TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY WELL CONTROL Jerome J. Schubert, PE DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERINGABSTRACT ‘Well Control Procedures for the Proper Identification and Handling of Kicks for the Prevention of Blowouts (December 1995) Jerome Jacob Schubert, PE, B.S. Texas A&M University, Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Hans C. Juvkam-Wold Blowouts have plagued the Petroleum Industry since its infancy. These well control events have resulted in losses of valuable resources, increased drilling costs, environmental dam- ages, increased regulations, injuries to personnel, and loss of life. The vast majority of all blowouts are due to human error, and could have been avoided if proper well control proce- dures would have been followed. The purpose of this work is to provide the technology necessary to recognize potential well control problems and procedures to properly handle them in a safe and efficient manner. ‘This manual discusses the types of pressure encountered in a wellbore, basic calculations required in well control procedures, causes of kicks and the waming signs that a kick may have occurred, proper shut-in procedures, and of course well kill procedures. This manual includes a discussion of casing seat tests used to determine formation strength, and the reaction of gas in a wellbore. Avoidance of kicks is stressed in the discussion of the origin and prediction of abnormal pressure, as well as casing seat selection. Functions and prop- erties of drilling and completion fluids are discussed with respect to well control. Well control considerations while drilling from a drillship or semi-submersible are discussed. ‘This manual was written with field personnel in mind, so that they may gain a clear under- standing of the basic principals and procedures required for safe and efficient drilling op- erations by minimizing the risk of kicks and blowouts.iv DEDICATION This work is dedicated to my wife Debbie and son Clayton for their complete support and patience in this endeavor,