

When a kick is detected, the well should be closed in as quickly as possible to minimise kick influx volume.
Figure 3.3 shows a schematic diagram of a well shut in on a kick. In this well, a 20-barrel gas influx occurs when
drilling at 10,000 feet with a 10.0 Ib/gal drilling fluid. The stabilised closed-in pressures are 500 psi on the drill
pipe and 640 psi on the casing or annulus gauge.
Figure 3.4 illustrates various pressures in the wellbore.
To understand how the various pressures interact, it is
necessary to isolate and identify each one. The drill
pipe gauge pressure plus the hydrostatic pressure of
the drilling fluid equals the formation pressure.
The same pressure balance can be made for the
annulus, i.e., casing gauge pressure plus the
hydrostatic pressure of the annulus drilling fluid plus
the hydrostatic pressure of the influx equals the
formation pressure.
Figure 3.5 illustrates an example of a 10,000 foot
closed-in well with 10.0 Ib/gal drilling fluid and a small
volume of gas at bottom.
When the gas rises to 5000 feet without expansion or
temperature change, the bottom-hole pressure rises to
7800 psi, which is equivalent to a 15.0 Ib/gal drilling
fluid column. When the gas reaches the surface,
bottom-hole pressure is 10,400 psi, which is
equivalent to a 20.0 Ib/gal drilling fluid column.
At 5000 feet the borehole pressure is equivalent to a
30.0 Ib/gal drilling fluid column to that depth.
Such excessive pressure should be avoided whether
gas rises through a static drilling fluid column or is
circulated out by allowing the gas to expand as it rises.
This also requires that the pits be allowed to gain
volume.
If a gas bubble is permitted to rise in a wellbore without expanding, the gas pressure will remain constant.

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The reduced hydrostatic head above the gas column must be overcome by increased surface pressure on the
casing: in turn this increased pressure results in a higher bottom-hole pressure.

3.10 Closed-in Drill Pipe Pressure.

Formation pressure near the wellbore is reduced during flow. When the well is closed in, the borehole pressure
will rise until equal to formation pressure. As the drill pipe (and annulus) is in communication, the drill pipe
pressure will also rise and stabilize. The drill pipe pressure at this time indicates the amount to increase the
drilling fluid density. If the well is not circulated, the gas will slowly rise and increase both wellbore and drill pipe
pressures. Drill pipe pressures read after the initial stabilized reading will indicate excessive drilling fluid density
increase. To avoid excess wellbore pressures, the choke should be used to bleed drilling fluid from the casing
and maintain the initial shut-in drill pipe pressure.

These conditions are illustrated in Figure 3.6. To determine the closed-in drill pipe pressure when a back-
pressure valve is in the drill string, pressure should be increased slowly using the smallest pump available to
determine the pressure at which the backpressure valve opens.
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If casing pressure is seen to rise while pumping on the drill pipe, pumping should be stopped and the increase in
casing pressure subtracted from drill pipe pressure

4.14.2 Formation Integrity Tests

3.11 Leak-off Test.

A leak-off test is made to determine the pressure at which a formation will begin to fracture. Leak-off tests are
usually run after drilling a short distance below the surface casing shoe. These tests may also be made on other
casing strings. A leak-off test is performed by pumping drilling fluid into the wellbore at a slow rate (typically one-
half barrel per minute), with blowout preventers closed and carefully plotting the resulting pressure versus the
total volume pumped. The pressure at which the plotted curve begins to flatten i.e., when the pressure increases
a smaller amount for a volume pumped, is the surface leak-off pressure. The pump should be stopped
immediately. This pressure plus the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid is the formation fracture pressure.
Formation fracture pressure (psi) =
Leak-off pressure (psi) + [.052 x Drilling fluid density (Ib/gal)] x Casing TVD (ft).
It is useful to calculate the formation fracture gradient as equivalent or fracture drilling fluid density.
Fracture drilling fluid density (Ib/gal) =
Leak-off pressure
----------------------------------- + Drilling fluid density in use during test (Ib/gal).
.052 x Casing TVD (ft)
Fracture pressure is the maximum surface pressure that can be applied to a casing that is full of drilling fluid
without fracturing the formation. Fracture pressure is calculated as follows:
Fracture pressure (psi) =
.052 x Casing TVD (ft) x [Fracture drilling fluid density (Ib/gal) - Present drilling fluid density (lb/gal)]

3.12 Formation Competency Test.

A formation competency test is made to determine if a wellbore will support drilling fluid of a higher density which
may be required at some future time during the well drilling and completion operations. The formation
competency test is performed by pumping drilling fluid into the wellbore at a slow rate (typically onehalf barrel per
minute) with blowout preventers closed.
Pumping into the wellbore should be continued until reaching the predetermined test pressure as calculated
below:
Test pressure (psi) =
.052 x Casing TVD (ft) x [Required test drilling fluid density b/gal) - drilling fluid density currently in use
(Ib/gal)].
CREW DRILLS
The proficiency with which drilling crews react to well control situations and follow correct control procedures can
be enhanced by repetitive drills. When the desired proficiency is attained, periodic drills should be continued to
maintain performance.
The following drills, frequency, and proficiency levels are considered desirable:
A. Pit Drill.
Without prior warning and during a routine operation, the rig supervisor should simulate a gain in pit drilling fluid
volume by raising a float sufficiently to cause an alarm to be activated. If automatic equipment is not available,
the drills may be signalled by word of mouth. This, of course, diminishes the surprise element, but the training is
still effective. The drilling crew should immediately initiate one of the four procedures discussed in Paragraph B
depending on the operation at the time of the drill. A pit drill is terminated when the crew has completed the steps
up to, but not including, closing the blowout preventers (Crews must be advised that this is a pit drill,otherwise

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

they should proceed with the complete blowout preventer drill). The supervisor initiating the drill should record
response time.
Crew response time should be one minute or less.
B. Blowout Preventer Drill.
This drill includes all steps of the pit drill (refer to Paragraph A) but is continued through all the steps of closing in
the well as outlined below. This drill should be repeated on a daily basis until each crew can close in the well
within a span of two minutes. Thereafter the drill should be repeated weekly to maintain proficiency.
1. On-bottom Drill.
a. Signal given.
b. Stop rotary.
c. Raise kelly tool joint above the rotary, while sounding the alarm.
d. Stop pump.
e. Check for well flow.
The on-bottom drill should be carried only to the point of driller recognition, signalled by raising the kelly and
pump shutdown. This is to avoid the danger of stuck pipe.
2. Tripping Drill Pipe Drill
a. Signal given.
b. Position the upper tool job above rotary table and set slips.
c. Stab full-open valve on drill pipe.
d. Close drill pipe safety valve.
e. Close blowout preventer.
Drills while tripping drill pipe should be performed after the bit is up in the casing
A full opening safety valve for each size and type connection in the string must be open and on the floor ready for
use. Safety valves must be clearly identified as to size and connection to avoid confusion and lost time when
stabbing.
3. Drill with Drill Collars in the Preventer.
a. Signal given
b. Position the upper drill collar in rotary table and set slips.
c. Stab full-open safety valve made up on one joint of drill pipe with change-over sub onto collars.
NOTE: Preparation for this operation must be made in advance. Prior to reaching the drill collars when pulling out
of the hole, a drill pipe to drill collar change-over sub must be placed on a single joint of drill pipe. The full open
safety valve is then made on the top of the joint of drill pipe.
d. Lower collars with joint of drill pipe into the hole.
e. Close the drill pipe safety valve.
f. Close the pipe rams above drill pipe tool joint.
Flows that occur with drill collars in the preventers will generally be quite rapid since they are usually the result of
expansion of a gas bubble that is quite close to the surface. The joint of drill pipe picked up with the elevators will
usually be easier to stab and make up than a safety valve alone. Under actual kick conditions (other than drill) if
only one stand of drill collars remained in the hole it would probably be faster to simply pull that last stand and
close the blind rams.
4. Out of the Hole Drill.
a. Signal given.
b. Close blind rams.
C. Stripping Drill.
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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

The performance of a stripping drill by at least one crew on each well should be considered. This drill can be
conveniently performed after casing is set and before drilling out cement. With drill pipe in the hole a blowout
preventer should be closed and the desired pressure trapped. Each crew member should be assigned a specific
position. Following an acceptable procedure, the crew should strip sufficient pipe into the hole to establish the
workability of the equipment and to allow each crew member to learn to perform assignments. In addition to
establishing equipment reliability, this will permit the training of at least one crew on each well. Over a period of
time, all crews should become proficient in stripping operations. Stripping drills are not recommended for
operations involving subsea blowout preventer stacks.
D. Choke Drill.
Choke drills should be performed before drilling out surface casing and each subsequent casing string. With
pressure trapped below a closed preventer, the choke should be used to control casing pressure while pumping
down the drill pipe at a prescribed rate. This drill will establish equipment performance and allow the crew to gain
proficiency in choke operation. It is desirable to discharge into a trip tank to accurately monitor flow rates for
correlation with choke opening, pump rates, and pressure drops in the circulating system and across the choke.
This is particularly important for subsea blowout preventer stacks in deep water, which may have significant
circulating pressure losses in the choke lines.
E. Hang-off Drill (Subsea Blowout Preventers Only)
Following prescribed procedures, the crew should place the drill string in position for hang-off. One hang-off
should be made before drilling out of surface pipe to ensure that all necessary equipment is on hand and in
working condition. Actual hang-off will not normally be performed on subsequent drills. This drill can be
conveniently performed in conjunction with the pit drill.
TRIP TANKS
A trip tank is a low-volume, calibrated tank which can be isolated from the remainder of the surface drilling fluid
system and used to accurately monitor the amount of fluid going into or coming from the well. A trip tank may be
of any shape provided that it is calibrated accurately and a means is provided for reading the volume contained
in the tank at any liquid level. The readout may be direct or remote, preferably both. The size of the tank and
readout arrangement should be such that volume changes in the order of one-half barrel can be easily detected.
Tanks containing two compartments with monitoring arrangements in each compartment are preferred as this
facilitates removing or adding drilling fluid without interrupting rig operations. The primary use of the trip tank is to
measure the amount of drilling fluid required to fill the hole while pulling pipe to determine if the drilling fluid
volume matches pipe displacement. Other uses of the trip tank include measuring drilling fluid or water volume
into the annulus when returns are lost, monitoring the hole while logging or following cement job, calibrating
drilling fluid pumps, etc. The trip tank is also used to measure the volume of drilling fluid bled from or pumped
into the well as pipe is stripped into or out of the well.
TRIP BOOK
A tally should be maintained showing the volume of drilling fluid required to fill the hole after pulling the specified
number of stands along with the cumulative volume.
It is important to keep this record in a "trip book" so that each trip may be compared with previous trips for
anomalous behaviour, rather than to rely only on comparison with theoretical displacement volumes. A similar
record is made of drilling fluid returns while running pipe in the hole.

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Questions 1-4 refer to the diagram above. The valves shown are numbered 1 to 15.
1. If all of the above valves were closed, indicate below those valves that should be in the open position if the
Manifold is lined up to suit a Soft Shut-in (excluding choke).
Answer:
2. Referring to the above question indicate the position of the chokes, when lined up for a Soft Shut-in.
a. Left hand remote choke Opened Closed
b. Manual adjustable choke Opened Closed
c. Right hand remote choke Opened Closed
3. Indicate the position of the chokes, when lined up for a Fast Shut-in.
a. Left hand remote choke Opened Closed
b. Manual adjustable choke Opened Closed
c. Right hand remote choke Opened Closed
4. Indicate the position of the chokes, when lined up for a Hard Shut-in .
a. Left hand remote choke Opened Closed
b. Manual adjustable choke Opened Closed
c. Right hand remote choke Opened Closed

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

If an indication of a Kick while Drilling occurs, or if the Well flows while Tripping, then the well must be closed-In.
(A Kelly is being used) The following is a list ofpossible Actions that could or could not be taken when shutting
the well in.
1. Pick up and space out
2. Stop Rotating
3. Set Slips
4. Open HCR valve
5. Close HCR valve
6. Install Safety Valve (FOSV)
7. Open Safety Valve
8. Close Safety Valve
9. Open Ram Preventer
10. Close Ram Preventer
11. Open Annular Preventer
12. Close Annular Preventer
13. Stop pumping
14. Install Inside B.O.P (Grey Valve)
15. Open Choke
16. Close Choke
17. Record Data
For questions 5 to 8 refer to the list shown above.
5. Select the correct sequence of actions which should be taken if a well kicks while drilling and the Soft Shut-in is
to be used.
Answer:
6. Select the correct sequence of actions which should be taken if a well kicks while drilling and the Fast shut-in is
to be used.
Answer:
7. Select the correct sequence of actions which should be taken if a well kicks while drilling and the Hard shut-in is
to be used.
Answer:
8. If a well flow while Tripping, select the correct sequence of actions which should be taken if the Fast shut-in is to
be used.
Answer:
9. Secondary well control could be defined as initially;
a. Controlling formation fluids with the pressure of the mud column, in a static or dynamic condition.
b. Controlling formation fluids with the pressure of the mud column and the well closed in.
10. Prior to Stripping back to bottom, and assuming there is no float valve in the string, the equipment made up on
top of the string would generally be;
a. A Safety valve (Kelly cock) in the closed position.
b. An Inside Blow-Out Preventer (Grey valve).
c. An I.B.O.P valve on top of a opened Safety Valve.
d. A Safety valve closed with an IBOP valve below it.
e. A closed Regan "Fast Shut-off valve".

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Section 4. Shut in Procedures

f. An I.B.O.P. valve on top of an opened Regan "Fast Shut-off valve".

11. If a well starts to Flow due to Gas at shallow levels, the safest action would be: (Select three answers)
a. Shut the Well in as fast as possible, use a ram preventer.
b. Shut the diverter and then open the vent line and close the flow line.
c. Open the vent line, close the flow line and then close the diverter.
d. Have all nonessential personnel removed from the rig.
e. Pump into the well at the fastest rate.
f. Line up the returns to go through the Poor-Boy Degasser.

1. The valves which should be in the open position:

numbers: 2, 3, 7, 8 and 15.
2. Left hand remote choke - opened
Manual Adjustable choke - closed
Right hand remote choke - closed
3. Left hand remote choke - closed
Manual Adjustable choke - closed
Right hand remote choke - closed
4. As Q 3. All chokes Closed
5. 2, 1, 13, 4, 12, 16 and 17.
6. 2, 1, 13, 4, 12 and 17
7. 2, 1, 13, 10 or 12, 4 and 17
8. 1, 3, 6, 8, 4, 12, 14, 7 and 17
9. b.
10. c.
11. c. d. and e.

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 PVD Training
Section 4. Shut in Procedures

Questions 1-4 refer to the stack and manifold diagram. The valves shown in the diagram are on the choke and
kill line at the stack numbered F1 to F8. The valves on the manifold are numbered 1 to 31.
1. If all of the above valves were closed, indicate below those valves that should be in the open position if the
Manifold is lined up to suit a Soft Shut-in while drilling.
Answer:

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 PVD Training
Section 4. Shut in Procedures

2 . Referring to the above question indicate the position of the chokes, when lined up for a Soft Shut-in
a. Left hand remote choke Opened Closed
b. Manual adjustable choke Opened Closed
c. Right hand remote choke Opened Closed
3. Indicate the position of the chokes, when lined up for a Fast Shut-in.
a. Left hand remote choke Opened Closed
b. Manual adjustable choke Opened Closed
c. Right hand remote choke Opened Closed
4. Indicate the position of the chokes, when lined up for a Hard Shut-in
a. Left hand remote choke Opened Closed
b. Manual adjustable choke Opened Closed
c. Right hand remote choke Opened Closed
If an indication of a Kick while Drilling occurs, or if the Well flows while Tripping, then the well must be closed-In. (A
Kelly is being used)
The following is a list of possible Actions that could or could not be taken when shutting the well in.

For questions 5 to 7 refer to the list shown above.

5. Select the correct sequence of actions which should be taken if a well kicks while drilling and the Soft Shut-in is
to be used.
Answer:
6. Select the correct sequence of actions which should be taken if a well kicks while drilling and the Fast shut-in is
to be used.
Answer:
7. Select the correct sequence of actions which should be taken if a well kicks while drilling and the Hard shut-in is
to be used.
Answer:
8. Having information about tides and rig heave on a floating rig is important for many reasons, particularly if a well
has to be shut in.
From the following select the most important reason for this.

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 PVD Training
Section 4. Shut in Procedures

a. To know the exact measured depth from the bit to the rig floor.
b. To know where the tool joints are in relation to the ram that will be used.
c. To be able to make necessary adjustments to the riser tensioners
d. To reduce the risk of collapsing the riser.
9. Some sensible precautions that could be taken while drilling top if there is any risk of shallow gas would be:
(There is more than 1 answer)
a. Monitor sea bed returns and observe surface of sea.
b. Drill pilot hole
c. Restrict penetration rate
d. Close the well in at the first sign of flow
e. All of the above.
10. Drilling for the 20 inch casing is generally done without a riser.
This is because:
a. It is much easier to detect any flow or pit changes.
b. It is easier to control bottom hole pressure
c. It is easier to move the rig off location in an emergency
d. It is easier to close the well in.

1. The valves which should be in the open position:

numbers: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 25, 26, 27 and 30
2. Left hand remote choke- closed
Manual Adjustable choke- closed
Right hand remote choke- opened
3. Left hand remote choke- closed
Manual Adjustable choke- closed
Right hand remote choke- closed
4. As Q 3. All chokes Closed
5. 2, 1, 13, 4, 8, 12, 6, 15, 14, 10 and 16
6. 2, 1, 13, 4, 8, 6, 15, 14, 10 and 16
7. 2, 1, 13, 8, 4, 6, 15, 14, 10 and 16
8. b.
9. a, b and c
10. c.

PVD Training | 4.16 - WORKSHOP 4(a) - Answers 21