Recalls Well Control Principles Definitions

,Recalls
Well Control Principles

definitions &
Hydrostatic
A column of fluid at rest exerts "hydrostatic" pressure within

the fluid column. Hydrostatic pressure is dependent on the
mud weight and vertical
.depth to the point of interest
.
Hydrostatic Pressure = TVD (ft) x MW (ppg) x 0.052

OR
Hydrostatic Pressure = TVD (ft) x Fluid gradient (psi / ft)

Hydrostatic
Height
TVD
Hydrostatic pressure is the same in all cases
You have to consider the vertical height or depth of the fluid column, •
.the shape of the hole doesn’t matter
Pressure Gradient
It is convenient to convert Mud Weight from ppg to a

.pressure gradient in psi/ft (rate of change)
The conversion factor is 0.052
Pressure gradient (psi/ft) = Fluid Density (ppg) x 0.052

Exercise
1 - What is the fluid density of :
0,806
0,806 psi / ft > fluid density = ?ppg 15,5
ppg=
0,052
0,598 psi / ft > fluid density = 0,598 ? 11,5
ppg=
ppg
0,052
2 - What is the pressure gradient of:
10 ppg > Fluid gradient = x 10 x 1 = 0,520?psi/ftpsi / ft
0,052
13,5 ppg > Fluid gradient = ? psi

x 13,5 x 1 = 0,702 psi/ft / ft
0,052
3 - What is the Hydrostatic Pressure of:
Mud Weight 12 ppg
TVD 6000 ft HP = HP = 0,052 x TVD x Mud Weight = ? 3744 psi
psi
MD 7000 ft
Pressure Gradient 0,494 psi/ft
MD 14300 ft HP = HP = Pressure Gradient x TVD =? 5928 psi
psi
TVD 12000 ft
U tube effect
Homogeneous fluid > Fluid level is the same different fluids (d1 & d2) > Fluid level 2
on both branches & at the same level the decreases on the heaviest side
hydrostatic pressure is the same on 2 PA = d2 x (VD1 - VD2) x 0,052
branches PB = d1 x VD1 x 0,052
PA = PB = d1 x VD1 x 0,052 PA = PB > d1 x VD1 = d2 x VD1 - d2 x VD2
x VD1 = d2 x VD2 )d2 - d1( >>
0 0
d1 = Fluid density
d1 = Fluid density
VD2
d2 = Fluid density
A B VD1 A B VD1
Exercise 105 U Tube

U tube effect
We pump a 3000 ft plug of diesel oil in a 6000 ft - 1
well . The diesel oil has a density of 6,7 ppg. The
initial mud in the well has a density of 11 ppg. What
will be the drill Pipe pressure when we close the well
? after pumping the gasoil plug
DP Pressure = (11 - 6,7) x 0,052 x 3000 = 671 psi
In the same well, later, we inject a 3000 ft - 2

heavy plug (15 ppg density). Well open, what
? will be the heawy plug level after stabilisation
We can write
x 11 x 0,052 = 3000 x 15 x 0,052 )H + 3000(
H = 3000 x ( 15 - 1) = 1091 ft
11
Porosity & Permeability
:The essential properties of reservoir rocks are
.Porosity provides the storage space for fluids and gases
Permeability Aptitude of formation to let the fluid flows through the

.rock
These properties will determine how much and how quick a kick will
.enter into the well
Porosity & Permeability
Tiny openings in rock = Connection of these holes

Porosity = Permeability
Geostatic Pressure
,The geostatic pressure = weight of upper sediments 
: Sediment density depends of 
,Porosity 
,Fluid in the pores 
.Material 
,Porosity decrease with depth 
,Geostatic pressure is dependent with porosity 
,Fracturation pressure depend of geostatic pressure 
,Onshore geostatic gradient reach about 1 psi/ft at 10000 ft 
.Offshore, it depends of water depth 

Well Balanced
when Hydrostatic Pressure = Formation Pressure
Our primary Well Control is effective (without any margin)
!!! It is not the most comfortable situation

:Well Under Balanced
when Hydrostatic Pressure < Formation Pressure
Our primary Well Control is lost
!!! We are in a potential situation of kick

Well Over Balanced
when Hydrostatic Pressure > Formation Pressure
Our primary Well Control is effective (with a trip margin)
It is the normal situation

Well Control Principles
:Well Control can be defined under 2 main categories

Primary Well Control: is the use of the fluid (static) to •
.prevent the influx of formation fluid into the well bore
Secondary Well Control: is the use of the BOP and Kill •

.Mud to control the well, if Primary WC cannot be maintained
NORMAL & ABNORMAL
PRESSURE
Normal Formation Pressure
Normal formation pressure is

equal to the hydrostatic
pressure of the water
occupying the pore spaces
from the surface to the
.subsurface formation
Native fluid is mainly
dependent on its salinity and
is often considered to be:
0.465 psi/ft
Normal Pressure by Region
Formation Pressures
:Abnormal formation pressures
are any formation pressures that are
greater than the hydrostatic pressure
of the water occupying the pore
.spaces
Abnormal pressured formations
are usually associated with Well
.Control problems
Commonly caused by the under-
compaction of shale’s, clay-stone or
...faulting
ABNORMAL PRESSURES
Exercise
? Which is the formation pressure gradient met at 7200 ft
Fo
rm
at
ft ft7200
8,000 io n
wa Gas layer
ft ft8400
9,000 ter
0.08 psi / ftGas Gradient:

0,433 psi / ft (fresh Water)Water Gradient:
x 8400 - (8400 - 7200) x 0,08 0,433

= Pressure Gradient psi / ft 0,49183 =
7200
Formation Pressures
:Subnormal Pressure
is defined as any formation pressure that is less than
“normal” pressure and usually associated with lost
.circulation problems
… It can be due to reservoir depletion,fault
:Transition Zone
is the formation in which the pressure gradient begins to change from
a normal gradient to a subnormal gradient or, more usually, to an
.abnormal gradient
Abnormal Pressures
Main Causes
Other Causes
Undercompaction of shales 
.Undercompaction is the main cause of abnormal pressure
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Salt beds 
Tectonics 
Mineralisation 
Faults 
Undercompaction
Very plastic
Surface sedimentation Behaviour similar to
water (Pressure
transmission)
It loses partially
The water is expelled while sinking plasticity
Behaviour partially
similar to water
It loses completely
the plasticity
Water is expelled. It is a rock now
The Geostatique
pressure is supported
by the matrix
Salt dome
Abnormal Pressures
Tectonics
Abnormal Pressures
Faults
Abnormal Pressures
Mineralisation
Example
In certain conditions (T°C & P) anhydrite

structure changes to become gypsum, with
.a volume increase of around 35%
Kick Causes
The pressure in the wellbore becomes less than the pressure
:in the formation, due to
Failure to Fill The Hole Properly While Tripping •

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.The most important cause of BHP reduction ’Exercise ‘No Fill Up
… Swabbing / Surging - Mud properties, Pulling speed, Annulus Clearance •

Drilling into zones of known pressure with Mud Weight too low •
Drilling into unexpected abnormal formation pressure •
Lost Circulation •
Insufficient Mud Weight - enough to drill, but not to trip •
Accidental dilution of drilling fluids •
Weighting material (barite) settling out •
Kick Causes
Swabbing
: Swabbing occurs mainly when
,POOH speed too high 
BHA OD very close to Hole diameter 
Clay balling 
Viscosity & Gel 

Kick Causes
Insufficient mud weight
Example
Depth = 9843 ft
Mud density = 10,5 ppg
Pore Pressure = 5414 psi
APL* = 170 psi
What is the BHP in static psi?5374
What is the BHP in circulation psi?5544
: Conclusion ?
In dynamic BHP > Pore Pressure
When we stop circulation BHP < Pore Pressure Kick >>>
Annular Pressure Losses*
WARNING SIGNS
Warning Signs
: While Tripping
:to 80% of kicks occur While Tripping, due to 75
the loss of Annular Pressure Losses •
the fact when moving drill string upward through drilling fluid reduces BHP •
.Improper fill-up: - swabbing – POOH with a bit balled up •
.surging – RIH casing in open hole -
While tripping, the Trip Tank is the most important well control
.device on the rig
:API-RP53
.On the Trip Tank, Half barrel must be easily detected by the readout arrangement
Warning Signs
:While Tripping
A trip sheet will be filled out on each trip, out of hole and run in hole
If the hole does not take the correct volume of mud, or if the Driller has any
:doubt, then
Flow-Check -
Run the pipe cautiously back to bottom (if flow is too -
)high, stripping through the annular
.Circulate bottom-up -
Remember: It is possible that the well will not flow even if an influx has
.been swabbed in
Warning Signs
:While Drilling
Increase in Drilling
.Only Rate
the 2 first are • signs in exploration wells
relevant
Change in D - Exponent (For shales only) •
}
Increase in Torque and Drag •
Change in Pump Speed or Pressure •
Information differed
because of lag time
Change in Cutting size and shape •
Chloride Trends •
Decrease in Shale Density •
Temperature Measurements •
Decrease in mud density •
Gas sign •
Warning Signs
:While Drilling
Increase in Rate of Penetration
.A Drilling Break is one of the first indications that a kick may occur •
A Drilling Break is an abrupt change in drilling rate without changes in •
.WOB and RPM caused by a change in formation type
When abnormal pressure is encountered, differential pressure and shale •
.density are decreased causing an increase in ROP
ROP
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Depth
.The abrupt change and the amplitude (30%, 50%, …. ) must be determined by the Supervisor
Warning Signs
:While Drilling
Increase in Torque and Drag
.Increase in torque and drag often occurs when drilling under balanced •
.”Taken alone, this is not a reliable indicator in “exploration drilling •
.It could be a good indicator in “development” to caracterise a formation •

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:While Drilling
Change in Pump Speed & Pressure
This indication is caused as a result of the U-tube effect, caused by light •
.fluids into the annulus

but
.A wash out in drill string will cause the same •
.With electrical driven pump, speed is not affected by pressure

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Warning Signs
:While Drilling
Change in “d” Exponent
d” is an indication of drillability and ROP, RPM, WOB, bit size are“ •
.used to calculate its value
Trends of “d” normally increase with depth, but in transition zones, •
.it may decrease with lower than expected value
”d“ Transition zone
Depth
Valid only in shales formations

Warning Signs
:While Drilling
Decrease in Shale Density
Shale density normally increases with depth but decreases as abnormal •
.pressure zones (uncompacted hales) are drilled
Warning Signs
:While Drilling
Change in cutting size and shape
Normally pressured shale: cuttings Abnormally pressured shale:

are small with rounded edges, cutting are long and splintery with
.generally flat .angular edges
As differential between the pore pressure and bottom pressure is reduced, the cuttings have a
.tendency to “explode” of bottom
Warning Signs
: While Drilling
Temperature Measurements
The temperature gradient in abnormally pressured formations is •
.generally higher than normal
.This increase occurs before penetrating the interface •
.But this parameter is affected by the lag time •

Warning Signs
: While Drilling
Decrease in Mud Density
.Contamination with formation fluids •
Accidental dilution at surface •

Warning Signs
: While Drilling
Gas sign at surface
Gas cut mud : does not indicate that the well is kicking however, its
.presence must be treated as an early warning sign of a potential kick
,Gas cut mud only slightly reduces mud column pressure
Connection gas : are detected at the surface as a distinct increase above

.the background gas, as bottom up is circulated after a connection
.Trip gas : Bottom gas after a trip and circulation

POSITIVE SIGNS
Positive Signs
: While Drilling
Increase in Flow rate with pumps on -

Well Flowing with pumps off -
Pit Gain -
: While Triping
Any volume difference in trip tank While tripping -

Kick Size and Severity
Minimizing kick size is fundamental for the safety of a Well
.Control operation
Smaller Kicks: Provide lower choke or annulus pressure both upon initial
.closure and later when the kick is circulated to the choke
:Controllable Parameters: You can influence on

Degree of underbalance Mud Weight (slightly) •
Length of reservoir exposed ROP + Kick detection time •
Time well remains underbalanced Kick detection + shut-in time •
Wellbore diameter Hole size (pilot hole) •
Non-controllable Parameters
Formation permeability and type of influx •
Flow-Checks
:While Drilling
.All drilling breaks will be flow checked
: While Tripping it is a good practice to

flow checks
.Just off bottom •
.At the lowest casing shoe •
.Prior DC through the BOP •
At any time if the Driller has a doubt about the stability of the well,
.Tool pusher must be informed
Flow-Checks
:If the well continues to flow after the pumps are off, then
SHUT IN THE WELL

SYSTEM
PRESSURE LOSSES
Objectives
Identify the different pressures losses in •

the system
Identify which one influence bottom hole •
pressure
Convert this pressure to an equivalent mud •
weight
Pressure Losses
It can be assumed from this information that the drop in pressure through •
the pipe is the result of friction losses in the pipe as the fluid is pumped
.through it
Pressure Losses
A C
B B
Pressure Losses
PP=PLSL +PLiDP+PLiDC+PLNoz+PLAOH+PLACsg+∑AHSP - ∑StringHS
PP = ∑ PL + UTE
Equivalent Circulating Density
The APL while circulating has the same effect on bottom hole pressure •
.as increasing the mud weight
This theoretical increase in mud weight is called the Equivalent •

.Circulating Density (ECD) or Equivalent Mud Weight
:It can be calculated by using the following formula •
APL
Original Mud Weight = ECD +
TVD x 0.052
Summary
Annular Pressure Losses are the pressure losses caused by the flow of •
fluid up the annulus and are the only Pressure losses in the system
.that affect BHP
Equivalent Circulating Density is the effective density at any depth •

.created by the sum of the total hydrostatic plus the APL
REMEMBER
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: At any point in the circuit the pressure is the sum of the
,Hydrostatic pressures of the fluids above it (weight) •
,Back Pressures applied on annular •
.Pressure losses after it in the circuit •
Effects On Pressures
: Parameters affecting pressure losses are

Mud Weight 
Length 
Flow ( SPM) 
Pipe diameter 
Mud Weight Change
A well is being drilled using 10 ppg mud. At 80 spm the •

.total circulating system pressure losses are 2600 psi
.It is decided to increase the mud weight to 11 ppg •
?What are the new pressure losses •
: Answer
New Mud ppg 11
= .x Old psi x 2600 = 2860 psi
Old Mud ppg 10
Pump Strokes Change
A well is being drilled using 10 ppg mud. At 80 spm the total •

.circulating system pressure losses are 2600 psi
It is decided to increase the pump speed from 80 spm to 100 •

.spm
?What are the new pressure losses •
) (
New SPM (spm) 2
: Answer x Old (psi) = New (psi)
Old SPM (spm)
) ( )spm(
)spm(
100
80
x 2600 (psi) = 4063 (psi)
Exercise
.At 100 spm the pumping pressure is 2850 psi with 13 ppg
? What is the new pressure if the pumps are decreased to 65 spm •
)( 65 2
100
x 2850 = 1204 psi
? What is the new pressure if the mud weight is then decreased to 10.5 ppg •
10,5
x 1204 = 972 psi
13
Gas Behavior
Exercise
133 998 1336 2202 2540 3405
2202 3743
3405
3405 3743 4946
6150
4946 1
133 psi
PRESSION = f (Gas migration)
998,4 psi
Well closed (Constant volume)
1336
0 ft
2202 psi
2600 ft
dboue= 8,9 ppg
Gas
3405 psi
5200 ft
dg = 2,5 ppg
Gas
3743
7800 ft
PG= 3743 psi PG= 3743
=PF =PF =PF

Preparation and prevention
Barite and Cement on a Rig •
Leak-Off Test •
M A A S P (Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure) •
GMax or KICK TOLERANCE(Maximum Gain Allowed to avoid fracturation) •
Equipment line up for shut-in •
Slow circulating rates •
Kill Sheet •
Preparation And Prevention
Minimum Stocks on a Rig
It is a good practice to consider that unless the following

materials are on the rig available to use, DRILLING
.OPERATIONS WILL BE SUSPENDED
Enough weighting agent to raise the active mud system at least ≈ •
0,15 SG
Enough cement to place at least 150 m plug in open hole, •
.(offshore only)
Formation Pressure
When the well is shut in, Formation Pressure can be found with the
:following formula
SIDPP + Hydrostatic pressure = Formation Pressure

SICP + Influx Hyd + Mud Hyd = Formation Pressure
SIDPP SICP
+ +
Mud Hydrostatic Mud Hydrostatic
= +
Influx Hydrostatic
=
Formation Pressure
Exercise (use kill sheet)
280 350
.The well is shut in
? MAASP
11.4 Fracturation pressure

at the shoe Mud Density Gradient Shoe VD
ft 5550 ppg
TVD x 5550 ) x 11,4 0,052 - 0,78 ( psi 1039 =
? KMW •
280
+ 11,4 ppg 12.1 =
x 8600 0,052
ft 8,600
TVD ? New MAASP •
x 5550 - 0,052 x 12,1 x 5550 0,78 psi 837 =

Formation Fracture Gradient at
shoe is: 0.78 psi/ft
What is - Slow Circulating Rate
A Slow Circulating Rate ( SCR) is the reduced circulating •

.pump rate that is used when circulating out a kick
It is called Dynamic Pressure Losses ( PL ) on the kick •

sheet
SCR
? Why a SCR
Well Control Operations are conducted at reduced circulating rates
: in order to
1 Easier to adjust choke opening •
2 Reduce risk of equipment failure (less pressure in the circuit, onepump used,...) •
2 Reduce risk of over pressuring system if plugging occurs •
Limit of mud-gas separator (maximum pressure in the mud-gas •

separator set by the mud seal height. Pressure in the mud-gas separator
)equal to gas PL in the vent line
Necessary time to weight the mud (Rig capacity to weigted the mud) •
The PLA is so much reduced than it can be neglected (Valuable for SURFACE stack) •
3 Less variation of BHP if an incident happens and is not detected •
Less deviation from the straight line ICP to FCP while replacing original mud by . kill mud in the drill •
string
4 Reduce the risk of choke erosion •

Slow Circulating Rate
:Slow circulating rates will be taken

.As practical at the beginning of every tour •
.Every 500 ft drilled •
.Any time the mud properties are changed •
.Any time bit nozzle configuration is changed •
As soon as possible after bottoms up from any trip •
: SCR’s pressure will be taken

.For each pump
At least Two (2) rates
The pressure must be recorded using the gauges that will
be used during well kill operations
Actions
Upon Taking a Kick
Actions Upon Taking a Kick
Hard Shut-in •
Soft Shut-in •
Migration Rate •
Recording Pressures •
Height and Gradient of a Kick •
Soft Shut- In Procedure
,After a positive flow check or alarm 

Stop rotation 
Pick up the drill string to shut-in position 
Stop the pump 
Open remote control choke line valve (HCR) 
Close one BOP 
Close choke on manifold 
Notify Tool Pusher (supervisor) 
Record time, SIDPP, SICP and pit gain 
Hard Shut- In Procedure
,After alarm 
Stop rotation 
Pick up the drill string to shut-in position 
Stop the pump 
Close ram or annular 
Open remote control choke line valve (HCR) 
Notify Tool Pusher (Supervisor) 
Record time, SIDPP, SICP and pit gain 
Gas Migration Rate
An increase in pressure of ΔP on the surface gauges
corresponds to gas migration
)psi(
ΔP
ΔP= 0.052*Mw* ΔD = ΔD
Mw*0.052
)ppg(
)Ft(
)psi/h(
ΔP
= Gas Migration Rate
Mw*0.052
)ppg(
)ft/h(
.Determining S.I.D.P.P
:with a blind float valve into the string
Pump into the closed in wellbore through the drillpipe at a slow rate *
.and closely monitor drillpipe and casing pressure
When the rate of increase of the DP pressure changes significantly, *
.or the CSG pressure just begins to rise
.Shut off the pump and record the DP pressure *
.This value will be the Shut-In DrillPipe Pressure *

.Determining I.C.P
:without SCR’s or SIDPP
Bring pump to speed holding a constant casing pressure *

When the pump is at kill rate speed *
Switch to the DP pressure gauge *
Read the Initial Circulating Pressure : ICP *
It’s exactly what we are doing with the DRILLER’S METHOD

Kick fluid gradient
.Kick fluid gradient is not required for kill procedure •
It can be useful to determine the magnitude of annulus pressures •
.expected
It will help with the planning, handling and disposal of the influx when it •
.arrives at surface
Kick Type Kick Gradient

Gas psi/ft 0.2 - 0.05
Oil psi/ft 0.4 - 0.3
Water psi/ft 0.4 >

Well Kill
Methods
Well Kill Techniques
:There are three basic methods of Well Control
The Driller’s Method •
The Wait and Weight Method •
The Volumetric Method (only required in special situations) •
The aim of all methods is to keep bottom hole

pressure constant and equal to or slightly greater
.than formation pressure
Driller’s method
This method requires two circulation’s
:During the first circulation •

.The influx is circulated out from the well
:During the second circulation •

.The kill mud weight is pumped to kill the well
Driller’s Method: 1 st Circulation
The original mud weight is used to
.circulate the influx out of the well
.Reset the stroke counter -
Bring the pump up to kill speed while -
.holding the casing pressure constant
Maintain DP pressure constant until the -
.influx is circulated out of the well
BHP
The maximum shoe pressure is

when the top of the influx
reaches the shoe
When the influx is passing the casing

.shoe, the shoe pressure will decrease
When the influx is above the casing •

shoe, the shoe pressure will remain
.constant
Surface casing pressure is •

increasing as the influx is
.circulated up the well
.Pit volume is raising •
The maximum surface casing pressure •

is reached when the top of the influx is
.at surface
It will be the maximum increase in pit •
.level
As the influx is passing through •

the choke, the surface casing
.pressure will decrease
.The pit volume will decrease •
DPP = CP
If all the influx is successfully circulated •

: from the well and the pump is stopped
DPP = CP = SIDPP + Margin

Driller’s Method: 2nd Circulation
.Line up the kill mud •
.Reset the stroke counter •
Bring the pump up to kill speed while holding the •
.casing pressure constant
Reset the stroke counter after pumping the •
.surface line volume
Keep the casing pressure constant until KMW •
.reach the bit
).Or follow the calculated DP pressure drop schedule from ICP to FCP (
Pit volume has increased due to the •

.weighting material added in the system
Driller’s Method: 2nd Circulation
When kill mud enters the annulus,

maintain FCP constant until kill mud is
.at surface
1st Circulation
2nd Circulation
Driller’s Method
:Advantages
Can start circulating immediately -
Less effect of gas migration -
Simplicity - Less calculation -
Able to remove influx even if not enough barite on board -
:Disadvantages
Higher surface pressure -
In certain situation, higher shoe pressure -
Two circulation, more time through the choke -
Wait and Weight Method
This method involves one circulation
The kill mud weight is prepared •
Then kill mud weight is pumped while circulating out the influx •
.of the well
The kill mud weight is used to circulate the •
.influx out of the well
Reset the stroke counter •
Bring the pump up to kill speed while Holding the •
.casing pressure constant
Reset the stroke counter after pumping the •
.surface line volume
Pump kill mud from surface to bit while •
following a calculated DP pressure drop
.schedule
BHP
When kill mud enters the

annulus, maintain FCP
constant until kill mud is
.at surface
One Circulation Only
:Advantages
Can generate lower pressure on formation near the shoe -
With a long open hole, less risks to induce losses -
One circulation, less time spent circulating through the choke -
In most situation generate less pressure on surface equipment -
:Disadvantages
Longer waiting time prior to circulate the influx -
Cutting could settle down and plug the annulus -
Gas migration might become a problem -
More Calculations -
Differences between W&W and Driller’s methods
Drillers Method W & W Method

Gas at Casing Shoe h'i h'i ,Gas at Casing Shoe
kill mud in drill string
hm hm
Differences between W&W and Driller’s methods
Drillers Method W & W Method

Gas at Casing Shoe h'i h'i ,Gas at Casing Shoe
Kill mud in annulus
hm
hm
H”km
w
Volumetric Method
: When are you going to use the Volumetric Method
.When we cannot use Driller’s and W&W
String out of hole •

Power or mechanical failure •
String plugged •
Weighting up period very long •
Wash out in the drill string •
String very far from bottom with the kick below the string •
Volumetric Method
.Used only if a gas kick cannot be circulated from the wellbore •
If no action is taken, Gas Migration may occur in water base fluids, •

.resulting in HIGH surface, casing shoe and bottom hole Pressures
To maintain BHP “constant” the Volumetric allows the gas to expand as •

.it migrates to surface
This method cannot be used with the OBM. Due to the gas solubility in •
.OBM, the influx does not migrate
Volumetric Method
!!!… It’s only That

.In fact : it’s the DRILLER’S without circulation
Volumetric Method
Drill Pipe Communication : (DP on BOTTOM)
psi above initial The DP gauge should be utilized, keeping 100 -

.factor Shut-in pressure for a safety
mud fromMaintain the new DP pressure constant by bleeding -

.the annulus until the gas reaches surface
Then Lubricate and bleed -

H2 S
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is one of the most poisonous of all naturally occuring
.gases
It is extremely toxic, explosive and heavier than air. ( H2S = 1.19 SG & Air = 1
SG )
When ignited it burns with a blue flame producing Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), which
.also cause serious injury
It occurs worldwide in various concentration. ( ppm = Parts Per Million )

ppm = you smell rotten egg odor 1
ppm = you may tolerate exposure for up to 8 hours 10
ppm = you lose sense of smell within 3 to 15 minutes 100
.ppm = it kills sense of smell, burns your eyes and throat 200
.ppm = lethal concentration, ceases your entire nervous system 700
BULLHEADING shall be the preferred of handling a kick whenever H2S is

.suspected
Hydrates
Hydrates = Methane trap
ft3 hydrates = 164 ft3 methane 1

Hydrates
Hydrates can cause severe problems by forming a plug in Well Control

.equipment, and may completely blocking flow path
? How to prevent hydrates
Good primary well control = no gas in well bore •
.Composition of Drilling Fluid by using OBM or Chloride (Salt) in WBM •
Well bore temperature as high as possible •
.Select proper Mud Weight to minimize wellhead pressure •
Injecting methanol or glycol at a rate of 0.5 - 1 gal per minutes on the •
upstream side of a choke
Oil Base Mud
:Applications
Prevention of Differential Sticking •
Formation Reactivity Issues (Swelling Shale's & Clays) •
Reduction of Reservoir Formation Damage •
HP/HT •
Oil Base Mud
Gas Solubility in OBM
A gas influx in oil based mud will not behave in the

.same manner as a gas influx in a water based mud
This is caused by the ability of gas to dissolve in an OBM
:This has consequences for both
The size of influx when detected •

The way in which an influx will act •
Oil Base Mud
:Gas Solubility increases as
Bottom hole pressure increases •
Bottom hole temperature decreases •
Gas density increases •
of base oil increases % •
decreases Solids content, % of emulsifiers and/or brine •

Oil Base Mud
:Kick Detection
Kicks taken while drilling with OBM may be difficult to detect due to •
.the problems created by gas solubility in OBM
Gas may go into solution during a kick instead of staying as a discrete •
.phase as occurs in WBM
When gas saturated mud reaches a depth where pressure / •
temperature are at the bubble point, the gas will start coming out of
.solution causing a very rapid increase in well flow
In some cases this can unload the annulus resulting in large pit gains •
.and high annulus shut-in pressures
Oil Base Mud
Flow-Check: OBM vs WBM
bbls swabbed in 6,000 ft well – medium pressure 10
Pit Gain
bbl
Time - Minutes
Gas Influx in WBM or in OBM
Water Base Mud Oil Base Mud
Easier to detect • More difficult to detect •
Gas migration • No migration •
Gas stay as a separate phase • Gas solubility •
On bottom bigger kick size • On bottom smaller kick size •
Higher casing pressure • Lower casing pressure •
:Expansion • :Expansion •
Slow first then Fast - none first then very fast at -
the bubble point
Horizontal
Wells
Purpose
The purpose of drilling a horizontal well is to improve
.productivity by maximizing reservoir exposure
Therefore influx flow rates, in the event of a kick will be
considerably greater than for a well drilled vertically through
.the same reservoir
Prevention
:As a result, it is essential that

.The pits are closely monitored for small gains in volume •
.Flow checks are extended to a minimum of 15 minutes •
While POOH there is greater potential for swabbing. Pumping out of •
.hole is recommended
Flow check should be made once the bit is out of the horizontal •
.section
Extreme caution should be paid when tripping back into the reservoir •
after a round trip, a swab kick may not be detected.
The influx may be displaced to the vertical section by the
.BHA
Detection
When initial kick occurred in a vertical
well, the hydrostatic pressure is
immediately reduced
When initial kick occurred in an horizontal well,

the hydrostatic stays the same. It is possible
.that SIDPP = SICP
The flow may be slow at first and increase
rapidly when the influx moves in the build
.section
If SIDPP = SICP , the influx is still in the horizontal section and will not reduce the
.hydrostatic in the annulus
Influx gradient can not be calculated
Detection
When initial kick occurred in a vertical
well, the hydrostatic pressure is
immediately reduced
When initial kick occurred in an horizontal well,

the hydrostatic stays the same. It is possible
.that SIDPP = SICP
The flow may be slow at first and increase
rapidly when the influx moves in the build
.section
If SIDPP = SICP , the influx is still in the horizontal section and will not reduce the
.hydrostatic in the annulus
Influx gradient can not be calculated

Recalls Well Control Principles Definitions

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Recalls Well Control Principles Definitions

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,Recalls

Well Control Principles

A column of fluid at rest exerts "hydrostatic" pressure within

Hydrostatic Pressure = TVD (ft) x MW (ppg) x 0.052

Hydrostatic Pressure = TVD (ft) x Fluid gradient (psi / ft)

Hydrostatic pressure is the same in all cases

It is convenient to convert Mud Weight from ppg to a

The conversion factor is 0.052

Pressure gradient (psi/ft) = Fluid Density (ppg) x 0.052

13,5 ppg > Fluid gradient = ? psi

Exercise 105 U Tube

DP Pressure = (11 - 6,7) x 0,052 x 3000 = 671 psi

In the same well, later, we inject a 3000 ft - 2

:The essential properties of reservoir rocks are

.Porosity provides the storage space for fluids and gases

Permeability Aptitude of formation to let the fluid flows through the

Tiny openings in rock = Connection of these holes

: Sediment density depends of 

,Fluid in the pores 

,Porosity decrease with depth 

,Geostatic pressure is dependent with porosity 

,Fracturation pressure depend of geostatic pressure 

,Onshore geostatic gradient reach about 1 psi/ft at 10000 ft 

.Offshore, it depends of water depth 

!!! It is not the most comfortable situation

!!! We are in a potential situation of kick

It is the normal situation

:Well Control can be defined under 2 main categories

Secondary Well Control: is the use of the BOP and Kill •

Normal formation pressure is

0.08 psi / ftGas Gradient:

x 8400 - (8400 - 7200) x 0,08 0,433

In certain conditions (T°C & P) anhydrite

Failure to Fill The Hole Properly While Tripping •

.The most important cause of BHP reduction ’Exercise ‘No Fill Up

… Swabbing / Surging - Mud properties, Pulling speed, Annulus Clearance •

: Swabbing occurs mainly when

,POOH speed too high 

BHA OD very close to Hole diameter 

Viscosity & Gel 

Change in D - Exponent (For shales only) •

Increase in Torque and Drag

.”Taken alone, this is not a reliable indicator in “exploration drilling •

.It could be a good indicator in “development” to caracterise a formation •

This indication is caused as a result of the U-tube effect, caused by light •

.fluids into the annulus

.With electrical driven pump, speed is not affected by pressure

”d“ Transition zone

Valid only in shales formations

Normally pressured shale: cuttings Abnormally pressured shale:

.generally higher than normal

.This increase occurs before penetrating the interface •

.But this parameter is affected by the lag time •

.Contamination with formation fluids •

Accidental dilution at surface •

,Gas cut mud only slightly reduces mud column pressure

Connection gas : are detected at the surface as a distinct increase above

.Trip gas : Bottom gas after a trip and circulation

Increase in Flow rate with pumps on -

Any volume difference in trip tank While tripping -

:Controllable Parameters: You can influence on

.All drilling breaks will be flow checked

: While Tripping it is a good practice to