C HAPTER

4
 4-1

K ICK
T HEORY
W
hat is a kick? A kick is simply the
displacement of fluid at the top of
a hole by an unwanted influx of
formation fluid. A kick should not occur if the
Influx behavior hydrostatic pressure of the fluid is at least slightly
in excess of the formation pressure.
differs depending
on the type of kick, A BLOWOUT IS AN
UNCONTROLLED KICK
the well geometry
A kick that is not recognized, or is allowed
and the fluid to continue, will unload the fluid from the well.
When a kick takes place, and it is not recognized,
or if no action is taken, then it could develop
in the well. into a blowout. It will blow out the fluid,
and hence its name. If the well unloads
from one zone into another formation, that is
called an underground blowout. When a kick
 C HAPTER 4
4-2

takes place, action must be taken by the crew

quickly to bring the well under control.
The effects and behavior of kicks must
be understood in order to prevent kicks from
turning into blowouts. A gas kick must be
allowed to expand as it comes up, with most of
the expansion near the surface. Uncontrolled or
no expansion of a gas kick will create problems
that can lead to a blowout.
Gas can migrate and increase wellbore
Kick: pressure if a well is left shut in. Because of this,
displacement shut-in pressures need to be monitored. When
of fluid from the the well is shut in, bleed-off procedures should
top of a well by be used to allow gas expansion, or until killing
an unwanted procedures can be started.
influx of For matters of simplicity and basic
formation fluid. understanding, kicks will be presented as a
single coherent volume. In reality, the influx
may spread several hundred or thousand feet
(meters) throughout the wellbore.
DETERMINING THE NATURE
OF INTRUDING FLUID
It is helpful to know if intruding fluid is
gas or liquid (oil/water). This is approximated
by calculating the density of intruding fluid
assuming the difference between shut in pressures
(Shut In Drillpipe/Casing Pressures) is due to
the difference in densities over the kick length.
To determine fluid type in the wellbore,
measure pit gain in barrels as accurately as
possible. This is an indicator of kick size. (Exclude
circulating volume from surface equipment,
such as fluid cleaning/mud mixing equipment,
if shut down prior to measuring pit gain.) Kick
length is calculated by dividing barrels gained by
the annular capacity between the wellbore and
pipe, and from its length, the density can be
estimated using the calculations below.

1. Calculate estimated kick length: Estimated kick length = Pit Gain ÷ Annular Capacity (at kick position)
2. Calculate approximate density: Kick Density = MW – ([SICP – SIDPP] ÷ [Kick Length × Conversion Factor])

EXAMPLE 1
Calculate the estimated density of the influx given the following information.
SITP = 400 psi (27.58 bar) SICP = 600 psi (41.37 bar) Hole Size = 8 1/2" (215.9 mm)
Collar Size = 6 1/2" (165.1 mm) O.D. Mud Wt = 11.8 ppg (1414 kg/m³) Pit Gain = 15 bbls (2.38 m³)
Annular Capacity Around Collars = 0.029 bbls/ft (0.01513 m³/m)

Estimated Kick Lengthft = Pit Gainbbls ÷ Annular Capacitybbls/ft

= 15 ÷ 0.029
= 517 ft

Estimated Kick Lengthm = Pit Gainm³ ÷ Annular Capacitym³/m

= 2.38 ÷ 0.01513
= 157.3 m

Kickppg = MWppg – ([SICPpsi – SIDPPpsi] ÷ [Kick Lengthft × 0.052])

= 11.8 – ([600 – 400] ÷ [517.24 × 0.052])
= 11.8 – (200 ÷ 26.896)
= 11.8 – 7.436
= 4.36 or 4.4 ppg

Kickkg/m³ = MWkg/m³ – ([SICPbar – SIDPPbar] ÷ [Kick Lengthm × 0.0000981])

= 1414 – ([41.37 – 27.58] ÷ [157.3 × 0.0000981])
= 1414 – (13.79 ÷ 0.0154)
= 1414 – 895.45
= 518.55 kg/m³
K ICK T HEORY
The density of salt water is generally between
8.5 and 10.0 ppg (1019 and 1198 kg/m³) while
the density of gas is less than 2.0 ppg (240
kg/m³). If the density is between 2.0 ppg and 8.5
ppg (240 and 1019 kg/m³), then the intruding
fluid is a mixture of gas, oil and water.
Understanding the difference between gas
and liquid kicks will allow certain problems to
be handled in different ways. By calculating the
kick density, we may find the influx to be either
liquid or gas. In reality, it must be noted that
some gas may exist with either oil or water. Most
kicks are a mixture of more than one fluid and
all kicks should be treated as gas kicks unless
there is good reason to believe otherwise.
GAS IN THE WELLBORE –
WATER BASED MUDS
Gas is a compressible fluid. The volume it
occupies depends on the pressure imposed on it.
If pressure increases, volume decreases. Volume/
pressure relationships vary for different types
and mixtures of gases. However, the behavior
of natural gas can be approximated using
an inverse proportionality. This means that
doubling pressure will compress the gas to about
half the original volume. Reducing pressure by
half will double the original volume.
Gas is lighter than liquid, therefore
migration may occur whether or not the well is
shut in. Although gas may separate into smaller
bubbles, most discussions describe a kick as
a single slug of gas. The generalities of gas
behavior in the wellbore should be understood
and anticipated to maintain control of a gas
kick.
THE GENERAL GAS LAW
The general gas law states that the pressure
in gas is related to the volume that the gas
is allowed to occupy. Temperature changes
and variation from a perfect gas modify this
relationship. See the following chart.
4-3
THE GENERAL GAS LAW
P1 × V 1 P2 × V2
=
T1 × Z1 T2 × Z2
P1 = The original absolute pressure
V1 = The original volume
T1 = The original absolute temperature
Z1 = The variation from perfect compressibility
of the gas at P1 and T1
(P, V, T, Z) 2 = Values at any other conditions
Ignoring T and Z the equation becomes
P1 × V1 = P2 × V2
For our purposes we generally ignore T, temperature,
and Z, compressibility. T is not typically used in the
equation since we cannot simultaneously measure
temperature along all points of the well. Z describes
the deviation of a gas from an ideal or perfect
gas. Gases encountered in the field are mixtures.
For example, hydrogen is an ideal gas, but is often
associated as a compound gas such as methane,
CH4, or hydrogen sulfide, H2S. The compound gas
prevents expansion and compression from being
perfectly proportional to pressure and temperature.
The general gas law shows that if a gas is not
allowed to expand, pressure remains the same
except for variations due to temperature and the
compressibility factor. This means if a gas bubble
from the bottom of the hole comes to surface
without being allowed to expand, it would
still have the same pressure as it had at the
hole bottom. The pressurized gas would then
pressurize the well to a point where equipment
failure, formation breakdown or lost circulation
could occur. This is why a gas kick cannot be
killed by keeping pit volume constant or by
pumping in one barrel (0.159 m³) for every barrel
(0.159 m³) that comes out of the well.
In reality, pressures are not as high as might
be expected due to the effect of temperature.
When gas comes up the hole, it cools. It further
cools if it is allowed to expand. As the gas cools,
the pressure of the gas reduces. One further
item that is not in the general gas law is the
solubility of gas. When gas dissolves into fluid Treat all kicks
it reduces the volume of free gas. Therefore,
ultimate pressures at the surface are reduced.
as if they were
gas kicks.
If gas rises to the surface and expands
without any control, the gas would occupy so
much volume in the annulus that it would push
large amounts of fluid out of the hole and reduce
bottomhole pressure. Between not allowing gas
to expand and allowing free expansion of the gas,
 C HAPTER 4
4-4
0 PSI 1300 PSI 2600 PSI 3900 PSI 5200 PSI
Surface
Pressure
0 ft
1 bbl

2,500 ft 1 bbl

5,000 ft 1 bbl

7,500 ft 1 bbl

10,000 ft 1 bbl

Bottomhole
5200 PSI 6500 PSI 7800 PSI 9100 PSI 10400 PSI
Pressure

Pits
0 0 0 0 0
No gas Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel
expansion Gain Gain Gain Gain Gain

well control procedures have been developed
that control expansion of the gas, and proper
control of gas expansion is essential to any
successful well control procedure.
GAS EXPANSION
When gas enters the hole, its effect on
the wellbore depends on how the gas will be
handled. Incorrect handling of a gas kick can
result in hazardous consequences. This has
been evident throughout oilfield history. Even
today, there are many practices and viewpoints
on how to kill a well. The following examples
Do not try
show how gas in the wellbore act and illustrates
to kill a well
the best solution to these problems. For
by maintaining
simplicity, gas will be treated as a single slug
constant pit
and the effects of temperature, compressibility,
volume.
fluid type and solubility are ignored in the
following examples.
NO EXPANSION
In a 10,000 foot (3048 m) well containing
10 ppg (1198 kg/m³) fluid, a barrel (0.159 m³)
of gas is swabbed in on a connection. The well
is shut in and the gas bubble is allowed to
migrate to surface (or is circulated to surface
holding pit volume constant). In other words,
the gas will not be allowed to expand. For
the sake of simplicity, ignore the effects of
temperature and compressibility although they
affect the answer.
The bottomhole pressure exerted by the
column of fluid is 5,200 psi (358.54 bar) and
the volume of gas is 1 barrel (0.159 m³). If gas
migrated halfway up the hole, the hydrostatic
pressure above the gas bubble will only be
2,600 psi (179.27 bar). However, the pressure
of the gas bubble will still be at 5,200 psi
(358.54 bar), according to the general gas
law. The annular pressure at surface would
be 2,600 psi (179.27 bar), the difference
in the pressure of the gas bubble and the
hydrostatic pressure of the fluid above the
gas bubble. Bottomhole pressure will be the
hydrostatic pressure plus the casing pressure
or 7,800 psi (537.81 bar). When the bubble
reaches the surface, the surface pressure will
be 5,200 psi (358.54 bar) and the bottomhole
pressure 10,400 psi (717.08 bar). This is
equivalent to a 20 ppg (2397 kg/m³) fluid. In
most cases, before gas reaches the surface, a
breakdown of the weaker formations would
occur or the casing could burst, limiting our
kill options.
K ICK T HEORY
4-5

There are two lessons to be learned from
the no expansion example: Do not try to
kill a well with a constant pit volume; and
do not allow a well to stay shut in for a
long time if pressures are continuing to rise.
Rising pressures probably mean gas migrating
up the hole. If pressures rise, keep tubing
pressure constant by using proper bleed-off
procedures at the choke.
UNCONTROLLED EXPANSION
The opposite of not allowing the gas to
expand is to circulate the gas out without
holding any backpressure on it. Again, one
barrel (0.159 m³) of gas is swabbed into the
wellbore. This time the well is not shut in
and the pump has started to circulate the
bubble out of the hole. From the gas law,
when the gas has reached half-way up the
hole, it expands to two barrels (0.318 m³).
Three quarters of the way up the hole, the gas
expands to four barrels (0.636 m³). Another
halfway up the hole from that point, the
gas expands to eight barrels (1.272 m³).
A question or two should be forming by
this time: If the bubble is expanding, and
displacing fluid from the well, how much
hydrostatic pressure has been lost? Can this
loss of hydrostatic pressure cause the well to
flow? By this time more gas is probably entering
the wellbore, expanding, displacing more fluid,
and allowing a faster flow. The well is on its way
to blowing out. With uncontrolled expansion,
it has been said that 90% of the expansion
potential will occur in the top 10% of the
wellbore. Rising pressures in
a closed well
probably mean
CONTROLLED EXPANSION that gas is
migrating toward
the surface.
If pumping out a gas kick with controlled
expansion, gas must be allowed to expand
to maintain bottomhole pressure equal to, or
slightly above, formation pressure. Pit volume
must be allowed to increase. When following
normal well kill methods (Driller’s, Wait and
Weight, Concurrent), more fluid is allowed
to come out than is pumped in, allowing
gas to expand. The choke operator holds a
backpressure allowing gas to expand enough
so the hydrostatic pressure in the well plus
backpressure equals a value that is about equal
to formation pressure. Normal well kill methods
allow controlled gas expansion as gas is being
pumped to surface. (See example on next
page.)

0 PSI 0 PSI 0 PSI 0 PSI 0 PSI

Surface
Pressure
0 ft
350 bbl

2,500 ft 4 bbl

5,000 ft 2 bbl

7,500 ft 1.3 bbl

10,000 ft 1 bbl

Bottomhole
5200 PSI 5197 PSI 5190 PSI 5170 PSI ? PSI
Pressure

Pits
0 .3 1 3+ 350+ Uncontrolled
Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel gas expansion
Gain Gain Gain Gain Gain
 C HAPTER 4
4-6

fluid will be bled from the well. This must

GAS MIGRATION
A watch should always be kept on shut-in
Gas migration pressures. Pressures may rise as gas migrates
in a shut in well
up through the well’s fluid when shut in. Gas
can increase
migration can increase the wellbore pressures
pressure in a
until formation or equipment breakdown
well and cause
an underground
occurs. This may result in formation damage
blowout. or an underground blowout.
Keep tubing or drillpipe pressure constant
at planned pressures. The tubing or drillpipe
pressure gives the best indication to bottomhole
pressure changes because it usually contains
a known and consistent fluid (as opposed
to the fluid in the annulus, contaminated
by cuttings and influx fluid). If this pressure
is kept constant, bottomhole pressure is also
constant. This may require choke manipulation
to adjust pressure and is discussed in the Well
Control Methods chapter.
If tubing or drillpipe pressure cannot be
used, such as if un-ported backpressure valves
are in the string or if the bit is plugged or pipe
is out of the hole, then casing pressure must
be used until the problem can be solved. If
casing pressure is held constant, a volume of
be carefully measured since this fluid was
contributing to hydrostatic pressure and casing
pressure must be allowed to increase to
compensate for this loss. Following are some
equations that will help in gas migration and
bleed-off procedures.
PROBLEM 1
Use the following information to calculate
hydrostatic pressure lost.
As surface pressure is maintained at the
proper pressure, a six barrel (0.954 m³) gain
was noted in the trip tank. Fluid weight is
13.0 ppg (1558 kg/m³) and the well has a
9 5/8” (244.5 mm) hole with 4 1/2” (114.3
mm) drillpipe (annular capacity, 0.070 bbls/ft
[36.51 m³/m]).
Hydrostatic Pressure Lost =
(Barrels Gained ÷ Annular Capacity)
× (Conversion Factor × Fluid Density)
PROBLEM 2
Use the following information to calculate
the pressure at surface that would be needed
to replace the hydrostatic pressure of a fluid

0 PSI 7 PSI 14 PSI 28 PSI 185 PSI

Surface
Pressure
0 ft
27 bbl
2,500 ft 4 bbl

5,000 ft 2 bbl

7,500 ft 1.3 bbl

10,000 ft 1 bbl

Bottomhole
5200 PSI 5200 PSI 5200 PSI 5200 PSI 5200 PSI
Pressure

Pits
0 .3 1 3 27
Controlled
Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel
gas expansion
Gain Gain Gain Gain Gain
K ICK T HEORY
as it is bled from the well. The same formula
used in problem 1 is applied to determine the
amount of surface pressure that would have to
be applied if hydrostatic is lost.
Gas is being controlled during migration
up the 9-5/8” (244.5 mm) hole with 4-1/2”
(114.3 mm) drillpipe. Ten barrels (1.59 m³) of
13.0 ppg (1558 kg/m³) fluid have been bled,
and the annular capacity is 0.070 bbls/ft (36.51
kg/m³).
Surface Pressure Increase =
(Barrels Gained ÷ Annular Capacity)
× (Conversion Factor × Fluid Density)
LIQUID KICKS
Oil, water and saltwater are nearly
incompressible. They will not expand to any
appreciable extent as pressure on them is
reduced. Because of this property, their pumping
and return rates will be essentially equal. If a
liquid kick will not expand as it is circulated out
of the hole, the casing pressure will not
increase as is anticipated with a gas kick
(provided no further influx is permitted). With
constant bottomhole pressure kill methods the
hydrostatic pressure on the annular side will
change due to variations in well geometry.
Casing pressure will also change, due to choke
adjustments, as the heavier mud replaces both
original fluid and kicking fluid. These changes
are not nearly as pronounced as changes with a
gas kick in the well.
When compared with gas, liquid kicks do
not migrate to any appreciable extent. If the
liquid kick does not migrate, shut-in pressures
will not increase (from migration) to the same
extent as seen on a gas kick.
Most water influxes will contain some
solution gas that will make the surface pressures
form the same pattern encountered during a
gas kick, but to a lesser degree. It is important
to treat every kick as if it were a gas kick.
4-7
GAS IN THE WELLBORE –
OIL/SYNTHETIC OIL BASED MUDS
The behavior of gas kicks in oil based fluid
is different from kicks in water based fluid.
Gas that enters a wellbore which contains oil
based fluid will go into solution. It is estimated
that the majority (60 percent or more) of gas
that enters the wellbore will go into solution.
Synthetic oil based mud will exhibit the same
gas absorption characteristics as regular oil
based mud, but to a lesser extent, depending
on the synthetic mud’s composition.
It is more difficult to recognize that a kick
has been taken with oil based fluid. With water
based fluid, the pit gain would reflect the size
of a gas influx. For example, if the well were
shut in with a 10 barrel (1.59 m³) pit gain, this
would be the result of a 10 barrel (1.59 m³)
influx of gas. With oil based fluid, the same 10
barrel (1.59 m³) gas kick would cause a pit gain
of only 2 to 3 barrels (0.318 to 0.477 m³). This
inconsistent pit gain can disguise the severity
of the kick.
Once shut in, the gas in solution will
not migrate to any appreciable extent, thereby
giving the appearance of a liquid kick. The
assumption that the kick is oil or saltwater
should not be made if oil based fluid is being
used. The influx will not expand as it is
circulated until the kick nears the surface.
When the gas comes out of solution, it will
expand rapidly. If the well is being circulated,
this will result in a sudden unloading of the
fluid above the gas as it expands. If the kick is
being circulated through the choke, this rapid
Usually, liquid
expansion will require choke adjustments to
kicks will not
maintain a constant bottomhole pressure. The
migrate up a
choke operator should anticipate the change well to any
from a liquid to a gas as the kick nears the appreciable
surface and should be prepared to make the extent.
necessary adjustments.

4-8
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM SURFACE
PRESSURE FROM A KICK
It is impossible to estimate the maximum
surface pressure that might be expected from a
poorly handled well kick, because the pressure
is regulated with the pump and choke. If the
kick fluid is gas and is allowed to migrate to
surface without the pressure being relieved, then
pressure on surface (providing nothing fails
downhole or on surface) could be between one-
half and two-thirds of the formation pressure
that produced the gas. Solubility of the kick
fluid in the fluid system and temperature will
generally reduce the size of the influx and
therefore reduce pressure. Kick composition,
solubility of the wellbore fluid, and exact kick
sizes, are never exactly known.
Generally, the maximum surface pressure
from a gas kick killed by the Driller’s Method
will be greater than the maximum pressure
from the Wait and Weight Method. This
pressure will be somewhat more than the
original Shut in Tubing Pressure. Maximum
pressure from the Concurrent Method will fall
somewhere between the Driller’s and Wait and
Weight Methods.
EFFECTS OF KICK POSITION
A major concern in well control is avoiding
lost circulation. During a kick, the pressure
at any weak point in the wellbore is equal to
the hydrostatic pressure above the point plus
Larger kicks the casing pressure at surface. Often the weak
increase point is near the casing seat. If a procedure of
pressures maintaining constant bottomhole pressure is
throughout the
followed (while circulating a kick or allowing
well, increasing
the gas to rise), pressures at the weak point
the potential for
will rise only until the gas reaches the weak
complications.
point.
Once the kick fluid rises above the weak
point, the hydrostatic pressure exerted to the
weak point decreases. This is because the kick
C HAPTER 4
fluid’s hydrostatic pressure is usually lower
than the mud or fluid in use, hence a reduced
hydrostatic pressure. Note that surface pressure
may continue to increase to compensate for lost
hydrostatic as the gas expands and displaces
fluid from the well. From this point until the
kick is at the surface, pressures on the weak
point will not change unless a heavier fluid is
circulated above the weak zone. It should be
remembered that it is the total pressure against
the weak point, not just the pressure seen on
the surface, which causes formation failure.
Another basic point about pressures in the
wellbore needs to be understood. The kill fluid
equation, as shown in the Well Control Basics
chapter, shows how to replace shut-in surface
pressure with a heavier fluid weight in the
wellbore. This means that if a kick can be shut
in without losing returns, the hole should hold
the heavier fluid without losing returns.
The figures illustrate this important point
in understanding well control problems. After
the kick is pumped up into the casing, the
danger of lost circulation is reduced because
pressure at the casing shoe stabilizes or is
reduced.
KICK SIZE
It is important to remember that the longer
it takes to recognize a kick and start control
procedures the larger a kick will be and the
harder it will be to control. The larger the
kick, the higher the casing pressure. A few
general rules determine the maximum pressure
to expect. They are:
• Casing pressure increases with the
magnitude and size of the kick.
• Formation and circulating pressures increase
with well depth.
• Circulating pressures increase with fluid
weight increase.
• Surface pressures are lowest with saltwater
and increase with gas kicks.
K ICK T HEORY
4-9

• The method of killing the well affects
the surface pressure. Increasing the fluid
weight before circulating may help minimize
surface casing pressure.
• Gas migration while the well is shut in can
increase surface pressures to near formation
pressure.
• Safety margins and extra fluid weight during
kill operations can cause higher circulating
pressures.
MORE THAN ONE KICK
If proper constant bottomhole pressure
(BHP) is not maintained when circulating an
influx out, a second kick may occur. After
circulating kill fluid back to surface, the pump
should be shut down and the well shut in.
If pressure is observed on casing, there is a
possibility that a second kick has been taken.
A second circulation is sometimes required to
get the influx out because of inefficient hole
displacement and stringing out of the influx.
This should not be confused with a second
kick. The main causes of secondary kicks are:
Effects of Kick Position
0
• Improper start up procedures after being
shut in.
• Improper tubing pressure versus pump
strokes (circulating rate).
• Gas or mud exiting through the choke. If bottomhole
• Human error – incorrectly responding to pressure remains
mechanical problems such as washouts, constant, the
plugging, etc. danger of lost
circulation is
reduced after
the kick is
GAS CUTTING pumped up into
the casing.
Gas cutting of fluid, even if apparently
severe, creates only a small reduction in
bottomhole pressure. A small influx from the
bottom of the hole can severely gas cut fluid at
the surface due to the compressible nature of
gas causing great expansion near the surface.
When a small quantity of gas is circulated
halfway up the well, the hydrostatic pressure of
the fluid will be halved. The volume of gas will
double, but will have practically no effect on
the hydrostatic pressure of the entire column.
When the gas reaches another halfway, the gas
will double again, still with practically no effect
on bottomhole pressure. Each time the gas is

0 420 449 477 481

1600 3020 3048 3077 3059

Effects of
kick position
 C HAPTER 4
4-10

circulated halfway up the hole from the last

point the volume will double. When near the GAS BEHAVIOR
surface, these halfways become closer together, AND SOLUBILITY
resulting in a rapid increase in gas volume.
Improper start-
The total effect may be severe gas cut fluid The behavior and solubility of different
up procedures
at the surface, but downhole the effects are gases in fluids are complex issues. The type of
after shutting
in may result in
almost negligible. An example is in a 20,000 fluid in use, the pressure, temperature, pH and
a secondary ft (6096 m) well with 18 ppg (2157 kg/m³) the types and ratios of gases encountered all
kick. fluid, the bottomhole pressure is over 18,000 affect solubility. Also, the time that the gas is
psi (1241.05 bar). If the gas cutting at surface exposed to the liquid would have to be known
shows a 9 ppg (1078 kg/m³) fluid, bottomhole if specifics of solubility and influx behavior
pressure may be reduced from 50 to 100 psi were to be accurately determined.
(3.45 to 6.99 bar). This depends on the type(s) However, if the discussion is narrowed to
of gas. The reduction usually will not cause a general fluid types (water, oil or synthetic oil
kick, but gas cutting does warn of existing or based) and single common gas (methane, H2S
potential problems. or CO2), generalities may be derived.
Gas cutting can be a significant problem • If enough pressure is exerted, gas may be
while drilling shallow wells. Depending on compressed to a liquid state. If a liquid gas
the reduction of overall hydrostatic, kicks kick is taken, kicking fluid will not migrate
and shallow blowouts have occurred from gas or expand to any appreciable extent until it
cutting. Generally, once surface casing is set, is circulated to a point where the gas can no
this problem is minimized. longer stay in liquid form. Once it reaches

20,000
AL

AL
L
10 LB/GAL CUT TO 9 LB/GAL

7.5 LB/GA

/GAL
18 LB/GAL CUT TO 16.2 LB/G

13.5 LB/G

AL
.66 LB

2 LB/G

10,000
L
L CUT TO

T TO 6

GA
L CUT TO

T TO 1

L
GA
LB/

8,000
LB/
AL CU

AL CU

9
TO
10 LB/GA

5
18 LB/GA

TO
CUT

6,000
10 LB/G

18 LB/G
DEPTH - FEET

CUT
AL
B/G

AL
B/G
18 L

4,000
10 L

2,000
CUT
T
10% CUT

CU T
25% C U

33.3%

50 %

(After Obrien & Goins, 1960)

1,000
Gas cut mud 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
does not usually
cause much CHANGE IN BHP - PSI
reduction in BHP.
K ICK T HEORY
4-11
GAS CUTTING CAUSED BY DRILLING GAS SANDS
Gas cutting
18 caused by
drilling gas
WEIGHT OF MUD RETURNS AT SURFACE - LBS / GAL

sands
17

16 WE
IGH
T OF
15 M
HO UD G
LE OIN
14 16 G IN
LB
/ GA
L MU
13 D
14
LB
/ GA
12 L MU
D
11 12 L
B/G
AL M
UD
10
10 L
B/G
9 AL M
UD

6
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

DRILLING RATE – FT / HR

its bubble point, the gas will expand rapidly surface. Uncontrolled or no expansion will
to the volume it should occupy. create problems that can lead to blowouts. If
• Solubility changes with variables such as a kick is taken, remember that kick size is in
temperature, pH, pressure and type of fluid. proportion to the alertness of the crew. Larger
• Methane and hydrogen sulfide are more kicks cause higher pressure, and may result in
soluble in oil than water based solutions. difficulty in killing the well. Remember that gas
will migrate up a wellbore, so shut-in pressures
• Changes in conditions (i.e., pressure) may
need to be monitored and wells should not be
allow gas to break back out and result in
shut in for long periods of time. Use bleed-off
unexpected expansion that may lead to the
fluid unloading from that point upwards. procedures in order to allow expansion until
Both methane
well killing procedures begin.
and hydrogen
If oil or synthetic oil based fluids are used, sulfide are
gas kicks are harder to detect, as much of the soluble in oil
SUMMARY kick may go into solution. If using oil based based fluids.
fluids, flow checks should last for a longer time
The effects and behavior of kicks must be than checks on well in which water based fluids
known in order to prevent kicks from turning are used. Adjust pit alarms to the smallest value
into blowouts. Gas and water kicks will act possible and assume that a pit gain is from an
differently. Gas must be allowed to expand, influx until it can be proven otherwise. t
with most of the expansion occuring near the