UBD-MPD Well Control Risk Assessment

WELL CONTROL RISK ASSESSMENT
UBD / MPD
UBD / MPD
Prepared By: S. Abassi Approval: Authorization: Version No: 1.0
Date: 22-June, 2016 SH B&C WCS Team North Pole Page 1 of 27

UBD / MPD
Table of Contents
1. Risk Assessment UBD / MPD ........................................................................................................................ 3

1.1. Summary ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2. Risk Assessment Table ..................................................................................................................................... 4

UBD / MPD
UBD/MPD Well control risk assessment including listed operational Phase:

Planning
Rig Up / Pressure Test / Commissioning
Drill Out / Hole Conditioning
Drilling
Tripping
Wireline
Suspend Well for Rig Out or Completion
Rig Out
Any threats or consequences may lead to well control scenario.

UBD / MPD
Relevance
Primary
Item
Operational UBD Hazard Scenario Primary

Threats/Consequences Considerations Responsible
Phase MPD What If? Category
Party
Both
Use hex kelly, square kelly not recommended.

RCD leakage. Use power swivel instead of kelly.
Improper kelly (square Injury to personnel. Use TDS instead of kelly. Rig
1 BOTH Rig Contractor
vs. hex) Unable to run square kelly through RCD. Use coiled tubing. Equipment
Delay in drilling well (lost time and cost). RCD supplier standard operating procedures / risk register.
Drill string diagram.
Verify lease survey accuracy.
Poor emergency response.
Verify rig specific layout accuracy.
Problems fitting equipment on location.
Primary UBD/MPD service supplier to provide site specific
Decreased access/egress in case of UBD/MPD
lease spacing diagram.
2 BOTH Lease size inadequate emergency. Service Separation
Primary UBD/MPD service provider to conduct site inspection
Inadequate flare spacing on location. Provider
as soon as possible.
Tree clearance could cause forest fire.
Use drill side pipe racks only (if possible).
Delay in rig up and startup of operations.
Verify regulatory stack height/flaring requirements.
Concurrent rig up of
Onsite supervisors to formulate rig up plan.
rig and UBD/MPD Harm to personnel. Lease
3 BOTH Sonatrach Company man to coordinate overall strategy. Sonatrach
package causes Lost time and cost. Requirements
Safety hand to be involved during rig up.
Planning
confusion
Potentially wash/wear casing bowl, and cause
Check rig alignment before N/U BOP/RCD.
4 BOTH Improper rig alignment RCD failure or BOP failure. Rig Contractor RCD
Check rig alignment during UBD/MPD operation.
Potential loss of well control if bowl wears out.
Fluid carryover may cause a fire, environmental Conduct review with Sonatrach reservoir/production UBD/MPD
Improper separator -
5 BOTH damage/injury. engineers regarding potential inflow rates. Service Separation
too small
Wait on right size equipment. Review separator sizing requirements with service company. Provider
Improper equipment size. Conduct review with Sonatrach reservoir/production
MPD MPD/UBD
MPD Equipment Inadequate required surface back pressure. engineers regarding potential inflow rates.
6 MPD Equipment Equipment
Rental Potential gas inflow. Review separator sizing requirements with service company.
Provider Rental
Potential well control issues. Review offset information for the area.
Threaded unions are Poor quality control in NPT thread UBD/MPD
Choke /
7 BOTH used in high pressure design/manufacture may result in flowline No threaded unions to be used for other than shipping lines. Service
Flowline
pipe work. failure. Provider
Membrane nitrogen is
High corrosion rate.
8 UBD used in sour Consider use of service gas that does not contain oxygen. Sonatrach Well Program
Potential flammable conditions.
environment
Choose appropriately sized separator for flush production.
Spill - environmental damage. Start fire
9 BOTH Condensate carryover Review procedures for transient operations (such as initial Sonatrach Well Program
in immediate vicinity.
blowdown).

UBD / MPD
Failure to flush/purge H2S exposure to personnel. Low volume, high UBD/MPD

10 BOTH lines, surface concentration. Purge with an inert gas. Service Separation
equipment Potential for injury/death. Provider
Loss of Barrier. Consider 2x barrier when pipe is static.
11 BOTH Barrier Failure Sonatrach Well Program
Potential for injury/death. High H2S content should make barrier policy more visible.
Insufficient tank farm
12 BOTH Release of drilling fluid to environment. Applicable provincial regulations to be followed. Sonatrach Separation
berms
Equipment spacing, venting and issues regarding personnel
General H2S Lease
13 BOTH Potential for injury/death. safety must be addressed throughout the entire lease for the Sonatrach
concerns Management
entire operation.
Eliminate one element of the requirements for combustion
Air Drilling - LEL and (fuel, oxygen, or ignition source).
14 UBD UEL within flammable Flammable mixture, potential for fire/explosion. Consider inert gas operations. Sonatrach Well Program
limits Never flow returns to a closed separator.
Add inert gas to reduce flammability.
Air Drilling -
Use inert gas if the risk of creating conditions suitable for
Unexpected Potential for downhole fire and/or ignition at
15 UBD combustion exists. Sonatrach Well Program
hydrocarbon zone surface.
Consider inert gas operations.
encountered
Planning
Air Drilling - Mud ring

Potential for dowhnole ignition.
occurs with Monitor hole cleaning and fluid influx carefully while drilling.
16 UBD Loss of BHA, damage to equipment, potential Sonatrach Well Program
combustible mixture in Consider inert gas operations.
for injury/death, loss of well.
hole.
Gas/Fluid at rig floor (potential hydrocarbon Begin operation with new stripper elements.
Coiled Tubing - Coil release, ignition or fire). Inspect sealing elements after each trip.
17 UBD RCD Supplier Training
pack-off fails Harm to personnel. Back up elements available on location.
Formation damage if well must be killed. Monitor for leakage during operation.
Carefully define coil operating limits.
Coiled Tubing - Coil Potential loss of well. Monitor coil fatigue life.
Coil Tubing
18 BOTH string failure Formation damage if well has to be killed. Pressure test coil before job. Well Program
Contractor
(downhole washout) Increased risk to personnel while tripping. Use appropriate corrosion inhibitor package.
Minimize high pressure coil cycling.
Carefully define coil operating limits.
Gas/fluid release at rig floor (potential
Monitor coil fatigue life.
Coiled Tubing - Coil hydrocarbon release/ignition/fire).
Pressure test coil before job. Coil Tubing
19 BOTH string failure (surface Harm to personnel. Well Program
Use appropriate corrosion inhibitor package. Contractor
washout) Formation damage if well must be killed.
Minimize high pressure coil cycling.
Environmental damage.
Run leak point back into well if possible.
Pressure build up in atmospheric tanks due to
Inadequately vented Ensure installation design considers maximum input rates to UBD/MPD
high liquid flow rate or high solution gas content Choke /
20 BOTH "closed" atmospheric closed atmospheric tanks and sufficiently sized vent lines are Service
leading to possible tank rupture, personnel Flowline
tanks. provided. Provider
injury or environmental spill.

UBD / MPD
With several and diverse companies on site the

Temporary pipe and potential for mismatched hammer union Ensure clear policy and direction is provided on acceptable UBD/MPD
Choke /
21 BOTH hammer union connections are greatly increased. temporary pipe design and hammer unions. Ban hammer Service
Flowline
mismatch Threat of personnel injury and environmental unions with potential for mismatch. Provider
spills.
Possible inadequate returns monitoring and/or
flow modeling fails to recognize losses in zone
Failure to note losses, of greater depletion/lower pore pressure than
Ensure adequate monitoring, early recognition of losses, well
22 BOTH possibly leading to planned for. Rig Contractor Mud System
planned well control procedures.
loss/kick situation Possibility of well kick exceeding equipment
rating, personnel injury, equipment damage or
loss of well.
High temperature (i.e. HPHT wells surface temperature exceeding For HPHT wells consider use of additional temperature
HPHT wells) BOP, etc. temperature rating leading to monitoring and ESD procedures for Temperature HH
23 BOTH Sonatrach BOP System
exceeding BOP seals premature failure, loss of containment, conditions at BOP stack.
temperature rating personnel injury, loss of well control. Use proper sealing rubber for high temperature.
Pressure communicated to surface through DP.
Cannot hold back pressure on annulus as Use 2 non-ported float valves.
24 BOTH Ported floats are used NRV Supplier NRV
pressure is communicated to surface through Run NRV as contingency for drop-in check valve.
Planning
DP.
Unclear lines of All lines of authority to be clearly defined in program/pre-
25 BOTH Risk to personnel, equipment, environment. Sonatrach Well Program
authority spud.
Inadequate fire Lease
26 BOTH Injury, loss of equipment. Sonatrach
protection Requirements
Identify potentially oxygen deficient areas and include in
Oxygen deficient onsite orientation.
27 UBD Potential for injury. All N/A
environments Workers in high risk areas must wear appropriate monitoring
device.
Response to alarm
Clearly define response to alarm conditions and Lease
28 BOTH condition is not clearly Confusion on location increases HSE risks. Sonatrach
communicate the response to personnel on location. Requirements
defined
Multiple alarm Clearly define response to alarm conditions and Lease
29 BOTH Confusion on location increases HSE risks. Sonatrach
systems on location communicate the response to personnel on location. Requirements
H2S - Toxic gas Use enclosed cutting separation process.
UBD/MPD
released during Vacuum degas fluid/solids stream before cuttings separation.
30 BOTH Potential for injury/death. Service Separation
cuttings separation Monitor/alarm any area where there is a potential for a sour
Provider
process. gas release.
Use enclosed fluid separation process.
H2S - Toxic gas UBD/MPD
Vent tanks through scrubbers.
31 BOTH released from fluid Potential for injury/death. Service Separation
Monitor/alarm any area where there is a potential for a sour
storage system. Provider
gas release from the fluid storage system.

UBD / MPD
H2S - Toxic gas UBD/MPD

32 BOTH release when Potential for injury/death. Purge with non-toxic or inert gas before opening sampler. Service Separation
sampling cuttings Provider
H2S - Improper sour
33 BOTH service material Rapid degradation of steel - not fit for service. Full review of NACE MR 0175/NACE 15156 for H2S wells. Sonatrach Well Program
selection
Calculate volume of gas released from separator pressure to
Oil Based Mud - atmospheric pressure. UBD/MPD
Risk of fire/explosion and personnel exposed to
34 BOTH Solution gas release Low pressure separator reduces gas in solution. Service Separation
harmful vapors.
from drilling mud Use separate fluid storage system with totally enclosed and Provider
vented tanks.
Muster area is not Increased risk for personnel to search location Lease
35 BOTH Clearly define muster area during wellsite safety meetings. Sonatrach
clearly defined. for missing workers. Requirements
H2S - Elastomer Loss of Barrier. Aniline testing elastomers. Proper
36 BOTH Sonatrach Well Program
failure/incompatibility Potential for injury/death. material selection for elastomers.
Shortage of
Inability to identify all safety critical issues in the Ensure that personnel planning the operation are competent
37 BOTH experienced people in Sonatrach N/A
operation. to do so.
planning stages
Use DP without grooves.
Planning
Use pipe with no hardbanding.

Use DP with flush hardbanding.
Service kelly to eliminate sharp edges and ensuring kelly is
RCD leakage. as straight as possible.
Condition of DP and
Injury to personnel. RCD supplier pre-job inspection.
38 BOTH kelly (grooves, Rig Contractor Drill String
Premature RCD element wear. DP/kelly inspection.
external scale, etc.)
Delay in drilling well (lost time and cost). RCD supplier SOPs/risk register.
Drill string diagram.
Kelly savers with rubber inserts are not recommended as
they can severely damage the RCD element.
Avoid abrupt OD transitions between Kelly and DP.
Review all drill sting components for strippability and
sealability with the RCD.
BHA plan includes
RCD leakage. Spiral drill collars, jars, bumper subs and stabilizers are not
running spiral drill
Injury to personnel. recommended.
39 BOTH collars or other non- Sonatrach Drill String
Unable to strip through RCD element. Function/stripping tests of odd-profile BHA components (on
strippable
Delay in drilling well (lost time and cost). and/or offsite) is recommended.
components.
Avoid use of kelly valves with rubber casing savers.
Replace spiral DC with Rigid DC or HWDP.
Determine whether other operations will occur on pad at the
Simultaneous operations on pad wells same time as the drilling operation. Lease
40 BOTH Working on pad wells Sonatrach
increases risk of HSE incidents. Ensure that one site supervisor is appointed and that lines of Requirements
authority are clear.

UBD / MPD
Onsite orientation and training.

Supervisors to ensure that all personnel have been trained in
the various components of the rig up operation.
Identify tasks in tool box safety meetings.
Crew shortage and/or Harm to personnel.
41 BOTH Ensure all workers understand their right to refuse unsafe All N/A
inexperience Lost time and cost.
work, or request training/guidance for tasks that they are not
yet competent in.
Consider EMS onsite during rig up operations.
Focus on shift change communication information transfer.
Consider multiple NRVs in BHA.
Consider metal/metal seals.
NRV seal compatibility
42 BOTH Potential for NRV to fail prematurely. Test seals with drilling fluid/reservoir fluid prior to drilling NRV Supplier NRV
with fluid
operation.
Consider profile nipple down hole as a backup.
Rental equipment in Equipment failure during critical times may
43 BOTH Inspect all rental equipment upon arrival on location. Sonatrach All
poor repair elevate existing HSE risks.
High PI well probability, build some 'fat' into modeling,
Planning
Exceed volume limits; Shut in well, cease calculations and permit applications.
44 BOTH High Rate Flaring Sonatrach Well Program
operations. AER Directive 60: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring,
Incinerating, and Venting.
Gas Chromatograph to qualify modeling.
Exceed allowable limits for SO2 - Continuous H2S content monitoring in fluid stream.
45 BOTH High H2S Flaring Sonatrach Well Program
172ppb/volume. Shut in well, cease operations. AER Directive 60: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring,
Conduct review of lighting requirements with service
Increased potential for HSE incidents such as companies at pre-spud. Lease
46 BOTH Inadequate lighting. Sonatrach
slips, trips or falls. Consider constructing a lighting diagram. Requirements
Rent light towers as required.
Equipment not
Contamination of fluids on location with prior job
47 BOTH flushed/cleaned Inspect equipment upon arrival and before being released. Sonatrach Separation
waste.
pre/post job
Unclear responsibility Determine responsibility during pre-spud and confirm in
48 BOTH Potential equipment failure if not used properly. Sonatrach All
for rental equipment onsite safety meetings.
Noise, pressure, vibration, egress, Formal Chain of command.
Equipment/Personnel Lease
49 BOTH communication - Miscommunication=Potential Formal lockout/tagout/control of work. All
Congestion Management
for injury/death. Formal PTW/Logistics Plan.

UBD / MPD
Cold venting (regulatory exemption may be required).

Automatic liquid high level shut-down in separator.
Flare stack spacing, height and ground clearance from
Separator liquid carry- Spill - environmental damage.
combustible materials. UBD/MPD
over into flare line Fire, explosion from flare stack, personnel
50 BOTH Procedures and equipment in place for managing separator Service Separation
and/or shipping pump exposure.
level if level no high level shut-down. Provider
failure Seperator over-pressure.
Audible and visual alarm.
Ensure adequate redundancy of pressure shipping and pump
shipping capacity.
Automatic liquid low level shut-down in separator.
Procedures and equipment in place for managing separator
Separator gas carry- UBD/MPD
Gas at rig tanks. level if level no low level shut-down.
51 BOTH under down the liquid Service Separation
Fire, explosion, personnel exposure. Audible and visual alarm.
shipping lines Provider
LEL/UEL gas monitoring and alarming at the shaker
Liquid shipping to a remote tank system.
Use of supplementary fuel gas (Propane).
Trying to flare with
52 UBD No burn - cold vent. AER Directive 60: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Sonatrach Well Program
high CO2 mol%
Oil Based Mud -
UBD/MPD
Planning
Increased solubility in Poor H2S Stripping / Separation. Potential

53 BOTH Service Separation
oil based mud (GOR for injury/death.
Provider
variability)
Coiled Tubing - Slips Tools dropped in hole, resulting in lost time,
Manage risk with appropriate procedures and checks to make Coil Tubing
54 UBD fail to hold BHA high-risk fishing operation. Well Program
sure slips are engaged and holding. Contractor
components Potential gas/fluid release at rig floor.
Drill string NRVs No drill string well control. Wait on correct NRVs/subs.
55 BOTH missing or wrong Delay in drilling well (lost time and cost). NRV supplier standard operating procedures/risk register. NRV Supplier NRV
size/thread Drill string damage. Drill string diagram.
UBD/MPD
Flare gun ignites Consider using an auto-ignition system if flaring in an area or
56 BOTH Risk to environment/personnel. Service Separation
forest or grassland time of year when there is a high risk of fire.
Provider
Raise rig sub height by building up lease around casing bowl.
Verify and check equalizing line clearance if built too high.
Change BOP equipment.
Attempts to try and fit RCD could cause injury Use different rig.
RCD doesnt fit under to personnel. Use different RCD.
57 BOTH RCD Supplier RCD
sub Can not drill UBD/MPD. Add pony sub under rig.
Delay in drilling well (lost time and cost). RCD supplier to go to location to check out rigs sub prior to
job.
Accurate BOP stack-up and rig substructure clearance
measurements

UBD / MPD
Ensure adequate communications between supplier and

Equipment
58 BOTH Delay in drilling well (lost time and cost) operator. Sonatrach N/A
available/Timing
Confirm timing at pre-spud.
Premature RCD element wear. Drill string inspection.
DP and/or tool joint
Wrong size RCD stripper elements on location. Verify drill string size.
59 BOTH size different than Sonatrach Drill String
Delay in drilling well (lost time and cost). RCD supplier SOPs/risk register.
planned
RCD fails to pressure test. Drill string diagram.
Frequent motor failures or poor performance
increases number of trips required along with
Ensure PDM supplier is aware of downhole operating
Improperly specified the associated risks. Directional
60 BOTH environment for application. PDM
PDMs Wait on PDMs suitable for UBD/MPD Company
Inspect data for PDMs received vs. order placed.
environment temperature and fluid
compatibility.
Planning
Dump subs in motors Wait on blanked dump subs and/or trip out of Motor supplier should be involved in planning stage to ensure Directional
61 BOTH PDM
are not blanked off hole. that the proper motor specification is being supplied. Company
UBD/MPD
Solids - re-injection Plugged BHA Suction side discipline
down drill string Drill string washouts. Suction Screens
Provider
Higher and/or unstable BHP. Consider magnet/junk basket run to clean out casing exit.
Re-entry - Casing exit
63 BOTH Tight hole or stuck pipe. Plugged Monitor torque/drag carefully throughout drilling and tripping Sonatrach Well Program
debris in well
choke/separator dump valves. through exit.
Solids - waste Environmentally responsible disposal of H2S Lease
64 BOTH Sonatrach waste management policies Sonatrach
management contaminated cuttings Management
Flush Liquid Exceed separator throughput capacity. High PI well probability, build some 'fat' into modeling,
Production Release of burning oil/condensate from flare tip. calculations, and permit applications.
Explosive mixtures.
Aspiration of O2 from Ensure well is never placed on vacuum.
Fire and explosion. UBD Service
66 UBD ambient air into the Always fill drill string with liquid or inert gas during tripping. Well Control
Damage to downhole equipment and/or well Provider
DP or well Always maintain monitorable positive pressure on wellbore.
casing.
Sonatrach Company man to coordinate hoisting activities with
picker operator and supervisors. Picker Operator
Harm to personnel and/ or damage to
Rig Up / Pressure Test /
Pre-fab BOP components can be difficult to install in low / UBD/MPD Lease

67 BOTH Lifting hazards equipment.
clearance areas. Service Management
Lost time and cost.
Commissioning
Safety hand to be involved during rig up. Provider

Spotting UPD/MPD equipment.
Inadequate or non- Sonatrach /
Trip and fall hazards particularly around RCD Install suitable work decks and barriers for any elevated work
existent work UBD/MPD
68 BOTH installation/removal and seal element change tasks, particularly RCD installations. RCD
platforms/barriers (i.e. Service
out. Adequate communication
RCD work platform) Provider
Inadequate or non-
Improperly or non-grounded equipment skids
existent electrical Implement an electrical grounding plan for the installation.
69 BOTH leading to personnel injury and equipment All All
grounding of Inspect and test installation for electrical grounding.
downtime.
equipment skids

UBD / MPD
Inadequate or non-
existent electrical Personnel injury, equipment damage when
70 BOTH Implement electrical lockout/tagout procedures. All All
lockout/tagout prematurely powering up electrical circuits.
procedures.
Inadequate or non-
Personnel injury, equipment failure,
existent lockout/tagout
environmental spills as a consequence of Implement lockout/tagout procedures for temporary skidded
71 BOTH procedures for utility All All
inadvertent removal of skidded equipment utility equipment utility supply.
supply (i.e. instrument
supply (i.e. instrument air).
air)
No high-pressure Review in safety meetings. UBD/MPD
72 BOTH warning signs on Increased risk to personnel. Inspect prior to pressure testing. Service Separation
pipework Inspect temporary pipe work. Provider
Ensure adequate spares on location.
Rig Up / Pressure Test / Commissioning
RCD fails to pressure Visually check rig annular (ring gaskets/stud threads) prior to
73 BOTH Lost time and cost. RCD Supplier RCD
test rig up.
Ensure proper rig alignment.
BOP should be tested and serviced as per Sonatrach
BOP elements fail to
74 BOTH Lost time and cost. standards prior to job. Rig Contractor BOP System
pressure test
Rig should stock spare components as appropriate.
Service company must be able to demonstrate MTR,
Primary flow line from
certification for pipework. UBD/MPD
stack to separation Choke /
75 BOTH Lost time and cost. Supplier to provide SOP for rig up and pressure test. Service
equipment fails to Flowline
Rig matting to be supplied in muddy/soft ground conditions to Provider
pressure test
enable proper makeup/alignment of pipework.
Identify tasks in tool box safety meetings.
Crew shortage and/or Harm to personnel. Ensure all workers understand their right to refuse unsafe Lease
76 BOTH All
inexperience Lost time and cost. work, or request training/guidance for tasks that they are not Management
yet competent in.
Identify inexperienced crew/short term crew with green hand
or green hard hats.
Surface equipment may not be suitable in terms
Offsets to be analyzed as a guide for planning the operation. Sonatrach /
Well parameters of pressure rating/flow rate capability - wait on
Assume worst-case scenario when planning the well. UBD/MPD
77 BOTH different from program equipment. Well Program
Consider flush-production scenario encountered in UBD Service
- PRESSURE Fluid system may not be capable of achieving
operations. Provider
required pressure profile.
Failure to install check Possibly pressurize mud pump system through Discuss requirements in pre-spud. Sonatrach /
78 UBD valve on each nitrogen injection line (suction line may fail). Check valve to be installed downstream of all pumping UBD Service Compression
injection line Gas lock mud pump. equipment in operations using a service gas. Provider

UBD / MPD
Surface equipment may not be suitable for Offsets to be analyzed as a guide for planning the operation.
Well parameters
handling sour fluid. Assume worst-case scenario when planning the well.
79 BOTH different from program Sonatrach Well Program
Additional concerns with regards to HSE for Plan for sour operations if there is even a small potential of
- H2S
safe operations, fluid transportation, etc. encountering sour gas.
Rig Up / Pressure Test /
Rig Contractor /
Ensuring adequate fuel gage and grounding. UBD/MPD
Commissioning
80 BOTH Fueling Equipment Harm to personnel and equipment. All

Review SOPs. Service
Provider
Commission in yard test if unit has been idle for a significant
Compression or N2 length of time. Compression
81 UBD Lost time and cost. Compression
unit fails to start Service company to show maintenance records. Supplier
Inspect fuel tanks before filling with diesel onsite.
Paperwork with NRVs to include documentation of shop
NRVs fail to pressure
pressure test.
test or no Failure to pressure test increases likelihood of a
82 BOTH Consider onsite pressure testing apparatus. NRV Supplier NRV
documentation of leaking NRV occurring.
Have contingency procedures.
pressure test
Have spare(s) NRV available.
Detailed UBD/MPD program in place.
Written procedures for critical operations available on rig Sonatrach /
Rig crews unfamiliar Harm to personnel, equipment or environment. floor. UBD/MPD
83 BOTH Training
with process Lost time and cost. Review procedures with all personnel in a safety meeting Service
before drillout. Provider
Consider dry run for critical procedures prior to drilling out.
Process flow diagram posted in dog house.

Possible overpressure of RCD or manifold at Walk the pump lines before commencing drillout procedure.
Valves incorrectly UBD/MPD
surface. Consider labeling all valves and marking them as normally Choke/Flowlin
84 BOTH positioned on stack or Service
Possible fluid release to atmosphere / open or normally closed. e
manifold Provider
environment. All well control piping to be blown dry and/or heated to
prevent freezing.
Purge with nitrogen prior to lighting flare. UBD/MPD
Separator not purged Potential backflash / explosion in separation Flare/Vent
85 BOTH Ensure backpressure system is operable on pressurized Service
prior to lighting flare equipment. System
separator before lighting flare. Provider
Chemical injection
Risks of carryover from separator Test injection pumps during rig up and commissioning. UBD/MPD
pumps are not
86 BOTH (environmental concern). Store chemicals as per manufacturers recommendations. Service Mud System
working or not
Corrosion concerns. Consider connecting injection pumps to data system. Provider
calibrated.
Detailed UBD program in place, including pump schedule.
Poorly designed hole Excessive slugging and/or surface pressure
Written procedure in doghouse/UBD control unit.
87 UBD conditioning and flow rates. Sonatrach Well Program
Procedure reviewed by engineering and discussed in safety
procedure Possible fluid carryover.
meeting.

UBD / MPD
Inability to react in real-time to well conditioning Test sensors and data system during commissioning phase
UBD/MPD
Data system not events. and confirm operation prior to drillout. Data
88 BOTH Service
functioning properly Possible errors in implementing hole Ensure sensors are heat traced so that they don't freeze and Acquisition
Provider
conditioning pump schedule. provide erroneous data.
Formation integrity Unable to apply UBD/ MPD program. May require additional casing string or redesign of MPD/UBD
89 BOTH test insufficient for Possible well control concerns, lost time or operation. Sonatrach Well Program
planned operations harm to personnel. Remedial cement job/re-drill and test.
Drill out while pumping at high rate.
Higher BHP than predicted. Consider tooth bit versus PDC.

Unstable BHP. Monitor torque and drag while drilling shoe.
Float shoe debris in
90 BOTH Stuck pipe. Observe returns at shaker. Sonatrach Drill String
well after drillout
Plugged choke. Direct returns to shaker, bypassing separator.
Damage to BHA/bit. Control drill through plug.
Consider drilling out with slick assembly.
Bit to casing clearance.
MPD Service
91 MPD In Casing Test Damage to equipment. Follow detailed SOPs. Well Program
Provider
Ensure homogeneous mud in hole.
Displace to gasified/drilling fluid system in controlled manner
Potential harm to personnel if BHA floats fail.
after drillout.
Damage to BHA Lost time and cost due to round trip. Directional
92 BOTH Ensure all injection rate meters are functioning and the MWD
during drillout Compromised BHA integrity may result in a well Company
required rate is being pumped.
control scenario.
Observe pressures during hole conditioning.
NRV not installed near Reference and review drill string diagram.
Excessive bleed-off time/connection time. Sonatrach /
surface prior to Discuss in safety meeting and confirm installation visually
93 UBD Possibly require re-conditioning hole after long UBD Service NRV
conditioning with before commencing operations.
bleed-off time to install NRV. Provider
compressible fluid Add drill string floats.
Sonatrach /
Failure to consider the shutdown sequence may
No strategy for UBD/MPD
94 BOTH result in hole problems, high pressures at Add contingency plans. Well Program
"planned" shut downs Service
surface, unnecessary well kill, etc.
Provider
Sonatrach /
Drilling
No strategy for Failure to consider the shutdown sequence may

UBD/MPD
BOTH "unplanned" shut result in hole problems, high pressures at Add contingency plans. Well Program
Service
downs surface, unnecessary well kill, etc.
Provider
Separation equipment certification must be current.
UBD/MPD
Gas release and harm to PSVs installed and relief lines rigged up.
95 BOTH Separator fails Service Separation
personnel/environment. Rig's well control equipment rigged in and operational in case
Provider
of catastrophic failure.

UBD / MPD
Skidded equipment with permanent piping

Dead legs/liquid traps installations often incorporate pipe dead legs or
on permanently piped liquid traps (i.e. concentric reducers instead of
Consider inspection of skidded equipment permanent piping UBD/MPD
skid equipment - eccentric reducers) where acidic or corrosive
96 BOTH for dead legs and liquid traps and remove or provide means Service Separation
increased incidence of liquids accumulate and are not easily flushed.
of inspection and documentation. Provider
internal corrosion, Possible leak or rupture with resultant
leak and/or rupture personnel, equipment and environmental
consequences.
Consider onsite Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) monitoring
program.
Maximize separator pressure to minimize velocity in flow line.
Service company to provide erosion management document.
Operate within Flow Control Matrix parameters.
Train on critical operations such as shutting in or diverting to
Washout occurs on
Gas release on location. secondary flow line. UBD/MPD
primary flowline from
97 BOTH Personnel injury. Maintain flow velocities in primary flowline below (55 m/sec) Service Well Program
BOP stack to the
Damage to equipment. in absence of detailed erosion modeling. Provider
separation equipment
Reduce number of flowline turns.
Ensure 10 internal diameters spacing between flowline turns.
Drilling
This allows the flow to straighten prior to the next turn.

Primary flowline must contain targeted tees (turns) and be a
minimum 101.6 mm in outside diameter or larger.
Maximize liquid injection rate.
Over time pipe wall erodes or corrodes leading Implement pipe inspection procedures and documentation
UBD/MPD
Pipe wall thickness to reduction in pressure integrity, possible leak prior to each rig up, and NDT wall thickness inspections at
erosion or rupture with resultant personnel, equipment vulnerable points throughout operation.
Provider
and environmental consequences. UT testing when possible.
Check rig alignment before and during operation.
Monitor RCD performance while drilling.
Replace elements as per supplier's SOPs before major
RCD drill string leakage occurs.
Gas/Hydrocarbon fluid release at rig floor.
sealing element failure Have a backup element ready for quick installation.
Ignition and explosion risk.
99 BOTH or Consider installing a new element during low risk times (out RCD Supplier RCD
Possible formation damage if well has to be
RCD Control Unit of hole, prior to starting drilling after a trip, etc.).
killed.
Failure Complete regular inspection of the control unit and its
operability.
Indication of failure is to be considered a well control event.
Consider a redundant back-up unit onsite.
Ensure degasser fluid level/capacity.
Degasser MPD Service
100 MPD Harm to environment. Operate within well program specifications. Separation
fails/overflows Provider
Operate within equipment specifications.

UBD / MPD
Operate within well scope.

Use of secondary flow Loss of well control. Ensure adequate drilling fluid weight and surface back MPD Service
101 MPD Well Program
line (rig bleed-off line) Harm to equipment and personnel. pressure (SBP). Provider
Ensure adequate kill mud on location.
Review offset data for area.
Harm to personnel or environment.
Inadequate / Improper Follow driling program.
102 BOTH Damage to equipment. All RCD
RCD size Plan for maximum pressures expected.
Possible loss of well control.
Ensure contingency plans are in place.
Improperly attempting to change the RCD Reference supplier's SOPs for changing the RCD element.
No procedures in
element may result in fires, explosions or other Rehearse equalizing procedure prior to conducting
103 BOTH place for replacing RCD Supplier RCD
catastrophic HSE events. operations.
RCD element
Harm to personnel. Back pressure required during process.
Reference supplier's SOPs for the use and maintenance of
RCD element Choke plugging, equipment damage.
104 BOTH the RCD. RCD Supplier RCD
deteriorates Compromise of well control barrier.
Have bearing/rubbers available.
Establish maximum torque limit on pipe during drilling
operations.
Possible gas/hydrocarbon fluid at rig floor.
Inspect all drill string components according to the
Drill string failure Ignition and explosion risk.
105 BOTH appropriate risk assessed API or DS-1 category. Rig Contractor Well Program
(washout or twist-off) Formation damage due to well kill.
Monitor drilling data for signs of pipe washout.
Possible pipe light situation.
Drilling
Include drill string failure in planned/unplanned shut-down

procedures.
Consider installing new kelly hose prior to commencing UBD
operations.
Kelly hose to be certified for hydrocarbon liquid service when
using OBM.
Gas/fluid release at rig floor.
Run surface DP screens periodically and check for rubber
Harm to personnel. Rig
106 UBD Kelly hose failure debris. Rig Contractor
Ignition and explosion risks. Equipment
Pressure test kelly hose prior to starting operations.
Formation damage if well has to be killed.
Consider using a hose certified for gas service in high risk
operations (natural gas injection, etc.).
Kelly hose issues also apply to other flexible rubber
components in the rig's mud circulation system.
Hoses to be certified for hydrocarbon liquid service when
using OBM.
Circulating through
Failure of hoses results in release of Pressure test hoses prior to starting operations. Rig
107 BOTH flexible hoses/shock Rig Contractor
hydrocarbons, potential injury to personnel. Use a hose certified for gas service in high risk operations Equipment
hose
(natural gas injection, etc.).
Use hard line whenever possible.
Kill fluid must be available on site, as per regulatory
Formation damage.
Well has to be killed requirements.
108 BOTH Ignition and explosion risks. Sonatrach Well Control
for well control Flow control matrix in place, and observed.
Potential harm to personnel.
Well control procedure in place and rehearsed.

UBD / MPD
Poor understanding of
RCD Supplier /
the relationship of the Failure in well control procedure may result in On-site orientation and training is to include well control
UBD/MPD
109 BOTH UBD/MPD kit and the well control problems, loss of control, injury or considerations. Well Control
Service
rig kit with regards to death. Discuss at pre-job safety meeting.
Provider
well control events
Test NRVs before initial installation.
Possible gas/reservoir fluid communication to Replace BHA NRVs after every trip.
surface. Include contingency to set a plug or another retrievable NRV
110 BOTH BHA NRV failure May require well kill to trip safely. as deep as possible. Sonatrach NRV
Unable to trip with remedying the situation (well Install screens above NRV to catch debris from the drill
kill, set a plug, or retrieve/replace NRV). string.
Run a minimum of two NRVs in the BHA.
Review requirements for PWD data and importance with
directional company prior to starting operations.
Include decision points in program regarding PWD data
Operational parameters often consider failure.
MWD
availability of real time PWD data. Maintain a well calibrated two phase flow model throughout
Contractor /
PWD Failure/MWD Absence of PWD data may result in poor operation.
111 BOTH UBD/MPD MWD
Annular Pressure fails decision making regarding well control. Use pressure data obtained from MPD software.
Service
Possible trip out of the hole (cost). Implement pumping program in accordance with MWD tool
Provider
Drilling
Uncertainty regarding down hole pressure. SOPs to minimize potential for tool failure.
UBD program should include potential decision points to trip,
including whether the operation can safely proceed without
PWD data.
UBD/MPD
Inaccurate flow Potential to operate outside of flow control Review fluid data and simulation software use with UBD
112 BOTH Service Well Control
simulation matrix due to wrong input data. service provider.
Provider
Improper use of NRVs are a leading cause of HSE incidents
Rig crew unaware of Possible damage to equipment, injury, or loss Sonatrach /
in UBD/MPD operations.
113 BOTH dangers of trapped of life if NRV is broken out with trapped MPD Service NRV
Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in
pressure below NRV pressure below it. Provider
accordance with the RP referenced.
No written procedures Possible damage to equipment, injury, or loss Sonatrach /
114 BOTH in place for bleeding of life if NRV is broken out with trapped MPD Service NRV
Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in
off the NRV pressure below it. Provider
Inadequate pressure
in UBD/MPD operations. Sonatrach /
115 BOTH rating for NRV bleed- Possible injury or loss of life if hose or tool fails. NRV
Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in NRV Provider
off hose and tool
NRV bleed-off hose in in UBD/MPD operations.
116 BOTH Possible injury or loss of life if hose fails. Sonatrach NRV
poor condition Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in

UBD / MPD

NRV bleed-off hose is Hose may whip and injure/kill personnel on the in UBD/MPD operations.
117 BOTH Sonatrach NRV
not securely anchored rig floor. Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in
Retrievable NRV
Unseated NRV can cause serious damage to Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in
118 BOTH unseats under NRV Supplier NRV
equipment or injury/death. accordance with the RP referenced.
pressure
Do not allow unqualified personnel to seat, inspect, or touch
retrievable NRVs.
Job planning must include maximum allowable surface
pressure for the mud weight used for the operation.
Well is accidentally UBD/MPD
Possible formation breakdown at weak point. Operational adjustments must be made based on the Choke/Flowlin
119 BOTH shut in while pumping Service
Well control problems/blowout. formation integrity test/leakoff gradient. e
single phase (liquid) Provider
Consider installing a pressure relief valve upstream of the
choke.
Air introduced into
Job planning stage is to consider the air volume required to
circulating system Potential for explosive mixtures and/or fire
Drilling
120 UBD create a combustible/reactive mixture downhole based on the Sonatrach Well Program
while making DP (surface or downhole).
drilling fluids being used, reservoir fluids, etc.
connection/tripping
Overpressure of equipment, error in well control P&ID to include electronic and manual pressure UBD/MPD
Insufficient pressure Data
121 BOTH operations may result in equipment damage or measurement points. Service
measurement points Acquisition
injury to personnel. Confirm requirements at pre-spud and rig visit. Provider
Secondary flow line Unclear well control strategy, responsibility for UBD/MPD
Consult Process Flow Diagrams for appropriate
122 UBD tied in to UBD operating valves/chokes may result in well Service Well Control
recommendations.
manifold control problems. Provider
Improperly configured Well control problems may not be dealt with Consult Process Flow Diagrams for appropriate
123 UBD Sonatrach Well Control
BOP stack safely, resulting in possible loss of well control. recommendations.
Insufficient kill fluid / Reference appropriate regulatory body regarding minimum
124 BOTH kill fluid density on Loss of well control. kill fluid volume requirements. Sonatrach Well Control
location Kill fluid must be readily accessible.
Sonatrach /
Flow through tubing Washout below BOP may result in loss of well No flow allowed through any 2" (or smaller) flow. UBD/MPD
125 BOTH Well Control
spool or casing bowl control. No flow through equalization lines. Service
Provider
Dual annular is used Safety consideration are similar to the use of RCDs.
Potential hydrocarbon release, pressure at the
126 UBD for surface pressure Ensure that the design of the stack meets recommended RCD Supplier RCD
rig floor, etc. if the stripping annular fails.
containment practices.

UBD / MPD
Job planning must include maximum allowable surface

Excessive back pressure for the mud weight used for the operation.
pressure during Possible formation breakdown at weak point. Operational adjustments must be made based on the MPD Service Choke/Flowlin
127 MPD
single-phase (liquid) Well control problems/blowout. formation integrity test / leakoff gradient. Provider e
MPD operations Consider installing a pressure relief valve upstream of the
choke.
Flush BOP stack prior to using components for operational
purposes.
Blind ram or pipe ram
128 BOTH Potential loss of well control. Check regulator pressure for rams and annular to ensure All Well Control
failure.
maximum closing pressures are observed.
Minimize cycling of BOPs.
P&ID to include electronic and manual pressure
Inaccurate or UBD/MPD
Failure to detect kicks/losses (and intensity) measurement points. Data
129 BOTH insufficient PVT Service
may result in well control incident. Confirm requirements at pre-spud and rig visit. Acquisition
measurements Provider
Use of mass flow meters.
Changing flash point Use closed fluid storage system when drilling UB with oil
Flashpoint and fluid properties change with
130 BOTH of oil based drilling based system. Rig Contractor Mud System
inflow.
fluid Monitor fluid properties while drilling.
Inability to transfer
Drilling
131 BOTH fluid from storage Unable to access fluid for well control purposes. Confirm requirements at pre-spud and rig visit. Sonatrach Well Control
tanks to active system
Wellhead cellar full of
Possible immersion hazard in the event of a trip Lease
132 BOTH liquid/mud, immersion Pump out and barrier off cellar prior to RCD, etc. rig up. Sonatrach
or fall. Management
hazard
High inflow rates could exceed separator
Size separator for flush production events.
ratings (liquids or gas).
High-rate flush Accurately measure return flow parameters - rates and UBD/MPD
Increased potential for pipe erosion.
133 BOTH production pressures. Service Separation
Possibly suspend operations before planned
encountered Develop and post Flow Control matrix in dog house and Provider
TD.
UBD/MPD control room.
Exceed RCD pressure rating.
The use and benefits of and ESD need to be weighed against
ESD closes on the
Over pressure RCD, resulting in failure and/or the potential hazards of operating the ESD (intentionally or UBD/MPD
primary flow line from
134 BOTH gas release at rig floor. accidentally). Service Well Program
the BOP stack to the
Exceed formation strength at shoe. UBD/MPD program should justify the use (or lack thereof) of Provider
separation equipment
an ESD.
Possible adverse effects on fluid system.
Sonatrach /
Unplanned Possible surface separation challenges or Monitor fluid trends for signs of oil/condensate production.
UBD/MPD
135 BOTH condensate/oil storage problems. Program to include contingency plans if oil/condensate Well Program
Service
production Flammability/explosion risk in Air Drilling production is a possibility, including dealing with emulsions.
Provider
operations.

UBD / MPD
Sonatrach /
Unclear Delay in implementing well control procedures A diagram containing key personnel roles, responsibilities,
UBD/MPD Lease
136 BOTH responsibilities of key may increase the potential for a severe well and reporting structure improves communications and data
Service Management
personnel on location. control incident. dissemination on location.
Provider
Sonatrach /
Unclear reporting Delay in implementing key decisions may result A diagram containing key personnel roles, responsibilities,
UBD/MPD Lease
137 BOTH lines/structure on in well control incidents, exceeding equipment and reporting structure improves communications and data
Service Management
location ratings, etc. dissemination on location.
Provider
Failure to bleed off
Any trapped pressure below the NRV poses a in UBD/MPD operations. Sonatrach /
138 BOTH float down to NRV
risk to personnel. Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in NRV Provider
atmospheric pressure
Bleed-off to Improper use of NRVs are a leading cause of HSE incidents
UBD/MPD
atmosphere is located Workers are exposed to flying debris, in UBD/MPD operations.
139 BOTH Service NRV
in an area where hazardous mist. Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in
Provider
workers are present accordance with the RP referenced.
Release of gas/fluids at rig floor.
TDS seal and/or wash Rig
Drilling
140 BOTH Ignition/explosion risk. Service and inspect before job. Rig Contractor
pipe failure Equipment
Potential harm to personnel.
Implement pumping program in accordance with MWD tool
SOPs to minimize potential for tool failure. MWD
141 BOTH MWD tool failure Trip out of the hole. MWD
Choose tools with a high MTBF in the demanding UBD Contractor
environment.
Continuous pilot ignition system.
Odours. UBD/MPD
Methane disperses rapidly into atmosphere. Flare/Vent
142 BOTH Flare pilot goes out Potential explosive mixture. Service
High concentration of nitrogen may reduce flare ignition and System
Optics for crew of potential explosion risk. Provider
combustion efficiency.
Consider dual sample catcher manifold system.
Nonconformance with regulatory requirement to Must be able to isolate sample catcher from primary flow line.
Geological sampling
collect samples. Service company to provide/follow sample catching UBD Service Sample
143 UBD system not working or
Potential harm to personnel, clearing plugged procedure. Provider Catcher
plugged
sample catcher. Adjust sample catching procedure based on volume of
samples caught each time.
Chemical injection Test injection pumps during rig up and commissioning.
Risks of carryover from separator
pumps are not Store chemicals as per manufacturers recommendations. UBD Service
144 UBD (environmental concern). Mud System
working or not Consider connecting injection pumps to data system. Provider
Corrosion concerns.
calibrated Spear pumps/parts are to be available onsite.

UBD / MPD
Switch to second choke on dual-choke manifold.

Include choke washout in the planned/unplanned shutdown
Temporary loss of back pressure control. operations.
High surface back UBD/MPD
Harm to personnel or enviornment. Follow SOPs. Choke/Flowlin
145 BOTH presure or UBD/MPD Service
Damage to equipment. Follow drilling program. e
choke washout Provider
Possible loss of well control. Switch to secondary choke.
Have adequate mud density on location.
Have contingency SOPs.
Flowline erosion. Follow flow control matrix in program.
Higher than planned
146 BOTH Noise (flaring). Ensure separator PSV capacity is appropriate for anticipated Sonatrach Well Program
gas/oil inflow rates
Higher potential for equipment failure. maximum possible gas flow rate.
Consider installing wear bushing during UBD operation.
Can't set tubing hanger.
Damage to wellhead Make sure rig alignment is good throughout operation.
147 BOTH Tubing hanger won't seal. Sonatrach Well Program
sealing areas Isolate well with packer/bridge plug, then run hanger/pressure
Wellhead leaks.
test and check sealing areas.
NRV leaking while making a connection. Test NRVs before initial installation.
Near Surface NRV Slight injection gas/fluid blow from DP at Install screens above NRV to catch debris from the drill
148 BOTH Sonatrach NRV
failure surface. string.
Lost time to trip and replace leaking NRV. Run wireline retrievable NRVs.
Drilling
Data technician or other responsible person to maintain data

Failure to continuously UBD/MPD
Possibly designing well procedures based on system and assure data integrity. Data
149 BOTH monitor data stream Service
wrong information. All decision makers on location should have access to the Acquisition
accuracy Provider
real time data stream.
Chemicals are used in Health hazards of workers exposed to Appropriate protective gear to be available based on
150 UBD Mud Company Mud System
injection/return system chemicals. MSDS/SDS sheets of all chemicals on location.
Excessive casing
151 BOTH Loss of well. Sonatrach Well Program
wear
Establish procedure to monitor for leaks.
Leaks in low pressure
152 BOTH Environmental spill, potential fire hazard. Procedures must be in place for shipping fluid, ensuring that RCD Supplier Separation
tank farm pipework
no pipework is over-pressured.
Spill during Review trucking contractor's SOPs.
Trucking
153 BOTH offloading/loading Environmental spill, potential fire hazard. Inspect condition of trucking contractors shipping lines. Mud System
Contractor
drilling fluid All employees must go through the onsite orientation.
Ensure bottoms up calculation times for sample retrieval is
Planned hole depth not achieved. accurate.
Drill out of zone into Directional
154 BOTH Costs incurred with sidetracking. Monitor changes in ROP/inflow/changes in directional control, Well Program
shale or coal Company
Possible stuck pipe, loss of BHA. and other drilling parameters to flag lithology changes.
Monitor changing LWD data, if available.
Follow UBD program procedures.
Overbalanced
155 BOTH Possible formation damage. Monitor trends on data system for signs of increasing BHP, Sonatrach Well Program
pressure spike
decreasing inflow rates, etc.

UBD / MPD
Procedure in place for unplanned and planned shutdown of

gas injection system.
Possible overbalanced situation (formation Consider back-up compression requirements.
Gas injection system Compression
156 UBD damage). Compression equipment supplier to provide maintenance Compression
fails Supplier
Lost time and cost. schedule / onsite parts list.
Gas injection metering may require frequent calibration
checks and consideration for redundant meters.
Lost time and cost. Procedure in place for unplanned and planned shutdown of
Higher BHP than planned. gas injection system.
UBD Service
157 UBD Mist pump failure Unstable BHP. Function test prior to starting operations. Well Program
Provider
Stuck pipe/poor hole cleaning. Install screens in the suction line and ensure clean fluid is
MWD failure. being pumped.
Manage drawdown throughout all stages of the operations.
Formation damage. Include minimum pressure to prevent breakout as a well Sonatrach /
Stuck pipe. design parameter. UBD/MPD
158 BOTH Borehole instability Well Program
Lost BHA/fishing costs. Avoid exiting into shale/coal seams, and avoid planning a Service
Target not reached. trajectory that crosses known trouble zones. Provider
Minimize time in the hole without circulating.
Check drill string specifications and recent inspections.
Drilling
Planned hole depth is not achieved.

Implement good drilling practices - minimize doglegs, monitor
Torque and drag are Drill string failure.
159 BOTH hole cleaning parameters, conduct wiper trips when required. Sonatrach Well Program
too high Pipe buckling.
Include chemical options for friction reducers in the planning
Stuck pipe.
stage of the well.
Compromised hole cleaning could increase
Conduct frequent mud or foam checks. UBD/MPD
Unstable flow in potential for stuck pipe.
160 BOTH Change pump rates/surface back pressure to change flow Service Well Program
annulus Difficult to interpret inflow rates and well
regime in wellbore. Provider
behavior.
Formation damage. Sonatrach /
Follow MPD/UBD program for hole cleaning procedures and
Hole cleaning Stuck pipe. UBD/MPD
161 BOTH monitoring. Well Program
problems Lost BHA/fishing costs. Service
Monitor returns.
Target not reached. Provider
Monitor fluid trends for signs of water production and make
Formation damage to reservoir section already trajectory adjustments accordingly.
Unplanned formation drilled. UBD program to consider contingency with regards to pump
water production Possibly suspension of air drilling program. rates required for hole cleaning (air--foam-two-phase
Fluid handling/storage/trucking issues. transitions).
Consider a contingency plan to deal with emulsions.
Increased hole cleaning concerns. Observe MWD supplier's recommendation for maximum
163 UBD Low inflow rates Possible equipment damage due to increased allowable nitrogen injection rate. Sonatrach Well Program
drill string/well purge time required. Increase awareness of possible hole cleaning problems.

UBD / MPD
Lost time and cost. Connection procedures in place and rehearsed.

Excessive drill string Unstable BHP. Back pressure schedule available and updated by onsite
164 BOTH Rig Contractor Training
connection time Possible formation damage from pressure Engineer to optimize connection procedure to minimize BHP
spikes. spikes.
Connection procedure discussed with MWD personnel before
Drilling
being finalized.
Lost time and cost. Connection procedure must consider MWD tool requirements
Unstable BHP. and limitations. MWD
165 BOTH Surveying problems MWD
Possible formation damage from pressure Consideration for EMMWD tools for when injecting two-phase Contractor
spikes. fluids into drill string.
Positive pulse MWD has limitations with two-phase fluids
above 20-30% gas volume fraction in the standpipe.
Test integrity prior to drillout.
Drill string integrity Gas release at rig floor.
166 BOTH Test drill string integrity when breaking out last near-surface Sonatrach Well Control
failure Potential pipe light.
NRV.
Drill string ejected from well. Pipe light calculations to be updated based on current well
Damage to equipment and/or injury/death of parameters.
167 BOTH Pipe light Sonatrach Well Program
personnel. Pipe light calculations need to be done befofe tripping out of
Pipe buckling. the hole.
Determine decision points for when various equipment is
High flow rate from
168 UBD Increased RCD wear, pipework erosion. required, including push-pull equipment, and rig assisted Sonatrach Well Program
well
snubbing units.
Operate RCD within supplier's specifications.
Immediate release of gas/wellbore fluids to the Inspect RCD element before tripping.
Tripping
RCD failure - stripping

169 BOTH rig floor. Consider replacing RCD element when bit is back at the RCD Supplier RCD
through RCD
Risk of ignition, injury or death. shoe.
Flow well to reduce the flowing well head pressure.
Operate RCD within supplier's specifications.
Equalizing procedure
Immediate release of gas/wellbore fluids to the Follow procedure recommended by RCD supplier when
not implemented for
170 BOTH rig floor. equalizing pressure. RCD Supplier RCD
changing RCD
Risk of ignition, injury or death. Review BOP diagram during prespud.
elements
Vent bleedoff to a safe area.
Operate/install snubbing adaptor as per supplier's
Immediate release of gas/wellbore fluids to the
RCD failure - with specifications.
171 BOTH rig floor. RCD Supplier RCD
snubbing adaptor Inspect/pressure test integrity of snubbing adaptor pressure
Risk of ignition, injury or death.
seal on RCD before commencing snubbing operations.
RCD seal integrity is Release of gas/wellbore fluids to the rig floor.
172 BOTH Wear device should "leak" rather than fail catastrophically. RCD Supplier RCD
unknown Risk of ignition, injury or death.

UBD / MPD
Test NRVs before initial installation.

Possible gas/reservoir fluid communication to Replace BHA NRVs after every trip.
surface. Include contingency to set a plug or another retrievable NRV
Sonatrach /
173 BOTH BHA NRV failure May require well kill to trip safely. as deep as possible. NRV
NRV Provider
Unable to trip with remedying the situation (well Install screens above NRV to catch debris from the drill
kill, set a plug or retrieve/replace NRV). string.
Run a minimum of two NRVs in the BHA.
Release of injection gas at rig floor.
NRV Bleed-off tool in UBD/MPD operations.
174 BOTH Possible injury/death to personnel if bleed-off NRV Supplier NRV
fails Review supplier's SOPs and implement their use in
tool fails mechanically or hose comes lose.
Reservoir pressure is Pipe light calculations and associated equipment
Deeper pipe light point.
175 BOTH higher than requirements to be updated based on current well Sonatrach Well Control
Increased RCD wear/failure potential.
anticipated parameters.
Snubbing unit to be equipped with fail safe slip design to
prevent pipe light condition.
Snubbing
176 UBD Snubbing unit failure Lost time and cost. Pre-job inspection minimizes the potential for equipment Well Program
Contractor
downtime.
Unsupported pipe length buckling calculations shall be made.
Consider the use of variable pipe rams as backup to the
Tripping
Potential gas release to surface. annular.

177 BOTH Annular BOP failure Rig Contractor Well Control
Potential loss of well control equipment. Cannot change RCD element until Annular BOP (and a
second barrier) are both operational.
Washout in primary UBD/MPD
Higher surface pressure if well has to be shut Procedure in place (and rehearsed) to divert to secondary Choke/Flowlin
178 BOTH flowline (while Service
in. flow line to fix leak. e
Stripping) Provider
Buckling, yield, or Damage to equipment. Calculate buckling strength. Snubbing
179 BOTH Well Program
collapse of drill string Injury to personnel. Confirm calculations with maximum operating WHP. Contractor
Use maximum diameter for pipe light calculations.
Operate pipe heavy and pipe light slips.
Varying outer Increased cross sectional area increases Snubbing
180 BOTH Avoid running jars and bumper subs. Well Program
diameters in BHA snubbing force and associated risks. Contractor
If stripping through RCD ensure all BHA components are
strippable.
Failure to properly
Very unlikely scenario.
torque pipe Pipe connection may come apart. Snubbing
181 BOTH Follow SOPs for making up and breaking out connections Well Program
connections while Potential loss of BHA/wellbore. Contractor
while tripping.
tripping
Well is to be considered live despite low inflow rate.
Low gas flow rate RCD to remain engaged at all times - well is never to be open
Low pressure at surface reduces risk to
182 UBD from reservoir (<0.25 to atmosphere. Sonatrach Well Program
personnel and the environment.
MMscfd) Monitor wellhead flowing pressure for changes throughout
operation.

UBD / MPD
Methanol and injection pump available on site.

Possibility for hydrates. UBD/MPD
Flowing temperature Calculations should be done in the well planning stage to Choke/Flowlin
183 BOTH Potential equipment damage, injury/death to Service
changes define the temperature/pressure window under which e
personnel if hydrate breaks loose. Provider
hydrates may develop.
Formation damage if the well has to be killed for
Inadequate space to UBD program is to include the snubbing procedures and
trips. Snubbing
184 UBD rig up snubbing equipment to be used. Well Program
Possible injuries to personnel if trying to rig up Contractor
equipment Snubbing contractor should be involved in pre-spud.
equipment in extremely tight space.
Failure in
communications Possible damage to equipment.
Procedures to be reviewed in a safety meeting prior to Lease
185 UBD during Injury to personnel. Sonatrach
commencing stripping/snubbing operations. Management
stripping/snubbing Gas/well bore fluids release to surface.
operations
Driller has poor
Rig up in best location possible.
visibility of work floor Potential damage to equipment. Snubbing
186 UBD Conduct JSA and hazard assessment prior to commencing Well Program
due to snubbing unit Hazard to personnel. Contractor
operations.
or push pull unit
Complex BHAs,
BHA tools/drawings are required in the planning stages.
Tripping
tubular dimensions Snubbing

187 UBD Gas release at rig floor. Only strippable components, or components that can be Well Program
and inability to stage Contractor
staged in the hole easily should be installed.
tools
Uncertainty with regards to whether near Bleed off string, inflow test and continue tripping if BHA NRV
Near Surface NRV
188 UBD surface, or BHA NRVs are leaking may take integrity exists. Sonatrach NRV
failure
some time. Only BHA NRVs are a major concern when tripping.
Not able to remove drill string components. Adding spacer spool between RCD and annular preventer.
Increase drill string integrity risk with Adding a pony sub under the rig.
Lubricator spacing for
connections below lowermost NRV. Sumping casing bowl.
staging in/out odd
189 UBD Bit must be pulled closer to the diverter element Using smaller BOP diameter. Rig Contractor Well Control
sized drill/work string
prior to closing the blind ram during tripping. Using double gate rams.
components
Cannot install packers and/or completion Connection of lowermost BOP to tubing head spool (no
assemblies in well. DSA).
Inflow test all connections below the lowermost NRV prior to
removal from the well using annular preventor and RCD.
Conduct motor pump test prior to pulling motor through RCD.
Loss of drill string
Loss of well control. Maximize lubricator space to minimize the number of
190 UBD integrity below the Rig Contractor Well Control
Fire/explosion. connections below the lowermost NRV that have to be
lowermost NRV
removed from the well prior to closing the blind ram.
Consider adding an NRV below the motor and/or as close to
the bit as possible.
Operate/install snubbing adaptor as per supplier's
Immediate release of gas/wellbore fluids to the
specifications.
191 Wireline BOTH RCD adaptor fails rig floor. RCD Supplier RCD
Inspect/pressure test integrity of snubbing adaptor pressure
Risk of ignition, injury or death.
seal on RCD before commencing snubbing operations.

UBD / MPD
Wireline lubricator Gas/wellbore fluids release at surface. Low probability of occurrence. Wireline
192 UBD Wireline Tools
leaks/fails. Potential harm to personnel. Pressure test with water or nitrogen before equalizing. Contractor
Grease injector head Wireline
193 UBD Gas release at surface. Run wireline BOPs. Wireline Tools
fails Contractor
Fishing operation may require the well to be killed.
Logging tools get Loss of weight of tools may cause the wireline to be expelled Wireline
Wireline
194 UBD Lost time and cost. Fishing

stuck in the hole out of the hole (even with a grease injector rigged up). Contractor
Consider LWD as an alternative.
No pressure gauge on Potential damage to equipment, harm to Wireline
195 UBD Manual gauge must be installed on the lubricator. Wireline Tools
lubricator personnel. Contractor
Standard cased-hole/open-hole equipment is not set up for
Unable to run in hole Delays (time and cost). Wireline
196 UBD operating at high surface pressures. Well Program
due to pressure Gas leaks through pack-off. Contractor
Run grease injector.
Improper RCD Confirm requirements for adaptor in pre-spud or when calling
197 BOTH Wait on equipment (time and cost). RCD Supplier RCD
adapter on location out the wireline unit.
Pipe light condition
Damage to equipment. Same controls as stripping/snubbing DP out of the hole are
198 BOTH occurs while running Sonatrach Well Program
Injury to personnel. required.
tubing
Stabbing valve with crossover to tubing connection must be
Suspend Well for Rig Out or Completion
Plug in tubing or made up and ready for use on the rig floor.
199 BOTH Immediate gas flow to surface. Sonatrach Well Program
tubing end plug fails Consider having profile sub with nipple as part of tubular
string.
Potential for bridge
Pressure at surface while rigging out BOP can
200 UBD plug to leak after A double barrier is required when rigging out the BOP stack. Sonatrach Well Program
have catastrophic HSE results.
pressure testing
Maintain the ability to flow the well to the separation package
Dognut leaks when
Gas flow at surface without well control. until the well head is secured.
201 UBD BOPs are being Sonatrach Well Program
Possible loss of well, injury/death to personnel. Check for leaks continuously while unbolting BOPs.
rigged out
Keep nuts on well head studs while first raising BOPs.
Tubing or wireline set
202 UBD bridge plug fails to Unable to nipple up well head. Retrieve plug and set a new plug. Sonatrach Well Program
pressure test
High surface pressure could cause a pipe light
Pressure testing a
condition. Pipe light calculations must be made prior to pressure testing
203 UBD plug with pipe in the Sonatrach Well Program
Potential damage to equipment, injury to if pipe is in the hole while testing.
hole
personnel.
Tight hole or stuck Ensure good hole cleaning on last trip out of the hole with
Time and cost.
204 BOTH pipe when running DP/bit. Sonatrach Well Program
Potentially have to kill the well.
tubing Conduct scraper run prior to running production packers.

UBD / MPD
Run wear bushing while drilling to minimize potential of

Suspend Well for
Unable to land damaging the wellhead.

Time and cost.
Completion
205 UBD dognut/tubing in Note that the wear bushing may also create a problem in that Sonatrach Well Program
Rig Out or
Potentially have to kill the well.

wellhead it may be difficult to remove.
Written procedure recommended for landing the dognut.
Liquid remains in the
hole prior to well Conduct adequate blow-down of well (dry gas scenario) in
206 UBD Formation damage may result (cost). Sonatrach Well Program
suspension / liquid sensitive formations.
completion
Wellhead fails or is Well suspension plan to be in place and approved by
Potential hydrocarbon release at surface.
207 BOTH damaged during rig operator. Sonatrach Well Program
Harm to personnel.
out Rig out plan to be reviewed on site.
Sonatrach Company man to coordinate hoisting activities with
picker operator, and supervisors.
Harm to personnel. Lease
208 BOTH Lifting hazards Pre-fab BOP components can be difficult to install in low Picker Operator
Lost time and cost. Management
clearance areas.
Ensure hand signals are in place for important
communications.
Harm to personnel due to erroneous
Loss of radio Establish radio protocol in safety meeting. Lease
209 BOTH communications. Sonatrach
communication Supply sufficient head sets for men working in high-noise Management
Lost time and cost.
environments.
Establish battery changing schedule.
Concurrent rig up of
Onsite supervisors to formulate rig up plan.
Rig Out
rig and UBD/MPD Harm to personnel.

210 BOTH Sonatrach Company man to coordinate overall strategy. Sonatrach Training
package causes Lost time and cost.
confusion
Crew shortage and/or Harm to personnel. Identify tasks in tool box safety meetings.
211 BOTH All Training
inexperience Lost time and cost. Ensure all workers understand their right to refuse unsafe
work, or request training/guidance for tasks that they are not
yet competent in.
Conduct review of lighting requirements with service
Increased potential for HSE incidents such as companies at pre-spud. Lease
212 BOTH Inadequate lighting Sonatrach
slips, trips or falls. Consider constructing a lighting diagram. Management
Rent light towers as required.
Consider extensive use of rig matting.
Poor ground Ice, mud, uneven terrain can increase potential Lease
213 BOTH Sawdust, etc. to be available to improve footing on snow/ice Sonatrach
conditions for slips, trips and falls. Management
in winter operations.

UBD / MPD
Harm to personnel. Lease

214 BOTH Poor weather Supervisors have obligation to stop unsafe work/activities. Sonatrach
Lost time and cost. Management
Rig Out
Purge lines with inert gas or water prior to rigging out.

Potential explosive gas release while rigging
Check LEL prior to using hammer on hammer unions - use UBD/MPD
Improperly purged out.
215 BOTH brass hammer. Service Separation
equipment Vessel entry for clean up is not possible with
Use separator that can be cleaned without entering. Provider
explosive gas in vessel.
Ensure flare is distinguished.

UBD-MPD Well Control Risk Assessment

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WELL CONTROL RISK ASSESSMENT

WELL CONTROL RISK ASSESSMENT

Prepared By: S. Abassi Approval: Authorization: Version No: 1.0

Date: 22-June, 2016 SH B&C WCS Team North Pole Page 1 of 27

1. Risk Assessment UBD / MPD ........................................................................................................................ 3

Prepared By: S. Abassi Approval: Authorization: Version No: 1.0

Date: 22-June, 2016 SH B&C WCS Team North Pole Page 2 of 27