Professional Documents
Culture Documents
&
WELL CONTROL
Version 2.1
March 2001
Dave Hawker
Corporate Mission
To be a worldwide leader in providing drilling and geological monitoring solutions to the oil and gas
industry, by utilizing innovative technologies and delivering exceptional customer service.
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 3
2 PRESSURE GRADIENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 FORMATION RELATED PRESSURES...................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 WELLBORE BALANCING PRESSURES................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 Mud Hydrostatic ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Equivalent Circulating Density................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.3 Surge Pressures........................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.4 Swab Pressures ........................................................................................................................................... 8
3 KICKS AND BLOWOUTS.................................................................................................................................. 10
3.1 DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 CAUSES OF KICKS ............................................................................................................................................ 11
3.3 KICK WARNING SIGNS ...................................................................................................................................... 12
3.4 INDICATIONS OF KICKS WHILE DRILLING ........................................................................................................ 13
3.4.1 Connection Gas......................................................................................................................................... 14
3.5 INDICATORS WHILE TRIPPING........................................................................................................................... 16
3.5.1 Trip Margin............................................................................................................................................... 17
3.6 GAS EXPANSION ............................................................................................................................................... 19
3.7 FLOWCHECKS ................................................................................................................................................... 20
4 KICK CONTROL EQUIPMENT ....................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 THE BOP STACK .............................................................................................................................................. 21
4.2 PREVENTERS AND RAMS ................................................................................................................................... 22
4.2.1 Annular Preventer..................................................................................................................................... 22
4.2.2 Ram Preventers ......................................................................................................................................... 23
4.3 STACK CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................................... 24
4.4 SUBSEA EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 25
4.4.1 Lower Marine Riser Package.................................................................................................................... 26
4.5 CHOKE MANIFOLD ............................................................................................................................................ 27
4.5.1 Choke and Kill Lines................................................................................................................................. 28
4.6 CLOSING THE PREVENTERS ............................................................................................................................... 29
4.6.1 Pressure source......................................................................................................................................... 29
4.6.2 Accumulators ............................................................................................................................................ 29
4.6.3 Control manifold ....................................................................................................................................... 30
4.7 DIVERTERS ....................................................................................................................................................... 32
4.8 INSIDE BLOWOUT PREVENTORS ........................................................................................................................ 33
4.8.1 Kelly Rigs .................................................................................................................................................. 33
4.8.2 Top Drive Rigs .......................................................................................................................................... 33
4.8.3 Additional Preventers................................................................................................................................ 34
4.9 ROTATING PREVENTERS ................................................................................................................................... 35
5 FRACTURE CALCULATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 36
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
8 QLOG SOFTWARE............................................................................................................................................. 67
8.1 LEAK OFF PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................................ 67
8.2 KICK/KILL PROGRAM ....................................................................................................................................... 68
9 EXERCISES.......................................................................................................................................................... 70
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
1 INTRODUCTION
W. Wylie ERCB
Many problems can be encountered when drilling wells, especially in areas previously unexplored. Most
problems can be considered an inconvenience that cost operating time, and therefore money, to resolve.
Kicks and blowouts are also costly in terms of time, but unlike most other problems, they are unique in
that they provide a direct threat to the safety of the drilling rig and its personnel.
It is therefore very important that anyone involved in the monitoring of the well is fully able to recognize
any and all of the signs that could indicate that a kick is taking place downhole. Early identification of
such an event, allowing the driller to close in the well at the earliest opportunity, will make for a safer
well control procedure and reduce the danger to rig and personnel.
In addition, for the mud logging engineer, it is very important to understand the theories and procedures
involved in a well control situation, in order to assist and support the operation.
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
2 PRESSURE GRADIENTS
Whatever the particular method of its occurrence, a kick occurs when the formation pore fluid pressure
exceeds the balancing pressure in the annulus. This can lead to an influx of the formation fluids into the
annulus, and thus, a kick that has to be controlled. Well control then consists, essentially, of removing the
influx and restoring well balance so that annular pressure exceeds formation pressure.
During this process, while the well is closed, it is vital to ensure that the pressures in the annulus do not
fracture the weakest formation in the open hole. If this was to happen while a kick is taken place, then a
blowout has occurred and this is the most difficult and dangerous of all drilling problems, and one that
can lead to the loss of rig and personnel.
For effective well control, it is therefore important to have a good understanding of the formation
pressures involved and the annular pressures acting against them.
Formation Pressure
The pressure exerted by the fluid contained in the pore spaces of rocks. It
is therefore equivalent to hydrostatic pressure of the regional formation
fluid; the pressure exerted by the vertical column of formation fluid(s).
Fracture Pressure
OVERBURDEN STRESS
Fracture
Pressure
Formation Pore
Fluid Pressure
Mud Hydrostatic
Pressure
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
Swab Pressure
Surge Pressure
Pressure
Overburden (OBG)
Fracture (Pfrac)
Mud Hydrostatic
Formation (FP)
ECD
Vertical
Depth
If the formation pressure exceeds the balancing annular pressure >>> KICK
If the annular pressure exceeds the fracture pressure >>> FRACTURE
Mud weight must therefore be selected so that it is high enough to balance the formation pressure and
prevent a kick, but it cannot be so high that it would cause a shallower, weaker, formation to fracture.
This could lead to losing circulation of fluids at the shallower depth, while kicking from a deeper
formation. This is an underground blowout.
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
The annular pressure is therefore key to well balance and control. It is dependent on the mud weight
although this static pressure can be increased or decreased in certain situations:
Formation related pressures are typically quoted in terms of equivalent mud weight (emw), since this
provides a convenient way of visualizing pressures exerted downhole.
This will tell us the balancing pressure, in the wellbore, when no drilling activity is taking place and the
mud column is static.
As soon as any movement of the mud is initiated, then frictional pressure losses will result in either an
increase, or decrease, in the balancing pressure, depending on the particular activity, which is taking
place.
At all times, it is important to know what the annular balancing pressure is, and the relationship with the
lithological pressures acting against them:
If formation pressure is allowed to exceed the wellbore pressure, then formation fluids can influx
into the wellbore and a kick may result.
If the wellbore pressure is allowed to exceed the fracture pressure, then fracture can result,
leading to lost circulation and possible blowout.
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
The increased pressure is termed the Dynamic Pressure or Bottom Hole Circulating Pressure (BHCP).
BHCP = HYDmud + Pa
When this pressure is converted to an equivalent mudweight, the term Equivalent Circulating Density is
used.
ECD = MW +
Pa
(g x TVD)
PPG
KPa
The weight of drilled cuttings also needs to be considered when drilling. The weight of the cuttings
loading the annulus, at any time, will act, in addition to the weight of the mud, to increase the pressure at
the bottom of the hole.
Similar to the increase in bottom hole pressure when circulating (ECD), pressure changes are seen as a
result of induced mud movement, and resulting frictional pressures, when pipe is run in, or pulled out, of
the hole.
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
The real danger of surge pressure, however, is that if it is too excessive, it could exceed the fracture
pressure of weaker or unconsolidated formations and cause breakdown.
It is a common misconception, that if the string is inside casing, then the open wellbore is safe from surge
pressures. This is most definitely not the case! Whatever the depth of the bit during running in, the surge
pressure caused by the mud movement to that depth, will also be acting at the bottom of the hole.
Therefore, even if the string is inside casing, the resulting surge pressure, if large enough, could be
causing breakdown of a formation in the open wellbore. This is extremely pertinent when the hole depth
is not too far beyond the last casing point!
Running casing is a particularly vulnerable time, for surge pressures, due to the small annular clearance
and the fact that the casing is closed ended. For this reason, casing is always run at a slow speed, and mud
displacements are very closely monitored.
The mud movement results principally from two processes: 1. With slower pipe movement, an initial upward movement of the mud surrounding the pipe may result.
Due to the muds viscosity, it can tend to cling to the pipe and be dragged upward with the pipe lift.
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
2. More importantly, as the pipe lift continues, and especially with rapid pipe movement, a void space is
left immediately beneath the bit and, naturally, mud from the annulus will fall to fill this void.
In addition to these frictional pressure losses, a piston type process can lead to further fluid influx from
permeable formations. When full gauge tools such as stabilizers are pulled passed permeable formations,
the lack of annular clearance can cause a syringe type effect, drawing fluids into the borehole.
More than 25% of blowouts result from reduced hydrostatic pressure caused by swabbing.
Beside the well safety aspect, invasion of fluids due to swabbing can lead to mud contamination and
necessitate the costly task of replacing the mud.
Pressure changes due to changing pipe direction, eg during connections, can be particularly damaging
to the well by causing sloughing shale, by forming bridges or ledges, and by causing hole fill
requiring reaming.
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
What is a blowout?
A surface blowout occurs when the well cannot be shut in to prevent the
flow of fluids at surface.
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Lost circulation
If drilling fluid is being lost to a formation, it can lead to drop in mud level in the wellbore and reduced
hydrostatic pressure.
Underpressured formations
May be subject to fracture and lost circulation which could result in a loss of hydrostatic head in the
annulus.
Overpressured formations
Naturally, if formation pressure exceeds the annular pressure, then a kick may result.
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
Transitional zones
Sealed overpressured bodies Immediate drill break resulting from the pressure differential and the
higher porosity.
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
Variations in Hookload/WOB
Although certainly not a primary indicator, these indications may be seen as the buoyancy effect
on the string is modified.
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
An influx can occur from anywhere in the open hole if a formation is permeable and is brought into a
condition of underbalance.
However, connection gases are most likely to be generated from the bottom of the hole:
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
Connection gas can also be produced from impermeable shales through fracture and caving (left), rather
than through influx as with permeable formations. As cavings are generated from the borehole wall,
porosity is exposed and, in the process, gas is released.
Impermeable
Permeable
FP > Phyd
Connection gases then, clearly indicate an influx of formation fluids when annular pressure is reduced
temporarily. Once connection gas is recorded, subsequent connections should be very closely monitored
for signs of increasing pressure and/or increased swabbing. An increasing trend could indicate that the
well is getting closer and closer to balance and that a kick may eventually result, rather than a temporary
influx.
Increasing
formation
through a transition zone,
pressure
OR
CG
Well Flowing
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
A wet trip
Where the influx and pressure, beneath the string, prevents mud from draining from the string as
it is lifted.
Swabbing
Excessive swabbing can be identified through the change in trip tank volume as individual stands
of pipe are being lifted. The trip tank may be seen to initially gain mud before the mud level
drops in the hole to allow fill to take place.
Pit Gain
A continual increase in trip tank level clearly shows that a kick is taking place.
Mud Flow
Similar, mud flowing at surface indicates an influx.
Flow may also result from swabbed fluids that are migrating and expanding in the annulus. This
in itself, may be sufficient to reduce hydrostatic further to allow an influx to take place.
Hole Fill
Excessive hole fill (at the bottom of the hole) after a trip may show caving from an overpressured
or unstable hole.
Pinched Bit
A warning rather than an indicator, a pinched bit may be an indication of tight, under-gauged hole
resulting from overpressure.
Every precaution (i.e. monitoring the well before pulling out, minimizing swabbing, flow
checks) is taken to avoid taking a kick during a trip:
Well control is more difficult if the bit is out of the hole or above the depth of influx.
The well cannot be shut in (pipe or annular rams) if drill collars are passing through the BOPs.
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
The balancing pressure is the static mud hydrostatic rather than the higher ECD.
Keeping mud viscosity as low as possible (bearing in mind that hole cleaning and cuttings lift
properties have to be maintained while drilling).
A safety, or trip, margin can be calculated to ensure that the pressure reduction does not create an
underbalance:
Pressure
Reduction
Y KPa
X m/min
Running Speed
A graph can be produced that shows, for a given well profile, mud system, etc, the pressure losses (Y)
that would result for a given length of drillstring being pulled at various running speeds (X).
From this graph:
For a given running speed, the additional mudweight to provide a specific trip margin over the
formation pressure can be determined.
For a given overbalanced situation, the maximum running speed can be determined in order to
avoid creating an underbalance.
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
Example:
A change in formation is anticipated at 3400m. What mudweight will be required in order to provide a
500Kpa trip margin. The estimated formation pressure is 1045 kg/m3 emw.
If the mud weight is now set at 1060 kg/m3, the swab/surge software can be used to determine the
maximum pipe running speed, so as to avoid exceeding a 500KPa pressure drop.
In this way, even with swabbing occurring, the annular pressure is never reduced below the formation
pressure.
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
4V
8V
gas volume
D/8
D/4
D/2
D
depth
To illustrate how significant this gas expansion can be, assume that m3 (500 litres) of gas enters the
borehole at 4000m.
At.
2000m
1000m
500m
250m
125m
60m
V = 1 m3
V = 2 m3
V = 4 m3
V = 8 m3
V = 16 m3
V = 32 m3
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Bubble point
Gas in solution,
no expansion
3.7 Flowchecks
A flow check, to determine whether the well is static or is flowing, is normally conducted in one of two
ways:
By actually looking down through the rotary table, into the wellhead, and visually determining if
the well is flowing.
By lining the wellhead up to the trip tank and monitoring the level for any change.
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Seal off the well so that the flow of formation fluids is under control.
Allow the release of fluids, from the well, under controlled conditions.
Allow drilling fluid to be pumped into the well under controlled conditions to balance formation
pressure and prevent further influx.
The size and arrangement of the BOP stack will be determined by the hazards expected and the protection
required, together with the size and type of pipe being used. BOPs have various pressure ratings
established by the American Petroleum Institute (API). This will be based on the lowest pressure rating of
a particular item in the stack, such as a preventer, casing head or other fitting. A suitably rated BOP can
therefore be installed depending on the rating of the casing and the expected formation pressures below
the casing seat. BOPs commonly have ratings of 5, 10, or 20,000 psi.
There must be sufficient casing to provide a firm anchor for the stack.
It must be able to close off and seal the well completely, with or without string in the hole.
It must provide the ability to circulate fluids through both the string and the annulus.
There must be the ability to hang or shear pipe, shut in a subsea stack, detach the riser and
abandon the location.
Subsea stacks cannot be affected by the lateral movement of the riser caused by current
movement and tidal variations. This is achieved through a ball joint connection.
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Annular
preventer
Ram preventers
Manual closure
possible on land
rigs and jack ups
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
Pipe/Casing Rams
Here, the rubber seals match, exactly, tubing of specific diameter, so that
the annulus is completely sealed off with pipe in the hole.
The BOP stack must therefore include pipe rams for each size of pipe in
the hole.
Blind/Shear Rams
Blind or shear rams are used to close off an open annulus, i.e. when there
is no pipe in the hole.
If there is pipe in the hole, the blind rams will crush it when closed.
When equipped with shear blades, the pipe will be cut. These are more
typical in subsea stacks so that pipe can be held by pipe rams, and cut
through by shear rams allowing the rig to abandon location.
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Annular
preventer
Blind/Shear
Pipe Ram
Pipe Ram
Pipe Ram
Casing Head
The well can be shut in to allow other rams to be repaired or changed i.e. used as a master valve.
The string cannot be hung off on pipe rams.
The string can be hung from pipe rams, backed off and then the well shut in by the blind ram.
Pipe rams can be closed with pipe in hole and blind rams replaced with pipe rams. This will minimize
wear and also allow ram to ram stripping of the pipe.
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DATALOG: BOP & WELL CONTROL MANUAL, Version 2.1, issued March, 2001
Ball/Flex Joint
Lower Marine
Riser Package
Flex lines or loops
(Choke + Kill)
Annular Preventer,
often two
BOP
Stack
Pipe and
Shear Rams
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Riser Connection
Flex/Ball
Joint
Annular
Preventor
Flexible lines
connecting
to choke/kill
Control Pod
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The chokes are connected to the BOP stack through a series of lines and valves that provide a number of
different flow routes and the ability to stop fluid flow completely. This arrangement is known as the
choke manifold.
The manifold should have a pressure capability equal to the rated operation pressure of the BOP
stack (equal to the weakest component).
The choke line connecting the manifold to the stack should be as straight as possible and firmly
anchored.
Alternative flow and flare routes should be available downstream of the choke line in order to
isolate equipment that may need repair.
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Choke lines are typically used to release fluids from the annulus.
Kill lines are typically used to pump mud into the wellbore if it is not possible through the drillstring.
The placement or configuration of the rams determines the positioning of the kill lines. They will be
placed directly beneath one or more of the rams, so that when the rams are closed, fluid and pressure can
be bled off under control (choke line). The choke line is routed to the choke manifold where pressures can
be monitored. An adjustable choke allows for the back pressure being applied to the well to be adjusted
in order to maintain control.
They also allow for an alternative way of pumping drilling mud or cement into the wellbore, should it not
be possible to circulate through the kelly and drillstring (kill line). The kill line will normally be lined up
to the rig pumps, but a remote kill line may often be employed in order to use an auxiliary, highpressure, pump.
Although preventers may have side outlets for the attachment of choke and kill lines, separate drilling
spools are often used. This is a drill-through fitting that fits between the preventers creating extra space
(which may be required in order to hang off pipe and have enough room for tool joints between the rams)
and allowing for the attachment of the kill lines.
On floating rigs, when the BOP stack is on the seabed, the choke and kill lines are attached to opposite
sides of the marine riser. The lines have to flexible at the top and the bottom of the riser to allow for
movement and heave.
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The hydraulic fluid must be supplied under sufficient pressure to close the rams.
Electric or pneumatic pumps are usually used to deliver the hydraulic fluid under said pressure.
In addition, there should always be backup pumps and an alternative source of electricity or air to
power them.
4.6.2 Accumulators
Accumulator bottles are a series of pre-charged nitrogen bottles that store and supply the hydraulic fluid,
under pressure, necessary to close the preventers
Different preventers have different operating pressures and require different volumes of hydraulic
fluid in order to function.
The total volume of hydraulic fluid required to operate the entire stack must be known.
Accumulator bottles are linked together in order to store the necessary volume.
The bottles are pre-charged with nitrogen (typically 750 - 1000 psi).
Hydraulic fluid is pumped into the bottles, compressing the nitrogen and increasing the pressure
in the bottle.
This operating pressure (minimum typically 1200psi, maximum typically 3000psi) determines the
amount of hydraulic fluid available from each bottle and therefore the total number of bottles
required.
For example: -
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A Pre-charge
P = 1000psi
V = 40litres
P = 3000psi
N2 volume = (1000*40)/3000
= 13.33litres
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Subsea stacks require slightly different operation from the control panel, in that:
They also require signal or pilot lines in addition to hydraulic fluid lines.
Subsea regulators and valves control the flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid upon receiving the
signals from surface.
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4.7 Diverters
The diverter is a low pressure system installed beneath the bell nipple and flow line assembly to direct
well flow away from the rig and personnel.
They are typically employed prior to installing a BOP stack in order to provide safety in the event of
shallow gas being encountered.
They are essential in offshore drilling, but the diverter system is only designed to handle low pressures. It
is designed to pack off, or close around, the Kelly or drillpipe and direct fluid flow away. If it were
attempted to be control high pressures, or completely shut in the well, the likely result would be failure
and uncontrolled flow, with the breakdown of formations around the shallow casing or conductor pipe.
Typically, two diverter lines are installed and, in the event of a kick:
A packer is closed around the drillpipe, or Kelly, in order to close off the annulus
Gas will then be directed away from the rig until it loses pressure
Rig Structure
Diverter assembly
Marine Riser
This schematic shows a typical
installation for drillships and semisubmersibles.
LMRP
Annular preventer
It is mounted to the drill floor substructure at the top of the marine riser
assembly.
Ram preventers
Seabed
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This valve is positioned between the kelly and the swivel, in order to
isolate drilling fluid in the drillstring.
This is installed at the base of the kelly and will most likely be used if the
upper kelly valve is damaged or inaccessible.
Safety valve
This is actually identical to the lower kelly valve. Rather than being
installed as part of the string, it is kept on the rig floor in order to be
quickly stabbed into the top of the drillpipe should a kick occur during
a trip when the kelly is racked.
The upper valve is operated remotely, since the top drive location is likely to be inaccessible
(height) should a kick take place.
The advantage of this arrangement is that kick protection is immediately available should a kick occur
during a trip.
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Inside BOP
This is a check valve that is used to close off the top of the drillpipe.
It allows the string to be stripped into the hole, under pressure, in the
event that a kick occurs when the string is off bottom.
It is physically difficult to stab the valve against mud flow from the
drillpipe, so a safety valve is usually installed first.
This valve is actually pumped or dropped into the drillpipe, setting itself
in a landing sub situated in or close to the BHA.
Some models can be retrieved on wireline, otherwise, the drillstring has
to pulled out to retrieve the valve.
They are typically used in stripping operations.
If abandoning location offshore, they must be deployed prior to shearing
the pipe.
Float Valve
This check valve is installed in the bit sub to prevent backflow of mud
through the drillstring.
Simple models are one-way valves, which prevent pressures being
transmitted as well as fluid flow. Unfortunately, this results in the
disadvantage that the shut in drillpipe pressure would not be known.
A slotted or vented flapper type minimizes backflow but allows for
stabilized shut in pressure to be recorded.
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Kelly driver
Top rubber
Applications
include
underbalanced
drilling applications and even facilitating
the drilling with high pressures while well
is flowing.
Bearing
assembly
Bottom rubber
Bowl
While well pressures are contained by the rubber seal around the drillstring or kelly, flow is diverted by
way of a steel bowl and bearing assembly. The bearing assembly enables the inner part to rotate with the
drillstring while the outer part is stationary with the bowl.
1. A cone shaped rubber that seals around the drillstring. The inside diameter of the seal is slightly
smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe, so that the seal stretches to provide an exact seal
around the pipe. No hydraulic pressure is required to complete the seal, since the pressure is
provided by the actual wellbore pressures acting on the cone rubber. The rubber is therefore selfsealing, the higher the wellbore pressure the greater the seal.
2. A packer type seal requiring an external hydraulic pressure source to inflate the rubber and
provide a seal. A seal will be given as long as the hydraulic pressure is greater than the wellbore
pressure.
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5 FRACTURE CALCULATIONS
5.1 Leak Off Test
This is a pressure test that is typically carried out after drilling out casing/cement, prior to drilling the next
hole section. There are two principle reasons for this test.
Cement Integrity
Before drilling the next hole section, it is critical to determine that the cement
bond is strong enough to prevent high pressure fluids from flowing through to
shallower formations or to surface.
Fracture Pressure
If, as intended, the cement retains the pressure exerted during the test, then
formation fracture will occur, under controlled conditions. The formation at this
depth, since it will be the shallowest in the next hole section, is assumed to be the
weakest point.
The fracture pressure determined from the test will therefore be the maximum
pressure that can be applied in the wellbore, without causing fracture.
Two types of test may be performed: A Formation Integrity Test is often performed when there is a good knowledge of the formation and
fracture pressures in a given region. Rather than inducing fracture, this pressure test is taken to a predetermined maximum pressure, one considered high enough to safely drill the next hole section.
A complete Leak Off Test leads to the actual fracture of the formation.
Procedure:
After drilling out the casing shoe, a small section of new formation, perhaps 10m, is drilled.
Pump mud, at a constant rate, into the wellbore in order to increase the pressure in the annulus.
Monitor pressure for indication that mud is injected into the formation. A linear increase will be
seen initially, with a drop in pressure occurring when leak off is reached. At this point, stop
pumping.
The pressure plot against time, or mud volume pumped, shows that there are 3 principle stages to a
complete Leak Off Test. It must be the operator who makes the decision as to which particular value is
taken as the leak off pressure, but obviously, it should be the lowest value. This way well be the initial
Leak Off Pressure, if the test hasnt been taken further to cause complete rupture. If it has, then the
Propagation Pressure is likely to be the lowest, indicating that the formation has actually been weakened
as a result of the test.
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Rupture Pressure
Complete and irreversible
failure has occurred when
pressure drops - stop pumping
Surface
Shut In
Pressure
Propagation Pressure
If pumping is stopped at the
point of failure, the formation
may recover, but weakened
Leak Off Pressure
Slower pressure increase - reduce
pump rate as mud begins to inject
into the formation
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LOP
HYD
Fracture
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Example - metric
An FIT is performed at a shoe depth of 2500m TVD, and with a mudweight of 1035 kg/m3.
The FIT is held at a surface shut in pressure of 10500 KPa.
LOP = 10500KPa
HYDshoe = 1035 x 2500 x 0.00981 = 25383 KPa
Pfrac = 25383 + 10500 = 35883 KPa
Pfrac emw = 35883 / (2500 x 0.00981) = 1463 kg/m3 emw
It is very important to understand, however, that although the pressure test is the only way of determine
the fracture pressure (other than actually losing circulation), there are certain circumstances that can lead
to inaccuracy or unreliability:
A Formation Integrity Test gives no determination of actual fracture pressure, only an accepted
maximum value for the drilling operation. Although not providing accurate data, this test does
provide a safety margin.
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Well consolidated formations are typically selected to set the shoe this formation may not be the
weakest if subsequent unconsolidated, or overpressured, formations are encountered within a
short interval from the shoe.
Apparent leak off may be seen in high permeability, or highly vugular formations, without
fracture actually occurring.
Poor cement bonds may result in leak off through the cement, rather than the formation.
Well geometry, in relation to horizontal or vertical stresses, can also lead to deceptive fracture
pressures, with different results being produced, in the same formations, between vertical and
deviated wells.
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mud hydrostatic
shut-in pressure applied from surface.
These two pressures, combined, cannot exceed the fracture pressure of the formation at the shoe (Pfrac
determined from the leak off test).
i.e.
MAASP is the maximum shut in pressure that can be applied without fracturing the weakest zone,
assuming this is the shoe:
Pfrac = HYDshoe + MAASP
MAASP = Pfrac - HYDshoe
At the time of a LOT, the MAASP is clearly equal to the Leak Off Pressure, since this is the shut-in
pressure that actually causes fracture.
Example imperial
A LOT is performed at a shoe depth of 4000ft TVD, with a mudweight of 10.5 ppg. Leak off pressure is
1500psi.
Pfrac = hyd + LOP = (10.5 x 4000 x 0.052) + 1500
Pfrac = 2184 + 1500 = 3684psi
MAASP therefore, with 10.5ppg mud, also equals 1500psi; any shut-in pressure higher than this
will fracture the shoe.
MAASP will only change if mud weight changes: Drilled depth is unimportant, since we are dealing with weakest zone at the shoe.
Of the two pressures acting at the shoe:
Mud hydrostatic only changes if the mud weight changes.
Pfrac obviously does not vary.
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The form of this calculation will only change if a weaker zone, at a greater depth, is encountered.
Example metric
Since Pfrac remains constant, if mudweight is increased, the MAASP has to decrease correspondingly.
At the time of the leak off test, a table of mudweight versus MAASP should be constructed.
A leak off is performed at a shoe TVD of 3000m; the mudweight is 1020kg/m3 and the recorded leak off
pressure is 8000 Kpa.
Pfrac = (1020 x 3000 x 0.00981) + 8000 = 38019 Kpa
MAASP = Pfrac HYDshoe
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While drilling, high formation pressures can be safely balanced by the mudweight. However, if a kick is
taken (either through a further increase in formation pressure, or through a pressure reduction cause by
swabbing, for example), then the well would have to be shut in. If the pressure caused by the mudweight
is too high, then weaker formations at the shoe may fracture when the well is shut in. This situation would
be worsened if higher shut-in pressures are required to balance low density influxes, especially expanding
gas!
KICK TOLERANCE is the maximum balance gradient (i.e. mudweight) that can be handled by a well, at
the current TVD, without fracturing the shoe should the well have to be shut in.
If the mudweight, that is required to balance the formation pressures while drilling, would result in shoe
fracture during well shut in, then a deeper casing shoe (with greater fracture pressure) must be set.
In order to account for a gas influx, the formula is modified as follows: -
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A typical or known gas density (from previous well tests for example)
This defines limits on a graphical plot, which provides easy reference to this important parameter.
Maximum Influx Volume is determined from the maximum height and the annular capacities
this defines Point Y on the graph.
TVDhole
This defines Point X on the graph, a liquid influx without any gas.
The graph is completed by dividing it into the different annular sections covered by the influx, i.e. in the
event that there are different drill collar sections, or if the influx passes above the drill collar section, or
even if the influx passes from open hole to casing. This is necessary since the same volume of influx will
have different column heights in each annular section.
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Maximum Volume, determined from 200m around the drill collars, and 577.8m around drillpipe:
DC
DP
= 200 x 0.01526
= 577.8 x 0.02396
= 3.05m3
= 13.84m3
= 16.89m3
TVDhole
3000
Now, determine the break point of the graph, for the drill collar / drill pipe annular sections:
To do this, calculate the KT related to a 3.05m3 gas influx, which would reach the top of the 200m length
of drill collars:
= 173.3 kg/m3
Therefore, 3.05m3 and 173.3 kg/m3 define the break point on the graph.
The graph can now be plotted, as follows:
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KT
kg/m3
Drill Collars
240
Drill Pipe
Y
200
173
160
120
80
40
Influx
Volume
m3
0
0
3.05 4
10
12
14
16
18
This would mean that the maximum formation pressure that can be controlled, by well shut-in,
without resulting in fracture, is 1383 kg/m3 (1150 + 233).
If formation pressures greater than this are anticipated, then a new casing shoe would have to be
set.
If more than 16.7 m3 of gas was allowed into the annulus, there is no kick tolerance on well shutin, the shoe would fracture!
Operators will often work on an acceptable maximum kick influx to determine kick tolerance:
For example, a 10m3 gas influx would give a kick tolerance of 86 kg/m3 above the present
mudweight.
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KT
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SIDP = 0
SICP = 0
BHP = HYDmud
SIDP = 0
SICP = 0
MW = 1020 kg/m3
TVD = 1000m
HYDmud = 1020 x 1000 x 0.00981 = 10006 KPa
If this is greater than Pform, then the BHP = 10006 KPa.
Shut in pressures would be zero since the well is balanced.
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Now, let the annulus be partially (half in this case) filled with a lighter mud:
SIDP = 0
SICP = 98
1020
500m
1000
1000m
10006KPa
This does not balance the BHP, so if the well was shut
in, an additional 98KPa would have to be imposed at
surface.
9908KPa
BHP = 10006KPa
SIDP=394KPa
influx
SIDP of 394KPa will therefore balance the well:
In the annulus, the overall hydrostatic has been reduced by the influx, so that a higher SICP will be
required to balance the well
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Example:
Drilled depth = 3500m TVD, MW = 1030kg/m3.
A formation kicks.FP = 38000KPa; oil of density 850 kg/m3 influxes to a height of 500m.
SIDP = 2635KPa
SICP=3518KPa
HYDmud = 35365KPa
1030
HYDmud = 30313KPa
850
HYDinflux = 4169KPa
Pform = 38000KPa
BHP = the higher FP = 38000 KPa
HYD = 1030 X 3500 X 0.00981 = 35365KPa
From these U-tube principles, the following shut-in formulas can be determined: -
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The SIDP provides the additional pressure to the mud hydrostatic in the drillstring, in order to balance the
increased BHP resulting from the formation pressure.
Mud Hydrostatic + SIDP = Formation Pressure
The same principle applies to the annulus side of the u-tube, but here, the mud column is contaminated by
the influx. This reduces the overall hydrostatic in the annulus, so that a greater CSIP is required in order
to provide balance.
If it is assumed that the influx is concentrated at the bottom of the hole and the height of the influx can be
determined:
NewMud HYD + InfluxHYD + SICP = Formation Pressure
Where influx hydrostatic = influx gradient x influx height
clean
mud
contaminated
mud
influx
Pit volume increase, once the well has been shut in and lined up to the
trip tank, will be due to an influx volume situated at the bottom of the
hole.
Prior to shut in, however, while circulating, the influx would have been
dispersed further up the annulus, contaminating the mud and with
reduced height due to larger annular capacity.
These possible errors are ignored and the influx assumed to occupy the
bottom of the hole, with a reduced mud column above.
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Naturally, the greater the height of the influx, then the greater the reduction in hydrostatic pressure, and
the greater the CSIP that will be required to balance the well.
BHP = Pform
Gas expansion will reduce the hydrostatic even further!
With reliable data, the influx gradient can be determined as follows:
Fluid Gradient
(psi/ft)
0.05 0.15
0.15 0.40
0.433
0.433 0.48
Fluid Type
Gas
Condensate Oil
Fresh water
Salt water
Fluid Gradient
(KPa/m)
1.131 3.393
3.393 9.048
9.795
9.795 10.858
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Pressure
Time
In this event, it is useful to know how fast the gas is rising in the shut-in annulus. This can be gauged by
how quickly CSIP is rising:
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Through swabbing, temporarily reducing the annular pressure below the formation pressure, to
allow an influx.
Not keeping the hole full in a trip, again reducing the mud hydrostatic in the annulus.
A CSIP will still be recorded, since the influx reduces the mud hydrostatic in the annulus and the
reduction must be balanced by the back pressure applied at surface.
Control, in this situation, simply requires circulating the influx out.
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At the beginning (or end) of every shift, if the drilled depth has changed
If mud weight changes significantly
If the hole/string profile has changed
Before drilling ahead with a new bit
Initial and Final circulating pressures when circulating the kill mud to the bit
SIDP when using a one-way float (as just illustrated)
FP = HYDmud + SIDP
The kill mudweight is the mudweight required to balance the formation pressure.
i.e.
Kill MW = Initial MW +
SIDP
(TVD x g)
PPG
PPG +
PSI
ft x 0.0052
kg/m3
kg/m3 +
KPa
m x 0.00981
Example - Imperial
Drilling at 8000ft with a mudweight of 10.6ppg, a kick is taken. On shut in, a SIDP of 350psi is recorded:
KMW = 10.6 +
350
8000 x 0.052
= 10.6 + 0.84
= 11.5ppg
FP
= 11.44ppg emw
= 11.44 x 8000 x 0.052
= 4759PSI
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Example - Metric
Drilling at 3700m with a mudweight of 1045kg/m3, a kick results in a SIDP of 2500KPa:
KMW = 1045 +
2500
3700 x 0.00981
= 1045 + 68.9
= 1114 kg/m3
FP
The recorded pump pressure will therefore be the recorded SCR pressure and the additional SIDP
required to balance the well:
Therefore, at the start of the well kill operation:
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As the heavier kill mud is pumped down the string, the original lighter mud is displaced from the string,
around into the annulus.
Since heavier mud is replacing lighter mud, the hydrostatic pressure in the string is increasing.
Correspondingly, less SIDP is required to maintain BHP balance.
The pump rate is maintained at the SCR
The SIDP therefore has to be decreased manually by opening the choke, so that, at all times.
Continuing the circulation, lets assume that the kill mud has reached the bit, displacing all of the original
mud from the drillstring:
Since the kill mud has been calculated to control the well, the hydrostatic pressure from the kill mud now
balances the BHP, so that no additional back pressure needs to be applied from surface.
The SIDP recorded is now equivalent to the SCR pressure, but for the heavier kill mud. This can be
determined, by the ratio method, from the SCR pressure
recorded for the original mud weight: -
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1100
ICP
1000
900
800
FCP
700
strokes
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1020
980
940
900
860
820
780
740
700
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You must account for the significant capacity and stroke change during well kill procedure.
Once the well is controlled, it has only actually been displaced to kill mud as far as the sea bed.
The marine riser is still filled with the original mud, therefore, before proceeding, the marine riser
also needs to be displaced to kill mud.
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Disadvantages
The well control process must wait until the kill mud is ready
More calculations are required
Procedure
Shut the well in and weight up the required volume of mud to the kill mudweight.
Open the choke and bring the pump up to the designated kill pump rate (from SCR).
Maintain a constant kill rate as the kill mud is pumped down the string.
Follow the SIDP step down procedure by adjusting the casing choke (A).
If the actual stabilized ICP is not the same as the calculated ICP, the step down sequence
should be adjusted accordingly.
A reduction in the CSIP will be seen as the influx passes from drill collars to drillpipe (B),
since the larger annular capacity reduces the influx height, increasing the overall hydrostatic
in the annulus.
When the kill mud is at the bit, the drillpipe pressure should equal the calculated FCP (C).
Adjust the choke to maintain this pressure for the remainder of the operation.
A reduction in CSIP will be seen as kill mud enters annulus, increasing the overall
hydrostatic in the annulus (D)
Bring the influx to surface - as the gas expands, both CSIP and pit levels will be seen to increase
(E).
The gas needs to bled off in order to maintain drillpipe pressure and keep CSIP within
operational limits so as not to fracture the shoe (F).
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Kill mud
at bit
Kill mud at
surface
Influx arrives at
surface
CSIP
Drillpipe
pressure
Influx
removed
F
B
D
A
C
When the kill mud reaches surface, pumping can stop and the well shut in.
At this point, the influx should have been removed from the annulus and the well should be
killed. If some CSIP is still recorded, then continue circulating until the remaining influx is
removed.
Throughout the well kill operation, constant BHP is maintained with: Constant kill mudweight
Constant slow circulation pump rate
Constant drillpipe pressure once the string is displaced to kill mud
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Disadvantages
Procedure - Circulation 1
Open the choke and bring the pump up to the desired slow circulation rate.
Circulate the influx to surface at the constant pump rate and maintain constant drillpipe pressure
(A) by adjusting the choke. This should provide sufficient BHP to prevent further influx.
Correspondingly, CSIP increases (B). This will help to prevent further influx, but it cannot be
allowed to exceed fracture pressures.
Once the influx is out of the well, shut the well in and record pressures (C).
If SIDP and SICP are zero
Repeat this procedure until the influx has been completely removed.
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Procedure - Circulation 2
An assumption is made, that prior to the second circulation, all influx fluids have been removed from the
annulus during the first circulation.
Open the choke and bring the pump up to the slow circulation rate.
Pump the kill mud at constant rate, maintaining constant CSIP by adjusting the choke (D). This
will allow the drillpipe pressure to fall as the kill mud is pumped down to the bit and hydrostatic
increases.
When the kill mud reaches the bit, the well is dead on the drillpipe side. Record the drillpipe
pressure, FCP (E).
Continue circulation, displacing the annulus to kill mud, while maintaining constant drillpipe
pressure (F). CSIP will decrease as kill mud displaces the annulus.
Once kill mud reaches surface, stop pumping, shut in the well and confirm that it is dead.
STEP 1
Influx
removed
Kill mud
at bit
STEP 2
Well
Dead
Influx at
surface
B
CSIP
Drillpipe
pressure
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Procedure
With the well shut in, calculate the ICP, the kill mudweight and the FCP.
Rather than stroke increments from surface to bit, determine the pressure reduction required in
terms of incremental mudweight until the final kill mud is being circulated. Increasing the mud
weight and reducing drillpipe pressure will take place over several circulations.
Bring the pump up to the slow circulation rate, ensuring the drillpipe pressure is equal to the ICP
by adjusting the choke.
As the mud density reaches each incremental increase, the drillpipe pressure is reduced through
the choke, following the step down chart.
1100 ICP
1000
900
800
FCP
700
MW 10.0
10.2
10.4
10.6
10.8
11.0
11.2
11.4
11.6
11.8
12.0
pressure 1100
1060
1020
980
940
900
860
820
780
740
700
For each incremental increase in mudweight, drillpipe pressure is reduced. When the final kill mud is at
the bit, the drillpipe pressure should be at the FCP.
eg ICP = 1100psi; FCP = 700psi; MW = 10.0ppg; KMW = 12.0ppg
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If effective kill circulation is not possible due to the drillstring being washed out or twisted off, or
if the bit nozzles are plugged.
Constant BHP is maintained by allowing a measured volume of drilling fluid to escape from the
annulus as the influx moves up the hole.
As gas expands, CSIP increases. Excessive pressure is avoided by bleeding off controlled
amounts of drill fluid, without reducing BHP to a point that would allow further influx.
Information required
1. The degree of underbalance from the CSIP gauge - the CSIP pressure obviously reflects the
additional pressure required to balance the formation pressure.
2. The mud column height that, when bled off from the annulus, reduces the hydrostatic pressure by
a given amount, e.g. 100psi or 700KPa.
Procedure - Step 1
The first step is to volumetrically bleed off mud from the annulus, while maintaining BHP, allowing
influx to rise and gas to come to surface.
Allow the CSIP to increase to 200psi above the underbalance. This provides a BHP which is
200psi over formation pressure, preventing further influx.
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Slowly bleed off the mud volume required to reduce the hydrostatic pressure by 100psi. This is
done with the choke while maintaining constant CSIP. The CSIP still reflects the underbalance +
200psi, while the BHP, reduced by 100 psi, now provides 100psi margin over the formation
pressure.
Close the choke and allow the pressure to increase by a further 100psi. The CSIP now reflects the
underbalance + 300psi, while the BHP provides 200psi margin over the formation pressure.
Again, maintaining constant CSIP, bleed off the mud volume required to reduce the hydrostatic
by a further 100psi. The CSIP still reflects underbalance + 300psi, while the BHP again provides
the 100psi margin over the formation pressure.
Procedure - Step 2
With the gas now at surface, it is necessary to pump mud into the well through the kill line, replacing the
gas and maintaining BHP to balance the formation pressure. As this is done, the gas will compress,
increasing the CSIP.
Record CSIP
Slowly pump the mud volume necessary to increase the hydrostatic by 100psi, into the well.
Wait for the gas to separate from the mud (perhaps 15 minutes).
Slowly bleed gas from the choke, lowering the CSIP to the initial value.
Continue bleeding until a further 100psi drop is recorded, in order to compensate for the 100psi
increase in hydrostatic pressure due to the mud pumped into the well.
Repeat this procedure until all of the gas is removed from the annulus.
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8 QLOG SOFTWARE
8.1 Leak Off Program
During a leak off test, this program will read and record the pressure changes realtime and, at the end of
the test, will calculate the fracture pressure and equivalent mudweight. By default, the casing pressure
sensor will be the one monitored for pressure readings, so you should ensure that the test is being
conducted on the same manifold as your sensor.
TVD
Taken from realtime system hole depth - this may need to be edited for
the depth of the test.
Mud Density
Taken from the realtime system - this may need to be edited to show the
value determined by the mud engineer and thus the value to be used for
calculations.
The pump output can then be determined from the pump data file.
Volume or Time
Once all the data has been entered, press F3 to start. The program will then start collecting data based on
the sample interval selected.
Once the test has finished, press any key to stop the data acquisition.
Press F7 to calculate.
The program will determine the maximum pressure recorded, and from that it will calculate the Fracture
Gradient in terms of Equivalent Mud Density. Beware that the Fracture Pressure quoted is the
maximum Applied Pressure recorded during the test, not the actual Fracture Pressure.
Use F2 or F8 to produce a printout or plot of the test.
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Page 1 Data
Pump speed and pressure for Slow Circulation Rates. These should be performed regularly by the driller
and the mudlogger should update this program every time they are performed. The pump output will be
calculated automatically from the pump speed and the output stored in Realtime-Pump Data. Use enter
to update the calculation.
Pump to use
i.e. which pump are they going to use to circulate kill mud.
Original Mudweight
Trip Margin
Taken from the hole profile but remember that this will be
measured depth. If the well is deviated, the True Vertical Depth
should be entered here.
Page 2 Data
Shut in Pressures
i.e. the pit gain due to the kick. Remember to subtract surface
line run off, if applicable.
This should be the total volume of the pits that will be used to
make up and circulate the kill mud. This volume is required to
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Taken from the system (hole depth) but it will have to be edited
if the kick does not occur at the bottom of the hole.
Kill Method
Stroke/MW increment
For the Drillers and Wait and Weight methods, this is the stroke
increment for the pressure step down when the kill mud is being
circulated to the bit (as the kill mud goes from surface to bit, the
pressure should be reduced from the Initial to the Final
Circulating Pressure).
For the Concurrent Method, it is the incremental increase in
mudweight that should be entered - the program will then
determine how many circulations will be required.
Options
F7 to calculate:
F3 for Table:
For Driller/Wait and Weight methods, this will be a table of strokes vs pressure for the pressure step
down (Initial to Final) as the kill mud is circulated to the bit.
For Concurrent method:- for each circulation required with an incremental increase in the mudweight, the
final circulating pressure is shown.
F2 to Print:
F8 for Plot:
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9 EXERCISES
EXERCISE 1 - Fracture Gradient and Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure
A Formation Integrity Test was performed at a shoe depth of 8800 ft (TVD 8502 ft)
The mudweight during the test was 9.6 ppg, and for the purposes of the test, surface pressure was held at
3000 psi.
1) Calculate the Hydrostatic Pressure at the shoe.
2) Calculate the Fracture Pressure at the shoe.
3) Calculate the Fracture Gradient at the shoe.
4) Calculate the Fracture Gradient Equivalent Mud Weight.
5) What is the value of MAASP taken from the test ?
At 10000 ft ( TVD 9620 ft ), the mud density has to be raised to 10.2 ppg.
6) What is the Hydrostatic Pressure at the shoe ?
7) What is the new MAASP ?
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drillpipe
HWDP 500ft
DC
600ft
OD 5.0, ID 4.28
OD 5.0, ID 3.0
OD 8.5, ID 3.0
SIDPP 280psi
SICP 330 psi
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SIDP
710psi
CSIP
1035psi
Bit 15670 ft MD
14760 ft TVD
0.01776
0.0088
0.008
0.0562
0.0505
0.0505
0.0292
The well is being drilled with a mud weight of 10.7 ppg, providing a sufficient overbalance over the
formation pressure.
At 15670ft MD, a pit gain is observed. The pumps are stopped, and a total pit gain of 43bbls is taken
before the well is shut in. The shut in pressures are recorded as shown.
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downtime
bit to shoe time
shoe to surface time
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Kill Mudweight
Initial and Final circulating pressures
MAASP with kill mud
Influx type
Trip Margin
You will need to input the following: SCR data for pump 1
Drillpipe Capacity (Q5)
Annular Capacity (Q4)
Mudweight
Trip Margin required
Bit to Surface Strokes (Q2 + Q3)
Surface to Bit Strokes (Q1)
TVD depth of Casing
Formation Fracture Gradient (Q7)
Shut in Pressures
Pit Volume Increase
TVD
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SIDP
1500KPa
CSIP
1800KPa
DP
HWDP
DC
23.82
1.13
0.68
DP/CSG
DP/OH
HWDP/OH
DC/OH
70.29
101.28
15.82
6.54
The well is being drilled with a mudweight of 1045 kg/m3 when a 5m3 pit gain is taken.
The well is shut in and pressures recorded as shown above.
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3700m TVD
216mm
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Present MW
13.5 ppg
Shoe depth
Pfrac
3000m TVD
15.5 ppg emw
1. What is the maximum influx height that can be safely controlled without fracturing the shoe?
2. What is the annular volume around the drill collars?
3. For the maximum influx height, what is the maximum influx volume?
4. What is the kick tolerance, assuming a liquid influx?
5. What is the kick tolerance for a gas influx reaching the top of the drill collars?
6. Plot a graph of kick tolerance against influx volume.
7. Assuming a liquid kick, what is the maximum formation pressure (emw) that can be safely
controlled without fracturing the shoe?
8. From the graph, given a 20bbls influx of gas, what is the maximum formation pressure that can
be safely controlled?
9. Determine the height of a 20bbls influx and then verify the answer to question 8 by using the
formula.
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3200m TVD
216mm
1350 kg/m3
Shoe depth
Pfrac
2000m TVD
1700 kg/m3 emw
1. What is the maximum gas influx height that can be safely controlled without fracturing the shoe?
2. What is the annular volume around the drill collars?
3. For the maximum influx height, what is the maximum influx volume?
4. What is the kick tolerance, assuming a liquid influx?
5. What is the kick tolerance for a gas influx reaching the top of the drill collars?
6. Plot a graph of kick tolerance against influx volume.
7. Assuming a liquid kick, what is the maximum formation pressure (emw) that can be safely
controlled without fracturing the shoe?
8. From the graph, given a 5m3 influx of gas, what is the maximum formation pressure that can be
safely controlled?
9. Determine the height of a 5m3 influx and then verify the answer to question 8 by using the
formula.
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Riser ID = 20
CSG ID = 12.87
DC length = 200ft
DC OD = 8
DC ID = 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
What is the mud weight required to provide a trip margin of 150 psi over the formation pressure?
12.
Kick Tolerance, assuming gas influx of 2.1ppg, and using the new kill mud (+trip margin)
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Once the well has been controlled, what volume of kill mud is required to displace the riser?
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Exercise Answers
Exercise 1 Fracture Gradient and MAASP.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
4244 psi
7244 psi
0.852 psi/ft
16.39 ppg EMW
3000 psi
4509 psi
2735 psi
41545 Kpa
61545 Kpa
1630 kg/m3 EMW
20000 Kpa
5. 18111 Kpa
16223 Kpa
14334 KPa
drillpipe
HWDP
DC
0.0178 bbls/ft
0.00874 bbls/ft
0.00874 bbls/ft
2)
drillpipe/casing
drillpipe/hole
HWDP/hole
DC/hole
3)
4)
5)
10.92 ppg
6)
ICP = 500psi
FCP = 236psi
0.13289
0.12149
0.12149
0.07559
bbls/ft
bbls/ft
bbls/ft
bbls/ft
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7)
a) 1216
b) 3902
c) 5211
8)
9)
10)
106 feet
0.058 psi/ft
gas
2240
2123
4888
834.3 bbls
266.6 bbls
0.813 psi/ft, 15.64 ppg emw
11.1 ppg emw
685 ft
0.082 psi/ft
Gas
11.63 ppg
8923 psi
1110 psi
435 psi
11.68 ppg emw
16)
75 mins
71 mins
2 hrs 43 mins
17)
18)
2044 psi
12.3 ppg
1. 1602
2. 7727
3. 4393
4. 20006 KPa
5. 2039 kg/m3
6. 1103 kg/m3
7. 4000 KPa
8. 2639 KPa
9. 9186 KPa
10. 114.7m
11. 7.636 KPa / m
12. Condensate or Oil
13. 1180 kg/m3
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525.4m
26.4 bbls
63.7 bbls
1.62 bbls
0.76 bbls
6.
1.62
0.76
26.4
63.7
7. 15.12 bbls
8. ~ 15.5 bbls emw
9. 210.7m, 0.97 bbls (Max FP = 14.47 bbls emw)
636m
3.8125 m3
13.06 m3
218.75 kg/m3
132.81 kg/m3
218.7
132.8
3.81
13.1
7. 1569 kg/m3
8. ~ 1470 kg/m3
9. 299.6m, 1466 kg/m3
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2831ft
3.2ppg
336.4bbls
3.1ppg
17. 72.9bbls
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