11.

Well Kill Techniques

The standpipe pressure schedule can therefore be corrected for the adjusted
circulating pressures.
As the drill pipe is displaced with kill weight mud, the standpipe circulating
pressure should be stepped down according to the standpipe pressure schedule.
Once the drill pipe has been displaced with kill weight mud, the final
circulating pressure is held on the drill pipe by manipulating the choke. As kill
weight mud is circulated up the annulus, the drill pipe pressure will tend to
increase. The choke should be adjusted to ensure that the drill pipe pressure is
maintained at the final circulating pressure, thereby ensuring constant bottom
hole pressure.
When the returned mud is at kill weight, the pump should be stopped and the
well shut-in and checked for pressure. A flow check should be carried out
before the rams are opened. If this flow check indicates no flow, the rams
should be opened and a further flow check k performed.
Furthermore, a complete hole circulation should be carried out prior to
continuing operations. A suitable overbalance can be added to the mud at this
stage.

11.2 Non-Standard Techniques

11.2.1 Volumetric Method
The Volumetric Method can be used to control the expansion of an influx that
is migrating during shut-in periods. Therefore, it can only be used if
significant migration is occurring, which may occur only in the case of gas
kicks.
This method can be used during shut-in periods prior to displacement, or as a
means of safely venting an influx from a well in which circumstances prevent
the implementation of normal well control techniques.
Situations in which the Volumetric Method may be applicable include:
During any shut-in period after the well has kicked.
If the pumps are inoperable.
If there is a washout in the drill string that prevents displacement of the
kick.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

If the pipe is a considerable distance off bottom, out of the hole, or stuck
off bottom.
If the bit is plugged.
If the pipe has been dropped.
There are three techniques that may be required to deal with an influx that is
migrating up the hole. These are as follows:
1. Static Volumetric Control: One form of static volumetric control requires
using the drill pipe pressure to monitor bottom hole pressure, and is useful
when the drill pipe is on or near bottom.
2. Static Volumetric Control: A second form is useful when the drill pipe
cannot be used to measure bottom hole pressure.
3. Lubrication: This technique is
useful when the influx has migrated
to the stack, the influx is replaced
with mud as the influx is bled at the
choke.
The following sections may be used as
guidelines for the implementation of the
above-mentioned procedures.

11.2.1.1 Using Drill pipe Pressure to

Monitor Bottom Hole Pressure
This procedure is the simplest to
implement in that the drill pipe pressure
is available to monitor bottom hole
pressure. It may be necessary to
implement this procedure during any time that the well is shut-in after a kick
has been taken. This situation may arise while preparations are being made to
kill a well or when operations have to be suspended due to bad weather or
equipment failure.
The following guidelines can be used:
1. Record the shut-in drill pipe and choke pressures. After the well has been
shut-in, the surface pressures can be used to identify the influx type. If the

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

influx contains a significant proportion of gas, it will be necessary to allow

the influx to expand considerably as it migrates up the hole.
2. Develop an annulus pressure profile. The annular pressures during
migration of the influx will be similar to those resulting from circulation
with the Driller's Method. In this respect, a PC or programmable calculator
can be used to develop the annulus pressure profile for the Driller's Method.
The maximum wellbore pressures can be estimated along with the
anticipated pit gain.
3. Determine migration rate. After the surface pressures have built up to
values which reflect the kick zone pressure, further increases will be due to
migration. The rate of migration can be estimated from two pressure
readings, recorded either both on the drill pipe or both on the casing, taken
at a known time interval apart.
The distance of migration up the annulus D (in meters), given a constant cross
section and a time interval t (in minutes) is given by:

Z = (P2 - P1)/ ( m 0.098) .............................................................................. 11.25

The migration rate can therefore be estimated as follows:

Qg,m = (Z × 60) / T .................................................................................... 11.26

where,
P1 = surface pressure at start of interval, bar
P2 = surface pressure after interval T, bar
T = time interval, min
Qg,m = migration rate, m/hr

4. Allow drill pipe pressure to build by overbalance margin. The drill pipe
pressure should be allowed to build by a suitable overbalance margin. This
margin will be registered on the drill pipe as an increase in pressure over
and above the final shut-in pressure. The overbalance margin may typically
be in the range of 4 to 14 bar.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

5. Allow drill pipe pressure (± 7 bar on the average) to build up by the

operating margin. The drill pipe pressure should be allowed to build by a
further margin to ensure that the overbalance is maintained as mud is bled
from the well. The operating margin may also typically be in the range of 4
to 14 bar, depending on the resultant wellbore pressures at each stage in the
operation.
6. Bleed an increment of mud from the annulus to reduce drill pipe pressure.
After the drill pipe pressure has built by the sum of the overbalance margin
plus the operating margin, the kick zone will be overbalanced by the sum of
these two values. Mud should then be bled from the annulus to reduce
the drill pipe pressure to a value representing the final shut-in pressure
plus the overbalance margin. A manual choke should be used for this
operation to ensure adequate control. It is strongly recommended that small
volumes of mud are bled off at a time to allow time for the drill pipe
pressure to respond. There will be a considerable lag time between choke
and drill pipe pressure changes in a deep well (± 2 sec/300 m depth),
especially if the influx contains gas.
7. Continue this process until the influx migrates to the stack. Bleeding gas
cut mud from the well may precede the arrival of the influx at the stack.
However, if gas is observed at the choke, the well should be shut-in, and
mud should be lubricated into the well. If gas is bled from the well, the
bottom hole pressure will drop and eventually cause a further influx. When
the influx has migrated to the stack, surface pressures should no longer rise
as migration will cease to occur. Use the Volumetric Control Worksheet to
record all the relevant data (See Figure 11-6 below).
8. Lubricate mud into the hole, or implement the Dynamic Volumetric
Method.

11.2.1.2 Using Choke Pressure to Monitor Bottom Hole Pressure

This technique may be required if the drill string is stuck off bottom or out of
the hole or too far to be stripped back to bottom, or if the bit is plugged. In
such cases, it will not be possible to monitor the bottom hole pressure using
drill pipe pressure during the control process. The choke pressure is therefore
used in conjunction with the volume of mud bled from the well to infer the
bottom hole pressure.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

The principle of this procedure is that the bottom hole pressure is maintained
slightly over kick zone pressure by bleeding mud from the annulus to allow the
influx to expand as it migrates up the hole. Mud is bled in increments from the
well as the choke pressure rises due to migration. The volume of mud bled off
for each increment is determined from the increase in choke pressure and the
hydrostatic pressure that volume of mud represents in the wellbore.
For example, if the choke pressure increases by 100 psi (7 bar), a volume of
mud equivalent to a hydrostatic pressure in the annulus of 100 psi (7 bar) is
bled at the choke at a constant choke pressure. In this manner, control over the
bottom hole pressure is achieved. It should be noted that this method is only
applicable if the influx is migrating as the mud is bled from the well. The rate
of influx migration determines the time required to bleed each increment of
mud from the well. This technique is illustrated by Example 11.5.

Example 11.5
In this example, the following conditions apply:
Operating margin = 150 psi (10.3 bar)
Annulus = 8 1/2-in × 5-in.
Mud weight = 15.4 lb / gal (1.85 specific gravity)
Hydrostatic equivalent of mud = (1.85*0.098) / [(8.52-52) / 1973.5] = 7.56
bar/m3
Bleed (10.3 / 7.56) = 1.36 m3 of mud

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Figure 11-6: Volumetric Control Worksheet

VOLUMETRIC CONTROL WORKSHEET

WELL NO. 26 RIG 10 DATE AND TIME 01-Oct-1999 09:36 SHEET NO, 1

MUD WT IN THE HOLE 1.85 S.G. LUBRICATING MUD WT 1.85 S.G.

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PER m3 OF 1.85 S.G. MUD IN 5" X 8-1/2" ANNULUS7.56 BAR/m3

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PER m3 OF MUD IN ANNULUS _ BAR/m3

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PER m3 OF MUD IN HOLE BAR/m3

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PER m3 OF MUD IN HOLE BAR/m3

OVERBALANCE MARGIN 14 BAR OPERATING MARGIN 10 BAR

TIME OPERATION CHOKE CHANGE IN HYDROSTATIC OVER VOLUME OF TOTAL

MONITOR MONITOR OF MUD BLED / BALA MUD BLED / VOLUM
HR PRESSUR PRESSURE LUBRICATED NCE LUBRICATE E OF
MIN E BAR BAR BAR BAR D m3 MUD m3

19 00 45 0 0 0 0 16

19 15 INFLUX 59 + 14 0 + 14 0 16
MIGRATING

19 25 INFLUX 69 + 10 0 + 24 0 16
MIGRATING

19 2 BLEED MUD 69 0 - 10 + 14 + 1.36 17.36

5 AT CHOKE

01 35

01 3 INFLUX 79 + 10 0 + 24 0 17.36
5 MIGRATING

02 3 BLEED MUD 79 0 - 10 + 14 + 1.36 18.7

5 AT CHOKE

03
15

03 INFLUX 90 + 10 0 + 24 0 18.7
30 MIGRATING

03 BLEED MUD 90 0 - 10 + 14 + 1.36 20.1

30 AT CHOKE

04
45

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

04 INFLUX 100 + 10 0 + 24 0 20.1

55 MIGRATING

04 5 BLEED MUC 100 0 - 10 + 14 + 1.36 21.5

5 AT CHOKE

5 30

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

1. At Initial shut-in 2. Increase in surface pressure

for overbalance margin
650 psi/Pa 650 psi/Pa
(45 bar) (59 bar)

MUD

GAS

Volume of
Pressure influx 10 bbl
Volume of
in bubble (1.6 cubic meter)
influx 10 bbl
Height 10,000 psi
(1.6 cubic meter)
of influx 66 m depth 11.860 ft (670 bar) 76 m
(3615 m)
BHP = Pa = 10,000 psi ( 690 bar) BHP = 10,200 psi (703 bar)
T = 15 min (assuming migration
T=0
rate of 300 m/hr)

3. Increase in surface pressure 4. 8.5 bbl (1.4 cubic meter) bled off whilst holding
for operating margin choke pressure constant
650 psi/Pa 650 psi/Pa
(69 bar) (69 bar)

Volume of
Pressure influx 18.5 bbl
Pressure in bubble (2.9 cubic meter)
in bubble now 5405 psi
Volume of
10,000 psi (373 bar)
influx 10 bbl
(670 bar) (1.6 cubic meter) 1824 m
133 m

BHP = 10,350 psi (714 bar) BHP = 10,200 psi (703 bar)
T = 25 min T = 6 hours

Figure 11-7: Static Volumetric Control

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

As can be seen from Figure 11-7, the distance the influx must migrate (1824
m – 133 m) is 1691 m while the 1.36 m3 of mud is bled from the well. It is
clear that this operation will take several hours.
If the operating margin were quickly bled from the well, the original influx
would expand by approximately 0.06 m3 before the bottom hole pressure
dropped to the original kick zone pressure. If the remaining 1.3 m3 were bled
from the well, this would cause a further influx of 1.29 m3, as shown in Figure
11-8 below.

3a. Bleed mud from well 4a. 8.5 bbl bled off instantaneously
instantaneously well shut-in
Pa drops below Pa > 1000 psi
1000 psi (69 bar) (69 bar)

MUD

GAS
Volume of
influx 10.4 bbl
(1.65 cubic meter)
Volume of
influx 10.4 bbl
(1.65 cubic meter)

BHP drops
BHP = 10,000 psi below BHP = 10,000 psi
(690 bar) 10,000 psi (690 bar)
T = 25 min (690 bar) T = 6 hours

Figure 11-8: Static Volumetric Control (consequences of improper

procedure)
As the influx migrates further up the hole, the time required to bleed the 1.36
m3 increment from the well will decrease significantly. In this example, the
influx must migrate 570 m (approximately 2 hours) as the next increment is
bled from the well. If the rate of influx migration is maintained, this time
interval will continually reduce until the influx is at surface.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Volumetric control is similar to the Driller's Method, although the influx

moves up the hole under the influence of migration. The resultant wellbore
pressures as well as the required pit gain will be similar for the two techniques.
Guidelines for implementing Volumetric Control are as follows:
1. Record the shut-in choke pressure.
2. Develop an annulus pressure profile.
3. Determine the migration rate.
Note: The first three steps are carried out in the same manner as in Section
11.2.1.1.
4. Calculate the hydrostatic pressure of the mud per barrel.
5. The hydrostatic pressure of the mud per barrel should be calculated at the
point in the annulus directly above the influx. It can be calculated as
follows:
6. Hydrostatic pressure per m3

P hyd =(S.G × ) / [(dhc2-do2) / 1973.5] .............................................. 11.27

7. Allow the choke pressure to build by the overbalance margin. The choke
pressure should be allowed to build by an overbalance margin that may
typically be in the range of 4 to 14 bar.
8. The total margin will depend on the resultant wellbore pressures at each
stage in the operation.
9. Bleed an increment of mud from the well at constant choke pressure. A
suitable volume of mud should be bled from the well to reduce the bottom
hole pressure by an amount equivalent to the operating margin. The choke
pressure must be held constant as the mud is bled from the well.
10.Continue the process until the influx migrates to the stack. Once the influx
has migrated to the stack, surface pressures should no longer rise, and
migration will cease to occur. Use the Volumetric Control Worksheet to
record all the relevant data (see Figure 11-6 above).

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

11.Lubricate mud into the hole or implement the Dynamic Volumetric Method.
If this process has been implemented because the pipe was off bottom, it may
be feasible to circulate the influx out of the hole after the influx has migrated
to the bit.
See Figure 11-9 below for a typical choke pressure schedule for the Static
Volumetric Method.

Choke Schedule for Static Volumetric Method

170
Gas to Surface
160

150

140

130

120
Choke Pressure (bar)

110
Mud Bled @ Choke
100 (at cons tant choke
pres s ure until volum e
bled off corres ponds
90 to Operating Margine

80

70

60

50

40

30
-2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Mud Volume (Cubic Meters)

Figure 11-9: Typical Choke Pressure Schedule for the Static Volumetric
Method

11.2.1.3 Lubrication
The technique known as lubrication may be used to vent the influx from below
the stack while maintaining constant bottom hole pressure. Lubrication can be
used to vent gas from the stack after implementing the Static Volumetric
Method, as well as to reduce surface pressures prior to an operation such as
stripping or bullheading.
When the influx has migrated to the stack, it is quite possible that the choke
line will become full of gas cut mud. In this situation it is impractical to
attempt to maintain control of the bottom hole pressure with the choke.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

However lubrication is simpler to implement than the Dynamic Volumetric

Method.
The following guidelines can be used to lubricate mud into a well.
1. Calculate the hydrostatic pressure per barrel of the lubricating mud. This is
done in the same manner as for the Volumetric Method.
2. Line up the pump to the kill line.
3. Having determined the safe upper limit for the surface pressure, the pump
should be started slowly on the hole. Slowly lubricate a measured quantity
of mud into the hole.
4. Mud should be lubricated into the well until pump pressure reaches a
predetermined limit. At this point the pump should be stopped and the well
shut-in. The exact amount of mud lubricated into the well should be
closely monitored.
5. The well should be left static for a period while the gas migrates through
the mud that has been lubricated into the well
6. Bleed gas from the well. Gas should be bled from the well to reduce the
surface pressure by an amount equivalent to the hydrostatic pressure of the
mud lubricated into the well. If the surface pressure increased as the mud
was lubricated into the well, the amount that the pressure increased should
be bled back in addition. Ensure that no significant quantity of mud is bled
from the well during this operation. If mud appears at the choke before
the surface pressure has been reduced to its desired level, shut the well in
and let the gas percolate through the mud.
Returns should be lined up through the mud gas separator to the trip tank to
ensure that any volume of mud bled back with the gas is recorded and
accounted for.
7. Repeat this procedure until all of the influx has been vented from the well.
It is likely that it will be necessary to reduce the volume of mud lubricated into
the well at each stage during this procedure. This is due to the reduction in
volume of gas in the well. If the influx was swabbed into the well and the mud
weight is sufficient to balance formation pressures, the choke pressure should
eventually reduce to zero. However, if the mud weight in the hole is
insufficient, the final choke pressure will reflect the degree of underbalance. It
will then be necessary to kill the well.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

11.2.2 Stripping
Stripping is a technique that can be used to move the drill string through the
BOP stack when the well is under pressure. Stripping places high levels of
stress on the BOPs and the closing unit, and requires a particularly high level
of coordination within the rig crew. A contingency plan should be developed
regarding stripping procedure for all rigs. This section is intended to aid in the
design of a contingency plan. The following are proposed as the most
important considerations:
How to move the tool joint through the BOP.
Wear on BOP elements and the control unit.
The level of redundancy in the BOP and the control system.
Wellbore pressures in relation to the maximum allowable pressure for
equipment and the formation.
The monitoring of pressure and fluid volumes.
The organization and supervision of the drill crew.
Controlling increases in wellbore pressure due to surge pressure.
The condition of the drill pipe (drill pipe rubbers should be removed and
any burrs smoothed out).
The possibility of sticking the pipe.
The control of influx migration.
Manufacturers' information regarding minimum closing pressures for
annular preventers (this information should be available at the rig site).
The procedure to be adopted in the event that the surface pressure
approaches the maximum allowable as the pipe is stripped into the
influx.
See Section 12 for a decision analysis related to stripping operations.

11.2.2.1 Monitoring Well Pressures and Fluid Volumes

During stripping operations, a constant bottom hole pressure is maintained by
carefully controlling the surface pressure and the volume of mud bled from, or
pumped into, the well.
Accurate monitoring of the well is required for the following reasons:
1. To compensate for the volume of pipe introduced into the hole

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

To avoid over pressuring the well, a volume of mud equal to the volume of
pipe and tool joints (the volume of metal plus the capacity) introduced into the
well, must be bled off.
Where possible, mud should not be bled from the well while the pipe is
stripped in. It is recommended that mud is bled from the well during each
connection. This ensures that there is a clear indication at surface of the
BHA entering the influx.
However, it is recognized that there may be situations in which it is
impractical to bleed mud from the well at connections. Such situations
include:
If the surface pressures are close to the maximum allowable prior to the
stripping operation.
If a high pressure water kick is taken. In this situation, the effective
compressibility of the fluid in the hole will be low; therefore, there may
be a very large pressure rise as pipe is stripped into the well.
If the pipe has to be stripped out of the hole. In this situation, there will
be a tendency for the volume of metal removed from the well to be
replaced by influx fluid.
In these circumstances, it may be necessary to implement the dynamic
stripping technique.
2. To compensate for influx migration
To compensate for influx migration, it is necessary to bleed mud from the
well. This is in addition to the volume of mud bled from the well when
introducing the pipe into the hole. Normally, the required volume of mud will
be very small in comparison to the volume bled off to compensate for the
introduction of pipe into the hole.
Influx migration is indicated by a gradual increase in surface pressure even
though the correct volume of mud is being bled from the well (however this
may be due to the BHA entering the influx). It is confirmed by increasing
surface pressure when the pipe is stationary. Implementing the Volumetric
Method controls influx migration.
3. To allow an increase in surface pressure as the BHA enters the influx

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

When the BHA has been run into the influx, the height of the influx will be
considerably increased. This can cause a significant decrease in hydrostatic
pressure in the annulus, requiring a greater surface pressure to maintain a
constant bottom hole pressure (see Figure 11-10 below). A potential problem
arises if this condition is undetected. The choke operator may continue to
bleed mud from the well to maintain a constant surface pressure and
inadvertently cause further influx into the wellbore. It is therefore important to
accurately monitor the total volume of mud bled from the well.
It is recommended that the potential increase in surface pressure resulting from
entering the influx should be estimated before stripping into the hole.

Figure 11-10: Effect of Pipe/BHA Entering the Influx

11.2.2.2 Annular Stripping

There are two stripping techniques: annular and ram combination stripping.
The decision analysis presented in Section 12.2, “Pipe off Bottom - Drill pipe
in the Stack”, outlines the basis upon which the most suitable stripping

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

technique is selected. Annular stripping is considered to be the most

satisfactory technique. It involves less risk than ram combination stripping for
the following reasons:
Annular stripping is a relatively simple technique.
During annular stripping, the only item of well control equipment that is
subject to high levels of stress is the annular element.
The control system is not highly stressed during the operation (as it is in
the case of ram combination stripping).
The annular element can be changed out on a surface stack when pipe is
in the hole by inserting a split element.
Ram combination stripping is possible on all types of rigs, but involves
significantly more risk. Ram to ram stripping requires a four ram stack to have
at least one safety ram. Variable bore rams should not be used for stripping.
The surface pressure is the overriding factor which determines whether or not
it will be possible to implement annular stripping. It is also necessary to
consider that the operating life of an annular element is severely reduced by
increased wellbore pressure. Field tests carried out on Hydril and Shaffer 5K
annulars show good performance at 800 psi wellbore pressure, but at 1500 psi
and above, the performance is severely reduced and is unpredictable.
If surface pressures indicate that annular stripping is not possible, attempts
should be made to reduce the pressures in order to enable annular stripping to
be used. The most appropriate technique will depend on the position of the
influx in the hole. The options are to circulate out the influx, to volumetrically
control the influx to the bit and then circulate the kick from the well, or to
bullhead.
To ensure that the annular is not subjected to excessive pressures as the tool
joint is stripped through the element, a surge dampener must he placed in the
closing line (see Figure 11-11 below). This may not be necessary on a surface
stack if the pressure regulator can respond fast enough to maintain a constant
closing pressure as a tool joint is stripped through the annular.
CAUTION: Some drilling contractors have installed check valves in the
control lines to the BOPs to ensure that the BOP stays closed if the hydraulic
supply is lost. However, if a check valve is installed in the closing line to an
annular BOP, it will not be possible to reduce the closing pressure once the

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

annular has been closed. In order to reduce the annular closing pressure, in
this case, it will be necessary to loosen the annular, having closed another ram
to secure the well.
A better method is to loop the check valve with plumbing and a second needle
valve to adjust annular pressure at the closing unit. The check valve also
restricts gas from entering the closing unit if internal seals fail in the annular
ram.

Figure 11-11: Surge Dampener Fitted to Closing Line of Annular BOP

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

11.2.2.3 Annular Stripping Procedure

Having shut-in the well, the following procedure can be used as a guideline for
the implementation of annular stripping.
1. Install drill pipe dart. Allow the dart to fall until it seats in the dart sub. To
check that the dart is functioning properly, bleed off pressure at the drill pipe
(restrict volumes bled off to an absolute minimum, typically 1/2 - 1 bbl (or .08
- .16 m3). If the dart does not hold pressure allow more time for the dart to
drop or consider circulating the dart into place (restrict volumes pumped to a
minimum). If the dart still does not hold pressure, install an Inside BOP
(Gray valve) in the string.
2. Monitor surface pressures. Surface pressures should be monitored after the
well has been shut-in to check for influx migration. If the influx is migrating,
it will be necessary to implement volumetric control during the stripping
operation. If the pipe is off bottom, it will not be possible to identify the type
of influx in the usual manner. However, a high surface pressure caused by a
relatively small underbalance usually indicates that the influx contains a
significant quantity of gas.
3. Determine the capacity and displacement of the drill pipe. It will be
necessary to bleed mud from the well to compensate for the volume of pipe
introduced into the hole. This volume is equal to the sum of the capacity and
the displacement of the pipe. There are various tables which outline these
quantities, but a reasonable estimation can be made as shown in Example
11.2, whereby the square of the outside pipe diameter is divided by 1973.5.
Allowance should also be made for the extra volume of metal (approximately
10% of the tube) in the tool joints. Calculate hydrostatic pressure per barrel of
mud. Should migration occur, it will be necessary to bleed mud from the well
at constant choke pressure to allow the influx to expand.
4. Estimate the increase in surface pressure due to the BHA entering the
influx. It is possible to estimate the maximum possible pressure increase due
to the BHA entering the influx as follows:
ΔPsurf = 193.4 ( m - gk) (Vk) [1/(dhc 2 - do 2) ] ............................................. 11.28

5. Allow surface pressure to increase by overbalance margin. An overbalance

of 4 to 14 bar should be maintained throughout the stripping operation. If the
influx is not migrating, the overbalance margin can be applied by bleeding a

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

volume of mud that is less than the volume of pipe introduced into the hole at
the start of the operation.
6. Reduce annular closing pressure. The BOP manufacturers recommend that
the closing pressure is reduced, prior to stripping, until a slight leakage occurs
through the BOP. This reduces the wear on the annular by lubricating the
element during stripping.
7. Strip in the hole. The pipe should be slowly lowered through the annular
while the surface pressure is
accurately monitored. The
running speed should be
reduced when a tool joint
passes through the annular.
Mud should be bled from
the well at each connection,
unless surface pressure
limitations dictate that this
should be carried out more
frequently. The pipe should
be filled with mud at suitable intervals, typically every five (5) stands. Use
original mud weight. A person should be posted at the driller's BOP control
panel at all times to be ready to shut-in the well in the event of failure of the
annular preventer.
8. Monitor surface pressure. Surface pressures and all relevant data should be
recorded on the Stripping Worksheet (see Figure 11-12 below.)
9. Strip to bottom. Kill the well. The only sure method of killing the well
will be to return the string to bottom and implement standard well kill
techniques.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Stripping Worksheet

WELL NO. 3 RIG RIG 10 DATE AND TIME 01-Oct-99 10:45 SHEET NO 1

MUD WEIGHT IN HOLE 1.75 S.G. LUBRICATING MUD WEIGHT 1.75 S.G.

INITIAL BIT DEPTH 2000 m HOLE DEPTH 2250 m

STRIPPING DATA

VOLUME OF MUD DISPLACED BY 5 in DRILL PIPE 0.0127 m3/m

0.342 m3/STAND

OVERBALANCE MARGIN 8.3 bar OPERATING MARGIN 10.3 bar (MAX)

VOLUMETRIC CONTROL DATA

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PER m3 OF 1.75 S.G.

MUD IN 5 in = 8-1/2-in ANNULUS 7.16 bar / m3

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PER m3 OF 1.75 S.G.

MUD IN 6-1/2 in = 8-1/2-in ANNULUS 11.3 bar / m3

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PER m3 OF 1.75 S.G.

MUD IN 8-1/2 in HOLE 4.7 bar / m3

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PER BARREL OF

MUD IN HOLE

Time Operation CHO Change BIT Pipe Hydrostatic Overbalan Volume of Total
KEMo in DEPT Stripp of mud bled / ce bar Mud Bled / Volume
Hr/M nitor Monitor H ed Lubricated Lubricated of Mud
in Pressu Pressure bar m3 m3
re (bar) m m
(bar) m3

10 05 Well shut-in 38 2000

/ Pressure
stabilized

10 20 Drill pipe 2000

dart
installed

10 30 Strip in 53 +8.3 2027 27 N/A +8.3 0 0

Stand No. 1 0.3

10 36 Strip in 61 +8.3 2054 54 N/A +16.6 0 0

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Stand No. 2 0.7

10 40 Bleed mud 53 +8.3 2054 54 N/A +8.3 +0.3 0.3

at 0.7
connection

10 45 Strip in 61 +8.3 2081 81 N/A +16.6 0 0.3

Stand No. 3 1.0

10 46 Bleed mud 53 -8.3 2081 81 N/A +8.3 +0.3 0.7

at 1.0
connection

10 53 Strip in 61 +8.3 2108 108 N/A +16.6 0 0.7

Stand No. 4 1.4

10 57 Bleed mud 53 +8.3 2108 108 N/A +8.3 +0.3 1.0

at 1.4
connection

11 00 Strip in 61 +12.4 2135 135 N/A +16.6 0 1.0

Stand No. 5 1.75

(Assume
BHA has
entered
influx)

11 05 Bleed mud 57 -8.3 2135 135 N/A +8.3 +0.3 1.4

at 1.75
connection

11 10 Strip in 74 +17.2 2162 162 N/A +16.6 0 1.4

Stand No. 6 2.1

11 15 Bleed mud 66 -8.3 2162 162 N/A +8.3 +0.3 1.7

at 2.1
connection

11 20 Strip in 92 +17.2 2189 189 N/A +16.6 0 1.7

Stand No. 7 2.4

11 25 Bleed mud 83 -8.3 2189 189 N/A +8.3 +0.3 2.1

at 2.4
connection

11 26 Strip in 101 +17.2 2216 216 N/A +16.6 0 2.1

Stand No. 8 2.8

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

11 33 Bleed mud 92 -8.3 2216 216 N/A +8.3 +0.3 2.4

at 2.8
connection

11 40 Strip in 110 +17.2 2243 243 N/A +16.6 0 2.4

Stand No. 9 3.1

11 45 Bleed mud 101 -8.3 2243 243 N/A +8.3 +0.3 2.8
at 3.1
connection

+ ve - ve bled + ve + ve bled
increase overbalance
+ ve - ve
- ve lubricated - ve lubricated
decrease bled to underbalan
compensate ce
(to) pipe

Figure 11-12: Example Stripping Worksheet

11.2.2.4 Ram Combination Stripping

There are two types of ram combination stripping: "annular to ram", and "ram
to ram". Both techniques must be considered if (1) the tool joint cannot be
lowered through the annular; or (2) the surface pressure is greater than the
rated pressure of the annular, and this pressure cannot be reduced to within
safe limits. Annular to ram stripping is possible on 3-ram stack rigs as the
lower ram is used as a safety ram.
Annular to pipe ram stripping is preferable to ram to ram, unless surface
pressures indicate that the annular cannot operate reliably. If ram to ram
stripping is required, summon a well control expert to location for assistance
(See Figure 11-13 below for ram to ram configuration). Both ram
combination techniques require the following:
Sufficient space for the tool joint between the two stripping BOPs.
Showing effect of migration and BHA entering the influx.
An inlet at the stack between the two BOPs used for stripping.
A suitable level of redundancy in the stack to ensure the lowest BOP is
not used during the stripping operation.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Figure 11-13: Ram to Ram Stripping Configuration

In a critical situation, it may be possible to modify a surface stack to suit these
conditions after a kick has been taken. An example surface stack that is
suitable for ram combination stripping is shown in Figure 11-14 below.
Considering the following points to assess the risks involved in ram
combination stripping:
The high level of drill crew coordination required.
The level of stress placed on the BOP elements.
The level of stress placed on the BOP control system (during ram
combination stripping, the accumulators are charged to maximum
operating pressure and isolated from the BOP. The pumps are used for
operational functions).

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

The possibility of replacing the worn BOP elements during operation.

Figure 11-14: Surface BOP Stack Suitable for Ram Combination

Stripping

11.2.2.5 Ram Combination Stripping Procedure

The following procedure can be used as a guideline for the implementation of
annular to ram stripping. The procedure for ram to ram stripping will be
similar.
(For details of Steps 1 to 6, see “Annular Stripping Procedure”).

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

1. Install drill pipe dart.

2. Monitor surface pressures.
3. Determine the capacity and displacement of the drill pipe.
4. Calculate hydrostatic pressure per barrel of the mud.
5. Estimate the increase in surface pressure due to the BHA entering the
influx.
6. Check ram spaceout in order to confirm the distance of the two preventers
that will be used for stripping.
7. Isolate the accumulator bottles at full operating pressure. The accumulators
should be kept as a back-up in the event of pump failure.
8. Allow the surface pressure to increase by the overbalance margin.
9. Reduce annular closing pressure and strip in.
10.Stop when tool joint is above annular (see Figure 11-15 below).
11.Close pipe ram at normal regulated manifold pressure.
12.Bleed ram cavity pressure. Before the annular is opened, it will be
necessary to bleed down the pressure below it (see Figure 11-16 below).
13.Reduce ram operating pressure.
14.Open annular. Lower pipe.
15.Stop when tool joint is just below annular (see Figure 11-17 below).
16.Close annular at maximum operating pressure.
17.Pressurize ram cavity to equalize across ram (see Figure 11-18 below). Do
not use wellbore pressure to equalize across the ram.
18.Reduce annular closing pressure.
19.Open pipe ram.
20.Continue to strip in according to the above procedure.
21.Kill the well. Fill the pipe as required.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Figure 11-15: Annular to Ram Stripping

(stop stripping when tool joint is above annular)

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Figure 11-16: Annular to Ram Stripping

(close pipe ram, bleed ram cavity pressure)

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Figure 11-17: Annular to Ram Stripping

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

(strip in until tool joint is just below annular)

Figure 11-18: Annular to Ram Stripping

(use rig or cement pump to equalize across pipe ram)

11.2.2.6 Dynamic Stripping Procedure

The situations in which it may be necessary to implement Dynamic Stripping
are outlined in previous sections. The purpose of this technique is to maintain
constant choke pressure as the pipe is stripped into the hole. This is achieved
by circulating at a constant rate across the end of the choke line. A manual

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

choke should be used and the equipment rigged up as shown in Figure 11-19
below.
For this technique to be effective, the pump output must be considerably
greater than the rate at which the volume of pipe is introduced into the well. If
the pump output rate is too low, pressure surges will be caused at the choke as
the pipe is stripped in, and the choke pressure will fluctuate. The same is true
for stripping out of the hole, in which case the choke pressure may drop as
pipe is stripped from the well if the pump rate is too low. This may cause
further influx to occur.
The main problem associated with this technique is that migration and
entrance into the gas bubble may not easily be detected at surface. If no
allowance is made for these complications, further influx may be allowed to
occur. To avoid this, the mud tank levels should be closely monitored to
ensure that the levels rise, or drop, in direct relation to the volume of pipe that
has been stripped into, or out of, the well. If any discrepancy is noticed, the
well should be shut-in and the surface pressures verified. Influx migration
should be dealt with using the Volumetric Method.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Figure 11-19: Equipment Rig-up for Dynamic Stripping

The Dynamic Stripping technique can be used during either annular or ram
combination stripping. For annular stripping it is implemented along the
following lines:
(For details of Steps 1 to 6, see “Annular Stripping Procedure” above).
1. Install drill pipe dart.
2. Monitor surface pressures.
3. Determine the capacity and displacement of the drill pipe.
4. Calculate hydrostatic pressure per barrel of the mud.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

5. Estimate the increase in surface pressure due to the BHA entering the
influx.
6. Allow the surface pressure to increase by the overbalance margin.
7. Line up the pump to the choke line (see Figure 11-19 above).
8. Ensure that the manual choke is fully closed. Open choke line valve(s).
9. Open the manual choke at the same time as the pump is brought up to
speed.
10.Maintain final shut-in pressure on the choke.
11.Reduce annular closing pressure.
12.Strip in the hole.
13.Monitor surface pressures and pit levels. If the choke pressure increases
significantly as the pipe is stripped into the hole, either reduce the pipe
running speed or increase the circulation rate. Use the Stripping Worksheet
to record all the relevant data. It is very important to accurately record
pressures and mud volumes while stripping.
14.Strip to bottom. Kill the well. Fill the pipe as required.
11.2.3 Bullheading
Bullheading is a technique that may be used in certain circumstances during
drilling operations to pump an influx back into the formation. This technique
may or may not result in fracturing the formation. Bullheading is, however, a
relatively common method of killing a well during workover operations. This
technique is generally used during workover operations when there is adequate
reservoir permeability.

11.2.3.1 When to Bullhead

During operations, bullheading may be considered in the following situations:
When a very large influx has been taken.
When displacement of the influx by conventional methods may cause
excessive surface pressures.
When displacement of the influx by conventional methods would result
in an excessive volume of gas at surface.
If the influx in suspected to contain an unacceptable level of H2S.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

When a kick is taken with the pipe off bottom and it is not considered
feasible to strip back to bottom.
When an influx is taken with no pipe in the hole.
To reduce surface pressures prior to implementing further well control
operations.

11.2.3.2 Important Factors about Bullheading

Bullheading during drilling operations is implemented when standard well
control techniques are considered inappropriate. During such situations, it is
unlikely that accurate information is available regarding the feasibility of
bullheading. Therefore, in most cases, the likelihood of successfully
bullheading an influx will not be known until it is attempted.
The major factors that will determine the feasibility of bullheading include the
following:
The characteristics of the openhole.
The ruled pressure of the well control equipment and the casing (making
allowance for wear and deterioration).
The type of influx and the relative permeability of the formation.
The quality of the filter cake at the permeable formation.
The consequences of fracturing a section of the openhole.
The position of the influx in the hole.

11.2.3.3 Bullheading Procedure

In general, bullheading procedures can only be drawn up based on the
particular circumstances at the rigsite. For example, there may be situations in
which it is considered necessary to cause a fracture downhole to bullhead away
an influx containing H2S. In another situation, with shallow casing set, it may
be considered totally unacceptable to cause a fracture in the openhole.
During a workover operation, a procedure for bullheading will be drawn up
along the following lines:
1. Calculate surface pressures that will cause formation fracture during
bullheading. Calculate also the tubing burst pressures, as well as casing
burst (to cover the possibility of tubing failure during the operation).
2. Calculate static tubing head pressure during bullheading.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

3. Slowly pump kill fluid down the tubing. Monitor pump and casing
pressure during the operation.
Example 11.6
Well Information:
Depth of formation/perforations = 10,170 ft (3100 m)
Formation pressure = 8.8 ppg (1.06 S.G.)
Formation fracture pressure = 13.8 ppg (1.66 S.G.)
Tubing = 4 1/2 in. N80
Internal capacity = 0.01521 bbl/ft (0.00793 m3/m)
Internal yield = 8,430 psi (581 bar)
Shut-in tubing pressure = 3,650 psi (252 bar)
Gas density = 0.1 psi/ft (.0.02263 bar/meter)

Total internal volume of tubing:

Ca p = 3100 x 0.00793 = 24.6 m3
Maximum allowable pressure at pump start up:
Pmax-1 = (0.098 x 1.66 x 3100)-(0.02263 x 3100) = 434 bar
Maximum allowable pressure when the tubing has been displaced to brine at
8.8 ppg:
Pmax-2 = (1.66 – 1.06) x 3100 x 0.098 = 182 bar
Static tubing head pressure at initial shut-in.
PSTH-1 = 252 bar
Static tubing head pressure when tubing has been displaced with brine
PSTH-2 = 0 bar (i.e. the tubing should be killed)
The above values can be represented graphically (as shown in Figure 11-20).
This plot can be used as a guide during the bullheading operation. Figure 11-
21 and Figure 11-22 show a schematic of the well at two stages of the
operation, and Figure 11-23 shows the result.

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

Figure 11-20: Example Guide to Surface Pressures during a Bullheading

Operation

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

3650 PSI
(252 bar)

VALVE OPEN
VALVE CLOSED
BRINE
GAS

4 1/2" N80 TUBING

PACKER

PERFORATIONS @ 10,170 ft (3100 m)

FORMATION PRESSURE = 8.8 ppg (1.06 S.G.)
FORMATION FRACTURE GRADIENT = 13.8 ppg (1.66 S.G.)

Figure 11-21: Well Shut-in After Production (tubing full of gas prior to
bullheading)

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

4000 PSI
(276 bar)TUBING PRESSURE
WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS
BULLHEAD
BRINE

VALVE OPEN
VALVE CLOSED
BRINE
GAS

4 1/2" N80 TUBING

PACKER

PERFORATIONS

Figure 11-22: Well During Bullheading

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 11. Well Kill Techniques

0 PSI
(0 bar)

VALVE OPEN
VALVE CLOSED
BRINE
GAS

4 1/2" N80 TUBING

PACKER
GAS TRAPPED
UNDER PACKER
PERFORATIONS

Figure 11-23: Well After Bullheading Operations (tubing displaced with

kill weight brine)

11.2.4 Snubbing
Snubbing is a technique used to force pipe into a shut-in well when the
upthrust due to well pressure makes it impossible to strip the pipe through the
BOP under its own weight. Snubbing is relatively common in some areas in
workover operations, usually when the well is allowed to continue flowing as
remedial work is carried out.
Snubbing may be considered during drilling operations for well control
purposes, either when it is impossible to introduce pipe into a well that is
under pressure, or if the rig BOP system is not considered adequate to provide
reliable pressure containment during a prolonged stripping operations.

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