Drilling School for IDS Well Site Leaders

Module – 4
WCequipment & Procedure

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Section – 2
Well Control Operations

Private
1/81
 - Outline
• Summary of Well Control Methods – Bottom Hole Pressure Constant
• Conventional Well Control Methods
– Pipe on bottom, circulation is possible

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
• Driller’s Method
• Wait and Weight Method

Private
– Changes in annular pressure while circulating the influx out
– Comparison of the two conventional well control methods
– Surface indications of down hole problems during well control
• Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure, MAASP
• Meaning of MAASP during well control – Exercise and discussion

2
 Well Shut-in Method
IPM-ST-WCI-015
• The response time to shut in the well will be minimized by:
– Proper kick detection equipment.
– Full authority to the driller to shut in the well.

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
– Using the hard shut-in method.
• The objective is to minimize the size of the influx and providing lower

Private
choke and annulus pressures.
• A notice displaying the shut-in procedures will be posted at the
Driller’s position.

3
 Consensus of Well Control Procedures
IPM-ST-WCI-007

• To avoid conflict and confusion during well control operation.

• Prior to start well operations, agreement with the Operator and the Drilling Contractor

Schlumberger
in: well control procedures, formulae, systems of units, conversion factors, capacities,

Schlumberger-Private
and kick sheets.

Private
• Agreement in Bridging Document and Well Control Briefing Document.

• Well control procedures available to key office and wellsite personnel.

• Shut in (or divert) procedures will be posted at the Driller’s position.

• IPM personnel must be conversant with: Well Control Manual, Project Bridging and
Well Control Briefing Document.

4
 Secondary Well Control
Summary of well conditions and WC Methods

A. Pipe is on bottom; Circulation is possible:

• Driller’s Method (“ two circulations” ) – BHP CONSTANT
• Wait and Weight (“ one circulation” ) – BHP CONSTANTE

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
B. Pipe is off bottom or out of hole; gas influx is migrating :
• Volumetric Method (Static) – string stationary – Controlled

Private
expansion of influx while ascending to surface or above the bit
where can be circulated out, while keeping BHP CONSTANT
• Lubricate and Bleed – String stationary / gas at top of annulus –
Controlled evacuation of gas following three consecutive steps:
• a) injection of mud into the annulus via kill line
• b) waiting time to allow phase segregation

5
• c) bleeding gas from the annulus via choke line
 Secondary Well Control
Summary of well conditions and WC Methods
C. Pipe is off bottom or out of hole – no circulation
• Stripping Procedure – conventional: no migration (or the gas kick was
already evacuated of well bore by following methods in B.) The drill string
is forced back to bottom through the closed BOP by its own weight, while

Schlumberger
keeping BHP CONSTANT. Then, a circulation method applied (W&W)

Schlumberger-Private
• Combined Stripping & Volumetric – pipe is off bottom & gas is migrating:
Simultaneous stripping and controlled expansion of gas influx as it ascends

Private
to surface in the annulus, while keeping BHP CONSTANT
 Standard Procedure recommended by Schlumberger – IPM

Common steps for all Secondary Well Control Methods:

1. Evacuation of influx out of well bore
2. Restore or Create Overbalance (when it is required)
Both steps (1. & 2.) are done while keeping BHP CONSTANT at all times

6
 Secondary Well Control
Summary of well conditions and WC Methods
D. Well Control in Cased Holes (For Well Completion & Work Over Operations)
• “Bullheading” – Reversing the influx into the formation: in low pressure or
depleted zones and lost circulation; no fracturing of permeable formation
• Reverse Circulation – pumping kill fluid in the annulus and returns taken from
tubing, BHP = Constant

Schlumberger
• Direct Circulation – Similar to W&W Method, BHP = constant

Schlumberger-Private
• Stripping Procedure – conventional: Pipe forced back to bottom through
closed BOP by its own weight while keeping BHP CONSTANTE. Then, a

Private
circulation method is applied (W&W)
• Combined Stripping & Volumetric – pipe is off bottom & gas is migrating:
Simultaneous stripping and controlled expansion of gas influx ascending to
surface in the annulus, while keeping BHP CONSTANTE
• Mechanical Well Control: Installation of mechanical barriers in the tubing
string or casing to stop well flowing (Back Pressure Valve, Bridge Plug, etc.)
• Kill fluid (packer fluid): fluid left in the annulus for WCpurposes (use of S.S.)
• Concentric Well Control: Injection of coiled tubing or snubbing pipe into the
hole to circulate control fluids from the bottom of the hole
7
 Conventional WC Methods – Circulation Methods
A. Pipe is on bottom; Circulation is Possible

For all Methods, measure and calculate in advance:

• Slow Circulation Pressure = Pressure Reduced,
– Determine the friction losses through out the system

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
– Measured at pump speed planned to use during well control
– Common slow pump rates are 20, 30, 40 SPM

Private
– Measure Slow Pump Pressures with all mud pumps on the rig
• Pre-calculate:
– Pipe volume and / or pump strokes to displace it
– Annulus volume and / or pump strokes to displace it
• Have ready to use a kill sheet for the W&W method or for the
second circulation of the Driller’s method, if preferred

8
 The Driller’s Method
Step 1 – Circulate with mud in the hole (MW1) to evacuate the influx :
• Mud pump is started first; then the choke is gradually open
• While pump is accelerated to reach its reduced speed,
-The Shut In Casing Pressure (SICP1) is kept constant with the choke, while

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
circulating for a short period of time (1 – 3 minutes)
- Due to the circulation, the dynamic BHP is higher than the static BHP as the

Private
annular pressure losses are reflected on bottom
- For this reason no additional influx of formation fluids is permitted due to the
this safety factor on BHP which is the ECD
• When the kill speed is reached, the circulating pressure (CP) on Drill Pipe
side is kept constant, by operating the choke, until all the influx is evacuated
from the annuls to the surface. Annular pressure will not remains constant any
more; only the CP will.
9
 The Driller’s Method

How to estimate the Circulating Pressure on Drill Pipe side, CP

a. If both the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure (SIDPP) and the Slow Circulation Rate
(SCR) are known, the Circulating Pressure CP is calculated as follows:
CP = SIDPP + SCR

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Example: (1) CP: Pump Circulating Pressure once

Private
the slow pump rate (SCR) or kill rate is
(1) 1225 psi
reached

(2) 500 psi (3) 725 psi

(2) SIDPP: Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure (3) SCR: Reduced Pressure, recorded at
slow circulation rate (SCR) before the influx
was taken = Friction losses in the system

10
 The Driller’s Method
How to estimate the Circulating Pressure on Drill Pipe side, CP
b. If Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure (SIDPP) and / or the Slow Pump Rate (SCR) are
NOT KNOWN, as it may happen in one of the following conditions:
SIDPP = 0 (due to a solid back pressure valve in the drill string)
SCR = ?? (it was taken long ago in very different conditions of depth, well

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
geometry, mud properties, its value is not reliable or it was not taken at all)

The ACTUAL Circulating Pressure, CP is established as follows:

Private
• Select ANYSLOW PUMP RATEappropriated for well control operations
• Start the pump and while speeding it to the selected SCRkeep the recorded
Shut In Casing Pressure, SICP1 for a short period of time (1 to 3 minutes) by
manipulating the choke
• When reached the desired SCR, check the Circulating Pressure on Drill Pipe
side as the ACTUAL Circulating Pressure, CP for the selected SCR.
• The measured or ACTUAL CP contains the unknown terms SIDPP and SCR
and will be KEPT CONSTANT until all kick is evacuated out of the well bore
11
 The Driller’s Method
Step 1: Circulate with mud in the hole (MW1)to evacuate the influx :
How dynamic BHP is kept constant when the influx is circulated out of well
BHP = HPDs + CP – DPDS

CP = SIDPP + SCR  BHP = HPDS + (SIDPP + SCR) – DPDS

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
SCR = DPDS + DPA  BHP = HPDP + SIDPP + (DPDS + DPA) – DPDS
BHP = HPDS + SIDPP + DPA  BHP in dynamic conditions (circulating BHP)

Private
Each term component of the dynamic BHP is kept constant as follows:
Hydrostatic Pressure inside DP (HPDs) By keeping constant the original mud
weight MW1 before the kick is taken

By keeping constant the CP read on the

Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure (SIDPP)
DP side which contains the SIDPP

By keeping constant the selected Slow

Annular Friction Losses (DPA)
Circulating Rate that defines the ECD
12
 The Driller’s Method
Step 1 – Circulate with original mud (MW1) to evacuate the influx:
Once the influx is out, turn the pump off and close the well in, while keeping constant
BHP, as follows:
• Start closing the choke and gradually reduce pump speed until turn it off. Close
the choke only when the pump is completely stop
• While reducing the pump speed to zero:

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
– Hold casing pressure constant at shut-in value by adjusting the choke
– Annular pressure losses are removed when the pump is stopped

Private
– When the circulation stops, the BHP will be Static Bottom Hole Pressure
• When the well is shut-in this second time, there are two options:
– The new SICP2 is zero  well is static with overbalance. End of process
– The new SICP2 is not zero  well can flow due to underbalanced condition
– In this case the new SICP2 = original unknown SIDPP (if the influx was
properly evacuated out of the well, as per the previous procedure).
– It is required to increase the mud weight and to displace the original
MW1 with MW2 to have the desired over balanced condition
13
 The Driller’s Method
Step 2 – Circulate with weighted mud, MW2, only if over balance is required:
• Mud pump is started first; then choke is gradually open
• Having reached the selected SCR, continue pumping heavy mud and
– Keep the New Shut-In Casing Pressure (SICP2) constant, by operating the
choke, until the heavy mud, MW2, reaches de bit

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
• Annular pressure losses will increase the static BHP
• No additional influx of formation fluids is permitted with this safety

Private
factor on BHP due to the ECD
• Count barrels, strokes or minutes required from surface to the bit, to verify
when the drill string is filled with heavy mud
• Record the Final Circulating Pressure (FCP) when heavy mud is at the bit
• Keep the FCP constant until heavy mud returns to the surface. This can be
checked with annular volume, number of strokes for full circulation and
confirmed by weighting the mud coming out of hole.
14
 The Driller’s Method
Step 2 – Circulate with weighted mud (MW2) if over balance is required:

• Circulate to fill the annulus with heavy mud from bit to surface:
– Read the Final Circulating Pressure on the drill pipe side (FCP) when the
heavy mud (MW2) reaches the bit.

Schlumberger
– Continue circulating with heavy mud keeping constant the recorded

Schlumberger-Private
(FCP) until the heavy mud returns to surface.
• Turning the Pump Off & Checking for Flow:

Private
– Start closing the choke while slowing the pump down
– Turn the pump off and then shut the well in.
– Verify that SICP3 is ZERO. (SIDPP should also be zero.)
– Open the well (via choke manifold) and check for flow
– Open BOP and verify static conditions
– Resume well operations

15
 The Driller’s Method - Summary
Step 1: Circulate with original mud in hole, keeping Circulating Pressure (CP)
on Drill Pipe side constant until all the influx is evacuated out to the surface
(BHP is kept constant as CP is kept constant)
Keep CP = Constant

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
SICP
Select one slow pump rate, SCR.
Start circulation with original MW1

Private
Keep SICP constant while the pump
Count strokes, or time required to
reaches the selected SCR, (1-3 min.)
pump bottoms up = annular volume
Check Circulating Pressure, CP, on
Verify kick is evacuated out of
DP side, when pump reaches the SCR well by measuring (MW)out = MW1
Keep this CP constant until all influx
is circulated out of the well

P1 > P2
16
 The Driller’s Method - Summary
Step 2 – Circulate with weighted mud, MW2 to displace original mud in hole, MW1
while keeping BHP constant and above the formation pressure
(This step is required ONLY when an Overbalance on the formation is needed)
Once the influx is evacuated with Step 1, shut the well in. 2º Keep FCP = Constant

If, SICP2 = 0  No Undebalance. Influx was swabbed in.

If, SICP2 = 0  Well is Underbalanced; SICP2 = SIDPP1 SICP2 = SIDPP

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Step 2 is required: Circulate the well with MW2

Calculations:

Private
MW2 = MW1 + SIDPP/(factor x TVD) + OB SIDPP = SICP2
Nº pump strokes or volume to fill Drill Pipe with heavy mud 1º Keep SICP2
= Constant
Step 2 – Circulate with MW2 at the selected SCR while filling
1º) Keep SICP2 constant until heavy mud reaches the bit. the drill string
(check strokes, volume or time from surface to bottom ) with MW2 and
Record Final Circulation Pressure, FCP, when heavy mud check the FCP
MW2 is at the bit
2º) Keep FCP constant until heavy mud returns to surface
(Count Strokes& time for bottoms up, check MWout = MW2) P1 > P2
Close
17
the well in and verify, SICP3 = 0  well static.
 The Wait and Weight Method
One Step: Circulate with heavy mud (MW2) to evacuate influx and
simultaneously displace original mud to establish the over balance required,
while keeping BHP constant
While the drill string is being filled with heavy mud:
• Follow the Pumping Schedule prepared in the kill sheet, by operating the
choke to reduce circulating pressure from the calculated initial circulating

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Pressure (ICP) to the Final Circulating Pressure (FCP) when the string is
filled with MW2

Private
To Fill the annulus with heavy mud:
• Keep constant the FCP (circulating pressure just when the drill string is full
with heavy mud) until heavy mud returns to surface by manipulating the
choke. Verify that MWin = MWout = MW2 before stop pumping
To turn the pump off and check the well:
• Start closing the choke while slowing the pump down
• Shut the pump off and close the well in
• Verify that SICP2 = 0
• Open the well and check for flow. The well must be static.
18
 The Wait and Weight Method - Summary
Circulate with heavy mud to evacuate the influx and simultaneously establish the
overbalance required, while keeping BHP constant
Calculations:
ICP  FCP
 Requirements: both “SIDPP” & “SCR” must be known
MW2 = MW1 + SIDPP/(factor) x (TVD) + OB: Kill Mud Weight

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
ICP = SIDPP + SCR: Initial Circulating Pressure
FCP = SCR x (MW2 / MW1): Final Circulating Pressure
Prepare “ Kill Sheet” with “ Pumping Schedule” & volumes

Private
OB: Over Balance (desired or allowed)

Circulation with heavy mud, MW2:

•While pumping heavy mud to fill the drill string, follow the
“pumping schedule” in the kill sheet to reduce the
circulating pressure from ICP to FCP, by adjusting the choke
•Continue pumping and keep FCP constant, until heavy mud
returns to surface. Check: MWin = MWout = MW2
P1 > P2
•Shut the well in and verify that SICP = SIDPP = 0
19
 Changes in Surface Casing Pressure
While circulating the influx out
Three things cause surface casing pressure to change:
1. Loss of hydrostatic pressure between the bottom of the hole and the surface
– Caused by gas expanding and displacing mud
– Compensated by a continue increment in annular pressure at surface

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
(with the choke) until gas reaches the surface

2. Gain in hydrostatic pressure between the bottom of the hole and the surface

Private
– Caused by gas leaving the well (venting) which is being replaced with
mud entering into the annulus from the drill pipe
– Compensated by a reduction in annular pressure at surface (with the
choke)
3. Gain in hydrostatic pressure between bottom and surface
– Caused by light (original) mud being displaced in the annulus with
heavier (kill) mud from the drill pipe
– Compensated by an additional reduction in annular pressure at surface
when kill mud is inside the annulus (with the choke)
20
 Pressure Changes at Casing Shoe
Case 1 Case 2 Case 3a Case 3b

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Private
Driller’s Method Wait and Weight Wait and Weight
First circulation (No gas migration) (Gas migration)

21
 Hole Geometry Vs Top of Gas Bubble
Hole size range Total depth Top of gas when kill
mud reaches the bit

17-1/2” – 20” 3,000’ SURFACE

17-1/2” – 20” 5,000’ 510’

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
12-1/4” – 13-3/8” 5,000’ 135’
12-1/4” – 13-3/8” 7,500’ 1,753’

Private
12-1/4” – 13-3/8” 10,000’ 3,614’
12-1/4” – 13-3/8” 12,500’ 5,450’

8-1/2” – 9-5/8” 7,500’ SURFACE

8-1/2” – 9-5/8” 10,000’ SURFACE
8-1/2” – 9-5/8” 12,500’ 900’
8-1/2” – 9-5/8” 15,000’ 2,300’

22
 Conventional (Circulation) WC Methods – Summary
A. Pipe is on bottom; Circulation is Possible
• The Driller’s Method:

- Step 1: Circulate with mud in the hole for influx evacuation

Schlumberger
- Step 2: Circulate with control mud to restore or create over balance

Schlumberger-Private
 This step is required ONLYif the influx is caused by under balance
(BHP < Formation Pressure)

Private
• Wait and Weight Method

- One Step: Circulate with weighted mud to displace original mud and
simultaneously evacuate the influx and restore the over balance
 It is not necessary if the influx was mechanically induced
(swabbed-in) and there was enough overbalance before tripping.
Once the influx is evacuated, the overbalanced condition is
restored
23
 The Driller’s Method - Conclusions
Advantages:
• Simplicity – Less calculations are required than Wait and Weight method.
• Circulation can start immediately – Effect of gas migration reduced
• Removes the influx and stabilizes wellbore pressure at earliest possible
period of time.

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
• Viable option if limited barite is available or is inexistent at the rig site
• If the influx was mechanically induced (swabbed in), the second circulation

Private
is not required. This is only done when the influx is due to under balance
(Formation Pressure > BHP)
Disadvantages:
• As mentioned above, it may require more than one circulation
• Under certain conditions will cause the highest pressure on the casing shoe
• More circulation time may cause damage to well control equipment

24
 The Wait and Weight Method - Conclusions
Advantages:
• In some circumstances, it generates the lowest pressure on the formation
near casing seat
• In a long open hole section, it is the least likely method to induce lost
circulation
• Requires just one circulation and therefore less chance to damage Well

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Control Equipment (plugging, erosion, etc)
• It is ‘De facto’ or “ Standard” Well Control Method for many Of oil & Gas

Private
Operators
Disadvantages:
• Requires a longest waiting period prior to start circulation (stuck pipe?)
• In a case where a significant amount of hole is drilled prior to taking the
kick, the cuttings may settle out and pack off the annulus
• Gas migration is a problem while the mud system is being weighted up
• Could be an inadequate procedure if the influx was swabbed: no over
balance is required..!
25
 Surface Indicators of events & problems
During well control operations
Drillpipe Casing Drillstring Pit level Pump
pressure pressure weight SPM
Choke washout    

Gas at surface  


Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Lost circulation  
  

Hole in the drillstring  

Private
Pipe parted   

Bit nozzle lost  

Pump volume drops   

Gas feeding in  

Choke plugged   

Bit nozzle plugged  

Hole caves in  

26
 Exercise # 7

Well Control applying the Driller’s Method

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Private
Solution and Discussion in Group

27
 Exercise #8

Schlumberger
Application of “MAASP” Concept

Schlumberger-Private
Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure

Private
28
 Calculation of MAASP

MAASP – Maximum Allowable Surface Pressure

• Based on fracture pressure measured by Leak Off Test (LOT)

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Fracture press = Csg press + (depth x 0.052 x MW)
MW = Csg press
9.6 ppg = + 600 psi = 600 psi + (4,000 x 0.052 x 9.6 ppg)

Private
Fracture press = 2,600 psi
Shoe pressure
Shoe at
= 2,600 psi
4,000 ft MAASP = Fracture press - (depth x 0.052 x MW)
at fracture

LOT MAASP = 395 psi with 10.6 ppg MW

29
 Misuse of MAASP Concept in Well Control
• Big Mistake: Opening the choke in order to keep the annular pressure
below the MAASP calculated while the influx is circulated or is migrating
to surface. It will allow more influx to enter the well until total evacuation
of the mud column

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
MW = Csg press MW = Csg press
9.6 ppg = 600 psi 9.6 ppg = 600 psi

Private
Shoe press Shoe press
Shoe at Shoe at
= 2,600 psi = ???
4,000 ft 4,000 ft
at fracture

LOT

KICK

30
 The MAASP Fiasco
Casing Pressure Curve
700

600
Casing pressure - psi

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
500

400

Private
300

200

100

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

BBLS pumped

31
 The MAASP Fiasco
Worst pressure case – Gas @surface
BHP = 0.052 x 9.6 ppg x 8,000 ft + SIDPP
BHP = 4,400 psi
Gas - 1 ppg Assume that gas is from shoe to surface
HPG = 0.052 x 1 ppg x 4,000 ft = 208 psi
4,000 ft
HPM = 0.052 x 9.6 ppg x 4,000 ft = 2,000 psi

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Mud - 9.6 ppg 2,208 psi
8,000 ft CP = 4,400 – 2,208 = 2,192 psi
PShoe = 2,192 + 208 = 2,400 psi < 2,600 psi

Private
Zone - 10.6 ppg
BHP = 4400 psi
HPG = 0.052 x 1 ppg x 6,000 ft = 312 psi
HPM = 0.052 x 9.6 ppg x 2,000 ft = 1,000 psi
4,000 ft 1,312 psi
CP = 4,400 – 1,312 = 3,088 psi
6,000 ft PShoe = 3,088 + 208 = 3,296 psi
8,000 ft
Pshoe > Pfracture !!!
32
 The MAASP Fiasco
By opening the choke to keep the MAASP value in 600 psi more formation gas
will enter in the well bore and eventually will cause total evacuation of the mud
column. When the well is finally shut in, the surface pressure recorded in the
annulus and the pressure at the casing shoe would be:

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Full Evacuation of well
BHP = 4400 psi

Private
HPG = 0,052 x 1ppg x 8000 ft = 416 psi
HPM = 0,052 x 9,6ppg x 0 ft = 0 psi
416 psi
CP = 4400 – 416 = 3984psi = Surface Casing Pressure
8000’
Pat shoe = 3984 + 208 = 4192 psi
Zone Pressure - 10,6 ppg

Pat shoe >> Pfracture !!!

33
 The MAASP Fiasco
Casing Pressure Curve
2500

2000
Casing pressure - psi

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
1500

Private
1000

500

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

BBLS pumped

34
 Well Control Methods for Special Conditions:

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Pipe off bottom / out of hole. No circulation possible

Private
BHP Constant

35
 – Outline

Special well Control Methods

• Volumetric Method (Static) – Gas migration from bottomto surface

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
• Lubricate and Bleed (2nd stage of Volumetric) – Gas Evacuation

• Stripping (Conventional) – Driving pipe to bottom (no gas migration)

Private
• Combined Volumetric and Stripping - Driving pipe to bottom and
simultaneous gas migration from bottomto surface

• Bullheading – Reversing fluids back to the formation (BHP MAY NOT BE

KEPT CONSTANT)

• Bullheading H2S

36
 WC while Running and Cementing Casing (1/2)
IPM-ST-WCI-022
• Maintenance of Fluid Column:
– Sufficient fluid height in both the casing and the annulus.
– Monitor pit volumes and returns.
– Check volumes to fill the casing. Top up the casing every 5 joints.

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
– Run surge calculations.
– Primary well control displacing cement and spacers.

Private
– Monitor pit levels during cementing operations for gains and losses.
– Monitor cemented annulus until surface samples are hard.
• Maintenance of Barriers
– Two non-return valves: running casing into a hydrocarbon-bearing zone.
– Automatic-fill float equipment is to be tripped closed.
– No differential or automatic fill-float equip. through hydrocarbon zones.
– Slotted liner / Screens: contingency plan for well flowing.

37
 WC while Running and Cementing Casing (2/2)
IPM-ST-WCI-022
• Casing Rams
– Annular preventer: if no run through hydrocarbon bearing formation.
– Change upper rams to casing rams: when run through potential

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
hydrocarbon bearing formation.
– Liner run through section with potential hydrocarbon bearing

Private
formations: no need to change rams.
• Suitable crossover from the casing threads to the drill pipe
threads is made up to the IBOP and is readily available on the rig
floor.

38
 Volumetric Method
• Applicable only when migration of a gas kick is detected
• Brings the gas influx to surface without circulation from bottom
• Assumes the gas influx ascends as a bubble in water base fluids

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Private
• Cannot be applied in Oil Base Mud, OBM, as the influx of gas is mixed
(dissolved) with the fluid in the well bore and does not migrate.

40
 Volumetric Method
Used only when circulating methods cannot be applied and gas kick is
migrating (i.e. casing pressure is increasing above the initial SICP)

1. As gas migrates, keep the well shut in allowing the SICP to increase a selected
amount, DP (50 to 200 psi as per well conditions). BHP will increase also in DP

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
2. Use the choke to hold the new casing pressure constant until bleeding a volume
of mud that exerts in annulus a hydrostatic pressure equal to the pressure increase
in Step 1, DP. It permits the expansion of the gas bubble while migrates and BHP is

Private
reduced in DP returning to its original value (i.e. BHP ~ constant)

Volume to bleed = SICP increase (psi) x Annulus DP to Casing capacity (bbls/ft)

(barrels) Mud gradient (psi/ft)

3. Shut well in again and repeat steps 1 & 2 as necessary until the gas bubble is at
surface or above the bit so it can be circulated out
Do not Bleed Gas..!
41
 Volumetric Method
Bleed DV
900
Choke open

800
CP - psi

Bleed DV Choke closed

Schlumberger
Choke open

Schlumberger-Private
700
Choke closed
600

Private
bleeding
BHP – psi

5800
bleeding
5700

5600
0 100 200 300
42 Elapsed time - minutes
 Volumetric Method

Volumetric method Constant BHP circulating

(W&W or Driller’s)
Casing pressure

Casing pressure

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Private
Time BBLS pumped (time)

43
 Volumetric Method
Additional Notes:
• When gas is in the top of annulus (at surface),

• Stop the bleeding process. If gas is bled at this point it will reduce BHP
thus allowing further influx. If gas is bleed from the annulus at this point

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
without pumping mud in the well, the BHP will drop below formation
pressure and another influx will result.

Private
• It is time to finish off the volumetric method by applying the Lubricate and
Bleed method that allows the final evacuation of the gas bubble by
alternatively pumping mud into the well and bleeding gas from the annulus

• If after all gas has been evacuated there is still pressure in the annulus, it is
an indication of an under balance condition and the mud weight has to be
increased.
44
 Lubricate and Bleed Method (2ª stage of Volumetric)
- Controlled evacuation of gas at surface -
No communication DP/ casing: Sequentially pump mud and bleed gas

1. Pump (lubricate) a given volume of mud, DV, into the annulus through the kill
line (it could be the same DV bled in each step of Volumetric Method).
BHP is then increased in a hydrostatic DP due to DV in the annulus

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
2. Close the well in and wait enough time to allow gravitational segregation of
mud through the gas cap

Private
3. Open the choke to bleed gas relocated on top of the annulus in the amount
necessary to reduce the SICP in the value DP increased by the mud volume
pumped in 1. BHP is also reduced in DP and returns to its original value

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until all gas has been bled off or the desired annular
surface pressure is reached

Do not bleed mud..!

45
 Volumetric Method (special case)
There is communication Drill Pipe / Annulus. Gas migration detected
Drill String is near bottom but no circulation is possible

1. Keep the choke closed to allow the initial SIDPP to be increased in a

given value (from 50 to 200 psi, as per well conditions) as a safety

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
factor over the BHP to avoid additional kicks into the well bore

Private
2. Keep constant the new SIDPP by continuously bleeding mud from
the annulus, via choke manifold, until the gas kick reaches the
surface and locates in the top section of annulus

Do not bleed Gas..!

3. Evacuate the gas out of the well bore by applying the Lubricate and
Bleed Method already discussed.
46
Conventional Stripping Procedure (UPforce < DSweight)
Drill Pipe is returned to bottom by its own weight through BOP closed
No Gas Migration or Gas Kick already evacuated using Volumetric Method

Drill pipe is forced through annular BOP when SICP < 500:

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
1. Make up an Inside BOP above the Full Opening Safety Valve already installed in the
Drill String in the hole. Open the safety valve
2. Check that the force from below the string due to the well pressure can be over

Private
come by the weight of the string in the mud. Take in consideration the frictional
force due to the closed packing element of BOP against the pipe
3. Reduce the closing pressure on the annular BOP to the point of observing light leak
and “ boiling” of fluids around the pipe
4. Use BOP pressure regulator or a “ surge bottle” pre-charged with 750 psi of
nitrogen directly connected to the close line of the annular BOP
5. Take off rubber protectors installed in the DP, grind all marks and dents of tongs and
slips and polish hard banding on tool joints
47
 Conventional Stripping Procedure (UPforce < DSweight)
Drill Pipe is returned to bottom by its own weight through BOP closed
No Gas Migration or Gas Kick already evacuated using Volumetric Method

Drill pipe is forced through annular BOP when SICP < 500:

6. Build a line from the choke manifold to the trip tank (or from MGS to trip tank)

Schlumberger
7. Put plenty grease on external surface of DP and pour heavy oil on the top of

Schlumberger-Private
annular BOPclosed against DP
8. Make up one DP stand and slowly run in hole forced by its own weight

Private
through the closed annular Bop (+/- 2 ft/sec)
9. While the DP is being run, simultaneously bleed mud out the annulus via
choke manifold so that SICP is held constant
10. Fill each stand run in the hole
11. The mud volume bled can be measured in the trip tank and must be equal to
the solid string volume (check)
12. Continue running pipe and bleeding mud with SICP constant until pipe
reaches bottom or finds resistance to go
48
 “Combined Stripping and Volumetric Method”
DP is returned to bottom with simultaneous gas migration
Migrating gas is allowed to expand / DP is run while keeping BHP constant
Drill pipe is forced through annular BOP when SICP < 500:
Record SICPand estimate volume of influx
While preparing for stripping pipe to bottom, the SICP will increase until a
value given by:

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Pchoke = SICP + Pseg + Pstep
Where,

Private
SICP = Initial Shut-In Casing Pressure
Pseg = Safety factor on BHP to compensate loss of hydrostatic pressure due to the more
length of the influx when located around the BHA

Pseg = (Vinf/Cap OH/DC - Vinf/Cap OH) x (Gmud – Ginf)

Pstep = Pressure increase in each stage of the process, DP(from 50 to 200 psi)
Vinf = Volume of Influx. Cap OH/DC = Annular capacity between OH and DCs
Cap OH = Volume of Open Hole. Gmud = Mud Gradient.
Ginf = Influx Gradient
49
 “Combined Stripping and Volumetric Method”
DP is returned to bottom with simultaneous gas migration
Migrating gas is allowed to expand / DP is run while keeping BHP constant

Stripping in through annular BOP – Procedure:

1. With choke closed, allow the annular pressure to reach the value Pchoke
2. Strip pipe trough annular BOP and simultaneously bleed off mud

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
from the annulus via choke manifold, holding constant Pchoke
Notes:

Private
– Pressure in excess is reduced by bleeding off mud to the trip tank
(or to the stripping tank if installed) via choke line
– If the influx is liquid, the mud volume to bleed must be equal to the
displacement of the stripped pipe with its end closed (“ solid string” )
– If the influx is gas or a mixture liquid-gas, the volume to bleed should
be higher than the closed end pipe stripped due to the gas
expansion and migration
50
 “Combined Stripping and Volumetric Method”
DP is returned to bottom with simultaneous gas migration
Migrating gas is allowed to expand / DP is run while keeping BHP constant

3. Continue stripping the string keeping constant Pchoke until the volume bled
is higher than the string volume in the value of Vstep, as per:

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
Vstep = Pstep x Cap OH/DC/ Gmud

Private
4. When the bled volume exceeds the solid string volume in Vstep, close the
choke and keep running string in the hole to increase the casing pressure to:
Pchoke2 = Pchoke1 + Pstep
Notes:
– In this step DONOT bleed the displacement volume of the string run
– It is recommended to strip the whole stand in each step (either when
the pressure is increased to Pstep or when the pressure is kept at Pchoke)

51
 “Combined Stripping and Volumetric Method”
DP is returned to bottom with simultaneous gas migration
Migrating gas is allowed to expand / DP is run while keeping BHP constant

5. Repeat steps 3. and 4. as many times as necessary to reach one of the

following conditions:

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
– Bit or string is on bottom
– Gas influx is at surface

Private
– It is not possible to continue stripping due to high annular pressure, well
bore resistance, BOPs problems, equipment damage, etc)

52
 “Combined Stripping and Volumetric Method”
DP is returned to bottom with simultaneous gas migration
Migrating gas is allowed to expand / DP is run while keeping BHP constant
Additional Notes:
• When finish stripping to bottom or tight spot, attempt a conventional control
circulating fromtubing to annular

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
• While stripping pipe in the hole bleed mud-gas via the mud-gas separator to the trip
tank. Then, fromthis tank bleed the displacement volume for each stand stripped in
the hole to the auxiliary tank (or stripping tank). The remainder volume is kept in the

Private
trip tank to control the pressure Pstep, or vice versa

Ramto RamStripping
• Only allowed for surface BOPs stacks (not used for sub-sea stacks)
• NOTto be performed if there are only two (2) pipe rams in the BOPstack
• The position of the tool joint inside the BOPs must be known at all times
• Closing pressure on rams should be reduced to the minimumallowed value
• Performed only if CPis below 1000 psi

53
 Bullheading Considerations

Apart form the small chance of successfully squeezing the influx back
into the formation, bullheading has other crucial disadvantages:

• Fluid will go to the weakest formation which may not be the formation

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
where the influx came from.
•

Private
There is a potential risk of fracturing formation anywhere along the
open hole section which can lead to an underground blowout situation.
• High pressures will have to be applied to surface equipment.
• Even if squeezing is possible, it may not be possible to kill the well
completely. Different well control methods will then have to be used.

54
 Bullheading Procedure
In general, bullheading procedures can only be conducted bearing in
mind each specific situation. For drilling operations, bullheading
procedure should take in consideration the following factors:

Schlumberger
1. Calculate the surface pressure that will cause formation fracturing

Schlumberger-Private
during the bullheading operation.

Private
2. Calculate the drill pipe and casing burst pressure.

3. Calculate static drill pipe and annulus head pressure during bullheading

4. Slowly pump fluid down the drill pipe and annulus. Monitor pump and
casing pressure during the operation.

55
 Bullheading Operational Considerations

Operational considerations for bull heading include the following:

1. When high pressures need to be applied, the cementing unit should be

used for better control and adequate pressure rating.

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
2. Large mud volumes and LCM pills should be available in case major

Private
losses are experienced during bull heading.

3. A kill line connection above the bottom pipe rams of BOP stack should
be used to be able to isolate the annulus in case of kill line failure.

4. A check valve should be installed in the kill line.

56
 Bullheading Hydrogen Sulphide – H2S

If drilling in known H2S zones the following should be considered:

• All casing and tubing strings should be J-55, K-55, C-75, and L-80 or
special H2S resistant grades.

Schlumberger
Schlumberger-Private
• BOPs and wellhead to be H2S trimmed.
• Use grade ‘E’ or X-95 drill pipe whenever possible and limit use of

Private
grade ‘G’ or ‘S’ drill pipe.
• Treat mud system to a pH of 12-13 with caustic soda and maintain
6 lb/bbl of lime for corrosion protection.
• Treat mud with 5-8 lb/bbl of H2S scavenger, 1.5-3 lb/bbl Zinc
Carbonate or equivalent chemicals to avoid drill pipe failures.
• Avoid drill stem testing unless with special tools.
• Know maximum allowable overpull on string and avoid it.
57