Shallow Well Control

Author Peter Aird WELL: Ref: WCP010
Checked By : RIG: Page: 1
Approved By: Contingency procedure Revision: 1.0 3/9/01
Shallow Well Control

Purpose
To ensure minimal operational time and risk exposure to personnel, process,

production and equipment should any unplanned shallow well control event
occur.
Responsibilities
It will be the responsibility of the Operators drilling representative and Senior

drilling contractor personnel to ensure that others with duties relating to these
operations are aware of their responsibilities.
Scope
These procedures shall apply to all drilling personnel.
Reference
Drilling Contractor, Service company and Operator’s Specific Procedures.
1
Table of contents.
PURPOSE ..........................................................................................................................................................................................1
RESPONSIBILITIES...........................................................................................................................................................................1
SCOPE...............................................................................................................................................................................................1
REFERENCE .....................................................................................................................................................................................1
TABLE OF CONTENTS. ....................................................................................................................................................................2
GENERAL..........................................................................................................................................................................................3
SHALLOW WELL CONTROL PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................................4
1.0 PREPARING FOR SHALLOW WELL CONTROL ...........................................................................................................4
2.0 SHALLOW WELL CONTROL; GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES. ...................................................................................5
2.1 SHALLOW WELL CONTROL . EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRILLS...........................................................................................6
3.0 M ETHODS OF GAS DETECT ION DURING SHALLOW HAZARDS DRILLING OPERATIONS...........................................7
3.1. Detection capabilities......................................................................................................................................................7
3.2 Equipment fast shut in.............................................................................................................................................7
4.0 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, SHALLOW WELL CONTROL WHILE DRILLING. ............................................................8
4.1 Handling gas in riser...............................................................................................................................................9
4.3 Control room roles and reponsibility......................................................................................................................... 10
4.4 Other Responsibilities.......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.5 Abandon Rig.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
4.6 Winch off procedure ............................................................................................................................................. 12
5.0 SHALLOW WELL CONTROL DRILLS...................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Shallow well control “Flow detected” while drilling................................................................................. 13

5.2 Shallow well control “Total Losses” while drilling...................................................................................... 14
5.3 Shallow well control FLOW while tripping or running casing............................................................................. 15
5.4 Shallow well control during cementing prior to setting seal assembly. .............................................................. 16
5.5 Annular flows after cementing................................................................................................................................... 16
5.6 Shearing releasing, drillstring/casing....................................................................................................................... 16
5.7 Riser disconnect............................................................................................................................................................. 17
6.0 WELL ENGINEERING. ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
A PPENDIX 1: MAASP CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................................................................................19
M.A.A.S.P. IS REACHED .................................................................................................................................................... 19
“Initial P ann does not exceed the M.A.A.S.P.” .............................................................................................................. 20
“P choke < M.A.A.S.P. until the top-gas reaches the “weakest formation”.............................................................. 20
M.A.A.S.P. reached before gas is in shoe. ........................................................................................................................ 21
W ELL SPECIFIC; FLUORIT 16/4-3...............................................................................................................................................22
2

General.
If events induce a shallow (gas) well control incident from the upper anomalous zone,
prognosed circa 462-590m BRT, the gas influx would be very quickly circulated into the
casing shoe at 430m BRT.
In that and to meet the minimum bp Kick tolerance criteria of 25bbls; A minimum leak
off >1.35sg was determined to be required at the 20” casing shoe.
If this leak off is not obtained a contingent (13 3/8” string) will be set and cemented across the
anomalous zones.
Should a shallow well control incident occur, i.e. while drilling, tripping, casing and/or
cementing the intermediate well section. Consideration to the rig’s equipment capabilities,
safety of the rig and personnel on board will take precedence.
Shallow well control guidelines and procedures would be followed as outlined in this
contingency procedures document.
Should well containment be lost, the choke will be closed and remedial actions initiated.
At no point in time will an attempt be made to handle large quantities of gas at

surface.
Should further event arise, e.g. surface equipment failure, underground blowout, gas
observed at seabed.
The LMRP and marine riser would be immediately unlatched and the rig moved
off to a pre-determined safe location.
3
Shallow well control procedures
1.0 Preparing for SHALLOW well control.
1.1 Rig site and pre-spud meetings will focus on the shallow well control
procedures, hazards and risks identified, specifically outlining the roles and
responsibilities.
1.2 Discuss weather forecast and tidal currents expected for the anticipated period
from drilling each section to setting and cementing the casings.
1.3 Discuss and post procedures for well shut in, contingency, disconnecting and
safety to rig persons should situations warrant moving rig off location. (Well
control drills will be conducted prior to drilling out the 20” casing shoe.)
1.4 Inform standby boat and supply vessel(s) of intended operations to ensure it
can monitor events from a safe zone.
1.5 Ensure sufficient engines & auxiliary equipment can be maintained on line to
ensure adequate resource are available to meet all drilling operational
requirements.
1.6 Hot work will be suspended if a shallow well control situation arises.
Otherwise, hot work will be conducted while maintaining good communication
with the control room operator.
1.7 In a shallow well control event, confined space work will be suspended. Entry
will be strictly controlled by Permit to Work system.
1.8 Ensure that cement unit is operational and connected to the standpipe
manifold for use if needed.
1.9 Sufficient bulk should be retained onboard. (100MT barite, 40MT bentonite,
100MT cement as minimal stock levels.)
1.10 At least one windsock must be installed in a predominant position visible from
the muster point.
1.11 A pre-determined volume of kill mud should be prepared.
1.12 The Radio Operator is to have pre-written emergency contact and addressed
faxes ready for informing the relevant authorities of any shallow well control
emergency. Note: Single point of contact is the Forus Alarm Sentral F.A.S.
4

2.0 Shallow well control; general operating procedures.
2.1 In the event that shallow well control is encountered, the OIM, the Company
Representative & the Radio Room, will be the first point of contact. All
contingency, emergency situations will proceed as per their instructions.
2.2 Continuous seabed monitoring will be provided by the ROV during all
shallow anmoaly section(s). The ROV remaining at a safe distance from the well.
2.3 The ROV Operator will report any signs of gas or returns from wellhead or
surrounding seabed area, to the Driller and the control room immediately.
2.4 Drilling trends will be monitored continuously by the drillers & mud loggers.
2.5 A (non ported) float valve will be run to prevent backflow from the drillstring.
2.6 A pressure sub will be incorporated into the BHA. Annular pressure will be
monitored to assist in monitoring downhole pressure conditions.
2.7 Drilling rates will be advised while drilling through anomalous zones.
2.8 Drilling breaks and any signs of flow will be shut in immediately until the
drillier is satisfied the well is stable.
2.9 On connections, pumps will be stopped after slips have been set.
2.10 The hole is to be kept full at all times.
2.11 In the event that shallow gas bearing formations are identified. Trips will
be pumped out to minimise swab pressures. Swab and surge pressures to be
evaluated with respect to pore pressure and fracture gradients prognosed.
2.12 The trip tank will be used for all tripping, casing running operations. Trip
sheets will be completed each trip. BP rep will remain on the drill floor during
open hole trips when the string is pulled through any identified shallow
hazards.
2.13 When tripping, flow checks will be taken; off bottom, at lowest casing
shoe, & prior to pulling drill collars through the BOP stack.
2.14 Any time a trip is interrupted, the hand tight installation of a safety valve
is required to be installed to the drillsting
5

2.1 Shallow well control. Emergency Response Drills
Prior to drilling out of the 20” casing shoe, The following drills will be performed and all
personnel aboard shall participate.
The purpose of these drills are to ensure that personnel are aware of their actions, roles
and responsibilities required in the event of a shallow well control incident. As a
minimum the following specific situations will be simulated:
- Detection of gas by ROV sonar and bubble watchers (i.e. ROV, deck / drill crew
actions). Ensure clear communication lines are available between the ROV unit,
drillfloor and radio room and that suitable back-up communications are in place.
- Activation of the General Alarm by the Driller.
- Shallow well control shut in and killing operations.
- Evacuation of all personnel from drillfloor, with the exception of the Driller.
- Notification of radio room and vessels / installations in vicinity of the rig.
- Activation of Emergency Response procedures.
- Onshore F.A.S to be contacted and informed of that a drill has been conducted.
- Preparation of bulk mud mixing system to replace any used mud in the kill
operation.
- Verify all communications, both on rig and to onshore.
- Muster of all non-essential personnel (off tour and catering crews) to muster point.
Preparation for rig evacuation to nearby vessels and installations.
- Verification of vessel integrity and stability.
- Verification that deluge systems are functional. (moonpool and anchor winches.)
Confirmation that the above drills have been conducted, with reaction times deemed
satisfactory by the OIM based on historical performance, to be recorded on the IADC
and DIMS report.
6
3.0 Methods of gas detection during shallow hazards drilling operations.
The problems associated with shallow well control zones are that normal drilling
and monitoring indicators are not reliable. E.g.
- Penetration rates are difficult to control in soft, highly drillable formations.
- Mud volumes are continuously added to active system as hole is drilled, in
combination with formation seepage and shaker losses, volume control is also difficult.
Thus, if a shallow well control situation arose, due to formation characteristics, the
dynamic invasion of the gas above the BOP stack can quickly result. The key to
managing such an event is to Avoid large gas volume entry above the BOP
stack.
This is only achieved through adequate detection capabilities and if fast

equipment shut in can be maintained to result in minimal influx volumes entering
the well. Any gas displaced in water based muds above the BOP’s can only then
be safely handled by closing the diverter and allowing the gas bubbles to disperse
as mud is brought to surface.
3.1. Detection capabilities.
3.1.1. Obvious changes in drilling parameters will be closely monitored e.g.

- Drilling breaks (difficult as ROP’s may vary significantly!)
- Pressure while drilling sub pressure changes
- LWD/MWD detection (Resistiviy/Gamma ray/PWD)
- Change in torque and/or drags
- Increase in mud flow
- Pit level increase (gains), decrease (losses)
Note: A flow check should be made every time uncertainty exists. Connections should
also be flow checked while drilling potential shallow gas bearing zones.
3.1.2 Drilling trends will be monitored continuously by drillers & mud loggers
3.1.3 While tripping

- Use of trip tank
- Use of trip sheet
- Pumping out of hole
- Safety shut in valve
- Slugs
3.2 Equipment fast shut in.

See sections 4.0 & 5.0
7
4.0 Emergency procedures, shallow well control while drilling.
“The driller is responsible to IMMEDIATELY close in on well FLOW”
4.1.1. The hole will be kept full at all times.

4.1.2. Trip tank will be used for all trips and casing running.
4.1.3. During drilling, pumps will not be shut down until the slips are set or pipe is
stationary.
4.1.4. At first sign of flow,
- The driller will stop rotation and circulation.
- Pick up the drillstring to a safe height and close upper annular.
- Open fail safes i.e. Well will be closed in against a closed choke.
- Inform senior personnel. The Assistant Driller will ensure that the entire drill crew is
accounted for and mustered to the Drill Floor
- Check space out and hang off drillstring as per drilling contractor’s procedure
- Monitor riser for flow
- Inform the Assistant Driller to the extent of the shallow well control incident, gas
released etc.
4.1.5. The Assistant driller, shaker hand will line up and run the mud degasser.
4.1.6. If influx or flow is observed in riser, follow Section 4.1
4.1.7. If influx is determined below BOP’s, and once pressures are stabilised.
Pump mud immediately using drillers method at pre-determined slow circulating rate.
4.1.8. Maintain rig pumps circulating while evaluate the situation with senior drilling
personnel.
4.1.9. If well can be circulated. Clean out riser and BOP’s as per Section 4.1
4.1.10. Contingency measures will be instructed by the OIM , in consultation with
the senior toolpusher and company representative. E.g. This may include
instructions to kill the well bull heading back into formation and also to prepare the
rig to unlatch the LMRP, marine riser and move the rig off location.
8
4.1 Handling gas in riser.
When a kick is taken with a marine riser installed, gas can accumulate above the
BOP stack before well is safely closed in. If this occurs there is then a high
probability that the surface choke and/or mud gas separator (MGS) equipment will
not control the flow rates when the gas reaches surface.
Special precautions and procedures are therefore necessary to avoid the effects
of the rapid expansion of the gas. Also, even if early detection and quick closing of
BOP’s result, there is no certainly that the gas will not be above the BOP’s in a
shallow well control situation. (e.g. detection of kick may not have occurred until gas
had been circulated above BOP’s)
An early flow check in the riser, immediately after shutting in the well, may
therefore indicate bubbles rising and dissipating. Thus should not be falsely
interpreted as the BOP not being fully closed. Once all small gas bubbles have
become suspended in the water based mud, a flow check of the riser will likely be
negative.
DO NOT ASSUME that this indicates that there is no gas in riser.
1. Detect influx early.

2. Shut off mud pumps immediately
3. Close well in as quickly as possible.
4. If riser is flowing, with gas evacuation, divert flow overboard.
5. If riser is not flowing, continue to monitor for flow.
6. At the end of a well kill operation. To clean out riser;
7. With diverter closed, open BOP’s and control circulation at slow rates via kill
line so that the mud in the riser is displaced such that mud and gas can be
handled without unloading surface equipment.
8. Circulate in stages so expansion or dissolution of the gas can be controlled. At
each stage stop pumping and monitor for flow, allowing flow to deplete before
continuing. If flow rate increase be prepared to open up diverter line and dump
mud overboard. Some mud may be lost to the overboard line, but exercising
patience and control surface equipment will remain effective.
9. Continue to circulate in stages at slow rate until the riser volume has been
circulated.
9

4.3 Control room roles and reponsibility
4.2.1 The control room will contact the senior personnel and the Radio Room
to standby.
4.2.2 The OIM and barge engineer, will proceed to the Control room. The
Toolpusher and Company representative will proceed directly to the
Drill Floor to evaluate the situation.
4.2.3 The Control room will sound the Emergency Alarm and announce the
designated muster point. All departments will report to the muster point
except the on duty drill crew and members involved with the emergency
procedures.
4.2.4 The Radio Operator will notify those required of an impending

emergency situation with the request for emergency services to be
maintained on standby.
4.2.5 Control room will activate emergency shutdown for Zone 1 and Zone 2
on order to secure the accommodation ventilation as well as machinery
spaces aft from possible gas intrusion.
4.2.6 Control room will establish an non-interruptible line of communication

with the Drill Floor by the use of sound powered telephone system.
4.2.7 The standby boat and supply vessel(s) are to be informed of the
shallow well control release and confirm position upwind.
10
4.4 Other Responsibilities
4.3.1 Crane Operator - will secure the crane, and report with his crew to
designated muster station.
4.3.2 Camp Boss - and his staff will check all cabins and wake up all off duty
personnel, instructing them to don warm clothing and prepare lifejacket
and survival suits for muster at the accommodation muster point.
4.3.3 Medic - will prepare necessary medical supplies and report to the
helideck.
4.3.4 Off duty designate - in charge of the muster. Will utilise a hand held
radio to communicate with the Control room Control. The Assistant Rig
Superintendent will maintain communications with the OIM through the
rig’s hand held radios
4.3.5 The OIM and on the duty designate will proceed to move the vessel to a
determined safe location. Taking into account the prevailing current
direction and bubble position.
4.5 Abandon Rig
Not seen as applicable for a semi-submersible that can readily move

away from any potential gas plume.
If in the unlikely event that abandon rig was sounded.
Vessels emergency abandon procedures would be followed.
11
4.6 Winch off procedure
Prior to receiving order from OIM to move rig off location.
1. Sound General alarm followed by a PA announcement “emergency drill”.
2. Personnel will then muster and conduct themselves as per station bill.
3. Standby vessel will be informed of situation and to move up wind/current.
4. Prepare winches for operation by Control room/electrician (note: winches are

required to be maintained in a state of readiness during all hazardous drilling operations,
until well operational risk are deemed as low as reasonably practicable.)
5. Start all engines ensuring adequate power is available. All engines will be assigned
to automatic mode.
6. Platform-manager or Ass.Platform manager will ascertain wind direction, current and

safest direction to move the vessel.
7. Only if ordered. Engage propulsion to assists in the move direction required.
8. Liase with Subsea Department for paying out guidelines, pod lines etc.while rig is
being moved.
9. When order is given to move rig off location from OIM.

- A PA will be made informing personnel of "Emergency Winching" and moving
off location.
- Control Room to contact Drill floor to change to "Emergency " assignment.
- Inform standby vessel to operational status and assign safe position.
- Inform Subsea Department of commencement of winching and ensure all subsea
equipment is being controlled.
- Platform manager or ass.Platform manager will then operate the remote winching
console pulling the rig in the safest direction (probably directly upwind), by slacking
off on the leeward side, and hauling in on the wind ward anchor winches. The
chain f ootage's and tensions will be continuously monitored during this time.
Winches to be stopped at 2000m unless nothing is said to the contrary
10. Watchstanders will assist the Platform manager or Ass. Platform manager moving
the rig and also operate the ballast console to compensate for chain movement.
11. Once the rig is the required distance off wellhead, winches may be secured, and
chains seals closed.
12
5.0 Shallow well control drills.
5.1 Shallow well control “Flow detected” while drilling
Driller
1. Stop rotation and circulation.
2. Close in the well as per agreed Smedvig fast shut in procedures
3. Inform the Control room.
4. Monitor pressures until they stabilise.
5. Monitor riser, refer to section 4.1.
6. Line up choke manifold, and run degasser.
7. Once pressure stabilises, immediately pump mud into well using drillers
method at designated slow circulation rates.
- Be prepared to immediately close well in on the choke. E.g. If gas cannot be handled at
surface, or well is observed to break down at the casing shoe, as noted by ROV or pumping
pressures.
8. Should formation break down occur while killing, sound the alarm.
9. Driller to prepare to shear the drillstring, disconnect the LMRP and move the
vessel, off location. The decision to move off will be advised by the OIM.
10. Monitor the well continuously with ROV.
Assistant driller.
1. Ensure that the entire drill crew is accounted for.
2. Inform toolpusher and company representative.
3. Assist driller as required, muster crew to drill floor.
Derrickman
1. Line up the mud pumps as directed.
2. Leave the mud pumps lined up to mud.
3. Upon disconnect, secures the pump room before leaving to muster.
Drillcrew
1. Muster on the drill floor.
13

5.2 Shallow well control “Total Losses” while drilling
Driller
1. Stop rotation and circulation.
2. Close in the well as per agreed Smedvig fast shut in procedures
3. Inform the Control room and the Ass Driller that losses have occurred.
4. Monitor well and fill riser. I.e. Immediately pump mud and then seawater via drillstring
into the well to assess and determine if hydrostatic balance can be regained.
5. If well hydrostatic can be regained, a procedure to cure losses will be advised.
6. If losses can be cured the well will be flow checked and a bottoms up circulated
prior to resuming operations.
- Be prepared, if advised, to immediately close well in on the choke at any stage of
operations. E.g. If gas cannot be handled at surface, or well breaks down at the casing
shoe, i.e. As. noted by ROV or pumping pressures.
7. If required, the driller will shear the drillstring, disconnect the LMRP and move the
vessel, off location. The decision to move off will be advised by the OIM.
8. Montior well continuously with ROV.
Assistant driller.
2. Inform toolpusher and company representative.
3. Assist driller as required, muster crew to drill floor.
Derrickman
1. Line up the mud pumps as directed.
2. Leave the mud pumps lined up to mud.
3. Upon disconnect, secures the pump room before leaving to muster.
Drillcrew
14
5.3 Shallow we ll control FLOW while tripping or running casing.
Driller
1. Monitor returns continuously via trip tank. At first sign of flow;
2. Close the well in on upper annular.
3. Install safety valve, casing swedge etc, and/or top drive.
Note: When running casing swedge and Kelly cock should be made up and standing by,
with easy access on the drillfloor.
4. Monitor wellbore pressures
5. Monitor riser, refer to section 4.1.
6. Line up choke manifold, and run de-gasser
7. Once pressure stabilises immediately pump mud into well using drillers
method at designated slow circulation rates.
- Be prepared to immediately close well in on the choke. E.g. If gas cannot be handled at
surface, or well is observed to break down at the casing shoe, as noted by ROV or pumping
pressures.
8. Should formation break down occur while killing, maintain and increase pump
rates with rig pumps circulating mud and then sea water at maximum rates to
attempt to stem and dynamically kill flow. Evaluate situation with OIM, Toolpusher,
Company rep. Remedial actions (e.g. Gunk pill, LCM, Cement may be determined.)
9. As advised the driller will shear the drillstring, disconnect the LMRP and move
the vessel, off location. Decision to move off will be advised by the OIM.
Assistant driller.
2. Inform toolpusher & company representative.
3. Assist driller as required, muster drill crew.
Derrickman
1. Line up the mud pumps to mud, kill mud, lost circulation material as
advised, then back to sea water is gas cannot be controlled.
2. Leave the mud pumps lined up to sea water
3. Secures the pump room before leaving to muster on the drill floor.
Drillcrew
15
5.4 Shallow well control during cementing prior to setting seal assembly.
Driller
1. Well flows,
2. Inform control room.
3. Close upper annular and monitor wellbore pressures.
4. Prepare to set seal assembly as per drillquips procedures.
5. For lost circulation; Complete displacing cement at a reduced pump rate
monitoring for returns at the choke
Note: If total losses occurred. simultaneously pump mud then seawater into annulus via
kill line to maintain well hydrostatic balance.
6. In both scenario’s the driller will prepare to set the seal assembly,
release the drillstring and disconnect LMRP, marine riser and move off
location. OIM to advise if rig move off is required.
7. Move vessel to a pre-determined safe location.
8. Monitor well continuously with ROV.
Assistant driller.
2. Inform toolpusher & company representative.
3. Assist driller as required.
Derrickman
1. Secures the pump room before leaving to muster on the drill floor.
Drillcrew
5.5 Annular flows after cementing
1. Monitor flow with ROV.
2. Discuss with town forward plans to monitor situation and mitigation

required prior to drilling ahead.
5.6 Shearing releasing, drillstring/casing
16

- Ref: Smedvigs, procedures WD-02-06-03-01 rev:03 Avhenging av
Borestreng.
5.7 Riser disconnect.
Follow West Delta emergency disconnect procedures.
Emergency disconnect procedures shall be posted in the drillers

doghouse for each of the given scenario’s.
Procedures provided are intended only as general examples. Actual

emergency procedures may vary.
1. Pick up off bottom to 5ft (1.5m) above hang off position.

(Dependent on heave)
2. Shut down mud pumps.
3. Hang off on middle pipe rams
4. Place drill string compensator at mid stroke and bleed pressure
down to string weight above the pipe rams plus 10,000lbs so that
the drillpipe will clear the lower stack upon disconnect.
5. Infrom control room control and prepare for emergency
disconnect.
6. Confirm with driller/toolpusher that disconnect is required.
7. Once confirmed or if in any doubt, shear pipe and function
emergency disconnect as per contractors specific procedures.
8. Only if toolpusher or OIM instructs not to disconnect, stand by on
drillers panel and wait for further instructions.
17
6.0 Well engineering.
Pore and fracture pressure, kick tolerances, swab/surge calculations, decision

tress and well design.
Refer to basis of design, drilling operations, and other well planning documents.
18
Appendices
Appendix 1: MAASP Considerations
M.A.A.S.P. IS REACHED
"M.A.A.S.P." is the difference between the strength of the weakest exposed

formation, and the fluid head of the mud acting against that formation.
The weakest formation is often assumed to be, (but is not necessarily ), the
exposed formation at the casing shoe.
The M.A.A.S.P. is best obtained by a formation integrity test in the well being drilled,
(unless reliable formation strength data is available), and it's value must subsequently be
adjusted so that it always relates to the mud weight actually in use. It follows that the
M.A.A.S.P. is only valid if the hole is filled with mud to the depth of the weakest
formation.
Once an influx top is circulated past that point, the fluid head above it is
progressively reduced; the M.A.A.S.P. for the mud in use no longer applies, and
can be exceeded accordingly.
The effect of gas in this respect is great; so that from the moment that a gas influx
is displaced to the casing shoe, (or weakest formation, if this should be deeper), the
real allowable surface pressure increases rapidly.
It has also been shown that maximum pressure at any selected depth occur
when;
• For a water kick, whe n the well is first closed in.
• When the influx top reaches the point of interest, if circulating a gas kick.
19
“Initial P ann does not exceed the M.A.A.S.P.”
A water flow can be circulated out without undue risk of formation breakdown.
The M.A.A.S.P. will increase slightly from the moment the top-flux passes the
casing shoe, (or weakest formation).
“P choke < M.A.A.S.P. until the top-gas reaches the “weakest formation”
Formation breakdown should not occur.
OR, (put another way),
From the moment that top-gas has reached the shoe, (or weakest formation), P
choke can be increased, (if necessary), above the M.A.A.S.P. without fear of
formation failure.
So it is useful to know the "bit to shoe" and “kick volume” time, this actually
indicates the moment when the bottom-influx reaches the desired depth.
The safe condition is reached a little earlier, when the top-influx arrives; the
difference in time depending on the expanded volume of the gas kick at that stage
in it's displacement.
20

M.A.A.S.P. reache d before gas is in shoe.
3.) “ P choke = M.A.A.S.P. BEFORE gas is displaced above the critical point”
Possible action is the limited to two alternatives, Each undesirable;
• Continue to apply the necessary P choke to maintain the correct P standpipe,

(B.H.P. = Pf); but thus increases the risk of formation breakdown.
• Limit P choke to the known M.A.A.S.P.; thereby allowing B.H.P. to fall, that
may result in inducing further inflow.
The least damaging course chosen will depend upon details of the situation.
The risk and seriousness of formation breakdown involves consideration of;

• Depth of shoe or weakest formation, (430m BRT.)
• Quality of the primary cementation.
• Characteristics of the formation most likely to fail,
• Time for which weak formation is at risk.
Chances and severity of a second influx depend on;

• Productivity of the reservoir being controlled, (highly productive)
• Degree of underbalance involved, (80psi)
• Time until proper B.H.P. can be restored.
Formation breakdown may occur and develop into an internal blowout, or worse; provide
communication to surface outside the well and a resultant crater.
21

Well Specific; Fluorit 16/4-3
Hole size; 12 ¼”.
Proposed mud weight: 1.25 – 1.30 sg.
Anticipated LOT; 1.35 – 1.45sg
Shoe depth; 430m
Anomaly Risks; 462m - 580m and 730m
a.) MAASP anticipated between 45 and 120psi.

i.e. representative of taking a 100 – 260ft annular “gas” influx. (15– 35bbls in a 12 ¼” hole.)
b.) If a well flowed from a shallow anomaly, flow will be fast and dynamic.
c.) For the time is takes to recognise that a well is flowing and to close in on a semi,
can kick be safely handled?.
d.) Assess deepest zone (i.e. lowest risk) that would expose wellbore (weakest zone)
to the highest pressures.
Recommendations.
- Well should be immediately shut in once pumps pressure has bled off.
- Rig procedure required to ensure proper closing sequence is agreed and adhered
to.
- PWD sub recommended in BHA
- Drill through lower anomaly at controlled ROP, flow check on first penetration and
on each connection until satisfied the well was stable.
- Pump out through section to eliminate swabbing tendencies.
- Pumps to be shut down on connections only after slips have been set.
- Float to be included in BHA
- Use trip tank at all times during trips.
- Evaluate casing running swab/surge pressures.
22

Shallow Well Control

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Shallow Well Control

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Author Peter Aird WELL: Ref: WCP010

Checked By : RIG: Page: 1

Approved By: Contingency procedure Revision: 1.0 3/9/01