Mds Odtawc Slidebook - 2015

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL
Slide Book Table of Contents

Abnormal Pressure
Causes .......................................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 1
Geopressure Detection Methods .................................................................................. Day 6, Page 4
Transition Zone Indicators ........................................................................................... Day 6, Page 4
Back-Offs
Back-Off Mechanical .............................................................................................. Day 4, Page 37
Back-Off String Shot .............................................................................................. Day 4, Page 37
Bits
Classification of Bits (IADC Bit Chart)..................................................................... Day 8, Page 25
Design & Hydraulics.................................................................................................. Day 8, Page 24
Diamond Bit Practices ............................................................................................... Day 8, Page 30
Grading ..................................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 32
Operating Practices .................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 28
PDC Operating Practices ........................................................................................... Day 8, Page 30
Roller Cone Practices................................................................................................. Day 8, Page 30
Selection.................................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 26
Types .......................................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 25
Blind Drilling .......................................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 13
BOP Equipment
Annulars ..................................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 28
Bore Shear Bonnets ................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 27
Connections ............................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 30
Diverters..................................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 29
Inside Blowout Preventer (IBOP) .............................................................................. Day 7, Page 29
Flanges and Gaskets................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 30
Kelly Valve ................................................................................................................ Day 7, Page 29
Mud Gas Separator .................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 29
Multiple Position Locking (MPL) System ................................................................. Day 7, Page 28
Rams (Pipe Rams and Blind Rams) ........................................................................... Day 7, Page 27
Poslock and Ultralock ................................................................................................ Day 7, Page 28
Top Drives ................................................................................................................. Day 7, Page 29
Wedgelock ................................................................................................................. Day 7, Page 27
BOP Equipment, Considerations
Pressure ...................................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 30
Size............................................................................................................................. Day 7, Page 31
Arrangement .............................................................................................................. Day 7, Page 31
Trim (H2S) ................................................................................................................. Day 7, Page 32
Testing Requirements ................................................................................................ Day 7, Page 32
Accumulator (Usable Fluid, Average Pre-Charge) .................................................... Day 7, Page 32
BOP Equipment, Considerations (Subsea)
Equipment .................................................................................................................. Day 7, Page 36
Control Systems ......................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 40
Flushing Stack After Kill ........................................................................................... Day 7, Page 41
Subsea versus Surface BOP Stack ............................................................................. Day 7, Page 38
Accumulator (Usable Fluid) ...................................................................................... Day 7, Page 43
Gas Hydrates .............................................................................................................. Day 7, Page 43
Bridges, How To Clean Out.................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 31
Cardinal Rule of Drilling ........................................................................................................ Day 1, Page 18

Casing and Cementing
Casing Point Selection ............................................................................................... Day 6, Page 22
Casing Seat Selection ................................................................................................. Day 6, Page 22
Pumping Surface Pipe Off Bottom ............................................................................ Day 6, Page 21
Underbalanced Cementing ......................................................................................... Day 6, Page 38
Casing and Cementing Pre-Plan Check List
After Casing Point Is Reached ................................................................................... Day 6, Page 24
Before Casing Point Is Reached ................................................................................ Day 6, Page 24
Cementing Operation ................................................................................................. Day 6, Page 37
Class Workshop ......................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 25
On Bottom Before Cementing ................................................................................... Day 6, Page 36
Running Casing.......................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 33
Choke Line Friction
Measuring Choke Line Friction ................................................................................. Day 2, Page 35
Removing Choke Line Friction ................................................................................. Day 2, Page 37
Significance of Choke Line Friction .......................................................................... Day 2, Page 39
Communication
Assisting Field Men From The Office ....................................................................... Day 1, Page 11
Communicating Problems To The Office .................................................................. Day 1, Page 11
Good Communication .................................................................................................. Day 1, Page 4
Deviation Problems, Causes ................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 31
Drill Stem Tests
Checklist ...................................................................................................................... Day 9, Page 2
Considerations ............................................................................................................. Day 9, Page 2
Responsibilities ............................................................................................................ Day 9, Page 2
Length of Water ......................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 34
Drill String Design
Airweight Calculations .............................................................................................. Day 1, Page 23
Bending Strength Ratio .............................................................................................. Day 1, Page 27
Benefits of Tapered String ......................................................................................... Day 1, page 22
Bottom Hole Assemblies ........................................................................................... Day 1, Page 18
Collapse Correction ................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 33
DC Torque ................................................................................................................. Day 1, Page 28
Drill Pipe Description and Design ............................................................................. Day 1, page 29
Horizontal Holes ........................................................................................................ Day 1, Page 18
Jars ............................................................................................................................. Day 1, Page 25
Margin of Overpull Check ......................................................................................... Day 1, Page 32
Rotary Steerable Systems .......................................................................................... Day 1, Page 21
Stabilization Principle ................................................................................................ Day 1, Page 19
Stiffness Ratio ............................................................................................................ Day 1, Page 27
Tapered DC Length.................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 24
Vertical Holes ............................................................................................................ Day 1, Page 18
Drilling Problem Diagnosis .................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 11
ii

Drillout Considerations
Casing Integrity............................................................................................................ Day 2, Page 2
Cement Bond Logs ...................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 1
Choke Line Friction ..................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 3
Compressibility Volume .............................................................................................. Day 2, Page 3
Floats ............................................................................................................................ Day 2, Page 4
Leak Off Tests and Formation Capability Tests .......................................................... Day 2, Page 5
Pre-Drillout Meeting .................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 1
Pressure Testing of Casing and Liners......................................................................... Day 2, Page 2
Tail-End Cement and Shoe Cement ............................................................................. Day 2, Page 4
Training on Hydraulic Choke ...................................................................................... Day 2, Page 4
ECD Drilling
Application and Analysis ........................................................................................... Day 8, Page 12
Benefits ...................................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 19
Calculations ............................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 11
Definition of ECD Drilling ........................................................................................ Day 8, Page 10
Horizontal Wells ........................................................................................................ Day 8, Page 16
ECD Rules of Thumb................................................................................................. Day 8, Page 12
Fishing General Plan ............................................................................................................ Day 4, Page 39
H2S Considerations ................................................................................................................. Day 5, Page 27
Handling Primary Problems ...................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 9
Hole Trends............................................................................................................................. Day 1, Page 12
Drag Trends ............................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 13
Lost Circulation Trends ............................................................................................. Day 1, Page 15
Mud and Pit Trends.................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 17
Pressure Stroke Trends .............................................................................................. Day 1, Page 12
Rate of Penetration Trends......................................................................................... Day 1, Page 14
Surface Volume and Loss Trends .............................................................................. Day 1, Page 16
Torque Trends ............................................................................................................ Day 1, Page 13
Trip Trends ................................................................................................................ Day 1, Page 15
Well Control Trends .................................................................................................. Day 1, Page 15
Hydraulic Field Method .......................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 42
Hydraulic Fracturing ............................................................................................................... Day 9, Page 45
Hydraulics
Class Example to Introduce Hands Method ........................................................... Day 3, Page 32
Cuttings Transport ..................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 30
ECD ........................................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 31
Flow Regime (Laminar Flow, Turbulent Flow)......................................................... Day 3, Page 29
Hydraulic Horsepower ............................................................................................... Day 3, Page 29
Jet Impact Force ......................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 28
Pump Pressure............................................................................................................ Day 3, Page 27
Soft Rock versus Hard Rock ...................................................................................... Day 3, Page 31
Kick Recognition .................................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 18
Kick-Off Plugs
Calculations ............................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 40
Considerations ........................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 38
Kill Sheet
Kill Sheet for Deviated Well ..................................................................................... Day 2, Page 41
Kill Sheet for Subsea Simulator Problem #2 ............................................................. Day 2, Page 35
Kill Sheet for Surface Simulator Problem #2 ............................................................ Day 2, Page 22
iii

Limitations to Control Capability
Drillers Method ........................................................................................................ Day 2, Page 17
Gas Percolation (Simple Volumetric and Lubrication).............................................. Day 2, Page 13
Kick Size ...................................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 8
Method of Closing In ................................................................................................. Day 2, Page 12
Method of Reaching ICP ........................................................................................... Day 2, Page 17
Stroke Fluctuation ...................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 17
Logging
Applications for Drilling ............................................................................................ Day 7, Page 12
Basic Induction Log ................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 22
Caliper Log ................................................................................................................ Day 7, Page 14
Gamma Ray Log ........................................................................................................ Day 7, Page 13
Neutron and Density Log ........................................................................................... Day 7, Page 17
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Log ................................................................ Day 7, Page 22
Perforating ................................................................................................................. Day 7, Page 24
Resistivity Log ........................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 15
Sonic Log ................................................................................................................... Day 7, Page 21
Spontaneous Potential (SP) Log ................................................................................ Day 7, Page 12
Lost Circulation, Elevations
Artesian Flows ........................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 25
Riser Elevations with Shallow Casing ....................................................................... Day 4, Page 25
Subnormal Zones Considerations .............................................................................. Day 4, Page 24
Lost Circulation, Shallow Kicks
Diverting versus Well Control ................................................................................... Day 4, Page 28
Operating Practices to Minimize Volume .................................................................. Day 4, Page 27
Lost Circulation, Solids and Cuttings
Mud Calculator .......................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 19
Things to Prevent Lost Circulation ............................................................................ Day 4, Page 20
Top Hole Hydrostatic Losses ..................................................................................... Day 4, Page 21
Lost Circulation, Vugular Limestone
Blind Drilling ............................................................................................................. Day 4, Page 14
Cement Plugs ............................................................................................................. Day 4, Page 17
Gravel......................................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 19
Gunk Plugs ................................................................................................................. Day 4, Page 18
Introduction ................................................................................................................ Day 4, Page 11
LCM Pills ................................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 15
Mud Cap Drilling ....................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 15
Lost Circulation, Propagation Losses
Seepage versus Propagation Losses ............................................................................. Day 8, Page 1
Fracture Closure Stress ................................................................................................ Day 8, Page 1
Rock Integrity .............................................................................................................. Day 8, Page 2
Causes of Propagation Losses ...................................................................................... Day 8, Page 2
Choosing Treatment ..................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 3
Non-Aqueous Fluids (NAF) ........................................................................................ Day 8, Page 6
iv

Lost Circulation in Gas Cap
Analysis of Lost Circulation Problems ...................................................................... Day 9, Page 21
Basic Equipment Required ........................................................................................ Day 9, Page 10
Bradenhead Squeeze .................................................................................................. Day 9, Page 27
Cement Plug ............................................................................................................... Day 9, Page 24
Drillers First Actions ................................................................................................ Day 9, Page 22
How Problem Develops ............................................................................................... Day 9, Page 5
Operational Plan to Solve Loss Problem ................................................................... Day 9, Page 23
Squeezing a Hole in Casing ....................................................................................... Day 9, Page 36
Squeezing with a Retainer ......................................................................................... Day 9, Page 32
Lubrication Technique .............................................................................................................. Day 5, Page 1
Managed Pressure Drilling ....................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 5
Mash Rock Technique ............................................................................................................ Day 6, Page 10
Mud, General Topics ................................................................................................................ Day 3, Page 1
Mud, Good Practices
Drilling Mud Additives ................................................................................................ Day 7, Page 6
General Mud Types (Water Based versus Oil Based) ................................................. Day 7, Page 2
Types of Drilling Fluids ............................................................................................... Day 7, Page 1
Mud Properties
Funnel Viscosity .......................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 3
Apparent Viscosity ...................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 3
Fluid Loss .................................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 7
Gel Strengths................................................................................................................ Day 3, Page 7
Mud Weight ................................................................................................................. Day 3, Page 1
Plastic Viscosity ........................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 4
Solids Analysis ............................................................................................................ Day 3, Page 8
Yield Point .................................................................................................................... Day 3 Page 4
Mud Solids
Centrifuges ................................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 5
Class Workshop ........................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 8
Desanders and Desilters ............................................................................................... Day 4, Page 4
Dilution of Solids ......................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 7
Flow Line ..................................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 1
Hydrocyclones ............................................................................................................. Day 4, Page 3
Mud Cleaners ............................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 4
Shakers System ............................................................................................................ Day 4, Page 2
Mud Volume Building
Oil Based Muds ......................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 15
Water Based Muds ..................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 10
Operator/Contractor Meeting .................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 8
Optimization ........................................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 21
Pre-Spud Meeting ..................................................................................................................... Day 1, Page 7
Saltwater Flows....................................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 20
Shales, Causes of Instability..................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 8

Shales, Diagnostic Trends of
Bentonitic Shales ......................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 9
Caving Shales ............................................................................................................ Day 6, Page 20
Fractured Shales ......................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 12
Gumbo Shales ............................................................................................................ Day 6, Page 10
Heaving Shales .......................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 19
Plastic Flow and Squeezing Marl .............................................................................. Day 6, Page 13
Sloughing Shales........................................................................................................ Day 6, Page 17
Shales, Solutions to
Caving Shales ............................................................................................................ Day 6, Page 20
Fractured Shales ......................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 12
Heaving Shales .......................................................................................................... Day 6, Page 19
MBT and Mud Making Shales ................................................................................... Day 6, Page 11
Plastic Flow and Squeezing Marl .............................................................................. Day 6, Page 15
Sloughing Shales........................................................................................................ Day 6, Page 17
Shallow Gas and Kicks
Diverting .................................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 19
Minimizing Problems................................................................................................. Day 3, Page 18
Special Subsea Shallow Gas Problems ...................................................................... Day 3, Page 19
Simulator Instructions ............................................................................................................. Day 1, Page 35
Snubbing ................................................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 6
Squeeze Jobs
Squeeze Considerations ............................................................................................. Day 9, Page 43
Liner Considerations .................................................................................................. Day 9, Page 43
Lost Circulation Squeeze ............................................................................................. Day 8, Page 8
Planning a Squeeze Job .............................................................................................. Day 9, Page 47
Production Squeezing Through Perforation ............................................................... Day 9, Page 48
Graphical Approach to Squeezing ............................................................................. Day 9, Page 49
Stripping Considerations
BOPE Considerations .................................................................................................. Day 5, Page 4
People........................................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 4
Stripping Schedule ....................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 5
Stuck Pipe
Causes of Differentially Stuck Pipe ........................................................................... Day 4, Page 33
Formation Related...................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 33
Mechanically Related................................................................................................. Day 4, Page 34
Prevention and Freeing Techniques ........................................................................... Day 8, Page 33
U-Tubing Technique .................................................................................................. Day 8, Page 34
Unweighted Oil Spotting ........................................................................................... Day 8, Page 35
vi

Stuck Pipe Class Workshop
Air Weight ................................................................................................................. Day 4, Page 35
Back-off, Problems with ............................................................................................ Day 4, Page 40
Back-off Techniques .................................................................................................. Day 4, Page 39
Back-off Weight ........................................................................................................ Day 4, Page 38
Estimated Stuck Point (ESP) ..................................................................................... Day 4, Page 36
Fishing Plan ............................................................................................................... Day 4, Page 40
Mechanical Back-off .................................................................................................. Day 4, Page 38
Mud Out of Hole ........................................................................................................ Day 4, Page 36
Prima Cord Requirements .......................................................................................... Day 4, Page 40
Weight Indicator Weight............................................................................................ Day 4, Page 35
Things That Do Not Enhance Making Hole ............................................................................. Day 1, Page 2
Top Hole
Hole Cleaning (General Guidelines) .......................................................................... Day 3, Page 23
Pre-Spud Check ......................................................................................................... Day 3, Page 21
Tripping, Major Problems Associate with
Drill String Failure ..................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 10
Kicks Off Bottom......................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 7
Lost Circulation ........................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 7
Shale Stability .............................................................................................................. Day 5, Page 8
Stuck Pipe .................................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 7
Tripping Considerations
Hole Considerations ................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 12
Mechanical Considerations ........................................................................................ Day 5, Page 11
Mud Considerations ................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 14
Slug Plan .................................................................................................................... Day 5, Page 19
Slugging Considerations ............................................................................................ Day 5, Page 16
Trip Schedule and Monitoring ................................................................................... Day 5, Page 21
Underground Blowouts
Causes & Prevention .................................................................................................. Day 8, Page 20
Killing UGBO ............................................................................................................ Day 8, Page 20
Well Control, Diagnosing Problems ....................................................................................... Day 3, Page 43
Well Control, Methods of
Drillers Method ........................................................................................................ Day 2, Page 21
Modified Wait and Weight Method ........................................................................... Day 2, Page 28
Wait and Weight Method ........................................................................................... Day 2, Page 21
Volumetric Method .................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 21
Well Control, Principles of
Case Study of Shoe Pressure...................................................................................... Day 2, Page 30
Principles ..................................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 7
Ratio Technique ......................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 33
U-Tube Principle.......................................................................................................... Day 2, Page 7
Well Control versus Diverting ................................................................................... Day 4, Page 27
vii

COMPLETIONS AND WORKOVER
Definitions of Completion and Workover Operations ............................................... Day 9, Page 51
Barefoot Completion.................................................................................................. Day 9, Page 51
Cased Completion ...................................................................................................... Day 9, Page 52
Open Hole Completion with Tubing.......................................................................... Day 9, Page 52
Single Zone Completion ............................................................................................ Day 9, Page 52
Dual Zone Completion ............................................................................................... Day 9, Page 52
Well Control Principles.............................................................................................. Day 9, Page 53
Well Re-Entry ............................................................................................................ Day 9, Page 54
Bullheading ................................................................................................................ Day 9, Page 54
Reverse Circulating.................................................................................................... Day 9, Page 55
Lubrication ................................................................................................................. Day 9, Page 55
Completion Fluids...................................................................................................... Day 9, Page 57
Hydrates Formation ................................................................................................... Day 9, Page 60
Equipment (Surface and Subsurface) ......................................................................... Day 9, Page 61
WELLCAP REVIEWS
Subsea Review ........................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 51
Surface Review .......................................................................................................... Day 8, Page 44
Workover and Completions Review .......................................................................... Day 9, Page 63
VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
BOP Equipment ................................................................................... Day 7 (behind lecture slides)
H2S ....................................................................................................... Day 5 (behind lecture slides)
Overview of Land & Subsea Drilling Operations ................................ Day 6 (behind lecture slides)
DISCLAIMER
Murchison Drilling Schools (MDS) has a strong reputation around the world for teaching sound drilling
operations and well control practices. MDS employs experienced engineers with extensive operational
backgrounds. MDS teaches recognized best practices in the industry from authorities and regulatory
agencies around the world. MDS materials have been submitted to and approved by the International
Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) and the International Well Control Forum (IWCF).
Additionally, MDS maintains copies of current publications of Standard Practices and Recommended
Practices from the SPE. MDS regularly updates its materials using all of these best practices.
These training materials may provide guidance supplemental to the requirements of local legislation.
Nothing herein, is intended to replace, amend, supersede or otherwise depart from such requirements. In
the event of any conflict or contradiction between the provisions of these materials and local legislation,
applicable laws shall prevail.
In many cases, an operational procedure or best practice in one area may not be the best or preferred
practice in another location. MDS may offer multiple solutions to some problems, and recommends that
the operators and contractors use the best practice for that area. The use of any particular solution offered
may or may not work. It is the responsibility of the drilling supervisors from the operator and contractor
to determine what course of action should be taken. MDS assumes no liability or responsibility for the
risk for the use or misuse of any drilling practice taught in these materials. Consequently, the recipient of
these training materials is fully liable for the use of any information contained in these courses. The
acceptance of these materials constitutes agreement to the terms of this disclaimer.
viii
Murchison Drilling Schools, Inc.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Operational Drilling Technology

& Advanced Well Control Course
There are two sets of

restrooms available
for students.
There is a kitchen with
coffee, soft drinks and
snacks available
during break times.
Welcome
to
Murchison
Drilling Schools
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MDS Facilities
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MDS Facilities
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Objectives
1. How to supervise a drilling operation.
2. How to preplan field operations.
3. How to analyze and solve drilling
problems.
4. How to prevent unscheduled events.
5. How to communicate on the rig.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Purpose:
To better equip the field man with
background information on Drilling
Operations Technology so that he can
comfortably put a pencil to an operation
prior to performing the job, and be a
better supervisor.
Methods

Why Grade Dull Bits?
1. Cut Costs and Optimize.

Lecture
2. Improve Bit Selection
3. Improve Running
Conditions on Future
Homework
Bits.
4. Information for
Simulator practice
Engineering and
Management
Workshops
Tests
Class Discussion and feedback
ODT &AWC Day 1
Course Materials
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Murchison Drilling Manual

Well Control For The Man On
The Rig
MDS Workbook
Well Control
BOPE
BSEE Rules
Formulas
Homework
The course is taught in the same sequence that a

well would be drilled.
Top Hole is covered during the 1st week. Casing
is set on the 6th day.
Abnormal Pressure and Gas Cap are taught
during the 2nd week.
Therefore, many topics are covered more than
once.
Lost circulation is taught in Top Hole.
Lost circulation is taught in Abnormal Pressure.
Lost circulation is taught in Gas Cap.
PowerPoint Slide Book
Day One
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Introduction
Things That Do Not Enhance Making Hole
Initial (Entrance) Test
Pre-Spud Meeting, Contractor/Operator Meeting
Problem Solving Model
Trends
Drill String Design
Simulator Instructions
Simulator Problem #1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Logic of Course
Material Sequence
Day One Homework
Communication
Drill String Design
Operational Well
Control & Simulator
(Bonus Due Day
Eight)
IWCF Equipment 1
(Bonus Due Day
Eight)
Drilling Problem Diagnosis
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Use the Problem Solving

Model to properly solve
problems.
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Unscheduled Events/Lost Time Operations Cause:

Delays in Drilling.
Extra expenses. Expenses can run $500,000.00
per day or higher. This gets expensive.
1. Identify and define the

problem.
2. Select the root cause.
3. Select the best solution.
4. Implement the solution.
5. Document lessons
learned.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Tight hole
Unstable Shales
Mud (Rheology, water
loss, inhibition)
Hole Cleaning
Deviation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Surface hole
(shallow gas)
Different
geographical regions
in the world
Production leaks
Poor cement jobs
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Example: Driller to Toolpusher

and Company man.
Look, Joe, Im seeing
problems with this
equipment
They need to co-ordinate
repairs.
3. Mechanical Problems
Be alert to symptoms of mechanical problems and
preventive maintenance.
Communicate. Good communication prevents problems
from developing.
Use computerized maintenance programs
Good communication is the key to safe drilling
operations.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Casing Point Selection
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
5. Lost Circulation - #1 Problem in the World.

Primary Problem
Even with a geologist on sight, the

most important person is the driller.
If you lose circulation at 2:30 in the
morning is the geologist going to
come help you squeeze off the lost
zone?
Lost Circulation
Secondary Problems
Stuck Pipe
Kicks/Blowouts
Loss of Hole
Lost Circulation
Stuck Pipe
Well Control
Lost Circulation is the #1 cause

of blowouts
Hole Cleaning & Stability

People & Supervision
Mud & Hydraulics
Tripping & Shale
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. Stuck Pipe or delays
8. Mud
Get in and get out to avoid hole

stability problems.
Mud Solids are the #1 problem.
9. Hydraulics
7. Bit selection /dull bits, etc.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lack of considerations for:

Down hole tools
Rig capability
Formation Drillability
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Optimization Priorities
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pre-Spud Meeting
The key to successful

drilling operations is
good communication
Mud
Hydraulics
Bit Selection
Weight and RPM
See Drilling Manual, Introduction Chapter
See Drilling Manual, Optimization Chapter.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Things That Do Not

Enhance Making Hole
Good Communication
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good communication is necessary for success in

every realm of life:
Success in relationships
Success in marriage
Success in business
Success in drilling operations
Good Communication
Good communication gives the following benefits:

Promotes cooperation and teamwork
Brings unity to drilling operations
Prevents misunderstandings
Prevents accidents
Reduces lost time operations
Lowers overall cost of drilling operations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Good Communication
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good communication does not just happen; it

requires:
Common language
Time
Effort by everyone involved
Creativity
Understanding of various forms of
communication (Written, verbal, etc.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Verbal Communication:
Is more personal than written communication.
Offers other ways of communicating: tones,
inflections, rate, volume, facial expressions,
body language, etc. (Experts say 90% of
communication is non-verbal.)
Can be easily disputed or denied. If it involves
contracts or decisions, formal meeting notes
should be written and sent out to all parties.
Good Communication
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Telephone/Radio Communication:
Is a form of verbal communication.
Immediate responses and decisions can be
reached.
Can be easily disputed or denied. If it involves
contracts or decisions, formal meeting notes
should be written and sent out to all parties.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Communication
Good Communication
Written Communication:
Can be formal or informal.
Should be used for all decisions and contracts
as they cannot be easily disputed or denied.
Provide excellent historical documents.
Can be easily copied and distributed.
Can be very exact and precise.
Is better for data and details.
Good Communication
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E-mail Communication:
Is a form of written communications.
Fast responses and decisions can be reached.
(E-mails should be answered within two
business days or sooner.)
Cannot be easily disputed or denied.
Provide excellent historical documents.
Many parties can be kept informed (cc, bcc).
Good Communication
Responsiveness In Communication:
Good communication requires a response by
the receiver to acknowledge and verify what
has been transmitted.
Responses need to be timely. A delayed
response is almost as bad as no response.
No response is bad communication.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Good Communication
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lack of Responsiveness (In Conversation):

The person is not listening to me.
This person is not interested in what I am saying.
This person does not agree with what I am saying.
This person does not want to talk with me.
This person is mad at me and is giving me the silent
treatment.
This person is in a hurry and doesnt want to talk right
now.
This person does not know what to say.
This person has poor communication skills.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lack of Responsiveness (In E-mail):

The person did not receive my email.
The person is very busy and I am not a very high priority.
The person does not agree with what I have said and does
not want to discuss it.
The person does not know how to respond and what to
say.
The person is mad at me and giving me the silent
treatment.
The person doesnt want to communicate via email.
The person is a poor communicator.
Good Communication
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Communication
Team Meetings are an excellent way to discuss and

communicate with everyone involved. The following are
just some of the benefits derived from team meetings:
Awareness of overall goals and objectives of the
particular operation.
Awareness of specific individual and group
responsibilities in the operation.
Awareness of potential risks, hazards, and things to be
watchful about; and how to mitigate them.
Opportunity for questions and dialogue to give
clarification to things that are not clear.
Difference Between Written and

Verbal Communication
Written communication is far
better!
The muscle of your arm will
not allow your brain and tongue
to play tricks on you.
See Drilling Manual, Introduction, page 12.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Communication
Good Communication
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Types of Team Meetings

Engineer Planning Meetings (one-on-one, 30+)
Operator/Contractor Meeting
Pre-Spud Town Meeting
Pre-Spud Rig Site Meeting
Tourly Meeting
Pre-Cementing Meeting
Safety Meetings
Special Meetings (H2S, Fishing, etc.)
Good Communication
Conducting Meetings
1. Set an objective for the meeting.
2. Plan a meeting agenda.
3. Make sure the right people are in
attendance.
4. Encourage feedback and ideas from
attendees.
5. Keep meeting moving and on track.
6. Summarize and come to closure on
all points discussed.
7. Keep written meeting notes.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Good Communication
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What is a Plan
Must describe in detail the objective of the plan
Must be in writing
Must detail all steps and material required
Must give purpose of each step
Must be understandable by all who must use it
Pre-Spud Meeting
Open doors of communication

Reduce unscheduled events (LC, SP, etc.)
Review well plan
Review geological considerations
Co-ordinate responsibilities between contractors
& service companies
If is does not meet these criteria it is NOT A

PLAN it is still and IDEA!
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pre-Spud Meeting
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. You need to have an agenda.

You must make it happen.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pre-Spud Meeting
2. Make sure the right people

are there.
Superintendents
operator and contractor
They make the final
decisions.
Toolpushers and drillers
Foremen
Pre-Spud Meeting
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pre-Spud Meeting
3. Have a program in hand before

meeting.
Review for accuracy.
Make corrections as necessary.
Put in participants hands
before meeting day.
2. Make sure the right people

are there.
Superintendents
Toolpushers and drillers
Foremen
Engineers-the ones that
planned the well
Geologist - He should bring
cross sections.
OIM (Offshore Installation Manager)
Service Companies-Directional, MWD, Cement, Mud
4. Review agenda and invite

participation for well thought-out
suggestions.
Establish A Time Line.
ODT &AWC Day 1
Pre-Spud Meeting
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
5. The chairman should recap any good ideas.

6. Come to closure on good ideas from the meeting.
7. Discuss logistics and responsibilities of
Contractor/Operator.
8. Discuss rig limits
(hydraulics).
9. Spend time on problem areas,
how to prevent them and how
to handle them if they happen.
10. Safety
11. Environmental issues
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Rig Selection
A. Good Solid People (Low Turnover)
Without good people you will have brush fire
operations.
Need good training program
B. Drill String
Get independent inspection and pay for it.
Make sure you have the right equipment for
each section of hole you will drill in.
Drill String has great influence on hydraulics
See Page 3, Introduction Chapter of Drilling Manual.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Rig Selection
2. Good communication.
This should be a
private meeting.
3. Review of
responsibilities.
A. Good Solid People (No Turnover)

B. Drill String Design
C. Hydraulics
Rates #2 in optimization (right behind mud)
D. Good Solids Control Equipment
Mud rates #1 in optimization
Adequate mud circulating systems
Right Solids Control equipment
4. Review of BSEE
regulations.
5. The IADC Report
See Page 3, Introduction Chapter of Drilling Manual.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The IADC Report

It is the legal
document.
If you disagree with
it, write what you
saw on the side of it.
Initial it and sign the
report.
* Note: For full list, refer to Drilling Manual, starting on page 3.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. Blowout Prevention
Drills (Reaction and Trip
Drills).
7. Land Owner Covenants

8. BOP Closing In Policy (Operator v. Contractor
policies)
Decide whose policy you are going to follow.
If contractor policy is reasonable, go with it.
You cannot cookbook drill.
Reaction Drill is the best

one.
Driller reacts to pit changes.
Toolpusher simulates a pit
change.
If driller does not respond,
give a written warning.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Handling Primary Problems
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Identify and define

the problem.
2. Select the root cause.
3. Select the best
solution.
4. Implement the
solution.
5. Document lessons
learned.
Mishandling of
Primary Problems
will lead to
Associated Problems.
See Drilling Manual,

Introduction, page 9.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rule Of Thumb: If you have

one or more problems, handle
the bottom most problem first.
Primary Problems
Associated Problems
1. Improper first action
1. Allows other problems to

complicate primary
problem.
2. Complicates approach:
Which problem do I solve
first?
1. Complicates solution to
problem.
2. Improper approach
3. Mishandling lost
circulation causes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Primary Problems
4. Poor tripping practices
can lead to
1. Stuck pipe.
2. Well control kicks.
Primary Problems
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Associated Problems
5. Allowing mud viscosity 1. Causes lost circulation.

2. Causes swabbing & surge.
to increase
Associated Problems
1. Kicks off bottom related to
swabbing.
2. Lost circulation related to
surge.
3. Shale problems related to
surge and swabbing.
4. Stuck pipe.
5. Drill string problems
related to pipe handling.
6. Costs.
Primary Problems
Associated Problems
6. Drilling delays can

cause
1. Shale problems.
2. Stuck pipe.
3. Mud stability.
3. Interferes with solids

removal.
4. Costs.
4. Interferes with getting

proper slug to P.O.H. dry
pipe.
7. Well control kicks can

cause
1. Lost circulation.
2. Stuck pipe.
3. Blowouts.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Primary Problems
8. Rig mechanical
problems can cause
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Associated Problems
Primary Problems
10. Shale ballooning can
lead to
2. Well control problems.

3. Hole stability problems.
4. Costs.
9. Fishing for stuck pipe

(too long) can cause
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Well control problems.

Hole stability problems.
Approach problems.
Tripping problems.
Costs.
Primary Problems
12. Drill string washouts
lead to
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Twist off.
1. Casing run out of order.

13. Casing and cementing 2. Surge and lost circulation.
without close
3. Shale ballooning & stuck
supervision can
pipe.
lead to
4. Pressure and temperature
stability.
5. Spotting cement across
critical zones.
6. Cement weight wrong
leading to well control and
lost circulation problems.
2. Tripping complications
5. Hole stability problems.

6. Shale stability problems.
14. Communication
problems can cause
Primary Problems
4. Costs spoils optimization.
Primary Problems
1.
2.
3.
4.
Associated Problems
3. Well control problems
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Associated Problems
Shale stability problems.

Stuck pipe.
Lost ciculation.
Trip monitoring
complications.
5. Approach problems.
11. Oil muds when drilling 1. Large gas kicks.
2. Misleading trip trends.
gas formations can
3. Being trapped out of hole
lead to
with gas underneath blind
ram.
1. Stuck pipe.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Associated Problems
Primary Problems
1. Operational problems.
16. Micro-managing
drilling operations
from city can lead to
2. Drilling delays and

complcations.
3. People problems.
17. Improper diagnosing

of root causes of
primary problems
leads to
15. Poor rig selection can 1. Prevent implementing

drilling program.
2. Lead to brush fire
operations related to poor
supervision.
10
Associated Problems
Associated Problems
1. High costs.
2. Well problems.
3. Unmotivated rig
supervision.
1. Associated problems
developing.
2. Unsuccessful solution to
problem.
3. Cost.
4. Safety.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
When a drilling problem does develop, there are

many questions a drilling foreman should ask a
tool pusher and driller. The general questions are:
Detailed questions for

specific drilling problems:
These are questions to ask
(for a complete list see
Introduction chapter, p.12,
in your Drilling Manual)
A. What trend changes took place that led to

the problem?
B. What had been done since the problem
developed?
C. What is the present situation?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Communicating Problems
To The Office
A. Make sure first action prevents other associated

problems from developing.
B. Analyze trends and related facts leading up to
problem.
C. Develop general plan to solve problem (1st and
2nd recommendations).
D. Report problem & recommendations to solve
problem. Ask for permission to carry out plan.
When a drilling problem does develop, there are

many questions a drilling foreman should ask a
tool pusher and driller. The general questions are:
D. What recommendations can be made?
E. What materials/tools are needed in order
to help solve the problem?
F. Is the well secure (in case of well control
or lost circulation problem)?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Communicating Problems
To The Office
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Assisting Field Man From Office
A. What is the present situation on the well?

B. What led to the problem?
C. What plans have been made to solve the
problem?
D. What alternate solution is planned, just in case?
E. What materials are needed?
F. What service company help is needed?
G. Is any technical or operational back-up needed?
E. Develop detailed operational plan to solve

problem.
F. Monitor plan carefully and alter plan as
necessary, based on latest facts. Do not forget
that, if good operational practices are not
carried out, other associated problems can
easily develop.
11
ODT &AWC Day 1
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The driller communicates with the

hole through monitoring trends.
You will not see trends unless you
write the numbers down.
Establish base line for trends in clean
hole.
Watch the trends. When you see a
trend change, look at some of the
other trends. Put the trends together.
This will keep you out of trouble and
prevent unscheduled events.
Parker Tool Pusher

Trend Case History
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pressure and Strokes

This is the number one trend to
watch.
Once a driller records his strokes
for a given pressure, that hydraulic
relationship is set.
P2 P1 (
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Pressure Stroke Relationship

Any change in the pressure stroke
relationship indicates one or more
of the following:
Hole restriction
Hole loading up with cuttings
Kick taking place
Drill string washout
Loss circulation
SPM 2 2
)
SPM 1
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example: Pressure Stroke Relationship

Driller has:
3,000 lbs. of stand pipe pressure
100 strokes per minute (spm)
Hole Trends
P2 P1 (
Hole Trends
Example: Pressure Stroke Relationship

Could mean:
Drill String Washout
Kick
SPM 2 2
)
SPM 1
Driller needs to:

Check to see if the well is flowing.
Check to see if there are any valve changes on the pumps.
If the pressure is still 200 lbs. low, the driller should
POH to look for a potential washout in the drill string.
Driller observes:
200 lb. drop in pressure (to 2800)
Strokes stayed at 100 spm.
12
ODT &AWC Day 1
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
OVER PULL LIMIT
Drag Trend
Drag Trend
OVER PULL
Pick
up
The driller must establish his drag trend in

clean hole.
There is a static hook load weight and pick up.
There is a drag weight up and a drag weight
down or squat weight.
By looking at a combination of trends, a
potential problem can be more easily identified.
NORMAL PICK UP WEIGHT

FREE ROTATING WEIGHT
NORMAL SET DOWN WEIGHT
SET DOWN
Set
down
Hole Trends
SET DOWN LIMIT

EMPTY BLOCK WEIGHT
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Torque Trend
Torque Trend
This is a measurement of
rotational torque.
Torque affected by:
There will be an increase in

torque:
If there is a change in
drillability or lithology.
If the hole fills up with
cuttings.
If the formation squeezed
in the drill string that is
being rotated.
The drill string making contact

with the wall of the hole.
Whatever is in the hole.
By the bit penetrating the rock.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Torque Trend #1
Transition Zone
If this was caused by a
transition zone, you would see:
ROP increase.
Shale cuttings larger
Well control trend changes
Torque Trend #1
Hole Loading
If this was caused by the hole
loading up, you would see:
Pressure stroke change.
Drag down or squat down
increase.
Rate of penetration (ROP)
slow down.
13
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Torque Trend #1
Torque Trend #2
Broken Formation
This is a broken formation
torque trend.
The cause of it is soft and
hard streaks with different
formation compressibility.
Area knowledge will dictate
what driller does.
Bit Under-Gauge
If this was caused by a bit worn
under-gauge:
Would see a drag on pickup.
Look at lithology (example:
abrasive sand)
Look at time on bit
Torque increase is being caused by
stabilizers down in the under gauged
hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Torque Trend #2
Broken Formation
Smooth torque means there is
correct weight on the bit for
the RPMs and hydraulics.
High erratic torque means
there is the wrong weight on
the bit for the RPMs and
hydraulics that are being
drilled with.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Hole Trends
Torque Trend #3
Bit Locked Up
This was probably caused by
bearing failure, but there is a
possibility that Tuckers wrench
is in the hole.
POH if torque wont drop to
normal range.
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Rate of Penetration (ROP) Trend
Three rules relating to

ROP:
1. In non-permeable zones,
like shale, the rate of
penetration is directly
proportional to the
porosity of that rock.
Three rules relating to ROP:

2. In permeable zones,
whether you get an
increase in ROP depends
on mud.
3. Rate of penetration plot
will be very similar to the
neutron porosity plot if
they are on the same scale.
14
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Trip Trends
Related to trips, as the bit

wears, the ROP decreases
because of the wear on the
bit.
At some point, the ROP will
decrease to where it is
uneconomical to continue
drilling with that bit, and a
trip is necessary to change
the bit.
Pulling Out Of The Hole (POH)

1. Drag trendsat different places in the hole as
the BHA is pulled through the hole.
2. Total mud volume of the hole on the trip.
Compare the theoretical mud volume with the
actual mud volume.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Trip Trends
Trip Trends
Running In The Hole (RIH)

1. Drag Trend. Look for tight spots,
particularly where the kelly and/or
top drive must be used.
2. Mud Volume. How much mud does
the hole give back? If the right
amount of mud is not given back, the
hole may have been broken down
and may be taking fluids.
Running In The Hole (RIH)

3. Gas and/or Water Cut Mud.
Once on bottom and
circulating, look at the amount
of gas and/or water cut mud. It
could indicate the mud weight
and YP needs to be adjusted. It
could also indicate the driller
pulled the pipe too fast.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Well Control Trends

There are many trends that
indicate an increase in
formation pressure and that
the mud weight needs to be
increased before tripping.
If these well control trends
indicate, it would be a good
practice to make a short trip
and circulate bottoms up to
see if there is an abnormal
amount of cut mud.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Gas Cut Mud
Hole Trends
Lost Circulation Trends

When approaching a trip, one rule that must be
adhered to in order to stay out of trouble is:
There must always be enough mud available in
the mud tanks to take care of the loss trend and
the metal displacement.
Trends that indicate:

Cuttings
Size of cuttings
Shape of cuttings
Background gas
Chloride increase
D exponent
Shale density
15
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training

If there is enough mud to go to the shoe, but not
enough to pull all the way out of the hole:
The loss problem must be corrected or slowed
down so that enough mud is available to make
the whole trip.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

If the loss problem can not
be solved:
Move in extra mud
tanks so that there is
extra mud available at
the surface to take care
of the loss trend.
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Surface Volume and Loss Trends

It is responsibility of the
driller, tool pusher and
company man to have
enough mud.
Use the Rule of Thumb to
determine the right
amount of mud volume.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Hole Trends

Rule of Thumb
In normal drilling, carry 1
times more mud in the surface
tank than there is in the hole.
If losses are anticipated, carry
more mud volume.
If losses are not anticipated,
particularly with heavy mud,
the surface volume can be
reduced.
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Give consideration to the
loss trend and the metal
displacement required to
pull to the shoe.
Always pull to the shoe
before running out of
mud.
Hole Trends

There are many wells
where the tank is filled up
with cuttings and drill
solids. There is not as
much mud as it appears.
If the well requires 1,000
barrels of surface volume,
make sure that there really
is 1,000 barrels available.
This requires supervision.
16
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Hole Trends
Mud and Pit Trends

Keep mud pit charts:
MW
FV
Water required
Pit measurement
Other mud properties.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Trends
Mud Weight
Yield Point and
Gel Strength
Yield Point
uses: ECD,
MW, Swab,
Surge, Hole
Cleaning
True-Wate Balance
Regular Mud Balance
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Uses of Yield Point

Equivalent
Circulating Density
(ECD)
Mud Weight To
Trip
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Trends
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Yield Point (YP)

1. YP unit: lb/100 ft2
2. YP Test: Viscometer (300
reading PV)
Example:
600 = 80
300 = 50
PV
= 30 (600- 300)
YP
= 20 (300 PV)
3. YP Uses: ECD, MW, Swab,
Surge, Hole Cleaning
Hole Trends
Mud Trends
Mud Weight
Yield Point and
Gel Strength
Solids
Mud Chemistry
Gas Cut
YP 0.1
ECD MWH
D H D DP
YP
MWT MWB
11.7 D H D DP
Hole Trends
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Gas Cut Mud
Hole Trends
Mud Trends
Mud Trends
Depth 20,000 ft
MW cut from 18 ppg to 9.0 ppg
Depth 20,000 ft
MW cut from 18 ppg to 9.0 ppg
W W2
Ph
PPSI 1
33.81 Log
W2
14.7
W W2
Ph
PPSI 1
33.81 Log
W2
14.7
Where:
Ppsi
W1
W2
Ph
18 9
18, 720
PPSI
33.81 Log
9
14.7
=
=
=
=
Reduction in BHP, psi

Weight of uncut mud, ppg
Weight of cut mud, ppg
Hydrostatic of mud, psi
Ppsi = 105 psi
17
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Cardinal Rule In Drilling
Vertical Holes
Keep the problem below the bit. Never let

the problem get on top of you.
If the proper 1st action is not taken, then
a primary problem can have two or more
associated problems.
Pay attention to the trends and take
notice of these red flags.
1. Drill Strings in Tension

2. Not in Compression
3. Stay Below 5 Dogleg Severity
* In this course we will look at vertical
holes.
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Various Bottom Hole Assemblies with general responses under ideal conditions
(no hole curvature effects) (See Drilling Manual, DS Design, page 47.)
Assembly
Number
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Use low Weight on Bits

High RPM Mud Motors String in Compression
Typically 15 - 20 Dogleg Severity
Bending (W/DLS) considered
Fatigue (cyclical forces due to rotation)
considered.
6. Torsional limitations
Response
Build
10
90
(2)
Build
60
(3)
Build
60
(4)
Build
7-3
(5)
Build
7-5
(6)
Build
5-3
(7)
Build
4-2
(8)
Build
3-2
45
30
(10)
Hold
Bit
15
30
30
30
(11)
Hold
15
(12)
Hold
15
(13)
Hold
5-8
5-10
30
(14)
Hold
1-3
30
30
(15)
Drop
10
30
30
30
30
30
Drill String Design
30
Assembly
Number
Response
(16)
Drop
face to leading edge

of stabilizer)
Relative Response
Strength
5-10
45
(Smaller holes
can be better
than #15)
30
(17)
(18)
Drop & Build

Drop & Build
30
30
(Drop at higher inclines and

build and/or at lower inclines)
30
(19)
60-70
Drop or Build
(Drop or build dependent on collar OD)
60-70
30
45
15
30
(no hole curvature effects)
(Approx. 3-5 from bit
Near Bit
Stabilizer
10
Build or Drop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(no hole curvature effects)
Relative Response
Strength
Near Bit
Stabilizer
Bit
(Drops under certain circumstances)
Drill String Design
Response
Relative Response
Strength
(1)
(9)
Assembly
Number
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Horizontal Holes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
30
NOTE: Number 10 is the highest and 1 the lowest
18
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Full Gauge String Stabilizer
90 Foot Build
Drill Collar
60 Foot Build
Drill Collar
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill Collar
2.5 to 3 / 100 ft
1.5 to 2.5 / 100 ft
Usually the longest used
Drill Collar
MWD requires attention
Drill Collar
The build rate can be

dropped to .50 to
1/100 by exchanging
pony collar and
undergauge 1
string stabilizer.
Drill Collar
Drill Collar
Full Gauge Near Bit Stabilizer
Bit
Bit
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Full Gauge Stabilizer

Drill Collar
Drill Collar
The Stabilization Principle
Gradual Build
Three stabilizers in quick

succession behind the bit
separated by short stiff
drill collar sections, then
the three stabilizers will
resist going round a curve
and force the bit to drill
a reasonably straight path. The first of the three stabilizers
should be immediately behind the bit, i.e., a near-bit
stabilizer, and should be full gauge.
Less than 1 / 100 ft

Sometimes used as
Packed Assembly
Drill Collar
Under Gauge String Stabilizer
Drill Collar
Bit
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The Stabilization Principle
Assemblies which utilize this principle are

called packed hole assemblies and are used
to drill the tangent sections of directional
wells, maintaining angle and direction. High
rotary speeds (120 to 160+) will assist the
tendency to drill straight.
Drill Collar
Drill Collar
Under Gauge String Stabilizer
Short Drill Collar
Bit
19
Standard Packed
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
DROP ASSEMBLY
DROP ASSEMBLY

Drill Collar
Drill Collar
Drill Collar
Drill Collar
Less than 1/100*
2/100* Collar
Drill Collar
* At 45 inclination
Short Drill Collar (10 to 15)
Substitute near bit and 30 ft collar

to bring down rate of drop
Bit
Bit
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Gradual Angle Drop Assembly
Drill Collar
Holes larger than 9

1. Run stabilizer at top of third DC.
2. Make sure the bottom three DC are the largest
you can use.
This short pendulum hook-up would

give a more gradual drop rate, say
1/100 depending on inclination, etc.
Drill Collar

Drill Collar
Holes 9 or smaller
1. Run stabilizer at the top of second DC.
2. Make sure the two bottom collars are the
largest you can use.

Short Drill Collar (10 to 15)
Non-magnetic
components and
survey tools
should be
positioned
according to
local
requirements
Bit
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Notes on Drop Assembly
* At 45 inclination
Substitute near bit and
30 ft collar to bring
down rate of drop
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Effective angle of dip in a deviated hole

30
35
35
Hole inclination = 30
= 35
Effective angle of dip
Real dip angle
Effective dip angle = 35-30 = 5
= real dip angle (35)
There will be a down-dip deviation force.
There will be a up-dip deviation force.
In a directional well, the effective angle of dip is the angle at which

the bit strikes the bedding plane.

20
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example of a typical Bottom

Hole Assembly for Directional
Control with steering tools.

45
45
Real dip angle = 45
Effective dip angle = 0
There will be no deviation force.

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole
6
8
12
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, page 1.
Drill String Design
1. Improved ROP.
2. Improved capability of positioning wells more precisely in
the reservoir.
3. Less casing wear in complex multilateral wells.
4. Increased reach in horizontal wells.
5. Allows economic access to trapped reserves.
6. Reduces operational risk in slim-hole drilling.
Typical BHA Assemblies

Bit, ATK, MM, MWD, XO, HW, Jar, 11 4 HW, DP
Bit, Dir. Assembly, SS, P.Pulse, SS, DC, HW, Jar, 18
5 HW, DP
Bit, MM, FJT, SS, 8 NMDC, SS, 8 MWD, 8 DC, XO,
6 8 DC, Jar, 2 8 DC, XO, 18 5 HW, DP
16
Bit, NBRR, S.Sub, 9 DC, STR RR, 2 9 DC, XO,

8 8 DC, Jar, 2 8 DC, XO, 12 5 HW, DP
22
Bit, NBRR, S.Sub, 9 DC, STR RR, 2 9 DC, XO,

9 8 DC, Jar, 2 8 DC, XO, 12 5 HW, DP
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Benefits of Rotary Steerable

Systems (RSS)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Benefits of Rotary Steerable

Systems (RSS)
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
7. Reduces the risk of drillpipe fatigue.

8. Helps in shallow directional wells where there may not
be enough W.O.B. to overcome drag on a non-rotating
drillstring.
9. Helps in formations at risk of lost circulation and
differential sticking.
10. Helps on wells that are to be drilled to the longest
possible horizontal section.
11. Gives better directional control in washed-out holes.
12. Minimizes problems related to slide drilling.
Hole Direction
(High Side) Build and
Maximum Build 0
Build and
Right Turn
Left Turn
Maximum
Left Turn
90 Left
Drop and
Left Turn
90 Right
180
Maximum
Right Turn
Drop and
Right Turn
Maximum Drop
Rule of thumb for orientation of tool face at lower inclinations (less than 30)
21
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Maximum Build 0
Build and turn left
Drop and
turn left
CHECK LIST
Build and turn right
Hold inclination
and turn left
Hold inclination
and turn right
90
90
Drop and
turn right
Hole Direction
(High Side)
Connections
DC:
7 Reg
5 FH
4 FH
NC 50
(6) 9 3
(6) 7 213/16
(24) 6 2
HW: (6) 5 3
BHA Summary
DP: 5, 19.5, Grade E
Premium
5, 19.5 Grade S
Premium
Totals
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8. DP Description
2. Air Weight Calculations
9. DP Design Formula
3. Tapered DC Length
10. DP Design
4. Non-Tapered DC
Calculations
11. MOP Check
5. Stiffness Ratio
13. Workshop Explanation
12. Collapse Correction
7. DC Torque
Drill String Design
Drill String Description
1. Benefits of Tapered String
6. Bending Strength Ratios
Rule of thumb for tool face orientation of a motor and bent sub
assembly at high inclinations (over 30) in soft to medium formations.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Example Problem
TD
= 12,000
Mud Weight
= 11 ppg
Hole Size
= 12
Bit Weight
= 50,000 lbs.
SF
= 15%
Margin of Overpull = 120,000
NC 50 (XH)
NC 50 (XH)
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training

A. Better bearing life.
Example comparing the bit bearing life of a
non stabilized versus a well stabilized and
tapered drill string.
B. Less differential sticking
C. More effective bit weight
D. Less doglegs (and keyseats)
E. Keeps stiffness ratio less than 3.
F. More effective hole diameter to run casing in.
Drill String Design
Effective Hole Diameter

Minimum Permissible Bottom Hole Drill
Collar OD
= (2 (Casing Coupling OD) - Bit OD)
i.e. Dh = 12; 9 Casing (10 Casing
Coupling)
Solid Line: path traveled by
= (2 (10.625) - 12.25)
bottom of bit.
Dashed line: Path traveled by
= 9 inch OD
top of bit.
X = Bit diameter
XRED: Effective hole diameter
(reduced)
22
XRED
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Airweight Calculations: To find the drill collar air weight

required to give the WOB desired, use the following three
formulas.
W.O.B.SF
Dcair: Drill Collar Airweight
DCair =
BF
WOB: Weight on Bit
CHECK LIST
BF:
Buoyancy Factor
(factor to convert pipe
air weight to pipe
weight in mud.)
SF:
Safety Factor
BF =
Drilling and Well

Control Training
For Tapered DCs Airweight
% SF
SF = 1+
100
Drill String Design
BF =
(6 5 .4 4 - M W )p p g
6 5 .4 4 p p g
% SF
SF = 1+
100
BF =
(65.44 - 11)
65.44
SF = 1.15
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, pages 3-5, 59.
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
DCair
50,000 1.15
0.8319
Drill String Design
CHECK LIST
W.O.B. SF
=
BF
DCair =
15
SF = 1+
100
Safety Factor: This factor calculates the neutral point.

Above this point the pipe is in tension. Below this
point the pipe is in compression.
BF = 0.8319
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(6 5 .4 4 - M W )p p g
6 5 .4 4 p p g
MW: Mud Weight
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design

= 69,118 lb.
23
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Find the length of section 3 (top drill collars).

L dc(S3)
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Find the length of section 3 (top drill collars).
DCair - [(L DCS1 DC WT ) (L dcS2 DC WT )]

DC Wt S3
* Note: In tapered DC strings, the bottom

sections (S1 and sometimes S2) are
generally chosen (not calculated) and the
top section calculated. Two sizes of drill
collars are used in most tapered B.H.A.
Ldc(S3) =
DCair - [(LdcS1 DC WT ) + (LdcS2 DC WT )]

DC Wt S3
Ldc(S3) =
69,118 - [(180' 192) + (180' 139)]

79
Ldc(S3) = 121 ft
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, page 59, Step 2.
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Rounding (S3) to Full Lengths = 150 ft
Summarizing Bottom Hole Assembly
1. Rounding (S3) to Even Lengths = 150 ft
Section 1: 180 ft 192 lb/ft = 34,560 lb

Section 2: 180 ft 139 lb/ft = 25,020 lb
Section 3: 150 ft 79 lb/ft
= 11,850 lb
Heavy Wt: 180 Ft 49.3 lb/ft =
8,874 lb
Air Weight BHA 80,304 lb

Buoy. Weight BHA = 80,304 0.8319 = 66,805 lb
Crossovers should never be less than three feet
and preferably over five feet.
Note: Round up to maintain the safety factor.
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design

Summary Table
Recalculate the safety factor after rounding off the DC lengths.
DCair BF
SFc =
1 100
(W.O.B.)
Description
71,430 .8319
SFc =
1 100
50,000
Grade E DP
BHA (DC + HW)
Length
Airweight
Buoy
Weight
Accum.
Weight
690
80,304
66,805
66,805
Grade S DP
SFC = 18.85%
Summary
Note: Lengths on the rig are usually shown in joints of DC, HW and DP.
24
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Addendum: To find the length of non-tapered

drill collars, use the following formula.
CHECK LIST
Ldc

Where: DCWT = Weight DC in, lb/ft
Drill String Design

W.O.B.
MW
BF
DC
SF
Lmdc
W.O.B. SF
WBHA
or Ldc
BF DCWT
BF DCWT
This formula is an effective tension approach

rather than a force area approach, which
minimizes the length of collars.
4. Non-Tapered DC Calculations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
= 45,000
= 18.0 ppg
= 0.725
= 6 213/16 91 lb/Ft
= 15%
= 300 feet
Drill String Design
For Non - Tapered DC's

W.O.B. SF
WBHA
Ldc
or Ldc
BF DC WT
BF DC WT
Ldc
45, 000 lb 1.15

0.725 91
Ldc = 784 ft (rounded to 810 ft)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Placing Jars In Tension
Addendum: For Non-Tapered DCs Replaced Partly

with Hevi-Wate
L HW =
(Ldc - L mdc )DC WT

HWWT
L HW
(784 - 300)91
50.38
Drill String Design
The zero stress point is the point in the

string where axial tensile and
compressive stresses cancel each other so
that the string is neither in tension nor
compression.
A minimum of 6,000 lbs jarring tension
is needed when running a shock sub and
10,000 lbs if no shock sub is run.
Running jars in tension automatically
places the zero stress point below the jars.
LHW = 874 ft (28 jts HW)

Where: Lmdc is the maximum drill collars desired to be used.
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, pages 68-76.
25
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Placing Jars In Straight Hole

(with shock sub near bit)
Placing Jars In Straight Hole

(with shock sub near bit)
This is the length of drill collars in

straight hole to place the jars in tension.
WBHA WOB JT
WBHA 45,000 6,000 51,000 lbs
WBHA WOB JT
L DC
WBHA
BF WDC
L DC
51,000
773 ft
0.725 91
Placing Jars In Deviated Hole

(without near bit shock sub)
Hole angle must be considered when

selecting proper jar placement. Jar
tension must also be selected to provide
adequate total weight below jars to
overcome hole drag when tripping the
string, reaming down, or picking up off
bottom to make a connection.
WOB JT
Cos Drift Angle
45,000 10,000
Cos 35
67,143 lbs
WBHA in Mud
WBHA in Mud
WBHA in Mud
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Drill String Design

BHA in Mud
BF
67,143
0.725
92,610 lbs
WBHA in Air
L Air
WBHA in Air
L Air
WBHA in Air
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Drilling and Well

Control Training
WBHA
BF WDC
Note: 2 DC & 6 -8 HW are required for correct jarring action.
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
L DC
L Air
BHA in Air
WDC in Air
92,610
91
1,018 ft
Note: Add ten joints of HW on top of DC to jar with.
26
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
CHECK LIST
Replacing Part of DC with HW

(maximum length of DC is 300 ft)
L HW L DC in Air L MDC
L HW
L HW
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
WDC
WHW

91
1,018 300
50.38
1, 297 ft (approx. 42 jts)
5. Stiffness Ratio
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BHA
93
7 213/16
6 2
Stiffness/bending Strength and Stiffness Ratio
POD 4 - PID 4
I/C Large Pipe
I/C 0.0982
* I/C Ratio
I/C Small Pipe
POD
LEN
180
180
300
I/C
71.00
44.80
20.57
I/C ratio = 71/44.8 = 1.58

I/C ratio = 44.8/20.57 = 2.18
I/C ratio = 20.57/10.7 = 1.92
Note: if I/C ratio is less than 3.5, the stiffness

change is considered okay.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design

I/C/Ft.
I/C/Ft = 0.39
I/C/Ft = 0.25
I/C/Ft = 0.069
OK < 3.5
OK < 3.5
OK < 3.5
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
CHECK LIST
Bending Strength Ratio (BSR)
Many drill collar connection failures are a result

of bending stresses rather than torsional stresses.
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, pages 82-88 to

determine the most suitable connection to be used
on new drill collars or for selecting the new
connection to be used on collars which have been
worn down on the outside diameter.

5. Stiffness Ratio
6. Bending Strength Ratio (BSR)
27
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
A connection that has a bending strength ratio of

2.50:1 is generally accepted as an average
balanced connection.
As the outside diameter of the box will wear

more rapidly than the pin inside diameter, the
resulting bending strength ratio will be reduced
accordingly.
However, the acceptable range may vary from

3.20:1 to 1.90:1 depending upon the drilling
conditions.
When the bending strength ratio falls below

2.00:1, connection troubles may begin.
These troubles may consist of swollen boxes,
split boxes at the last engaged thread.
Bending
Strength
Drilling and Well
Control Training
Ratio (BSR)
Bending
Strength
Drilling and Well
Control Training
Ratio (BSR)
A BSR less than

2.5 is considered
box weak.
To have a BSR of
greater than 2.5,
a 7 H-90
connection could
be used.
See Drilling Manual, DS

Design, page 81.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
See Drilling Manual, DS

Design, page 81.
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
CHECK LIST
Drill String Design
The Rule of Thumb for estimating DC Torque is:
DCT 107 (DCOD)3

Note: Use API approved dope on the drill collar

connections or the API Tables will be invalid.
5. Stiffness Ratio
6. BSR
7. DC Torque
28
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
60
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Make-Up Torque
(Drill Collars)
NOTE: Normal Torque range is tabulated

value plus 10%.
Drill String Design

CHECK LIST
Tong Arm 4 Ft
DC = 9 3 (7 API Reg.)
Torque 84,442 ft-lb (See tables, pages 89-96.)
Line Pull = (84,442 ft-lb) (4 ft sin 90)
Line Pull = 21,110 lb
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
Benefits of Tapered String

Air Weight Calculations
Tapered DC Length
Non-Tapered DC
Calculations
5. Stiffness Ratio
6. BSR
7. DC Torque
90
21,110 lb
= 23,220 lb
Drill Pipe Description
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What Does All This Mean?

Drill Pipe:
5, 19.5, Grade E, XH, NC50, Premium
19.5
Tube Nominal
OD
Weight
8. DP Description

Grade E
XH
NC50
Premium
Min. Yield Tooljoint Connection

(Ym)
Description
(thread)
Classification
(wear)
Size
Grade
Tooljoint OD/ID
Nom. Weight
Adj. Weight
5
5
5
5
E
X
G
S
6 3
6 3
6 3
6 2
19.5
19.5
19.5
19.5
20.89
21.44
21.92
22.60
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Grade E
Tool Joint
E
X
G
S
OD/ID
63
63
63
62
Adj. Weight
20.89
21.44
21.92
22.60
Ym = 75,000 5.2746
= 395,595 (New)
Ym = 75,000 5.2746 0.7875 = 311,535 (Premium)
Ym = 75,000 5.2746 0.6836 = 270,432 (Class 2)
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, pages 34, 141
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, pages 34, 135.
29
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Extra hole (XH) is the same as IEU (Internally and Externally Upset)
5,
19.5,

Grade E, XH,
NC 50
IF (Internally Flush) it is the same as EU (Externally Upset)
4,
16.60,
EU,
NC50,
5,
19.5,
IEU, NC50,
Numbered Connection
(Pin End)
IF
XH
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling Manual, Drill String Design Chapter
What Does All This Mean?

Drill Pipe:
5, 19.5, Grade E, XH, NC50, Premium
Drilling and Well

Control Training
DC Bending Strength Ratio

DC Ideal Range
DC Weight
DP Dimensional Data
DP Plain End Weight
DP Adjusted Weight
DP Average & Minimum Yield
Tool Joint Dimensional Data
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Tapered DC Length
Non-Tapered DC
Calculations
5. Stiffness Ratio
6. BSR
7. DC Torque
pages 81-88
page 80
page 78
page 125
page 123
page 141
page 6
page 117
Drill String Design

Based on Overpull
CHECK LIST
1.
2.
3.
4.
Drill String Design
Known
8. DP Description
9. DP Design Formula
10. DP Design
YM 0.9
MOP
WTA
120,000
Calculated
Len DPOP
Unknown
30
SF = 0.9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
For Drillpipe Length based on overpull

L dpop
Tension Loading (SF = 0.9)

It is important to note that the tension strength
values shown in the tables are theoretical values
based on minimum areas, wall thickness and yield
strengths. The yield strength as defined in API
specifications is not the specific point at which
permanent deformation of the material begins, but
the stress at which a certain total deformation has
occurred.
(Ym 0.9) - (M.O.P.) - (WTA )

(DPAW )(BF)
BF:
Buoyancy Factor
MOP: Margin of overpull, lb.
Ldpop: Length of drillpipe that can be used based on a margin of
overpull, ft.
Ym: Working strength based on minimum yield, lb.
WTA: The buoyancy weight of all pipe hanging below the pipe
being designed, lb.
DPAW: The approximate weight, adjusted for upsets, lb/ft.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
This deformation includes all of the elastic deformation as

well as some plastic (permanent) deformation. If the pipe
is loaded to the extent shown in the tables it is likely that
some permanent stretch will occur and difficulty may be
experienced in keeping the pipe straight.
To prevent this condition a
design factor of (SF = 0.9)
approximately 90% of the
tabulated tension value from
the table is sometimes used.
L dpop
(Ym 0.9) - (M.O.P.) - (WTA )

(DP AW )(BF)
L dpop
(311, 535 0.9) - (120, 000) - (66, 805)

(20.89)(0.832)
Ldpop = 5,383 ft (Grade E)

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Minimum Ratio Sh/St To Prevent Slip Crushing
Drill String Design
Drilling
Well
Slip and
Coefficient
Control Training
Length
For drill pipe length based on slip crushing
L dpsc
Of
Inches Friction
12
(Ym 0.9)
- (WTA )
S h /S T constant
[
]
(DPAW )(BF)
16
Note: Choose the smallest length between overpull

(Step 9) and slip crushing (Step 10) for design.
On deep wells, you must consider hoop stress (Slip
Crushing).
31
Transverse
Load
Pipe Size- Inches

2
Minimum Ratio ShSt
Factor
.06
4.36
1.27
1.34
1.43 1.50 1.58
.08
.10
.12
.14
4.00
3.68
3.42
3.18
1.25
1.22
1.21
1.19
1.31
1.28
1.26
1.24
1.39
1.35
1.32
1.30
.06
4.36
1.20
1.24
1.30 1.36 1.41
.08
.10
.12
.14
4.00
3.68
3.42
3.18
1.18
1.16
1.15
1.14
1.22
1.20
1.18
1.17
1.28
1.25
1.23
1.21
1.45
1.41
1.38
1.34
1.32
1.29
1.27
1.25
1.52
1.47
1.43
1.40
1.37
1.34
1.31
1.28
1.66 1.73
1.59
1.54
1.49
1.45
1.66
1.60
1.55
1.50
1.47 1.52
1.42
1.38
1.35
1.32
1.47
1.43
1.39
1.36
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design

Summary Table
(Ym 0.9)
- (WTA )
Sh /ST constant
=[
]
(DPAW )(BF)
Ldpsc
L dpsc
ODT &AWC Day 1
Description
BHA (DC + HW)
311,535 0.9
-66805
1.42
=
20.89 0.8319
Grade E DP
Length
Airweight
Buoy
Weight
Accum.
Weight
690
80,304
66,805
66,805
5,383
112,451
93,547
160,352
Grade S DP
Summary
Ldpsc = 7519 ft Grade E based on slip crushing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
L dpop
L dpop
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Summary Table
(Ym 0.9) - (M.O.P.) - (WTA )

(DP AW )(BF)
Drill String Design
8.
9.
10.
11.
Buoy
Weight
Accum.
Weight
690
80,304
66,805
66,805
Grade E DP
5,383
112,451
93,547
160,352
Grade S DP
*5,927
133,950
111,433
271,785
Summary
12,000
271,785
271,785
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
For calculating Margin of Overpull (M.O.P.)
CHECK LIST
Tapered DC Length
Non-Tapered DC
Calculations
5. Stiffness Ratio
6. BSR
7. DC Torque
Airweight
BHA (DC + HW)
Ldpop = 11,930 ft Grade S drillpipe
1.
2.
3.
4.
Length
Description
(560, 764 0.9 - 120, 000 - 160, 364)
22.60 0.832
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
DP Description
DP Design Formula
DP Design
MOP Check
M.O.P. = (YM 0.9 WTB)

WTB: Total buoyancy weight hanging below top
joint of drill pipe being calculated for
M.O.P., lb.
32
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
CHECK LIST
M.O.P. = (YM 0.9 WTB)

1.
2.
3.
4.

Tapered DC Length
Non-Tapered DC
Calculations
5. Stiffness Ratio
6. BSR
7. DC Torque
M.O.P. = (311,535 0.9 160,364)

M.O.P. = 120,000 *
* NOTE: Calculated at top of Grade E. At the surface
the number will be greater than 120,000 lbs because only
a part of Grade S was used.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
12. Collapse Correction
Drill String Design
tensile strength
A second reason is to alert the rig crew that they cannot

pull on the drill string unless it has been filled with mud,
because tension lowers collapse.
ya
ym
For Avg. and Min. Yield, see page 133.

For Tensile Strength, see pages 126-127.
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, page 9-10.
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
FD.O.I. 100
tensile strength
DP Description
DP Design Formula
DP Design
MOP Check
Collapse Correction
FD.O.I. 100
The effective collapse of the drill string must be higher

than the hydrostatic pressure behind the drill string.
% yield used
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
1. Calculate % of yield being applied.
The main purpose of correcting nominal collapse to an

effective collapse, corrected for tension, is to know if
the drill string will collapse during a drill string test (i.e.
a drill string full of gas).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill String Design
Drill String Design
2. Curve on page 10,

(Drilling Manual,
DS Design Chapter)
ya
ym
On curve: Enter at top

(hor. Axis) on % line
calculated in step.)
Read correction on
vert. Axis from point
of intersection.
50,000 100
% yield used
85,000
311,535
75,000
% yield used = 14.16%
33
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Correct nominal collapse.
Drill Stem Tests
Hydrostatic behind DS @ Depth of

Interest (8,000 ft) = 5,600 psi (13.5
ppg). How much water cushion is
required to give 1.5 safety factor at
D.O.I.? The effective collapse of DP
is 6,500 psi.
Corrected Collapse = Nom. Coll. % Corr. Factor

(Step 2)
Corrected Collapse = 7,040 0.92
Corrected Collapse = 6,500 psi
LH2O =
(HP Ce SF )
(0.052 MWW)
See Drilling Manual, DS Design, pages 6-10, 61.
Drill Stem Tests
Drilling and Well

Control Training
LH2O =
(HP Ce SF )
(0.052 MWW)
LH2O =
(5600 6500 1.5 )

(0.052 8.33)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
In previous illustration, if
differential pressure across the
packer is limited to 2,500 psi, how
much water cushion is required?
L H 2O
LH2O = 2,924 ft
Drill Stem Tests
Drilling and Well

Control Training
L H 2O
Drill Stem Tests
Drilling and Well

Control Training
HP - Pdiff
HP - Pdiff
0.052 MWW
Drill String Design

CHECK LIST
0.052 MWW
5600 - 2500
LH O
0.052 8.33
1.
2.
3.
4.

Tapered DC Length
Non-Tapered DC
Calculations
5. Stiffness Ratio
6. BSR
7. DC Torque
LH2O = 7,157 ft
34
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
DP Description
DP Design Formula
DP Design
MOP Check
Collapse Correction
Workshop Explanation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drill String Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I. Administrative Details
II. Possible problems while
circulating out a kick
Vertical Holes
1. Drill Strings in Tension
2. Not in Compression
3. Stay Below 5 Dogleg Severity
* In this course we will look at vertical
holes.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
A. Every student will be assigned to a Sub-Sea or a

Surface simulator group.
B. The Schedule will be posted so that students can see
which group they are in and which simulator they
will be training on for each training session.
C. Each student will train as a Company Man, Tool

Pusher and Driller.
D. Each student will rotate positions on a daily basis.
The Company Man will be the Driller on the 2nd
day. The Driller will be the Tool Pusher.
E. There is a checklist of the responsibilities for each
position. Review the checklist to become familiar
with the tasks required.
See Workbook, Well Control, pages 37-38.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Position Responsibilities
Driller is responsible for drillers

and BOP console (catching kick
and closing well in).
Tool Pusher is responsible for
supervision of the driller and for
operating the choke manifold.
He will operate hydraulic remote
choke according to the kill plan.
TP should review closing in
procedure with Driller (soft or
hard shut-in, annular or ram
preventer)
Determine if you are going to do a Soft or a Hard

Closure. (Subsea groups will do a hard closure.)
Hard Closure is when the well is shut in with the choke
lines closed. The benefit of using a hard closure is that a
smaller kick is taken. The #1 limitation to control
capability is size of kick.
Soft Closure is when the well is shut in with the
hydraulic choke line opened half way. The benefit of
using a soft closure is that it reduces the water hammer
effect on large and intense kicks.
35
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Company Man (CM) is responsible for supervising and

organizing the kill operation.
F. The last three simulator problems will count as the

operational simulator test grade.
The CM is responsible for the accuracy of the kill sheet.
Each person will be graded for the

responsibilities associated with the position they
are working each day.
The CM must turn in his kill sheet at the completion of

the simulator exercise, which will count as part of the
Simulator grade.
The kill sheet must be turned in by whoever is

working as the Company Man on each of the
final three simulator problems. You may turn
them in daily with the homework to be checked.
Kill sheets may be turned in daily with the homework to

be checked.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Todays Simulator Work Surface Problem #1

Horizontal Swabbed-In Kick
No Kill Sheet Necessary
Bring Simulator Problem #1 Data Sheet
Use Drillers Method
G. The following criteria will be evaluated:

Equipment Check
Drilling
Kick Detection &
Shut In
Reaching ICP
Reaching FCP
Choke Line Friction
Choke Operation
Technical Plan
Teamwork &
Communication
Organization
Supervision
Number of Kicks
Hold shut-in casing pressure constant while bringing

the pumps up to slow circulating rate (20 spm).
Hold Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP) constant until
influx has been circulated out.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
36
Murchison Drilling Schools, Inc
ODT &AWC Day 2
Day Two
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Review homework
Drillout Considerations Casing testing
Leak-Off and Formation Capability Tests
Limitations to Control Capability
Salt Water Flows
Kill Sheet-Rig Math for Well Control, Formulas &
units, Kill Sheet for Simulator Problem #2, Wait &
Weight Method
Other Well Control Considerations
Simulator ExercisesSimulator Problem #2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Day Two Homework
Kill Sheet Workshop

General Well Control
Kill Sheet for Simulator
Problem #3
Operational Well Control &
Simulator (Bonus Due Day
Eight)
IWCF Equipment 1 (Bonus
Due Day Eight)
Note: Surface Groups do the Surface Kill Sheet Workshop.
Subsea Groups do the Subsea Kill Sheet Workshop.
Drillout
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pre-Drillout Meeting
Best place is on the rig.
1. Review what you
want to accomplish.
2. Review what problems
you anticipate
(prevention).
3. Review how you are
going to handle them.
Cement Bond Log

Naft Safid #35
Salt saturated cement
used for abnormally
pressured evaporite
section
1200 psi backpressure
held on casing
After 48 hours
Drillout
Considerations
Drillout
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cement Bond Log

Cement job does not
look very good.
Notice the
amplitude is well to
the right.
After 48 hours
Six Days Later

Same well and same
Schlumberger
logging unit.
Cement job looks
very good.
Notice that the
amplitude is now to
the left.
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drillout
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pressure Testing of Casing, BSEE Rules, page 13, 250.423.
Six Days Later
The table in this section describes the minimum test pressures for
each string of casing. You may not resume drilling or other downhole operations until you obtain a satisfactory pressure test. If the
pressure declines more than 10 percent in a 30-minute test or if there
is another indication of a leak, you must re-cement, repair the casing,
or run additional casing to provide a proper seal. The District
Supervisor may approve or require other casing test pressures.
Different types of
cement require varying
amounts of time to
reach their
compressive strength.
Salt saturated cement
takes a long time to
reach its compressive
strength.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Casing Type
(a) Drive or Structural ....
Minimum Test Pressure

Not required
(b) Conductor ....
200 psi
(c) Surface, Intermediate, and

Production ....
70 percent of its minimum internal yield
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pressure Testing of liners, BSEE Rules, p. 14, 250.425
Pressure Testing of liners, BSEE Rules, p. 14, 250.425
(a) You must test each drilling liner (and liner-lap) to a

pressure at least equal to the anticipated pressure to
which the liner will be subjected during the formation
pressure-integrity test below that liner shoe, or
subsequent liner shoes if set. The District Supervisor
may approve or require other liner test pressures.
(b) You must test each production liner (and liner-lap) to a
minimum of 500 psi above the formation fracture
pressure at the casing shoe into which the liner is
lapped.
(c) You may not resume drilling or other down-hole

operations until you obtain a satisfactory pressure test.
If the pressure declines more than 10 percent in a 30minute test or if there is another indication of a leak, or
must re-cement, repair the liner, or run additional
casing/liner to provide a proper seal.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Resuming Drilling..., BSEE Rules, page 13, 250.422
1. Check for Casing Integrity.
(a) After cementing surface, intermediate, or production

casing (or liners), you may resume drilling after the
cement has been held under pressure for 12 hours. For
conductor casing, you may resume drilling after the
cement has been held under pressure for 8 hours. One
acceptable method of holding cement under pressure is
to use float valves to hold the cement in place.
PT 6870 0.7 4800 psi

PT
PT
Burst 0.70 MWDO MWBC TVD 0.052

6870 0.70 14.0 9.0 8000 0.052
PT 2700 psi
Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure

Chapter, page 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Subsea
When performing casing
or formation test using a
motion compensator, it is
necessary to:
Hang off on a ram
Hang off enough
weight to prevent
hydraulic forces from
pushing the drill string
up the hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Data:
Casing: 9, P-110,
47#, Burst 9440 psi,
70% - 6608 psi
DP: 5, 19.5, S
2. Check the Compressibility

Volume
Compressibility
Volume (estimated) (Cv)
Cv
F PA
F 6608 5 0.7854
2
(PAppliedSurface )(Vol Pressured up )
300,000
Note: Oil mud is about
Note: Cv = 8.0 barrels if 100% mud.
twice as compressible.
F 129, 748 lbs
Drilling Manual, Abnormal

Pressure Chapter, page 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If 80/20 oil mud, 8 1.80.

If 60/40 oil mud, 8 1.60.
If 40/60 oil mud, 8 1.40.
Compressibility Volume example

Applied P = 4800 psi
7920 0.0732
Vc 7200' 23.89 720' 91
2748
Vc = 493.4 bbls
Cv
4800 psi 493 bbl

= 7.9 bbls
300, 000
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Casing Integrity
2. Establish compressibility of mud during casing
pressure test (use curve for future leak-off test).
3. Check Choke line friction (subsea)

Check SRP/SPM through riser: ie,
(20 spm/700 psi/ with 13 ppg
mud)
Divert through SSCL: 20
spm/800/13/ppg.
CL Friction = 100 psi/20 spm/
with13 ppg. (Basis for all future
corrections.)
Corrected CL Friction
100
3. Check Choke line

friction (subsea)
4. Train personnel on use of
hydraulic choke (and
check out hydraulic
choke).
15
= 115 psi/20 spm with 15 ppg
13
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4.Train personnel on use of hydraulic choke

(and check out hydraulic choke).
5. Conduct float drill

(reading DP
pressure with float
in bit sub.) (See
page 67 in the Well
Control Manual for
more on floats.)
Float Drill Examples
Drilling and Well

Control Training
800 psi being

applied to Float
See Well Control Manual, pages 487-489.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
When drilling a hydrocarbon

zone, particularly a gas cap,
the possibility of
differentially sticking the
pipe is high.
Therefore, a profile above
the drill collar to land a
back pressure valve in is
recommended.
Start pump slowly until

a Flick is noted on
DP Gauge. (That will
happen @ 800 psi.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If you stick the collars, and have to

make a back off, you will lose the float
back pressure valve.
Therefore, for safety protection of
the inside of the drill string, you
need a profile in the drill pipe to
land a back pressure valve in.
6. Evaluate tail-end cement and shoe cement.

One of the most important things you do.
Drill the cement out and measure the ROP.
Keep weight and RPM at low numbers and
constant.
Use rig pump, not a service company pump.
Report how the cement was.
Warning:
When preparing to run a liner with your
drill string, remove the sub (profile)
from your drill string.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Size
Bit Weight
RPM
9,200 lbs
30
12,800 lbs
40
14,800 lbs
50
12
18,800 lbs
50
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Poor cement
2. Casing set off
bottom
3. Not bumping plugs
4. Not using both plugs
Leak Off Tests and

Formation Capability Tests
Drilling and Well

Control Training
L.O.T. and P.I.T.

Considerations
1. Open hole--20-30 feet.

2. Mud weight the same
all around (bal. mud)
3. Similar Mud Solids in
open hole.
4. Pumps--Pump at low
rates ( bpm )
5. Accurate Pressure
gauges
5. Plug problem: Over

displaced
6. Casing not
centralized
7. Poor drillout
practice
8. Poor thread locking
technique
Leak Off Tests and

Formation Capability Tests
(a) You must use the pressure integrity test and related
hole-behavior observations, such as pore-pressure test
results, gas-cut drilling fluid, and well kicks to adjust the
drilling fluid program and the setting depth of the next
casing string. You must record all test results and holebehavior observations made during the course of drilling
related to formation integrity and pore pressure in the
drillers report.
(b) While drilling, you must maintain the safe drilling
margin identified the approved APD. When you cannot
maintain this safe margin, you must suspend drilling
operations and remedy the situation.
Leak-Off and Formation Capability Tests

See BSEE Rules, 250.427, page 14.
You must conduct a pressure integrity test below the surface
casing liner and all intermediate casings or liners. The District
Supervisor may require you to run a pressure-integrity test at the
conductor casing shoe if warranted by local geologic conditions
or the planned casing setting depth. You must conduct each
pressure integrity test after drilling at least 10 feet but no more
than 50 feet of new hole below the casing shoe. You must test
to either the formation leak-off pressure or to an equivalent
drilling fluid weight if identified in an approve APD.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Causes of Poor Cement Jobs

Around Casing Shoes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
L.O.T. and P.I.T.

Considerations
10. Contingency Plan

a. if losses occur
b. if LOT is below what we require
6. Utilize off set data in

planning field rules.
7. Certain rocks (hard) Do
integrity test.
8. Utilize compressibility
curve from casing test.
9. Stop @ leak off and
measure bleed-back
fluid.
ODT &AWC Day 2
L.O.T. and P.I.T.

Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
L.O.T. and P.I.T.

Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
11. Considerations for using a squeeze packer to run the

LOT
Probability of a poor cement job
When abnormal pressures are involved
If test pressure will be higher than casing test pressure
On extremely long strings to add sensitivity to the test.
(On deep wells > 15,000)
Keep your rate low.

Immediately stop after
confirming that the leak
off point has been
reached.
Note: the IWCF
considers the point of
initial deviation to be the
Leak Off Value.
L.O.T. and P.I.T.

Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Test 2
Pressure Integrity Test (PIT):
PIT = (16-13)0.052 8000
Test 1
Leak Off Test (LOT):
LOT 13
L.O.T. and P.I.T.

Considerations
1539
0.052 8000
When Pressuring Up
Stop at leakoff
Or stop @ 1248 psi
PIT = 1248 psi
LOT = 16.6
When Pressuring Up
Stop @ leakoff
Measure bleed-back to confirm leakoff
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Note: Use a pressure

integrity test (PIT) for
formations like anhydrite.
L.O.T. and P.I.T.

Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
At the start of a completion job we often perform a clean-up acid

job. After pressure builds and breaks through the perforations, we
shut down and read the ISIP (initial shut-in pressure). The inflection
point, A, gives the
FCS (Fracture
Closure Stress)
which is essentially
the same as the
fracture pressure.
Point B, at the end
of the job, also gives
the FCS.
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal

Pressure Chapter, pages 4-6.
L.O.T. and P.I.T.

Considerations
Purpose of Leak-Off Tests

1. To determine the competence
of the formation below the
shoe and be able to calculate
kick tolerance.
2. To determine the competence
of the primary cement job
around and above the shoe.
3. To prevent associated problem
of lost circulation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Well Control Principles
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Maintain two barriers of well control at all

times.
a. Mud is the primary barrier.
b. BOPE is the secondary barrier.
c. Alternate barriers include: floats, IBOPs, TIW
valves.
d. Production barriers include: Christmas trees,
Surface Control Subsurface Safety Valve
(SCSSV), Wireline-set backpressure valves
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Maintain constant bottom hole pressure:

a. All methods of well control.
b. Tripping practices.
c. Wellbore stability
U-Tube Principle
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Understanding the
U-Tube principle is
foundational to well
control.
U-Tube Principle
Everything balances off

the Formation Pressure.
On the drill pipe side of
the U-Tube, the
hydrostatic pressure of the
mud should balance the
Formation Pressure.
Everything else in well

control builds upon
the understanding of
the U-Tube.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The surface pressure on

the drill pipe will be 0 if
the hydrostatic pressure of
the mud matches the
Formation Pressure.
U-Tube Principle
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The pressure at every

point in the wellbore is
related to the pressure at
every other point in the
wellbore by hydrostatics.
Two important
formulas that relate
to this principle are
shown below the
illustration.
The shoe pressure
is the formation
pressure minus the
hydrostatic
pressure of all the
fluids below the
shoe.
U-Tube Principle
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
U-Tube Principle
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The surface
pressure is the
Formation Pressure
minus the
hydrostatic
pressure of all the
fluids below the
surface.
U-Tube Principle
In this example, the mud weight is

14.0 ppg. The hydrostatic pressure
of the mud is 9,100 psi.
The Formation Pressure is 9,750 psi.
Therefore, the surface pressure on
the drill pipe is 650 psi.
PH TVD MW 0.052
PH 12,500 14.0 0.052 9,100 psi
SIDPP FP PH
SIDPP 9750 9100 650 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
U-Tube Principle
Drilling and Well

Control Training
On the casing side, the length of

the gas influx is 343 feet. The
length of the mud is 12,157 feet.
The hydrostatic pressure of the
mud is 8,850 psi. The hydrostatic
pressure of the gas influx is 34
psi.
The SICP is 865 psi.
PHMud 12,157 14.0 0.052 8,850.3 psi
PHInf 343 0.1 34.3 psi
SICP 9750 8850.3 34.3 865.4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
U-Tube Principle
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
1. Kick size.
The SIDPP is used to calculate

balancing mud weight (or kill
mud weight).
The number one limitation

to control capability is the
kick size.
The Golden Rule of Well
Control is to keep all kicks
small.
In this case, the mud weight

required to balance the formation
pressure is 15.0 ppg.
SIDPP
MWK MW
TVD 0.052
650
MWK 14
15.0
12,500
0.052
a. 10 bbl
b. 30 bbl
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure, page 7.

See Workbook, WC, pages 41-51.
See Drilling Manual, Rig Math, pages 54-55.
See Well Control Manual, pages 371-379
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Kick size.
1. Kick size.
Formula 24, Step #5, Annular Capacities:
Cap DCAnn
Formula 24, Step #6, DC Annular Volume:
(DBit - OD DC )
1029.4
(8.52 - 6.52 )
0.02914 bbl / ft
1029.4
Cap DCAnn
Limitations To
Control Capability
(D Bit 2 - OD DC 2 )
L DC
1029.4
720 0.029 = 20.98 bbl
VDCAnn L DC Cap DCAnn or

VDCAnn
(D Bit 2 - OD DP 2 )
1029.4
(8.52 - 52 )
0.0459 bbl / ft
1029.4
Cap DPAnn
Cap DPAnn
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Formulas: Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure, page 7;

Rig Math, pages 54-55 ; Workbook, WC, pages 41-51.
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Kick size.
Kick Tolerance Summary

1. DC Annular Volume
Limitations To
Control Capability
Formula 24, Step #8, Length of Influx-DC Annulus:
21.0 bbl
L KDCAnn
L KDCAnn
(VPG )
Cap DCAnn
(10)
343
0.02914
This equation applies

only if kick volume
(pit gain) is less than
DC annular volume.
A) 10 bbl kick = 343 ft

Note: The collars are 720 feet. Therefore, the 10 bbl kick is
only around the collars.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Kick size.

2. Length Influx (10 bbl)
Limitations To
Control Capability
Formula 24, Step #7, Length of Influx:
21.0 bbl
343 ft
L KDPAnn
(VPG - VDCAnn )
+L DC
(Cap DPAnn )
L KDPAnn
(30 - 21)
+720 = 916 ft
(0.0459)
B) 30 bbl kick = 916 ft

Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Kick size.

Limitations To
Control Capability
Formula 24, Step #9: Casing Pressure

SICP = SIDPP + LK (GM GI)
A) 10 bbl: (650 + 343 (0.728 0.1)) = 865 psi
B) 30 bbl: (650 + 916 (0.728 0.1)) = 1225 psi
21.0 bbl
343 ft
916 ft
SICP = FP [* hydrostatic of all fluids below surface]

* includes: original muds, influx, and sometimes kill MW.
FP = (SIDPP + HydMud), HydMud = (MW 0.052 TVD)
See Figure WC VIII-3 in WC Manual, page 213
Limitations To
Drilling and Well
Control Training
Control
Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
SIDPP = Reservoir Pressure minus Hydrostatic Pressure

Or
Reservoir Pressure = Hydrostatic Pressure Plus SIDPP
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Additional formulas
that are important to
know:
Limitations To
Control Capability
Additional formulas that are important to know:

PShoe = FP (Hyd of all fluids below the shoe)
PShoe = [9,750 psi ((12,157 8,000) 14 0.052 +
343 0.1 psi/ft)] = 6,689 psi
OR
PShoe = [SICP + (Hyd Pressure of all fluids from the
surface to the shoe)]
PShoe = [865 psi + (8,000 14 0.052)] = 6,689 psi
PShoe= FP (Hyd of all fluids below the shoe)

OR
PShoe = [SICP + (Hyd Pressure of all fluids from the
surface to the shoe)]
Note: There are two ways to derive the pressure at the shoe.
10
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Weight Equivalent (MWE):

10 Barrel Kick
PShoe
MWE
TVD 0.052
MWE
6689
8000 0.052
MWE 16.1 ppg
30 Barrel Kick
PShoe
MWE
TVD 0.052
MWE
4. SICP (10 bbl)
5. SICP (30 bbl)
7050
8000 0.052
MWE 16.9 ppg
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Formula 24, Step #1.

Max.Allow. Ann. Surf. Pressure (MAASPLOT)
MAASPLOT = (LOT MW) 0.052 Shoe TVD
4. SICP (10 bbl)
5. SICP (30 bbl)
6. MAASP
MAASPLOT = (16.7 14) 0.052 8,000

MAASPLOT = 1,123 psi
Note: This is lower than the 30 barrel kick pressure of
1225 psi. Therefore, rig personnel need to know that they
cannot take a 30 barrel kick!
Limitations To
Control Capability
21.0 bbl
343 ft
916 ft
865 psi
1225 psi
1123 psi
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Kick size.
1. Kick size.
Calculate Kick Tolerance (KT) for each kick size.

Formula 24, Step #2: BHP Max =
Formula 24, Step #3: BHP MWE

BHP MWE
(TVD LK) 0.052 MW + MAASP + (LK 0.1)

(12,500 343) (0.052)(14.0) + 1,123 + 34.3 =10,007.596
Pit Gain
21.0 bbl
343 ft
916 ft
865 psi
1225 psi
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Kick size.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
BHP Max BHP MWE
Kick Tolerance
Pit Gain
BHP Max
TVD 0.052
BHP MWE
BHP Max BHP MWE
10
10,008
10
10,008
15.4
20
9,792
20
9,792
15.1
30
9,651
30
9,651
14.8
11
10,008
15.4
12,500 0.052
Kick Tolerance
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Kick size.
See Well
Control
Manual,
pages 367382.
Formula 24, Step #4: Kick Tolerance

Kick Tolerance = (BHP MWE MW)
Pit Gain
BHP Max BHP MWE
Kick Tolerance
10
10,008
15.4
1.4
20
9,792
15.1
1.1
30
9,651
14.8
0.8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick Identification Chart
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick ID Chart &

Kick Tolerance
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Method of closing well in.

We want to minimize or eliminate the water
hammer effect.
For water-based muds:
1
PHammer
(Va ) MW
2.72
Where the annular velocity is that due to the
flow from the well. Oil mud force would be less
because it is more compressible.
See Well
Control
Manual,
pages 367382.
See Well Control Manual, page 208.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Ann.Vel.(ft / min)
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training

For water based muds :
FlowRate 20 bbl/min
Ann.Vol. 0.049 bbl/ft
1
(Va ) MW
2.72
1
(408.2) 13 541 psi
2.72
PHammer
Ann. Vel. (ft/min) = 408 ft/min
PHammer
12
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

The hammer force is just the hammer
pressure times the area under the BOPs.
3. Gas Percolation
It can be extremely
dangerous if:
You dont bleed the
pressure out of the
bubble while the bubble
is percolating.
You confuse DP
Pressure stabilization
with percolation.
FHammer PHammer (Area in 2 )

FHammer 541(0.7854)(13.6252 - 52 )
FHammer 68, 256 lbs
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Gas Percolation
Discussion Topics
1. Rate
2. Surface Pressure due to percolation
3. How to control bottom hole pressure
a. With connection between DP & Annulus.
b. When you do not have connection between
DP & Annulus.
4. Volumetric Formula
Drilling Fluids & Percolation

1. Salt H2O (gives fastest
percolation)
2. Salt Mud (next fastest)
3. Fresh H2O Mud
4. Oil Mud (very slow or no
percolation)
Limitations To
Control Capability
3. Gas Percolation
Rate of percolation
can be estimated:
600psi/hr
0.728psi/ft
Ft/hr 824ft/hr
Time
0100
0110
SIDPP
650
750
Ft/hr
10 Minutes = 100 (750 650).

60 Minutes = 600 psi/hr.
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Gas Percolation
FP
SIDPP
MW
TVD
=
=
=
=
Limitations To
Control Capability
3. Gas Percolation
FP = (SIDPP+MW0.052TVD)
Formation Pressure
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure
Mud Weight
True Vertical Depth
FP = 650+140.05212,500
FP = 9750 psi
FP (SIDPP MW 0.052 TVD)
13
SICP
865
965
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Gas
Percolation
3. Gas Percolation
Formula 25 from Workbook
Surface Pressure =
(Formation Pressure - (Hydrostatic of all * fluids))
* Fluids include all fluids below surface
(Original Mud, Influx and sometimes Kill Mud)
PSurf = (9750 psi - ((12,157 - 824) 14 0.052 + 34.3))*
PSurf = 1,465 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Gas Percolation
3. Gas Percolation
How to control bottom hole pressure:

A. With connection between DP and Annulus
How to control bottom hole pressure:

B. When you do not have connection between DP
and Annulus:
Use Volumetric Method of Well Control.
1. Let the DP Pressure increase by 50 to 100 psi (New

DP Pressure to maintain).
2. Keep DP Pressure @ new pressure (700 psi) by
bleeding on Annulus Choke and by monitoring on
drill pipe.
3. Keep DP pressure constant until circulation can be
established using Drillers Method.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Gas Percolation
Volumetric Method
(Formula 28, Step 1)
Limitations To
Control Capability
3. Gas Percolation
Volumetric Method
(Formula 28, Step 2)
Mud Gradient (psi/ft.)

Ann. Cap. (bbl/ft.)
0.728
psi/bbl =
= 15.86
0.0459
Vol. / Press. increment =
psi/bbl =
Vol/100psi=
See Well Control Manual, page 324, 482-485.

Press. increment
psi/bbl
100psi
= 6.3 bbls/100 psi
15.86 psi/bbl
See Well Control Manual, page 324, 482-485.
14
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Simple Volumetric Plan

4. Allow casing pressure to increase to 1165
(200 psi over.)

1. Take 100 psi SF to start with
SIDPP = 0, SICP = 865965 = 100 psi
2. Allow casing pressure
to increase to 1065
= 200 psi increase.
5. Bleed 6.3 barrels while

holding casing
pressure constant.
6. Allow pressure to
increase to 1265.
7. Bleed 6.3 barrels, etc.
3. Bleed 6.3 bbl while

holding casing pressure
constant. (calculate
bubble estimated depthsee following example)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability

Repeat this Volumetric Procedure until gas is at
surface.
Do not bleed gas without first lubricating mud in
(Day Five Presentation).
A plan should include shooting nozzles out or
perforating BHA so that circulating with Drillers
Method can be done.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Simple Lubrication Operational Plan

1. Determine pressure margin at the shoe and
choose a pressure increment to use.
Limitations To
Control Capability

2. Pump lubrication fluid into well through choke
line until casing pressure rises by 200 psi.
3. Calculate the amount of fluid pumped into the
well. (42 strokes 0.09967 bbl/stk = 4.2 bbls)
4. Calculate the psi/bbl factor.
9.8 0.052
(psi/bbl = 0.0459 = 11.1 psi/bbl)
PShoeMax = TVDShoe L.O.T. MW 0.052

8,000 16.7 0.052 = 6,947 psi
PShoe = PF PH
PShoe = 9,750 (4,500 14 0.052) = 6,474
PMargin = 6,947 6,474 = 473 psi.
5. Calculate the amount of pressure that can be

bled down. (4.2 bbls 11.1 psi/bbl = 47 psi)
We will use 200 psi in this example.
15
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training

6. Wait for the gas to percolate through the lube
fluid, and then bleed down the pressure.
1,260 (200 + 47) = 1,213 psi
7. Reset stroke counter and pump in additional
lube fluid until casing pressure increases by 200
psi. In this example it will take 3.8 bbls.
Repeat steps 4-5 until all the gas has been
lubricated out.
Lubrication Method of Well Control

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability

Bubble Pressure, Formula 30
Kv
(Kv+Bv)
10
Bp = 9750
(10+6.3)
Bp = Fp
Bp = 5,982 psi
See Workbook, Well Control, page 48.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
Bubble Depth, Formula 31
Formula 31
(Fp - Bp)
Bubble Depth (Bd) = TVD -
MW0.052
Where: Bp = bubble pressure, psi
Bd = bubble depth (btm) ft
Fp = formation pressure, psi
Kv = kick volume, bbl
Bv = bleed volume, bbl
TVD = original TVD, ft
(Fp-Bp)
Bubble Depth (Bd) = TVD -
MW0.052
(9750-5982)
Bd = 12,500 -
0.728
Bd = 7,324 ft
16
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Surface pressure if bubble percolates without bleeding
Limitations To
Control Capability
4. Method of Reaching
Initial Circulating
Pressure (ICP).
(Bringing Pump up
to ICP).
a. FP = Hydrostatic with original mud weight + SDIPP

b. HP = MW 0.052 TVD
c. PSurf = FP [Length from surface to top of bubble 0.052 MW]
d. PShoe = FP [Length from Shoe to top of bubble 0.052 MW]
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Method of Reaching Initial Circulating Pressure

(ICP). (Bringing Pump up to ICP).
Limitations To
Control Capability
5. Stroke Fluctuation
SPM 2
P2 = P1
SPM1
2
18
P2 = 800 = 648
20
SIDPP = Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure
Limitations To
Control Capability
5. Stroke Fluctuation
Example: Kill operation has reached FCP. FCP is
800 psi, SPM is 20. Driller slows pump down to 18
SPM. Toolpusher maintains 800 psi on DP by
adjusting choke.
What will BHP do?
A. Stay the same
C. Decrease
B. Increase
D. Ride the fence
Note: On horizontal holes, if the influx is moving

out of horizontal section into vertical section,
the casing pressure will be increasing and this
could lead to an incorrect ICP. In this case, its
probably better to use pre-calculated ICP.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ICP = Initial Circulating Pressure

SRP = Slow Rate Pressure
Note: Bring pump up to kill rate while holding casing

pressure constant @ original SICP. Read drill pipe
pressure. This is the correct ICP. If ICP is different from
pre-plan, adjust pre-plan (step down plan) accordingly.
See Percolation Table on page 477 of the Well Control Manual. Also,
see page 324 (Volumetric Plan).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ICP = (SRP+SIDPP)
SRP = (ICP-SIDPP)
Where:
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
6. Drillers Method
where:
Note: To change
strokes, look at the
casing pressure, then
read the drill pipe
pressure. That is the
new relationship.
Assumptions are
incorrectly made that the
annulus is clean after one
circulation.
P = (800 - 648) = 152 psi increase
17
API Method
Circulate influx out
keeping ICP constant
1st circulation.
Pump kill MW to bit,
holding casing pressure
constant.
Read FCP with kill mud
at bit.
Hold FCP constant while
circ. kill weight in hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Limitations To
Control Capability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. Drillers Method (correct method)
If Casing Pressure
is held constant
with a little gas
moving in Annulus,
while pumping kill
mud to bit, the BHP
will change and
possibly more
influx will feed in.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Limitations To
Control Capability
A. Circulate influx out keeping ICP

constant 1st circulation.
B. Pump kill MW to bit, using a DP
Pressure Step-Down Plan (like with
Wait & Weight).
C. Read FCP with kill mud at bit.
D. Hold FCP constant while circulating
kill weight in hole.
Kick Recognition
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick Recognition
While Tripping
1. Hole not taking the right
amount of fluid.
Compare the actual
amount of fluid in the
Trip Tank with the Trip
Schedule.
While Drilling
1. Flow Increase
2. Pit Gain
3. Pump Pressure Decrease
The trip schedule must be monitored both ways:

coming out and going back in the hole.
2. Flow
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick Recognition
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If Kick is detected during a trip:

1. Close in the well and check the pressures.
2. Strip back to bottom and use the Drillers Method to
circulate out the kick.
3. Or, use the volumetric method to get the bubble above
the bit, and switch to the Drillers Method.
Note: A well cannot be killed off bottom. The bubble
must be above the bit to use a circulating method.
Kick Recognition
How can you tell the difference

between ballooning shales and a
well that is kicking?
1. Shut in the well and take
pressure readings (Casing and
Drill Pipe).
2. Bleed 10 bbls off from
annulus.
3. Take pressure readings again.
18
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Kick Recognition
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If the Casing Pressure decreases

(50 psi to 30 psi) after bleeding
off the 10 bbl, it is just ballooning
shale.
Continue to bleed off in
increments, i.e. 20 bbl. Keep
checking pressures.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If the Casing Pressure increases

(50 psi to 75 psi) after bleeding off
the 10 bbl, it is a well control
situation.
Strip back to bottom and use the
Drillers Method.
Or, Use the Volumetric Method to
get the bubble above the bit, and
switch to the Drillers Method.
Kick Recognition In
Horizontal Holes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick Recognition In
Horizontal Holes
5. SIDPP and SICP may

be equal on
underbalanced kick.
6. SICP may be zero on
swabbed in kick.
7. Zero pressure does not
mean zero influx.
1. Pit Gain (The surest way.)

2. Flow rate Change
3. Well Flowing (on
observation)
4. No hydrostatic impact
until kick fluids exits
horizontal section of well.
(See demonstration on
simulator.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick Recognition
Kick Recognition In
Horizontal Holes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8. Pressure changes
can occur early in
the circulation
process as the kick
is pumped into the
vertical section of
well.
Kick Recognition In
Horizontal Holes
9. Casing pressure
continues to rise
until kick is out of
the horizontal
section.
19
ODT &AWC Day 2
Kick Recognition In
Horizontal Holes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
10.b. The influx would be

above the casing shoe
before any kill mud
weight is out in the
annulus; therefore the
maximum pressure
applied to the shoe (open
hole), would have
already taken place
before kill mud weight is
out of drill string.
10.The recommended
method of Well Control
for horizontal holes is
the drillers method for
two reasons:
a. Most kicks are related
to swabbing or lost
circulation (and are
not underbalanced).
Kick Recognition In
Horizontal Holes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick Recognition In
Horizontal Holes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Swabbing (due to high viscosity

and/or cutting beds).
2. Pressure underbalance (least likely).
3. Lost circulation
(due to increasing ECD).
Saltwater Flows
(SICP SIDPP)
GI = GM -
LI
or
SICP SIDPP
WI MW
L I 0.052
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure Chapter, page 35.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Saltwater Flows
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(SICP-SIDPP)
GI = GM -
LI
Saltwater Flows
(SICP-SIDPP)
WI = MW -
L I 0.052
Low MW
(500-520)
= 0.50
G I = 0.468 -
600
Low MW
(500-520)
WI = 9.0 -
9.6
600 0.052
High MW
(778-624)
= 0.47
G I = 0.728 -
600
High MW
(778-624)
WI = 14.0 -
9.06
600 0.052
20
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Saltwater Flows
Drilling and Well

Control Training
A graphical
approach to kick
identification can
be used.
Plot the P
(SICP-SIDPP)
with the length of
the influx.
Saltwater Flows
Why do we calculate the influx gradient?

We want to make surface preparations to handle
the influx.
If it is saltwater, we will divert the saltwater
kick and any contaminated mud. Dont allow the
salt kicks in your active mud system.
Treat salt water flows like gas kicks.
Oftentimes, it they will have gas in it.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Saltwater Flows
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stay on the correct side of the pH hump when

treating your mud (<10).
Saltwater Flows
Problems Associated With Saltwater Flows:

1. Limestone
Mud Contamination
2. Sandstone
Stuck Pipe
3. Common to both:
Interfering with logging program
Well control
4. Higher Mud Treatment Costs
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kill Sheet Workshop
The Four Methods of Well Control

1. Drillers Method - Use 2 circulations to bring a well
under control.
2. Wait and Weight Method. (Kill Sheet) Circulate influx
out and kill well on same circulation.
3. Modified Wait & Weight Method - use two or more
circulations to kill well.
4. Volumetric Method - used to kill well when bit is
plugged or off bottom, with a gas bubble percolating.
21
ODT &AWC Day 2
Surface Kill Sheet Workshop

Surface Problem #2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Depth:
2. Bit & Hole:
3. Casing:
11,000 ft. MD, TVD

9
10, 40.5 lb/ft,
10 ID, 3130 psi burst,
Shoe @ 8,000 ft. TVD
4. Drill Pipe:
10,300 ft, 4, 16.60 lb/ft, X-95,

NC 50 IF, 0.014167 bbl/ft
5. Drill Collars:
700 ft., 7 2,
Capacity = 0.0073 bbl/ft
National 10-P-160, Triplex,
Pump Output = 0.10853 bbl/stk
645 psi @ 30 spm (3.24 bpm)
9.8 ppg
12.5 ppg @ 8,000 TVD with 750 psi
surface pressure (14.3 ppg)
650 psi
5 bbls
Baker Solid Float installed
6. Pumps:
7. SRP:
8. Mud:
9. L.O.T.
10. SIDPP:
11. Surface Line:
12. Float:
Surface #2
750
12.5
14.3
9.8
10.75
8000
8000
9.875
11000
Ref: Work Book, Well Control, p. 5
30
645
40
1180
11000
Calculate
Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure
Calculate Mud Weight Equivalent for the L.O.T.

Surface #2
750
12.5
Surface #2
Usually the Leak Off Test (L.O.T.) is given in a mud weight equivalent
(e.g. 14.3 ppg).
750
12.5
Sometimes the MAMW is calculated based on a given fracture gradient

(e.g. 0.7436 0.052 = 14.3)
14.3
14.3
Sometimes L.O.T. is given with the conditions of the test, e.g.:
9.8
Mud weight used = 12.5 ppg
Surface pressure = 750 psi
Then, a mud weight equivalent must be calculated.
REMEMBER for MAASP: 9.8

Round DOWN to nearest whole number
1872
10.75
8000
10.75
8000
8000
L.O.T. = MWLOT +
REMEMBER for L.O.T:
Round DOWN to one decimal
30
645
40
1180
Drilling and Well

Control Training
= 12.5 +
8000
PSurface
TVDLOT 0.052
MAASPLOT = (MWLOT MWH) TVDShoe 0.052

= (14.3 9.8) 8000 9.875
0.052
11000
=
1872.0
11000
30
645
9.875
11000750
11000
8000
0.052
= 14.30
40
1180
Calculate Casing Burst
Surface #2
MAASPLOT = (MWLOT MWH) TVDShoe 0.052
750
12.5
This formula applies anytime the influx is in the open hole.

After the influx enters the casing, a higher MAASPLOT
can be allowed.
If pressures are approaching MAASP, but the influx is still
in open hole (below the casing shoe):
Continue circulating. Shut-in if well begins losing
circulation, OR
Slow down pumping rate.
14.3
9.8
1872
2191
10.75
8000
8000
MAASPCsgBurst = Casing Burst 0.7

9.875
= 3130 0.7
11000
=
2191
11000
30
645
40
22
1180
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Calculate Pump Output (Displacement)
Surface #2
P.O.
Calculate the Pump Output (P.O.) (bbl/stk).

P.O.
Volume to fill Trip Tank (bbl)

Strokes to fill Trip Tank (stk)
Volume to fill Trip Tank (bbl)

750
Strokes
to fill Trip Tank (stk)
5
12.5
14.3
25 bbl
9.8
0.10853 bbl/stk
230 stk
P.O.
1872
25 bbl
P.O.
0.10853 bbl/stk
230 stk
2191
10.75
8000
8000
0.10853
Note: After pumping bottoms-up, route the

flow line through the trip tank and count the
strokes. This is done with circulating
pressure (greater than 1500 psi.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
9.875
11000
Reasons for Slow Pump Rates
11000
30
645
40
1180
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Slow Rate Pressure or Dynamic Pressure Loss?
Slow pump rates establish pump pressure at a specific

stroke rate, which is then used as a benchmark for well
control operations. Slow circulating rates or SPRs, are
chosen for several reasons:
These are just two different terms for the same thing:
the circulating pressure at a given slow pump rate
Dynamic Pressure Loss (PL) is the term used by the IWCF.
Well pressures, pump condition, choke reaction time, mud

mixing capability, logistics, and volume throughput limit
of the mud/gas separator
Anything that changes the friction such as change in
mud weight or drilling depth, would require the driller to
check and record updated slow rate pressures (SRPs) for
each pump.
Surface Kill Sheet
Subsea Kill Sheet
Using SRP/DPL in calculating ICP and FCP
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Choice of Slow Pump Rate
Slow circulating rates are chosen for several reasons:
SPR Selection Criteria
Since it is unlikely any two pressure gauges would read

the same pressure, these values should be taken from the
gauge at the remote hydraulic choke. This is where well
pressures would be controlled from during a well kill
operation.
Minimize Friction Pressure losses

Surface pit capacity during weight up
Reduce pressure in annulus or in surface equipment
Allow degasser equipment to handle volume more
efficiently
Reduce the need for rapid choke responses.
23
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Allow added time for well control crew to think

should there be a problem
Experience of rig crew
Impact of volume of kick on shoe pressure
Lower ECD
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Why To Record SRP
When To Record SRP
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Slow Rate Pressure / Dynamic Pressure Loss

Determines the friction expressed as a pressure that is
required to circulate the mud through the circulation
system at a given rate (pump strokes).
SRP / Dynamic Pressure Loss, when added to the
SIDPP, determines the ICP.
SRP / Dynamic Pressure Loss corrected for the
increase in mud weight from the initial mud weight to
the kill mud weight determines the FCP.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Depth of well
Diameter of drillpipe
Length and diameter of Collars
Minimum Pump Output
Casing Shoe Depth
Open hole annular volume
Diameter of casing and open hole
Record at a minimum every tour

Every 500 ft of depth while drilling fast
Mud weight change
Mud property changes such as YP
Out of shoe
After trip to bottom
Change in Drill String
Record at different pump rates for options
Calculate Surface Line Strokes
Surface #2
Notes:
If a surface line volume is given, it will not be
included in the pump-down plan from surface to
bit.
750
12.5
5
46
14.3
9.8
1872
However, if a question asks for the time or

strokes from the pump to the bit, the surface line
strokes or time must be included.
2191
10.75
8000
8000
0.10853
9.875
11000
24
30
645
40
1180
11000
Drilling and Well

Control
VAnn Training
VADCOH VADPOH
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VADPCH
OHID 2 DCOD 2
1029.4
OHID 2 DPOD 2
LDPOH
1029.4
CID 2 DPOD 2
L DPCH
1029.4
VADCOH L DC
VADPOH
VADPCH
Calculate Drill String Volume (VDS)

Calculating Component Lengths
Required:
Length of DP
Given:
Length of DCs
Length of HWDP
MD
VDS VDP VDC

VDP LDP CapDP
DPlength = MD DClength HWDPlength
VDC LDC CapDC
= 11000 700 0 = 10300
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Incorrect DS Volume
Correct DS Volume
* For Grade S, 5
* For Grade S, 5
= (Tube
=
= (Equiv.ID)2/1029.4
= (4.1845)2/1029.4
= 0.0170099
Use the Equivalent ID
from the table to
calculate DS Volume.
Refer to WC Manual,
pages 617-621.
ID)2/1029.4
(4.276)2/1029.4
= 0.01776 bbls/ft
This is not correct
because DP has upsets,
which change the
equivalent ID of the
DP.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Note: If we are at 10,000 and we used the 0.017762 instead of the correct
number of 0.01701, we would be 7.5 barrels off. This could lead to bad
displacement mistakes.
Calculate Drill
750 String Volume (VDS)
5
46
12.5
14.3
9.8
Calculate Drill String Volume (VDS)

VDS = VDP + VDC
1872
10.75
2191
VDS =8000
VDP + VDC
8000
VDP = LDP CapDP

= (10300 ft) (0.014167 bbl/ft)
= 145.92 bbl
= 145.92 + 5.11
0.10853
=9.875151.03 bbl
11000
VDC = LDC CapDC

= (700 ft) (0.0073 bbl/ft)
= 5.11 bbl
30
645
40
1180
11000
10300
700
25
0.014167
145.92
0.0073
5.11
151.03
ODT &AWC Day 2
Calculate Drill
750 String Strokes (StkDS)
5
46
12.5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
14.3
9.8
Calculate Annulus Volume (VAnn)

1872
Drill String 10.75

Volume (bbl)
8000
StkDS =
Pump Output
8000 (bbl/stk)
2191
0.10853
Given:
Length of DCs OH
Length of HWDP OH
Length of DP CH
MD
151.0 bbl
9.875
0.10853 bbl/stk
11000
30
645
40
1180
= 1392 stk
10300
700
Drilling and Well

Control Training
0.014167
145.92
0.0073
5.11
151.03
11000
Required:
Length of DP OH
DPlen OH = MD (DClen OH) (HWDPlen OH) (DPlen CH)

= 11000 700 0 8000 = 2300
1392
46
Drilling and Well

Control Training

VAnn = VADCOH + VADPOH + VADPCH

2300
700
8000
Calculate Annulus Open Hole Volume
(VAOH)
0.10853
9.875
11000
30
645
40
1180
Drilling and Well

Control Training
11000

VAOH = VADCOH + VADPOH

= 28.0610300
+ 172.64
0.014167
145.92
5.11
= 200.7 700 0.0073
151.03
700
2300
0.040087
0.075059
8000
1392
46
28.06
172.64
200.70
26
0.10853
ODT &AWC Day 2
8000
Calculate Annulus Volume (V
Ann)
0.10853
8000
Calculate Annular Strokes (Stk
Ann)
9.875
11000
30
645
40
1180
9.875
11000
11000
30
10300
700
0.014167
0.0073
145.92
5.11
151.03
700
2300
0.040087
0.075059
28.06
172.64
200.70
8000
0.077472
619.78
1392
46
10300 0.014167
820.5 bbl
0.10853 bbl/stk
700 0.0073
Total Strokes
645
40
1180
Total Volume
700
2300
0.040087
0.075059
28.06
172.64
200.70
8000
0.077472
619.78
11000
= 8952 stk
0.014167
= 151.03 + 820.5
700
0.0073
= 971.53 bbl
700
2300
8000
0.040087
0.075059
0.077472
1392
= 9.8 +
1849
61.6
820.5
5711
7560
190
252
971.53
8952
298
619.78
650
11000
645
61.6
5711
7560
190
252
650
11.0
SIDPP
0.052 TVD
650 psi
0.052 11000 ft
= 10.94 ppg
REMEMBER for Kill Mud Weight:
Round UP to one decimal
Calculate Final Circulating Pressure (FCP)

11000
10.94
10.94
46
650
9.8
MWK = MWH
Calculate Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP)

11000
650
11000
9.8
5.11
28.06
172.64
200.70
1849
650
145.92
151.03
46
= StkDS + StkAnn
9.875
11000
= 1392 + 7560
10300
1392
Calculate Kill Mud Weight (MWK)
11000
= VolDS + VolAnn
5.11
820.5
8000
Calculate Total Volume & Strokes
30
145.92
151.03
= 7560 stk
820.5
0.10853
11000
645
Annulus
1180 Volume (bbl)
StkAnn =
Pump Output (bbl/stk)
40
650
650
11000
9.8
11.0
645
1295
650
11
9.8
ICP = Slow Rate Pressure (SRP) + SIDDP

= 645 psi + 650 psi
= 1295 psi
MWK
FCP = SRP
MWH
11.0
= 645 9.8
= 723.98 psi
27
10.94
645
11.0
1295
723.98
724
REMEMBER for Circulating Pressures:

Round UP to full number
ODT &AWC Day 2
Formulating Pump-Down Plan

(Step
Method)
11
645
723.98
9.8
1295
724

(psi
Increment
Method)
11
645
1295
724
723.98
9.8
1295
571
724
1295
571
571
1392
724
0.41
100
10
1392
571
0
139
278
418
557
696
835
974
1113
1252
1392
10
10
100
139.2
0
244
488
732
976
1120
1392

(Stroke
Increment
Method)
11
645
724
571
571
1392
Drilling and Well

Control Training
724
0.41
1.
2.
3.
4.
100
100
0.41
41
1295
1254
1213
1172
1131
1090
1049
1008
967
926
885
844
803
762
724
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Modified Wait & Weight
Definition:
It is the Wait and Weight
Method broken up into
two or more pieces.
1295
1195
1095
995
895
795
724
1295
723.98
9.8
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1392
244
57
1295
1238
1181
1124
1067
1010
952
895
838
781
724
1295
0.41
Four Methods of Well Control
Drillers Method
Wait & Weight Method
Modified Wait and Weight Method
Volumetric Method
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Big kicks (Greater

than 1.5 ppg)
2. Sack mud (sack
barite, when bulk
mud is not
available)
3. Small rigs (small
surface systems)
Kill well over

one or more
circulations. One
circulation is
from suction tank
to suction tank.
See Workbook, Well

Control, page 46.
28
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sequence of Events
1. Shut well in.
2. Bring pump to speed and start incremental weight
increases. Pump partial kill weight to bit following a
pump-down plan.
3. Pump the contaminant to surface and out the choke.
4. Pump the partial kill weight to surface.
5. Start pumping next incremental mud weight down drill
pipe and up to surface.
6. Repeat until well is killed (2-3 circulations).
Step 24. (from Kill Sheet Formulas, page 42)
See Well Control Homework: #4.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
psi/pt =
1. Do normal Kill Sheet

calculations
2. Calculate psi per point
weight-up =
(ICP-FCP)
10(MWkill -MWOrig. )
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(ICP-FCP)
10(MWkill -MWOrig. )
psi/pt =
3. Calculate FCP1st Circ =

ICP1st - (psi/pt Points Weight-Up 1st circ.)
(1300-760)
49.1
10(14-12.9)
FCP1st Circ =[1300 - (49.1 7)]
FCP1st Circ = 956
What does this psi/pt mean?

It means that we drop our pressure 49.1 psi for every
point of weight-up in the mud.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kill Sheet Calculations

MWO
= 12.9 ppg
= 14.0 ppg
MWK
ICP
= 1300 psi
FCP
=
760 psi
See Well Control Homework: #4.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
5. Make pump-down plan for partial Kill Weight, etc.
4. Calculate FCP2nd circ =

FCP1st -(psi/pt Points Weight-up 2nd circ.)
Strokes 1945
195
10
10
FCP2nd Circ = 956 - (49.1 4)
ICP1 FCP1 1300 956
34
10
10
FCP2ndCirc = 760
ICP2 FCP2 956 760
20
10
10
29
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
7. Calculate psi/stk2nd = (ICP2nd FCP2nd) / stk to bit
6. Calculate psi/stk1st = (ICP1st FCP1st) / stk to bit
Drilling and Well

Control Training
psi / stk1st = (1,300 956) / 1945
psi / stk2nd = (956 - 760) / 1945
psi / stk1st = 0.177
psi / stk2nd = 0.101
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8. Calculate stroke / pressure increment for 1st and 2nd

circulations:
9. Make pump-down plan for partial Kill Weight, etc.

First Circulation
Strokes
Stk / pressure increment (1st ) = 100 psi / (0.177 psi / stk)

Stk / pressure increment (1st ) = 565 stks for 100 psi
0
565
1130
1695
1945
Stk / pressure increment (2nd ) = 100 psi / (0.101 psi / stk)

Stk / pressure increment (2nd ) = 992 stks for 100 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case Study of Shoe Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pressure
Second Circulation
Strokes
1300 (ICP)
1200
1100
1000
956 (FCP)
0
992
1945
Case 1: Gas influx around collars

(after shutting in well)
Case 2: Gas influx around drill pipe
(10,000 feet, original mud)
Case 3: Gas influx at shoe
Case 4: Gas influx above shoe
Case 5: Gas influx above shoe
(3,295 feet, kill mud to shoe)
30
Pressure
956 (ICP)
856
760 (FCP)
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case 1 (influx around collars)

Gas Influx: 20 barrels
Length Influx: ?
Pressure at the shoe: ?
L Influx
Cap DP
Cap DC
VInflux
Cap
2
H
L InfluxDC
D DP
1029.4
2
H
D DC 2
1029.4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cap DP
Cap DC

PShoe FP H MudBShoe H InfluxBShoe
FP TVD MW 0.052 SIDPP
H Mud L Mud G M
20
690
0.029
8.5
1029.4
8.5
H Influx L Influx G I
0.046
6.52
1029.4
FP 11, 000 12.8 0.052 686 8, 007.6psi

H Influx 690 0.1 69psi
0.029
H Mud 3, 000 690 12.8 0.052 1538psi

PShoe 8, 008 (1,538 69) 6, 401psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Case 2 (influx at 10,000 feet)

PShoe SICP H MudAShoe

H MudAShoe 8, 000 12.8 0.052 5,325
PShoe 957 8, 000 12.8 0.052
PShoe 1076 5325 6401
PShoe 6, 282psi
Calculating PShoe is 6,401 psi

whether calculating from the top
down or from the bottom up.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case 3 (influx at 8,000 feet)

Case 4 (influx at shoe, 7,433 feet)

Since the influx is above the shoe,

we will calculate PShoe from the
bottom up.
PShoe 996 8,000 12.8 0.052

PShoe 6,321psi
PShoe 8, 008 3, 000 12.8

PShoe 6, 011psi
31
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case 5 (influx above shoe, 3,295 feet)

Pressure at the shoe ?
Case 1:
PShoe 8, 008 3, 000 14.0 0.052

PShoe 5,824psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Influx around DC (initial shut-in, MWO)
Case 2:
Influx around DP (10,000 feet, MWO)
Case 3:
Influx around DP (8,000 feet, MWO)
Case 4:
Influx at shoe (7,433 feet, (MWO)
Case 5:
Influx above shoe (3,295 feet, MWO)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
26. What happens to the pressure on the formation at the

shoe as the top of the gas approaches the shoe?
(a) Pressure on the formations will generally be the
highest until the top of the gas is moved into the
casing. (Sometimes the pressure at the shoe will be
greatest when the gas is around the collars and
sometimes it will be greatest when the gas is near
the shoe.)
(b) Pressure on the formation will generally decrease as
the gas nears the shoe.
(c) The formations at the shoe will see no change in
pressure at this stage.

Note: As the
right side of
the equation
(Open Hole
Section) gets
heavier, the
pressure at
the shoe
decreases.
27. What happens to the pressure on the formations at the

shoe as the gas moves from the open hole section into
the casing?
(a) Pressure on the formation at the shoe will gradually
increase until all the gas has passed into casing.
(b) Pressure on the formation at the shoe will gradually
decrease as the gas moves into the casing.
(c) Pressure on the formation at the shoe will see no
change once the top of the gas moves into casing.
See Well Control HW, questions 26-29.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
28. What happens to the pressure on the formation at the

shoe as kill weight mud comes up the annulus (FCP
has been reached)?
(a) The pressure on the formation at the shoe will
still continue to gradually increase until all of the
original mud is in the casing?
(b) The pressure on the shoe will gradually decrease
as the original mud passes from the open hole
into the cased hole.
(c) The formation will see no change in pressure as
the original mud passes into the casing.
29. What happens to the pressure on the formation at

the shoe as kill mud moves into the casing?
(a) The pressure on the formation at the shoe will
still continue to increase.
(b) The pressure on the shoe will till continue to
decrease as kill mud passes into the casing.
(c) The pressure on the formation at the shoe will
be constant once kill mud starts in the casing.
32
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 2
Determination of
Method of Well Control
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Compare the Drill String

Volume (VDS) with the Open
Hole Annular Volume
(VOHAnn).
If the VDS is less than the
VOHAnn, use the Wait and
Weight Method.
If the VDS is greater than the
VOHAnn, use the Drillers
Method.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VDS 10,300 0.014167 700 0.0073

VDS 151.03 bbl
2
2
97 4 1
2
VOHAnn 2300 8
1029.4
VOHAnn 196.42 bbl
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Determination of
This is based strictly on a volume calculation.

There are other factors that must be considered
such as:
Type of influx (salt water, gas etc.)
Rate of percolation (fast percolation would
dictate the drillers method regardless of volume
calculations)
VDS 10, 490 0.01731 960 0.0077

VDS 188.98 bbl

8.6812 6.52
960
1029.4

The volume of the drill string is

more than the open hole volume in
the annulus. Therefore, kill mud
will not help at the shoe. The
correct method is the:
____________________________
Drillers Method
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2
2

97 7 1
2
700 8
1029.4

The volume of the drill string is

less than the open hole volume in
the annulus. Therefore, kill mud
will help at the shoe. The correct
method of well control is the:
____________________________
Wait and Weight Method
Determination of
8.6812 52
VOHAnn 1990
1029.4
VOHAnn 128.23 bbl
Determination of
Well Control Ratio Technique
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Main Uses
1. Ratio
1. To keep up with bubble in annulus

2. To know estimated top of bubble when kill mud
reaches bit (FCP)
3. To estimate pump strokes to move bubble to
casing shoe
4. To estimate annular volume and annular strokes
Cap AnnDP bbl/ft.

Cap DP bbl/ft.
Meas. Depth
2. Top of bubble at FCP Depth BubbleTopInitially -
Ratio
3. Stk. to move bubble to Shoe
(Depth BubbleTop - Shoe MD)(Cap DP bbl/ft)(Ratio)

4. Ann. Vol. = Drill String Volume Ratio

5. Ann. Stk. = Drill String Strokes Ratio
6. Lag Time = Kelly to Bit Time Ratio
See Workbook, Well Control Chapter, page 45.
33
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Ratio
Ratio
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cap AnnDP bbl / ft.

Cap DP bbl / ft.
Meas. Depth
2. Top of bubble at FCP Depth of Top bubble initially -
Ratio
12,720
Top of bubble at FCP 12,000 -
2.765
0.047
0.017
Top of bubble at FCP 7,400 Ft

(Bubble still in open hole)
Ratio = 2.765
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Stk. to move bubble to Shoe
Stk.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Ann. Vol. = Drill String Vol. Ratio
(Depth BT - Shoe MD )(Cap DP bbl / ft)(Ratio)

Pump Output (bbl / stk)
Ann. Vol. = 210 2.765
(12,000 - 6,000)(0.017)(2.765)
0.113 (bbl/stk)
Ann. Vol. = 580 bbls
Strokes = 2,496
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. Lag Time = Kelly to Bit Time Ratio
5. Ann. Stk. = Drill String Stk Ratio

Ann. Stk. = 1,859 2.765
Lag Time = 93 2.765
Ann. Strokes = 5,139
Lag Time = 257 minutes
34
ODT &AWC Day 2
Subsea Kill Sheet Workshop

Drilling and Well
Control Training
1. Depth:
2. Bit & Hole:
3. Casing:
4. Drill Pipe:
5. Drill Collars:
6. Pumps:
7. SPR:
8. Mud:
9. L.O.T.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
SIDPP:
Water Depth:
Riser:
Choke Line:
Surface Line:
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Subsea Problem #2
11,000 RKB, MD, TVD
9
10, J-55, 40.5 lb/ft, 10 ID, 3130 psi
burst, Shoe @ 8,000 RKB, TVD
10,300, 4, 16.60 lb/ft, X-95,
NC 50 IF, 0.014167 bbl/ft
700 ft., 7 2, 0.0073 bbl/ft
Triplex, Pump Output: 0.10835 bbl/stk
434 psi @ 30 spm (3.22 bpm)
*817 psi @ 40 spm (4.36 bpm)
9.8 ppg
12.5 ppg @ 8000 TVD with 750 psi
surface pressure
650 psi
500
22 ID
3.5 ID, 148 psi friction loss at 40 spm
5 bbls
Subsea #2
5
47
14.3
500
500
1872
2191
30
40
Ref: Well Control section, p. 13
Choke Line Friction
9.8
10.75
8000
8000
0.10835
434
817
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Applies to subsea operations.
9.875
11000
148
11000
Choke Line Friction
Measured as part of the drill-out procedure while

in cased hole.
While coming up to Initial Circulating Pressure

(ICP), Casing Pressure must be reduced by the
amount of the choke line friction pressure
(otherwise, the well will be over-pressured).
Adjusted anytime there is a change in mud weight

or mud properties.
Measured using the same Slow Pump Rate that
will be used in the kill operation.
Choke line friction must be measured and

recorded on the kill sheet prior to any well control
situation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
750
12.5
Choke Line Friction
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Choke Line Friction
If using the remote choke (conventional method),

you must subtract the additional friction pressure
caused by the remote choke line orifice from the
choke line friction.
Measuring Choke Line Friction

There are several methods. Two commonly used
methods are:
1. Conventional Method - Used during Drillout
2. Reverse Riser Method - Used in normal drilling
operations (tourly or more frequently)
Note: This additional frictional pressure

can be eliminated by bypassing the remote
choke and circulating only through the
straight-through line of the choke manifold.
35
ODT &AWC Day 2
Choke Line Friction
Choke Line Friction
Conventional Method
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Conventional Method
965 psi
965 psi
Step 1 - Read pressure while circulating down drill string and up through riser (PRiser).
Step 2 - Close BOP, then circulate down drill string and up through choke line (PChoke)
Choke Line Friction

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Subsea #2
750
12.5
5
47
14.3
500
CL Friction = PChoke PRiser

= 965 1872
817
2191
= 148 psi
500
9.8
10.75
8000
8000
0.10835
30
40
Reverse Riser Method
434
817
9.875
11000
148
Step 1 - Line up pump manifold to choke manifold
11000
Choke Line Friction

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Choke Line Friction
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2 - Line up choke manifold to circulate through choke line
Step 3 On BOP stack, open fail-safe valve to choke line
36
ODT &AWC Day 2
Choke Line Friction

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Choke Line Friction
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Removing CL Friction
While bringing the pump up to SPR, the CL

Friction must be backed out.
There are two methods of removing CL Friction
pressure:
I. Casing Pressure Gauge Method
II. Kill Line Pressure Gauge Method
Step 4 - Circulate through choke line and up riser, then read Casing Pressure
Choke Line Friction

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Choke Line Friction
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Example:
1. Start pumping while holding Casing Pressure

constant at SICP.
2. At two-thirds () of SPR, reduce Casing
Pressure by the amount of CL Friction.
SICP = 850 psi

CL Friction = 150 psi
SPR = 40 spm
1. Start pumping while holding Casing Pressure

constant at 850 psi.
3. Hold new Casing Pressure constant until SPR is

reached.
2. At 27 spm (i.e. of 40), reduce Casing Pressure

to 700 psi (i.e. 850 psi 150 psi).
3. Continue pumping while holding Casing Pressure
at 700 psi until 40 spm.
Choke Line Friction

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Choke Line Friction
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Example:
SICP = 850 psi

CL Friction = 150 psi
SPR = 40 SPM
While bringing up the pump to 40 SPM, hold the Kill Line
Pressure at 850 psi.
While bringing up the pump to SPR, keep the Kill Line

Pressure constant.
The CL Friction is automatically backed out without
having to make any compensations.
Not all rig configurations allow the Kill Line Pressure
Gauge Method to be used.
All the while, Casing Pressure will automatically decrease

from 850 psi to 700 psi (i.e. 850 psi 150 psi).
Even if the Kill Line Pressure Gauge Method is used,

CL Friction should still be measured.
37
ODT &AWC Day 2
RID 2 DPOD 2
VRiser L Riser
1029.4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VAnn VADCOH VADPOH VADPCH VCL
Calculate the Subsea Annulus Volume (VAnn)

OHID 2 DCOD 2
1029.4
OHID 2 DPOD 2
VADPOH L DPOH
1029.4
CID 2 DPOD 2
VADPCH L DPCH
1029.4
CLID 2
VCL L CL
1029.4
VADCOH L DC
Given:
Chokeline Length
Riser Length
Length of DCs
Length of HWDP
Depth of casing
MD
VDS VDP VDC

VDP L DP Cap DP
Required:
Length of DP CH
Length of DP OH
VDC L DC Cap DC
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Calculate the Subsea Annulus Volume (VAnn)


VAnn = VADCOH + VADPOH + VADPCH + VCL
DPlength CH = CSGlength Riserlength
= 8000 500 = 7500
DPlength OH =
MD (DClength OH) (HWDPlength OH) (DPlength CH)
700
= 11000 700 0 8000 = 2300
0.10835
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8000
8000
Ann)
9.875
30
40
VAOH = VADCOH + VADPOH11000
434
817
148
= 28.06 + 172.64
10300
0.014167
= 200.7
2300
38
11000
145.92
700
0.0073
700
0.040087
5.11
151.03
28.06
2300
0.075059
172.64
200.70
1394
46.5
ODT &AWC Day 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
7500
NOTE: Were only interested in the annulus volume

inside casing that is below the mudline.
0.10835
30
40
0.10835
8000
8000
Ann)
434
817
9.875
11000
0.014167
145.92
700
0.0073
5.11
151.03
700
0.040087
2300
0.075059
172.64
200.70
7500
0.077472
581.04
10300
500
0.0119
1394
5.95
151.03
581.04 bbl700 0.040087

28.06
= 5363 stk
0.10835 bbl/stk
172.64
2300 0.075059
1394
46.5
StkCH =
200.70
StkCL =
5.95 bbl7500 0.077472

581.04
= 55 stk 5.95
500 0.0119
0.10835 bbl/stk
1852
5363
62
191
55
787.7
7270
242
StkAnn =
Choke Line Strokes
11000
145.92
10300 0.014167
200.7 bbl
= 1852 stk
0.10835 bbl/stk
5.11
700 0.0073
46.5
28.06
434
817
StkOH =
787.7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
9.875
11000
Volume
(bbl)
148
Strokes =
30
40
11000
148
8000
8000Ann)
Calculate Annular Strokes (Stk
787.7 bbl
= 7270 stk
0.10835 bbl/stk
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Choke Line Strokes
Significance of C.L. Strokes in deep water (e.g. 3,000)
If you have 16 ppg (.832 psi/ft.

gradient) in the choke line, and it
was evacuated with gas that has a
0.1 psi/ft. gradient, you would have
a pressure increase of 2,196 psi on
the casing side.
This quick increase will influence

your ability to hold FCP (DP
pressure) constant. Some quick
choke adjustments must be made.
((0.832 0.1) 3,000 = 2,196)
39
ODT &AWC Day 2
0.10835
Choke Line Strokes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
30
40
8000
8000
Calculate Total Volume & Strokes
Total Strokes
434
817
Total Volume
= 1394 + 7270
10300
700
2300
7500
0.10835
8000
0.014167
10300
RID DPOD
700 0.0073
1029.4
VRiser = LRiser
22 700
4.5 0.040087
2300 0.075059
1029.4
= 500
= 500
0.45057500
225.25 bbl
=
0.10835 bbl/stk
5.11
151.03
= 2079 stk
172.64
200.70
581.04
0.0119
500
1394
46.5
1852
5363
62
191
55
787.7
7270
242
938.73
8664
289
225.25
2079
5.95
0.4505
817
10.94
650
11
817
172.64
200.70
581.04
1852
5363
62
191
55
7270
242
938.73
8664
289
5.95
10.94
11.0
650
1467
ICP = Slow Rate Pressure (SRP) + SIDDP

= 817 psi + 650 psi
= 1467 psi
Initial Dynamic Casing Pressure
650
11000
9.8
11.0
817
1467
917.04
650
11
918
9.8
10.94
11.0
650
817
1467
917.04
918
850
MWK
MWH
11.0
= 817
9.8
46.5
787.7
650
11000
11000
650
11000
9.8
1394
28.06
650
817
650
9.8
0.0119
9.8
Calculate Final Circulating Pressure (FCP)

11000
5.11
28.06
0.077472
500
= 225.25 bbl
145.92
0.077472
11000
Riser Volume (bbl)

StkAnn = 11000
148
= 8664 stk
145.92
Calculate Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP)
9.875
11000
434
817
0.0073
700 0.040087
= 938.73
bbl
0.075059
500
30
40
0.014167
= VolDS + VolAnn
= 151.03 + 787.7 151.03
8000
Calculate Riser Volume (VRiser) and Strokes
(StkRiser)
= StkDS + StkAnn
11000
148

This is reversed when mud replaces
the gas in the Choke Line. There
will be a quick decrease in pressure
on the casing side and will again
require quick choke adjustments to
maintain a constant FCP.
9.875
11000
148
702
FCP = SRP
= 917.04 psi
When ICP has been reached and the Choke Line Friction has been removed,
the remaining pressure is called the Initial Dynamic Casing Pressure.
If our SICP were 850, the Initial Dynamic Casing Pressure would be 702 psi.
REMEMBER for Circulating Pressures:

Round UP to full number
40
ODT &AWC Day 2
Formulating
Pump-Down
Plan
11
817
917.04
9.8
(Step Method)
1467
918
Formulating
Pump-Down
Plan
11
817
917.04
9.8
(psi
Increment Method)
918
549
1467
918
549
549
1394
918
0.394
100
10
1394
549
0
139
279
418
558
697
837
976
1115
1255
1394
10
10
100
139.4
0
254
508
762
1016
1270
1394
Formulating
Pump-Down
Plan
11
817
917.04
9.8
(Stroke
Increment Method)
918
549
549
1394
Drilling and Well

Control Training
0.394
0.394
Kill Plan For Deviated Well

With Adjustment To K.O.P.
1. Make normal kill sheet i.e. ICP, FCP, KMW, DS

strokes, etc.
2. Calculate volume and strokes from surface to Kick-Off
Point (KOP).
3. Calculate volume and strokes from KOP to End of Build
(EOB).
4. Calculate volume and strokes from EOB to bit.
5. Calculate dynamic pressure loss at KOP.
39.4
1467
1428
1388
1349
1309
1270
1231
1191
1152
1112
1073
1034
994
955
918
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1467
1367
1267
1167
1067
967
918
918
100
100
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1394
254
54.9
1467
1412
1357
1302
1247
1193
1138
1083
1028
973
918
1467
0.394
KOPMD
PL KOP PL FCP PL
TDMD

Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. Calculate remaining SIDPP at KOP.

9. Calculate remaining SIDPP at EOB.
SIDPPKOP SIDPP KMW CMW 0.052 KOPTVD
SIDPPEOB SIDPP KMW CMW 0.052 EOBTVD
7. Calculate circulating pressure at KOP.
10.Calculate circulating pressure at EOB.
KOPCP PL KOP SIDPPKOP
EOBCP PL EOB SIDPPEOB
8. Calculate dynamic pressure loss at EOB.

EOBMD
PL EOB PL FCP PL
TDMD
11.Calculate psi/100 strokes for Surface to KOP.

ICP KOPCP 100
psi /100strokes
Stk KOP
41
ODT &AWC Day 2

Drilling and Well

Control Training
July 1, 2014
Deviated Well
12.Calculate psi/100 strokes for KOP to EOB.

KOPCP EOBCP 100
psi /100 strokes
Stk KOPtoEOB
14.5
13.Calculate psi/100 strokes for EOB to FCP.
10.0
0.520
1872
5000
5000
EOBCP FCP 100

psi /100 strokes
8600
8000
Stk EOBtoFCP
0.13
0.13
8.681
8600
8000
50
500
500
40
320
320
8.5
15000
10000
8600
8000
50
500
500
40
320
320
July 1, 2014
Deviated Well
8.5
15000
10000
800
10000
5000
3600
.017464
.017464
87.32
62.87
672
484
6100
.017464
106.53
819
300
0.00491
1.47
300
6100
0.02914
0.0459
8600
0.0489
500
11
258
800
10000
10.0
1986
800
11.6
11.538
1300
1300
40
8.74
280
289
2221
420.72
709
3236
5457
109
967
7438
149
700
1667
5385
12823
11.6
10.0
44
65
500
580
500
800
11.6
580
580
500
5000
15000
5000
10.0
527
384
July 1, 2014
800
11.6
527
10.0
11.6
546
911
911
680
580
10.0
911
580
500
8600
15000
8000
134
389
231
100
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
672
772
872
972
1072
1156
1256
1356
1456
1556
1656
1756
1856
1956
1986
384
384
500
800
Deviated Well
5000
546
2000
134
1500
680
389
672
57.9
231
484
47.7
100
830
12
1000
500
42
500
1000
1500
2000
1300
1242
1184
1126
1068
1011
953
911
863
816
768
720
680
668
656
644
632
620
608
596
584
580
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Day Three
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Review homework
General Mud Topics
Shallow Gas & Kicks, Diverting
Top Hole Cleaning & Trends
Hydraulics Workshop
Problem Diagnosis & Pump Plan Revision
Simulator Exercises
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Day Three Homework
Hydraulics
Well Control
Problem #4
Dont forget Day 8 homework
IWCF Equipment 1 (bonus)
Simulator (bonus)
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
A. Functions of Mud:
General Mud Topics

A. Functions of Mud
B. Environmental Impact
C. Types of Drilling Fluids
D. Mud Properties
E. Mud Building
1. Stabilize the wellbore.

2. Clean hole below bit.
3. Clean hole above bit.
You will never be a

complete drilling
person until you
understand mud.
4. Transfer HP from pump to bit.

5. Cool and lubricate bit and hole.
6. Formation Protection
See Drilling Manual, Drilling Mud, page 4.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
B. Environmental and Health Impact
Mud is #1 in Drilling Optimization

There is nothing more important than the proper
mud for the specific well or interval being drilled.
1. Muds must now comply with our industrys

regulations regarding:
Worker safety both short term and long term.
Immediate environmental impact if discharged
onshore and offshore
Long term impact when discharge is left in a
reserve pit or on sea bottom.
Long term impact to company with regulation
changes.
Equally important is maintaining the mud to

maximize drilling performance.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
C. Types of Drilling Fluids
B. Environmental and Health Impact

Current and Future Regulations
National
International
1.
2.
3.
4.
Country
Area
State
Local
Air
Mist
Foam
WBM
Multiple Types
5. OBM
Multiple Bases
We will Focus on WBM and OBM Muds
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
D. Mud Properties (Drilling Fluids)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mud Weight
Funnel Viscosity (FV)
Apparent Viscosity (AV)
Plastic Viscosity PV
Yield Point (YP)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
1. Mud Weight
A. In addition to the Mud Engineer you want the man
in charge of the mud pits to be a key man on the rig
B. Correct Mud Weight Maintenance is one of the key
measurements in Drilling Performance.
C. One of the most important jobs for the pit man is to
keep up with changes in mud weight.
D. Have the pit man check and record the mud weight
every 10 minutes at the flow line and at the suction
tank (coming out of the hole and going in the hole).
6. Gel Strengths
7. Water Loss
8. Solids Analysis
9. Solids
10. Clay Content (MBT)
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Your pit mans logs must include:

Chart of these numbers at the
flow line and pump suction
tank.
Changes in pit volume
The MW you want for
the interval.
Your pit mans logs must include:

Mud Weight and Funnel
Viscosity.
How much water is he
adding to maintain MW.
Rate of Penetration so the
weight can be maintained
correctly with changes in
water additions.
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sampling mud for mud trends

Learn how to do it properly.
General Mud Topics
1. Mud Weight
2. Funnel Viscosity (FV)
Equipment for testing
Mud Balance
Tru-Wate Balance
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Funnel Viscosity
General Mud Topics
2. Funnel Viscosity
A. FV unit: sec/qt (or sec/l)
E. FV is a mud properties trend.
B. FV tests: 1500 cc in (funnel)

and (sec) 946 cc out.
F. FV H2O: 26 sec/qt. @ 68F

G. FV Test Frequency: Each 10
minutes @ Flow Line and
Suction
C. FV measures: A Viscosity
through a tube with known
diameter and length.
D. Rule-of-thumb: 4 MW(ppg)
H. FV LCM base mud: Minimum

51 sec/qt
Mud Funnel
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Top view of funnel
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Apparent Viscosity (AV)

A. Apparent Viscosity is an indicator of the total effect
of the solids and attractive forces within a mud
B. Is very much like the funnel viscosity.
C. It is determined using a Fann Viscometer
D. AV = 600 reading (on Fann Viscometer) divided by 2.
AV = 600/2
600 = 50
General Mud Topics
E. AV as LCM base = minimum of 25 cps for LCM base

F. AV reacts much like the FV.
It can show mud changes
but wont tell you why the
mud viscosity has changed.
G. By looking at the PV, YP,
Gels, WL, and mud
chemistry, the reason (or
cause) for change can be
better identified.
AV = 50/2
AV = 25 cp
Fann Viscometer
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Plastic Viscosity (PV)

A. PV unit: Centipoise (cp)
B. PV Test: Viscometer
PV = 600 reading - 300 reading
600
50
300
30
PV =
20
Mud Weight
Plastic Viscosity (PV)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training

C. PV relates to: the resistance to flow from
mechanical friction primarily caused by the size
and amount of solids in the fluid.
D. Solids less than 1 micron will result in high plastic
viscosity, and slow rates of penetration.
General Mud Topics

E. Drilling Rate in Relationship to Plastic
Viscosity
PV
D 2 D1 1
PV2
0.45
Where:
PV1 and PV2 are the respective plastic viscosities
corresponding to the drilling rates D1 and D2.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example:
D1
PV1
PV2
= 20 ft/hr
= 32 cp
= 8 cp
General Mud Topics

32
D 2 20
8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
0.45
D2 37 ft/hr
The drilling time for a 2,000 ft. hole section can be

reduced from 100 rotating hours to 54 rotating hours by
simply reducing the plastic viscosity from 32 to 8 cp.
This indicates the drilling rate is more affected by the
colloidal solids fraction of the total solids content.
General Mud Topics
Mud Weight
Yield Point (YP)
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
C. YP relates: to attractive forces in mud (solids and

liquid), that causes resistance to flow.
D. YP is sensitive to Temperature.
Standardize reporting (or test).
E. YP influences:
5. Yield Point (YP)

A. YP unit: lb/100 ft2.
B. YP Test: Viscometer (300 reading - PV)
Example:
600
= 80
300
= 50
PV
= 30
YP
= 20
Note:
600 300
300 PV
=
=
PV
YP
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD
Trip MW
SWAB
SURGE
Hole Cleaning
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD MWH YP 0.1
DH - DDP
ECD 18 20 0.1
Equivalent circulating density

Mud weight in hole, ppg
Yield Point
Hole diameter, in
Pipe diameter, in
8.5-5
ECD = 18.57 ppg
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
YP
MWT MWB
11.7 D H D DP
Where:
MWT =
MWB =
YP =
DH =
DDP =
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD MWH YP 0.1
DH - DDP
Where:
ECD =
MWH =
YP =
DH =
DDP =
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
YP
MWT MWB
11.7 D H D DP
20
MWT 17.5
11.7 8.5 5
Trip mud, ppg

MW to balance kick, ppg
Yield Point
Hole diameter, in
Drill pipe diameter, in
MWT = 18.0 ppg
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Low Shear Yield Point for Horizontal Wells

Fann Reading
Shear Rate Calculation
600
49
PV = 49 - 40 = 9 cp
300
40
YP = 40 - 9 = 31 lbs/100 Ft2
The mud should be treated with a low shear rate

modifier such as a bio-polymer to increase the
LSYP without impacting the PV.
200
100
6
3
Example:
32
25
8
5
LSYP = (2R3 - R6)

LSYP = 2 5 - 8
LSYP = 2 lbs/100 Ft2 *
* Virtually no carrying capacity for cuttings.
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bio-polymers such as XC
polymer are called
Thixotropic or Shear
Thinning.
There is a critical polymer
concentration in the mud
where flow and suspension
properties are optimum.
6 RPM
3 RPM
LSYP
LSYP
LSYP
Drilling and Well

Control Training
=
=
=
=
=
24
20
(2R3 - R6)
(2 20 - 24)
16
General Mud Topics
Temperature Effects on PV and YP
Shear
Thinning
Values will vary with the test

temperatures.
Standardize the test
temperature or correct to a
standard temperature so
numbers are meaningful.
Example: (Test made at

80 degrees Fahrenheit.)
600 = 80
300 = 50
PV
= 30
YP
= 20
Rate of Shear
(Refer to Mud Chapter page 31.)
Temperature Influence
Drilling and Well
On Rheology
Control Training
Temperature Influence
Drilling and Well
On Rheology
Control Training
Example: (Test made

at 80 degrees
Fahrenheit.)
Example: 80 F
120 F
600 = 80
600 =
80
300 = 50
300 =
50
48
30
PV
= 30
PV
30
18
YP
= 20
YP
20
12
This graph not accurate for calculations.

Use chart in Drilling Manual, Mud Chapter, page 31.
This graph not accurate for calculations.

Use chart in Drilling Manual, Mud Chapter, page 31.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Water Based Mud (WBM) and Oil Based Mud

(OBM) Viscosity (Shear Stress) Trends
WBM and OBM Viscosity (Shear Stress) Trends

Pressure Increases
1. A viscosity increase is noted with increasing
pressure. This is much more pronounced with
OBM. Pressure & temperature effects cancel out
with OBM.
2. For WBM, the pressure effect is much smaller
than the temperature effect.
Temperature Increases
1. A significant decrease in viscosity (Shear Stress)
as the temperature increases from 150 to 300F.
2. The viscosity (shear stress) for a given low shear
rate is not as pressure and temperature
dependent as shear stress at high shear rates.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
General Mud Topics
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
6. Gel Strengths (Gels)

A. Related to the attractive forces between solids in
mud in a static condition.
C. Gel Strength unit: lbs/100 ft2
B. Gel Strength test:
Record number initially @ 3 RPMs
Record number after 10 minutes @ 3 RPMs
Progressive tests: Use several viscometers and
take readings for a number of test periods (i.e. 1
hour; 4 hours; 8 hours; etc.)
Mud Weight
Yield Point (VP)
Gel Strengths (Gels)
Samples must be kept at a constant temperature.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Low Gels
=
Medium Gels
=
High Gels
=
Progressive Gels =
Initial
1 to 4
5 to 8
9 to 15
5 to 10
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Ten Minutes
3 to 6
8 to 12
18 to 50 (or higher)
25 to 100 (or higher)
General Mud Topics
1. Mud Weight
2. Funnel Viscosity
(FV)
3. Apparent Viscosity
(AV)
* Note: Progressive Gels usually have a root problem of

solids, and the 10 min Gel is usually 4 (or more)
times higher than initial Gel.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Yield Point (YP)
Gel Strengths (Gels)
Fluid Loss
Water Loss
Filter Cake
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
7. Water Loss
7. Water Loss / Filter Cake Thickness

A. API Filtrate test is for WBM only
B. Static Measurement at room temp.
Water Loss reported as ml/30 min
Filter Cake Thickness reported as 32nd inch/30 min
Test Equipment
Press
#50 Whatman Filter Paper
Parameters
Units
PSI
Time
Temp
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
General Mud Topics
7. HP/HT Filtrate Loss WL

Test Equipment
Press
#50 Whatman Filter Paper
Parameters
Units
PSI
Time
Temp
General Mud Topics
1. Mud Weight
2. Funnel Viscosity
(FV)
3. Apparent Viscosity
(AV)
4. Plastic Viscosity
(PV)
ml
100 psi
30 min
Ambient
Drilling and Well

Control Training
7. HT/HP Filtrate Loss (Water Loss)

A. WBM and OBM
B. Static Measurement
Filtrate Loss reported as 2 ml/30 min
Filter Cake thickness reported as 32nd inch/30 min
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ml
500 psi differential
30 min
300 F
General Mud Topics
8. Solids Analysis
A. Test Equipment
Heating Element
Retort Assembly
Thermostat
Condenser
5. Yield Point (YP)

6. Gel Strengths (Gels)
7. Fluid Loss
Water Loss
Filter Cake
8. Solids Analysis
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8. Solids Analysis
A. Test Equipment
Retort Chamber
Retort Lid
Retort Cup
9. Solids
1. Inert
A. Low Density
B. High Density
General Mud Topics
Low Density Solids (2.6 )

Bentonite
Water Loss Additives
Thinners
Drill Solids (Clays,
Carbonates, etc.)
MW Range = 8.4 to
10.0 ppg
3. Fine Solids
Less than 1 micron
4. Coarse Solids
Greater than 1 micron
B. Data Reported as Percent

Water
Oil
Total Solids (Suspended Solids, LG & HG Solids)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Active
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill Solids
High Density Solids (4.2+)

Barite
Iron Oxide (Hematite)
Others
MW Range = 9.5 to
21.0 ppg
Inert
Active
Sand
Limestone
Dolomite
Clay
Anhydrite
Salts
* All these solids cause weight increase.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pounds Of Solids Drilled Per Hour
General Mud Topics
Solids Removal
Shaker
Hole Dia.
6.5
8.5
12.25
Ft./hr.
25
25
25
Bbls./hr.
1.03
1.76
3.65
Lbs./hr.
800
1,400
2,900
Desander
Desilter
Centrifuge
Flocculation
Screen Size
40
80
100
150
200
325
Micron Size
381
234
178
105
74
44
50-60
20-30
5-15
<1-5
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fine Solids
Drill Solids Surface Area

Particles
Volume
1
1 In3
25400 u3
8
0.5 In3
12700 u3
512
0.125 In3
3175 u3
262,144
397 u3
1.68 107
100 u3
1.07 109
25 u3
4.40 1012
1.5 u3
General Mud Topics
Fine solids are 12 times more detrimental to ROP than

coarse solids.
Fine solids cause high Plastic Viscosity.
The fine solids (< 1 micron) cause the spurt loss to go to
zero.
The zero spurt loss leads to chip-hold down and poor
Performance with Roller Cone Bits.
Surface Area
6 In2
12 In2
48 In2
384 In2
1,536 In2
6,144 In2
98,304 In2
* Solids in water based muds have a water envelope
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MBT Methylene Blue Test
Fine Solids Vs. Mud Type

Aged 4% Gel
and Water
13% < 1 micron

F = MBT 0.13
Aged 4% Gel and

Water plus a polymer
6% < 1 micron
F = MBT 0.06
Aged 4% Gel and

Water plus dispersants
80% < 1 micron

F = MBT 0.80
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Measures the reactive bentonitic clays in a WB

drilling fluid or drilled solids.
Reported as bentonite-equivalent lb/bbl for the
drilling fluids.
Reported as lb/bbl of bentonite-equivalent per
100 lb of shale in the formation drilled.
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Mud Volume Building

1. Water Base Muds
2. Oil Base Muds
General Mud Topics
Mud Volume Building Formulas (WBM)

To build volume from water to some final mud weight, the
following procedure should be implemented:
Calculate the starting clay base mud (VC).

Calculate the starting water volume (VW).
Calculate the required clay (clay req., lbs.).
Calculate the required barite (barite req., lbs.)
Calculate the material balance (VF) volume check).
See Drilling Manual, Mud Chapter, page 44.
10
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Where:
VC
VF
MWF
MWC
VW
MWW
Clay Req.
Specific Gravity and Solids

Low Density
High Density
SG
2.6
H2O
8.33 ppg
Clay
2.6 8.33 = 21.66 ppg (formula 2 and 3)
21.66 42 gal/bbl
909.6 ppb
SG
4.2
H2O
8.33 ppg
Barite =
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Barite Req. =
Vol. Check =
4.2 8.33 = 34.99 ppg (formula 1 and 4)
34.99 42 gal/bbl
1469 ppb
35 MWF
VC VF
35 MWC
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Calculate the clay mud

that is needed.
Data for this example:
MWF = 15.0 ppg
VF
= 1,000 bbls
MWW = 8.33 ppg
MWC = 8.8 ppg
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
35 MWF
VC VF
35 MWC
Volume of clay base mud, barrels.

Final volume required, barrels.
Final mud weight, ppg.
Clay base mud weight, ppg.
Volume of starting water, barrels.
Weight of water, ppg.
Clay required to build weight (and viscosity) to
desired level, (lbs).
Barite required to reach final mud weight, (lbs).
Volume check to assure material balance (also
check arithmetic because if the number isnt
close to VF a mistake was made), barrels.
SUMMARY
35 15
VC 1,000
35 8.8
1. VC
2. VW
3. Clay (lb)
763
4. Barite (lb) =
VC = 763 bbl
5. VFCheck
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Where:
VC
MWC
VW
MWW
=
=
=
=
SUMMARY

Volume of starting water, barrels.
Weight of water, ppg.
21.66 MWC
VW VC
21.66 MWW
21.66 8.8
VW 763
21.66 8.33
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. VC
763
2. VW
736
3. Clay (lb)
4. Barite (lb) =
VW = 736 bbl
5. VFCheck
Note: Clay weighs 21.66 ppg.
11
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Where:
VW
MWC
MWW
Clay Req.
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
910 MWC MWW

Clay Re q. Vw
21.66 MWC
= Volume of starting water, barrels.

= Clay base mud weight, ppg.
= Weight of water, ppg.
= Clay required to build weight (and
viscosity)to desired level, (lbs).
910 8.8 8.33

Clay Re q. 736
21.66 8.8
910 MWC MWW

Clay Re q. Vw
21.66 MWC
Clay Req.= 24,478 lb (or 245 100-lb. sacks)
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Where:
VC
=
=
MWF
MWC
=
Barite Req. =
SUMMARY
1. VC
763
2. VW
736
3. Clay (lb)
24,478
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Final mud weight, ppg.
Barite required to reach final mud
weight, (lbs).
1470 MWF - MWC

Barite Req. = VC
35 - MWF
4. Barite (lb) =
5. VFCheck
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1470 MWF - MWC

Barite Req. = VC
35 - MWF
SUMMARY
1470 15 - 8.8
Barite Req. = 763
35 -15
1. VC
763
2. VW
736
3. Clay (lb)
24,478
4. Barite (lb) =
347,699
5. VFCheck
Barite Req. = 347,699 lb (or 3,477 100-lb sacks)
12
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Where:
Clay requirement Barite requirement
Volume FCheck VW
910
1470
VW
Clay Req.
= Volume of starting water, barrels.

= Clay required to build weight (and
viscosity) to desired level, (lbs).
Barite Req. = Barite required to reach final mud weight,
(lbs).
Vol. Check = Volume check to assure material balance
(also check arithmetic because if the
number isnt close to VF a mistake was
made), barrels.
24,478 347,699
Volume FCheck 736
910
1470
VolumeFCheck = 1,000 bbls
Clay requirement Barite requirement
Volume FCheck = VW +
+
910
1470
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
763
2. VW
736
3. Clay (lb)
24,478
4. Barite (lb) =
347,699
5. VFCheck
General Mud Topics
Calculate barite required to raise a 9.8 ppg mud to

the required 11.0 ppg kill weight. (Field Mud)
SUMMARY
1. VC
General Mud Topics
1. Calculate total volume in active system.

2. Calculate the increase in volume after raising the mud
weight to the required kill weight.
3. Calculate total barite required.
4. Calculate the volume of water required.
5. Check material balance.
1,000
Example will use data from Subsea Problem #2.

See Drilling Manual, Drilling Mud Chapter, page 45.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Calculate total volume in active system.
General Mud Topics
1. Calculate total volume in active system. (We treat

mud, suction to suction. This includes the mud in
the surface tanks and the mud in the hole.)
VT VP + VDS + VAnn + VRis

Where:
VT = Total volume of mud in active system (active
pits, drill string, annulus, riser annulus) (bbl)
VP = Volume of mud in active pits (bbl)
VDS = Volume of mud in drill string (bbl)
VAnn = Volume of mud in annulus (bbl)
VRis = Volume of mud in riser annulus (bbl)
VT VP + VDS + VAnn + VRis

VT 1000 + 155.6 + 793.6 + 225
VT 2174.2 bbl
13
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Calculate the final volume of mud that we will

have after weighting up the mud. Where:
VS
VF
MWF
MWI
2. Calculate the final volume of mud that we will

have after weighting up the mud.
= Volume of mud to start with. (This is the amount of mud

that must be treated.)
= Final Volume of mud after increasing the mud weight.
= Final Mud Weight (ppg)
= Initial Mud Weight (ppg)
VF =
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VF =
VS
26 MWF
26 MWI
Do we have enough surface tank capacity to handle

the additional mud?
Note: 26 is pounds per gallon of hydrated barite.
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MWF
MWI
3. Calculate total barite required
= Volume of barite (lbs)

= Total volume of mud in active system (Active pits, drill
string, annular volume, riser volume)
= Final mud weight (Kill mud weight)
= Initial mud weight
1092 11.0 9.8

VBar (lbs) = 2174
189,920.6 lbs
26 11.0
VBar (bbl)
1092 MWF MWI

VBar (lbs) = VS
26 MWF
VBar (bbl)
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Calculate total barite required where:

VBar
VS
2174
2347.9 bbl
26 11.0
26 9.8
VBar (Sx)
VBar (lbs)
1470
189920.6
129.2 bbl
1470
189,921
1900 100-lb sx
100
Note: 1092 is the ppb of hydrated barite in a field mud;

1470 is the ppb of barite based on 4.2 specific gravity.
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Calculate volume of water required where:

VH2O
VBar
VF
VS
=
=
=
=
4. Calculate volume of water required
Volume of water required

Volume of barite required in lbs
Final Volume of mud after weighting up
Volume of mud to start with (Vol. of mud to treat)
VH2O
General Mud Topics
VH2O = VF - Bar VS
1470
189,920.6
VH2O 2348
2174 45 bbl
1470
= VF - Bar VS
1470
Note: 1470 is the ppb of barite based on 4.2 specific gravity.
14
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
5. Check material balance where:

VH2O
VBar
VF
VS
=
=
=
=
5. Check material balance
Volume of water required

Volume of barite required in lbs
Final Volume of mud after weighting up
Volume of mud to start with (Vol. of mud to treat).
VF =
VF =
189,920.6
45 2174
1470
VF = 129.2 45 2174
VBar
VH2O VS
1470
VF = 2348 bbl
The material balance verifies that our numbers are correct.
After weighting up from 9.8 ppg to 11.0 ppg, the volume
will increase from 2174 bbl to 2348 bbl.
Note: 1470 is the ppb of barite based on 4.2 specific gravity.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Mud Volume Building

2. Oil Base Muds
General Mud Topics
OBM Volume Building

Make 1000 bbls of 12 ppg OBM with
Oil/Water ratio of 75/25
Base Oil Wt. = 7ppg
Water Wt. = 8.33ppg.
Find the weight of the base fluid using the formula

(V1MW1) + (V2MW2) = (V1+V2) MWF
(0.75bbls 7.0ppg) + (0.25bbls 8.33ppg) = (0.75+0.25) MWF
Final Mud Weight = (5.25 + 2.08) / 1 = 7.33ppg
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
OBM Volume Building
SUMMARY
1. Base Fluid Wt. =
2. VF (bbl)
3. VS (bbl)
4. Barite (lb)
5. VFCheck
General Mud Topics
Calculate the starting volume for a final volume of 1000 bbls. With a
mud weight of 12ppg.
7.33 ppg
VS =
VF
VS =
1000 bbls
Starting volume of base fluid with a 75/25 O/W Ratio = 831 bbls.
Starting volume of water = 831 0.25 = 207.75 bbls
Starting volume of base oil = 831 0.75 = 623.25 bbls
15
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
1. Base Fluid Wt. =

2. VF (bbl)
OBM
Calculate Barite Required
7.33 ppg
Pounds Barite = 1470 (
1,000 bbls
=
=
208 bbls
623 bbls
3. VS (bbl)
831 bbls
4. Barite (lb)
5. VFCheck
Drilling and Well

Control Training
= 1470 (
) 831
1,000 bbls
3. VS (bbl)
831 bbls
4. Barite (lb)
= 248,032 lbs
5. VFCheck
5.Check material balance.

VF = H2O + Base Oil + Barite
VF = 208bbls + 623bbls + 169 bbls = 1000bbls
The material balance verifies the calculations are correct.
General Mud Topics
50 ml Retort Analysis
Oil
= 31.2 ml
Water
= 10.4 ml
Solids
= 8.4 ml
7.33 ppg
1,000 bbls
3. VS (bbl)
831 bbls
4. Barite (lb)
= 248,032 lbs
5. VFCheck
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
SUMMARY
2. VF (bbl)
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
7.33 ppg
2. VF (bbl)
1. Base Fluid Wt. =
Barrels Barite = 248032 lbs (1470 lbs / bbl) = 169 bbls
SUMMARY
Drilling and Well

Control Training
) VS
Pounds Barite = 248,032 lbs.
General Mud Topics
1. Base Fluid Wt. =
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
SUMMARY
=
VH2O
VBASE Oil
ODT &AWC Day 3
%Oil
Retort Vol Oil

Retort Vol Oil Retort Volume H2O
%H2O
Retort Vol H2O

Retort Vol Oil Retort Volume H2O
%Solids
1,000 bbls
16
Retort Vol Oil
Retort Vol Solids

Retort Volume Solids
H2O
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
50 ml Retort Analysis
Oil
= 31.2 ml
Water
= 10.4 ml
Solids
= 8.4 ml
% Oil
% H2O
ODT &AWC Day 3
Oil
Water
Solids
.
.
.
.

1. Correct the Oil / Water Ratio to 80/20

Where: Volume is 1000 bbls
Retort Oil
= 62.4% = 624 bbls
Retort Water = 20.8% = 208 bbls
= 62.4%
= 20.8%
= 16.8%
or
. %
. %
100
= 75%
or
. %
. %
100
= 25%
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
% Oil X
bbls Oil X bbls
or

% H2O
bbls H2O
624 bbls X bbls

208 bbls
Desired % Oil
Desired % H2O
80%
20%
208 bbls Base Oil or 0.208 bbls Base Oil / bbl mud
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Correct the Oil / Water Ratio to 80/20
2. Calculate Barite required to maintain a constant mud

weight of 12 ppg.
Volume of new base oil added to system 208 bbls
Check Calculations
624 bbls 208 bbls

208 bbls

Drilling and Well

Control Training
100
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
80%
20%
Lbs Barite = 1,470

= 1,470 (
= 80% Oil
V new base oil

) 208 bbls
= 66,470
Bbls Barite 66,470 1,470
45 bbls
100 = 20% Water
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Check material balance and new volume.
General Mud Topics
4. Check weight with new volume.
VF = Initial Volume + Base Oil + Barite
MWF VF = (V1 MW1) + (V2 MW2) + (V3 MW3)
VF = 1000bbls + 208bbls+ 45bbls = 1253bbls
MWF = 1000bbls 12 ppg + 208bbls 7ppg + 45bbls 35ppg

1253 bbls
MWF = 12 ppg
17
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Drilling and Well

Control Training
To Minimize Shallow Gas Problems
Shallow gas can be extremely dangerous
1. Control volume of gas and use seismic in planning
Not much casing set

Difficult to shut well in & control
Doubly dangerous from shallow gas are leaks
YOU NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT
SHALLOW GAS
2. Drill shallow hole carefully to minimize

washouts. This will facilitate cementing casing.
3. Locate shoes in more competent formation.
4. Measure frac (leak off) gradient.
5. Use squeezing to guarantee validity of leak off test.
See Drilling Manual, Top Hole Chapter, page 34.

Workbook Regulations. BSEE Rules, pages 15 16.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dh
MW
FP
= 17 in
= 9.2 ppg
= 2,000 0.465 psi/ft
= 930 psi
HP = 9.2 2,000 0.052
= 957 psi
POB = 27 psi
= 30% porosity rock

R.O.P.= 100 ft/hr
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cuft/hr R.O.P.
(Dh) 2 0.7854
144
Gas Cuft/hr
P1V1 P2 V2
Cuft/hr R.O.P.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(Gen. Gas Law)
Gas = Cuft/hr
(D H )2 0.7854
144
Gas = 30% 167
(17.5)2 0.7854
Cuft/hr 100
144
Gas = 50 Cuft/hr
Cuft/hr = 167 cuft/hr
18
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(Gen. Gas Law)
Methods To Reduce Core Gas Volume
P1V1 P2 V2
1.Control Drill
(controlling the rate
of penetration)
2.Drill Pilot Hole
3.Combination
4. Log before hole opening operations. If GAS is
present isolate with plug before hole-opening
(930 + 14.7)(50) = 14.7 V2
944.7 50
14.7
V2 3213 cuft/hr
V2
V2
3213
= 574 bbl/hr
5.6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Open diverter line

2. Close diverter
Note: 14.7 is the

atmospheric pressure.
Diverting
Killing A Diverted Well Has A Greater

Chance of Success When:
Should be automatic
1. Kick is small (controlled ROP).

2. Kick is oil or water.
3. Kick is gas from non permeable
zone.
4. Kick is taken in core hole when
drilling 12, 17 or 26 inches
5. Diverter line is 12 inches or greater
REMEMBER: This is a volume
problem, not a hydrostatic problem.
3. Pump at high rate
start with fluid in tanks

switch, when organized to water
if well does not bridge, organize a dynamic kill
Organize: people, material, backup equipment.
a. H20 encourages well to bridge near the source

b. Bridging over is what saves our neck.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diverting
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diverting
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diverter Problem And Recommendations

1. Diverter lines too small. Use 12 inch or larger
2. Make sure lines are straight and unrestricted.
3. Rig up diverter carefully and check regularly
4. Make sure system is automatic (BSEE Rule)
5. SS: Ineffective seal on SS slipjoint. Sometimes the
diverter pack off is driven out of housing. Some people
feel if you divert you should desert.
Special Sub-Sea Shallow

Gas Problems
1. Detection is difficult
because of wave
action.
19
BSEE Rules page 15:

Subsea Diverter must
be $12" lines.
Surface Diverter must
be $10" lines
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3

Gas Problems
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Lost returns
and broaching
because of low
frac gradients.

Gas Problems
3. Unstable
(listing, etc)
with single
hull vessels.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Gas Problems
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Considerations:
Prevention and Solutions
1. Unlatching from
riser (moving off
location).
2. Drilling without
riser (gas exhausting
at sea bottom).
3. Dynamic kills.
4. Collapse of riser.
See article in Well Control

Manual pages 235-236.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Considerations:
Prevention and Solutions
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Set casing at surface deeper than 1,000' (or in

more competent formation) and close in kicks.
Use conventional WC technique to control.
Offshore Type Diverter
On offshore, you must have an alternate vent line that

will allow safe venting whatever the wind direction is.
20
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Offshore Type Diverter
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Present Situation
Well is stable.
No loss or gain with 11 ppg mud.
Well had kicked (because of
porosity gas volume) and was
dynamically killed with 11 ppg
mud.
Estimated leak off at 700' is 11.0
ppg.
A 9.3 ppg mud was being used at
3,700 ft when well was diverted
and dynamically killed.
For floaters use a 12"

ID diverter line.
BSEE rules apply
outside 3 miles off
the U.S.A coastline.
Inside the USA, state
rules apply.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History
Case History
Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
You are not trying to

set records in top hole.
Choices
1. Run casing at present depth
2. Set cement plug on bottom to isolate gas &
run casing on plug
3. Drill ahead and cut mud weight carefully
4. Plug and abandon.
You must have a

Pre-Spud check
BREAK
DISCUSS!
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PRE-SPUD CHECK - Most important considerations

Location ready for rig move
Top Hole

Rig equipment completely rigged up
Access road complete and adequate

Location / pad level
Conductor cemented properly in place
Reserve pit completed and lined
Permits complete
Rig assembled, derrick up, blocks strung, lines connected,

electrical check, etc
Mud system hooked-up
Desanding and desilting equipment ready
Shale shaker screen sized to handle complete volume
Safety equipment in place including geronimo line, safety
rails, fire extinguishers, etc.
Rig/wellhead alignment checked
Rig move
Moving equipment (trucks) lined up
Rig equipment moved
Serviced / rental equipment moved
21
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Top Hole

Post move / pre-spud checks

Post move / pre-spud checks
Bradenhead wellhead equipment ready (screw on - weld on?)
Measurements RT to cellar level and spaced out for top of
bradenhead depth
Pre-spud meeting
Water on hand
Casing on hand
Casing jewelry - shoe - duplex collar, et
Cement on hand
BOPE rigged up (diverter lines mostly)
(Case History of Agha Jari)
Communication system ready
Fuel on hand
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Top Hole
Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good alignment is
needed.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill the top hole carefully for a good surface casing job.
Do not overpump.
Use pump wisely.
900
800
YP15
YP20
700
600
500
YP30
YP40
0
500
1000 1500 2000

Surface Hole (Ft)
Q high: 50 gpm/in 17.5 = 875

Q low: 30 gpm/in 17.5 = 525
22
17.5"
ODT &AWC Day 3
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Use the highest possible

annular velocity to maintain
good hole cleaning.
2. Rely on mud rheology and
gel strengths for suspension
and transport capabilities.
3. As a last resort control drill.
4. Take advantage of top drives,
if available on the rig, to back
ream.
5. Monitor drag, torque, fill,
ROP and mud rheology and
react accordingly.
If a driller fails to unload the

cuttings he is drilling, a lost
circulation and stuck pipe
problem could develop. Also,
a slow ROP would result from
the increased differential
pressure.
KEEP THE HOLE CLEAN!
Top Hole Cleaning

General Field Guidelines
6. Consider in special
downhole conditions, such

as deep water, HPHT, etc.,
running tests at those
conditions.
7. Use riser pump on subsea
wells to enhance riser
annular velocity
Range
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
0-10
Low II
10-30
Intermediate III
30-60
High IV
60-90
II
III
Drilling and Well

Control Training
60
30
Inclination (degrees)
Top Hole Cleaning Field Guidelines

Vertical and Near Vertical Wells
3. Run adequate mud viscosity

with a good yield point and
LSYP.
LSYP = (2R3 - R6)
Evaluate with slip velocity
formulas. See Drilling
Manual, Optimization
Chapter page 29.
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
0-10
Low II
10-30
Intermediate III
30-60
High IV
60-90
II
III
30-60
High IV
60-90
II
III
IV
60
30
90
Range
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
0-10
Low II
10-30
Intermediate III
30-60
High IV
60-90
II
III
IV
60
30
90

6. Avoid hole enlargement

with good hydraulic and
operating practices.
Range
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
0-10
Low II
10-30
Intermediate III
30-60
High IV
60-90
IV
II
III
IV
Difficulty
Intermediate III
5. Pipe movement does not

help as much in cleaning
large diameter holes.
Difficulty
4. Maintain LSYP between 0.4

and 0.8 time hole diameter
in inches.
Range
Drilling and Well

Control Training
10-30

a. Combined with good

annular velocity.
b. Combined with mechanical
agitation
c. Weighted > 0.5 ppg heavier
90
0-10
Low II
2. Use hole sweeps as

necessary. Sweeps are more
effective if:
IV
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
1. Keep cuttings concentration

less than 5% (by volume) in
order to minimize drilling
problems. P. 29 - Drilling
Manual - Optimization chpt.
Difficulty
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Range
Difficulty
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Top Hole Cleaning

General Field Guidelines
Difficulty
Top Hole Cleaning
Drilling and Well

Control Training
60
30
90
23
60
30
90

Horizontal and High Angle Holes
1. Maintain LSYP between 1.0

and 1.2 times the hole
diameter in inches when in
laminar flow.
Range
2. Treat mud to obtain

elevated, flat gels for
suspension during static and
low-flow rate periods.
0-10
Low II
10-30
Intermediate III
30-60
High IV
60-90
III
Good hole cleaning is the key

issue and must not be
compromised. Hole sweeps (30
70 bbls weighted high viscosity
depending on hole size) as hole
conditions dictate.
IV
Difficulty
II
Drilling and Well

Control Training
60
30
Occasionally pump low viscosity

fluid followed by weighted high
viscosity sweeps to achieve
different hole cleaning properties.
90

Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Use hole cleaning techniques

to minimize cuttings-bed
formation.
Shaker with cuttings after

pumping low viscosity fluid.

4. From the start, utilize

elevated-viscosity fluids
because cutting beds are
easy to deposit, but difficult
to remove.
The low viscosity fluid promotes

local turbulence, which
mechanically disturbs cutting
beds. The high viscosity/ high
weight fluid sweeps the cuttings
out of the hole.
5. Ream connections when

slide drilling.
Range
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
0-10
Low II
10-30
Intermediate III
30-60
High IV
60-90
Shaker with cuttings after

pumping high viscosity fluid.

6. Rotary drill with a rpm

above critical speed for the
hole size when possible.
7. Schedule periodic wiper
trips and pipe rotation
intervals for situations
where sliding operations are
extensive and bed formation
is expected.
Range
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
0-10
Low II
10-30
Intermediate III
30-60
High IV
60-90
II
III
Drilling and Well

Control Training
60
30
III
IV
9. Increase mud weight to

correct well-bore stress
problems masquerading as
hole cleaning problems.
IV
24
90
Range
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
0-10
Low II
10-30
Intermediate III
30-60
High IV
60-90
90
60
30

8. Consider drilling smalldiameter holes using

turbulent flow in competent
formations. Low-viscosity
fluids enter turbulent flow
at lower flow rates.
Difficulty
II
Difficulty
Monitor all returning sweeps

at the shaker to measure
efficiency of type and amount of
cleaning achieved. Record
results.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

3. Use hole cleaning techniques

to minimize cuttings-bed
formation.
Angle (degrees)
Near-vertical I
Drilling and Well

Control Training
II
III
IV
Difficulty
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
60
30
90
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
High Angle Hole Cleaning

Cuttings Bed Development

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Drilling Problems Caused by Cuttings Beds

Vertical to 35
No cuttings bed
development
35 to 65
Cuttings beds
develop and are
unstable (prone
to avalanche)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Annular Fluid Flow in High Angle Wellbore
Fluid flow zone
- Pack-off and subsequent lost circulation

- Tight hole and sometimes stuck pipe while
tripping if cuttings beds not removed prior to
the trip
65 to 90 - Cuttings beds develop

and are stable (not prone to avalanche)

Effects of Gravity
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Effects of Gravity
Drilling and Well

Control Training
25

Effects of Gravity

Effects of Gravity
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3

Effects of Pipe Rotation
- Cuttings moved into flow zone

via fluid spinning with DP
(viscous coupling)
- Cuttings return to low side in
short distance, and remain
there until spinning fluid
moves cutting back into flow
stream
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Summary Comments
Hole Size
Critical RPM to
Remove Cuttings
>12"
150
> 8", < 12"
120
< or = 8"
90
Critical RPM
(minimum pipe
rotation speed) is
dependent on hole
size. FR < RPMcrit
will not move cuttings
into flow stream
Top Hole Cleaning
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cuttings beds will always be present while drilling wellbores with

inclination angle > 35
If not removed prior to a trip, cuttings beds can (will) pack off
around BHA, causing excessive drag, and often stuck pipe and/or
lost circulation
High fluid viscosity and high flow rate are the solution to remove
cuttings bedspipe rotation above critical RPM is required to
move cuttings into the flow stream
Due to nature of cuttings transport in high angle hole, it is
common to take 2 to 3 circulations (or more for long high angle
sections) prior to a bit trip and often more to run casing
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Critical Rotation Speeds
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Cleaning Variables (AH < 35)

1. Mud Weight
Good hole cleaning is
2. Mud Viscosity (YP, etc.)
expected when CCI
equals 1. Cuttings are
3. Annular Velocity
sharp-edged and large.
AV
CCI (MW)(YP)
(PV)(14000)
2
CCI=Carrying Capacity Index
Top Hole Cleaning
Drilling and Well

Control Training
When the CCI has a

value of 0.5, the cuttings
are rounded and
generally very small.
A CCI less than 0.3 has
grain-sized cuttings.
Top Hole Cleaning
Example 1:
Example 2:
MW = 9.0; YP = 4; PV = 8; AV = 120 ft/min
MW = 9.0; YP = 20; PV = 12; AV = 120 ft/min
CCI (MW)(YP) 2
AV
(PV)(14000)
AV
(PV)(14000)
120
CCI 9(20) 2
(12)(14000)
CCI 2.57
CCI (MW)(YP) 2
120
(8)(14000)
CCI 0.1543
CCI 9(4) 2
(Good hole cleaning)
(Poor hole cleaning)
26
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Hydraulics
Goal of Drilling Hydraulics

Enhance bit performance
Maintain optimum hole
cleaning
Lower over-all drilling costs,
without sacrificing the
integrity and quality of the
hole.
Hydraulics - Study of Fluid in Motion
See Drilling Manual, Optimization, page 25.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling Hydraulics
Drilling Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How to achieve these Goals?
Bit Hydraulics
Clean the Bit And Hole Bottom
Cool the Bit
Evaluate
Communicate
Annular Hydraulics
Lift Cuttings and Cavings
Limit Annular Pressure Drop
Limit Hole Erosion
Recommend
Optimization
Actual
Situation
Downhole Tool Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pump Pressure
Pump Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Factors which Affect Pump Pressure

Flow Rate
Flow Area
Length of Circulation System
Fluid Properties
How Flow Rate Affects Pump Pressure

Flow Rate (gpm)
Pressure Required (psi)
400
41
800
147 (3.6 times 41)
10 lb/gal mud 1000 ft of 5" XH 19.50 drill pipe
Note: Double the rate and the pressure quadruples.
SPM2
800
P2 P1
164
41
SPM
400
1
See Drilling Manual, Optimization, pages 19-20.
27
ODT &AWC Day 3
Pump Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pump Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How Flow Rate Affects Pump Pressure
How Length of Circulation System Affects

Pump Pressure
Pipe Size
Flow Area (in.2)
Pressure Required
5" XH 19.5 lb/ft
14.4 sq. in.
41
Length (feet)
4" XH 16.60 lb/ft
11.5 sq. in.
67 (63% more)
1000
41
2000
82 (twice as much)
400 gpm 10 lb/gal mud 1000 ft of 5" and 4" drill pipe
400 gpm 10 lb/gal mud 5" XH 19.50 drill pipe
Pump Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How Fluid Properties Affects Pump Pressure

Mud Weight (ppg)
10
41
12
49 (20% more)
Optimization of Hydraulic System

Reduce System Losses
Optimum Flow Rate
Maximum
Hydraulic
Large Flow Area
Energy
Optimum Lengths
at the Bit
Low Mud Weight
Low Viscosity
400 gpm 10 lb/gal mud 1000 ft of 5" XH 19.50 drill pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling Hydraulics
Jet Impact Force
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Two Optimization Methods For Hydraulics:

Jet Impact Force (52% system pressure losses,
and 48% force available at bit)
Hydraulic Horsepower (35% system pressure
losses and 65% force available at bit)
2800
Pumps
Standpipe
System
1456 psi - 52%
Bit
See Drilling Manual, Optimization Chapter, page 18.
28
1342 psi - 48%
ODT &AWC Day 3
Maximum Impact Force
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydraulic Horsepower
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IF (lb)
Kelly Hose
Standpipe
Pumps
Max. Impact Force

System
Maximum
Energy
Bit
0
100
200
400
500
Flow Rate (gpm)
300
600
700
800
900
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Maximum HHP
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2800
HHP (hp)
Max. HHP
Pumps
Standpipe
System
980 psi - 35%
Bit
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1820 psi - 65%

0
Flow Rate Limits
100
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Annulus
Hole Erosion
Hole Cleaning
Loss of Circulation
200
300
400
500
Flow Rate (gpm)
600
Laminar Flow
Turbulent Flow
Cuttings Transport
ECD
Pump
SPM
Liner Size
29
800
Drilling Hydraulics
Factors Affecting Annular Hydraulics

Flow Regime
Downhole Tools
PDM
Turbine
MWD
700
900
ODT &AWC Day 3
Laminar Flow
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Reynolds Number
V D
Where :
Re Re ynolds Number
Density (ppg)
V Annular Velocity (ft / min)
Re
Reynolds Number < 2000 (Laminar Flow)

(Good for drilling and hole cleaning)
D Change in Diameter (inches)

Vis cos ity (cp)
Reynolds Number > 2000 (Turbulent Flow)

Reynolds Number < 50 (Plug Flow) (Well control)
Laminar Flow
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drillpipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Flow Regime
Hole Wall
Cuttings Transport
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cuttings Concentration
Slip Velocity
Cutting Transport
Velocity
Transport Efficiency
Cutting Concentration
Centrifugal
Effect
Factors which effect

Cuttings Concentration
Rotating
No
Rotation
ROP
Torque
Effect
Hole Diameter
Velocity
Gradient
Transport Efficiency
Flow Rate
30
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Equivalent Circulating Density
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydraulic Horsepower (65%)

1. Greater % of surface
HP @ bit
2. Lower flow rate
3. Easy to accomplish in
shallow section of hole
ECD - Equivalent
Circulating Density
Hydrostatic Pressure
Pressure Loss
in Annulus
Weight of Cuttings
ECD - Density Equivalent to all the pressures acting

on the open borehole wall.
Jet Impact
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydraulics
Soft Rock vs. Hard Rock
Soft Rock
1. Bit balling is main
problem if drilling with
Water Base Mud.
2. Requires good crossflow
(Flow rate).
3. Requires good hydraulic
horsepower. Use the
following rule of thumb.
Jet Impact (48%)

1. Less of surface HP @ bit
2. Greater flow rate
(crossflow)
3. Easier to accomplish in
deeper section of hole
Hard Rock
1. Hole balling below
bit main problem.
2. Need good surface
pressure so that jet
velocity is optimized.
3. Low Flow rate is
okay.
Question!
What is wrong with being in
the window (49% to 65%)?
You have to address hydraulics for

2
either emphasis on bit cleaning or HH / in (HSI) R.O.P.
(Keep 7.0)
hole cleaning (below bit).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydraulics
Soft Rock vs. Hard Rock
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Development of Crushed Zone
As the cutting element penetrates into a formation, the formation directly

below the element is crushed and compacted.
Soft
Rock
1. Hydrostatic
4680 psi
2. Formation Pressure 4650 psi
3. Overbalance Pob
30 psi
4. Observation
No chipHolddown
Hard
Rock
Crushed Formation
The process continues, forming a pocket of crushed, permeable material until the stress level is
sufficiently high to propagate cracks and generate major chips.
4680 psi
4330 psi
350 psi
High Chip-Holddown and
hole balling below bit.
As the high stress is released, the large chips are removed leaving behind a pocket of
crushed formation.
31
ODT &AWC Day 3
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
V. Class Example To Introduce (Hands Method)
2. Hand Calculations:
Flowrate
Critical velocity
Annular Velocity
Pressure losses in
system
Pressure required @ bit
Pressure required @
surface
Given Data:
Present Depth
Anticipated Depth
Mid-depth (used for hydraulics)
Hole Size
Mud Properties
Optimization checks
Nozzle sizing
Actual Pressure at bit
Jet velocity
Optimization final
check
Down hole tools
consideration
Drill String
Anticipated ROP
Pumps
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1.
Surface Equipment Types Type 3

Stand Pipe
Hose
Swivel
Kelly
Length ID
Length ID
Length ID
Length ID
Type
(ft)
(in)
(ft)
(in)
(ft)
(in)
(ft)
(in)
40
45
40
40
55
40
45
55
40
45
55
40
13,000 ft.
13,800 ft.
13,400 ft.
8 in.
Wt. 13.5 ppg; Pv-28 cps;
Yv - 12 lb/100ft2
Dp 5", 19.5, XH, S, 12,500';
DC 6" 213/16" 450 ft.
HW 5", 49.3, 3", 450 ft.
15 ft/hr.
(2) 12 P 160 Triplex with 6" liners
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Rig Hydraulics
Choose flow rate between 30-50 gpm/inch of bit

diameter. Base the flow rate on R.O.P. range
ROP Ranges
Range 1 - over 50 ft/hr, 50 gpm/inch
Range 2 - 25 to 50 ft/hr, 40 to 50 gpm/inch
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1.
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Choose flow rate between 30-50 gpm/inch of bit

diameter. Base the flow rate on R.O.P. range
Rig Hydraulics
Minimum Flow (Q) required to clean bit:

QM = 10 (bit diameter, in)1.5
Where: QM is minimum circulating rate, gpm
Example: 8.5" bit
QM = 10 (8.5)1.5
QM = 248 gpm
Q = Dh gpm/inch
Q = 8.5 40
Q = 340 gpm
32
ODT &AWC Day 3
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Optimum Flow Rate (Q) required for proper bit tooth

cleaning with maximum weight on bit (W.O.B.)
QO = [4 (bit diameter, in.)2 + 5 (bit diameter, in.)]
Where: QO is optimum circulating rate for bit tooth
cleaning, gpm.
Example: 8.5" bit
QO = [4 (8.5)2 + 5 (8.5)]
QO = 332 gpm
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
For PDC Bits:
Step 1: Q = 340 gpm
= 12.72 (D)1.47
QMin
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example: (8.5 inch hole)

= 12.72 (8.5)1.47
QMin
= 296 gpm
This compares with 248 gpm for conventional bits.
= 34.8 gpm/inch
QMin
Note: > 30 gpm/inch. For conventional bit with oil muds,

the higher flow rate DOES NOT APPLY.
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2.
VC
Check flow rate to evaluate turbulent flow

(critical velocity) Bingham Plastic Equation.
83.1
PV PV 2 7.22 (YV) (OD - ID)2 MW
(OD - ID) MW
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2.
83.1
2
2
VC
28 28 7.22 (12) (8.5 - 5) 13.5
(8.5 - 5) 13.5

Annular Velocity Analysis
Va
24.51 Flow rate (gpm)

(OD 2 - ID 2 )
Vc
= critical velocity ft/min
MW
= mud weight (ppg)
Vc = 265 ft/min
Va
= annular velocity ft/min
YV
= yield value (point)
PV
= plastic viscosity
Note: For Power Law Equations, see Drilling Manual, Optimization,

pages 40-51.
ID
OD = hole size
33
= drill pipe OD
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2.
ODT &AWC Day 3

Annular Velocity Analysis
Critical Velocity Analysis
Velocity
Type
24.51 Flow rate (gpm)

(OD 2 - ID 2 )
24.51 340
Va
(8.52 - 52 )
Va 176 ft/min around DP
Va
DP
Annulus
176
278
Vc
265
314
Va < Vc = Flow is Laminar

Va > Vc = Flow is Turbulent
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2 (continued)
Step 1: Q = 340 gpm
Find the Pump Output (P.O.).
Step 2: Va = 176 Ft/Min
P.O. (bbls/min) = bbls/stk stk/min
Vc = 265 Ft/Min
P.O. (gals/min) = bbls/stk stk/min 42 gal/bbl
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 3. Calculate or look up pressure losses in a

handbook. (Refer to tables starting on page 71.)
Description
1. Surface Equipment
2. DP (Inside) 12,500
3. HW (Inside) 450
4. DC (Inside) 450
5. DC (Outside)
6. DP & HW (Outside)
7. Summary @ 10 ppg
8. Corrected for MW
9. Correction for PV
MW2
P2 P1
MW1
PV Corrections
Corrected Pressure Loss (psi)
PV
MW
0.14
Systems Losses Corrected for MW

34
DC
Annulus
Va
If:
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Flow is
laminar.
Rig Hydraulics
Pressure Loss in System
@ Flow Rate (step one)
(Page 72)
(Page 75)
(Page 77)
(Page 77)
(Page 79)
(Page 81)
See formula,
page 27.
21
12.5 25 = 313
4.5 14 = 63
4.5 20 = 90
4.5 6 = 27
12.95 13 = 168
682
13.5/10 682 = 921
28
13.5
0.14
921
1020
ODT &AWC Day 3
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1: Q
340 gpm
Step 2: Vc
265 Ft/Min
Va
176 Ft/Min
1,020 psi
Step 3: Psys
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 4. Calculate required pressure at bit for the drilling

condition. The considerations are: ROP, flow rate,
hole area, and horsepower at bit.
Pbit
Pbit
D
ROP
Q
flow rate (from Step 1)

1346 D 2 ROP
or Pbit
Where:
ROP hole size 0.7854 1714
=
=
=
=
pressure needed at bit

bit size
rate of penetration
flow rate, gpm
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 4. Calculate required pressure at bit for the drilling

condition. The considerations are: ROP, flow rate,
hole area, and horsepower at bit.
P b it
P b it
1346 D 2
Q
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1:
Step 2:
Q
Vc
Va
Psys
Pbit
ROP
1 3 4 6 8 .5 2
340
Step 3:
Step 4:
15
=
=
=
=
=
340 gpm
265 Ft/Min
176 Ft/Min
1,020 psi
1,108 psi
Pbit = 1108 psi

Note: /4 = 0.7854
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 5. Calculate required surface circulating pressure

based on chosen flow rate and pressure losses
calculated in Step 3 and bit pressure calculated in
Step 4.
Pt = Ps + Pj
Where: Pt = total pump pressure required to satisfy drilling condition
Ps = pressure loss in system (Step 3)
Pj = Pressure required at bit (Step 4)
Pt (1020 1108) 2128
35
Step 1:
340 gpm
Step 2:
Vc
265 Ft/Min
Va
176 Ft/Min
Step 3:
Psys =
1,020 psi
Step 4:
Pbit =
1,108 psi
Step 5:
Pt
2,128 psi
ODT &AWC Day 3
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 6. Check planned hydraulics from Step 1 through

Step 5 for hydraulic optimization.
Formulas
Check 1: Flowrate (Q) =
PBit 100
PSurf
Check 3: Hydraulic Horsepower per Sq. In. Bit Area

PBit Q
HH/in2 =
1714 Bit OD 2 (0.7854)
Formulas
(30-50 gpm/in)
Check 1: Q =
Step 3:
Q
Vc
Va
Psys
Step 4:
Step 5:
Step 6:
Pbit = 1,108 psi

Pt = 2,128 psi
Optimization okay
1108 100
= 52%
2128
(48-65%)
(2.5-5.0) HH/in2
Check 3: HH/in2 =
340 1108
= 3.87
1346 8.52
(2.5-5.0) HH/in2

= 265 Ft/Min
= 176 Ft/Min
If Psystem is more than desired (or Pbit is less than desired)

the flow rate (Q) can be optimized (reduced) by this formula.
= 1,020 psi
QOPT Q NOW
PSystem Desired
PSystem Now
New pressure can be estimated for change

in flow rate by the "rough neck" Formula.
Q
Pnew Pold new
Qold
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 7. Choose nozzles from either hydraulic handbook or

hydraulic slide rule or calculate average jet sizes
from the formulas below.
Choice 1. Using Hydraulic Handbook
1. Correct bit pressure =
System Loss Correction

Q OPT 340
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Q OPT Q NOW
(30-50 gpm/in)
Check 2: % PBit =
= 340 gpm
Drilling and Well

Control Training
340
= 40 gpm/in
8.5
Desired Ranges
(48-65%)
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1:
Step 2:

Desired Ranges
Q
Bit OD
Check 2: % Pressure at Bit =
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PSystem Desired
10 ppg
P
Bit Actual MW (ppg)
PSystem Now
950
1020
2. Select nozzles at optimized flow rate

and pressure needed at bit.
Q OPT 328
36
ODT &AWC Day 3
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Example 1: Choosing nozzles from a hydraulic table
designed for 3 nozzle.
10
1. Pbit (corrected) 1108
821 psi
13.5
Choice 1. Use hydraulic handbook for selecting two

nozzles (from 3 nozzle table).
1. Correct PBit to a 10 pound mud.
3 nozzle
2. Correct the flow rate so that a 3

QC
Q
nozzle table can be used to select
2 nozzle
2 nozzles.
3. Choose 3 nozzles with corrected flow rate based on bit
pressure (corrected for 10 ppg - hydraulic handbook).
2. Select 3 nozzles @ 340 gpm and 821 psi
12
12
Rig Hydraulics
4. Blank off one of the nozzles, or drop diverting ball

when bit is on bottom.
13
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example 2: Selecting 2 nozzles from a 3 nozzle

table.
10
1. Pbit (corrected) 1108
821 psi
13.5
2. Select 2 nozzles in a 3 nozzle table by correcting
flow rate.
3
340 510 gpm/821 psi 15
2
15
Note: This is good for 7" to 9" hole (2 nozzle approach.)

Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Choice 2.
Rig Hydraulics
Calculating Average Jet Size
* Any number of Jets 3.535
Q
No.of
Jets
MW
P
bit
Choice 2.
* Any number of Jets 3.535
Where : J average jet size

Q flow rate, gpm
Q
No.of
Jets
Choice (3 Jets) 3.535 340

3
MW mud wt. ppg

Pbit Press at bit nozzle, psi
MW
P
bit
13.5
1108
Choice (3 Jets) 12.5 Average Jet Size

Could choose:
37
12 - 12 - 13
or 12 - 12 - 12
ODT &AWC Day 3
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training

* Average nozzle size i.e. 14.7:

14.7 would be 14-15-15; (3 nozzles)
14.4 would be 14-14-15; (3 nozzles)
15.2 would be 15-15-blank; (2 nozzles)
15.7 would be 15-16-blank; (2 nozzles) and; etc.
Choice 3. (Three Nozzles)

Jet Size 2.042 Q MW
P
Bit
Choice 4. Two Nozzles
Rig Hydraulics
J12 J 22 J 32
3
J2
J12 J 22
2
Where:
J 3 average jet size, 3 jets
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 8. Calculate actual pressure at bit (the nozzle size(s)

have been chosen and this would have probably
changed the planned bit pressure (from Step 4).
Step 1:
Step 2:
Q = 340 gpm
Vc= 265 Ft/Min
Va= 176 Ft/Min
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Step 6:
Psys= 1,020 psi

Pbit = 1,108 psi
Pt = 2,128 psi
Optimization okay
Jets = 12 12 12
Step 7:
J3
J 2 average jet size, 2 jets
MW
Jet Size 2.501 Q
PBit
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PBit actual =
156.482 gpm 2 MW
(J12 +J 22 +J 32 ) 2
J1' J 2' J 3' etc. = size jets i.e.,

(3) 12/32 jets would be (12 2 + 12 2 + 12 2 ) 2
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1:
Step 2:

PBit actual =
PBit actual =
156.482 gpm 2 MW
2
1
2
2
2 2
3
(J +J +J )
156.482 3402 13.5

2
(12 +12 +122 ) 2
= 1,309 psi
38
Rig Hydraulics
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Q = 340 gpm
Vc= 265 Ft/Min
Va= 176 Ft/Min
Psys= 1,020 psi
Pbit = 1,108 psi
Pt = 2,128 psi
Step 6:
Step 7:
Step 8:
Optimization okay
Jets = 12 12 12
PBit actual = 1,309 psi
ODT &AWC Day 3
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training

GPM
Pbit actual
Where :
Pbit actual
Step 9. Calculate final optimized hydraulics and jet velocity.

Q
(30-50gpm/in OK)
bit OD
Pbit 100
Check 2: %Pbit
(48-65% okay)
Psurf
Check 1: Q
MW
10863.1 A 2
in
Pbit Q
(2.5-5 HH/in2 okay)
1346 (bit OD)2
Jet Velocity
418.3 Flow Rate
Vj
Check 4:
(ft/sec)
J12 J22 J32
Check 3: HH/in2
presure developed across bit for flow rate and

mud weight (fairly accurate calculation)
GPM
flow rate (Q)
MW
A 2
in
mud weight (ppg)

nozzle area (sq. in.)
(250-450 ft/sec OK)
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Check 3.
Check 3.
Q
bit OD
(30 - 50gpm/in OK)
340
40 gpm / in
8.5
%Pbit
Pbit 100
Psurf
%Pbit
1309 100
56%
2329
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(48-65% okay)
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Check 3.
Check 4: (250 450 ft/sec OK)
Pbit Q
HSI
1346 (bit OD) 2
HSI
418.3 Flow Rate

Jet Velocity
VJ
(ft/sec)
J12 J 22 J 32
(2.5 - 5 HSI okay)
1309 340
4.6 HSI
1346 (8.5) 2
VJ
418.3 340
329 ft / sec
122 122 122
39
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1:
Step 2:
ODT &AWC Day 3
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Improve bottom hole cleaning by

intensifying jet velocity and pressure on
bottom.
Jet velocity is more important than cross
flow.
Q = 340 gpm
Vc= 265 ft/min
Va= 176 ft/min
Psys= 1,020 psi
Pbit = 1,108 psi
Pt = 2,128 psi
Optimization okay
Jets = 12 12 12
Pbit actual = 1,309 psi
HH/in2 = 4.6, VJ = 329 ft/sec
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Step 6:
Step 7:
Step 8:
Step 9:
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Flow Rate Vs. Jet Velocity
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case Study of Flow Rate vs Jet Velocity

Case 1: We will change the flow rate by 20% to see how it affects
the ROP.
Case 2: We will change the Jet Velocity by 20% to see how it
affects the ROP.
Bit
Q1
Q2
JV1
JV2
Jets (2)
ROP1
PBit
MW
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
0.75
2.5
408
329
ROP2 15

17.19 ft/hr
340
329
17.19-15 14.6%
% Increase =
15
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case 2
Jet Velocity (JV1) is increased by 20% from 329 to 395
(JV2). Flow Rate (Q1) is held constant at 340 gpm. What is
the change in ROP?
0.75
Case 1
Flow Rate (Q1) is increased by 20% from 340 gpm to 408
gpm (Q2). Jet Velocity (JV1) is held constant @ 329. What
is the change in ROP?
JV
8.5inches
ROP2 ROP1 2 or
340 gpm
JV1
408 gpm (New)
0.75
2.5
329 ft/sec
Q2
JV2
ROP2 ROP1

395 ft/sec (New)

Q1
JV1
12-12-12
15 ft/hr
1309 psi
13.5 ppg
See Drilling Manual, Optimization, pages 33.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
2. Downhole Tools & PDC Bits

Service companies and operators need to work
together to get the proper flow rate and hydraulics
at the bit.
3. Field Method to fine tune and optimize hydraulics.
(Drilling Manual, Optimization Chapter, pages 37-39.)
2.5
340
395
ROP2 15

23.69 ft/hr
340
329
23.69-15 57.9%
% Increase =
15
Note: Jet Velocity will make you more money than Flow Rate!
40
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Well Data:
Depth Now 8,000'

Proposed TD 9,500'
Depth used 8,750'
Bit 12" PDC with 7 jets
9" Power Drive 18'
(250 psi pressure drop required)
8" MWD 30'
8" LWD 30'
8" 3" DCs 210'
5" 3" HWDP 450'
5" 19.5 S Drill Pipe
Mud Data:
11 ppg
14 PV
8 YP
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PBit required based on ROP:

Note Q was chosen @ 950 gpm
30 ft/hr = 1164 psi
50 ft/hr = 1503 psi
100 ft/hr = 2126 psi
Hydraulics summary:
Drill Pipe pressure loss
HWDP & DC Pressure loss
PTools
DC Annular pressure loss
DP & HWDP APL
PBit (only variable)
Surface equipment
1496
727
800
12
704
1164
152
Total PSurface (psi)
5055
The flow rate was chosen to reflect what is

fairly typical today.
Calculations were run on three different jet sizes
based on PBit required for ROP.
A final calculation is done limiting the surface
pressure to 4,500 psi for implementation with a
5,000 psi system.
Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
For a 30 ft/hr ROP:

Required 1164 psi @ the bit
Seven 13/32" jets resulted in PBit actual 1110 psi
and 5055 psi surface pressure
Jet velocity was 336 ft/sec
Hydraulic horse power was 5.15 HSI
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig Hydraulics
Rig Hydraulics
For a 50 ft/hr ROP:

Rig Hydraulics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
For a 100 ft/hr ROP:

Hydraulic horse power was 10 HSI
Rig Hydraulics
If the actual surface pressure is limited to

4500 psi maximum, the following will apply
as the only variable we have to work with due
to the chosen flow rate is PBit:
Six each 15/32" and one each 16/32" resulting in
PBit actual 600 psi and 4500 psi Psurface
41
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
The Hydraulic Field Method
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1: Measure surface pressure (PSurf) at three rates (at

beginning and end of bit run--before POH for new bit).
One should be at the Slow Pump Rate, one at operating
pump rate, and one in the middle.
Step 2. Calculate PBit for each flow rate.

* Where Q = 119 gpm.
1. Q = 119 gpm, (30 SPM) PSurf = 450 psi

2. Q = 233 gpm, (55 SPM) PSurf = 1410 psi
3. Q = 328 gpm, (80 SPM) PSurf = 2,870 psi
PBit =
156.482 Q 2 MW
(J12 + J 2 2 + J 32 ) 2
PBit
156.482 1192 13.5

(112 112 112 ) 2
PBit = 227 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training


PBit =
156.482 Q 2 MW
(J12 + J 2 2 + J 32 ) 2
PBit =
156.482 Q 2 MW
(J12 + J 2 2 + J 32 ) 2
PBit
156.482 2332 13.5

(112 112 112 ) 2
PBit
156.482 3282 13.5

(112 112 112 ) 2
PBit = 870 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pbit = 1725 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 4.
Step 3. Calculate pressure loss in the system (PSys)

for each flow rate.
PSys = (PSurf - PBit)
Plot systems loss

vs. flow rate on
log/log paper.
1. PSys = (450 - 227) = 223 psi

2. PSys = (1410 - 870) = 540 psi
3. PSys = (2870 - 1725) = 1145 psi
42
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 5. Calculate desired pressure loss for Bit and

System.
1. PBit = PSurf % PBit
Step 6.
Determine
optimum flow
rate (Q).
PBit = 2870 57% = 1,636 psi

PSys = (PSurf - PBit)
PSys = 2870 - 1636 = 1,234 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diagnosing Problems during

Well Control Operations
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Step 7. Calculate nozzle sizes for new bit.

J Avg 3.536
Q
JN
MW
PBit
J Avg 3.536
325 13.5
11.1
3 1636
Nozzle sizes of 11, 11, 11

Drilling and Well

Control Training

Questions to ask:
1. Was there a change in pressure on both the DP
Pressure Gauge and the Casing Pressure Gauge?
Yes. The problem is with the choke.
If the pressure is decreasing, there is a choke
washout. Close in the well by closing the valve
in front of the remote choke and turn off pump.
Realign the choke manifold to remote choke #2.
Bring the pump back up to SCR holding casing
pressure constant and continue killing the well.
Questions to ask:
1. Was there a change in pressure on both the DP
Pressure Gauge and the Casing Pressure Gauge?
Yes. The problem is with the choke.
If the pressure is increasing, there is a plugged
choke. Turn the pump off. Realign the choke
manifold to remote choke #2. Bring the pump
back up to SCR holding casing pressure constant
and continue killing the well.
43
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Questions to ask:
2. Was there a change only on the DP Pressure Gauge?
3. Was there a total pump failure?
Close in the well and realign the standpipe
manifold to pump #2. Bring the pump up holding
casing pressure constant and continue killing the
well.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Questions to ask:
3. Was there a total pump failure?
No. There is a problem in the drill string. It is
probably a washed out or plugged nozzle.
4. Did the pressure increase?
It is probably a plugged nozzle. Determine how
much increase in pressure has occurred. If FCP
has been reached, continue with the new slow
circulating rate.

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Questions to ask:
4. Did the pressure increase?
If FCP has not been reached, calculate the new
slow circulating pressure. Revise the pumpdown plan. Bring the pump back up to slow
circulating rate holding casing pressure constant
and continue killing the well.
Drilling and Well

Control Training


Questions to ask:
5. Did the pressure decrease?
There is a probably a washed-out nozzle.
Determine how much the pressure has dropped.
If FCP has been reached, the new pressure is
your new FCP. Continue circulating with the
new FCP.

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Questions to ask:
5. Did the pressure decrease?
There is a probably a washed-out nozzle.
Determine how much the pressure has dropped.
If FCP has not been reached, calculate the new
slow rate pressure. Calculate the revised FCP.
Revise the pump-down plan.
Bring the pump back up holding casing pressure
constant and follow the revised pump-down plan.
Revising Pump-Down Plan
When ICP Does Not Match Pre-Calculated ICP

The DP Pump-Down Plan must be revised. The
Actual ICP must be used, not the pre-calculated ICP.
Action List
1. Determine the revised Slow Rate Pressure (SRP).
2. Recalculate the Final Circulating Pressure (FCP).
3. Recalculate the Pressure Increments in the DP PumpDown Plan.
4. Revise the DP Pump-Down Plan. (Use the third
column of the Pump-Down Plan on the Kill Sheet.)
44
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 3
2500
Revising Pump-Down Plan
0
177
353
530
706
883
1059
1236
1412
1589
1765
Action List
The calculated ICP was 2,500 psi. However, the actual
ICP is 2,200 psi due to washed-out nozzle, the plan must
be revised. Revised SRP = (2,200 1,500) = 700 psi.
1. Revised FCP = (12.2/9.6) 700 = 890 psi.
2500
2377
2254
2131
2008
1885
1763
1640
1517
1394
1271
2200
2069
1938
1807
1676
1545
1414
1283
1152
1021
890
2000
1500
1000
2. Revised Pressure Increments = (2200 890)/10 = 131

psi per increment.
3. Revise the DP Pump-Down Plan.
500
45
500
1000
1500
2000
ODT &AWC Day 4
Day Four
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Review homework
Mud Solids
Lost Circulation Top Hole Causes &
Preventions, Shallow kicks
Deviation and Stuck Pipe
Simulator Exercises
Day Four Homework
Solids
Stuck Pipe
Lost Circulation Top Hole
Problem #5
Dont forget Day 8 homework

Simulator (bonus)
Mud Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Leads To:

1. Better hydraulics
2. Better bit selection
3. Wider window of bit
operating parameters
4. Less hole cleaning
problems
Good Mud Will Have:

1. Minimal cuttings or drilled solids
This can be obtained through the use and
maintenance of the proper Solids Control
Equipment.
5. Enhanced cuttings and

solids removal
6. Less lost circulation
7. Less stuck pipe
8. Better completions
9. OPTIMIZED WELL

Workbook, Mud Solids Section
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Solids
Mud Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Flow Line to Possum Belly
You need to rig up where your flow line comes into

the possum belly at the bottom.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If you put it at the top:

The possum belly
will be filled with
shale, etc.
Mud will shoot over
the shakers.
It will break screens
down.
You will have bad
geological samples.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Be sure the flow to

each shaker is as
direct as possible.
Make all turns as
smooth as possible.
Use a distribution
center for multiple
shakers.
Shaker System
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Flow Line to Shakers
Distribution paths
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids
Shaker System
Shaker Screens
Solids Removal Size Range

Shaker
Desander
Desilter
Centrifuge
Flocculation
Screen Size
40
80
100
150
200
325
Shaker System
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Micron Size
381
234
178
105
74
44
50-60
20-30
5-15
<1-5
100 +% more surface area
ODT &AWC Day 4
Shaker Capacity
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shaker Screens
Todays screens have thinner and stronger wires that give

more open area, i.e., 210 mesh about like old 150 mesh.
The shakers linear motion gives an uphill effect.
PV
Shaker Capacity (gpm)
10
500
30
200
60
25
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shaker System
Shaker System
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shaker Screens
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shaker System
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shaker Screens
Sand Trap
Hydrocyclones
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydrocyclones are used to separate smaller solids from

mud than can be achieved with shale shakers.
Small pit between the

shakers and primary
rig pits
Under flow from
shakers flows into pit
where additional solids
can settle out.
Settled solids can be
easily dumped.
Hydrocyclone cone diameter

determines the cut point and thus
the use of the cone as a desander
or desilter. Desanders and desilters
are classified as shown below.
Type
Cone Diameter
Cut Point
Desander
5 12
30-60
Desilter
3 4
12-20
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Hydrocyclones
Hydrocyclones include desanders, desilters, mud

cleaners and clayjectors. Use desanders and desilters
with unweighted muds and not with OBM.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Desanders and Desilters
Drilling and Well

Control Training
One of the most important things to consider is

pump capacity.
Centrifugal pumps
must handle 120% of
circulating rate.
If circulating at 500
gpm, you need 600
gpm with hydrocyclone
equipment.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
One of the most important things to consider is

pump capacity.
Centrifugal pump feeding
hydrocyclone should be
sized to give pressure that
is 4 times the mud weight.
Centrifugal pump should
put out a constant head of
75 feet at desired gpm
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Cleaners
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Cleaner
A mud cleaner is a
combination shale shaker
and desilter used to desilt
weighted mud.
See Drilling Manual, Top Hole Chapter, page 25-26.
ODT &AWC Day 4
Mud Cleaners
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Centrifuges
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Cleaner
Centrifuges are used to:
It can also be used to

help recover barite
and the desired liquid
mud.
Remove fine solids from

un-weighted mud.
Control viscosity in
weighted muds.
The finest screens are

typically 325 mesh.
Reduce the liquid

discarded.
Recover barite in
weighted muds
See Drilling Manual, Top Hole Chapter, page 25-26.
Centrifuges
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Centrifuges
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hutchison-Hayes 5500
Good centrifuges:
Have a cut point of
from 3-5 microns.
Recover about 90% of
the barite and discard
the colloidal drilled
solids.
Standard Centrifuge
(16 55 bowl size)
Variable speed drives,
1600 rpm up to 3700 rpm
Max G-Force In excess of 3100 Gs
The conveyor torque is the weak link and with more
barite (high MW), it must be run slower.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Centrifuges
Flow Rates or feed rate with different density muds

Mud Weight
9 ppg
10 ppg
17 ppg
Centrifuges
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General centrifuge and its parts:
GPM
250
205
40
Feed
Feed tube
Inlet distributor
Gearbox
Screw conveyor
Liquid
Wall of the bowl
Discharge port
Solids
Conical End
ODT &AWC Day 4
Centrifuges
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Centrifuges:
Centrifuge flow path:
Clean it when shutting down.

The barite and solids will settle and harden and
cause the shaft to be sheared if it is not cleaned.
Run at different RPMs to handle HDS and LDS.

Run low RPMs to process barite.
Run high RPMs to process low density solids.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Maintaining Correct MW With Two Variables:
Mud Tank Rules Of Thumb
Rate of Penetration and Water
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Flowline (out)
Suction Tank (in)
ROP Chg 150 Lag Time 1 Hr
0730 9.4
42 150 10
73
0745 9.4
42 150 10
73
0830 9.6
44 125 10
86
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Desander
3. Desilter
(Fixed
amount of
Equip.)
Solids
separated &
diluted
60
Solids #/bbl
60 1. Shaker
39 100 10
FV
39 100 10
0615 9.2
MW
Solids
Control
Equipment
Solids #/bbl
Water gpm
ROP ft/hr
0600 9.2
0630
Maintaining Correct MW
With Two Variables
FV sec/qt
MW ppg
Time
1. Shakers: Optimum number of shakers is one

per 500 gpm; however for 1500 gpm, five
shakers are required.
2. Vacuum Degassers: One vacuum degasser per
500 - 600 gpm required.
3. Top Hole: 84 - 110 mesh most practical with
the practical limit being 250 mesh. (Hot muds
require a finer screen.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Centrifuges
Drilling and Well

Control Training
9.0 38
47
13
9.0 38
47
13
9.2 40
60
13
9.2 40
60
13
9.4 42
73
13
Maintaining Correct MW
With Two Variables
Total Solids
NOTE: To maintain MW constant in the suction

tank, the pit man has to deal with two variables:
1. ROP (Rate of Penetration)
2. H2O additions to mud
In
Suction Tank
The solids control equipment is fixed. Therefore,

the driller and pitman have to coordinate water
additions with the ROP. If not coordinated, a MW
of 9.0 ppg will end up at 9.6 ppg quickly.
TS Flowline
Water Added
Variable ROP
Variable
Minus Solids
Separated
ODT &AWC Day 4
Dilution of Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diluting the drilling fluid with water is another means

of solids control. As water is added, the total volume
increases, which will later have to be disposed of.
Compare the amount of dilution required when a 60%
removal efficiency is increased to a 70% removal
efficiency.
A small increase of 10% in removal efficiency will
decrease dilution fluid by 25% as indicated by the
following table.
Dilution of Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The water requirements per day with a 9.0 WM can be

calculated using this table with the following formula:
50
24
50
24
50
24
9.5
1662 Bbls
7.6
1330 Bbls
5.7
992 Bbls
.
.
.
.
How to calculate the efficiency factor or the amount of water

required to dilute the remaining percent solids in the mud.
VH 2O
Dilution of Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case 1
Equipment removing 70% of solids being drilled (30% solids
being retained to dilute).
Rate of Penetration (ROP) = 50 ft/hr or 50
F R A Den DS MWH
808.5 MWH MWW
Where:
F
= Fraction (%) of drill solids retained
ROP = Rate of Penetration (or feet per day) (feet/hour
hr/day)
A
= Area of hole
DenDS = Density of Drill Solids (2.6 8.33)
MWH = Mud Weight in Hole (ppg)
MWW = Mud Weight of water (ppg)
Eff. Factor of 9.5 @ 50% Solids Removal

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dilution of Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
24 = 1,200 ft/day.
24
Dilution of Solids
VH2O
F R A Den DS MWH
808.5 MWH MWW
VH2O
0.3 50 24 12.252 0.7854 2.6 8.33 9.0

808.5 9.0 8.33
VH2O 992 bbl
Mud Solid (%Volume) = 5% or 9.0 ppg

Weight Water (MWW) = 8.33 ppg (dilution water)
VH2O / VolDS
Diameter of Hole (Dh) = 12

Density of Drill Solids (DenDS) = 2.6
VH2O / VolDS
Mud Weight in Hole (MWH) = 9.0 ppg
VolH2O
ROP 24(day)
DH
1029.4
992
5.7 bbl
12.252
50 24
1029.4
Note: Refer to previous

table to find 5.7 bbl
dilution for each bbl of
hole drilled.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Dilution of Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids Workshop
Unweighted Example 1
Make sure the solids removal equipment (shakers,

desander, desilter, mud cleaners, and pumps) can
handle more volume than is being circulated through
the hole.
Mud Weight
MBT
Chlorides
TS
Bentonite(B)
Drill Solids(DS)
DS/B Ratio
Remember, under the best conditions, part of the

formation being drilled will not be separated out by the
shakers or solids control equipment.
Optimizing the removal efficiency of the solids control
system will reduce overall direct fluids cost and any
associated costs.
9.5
20
0
79
20
59 (79-20)
59/20 = 3:1
Ideal Ratio < 2:1

See Workbook, Mud and Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Weight
9.5
MBT
20
Chlorides
40,000
Oil
10%
69
TS
20
Bentonite(B)
Drill Solids(DS) 49 (69-20)
49/20 = 2.5:1
DS/B Ratio
Mud Weight
9.5
MBT
20
Chlorides
40,000
TS
57
Bentonite(B)
20
Drill Solids(DS) 37 (57-20)
DS/B Ratio
37/20 = 1.85:1
Ideal Ratio < 2:1
Higher ratio, BUT less

differential sticking
See Workbook, Mud and Solids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Ideal Ratio < 2:1
Oil has a better coefficient of friction.
See Workbook, Mud and Solids, page 3.
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Weight
Retort Data
Chloride
MBT
Solids Workshop
Solids Workshop
Mud Weight
Retort Data
Chloride
MBT
9.1 ppg (unweighted side of rule)

5% oil, 5% solids, 90% water
20,000 mg/l
20 ppb
[d] 5.2
24. The corrected solids_______%
(on slide rule)
[a] 48 ppb (on slide rule)
25. The solids content_____
9.1 ppg (unweighted side of rule)

5% oil, 5% solids, 90% water
20,000 mg/l
20 ppb
28. Only high reactive shales (MBT value greater

than 15) cause drilling problems
[c] 28 lb/bbl (calculated)

26. Drill solids______
True _________ False___________

[b] False
[d] 1.4:1 (calculated)

27. D/B ratio________
See Workbook, Homework, page 126.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Weight
Retort Data
Chloride
MBT
Formation MBT
Mud Weight
MBT
Formation MBT
8.8 ppg (interpretation of MBT)

no oil
100 mg/l
9.0 ppb
12.0 ppb
29.
[b] 33 ppb _____

3.6% volume
Solids content______
30.
[a] 24 ppb (calculated)

Drill Solids______
What is the actual amount of sack or commercial

bentonite remaining in the mud?
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids Workshop
Using the formula on page 4 of the Mud and Solids section

of the Workbook, calculate actual sack or commercial
bentonite:
Commercial Bentonite
8.8 ppg (interpretation of MBT)

9.0 ppb
12.0 ppb
Gel or bentonite has not been added to the mud for

at least a day. Dilution has been used to maintain
mud wt. The reported formation MBT is as high as
12 ppg. equivalent.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids Workshop
Mud Weight
Retort Data
Chloride
MBT
Formation MBT
12 33
100
12
1
100
8.8 ppg
no oil
100 mg/l
9.0 ppb
12.0 ppb
[d] 5.7 ppb

31. Calculated commercial bentonite ______
[b] 4.7:1 (calculated)

33. D/B Ratio________
Divide answer 32 by answer 31
[d] 27 ppb
32. Actual drill solids______
[b] low
34. The viscosity would probably be ________.
[a] high
35. The water loss would probably be ________.
See Workbook Mud & Solids, page 4.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Weighted Example 1
Mud Weight
Retort Data
Chloride
Solids Workshop
Computer programs can be used to analyze the

effect of mud (and hydraulic) changes on a
control bit.
In a simplified form, the equation can be used to
calculate ROP changes based on mud type and
solids.
15 ppg (weighted)
Oil - 5%, solids - 25%, water - 70%
100,000 Mg/L
[c] 14.5 ppg. (slide rule)

42. Corrected mud weight_________
[b] 20.6 (calculated)
43. Corrected solids________
[d] 380 ppb (slide rule)
44. Barite content_______
[b] offscale ppb (slide rule)
45. Low density solids____________
Solids Test Erroneous
ODT &AWC Day 4
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
For example,
.
.
ROPM2 = ROPM1
What is the improvement in ROP in Well B

Well A
Well B
Mud Type
Dispersed
Non Dispersed
LD Solids
79 lb./Bbl
45 lb./Bbl
MBT
15 lb./Bbl
12 lb./Bbl
ROP
20 ft./hr.
?
ROPM2 =ROP on Proposed Well B

ROPM1 = ROP on Control Well A
F2 = Fine Solids (<1 micron) on Proposed Well

F1 = Fine Solids (<1 micron) on Control Well
C2 = Coarse Solids (> 1 Micron) on Proposed Well
C1 = Coarse Solids (> 1 Micron) on Control Well
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
.
.
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1. Calculate Fines on Control Well A with a

Dispersed Mud System
Step 2. Calculate Coarse Solids on Control Well A with

a Dispersed Mud System
Fines = MBT 0.80

F1 = 15 lb./bbl. 0.80
Coarses = Total Solids Fines

C1 = 79 lbs/Bbl 12 lbs/Bbl
F1 = 12 ppb
C1 = 67 lb/bbl
Gel Only
Gel + Polymer
Dispersed Mud
F= MBT
F= MBT
F= MBT
0.13
0.06
0.80
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids Workshop
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 4. Calculate the new ROP ( ROP M2)
Step 3. Calculate Coarse and Fine Solids on Proposed

Well B with a Non-Dispersed Mud System
ROPM2 = 20
Fines = MBT 0.06

F2 = 12 lb./bbl. 0.06
F2 = 0.72 lb/bbl
.
.
.
.
ROPM2 = 24.6
% increase = 23%
Coarses = Total Solids Fines

C2 = 45 lbs/Bbl 0.72 lbs/Bbl
C2 = 44.28 lb/bbl
Note: Fines are 12 times more detrimental to ROP.
10
ODT &AWC Day 4
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MW
% ROP INCREASE
ROP FT/HR
11.0
1040
10
10.5
780
14%
11.4
10.0
520
20%
13.7
9.5
260
28%
17.5
9.0
30%
22.8
46. Using relative drillability factor equation, calculate the

percentage reduction in penetration rate compared to
water with the following mud.
Weight
PV
YP
Fluid loss
MBT
Slide rule shows
Depth (ft) 10,000 normal pressure (0.465). Field data (above) indicates a
128% increase ROP by reducing overbalance (lowering MW).
% inc =
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
9.0
6
3
12
22 ppb LSND mud (poly)
solids content 5.0%, 46 lbs/bbl,
low density solids
(22.8 -10) 100

= 128% P = (11-9) 0.05210,000 = 1040 psi
10
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
47. Corrected mud weight

Corrected solids
PV
YP
Fluid loss
MBT
Oil
Dispersed mud
46. Relative drillability factor equation

% ROP reduction with mud = 100[ (0.0133 F) + (0.00114 C)]
Fine Solids = 22 .06 = 1.32 lb/bbl
Coarse Solids = 46 1.32 = 44.68 lb/bbl
% Reduction = 100[(0.0133 1.32) + (0.00114 44.68)]
6.8% Reduction
Calculating Fine Solids

Disp. Mud: F = MBT
Gel Mud:
F = MBT
Poly Mud:
F = MBT
0.8
0.13
0.06
Drilling and Well

Control Training
47. Calculate percentage reduction in penetration rate

compared to water.
Introduction To
Lost Circulation
Drilling Problems Around The World
Remember Barite is considered a Coarse Solid (>1 Micron Size).
Lost Circulation
Stuck Pipe
Fine Solids = 12.5 .8 = 10 lb/bbl

Coarse Solids = (145 10) + 166 = 301 lb/bbl
Well Control
% ROP reduction with mud = 100[ (0.0133 F) + (0.00114 C)]
% ROP = 100[(0.0133 10) + (0.00114 301)]

% Reduction =
13.5 ppg
27%
57
6
3.6
12.5 ppb
0
slide rule: 166 lbs/bbl barite,
145 lbs/bbl low density solids
Solids Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solids Workshop
Mud & Hydraulics
47.6
Tripping & Shale
11
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Introduction To
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The causes of Lost Circulation are

quite varied:
Operating practices that can

cause lost circulation:
Natural fractures
Already exist in the formation.
Not caused by drilling
operations.
Tripping too fast.

Exceeding formation frac pressure
with too high of a mud weight.
Poor solids controls.
Induced fractures
Caused by drilling operating
practices.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Introduction To
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Important Considerations:
Area knowledge should take priority.
Analyze, diagnose and focus the cure
on the root cause.
Topics Covered
I. Lost Circulation in Top Hole
II. Lost Circulation in Abnormal
Pressure
III. Lost Circulation in Gas Cap
IV. ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Introduction To
Lost Circulation
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Definition of Top Hole:

A well is considered to be in top hole from spud
until conductor or surface casing is set.
It is sometimes referred to as the big hole section.
This is the zone that can normally be drilled with
a 9 ppg mud or less.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Trends that communicate to the

driller that he has lost circulation:
Flowline flow rate reduction.
Pit level reduction.
Pump pressure reduction and
pump stroke increase.
Gain in weight on the weight
indicator due to loss of
buoyancy.
12
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Causes of lost circulation in top hole:
Natural fractures.
Sub-normal formation pressure
gradient.
Mud weight increases caused by
high solids or cuttings accumulation
in the annulus.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Bridging or packing off caused by
balled-up drilling assemblies, and/or
bridges created by cuttings
accumulation.
Kicks that are closed in with
shallow casing strings with
fracturing taking place below shoe.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Drilling with too high a mud weight
(unknown areas).
Bad drilling practices: (spudding
pipe, running pipe too fast, breaking
circulation too fast, bad mud
practices).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I.
Lost Circulation Caused By

Vugular Limestone
II.

Hydrostatic Pressure Related To Build
Up Of Solids and Cuttings
III. Lost Circulation Caused By Elevations

IV. Lost Circulation In Top Hole Caused
By Shallow Kicks
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
I. Lost Circulation Caused By Vugular Limestone
Vugular: Cavity, void or

large pore in a rock that is
commonly lined with
mineral precipitates. They
are like worm holes.
Vugular Limestone: a
limestone formation with
lots of these cavities or
pores in them.
Priority List
Area knowledge should
always take priority.
Use methods that have
proven effective in the
area being drilled.
13
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
Fluid is not put in annulus.
Drilling is done with water.
Hole is kept clean with hole
sweeps using viscous mud
based on the drillers trends.
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
Drilling is done with
minimum hydraulics.
Use 30 gpm per inch
(525 gpm in a 17
hole).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
Circulate hole sweeps when hole conditions
indicate to unload hole (cuttings are swept into
fracture).
This will minimize the associated problem of
stuck pipe.
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
It can be done
with a limited
water supply by
hauling it in.
It is done safely and successfully all over the
world.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
80
D.O.I.
W
DPAW 1 BF
70
70
20
20
40
40
50
50
60
60
70
80
70
80
ASIA
10
10
20
30
30
60
PE
50
40
PACIFIC
OCEAN
30
30
30
40
40
50
50
60
60
70
70
80
10
INDIAN
OCEAN
EQUATOR
10
20
20
80
20
AFRICA
TROPIC OF CAPRICORN
RO
20
IC
SOUTH
AMERICA
10
70
EU
30
EQUATOR
OCEAN
10
80
TROPIC OF CANCER
PACIFIC
10
50
40
30
AN
NL
EE
60
60
40
GR
50
TROPIC OF CANCER
30
30
40
TROP OF CAPRICORN
40
50
50
60
60
70
80
ANTARCTICA80
10
20
AUSTRALIA
30
70
30
40
40
50
50
60
60
70
80
70
80
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

When To Blind Drill
W + 5,000 lbs.
1. Determine where
Hook Load
the fluid level is.
D.O.I.
80
80
EE
NL
AN
NORTH
AMERICA
30
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Use buoyancy to
calculate the depth of
interest (D.O.I.).
GR
70
60
50
40

When To Blind Drill
2. Calculate the formation pressure gradient.
If the gradient is less than a fresh water gradient of
0.433, then blind drilling is the correct operation.
5000
22.12 1 0.862
FG (psi/ft)
D.O.I. = 1,638 ft
D - D.O.I. GM
FG (psi/ft)
5, 19.5, Grade E, DPAW = 22.12
14
6,000-1,638 0.052 9.0 0.34

6,000
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling

Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
Drill with water through

the bit.
Put weighted mud in the
annulus while drilling.
Clean the hole with
viscous mud sweeps.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
This is done where both a

low pressure and high
pressure zone are open at
the same time
This is done for a short
period, like one or two bit
runs.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Do not blind drill in a

hydrocarbon gas cap zone,
unless special planning has
been made for the use of a
rotating head and very good
supervision.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Problems Created When Bypassing The Shaker
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
C. LCM Pills
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole

Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
It is important to keep
putting mud in the annulus
while tripping out or in and
while running casing.
Generally, a casing DV
packer is placed just above
the loss zone.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
The tank will be loaded with cuttings and solids.

The sand and cuttings will tear up the
contractors pumps.
There will be a loss of paleo control.
The loss problem will be aggravated and there
will be a hydrostatic increase.
Instead of loading up
the system with LCM,
use a LCM pill.
Loading up the system with LCM requires

bypassing the shaker, otherwise the LCM is
shaken out on the shaker.
Bypassing the shaker causes many other problems.
15
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Problems Created When Bypassing The Shaker

Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
C. LCM Pills
The mud will have bacterial action and sour.

The hydraulics will be ineffective and have low
pump efficiency because of circulating LCM
and cuttings.
The bit nozzle could plug.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If LCM circulates back to

the surface, shake it out.
LCM becomes limp and
ineffective after a short
time.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Company Safety Report

The driller should not have left the floor
unless he was properly relieved.
The relief line on the pump should have
been 4 and it was 2.
The relief line should have been properly
anchored or clamped down to the mud
tank.
Keys To Building A Good LCM Pill

1. Base Mud. Minimum apparent viscosity:
AV-25 CP or Fv 51 sec/qt.
LCM must be properly suspended in the mud.
Case history of Scotty
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
1. Base Mud. Minimum apparent viscosity: AV25 CP or Fv 51 sec/qt.
3. Use good particle size distribution

a. Sealing cellophane flakes
LCM must be properly suspended in the mud.
b. Bridging walnut hulls
2. Mix LCM fresh (just before you pump it). Let

it expand in the hole.
c. Matting fibers (as fine as possible)
16
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
4. Dont plug the bit.
4. Dont plug the bit.
A center cut bit is

needed, or something
with a hole in it, like
a sliding sleeve.
Pick up diverting sub.
Never go into hole

open-ended.
Pull to the shoe and wait.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Position about 200 feet

from the loss zone and
spot the LCM pill.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Key To The Success Of The LCM Pill
Key To The Success Of The LCM Pill
Identify where your loss zone is.

a. Run a temperature survey.
The loss zone will be where
the temperature changes.
b. Run a tracer survey
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
C. LCM Pills
D. Cement Plugs
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Identify where your loss zone is.

c. For shallow wells, run a wire line with a soft
line (or rag) on bottom of line. When rag is
sucked into loss zone observe wire line
counter depth.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
C. LCM Pills
D. Cement Plugs
Balanced cement plugs

are used for kick off or
plug back purposes,
and are NOT the same
as lost circulation
cement plugs.
Cement is the #1
sticking material.
17
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
When setting balance
plugs, the cement is
allowed to U-tube
around the drill string.
When setting lost
circulation cement
plugs, the cement is
NOT allowed to U-tube
around the drill string.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Gunk Plugs
Must have partial returns at the surface for gunk
to work (fluid level to the surface).
Gunk originally 300 lb gel, and 1 barrel diesel oil.
It has been modified, using combinations of Gel
and cement in diesel oil.
Must be able to squeeze it.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
E. Gunk Plugs
Use oil spacers
ahead and behind.
You cannot have any
water come in touch
with this mixture,
because it will set
up.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Gunk Plugs
Pump out of
diverting sub at 2
parts of Gunk and
pump underneath
BOP at 1 part of
mud. H20 in mud
makes Gunk thicken.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
E. Gunk Plugs
Operators cannot make contractors or service
companies do things that violate their policies or
safety regulations.
Always operate within the contractors or service
companys safety regulations.
Give Safety Regulation Case History
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
C. LCM Pills
D. Cement Plugs
E. Gunk Plugs
F. Combinations
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
F. Combinations
Sometimes a loss zone
must be cured before
drilling ahead.
A combination of
techniques may be
required.
Use DP and diverter sub.
18
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Priority List
A. Blind Drilling
B. Mud Cap Drilling
C. LCM Pills
D. Cement Plugs
E. Gunk Plugs
F. Combinations
G. Gravel
F. Combinations
Use LCM pill first and
follow it with an oil spacer.
Follow with gunk and
another oil spacer.
Follow with cement.
The LCM and gunk give
resistance so that the
cement plug will have
enough time to thicken.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I.
G. Gravel
It can be all sizes. Gravel will help plug vugular
limestone.
1. Pull your drill string out.
2. Rig up a conveyor belt up to rig floor.
3. Dump gravel down the hole.
4. Go in the hole very carefully.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Vugular Limestone
II. Lost Circulation Caused By

Hydrostatic Pressure Related To
Build Up Of Solids and Cuttings

By Shallow Kicks
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
II. L.C. Caused By Hydrostatic Pressure Related

To Build Up Of Solids and Cuttings
Example:
Mud Program:
Calls for 9.0-9.2 ppg
Present Situation:
MW is 9.8 ppg
20 BPH losses are
occurring.
19
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training


The cause of the loss is

hydrostatic; therefore,
the problem must be
fixed hydrostatically.
It cannot be fixed with
LCM, cement, gunk or
anything else.
F.L.
2 Variables
Solids Fixed
Suction Tank
MW
MW
R.O.P.
H2O
#/bbl
9.2
100
10.0
Solids
Control
Equip.
#/bbl
To find how many pounds per barrel of solids there should

be, look at the Solids Content of Muds Calculator.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
F.L.
2 Variables
Solids Fixed
Suction Tank
MW
#/bbl
9.0
46.0
9.2
60.0
MW
R.O.P.
H2O
#/bbl
9.2
100
10.0
60.0
9.4
200
10.0
73.0
Solids
Control
Equip.
If this keeps up, the MW will soon go up to 9.8.

Always react to R.O.P. changes.
Know how much water is being added.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
A. Things To Consider To Prevent Lost Circulation

Related To Hydrostatic Problem
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole

1. Good mud tank trends are required.

a. MW coming out and going in.
b. Funnel viscosity coming out and going in.
c. ROP versus water to maintain correct MW
going in.
d. Total mud volume in the tanks.
2. Drilling trends are also needed.

a. Pressure Stroke Relationship
b. Rate of Penetration
c. Torque
d. Drag
e. Pick-up weight
f. Weight indicator weight with pump on.
20
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

B. Top Hole Hydrostatic Losses

1. Add water in the annulus until a hydrostatic
equilibrium is reached.
Use the trip tank and measure the amount
being put in.
Pump it into the hole from the trip tank
with the 3 2 centrifugal pump.
Keep putting water in the hole until the
hole stops taking fluid.
3. Work hard at prevention.

The problem is much easier to prevent
than it is to fix.
An ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. When the hydrostatic

equilibrium is reached,
calculate the length of water
based on how many barrels
of water was added.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cas ID
DP OD 2
1029.4
2
2. Calculate the length of water

in feet by dividing the
barrels per foot annular
volume.
L H 2O ft
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
(bbl)
(bbl/ft)
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Calculate the length of mud

(LMud) down to the depth of
interest.
L Mud
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Vol Ann bbl/ft
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Now, calculate the mud

weight equivalent (MWE).
D.O.I.-L
H 2O
MWE
21
H2 0
0.433 L Mud MW 0.052

D.O.I. 0.052
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Example:
Casing annular volume is
0.0489 barrels/foot.
48.9 barrels were added.
Example:
Casing annular volume is
0.0489 barrels/foot.
48.9 barrels were added.
L H 2O ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MWe
MWe
H2 0
48.9
1,000
0.0489
L Mud 2,000 - 1,000 1,000ft.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
0.433 Lmud MW 0.052
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
This tells us that the mud

can be cut back to 9.1 ppg
and still have full returns.
This is a static equilibrium.
Goal: Get back to 9.0 ppg
mud.
D.O.I. 0.052
1,000 0.433 1,000 9.8 0.052

2,000 0.052
MWE = 9.1 ppg at 2000 ft

Note: Repeat at other D.O.I.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Calculate fluid to dump and water or gel mud to

add to reduce mud weight to desired level.
(9.8 - 9.0)
Vd 2,000
(9.8 - 8.33)
MWN - MWd
Vd Vf
MWN - MWdF
Vd = 1,088 bbls
1,088 barrels of mud must
be dumped.
1,088 barrels of water must
be added to reduce the MW
to 9.0 ppg.
Where:
Vd
= Volume of mud to dump and volume of dilution
fluid to add, bbl.
Vf
= Final vol. mud, surface pits & hole, bbl (2000)
MWn = MW now in system, ppg (9.8)
MWd = MW desired, ppg. (9.0)
MWdf = MW of dilution fluid, ppg (water 8.33)
22
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Material Balance Check

Vmud = (Vf - Vdf)
Vdf
= (Vf - Vmud)
Vmud = (2000 - 1088) = 912 bbls of mud
Vdf
= (2000 - 912) = 1088 bbls of H20

Most of the surface volume
should be dumped.
Pull off bottom and get the
bit to the shoe. This is a lost
time operation, but the
problem must be fixed before
drilling ahead.
Clean out tanks while pulling
to the shoe.
M Wd
MW
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Given:
Vm
MWn
MWd
MWdf
Vdf
=
=
=
=
=
V m ud M W df Vdf
V m ud Vdf
9.8 912 8.33 1088 9.0

912 1088
ppg
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Example 2: Calculate volume of water required to reduce

the mud weight from 9.8 ppg to 9.0 ppg while circulating.
Vdf
Vm M W n M W d
M W d M W df
Vdf
1000 bbls in hole

9.8 ppg
9.0 ppg
8.33 ppg
Volume total when diluting while circulating
Vm M W n M W d
M W d M W df
1000 9.8 - 9.0
9.0 8.33
Vdf = 1,194 bbl H2O
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
M W
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example 2
The surface tanks have been cleaned and 300 bbls of new
9.0 ppg mud built. How much H20 will be required to
reduce the mud in the hole to 9.0 ppg while circulating?
Vdf
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example 2: Calculate the total volume of mud after

reducing the mud weight from 9.8 ppg to 9.0 ppg.
Material Balance Check
V t V m V df
M Wd
M W N xVM M W df xVdf
Vm Vdf
MWd
9.8x1000 8.33x1194
1000 1194
V t = 1000+1194
Vt = 2,194 bbl (9.0 ppg mud)
MWd = 9.0 ppg
23
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The surface tanks hold 1500 bbls. Will three tanks

hold the new conditioned 9.0 ppg mud if the
starting surface volume is 300 bbls?
Given:
Vactive = (Vh + Vs) = (1000 + 1500)
= 2500 bbls in active system
Vf
= (Vh + Vs + Vdf)
Vf
= (1000 + 300 + 1194)
= 2494 bbls
Yes, because our surface system holds 1,500 bbls.
Always react to rate of penetration changes.

There are only two variables: rate of penetration
and water and they must be controlled.
If the rate of penetration goes up, there will be
more pounds per barrel of solids being drilled up.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I.

Vugular Limestone
II.
Lost Circulation Caused By Hydrostatic

Pressure Related To Build Up Of Solids
and Cuttings
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole

Three Elevation Problems In Top Hole
A. Lost Circulation in
sub-normal zones.
B. Opposite problem of
Artesian Flows.
C. Lost Circulation in
subsea riser
elevations with
shallow casing.
III. Lost Circulation Caused By

Elevations
IV. Lost Circulation In Top Hole Caused By

Shallow Kicks
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
A. Subnormal zones Considerations
A. Subnormal Zones Considerations
Long Range Planning is

required for this
specialized drilling:
To get proper
equipment.
To get qualified
people.
Air/Gas Drilling
Foam Drilling
Blind Drilling
24
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Problem with Air Drilling in Hydrocarbon Zone

Explosive potential of mixing air and hydrocarbons in
an uncontrolled manner.
Fire.
Misting of the air may contribute to the formation of
mud rings downhole.

B. Artesian Flows
Well is drilled in
valley and there
may be a water
table outcrop in the
mountain.
Well is flowing all
the time.
Prevention
1. Mitigate problem by using alternates such as:
a. Natural gas or
b. Nitrogen
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
C. Riser Elevations With Shallow Casing
B. Artesian Flows
Good area
knowledge.
Good driller.
Heavier mud can be
spotted to balance
the pressure and to
prevent flow on
trips.
In SS operations, lost
circulation could be a
problem below shallow
casing because of low frac
gradients. Therefore, if mud
returns are required through
riser to surface, an analysis
should be done.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Formula:
Category 1:
Category 2:
(MWls Lc 0.052 WD 0.445)

MWE
(WD Sl Lc) 0.052
MWE
Category 1 formula evaluates the

maximum MW that can be used
with a riser attached.
Category 2 formula evaluates the

maximum MW that can be used
without a riser attached.
25
(MWl MDc 0.052 WD 0.445)

(MDc Lr) 0.052
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MWE: Mud Weight equivalent, ppg

MWls: Est. (or measured) leak off at conductor shoe,
ppg
Lc:
Length of conductor (or drive pipe), ft
WD: Water depth, ft
S1:
Air gap, ft
MW1: Mud wt. Calculated in Category 1 (Max MW
with riser), ppg
MDc: (WD + S1 + Lc) or measured depth of conductor.
Measured from RKB, ft
Lr:
Length of riser (WD + S1 = Riser MD or Lr), ft
Pmh: Hydrostatic pressure, psi
Lsw: Length of seawater, ft
DOI: Depth of interest, ft
MWh: Mud wt. In hole, ppg
MWk: Kill mud wt., ppg
TVDa: True Vertical depth, ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Category 1 (Maximum MW with riser in place)
Category 1 (Maximum MW with riser in place)
30 conductor is set 236 below

seabed. The maximum MW these
formations can support without a
riser is 13 ppg. What is the
theoretical maximum MW that
could be used if returns were
brought to the surface in water
depth of: 300 with flowline 60
above the water level.
Example:
Category 1: (Maximum MW with riser in place)
(MWls Lc 0.052 WD 0.445)
MWE
(WD Sl Lc) 0.052
MWE
(13 236 ' 0.052 300 ' 0.445)

(300 ' 60 236) 0.052
MWE= 9.4 ppg
Note: Seawater gradient = 0.445 psi/ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Category 2 (Maximum MW without riser in place)
Category 2 (Maximum MW without riser in place)
Referring to the data given in

category 1, if the maximum mud
wt with the riser attached is
approximately 9.4 ppg, what is the
maximum mud wt that could be
placed in the well without the
riser?
Category 2:
MWE
(MWl MDc 0.052 WD 0.445)

(MDc Lr) 0.052
MWE
(9.4 596 ' 0.052 300 ' 0.445)

(596 ' 360 ') 0.052
MWE= 13.0 ppg

Note: Seawater gradient = 0.445 psi/ft
26
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I.

Vugular Limestone
II.
Lost Circulation Caused By Hydrostatic

Pressure Related To Build Up Of Solids
and Cuttings
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IV. Lost Circulation In Top Hole Caused By

Shallow Kicks
One of the most dangerous situations in drilling,
particularly with jack up rigs.
Dangerous in older drilling areas where there
have been production leaks and many poor
cement jobs, which has allowed fluid
movement behind the casing to move from
deeper zones to shallow zones.

By Shallow Kicks
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Jack up rig off the coast of Nigeria:

They had drilled a pilot
hole to reduce the
volume of cuttings and
porosity gas.
Logs had been run, but
the information was not
shared.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole

While tripping, they were back reaming with
a top drive.
Swabbing was not detected and
the well had to be diverted.
The diverter line plugged with
gumbo and formation solids.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

The pressure broke down
the shallow shoe and the
jack up was underpinned
and collapsed into the
water.
Five people lost their
lives.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
A. Top hole operating practices to minimize

volume of porosity gas.
1. If an operator has logging information, it
should be shared with the contractor.
If gas is present, it would be safer to isolate the
gas with a cement plug before opening the hole.
27
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. When back reaming with a top drive, where the trip

tank is not being used, the surface system needs to be
line up so that only one tank is used so that a small
trend change can be observed.
3. The diverter line needs to be a minimum of 10

inches, but 12-14 inches is better.
In under-reaming, the volume is sometimes
much higher than the original pilot hole. It can
start the well surging or heading.
Heading unloads both gas and mud together.
3. The diverter line needs to be a minimum of 10 inches,

but 12-14 inches is better.
Shallow kicks are volume problems, not pressure
problems.
Pilot holes are drilled to reduce the volume of
shallow gas.
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
B. Diverting versus well control.

Case #1
MW is 9.0 ppg
MWF is 12.5 ppg
TVD is 500 feet
MAASP = 91 psi
MAASP MWF - MWH ) 0.052 TVDS
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole

Case #1: Divert
91
Tell the driller to divert all

kicks.
Tell him to call the tool pusher
and you after he has diverted
the kick.
Ninety-one is difficult to read
on the gauge.
28
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Case #2
MW is 9.5 ppg
MWF is 13.5 ppg
TVD is 1,500 feet
91
312
MAASP = 312 psi

Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Case #2: Divert
Case #3
MW is 12.0 ppg
MWF is 14.5 ppg
TVD is 2,500 feet
This is a borderline situation, but it is probably a

diverting situation.
Because the casing is at 1,500 feet, there is a chance of
breaking out at the surface and underpinning the
derrick.
If this was offshore and the depth of water was 1,000
feet, it would definitely be a diverting situation.
MAASP = 325 psi

Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole

91
312
Case #3: Well control
325
This is a borderline situation,

but it is probably a well control
situation.
Because the casing is at 2,500
feet, there is not much chance
of breaking out at the surface
and underpinning the derrick.
29
ODT &AWC Day 4
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Case #4
MW is 14.0 ppg
MWF is 17.0 ppg
TVD is 7,500 feet
91
312
325
1170
MAASP = 1,170 psi

Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Case #5
MW is 17.0 ppg
MWF is 18.8 ppg
TVD is 12,000 feet
Tell the driller to shut the

well in with minimum
gain.
Make a kill plan and
implement the plan.
MAASP = 1,123 psi

Lost Circulation
In Top Hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
In Top Hole

91
312
325
1170
1123
It is important to communicate
what you expect the driller to
do.
He needs to know exactly what
to do and how to carry out those
procedures.
30
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Causes of Deviation Problems
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Poor drilling practices

Wrong weight
RPM
Hydraulic parameters
1. Contracts
Footage wells need good supervision
We will interface with you and decide
what to do if you deviate more than 5
degrees.
We require a packed-hole assembly.
2. Geology-need good co-operation
from geologists
In a straight hole drilling contract, many of the possible troubles can be
prevented by obtaining satisfactory contract terms on deviation and dog-legs.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
NOTE: Reduced effective hole diameter
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Poor bottom hole assembly

design (BHA)
5. Poor survey (drift and

direction)
6. Doghouse surveys
Another factor to consider is

the bending characteristic of
the drill stem. With no weight
on the bit, the only force acting
on the bit is the result of the
weight of the portion of the
string between the bit and the
tangency point.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Even though the wellbore is

surveyed often, micro
doglegs may exist between
survey points.
Micro doglegs should be
reamed to prevent possible
stuck pipe problems.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
7. Equipment malfunctions
downhole
8. Tripping practice (with
low overbalance)
9. Handling bridges in hole
Example:
Cause of Bridge is poor tripping
practices with low overbalance
in normal pressure drilling.
To Analyze:
Step 1: Calculate overbalance
@ top of bridge
P = (GM - GF) Bd
P = (0.468-0.465) 2,000
P = 6 psi
See BSEE Rules, page 22, 250.456 (c).
31
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 3
Since only one stand can be P.O.H. before going
under balance, the pipe would have to be P.O.H.
while circulating the well head through a trip tank.
Step 2
Calculate feet of 5, 19.5, E, XH
that can be P.O.H. when the Pob = 6.0 psi
Len (ft.)
Len (ft.)
POB
G M met. disp
(cas. vol - met. disp)
6 psi
22.12
bbl/ft
0.468 psi/ft
2748
0.0732 - 22.12 bbl/ft

2748
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Len (ft) = 103.7 ft.
* This means that

only one stand of
pipe can be pulled
without becoming
underbalanced.
How To Clean Out Bridges
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Take OFF bottom

readings before
touching bridge
How To Clean Out Bridges
3. Keep weight on
bit (WOB) below
the WOB used to
drill original hole.
2. De-cake bridge
(Mash-Rock
Technique is
good)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Rotate with low

RPM
5. Stabilize hole
trends before RIH
How To De-Cake A Bridge
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Just like cleaning a balled-up bit

Do not spud or surge
Use Mash Rock Technique
How To De-Cake A Bridge
Mash Rock Technique (contd)

3. Pump fluid through drill string. That will help
de-cake the bridge.
(I like water with phosphate and rig detergent
for water base mud)
When bit spins the cake is broken, and bridge
should fall apart.
Mash Rock Technique

1. Use very low W.O.B. (2,000 lbs.)
2. Rock it back and forth (by kicking rotary in and out)
32
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Causes Of Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Differentially stuck pipe.

2. Formation related stuck
pipe (mobile formations like
shale or salt).
3. Mechanically related stuck
pipe (doglegs, keyseats or
hole cleaning).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Requirements for
Differentially Stuck Pipe
1. Permeable Formation
2. Differential Pressure
3. Wall Contact
4. Lack of Pipe Movement
5. Mud Cake
Differentially
Stuck Pipe Causes
Differentially
Stuck Pipe Causes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Permeability and
length of zone open
5. Drill string design
(clearance, etc.)
1. Operating practices, i.e. kicking pump in.

2. Mud overbalance, i.e. > 400 psi very bad.
3. Mud quality
a. solids
b. coefficient of
friction
c. mud cake
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Differentially Stuck Pipe
Formation Related Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Bentonitic Shale
1. Sloughing shale (abnormal

pressure transition zones)
2. Fractured shale.
33
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Mobile Formations
a. Salt
b. Squeezing marls
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mechanically Related
Stuck Pipe
1. Well bore geometry,

i.e. doglegs/keyseats
2. Under gauge hole, i.e.
bit gauge, formation
whipstock, etc.
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
4. Washed out sections

Hole cleaning
Unsupported wall
contact/washout/
twist offs
3. Hole cleaning
5. Junk in hole; collapse

casing; cement
related, etc.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Tuckers Wrench
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Tuckers Wrench
We were whoopin it up at the Crown Block Bar

When Tucker drove up and piled out of his car.
He was mad as hell - this we knew.
He had just been fired - with nothing to do.
Yesterday, was working on a tong.

Dropped my stillson and things went wrong.
Didnt mean to do it, bless my soul,
But just my luck, it fell in the hole
We bought him a beer - whats it all about?

Talk a little - it will ease your pout.
He drank half the glass and lit up a smoke.
His red face cooled and then he spoke.
We fished all night and most of today.

When we got it out there was hell to pay.
The pusher walked up and gave me my wrench.
Get off the floor! Youre fired! Thats a cinch.
34
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Tuckers Wrench
Drilling and Well

Control Training
No job! No need for the muddy ol tool.

So I threw it down just to show that darn fool.
You wont believe this, Tucker said with a grin.
But that slick handled wrench went down in the
hole again!
Drill String Data:

Drill Pipe: 7000 ft. 5. 19.5, Grade S, XH; 5000 ft.
5, 19.5, Grade E, XH
Drill Collars: 720 ft. 6 213/16
Mud:
MW = 14 ppg.
BF = 0.786
65.44 14
BF
0.786
65.44
For Buoyancy Factors, see Drilling Manual, DS Design, page 5.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Calculate air weight. (See Drilling Manual, DS

Design, page 78 (DC Weight), and page 141
(DP Adjusted Weight).
1. Calculate air weight
From DS Design Chapter

DP, E:
22.12, 5,000
DP, S:
23.89, 7,000
DC, 6 213/16:
91, 720
WTAIR = ((7,000
Drilling and Well

Control Training
WTAIR = ((L1
W1) + (L2
W2) + (L3
23.89) + (5000
W3))
22.12) + (720
91))
WTAIR = 343,350 lbs
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Calculate weight indicator weight if blocks, etc.

weigh 100,000 lb.
Drill String Data:
Drill Pipe: 7000 ft. 5. 19.5, Grade S, XH
5000 ft. 5, 19.5, Grade E, XH
Mud: MW = 14 ppg.
BF = 0.786
SUMMARY
1. WTAIR = 343,350 lbs
35
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Calculate weight indicator weight.

WTWI = (WTAIR
WTWI = (343,350
SUMMARY
1. WTAIR = 343,350 lbs
BF + HL)
2. WTWI = 369,895 lbs
0.786 + 100,000)
WTWI = 369,895 lb
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Calculate mud to pull out of hole.

Drill String Data:
Drill Pipe: 7000 ft. 5 19.5, Grade S, XH,
5000 ft. 5 19.5, Grade E, XH
MW:
14 ppg
WTAir (lb)
Vol TRIP (bbl)
BF:
0.786
2748 (lb/bbl)
Steel weighs 2,748 lbs/bbl
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Calculate mud to pull out of hole.

VolTRIP (bbl) =
WTAir (lb)
2748 (lb/bbl)
VolTRIP (bbl) =
343,350 (lb)
2748 (lb/bbl)
VolTRIP (bbl) = 124.9 bbl
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Calculate estimated stuck point (ESP) if 37.5 of

stretch is recorded with 40,000 pounds overpull.
SUMMARY
1. WTAIR = 343,350 lbs
Drill String Data:

Drill Pipe:
7000 ft. 5 19.5, Grade S, XH,
5000 ft. 5, 19.5, Grade E, XH
MW:
14 ppg
BF:
0.786
2. WTWI = 369,895 lbs

3. VolTRIP = 124.9 bbl
Why do drillers take stretch readings?
36
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Why should drillers take

stretch readings when they
get stuck?
To find where they are stuck!

BOP stack? - if here you
will bump the peg without
any stretch.
Keyseated?
Around the Collars?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Calculate estimated stuck point.

Method 1. One Size Drill Pipe
Taking Pipe Stretch

1. Pull of M.O.P., i.e.
50,000 #
2. Mark pipe
3. Pull 40,000 lb. More
4. Measure stretch on last
40,000 lb.
5. Repeat to verify
For Plain-end weight, see Drilling Manual, DS Design, page 123.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Calculate estimated stuck point.

Method 2. Tapered Drill Pipe (two sizes of DP)
735,294 e W2
W
L
L 1 1 - 2
P
W1
Where :
W1 Top (larger) dp, plain end wt, lb/ft.
W2 Lower (smaller) dp, plain end wt, lb/ft
L1 Length of top dp, ft.
e Stretch, in
P Differential pull, lb.
E.S.P. = 12,360 Ft.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
W1 = 5, 19.5, S, XH,
(22.6/17.93)
735,294 e W2
W
L
L 1 1 - 2
P
W1
W2 = 3, 13.3, S, EU,
(14.69/12.31)
735,294 35 12.31
12.31
L
9,000 1
30,000
17.93
Interpretation:
L = 13,381 Ft
If: L>L1, SP is in L2.

L<L1, SP is in L1, recalculate
with regular formula.
NOTE: L > L1; therefore pipe is stuck in W2 (or BHA).
37
ODT &AWC Day 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
5. Calculate back-off weight to make a mechanical

back off (also known as a blind back off) at 3000
SUMMARY
1. WTAIR = 343,350 lbs
Simplify rig up of wireline equipment.

Remove kelly from BOPs to ensure well control flexibility.
Do not mechanically back off near the casing shoe!
2. WTWI = 369,895 lbs

4. ESP
= 12,360 Ft
BOWmech = DOI
DPadj wt
BOWmech = 3000
21.29
BF + Block Weight
0.76 + 100,000
BOWmech = 156,337 lb
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

SUMMARY
Mechanical Back Off Procedure
a. Put RH Torque in DS with full W.I. Weight.
1. WTAIR = 343,350 lbs
b. Adjust weight to calculate B.O. weight for

mechanical B.O.
2. WTWI = 369,895 lbs

c. Put LH torque in DS for mechanical backoff.
4. ESP
= 12,360 Ft
5. B.O.W.Mech = 156,337 lb
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. Calculate approx. back-off weight to make a string

shot back-off at 30 ft. above calculated E.S.P.
6. Calculate approx. back-off weight to make a string

shot back-off at 30 ft. above calculated E.S.P.
Time is important in freeing stuck pipe!
Drill String Data:

DP:
DC:
MW:
BF:
7000 ft. 5 19.5, Grade S, XH

5000 ft. 5 19.5, Grade E, XH
720 ft. 6 213/16
14 ppg
0.786
BOWString Shot = [ WTWI (TD DBO)

BOW
DBO
WTWI
TD
BF
=
=
=
=
=
WDC
BOW = (Weight
Indicator weight Fish to be left in hole)
BF ]
Approximate Back Off Weight (string shot)

Back Off Depth
Weight Indicator Weight
Total Depth
Buoyancy Factor
38
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOWString Shot WTWI - TD - D BO WDC BF
Calculate string shot back-off above DC.
BOWString Shot 369,895- 12,720-12,360 91 0.786
BOWString shot
WTWI L DC WDC L DP WDP BF
B.O.W.StringShot = 344,146 lb
NOTE: This is an approximate
number. The back-off specialist
will finalize B.O. weights where
the best torque and stretch
readings are measured using his
instrumentation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
369,895 720 91 63 22.12 0.786
B.O.W.String Shot = 317,297 lb
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. WTAIR = 343,350 lbs
7. Back-off techniques:
(a) General, (b) Hard Rock, (c) Soft Rock
2. WTWI = 369,895 lbs
a. General
SUMMARY
Make B.O. study with RH Torque

Repeat with LH Torque with precise notes from
RH torque. Trap LH Torque in string.
Fire string shot.
Need well organized approach (and person)

4. ESP
= 12,360 Ft
5. B.O.W.Mech = 156,337 lb
6. B.O.W.String Shot
Drilling and Well

Control Training
= 317,297 lb
Drilling and Well

Control Training
b. Hard Rock. Free point wont move much.
c. Soft Rock. Free point likely to move
Two wire line runs are made:
One wire line run is made with Free point and String
Shot tools in tandem.
1. Run free point, find stuck point, trap torque.
1. Run free point, find stuck point, trap torque.
2. Run and fire string shot. Back off.
2. Fire string shot. Back off.
39
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8. String shot
prima cord
requirements.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
9. Problems back-off people have.

Fishing tool man getting in the way of B.O.
man is the #1 problem
Rig people not knowing the ODs, IDs, etc. of
the pipe in the hole
People not keeping up with trends
Prima cord requirement

Influenced by:
Size connection
Mud weight (more
prima cord required for
heavy mud)
Temperature
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Best back-off man in the world:

Get all the information you can.
Talk to company man.
Talk to fisherman.
All holes are different.
straight hole-buoyancy weight
crooked hole-rely on freepoint indicator to
see what weight to use.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
10. Develop general fishing plan.

A.
B.
C.
D.
A driller working in
West Texas in 1956.
It is a classic
communication and
leaves no doubt that
they had better follow
his instructions.
World Oil, March
1999
Calculate weight required.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The nex man that run

anything in this Hole or
Anyother
And Dont Know the size
of it. Length of it will no
Longer will be Hear.
If you think Im sh--ing
Just try me one moor time.
push
A. How many hours can I fish?

Determine in advance how long you will
spend fishing.
Dont get attached to the dog.
How many hours can I fish?

Diagram Problem
Operational Plan
Case History
40
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 4
Stuck Pipe Class

Drilling and Well
ControlWorkshop
Training
V C
RD
ND F
Cd
B. Diagram the
problem.
Where :
Nd Maximum number of fishing days
VF Total replacement value of fish in hole $
CRD Total estimated operation lost to redrill interval,

i.e. side track, $
CD Daily operation cost plus additional daily
cost of fishing tools and services, & /day
ODs & IDs

Breaks & Conn.
Lith. & Calipers
Dev. Data
Fish
Fishing String
Hole size:
12
XO SUB 4 IF
Box 6 Reg.
Pin 5.48
Top of Fish:
8, 096
Cmt plug
5x8 Steel DC
6 Reg. BxP
Bottom of Fish
8,364 Ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
C. Make an operational plan.
C. Make an operational plan.
1. Before touching fish
2. After touching fish
Fishing assy (overshot vs screw in sub, jars, etc.)
Circulate hole clean of

cuttings and gas; and
observe well.
Off bottom.readings, i.e. (string weight, drag

up/down, pressure/strokes, etc.)
Trip out with plan and

on-site supervision.
Mud
MW (Balanced all around)
Viscosity (FV)(YP)(Gels)
3. Observe Fish Recovery and make plans accordingly.
Well control considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
D. Write a case history. (post appraisal 2 pages)

1. What led to the problem?
2. Identifying trends.
3. First and other actions.
4. How problem was solved.
5. How to prevent problem in future.
41
ODT &AWC Day 5
Day Five
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Tripping
H2S
Problem #6
Review Homework
Difficult Well Control
Situations (Lubrication,
Stripping, Snubbing)
Video Well Under Control
Tripping Practices and
Considerations
H 2S
Simulator Testing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Day Five Homework
Due on Day Eight

IWCF Equipment 1
(bonus)
Operational Well Control
& Simulator (bonus)
Lubrication Technique
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1.
Applications For Lubricating

1. Workover and Completions where
the well is coning gas.
Calculate Force Down

F ft lb/ft
2. Poor tripping practices.
F 90 91 8190 lbs
3. Where oil-based muds have been

used and gas has been dissolved
and breaks out at the surface while
out of the hole.
4. To prevent breaking down
formations by trying to bullhead the
gas back into the reservoir.
Refer to Well Control Manual, page 325.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2.
Step 3.
Calculate the Pressure (P).
F
P
A
8190 lb
P
33.18 sq inches
Calculate the Area.

A (D )0.7854
2
A (6.52 )0.7854
A 33.18 sq inches
247
P = 247 psi (Balancing Pressure)

Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
This is a stand-off.
A safety factor (SF)
is needed.
If 100 psi SF is used,

the pressure (P)
becomes 147 instead of
247.
The pressure must be
bled down a total of
353 psi (500 147).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 4.
Step 5.
Determine the pressure increment that can be safely
used that will not break down the shoe.
In this example, we will use a 200-psi increment.
Calculate the psi/bbl.

psi/bbl
15 0.052 psi/ft
0.0744 bbl/ft
Psi/bbl = 10.48 psi/bbl
PShoeMax = TVDShoe L.O.T. MW 0.052

PShoe = PF - PH
Note: The 9 casing capacity is 0.0744 bbl/ft.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PMargin = PShoeMax - PShoe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 6.
Pump lubrication fluid into
well through choke line until
casing pressure increases
by 200 psi.
Step 8.
Calculate the amount of
pressure that can be bled
down.
(6.0 bbl 10.48 psi/bbl = 63 psi)
Step 9.
Wait for the gas to percolate through the
lube fluid, and then bleed down the
pressure.
(700 263 = 437 psi)
Step 7.
Calculate the amount of fluid
pumped into the well.
(60 strokes 0.09967 bbl/stk = 6.0 bbl)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 10.
Repeat steps 6-9 until
casing pressure has been
reduced to desired
pressure (147 psi).
Best Fluids
1. Salt H2O
2. Salt Mud
3. FW Mud
Never use Oil Mud!
The lubricating plan took 5

minutes to make.
The Operational Plan will
take much longer to
implement.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mixing Method For Salt Mud
1. Start with fresh H2O.
2. Add starch (gel) and
prehydrate.
3. Add salt (salt bbl).
4. Add barite
Rig #47
VR Plug Blowout
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Iran
The series of pictures you are about to see were

taken from the cover of the Well Control book.
Gas Cap Well
33rd well drilled in this reservoir
Rig #47
Took 7 minutes to burn down
Rig #47
Drilling and Well
Control Training
Rig #47
Drilling and Well
Control Training
Iran
Iran
ODT &AWC Day 5
Stripping
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. People
Experience
Good
communicator
Organized
Calm
Honest
Stripping Considerations
1. People
2. BOPE
3. Stripping Schedule
No false pride
Safety minded
Energetic
Good delegator
Refer to Well Control Manual, pages 331-333.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stripping
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stripping
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. BOPE
Accumulators
Make sure every bottle is Nitrogen pre-charged (key to
volume).
Each bottle needs to have a 1000 lb. Nitrogen precharge.
Keep accumulators on or off, but not in neutral. If it
leaks, fix the leak.
Combination of RAM and Annular
Equalize from an outside source
Refer to Workbook, BOPE, page 14.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Accumulators
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Common Areas for Accumulator Leaks

20. Koomey Pressure Reducing and Regulating Valve.
22. 4-Way Valves
25. Hydraulic Bleeder Valve
27. Koomey Pressure Reducing and Regulating Valve
Air Operated
Stripping
Use the rams to move the

tool joints through the
BOP.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Stripping
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pressure up with mud

to 1200 psi from an
outside source.
Tool joint is just

above the annular.
Bleed off the pressure

after the ram below
has pressured up.
Emergency BOP to
do repair work on
upper BOP.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stripping
Stripping
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stripping
Pump to equalize
the pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. People
2. BOPE
3. Stripping
Schedule (Bv)
Stripping
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stands Bv Pcsg
Comments
Bv
Volumetric
Schedule
Capacity
Stripping
Metal Disp. Len std.
22.6
Bv 0.017
94 ft.
2748
BV = 2.37 bbls
Note: If pressure increase(s) indicate percolation is taking place,

volumetric schedule will need to be added to bleed schedule.
Volumetric Method will be covered on Day 7.
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stands Bv Pcsg
150
Comments
Volumetric
Schedule
2.37 150
BV = Cap + Met/Std
2.37 150
P.U. Kelly and circulated

with drillers method after
cir. Csg. P = 100 psi.
100
Drilling and Well

Control Training
There are two possibilities for

why the pressure increased at
the 100th stand:
1. We have stripped into the
bubble and spread it out.
2. The bubble is percolating.
If the pressures continue
to rise, it shows
percolation.
Started @ 0130
100
2.37 150
Press. on 100th stand incr.

to 150. (50 psi increase)
101
2.37 150
No change in csg. Press. looks like

I stripped into bubble.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Snubbing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Snubbing
If you are snubbing,

you will know you are
at a break over point
when the pipe starts
pulling itself in the
hole.
It usually happens about
1 foot of pipe for every
pound of pressure.
5,000 psi means that
about 5,000 feet of pipe
need to be snubbed in.
Snubbing is jacking
the pipe in the hole.
There is more force up
than force down.
Therefore, the pipe
must be jacked into the
hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stripping
Snubbing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Snubbing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Well Under Control Video
Drilling and Well

Control Training
This is probably the most

important topic in drilling.
There are 5 major problems
associated with tripping.
Shell
Well Under Control
Note: Tripping is covered in the

Special Practices Chapter. It is also
covered in the Abnormal Pressure
Chapter, page 156.
See notes in Workbook, Well Control, page 61 (Analysis of Trip).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

Associated With Tripping
1. Kicks off bottom

Related to swabbing
Related to improper hole
filling techniques.
Tripping Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

1. Kicks off bottom

2. Lost Circulation
To allow a
KICK
Caused by surge
by not following
a proper fill up
procedure can only
be classified as
Surge and swabbing have the same formula.

One is positive (surge), one is negative (swab).
Lost circulation is the cause of most blowouts
that we read and hear about.
NEGLECT!
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

1. Kicks off bottom

2. Lost circulation
3. Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Five Major Problems

Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Stuck Pipe Handling kicks

off Bottom is difficult:
The influx may be below the bit.
It may require stripping back to
bottom.
If killing off bottom, it may
cause differentially stuck pipe.
It may require the volumetric
method to be used to get the
bubble above the bit.
3. Stuck Pipe
- Key seats
- Cuttings beds
- Differential sticking
- Mechanical
- Well control
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

Drilling and Well

Control Training

Killing the well off bottom
with a gas influx below the bit
using a circulating method can
NOT be done properly and can
lead to bringing the well in
and/or stuck pipe.
The pipe must be stripped back
to bottom so that the influx is
above the bit (around the pipe).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

Five Major Problems


Once the pipe has been
stripped back in and the gas
bubble is above the bit, then
use one of the three circulating
methods of circulating out the
kick and controlling the well.
The method of well control for
a swabbed in kick should be
the Drillers Method.
Five Major Problems

Drilling and Well

Control Training

1.
2.
3.
4.
If a hole restriction, i.e. bridge,

prevents stripping back to bottom,
the Volumetric Method of well
control must be used to bleed the
pressure out of the gas bubble.
Once the gas bubble is above the
bit, the Drillers Method can be
used to control the well. (Usually
one volumetric bleed would put
the bubble above the bit.)
Five Major Problems

Kicks off bottom

Lost circulation
Stuck Pipe
Shale Stability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Five Major Problems

Drilling and Well

Control Training
While Tripping:
1. Hole not taking the right
amount of fluid.
Compare the actual
amount of fluid in the
Trip Tank with the Trip
Schedule.
4. Shale Stability
Surge or swabbing upsets shale stability.
Shales balloon very easily.
Shales cause hole instability
Shales do not respond well to tripping.
When trips are required through shales, close
supervision is required to prevent surge and
swabbing.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The trip schedule must be monitored both ways:

coming out and going back in the hole.
2. Flow
Five Major Problems

Drilling and Well

Control Training
If Kick is detected during a trip:

1. Close in the well and check the pressures.
2. Strip back to bottom and use the Drillers Method to
circulate out the kick.
3. Or, use the volumetric method to get the bubble above
the bit, and switch to the Drillers Method.
Note: A well cannot be killed off bottom. The bubble
must be above the bit to use a circulating method.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

Five Major Problems

How can you tell the difference

between ballooning shales and a
well that is kicking?
1. Shut in the well and take
pressure readings (Casing and
Drill Pipe).
2. Bleed 10 bbls off from
annulus.
3. Take pressure readings again.
Five Major Problems

Drilling and Well

Control Training
If the Casing Pressure decreases

(50 psi to 30 psi) after bleeding
off the 10 bbl, it is just ballooning
shale.
Continue to bleed off in
increments, i.e. 20 bbl. Keep
checking pressures.
Five Major Problems

If the Casing Pressure increases

(50 psi to 75 psi) after bleeding off
the 10 bbl, it is a well control
situation.
Strip back to bottom and use the
Drillers Method.
Or, Use the Volumetric Method to
get the bubble above the bit, and
switch to the Drillers Method.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

1.
2.
3.
4.
Kicks off bottom

Lost circulation
Stuck Pipe
Shale Stability
(hole instability)
5. Drill String Failure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

Proper Pipe Handling Procedures
Complacency and
lack of supervision
while tripping are
two reasons why
65%-85% of all
blowouts are trip
related!
1. Change tong dies so that pipe does not turn in

the slips during break out of the pipe.
2. Check the rotary bushing to make sure that it
does not cause point loading with the slips.
3. Check the slips with a Varco wrap to make
sure that the pipe weight is evenly distributed
across the full area of the slip to prevent point
loading, which leads to string wash out.
Five Major Problems

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

4. Set the slips so that the top of the tool joint is

not more than 3 feet above the top of the slips.
6. Carefully handle and torque drill collars.

Improperly torqued drill collars lead to
washouts.
When using long running bits, each collar
should be broken independently, re-lubricated
and re-torqued.
It is important to change the break point on
every trip so that each joint gets re-lubricated
and re-torqued.
This will prevent bending of pipes, which also

leads to drill string washouts.
5. Correctly set pipes back in the derrick to keep

from damaging the connections.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Five Major Problems

Drilling and Well

Control Training

Good pipe handling practices will minimize pipe
failures, such as:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
drill string washouts

twist-offs and
unwanted trips
Some of the unwanted trips occur at very inopportune
times, such as when the hole is loaded up with cuttings.
10
Mechanical Considerations
Hole Considerations
Mud Considerations
Slugging Considerations
Trip Schedule and Monitoring
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I. Mechanical Considerations
1. Bit Condition
A bit is a machine tool.
If it fails, it must be pulled out of the
hole.
Tripping out of the hole requires
preparation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Steps Of Preparation Before Tripping

Circulate hole to clean out the cuttings and to evaluate
bottoms up from a potential hydrocarbon or salt water
zone.
Balance the mud. There cannot be any high and low
spots in the mud.
Stabilize the mud. Co-ordinate the mud tourly
treatment so that the mud can be circulated long
enough for the rheology to stabilize.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Bit Condition
2. Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA)
Allocate adequate amount of time to
give proper care to the BHA.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Bit Condition
2. Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA)
3. Drill String Washout

Might be in the drill pipe or in the
hydraulic system.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
WARNING!
Ways To Locate Holes In The Pipe
1. Pump soft line.

2. Pull wet pipe. Mud will spray out the hole.
3. Pull dry pipe. After slugging pour in a
gallon of paint mixed with diesel.
4. Run a gas lag on it.
5. Put all eyes on the pipe.
The bottom hole assembly may be what has

washed out. Therefore, pull all the way out of
the hole and make certain the washout has
been located and identified. Also, it could be
the bit has washed out.
11
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
North Sea Case History

Drilling at 13,000 depth with
a lot background gas.
Had power failure because of
SCR system.
Power was down for 2 hrs.
Pipe differentially stuck with
kelly down in BOP.
Made a mechanical back off.
1. Bit Condition
2. Bottom Hole Assembly
3. Drill String Washout
4. Rig Mechanical Problems
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

After picking up a joint,
screwed back into the fish,
then began their freeing
technique.
Led to one week of down
time.
Most mechanical problems
can be spotted by an alert
driller and/or tool pusher.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

An ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure.
By communicating the
development of a potential
mechanical problem to the
company man, a plan can be
put together to do proper
maintenance and prevent the
problem.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
II. Hole Considerations
III.
IV.
V.
1. Type formation being

drilled
2. Wiper Trip vs. Area
Experience
3. Keeping Trends
The driller must
communicate with the
hole using the drilling
trends:
12
How could this have

been prevented?
Pressure Stroke
Relationship
Drag
Torque
Rate of Penetration
Mud
Trip
Well Control
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Short Trip Case History

The driller had dulled the bit in a hydrocarbon
zone.
The bit was pulled to the shoe.
The drilling superintendent made a trip out to the
rig and this is what he found.
The crew had left the rig floor and the mud tanks
to have lunch. The driller was on the rig floor
sound asleep.
1. Type formation being drilled

permeable zones
abnormal pressure zone
2. Wiper Trip vs. Area Experience
make sure they are really needed
plan and supervise a short trip like a full trip
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Short Trip Case History

What good did this short
trip do if nobody was
watching what bottoms up
looked like?
Short trips must be
supervised and all the
details checked and
reported.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History of Poor Supervision

Mexican Gulf
On June 3, 1979, the 2 mile deep
exploratory well, IXTOC I, blew
out in the Bahia de Campeche, 600
miles south of Texas in the Gulf of
Mexico.
The IXTOC I was being drilled by
the SEDCO 135, a semisubmersible platform on lease to
Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX).
Foremen are
appraised by %
time on bottom!
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. When the office called, the

foreman should have told
the superintendent the full
story and with expression.
When we got on bottom,
we had TOTAL LOSSES
and then we REALLY did a
boner and pumped all our
mud away into the frac zone.
Were pulling to the shoe
putting water in the hole.
1. The driller ran in the hole

too fast and fractured the
well.
2. They stayed on bottom
too long before pulling
out of the hole to the shoe
to build mud volume.
3. They should have kept
enough mud to get back to
the shoe.
13
Sedco 135
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
5. When the superintendent

told him to pull out, the
foreman should have told
him emphatically, WE
CANT PULL OUT OF
THE HOLE; WE DONT
HAVE ANY MUD.
6. This blowout was not a
mechanical problem. It was
a people problem.
III. Mud Considerations
IV.
V.
What went wrong?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

1.
2.
1. Mud tourly treatment: the chemical

treatment to the mud made during a
crews work period.
After treatment, it will take 2-3
circulations for the mud to stabilize.
Carefully schedule the mud tourly
treatment and coordinate it with the trip.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3.
4.
Mud Mixing Rules

Mix on the early part of a bit run.
Mix over the complete mud system (suction to
suction).
Mix evenly, not in gobs.
Dont mix tourly treatments anywhere near a
trip.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

1. Mud tourly treatment
2. Trend of yield point viscosity

1. Mud tourly treatment
2. Trend of yield point viscosity
One of the most important mud properties,

particularly relating to swabbing and surge.
Yield Point and MWTrip are directly related.
It is important to keep the yield point at the
correct level and know what it is immediately
prior to a trip. Several yield point tests should be
made prior to tripping.
MWtrip MWbal
14
yield point
11.7(D h - D DP )
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example 1.
YP = 15; MWbal = 14.6
MWtrip MWbal
Example 2.
YP = 25; MWBal = 14.6
yield point
11.7(D h - D DP )
Yield Point
11.7(D H -D DP )
25
14.6
11.7(8.5-5)
MWTrip MWBal
15
MWtrip 14.6
11.7(8.5
5)
MWTrip
MWtrip 15 ppg
MWTrip = 15.2 ppg
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. A Balanced Mud System

MW must be maintained at the correct MW in
all parts of the system, with no light or heavy
spots.
A good pit man is needed to keep up with the
MW every ten or fifteen minutes.
Contractor should have a viscometer.
MWO = 14.6 ppg

MWTrip (15 YP) = 15 ppg
MWTrip (25 YP) = 15.2 ppg
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

4. Trend of Mud Properties Related to W.C.
If in testing the mud and chloride is found
every hour and it is getting higher each time, it
is clear that there is some formation fluid
feeding in to the mud.
In some cases, if there is a negative trend, it
would be prudent to make a short trip and
pump bottoms up.
This will help make the decision of whether to
raise the mud weight a point or two.
4. Trend of Mud Properties Related to Well Control (salt,

calcium, chloride, background gas, etc.)
Watch the trends of these properties before moving
pipe out of the hole.
Mud tests need to be made very close to the the trip.
Look at the trend of the mud properties throughout the
circulation period.
15
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Trend of Mud Properties
Related to W.C.
If the pH drop and/or
alkalinity drop indicates
the gas is sour (H2S),
then special precautions
need to be taken before a
trip.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Volume Case History

High Mud Volume
High Treating Cost
The Rule of Thumb is to
maintain 1 times the
amount of mud in the hole
in the mud tanks. If losses
are anticipated, this amount
must be increased.
H2S is very toxic!
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IV. Slugging Considerations

Slugging is a method where the U-tube is
unbalanced by putting heavy mud in the top of the
drill string side of the U-tube to unbalance it.
Therefore, when the pipe is pulled out of the hole,
it is dry. We do this for five reasons:
Hole Considerations
Mud Considerations
1. Well Control
4. Cost of Mud
2. Hole Stability
5. Environmental
Concerns
3. Safety
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

This is an example of a mud bucket that is not
properly maintained and it can lead to unsafe trips
and working conditions, as well as higher costs.
Each time a rig makes or breaks a connection,

an average of 5-15 gallons of drilling fluid spills
out onto the rotary table, down onto the
substructure and into the ground.
Drilling fluid losses total on average more than
5,000 gallons per well.
On problematic wells, these amounts can
balloon to more than 42,000 gallons.
(Drilling Contractor, November/December 2009)
16
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Prevention technology
can help drilling, service
rigs to minimize
environmental footprint
at the source.
(Drilling Contractor
November/December
2009)
In 1993, 3 million dollars was spent on

slug mud for Barite and in many of these
wells, Barite was not used in the original
makeup. In the future, this wasteful practice
will cease. Drilling Manager
This letter was written by a bean counter, who obviously
did not understand the importance of pulling dry pipe.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Common Slugging Mistakes

3. Chase Method.
Chasing the pipe and letting the fluid level drop
in the annulus to get slugs.
4. Pulling Pipe without Filling Hole Method.
Can induce a kick.
Can allow formations to squeeze in.
5. Over-pump Method
Pump the slug only to the top of the drill pipe.
Common Slugging Mistakes

1. Dump Method.
Dump 50 sacks of barite right
over the pump suction in the
mud tank while the driller is
circulating.
2. Shale Settling Tank Method.
Stirring up and circulating the
shale tank to get the slug.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pulling Wet Pipe

There are some conditions where pulling wet pipe is
necessary:
Extreme mud weight
ranges (19-22 ppg)
When the pipe can
not be pulled out
without swabbing
due to high viscosity
and gel strengths.
Pulling Wet Pipe

Drillers are not going to pull wet pipe
unless they are forced to, like a
plugged bit. The driller will make a
way to pull dry pipe, and most of the
ways are going to be detrimental to the
well.
17
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Before pulling wet pipe, consider these points.

It is very dangerous.
It is costly.
Example of Pulling Wet

Pipe vs. Dry Pipe:
9 casing set
8 hole
6 collars
5 Drill pipe
15 lb./gal. mud
If wet pipe must be pulled.

Circulate WH through Trip Tank
Use Proper Mud Bucket (seals, etc.)
Only P.O.H. wet when forced to do so.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dry Pipe :
Drilling and Well

Control Training
DPW
psi GM psi / ft MetalDisp 2748 bbl / ft
ft
(cas. vol. - Metal Disp.) bbl / ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example of Pulling Wet Pipe vs. Dry Pipe:

Wet Pipe :

For 5 stands of Dry Pipe:
P = 5 std 94 ft/std 0.1051
P = 49.4 psi
23.89
bbl / ft
0.78
psi
2748
ft (0.0732 - 23.89 ) bbl / ft

2748
psi
0.1051
ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
psi
GM (Met Cap.)
ft (Cas.Vol (Met Cap))
For 5 stands of Wet Pipe:

PWetPipe = 5 std 94 ft/std 0.422
23.89
(0.78 (
0.017))
psi
2748
Wet Pipe :
ft (0.0732 ( 23.89 0.017))

2748
psi
Wet Pipe :
0.4218
ft
PWetPipe = 198.3 psi

PDryPipe = 49.4 psi
18
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
P for Wet Pipe

P for Dry Pipe
198.3 psi
4.0
49.4 psi
Make A Slug Plan.

1. Calculate pressure to slug (2 stands of dry pipe).
PSlug = Dry Pipe Mud gradient.
PSlug = 188 ft. 0.78 psi/ft
There is 4 times
more pressure loss
pulling wet pipe
than dry pipe
before filling the
hole!
Pslug = 147 psi
* Mud gradient = MW 0.052.
See Workbook, BSEE Rules, page 22, (c).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Make A Slug Plan.

2a. Calculate length (vol.) of slug.
P
(MWS - MWH )0.052
Len slug
Give some careful consideration

to the condition and weight of
the mud before choosing a slug.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Make A Slug Plan.

2a. Calculate length (vol.) of slug.
Len slug
Drilling and Well

Control Training
P
(MWS - MWH )0.052
Len slug
147
(16 -15)0.052
Lenslug = 2,827 ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Make A Slug Plan.

3. Strokes to pump and
clear slug.
a. Figure the strokes to
pump slug from slugging
tank.
Make A Slug Plan.

2b. Calculate volume of slug.
VolSlug = LenSlug DPCapbbl/ft
VolSlug = 2,827 0.017
Volslug = 48 bbl
Pump slug mud into the top of the
drill string. Do not pump slug mud
to the bottom of the pipe.
19
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Make A Slug Plan.

3a. Calculate strokes to
pump slug.
Stk Slug
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Formula for Pump Output (P.O.) bbl/stk
VolSlug bbl
P.O. bbl/stk
P.O.
Volume to fill Trip Tank

Strokes to fill Trip Tank
P.O.
25BBL
221STK
= 0.113 bbl/stk
Measure the number of strokes it takes to fill the trip tank

on every trip. The tool pusher can tie this into the pump
maintenance program.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Make A Slug Plan.

3b. Calculate strokes to
clear slug.
Make A Slug Plan.

3a. Calculate strokes to
pump slug.
Vol Slug
Stk Slug
P.O. bbl/stk
48
Stk Slug
0.113 bbl/stk
Switch pump suctions

Clear surface lines with pump.
Stk ClearSlug
Stk Slug 425 stks
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VolSL
1029.4
1029.4
P.O. bbl / stk
Make A Slug Plan.

3b. Calculate strokes to clear slug.
Vol Pump S.L.
Stk ClearSlug
P.O. bbl/stk
2
ID of Line
4 2
VolPump S.L.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Make A Slug Plan.

Formula For Volume of Surface Line
VolSL
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stk ClearSlug
200
1.9 3.1
0.113
Stk ClearSlug 44 stks
VolSL 3.1 bbl
20
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Make A Slug Plan.

3c. Add together the number
of strokes to pump the
slug (3a) and the number
of strokes to clear the
slug (3b).
Make A Slug Plan.

4. Calculate volume in trip
tank after u-tubing.
With slug in place (top
of DS), the amount of utubing can be measured
in trip tank.
Total Strokes = StkSlug+StkClear
VTT Lendp DPcap
Total Strokes = 425 + 44 = 469
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Make A Slug Plan.

4. Calculate volume in Trip
Tank after U-Tubing.
VTT Len dp DPcap
VTT 188 ft. 0.017 bbl./ft.
VTT 3.2 bbls
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Considerations
Mud Considerations
Trip Schedule and Monitoring
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
V. Trip Schedule & Monitoring Considerations

Supervising Trips Case Histories
Remarkable results from supervising trips.
Definition Of A Trip
A trip starts when you start circulating
bottoms up before the trip. In includes the trip
out, all the things you do when you are out of
the hole. It includes the trip in with the pipe.
The trip ends when you get bottom circulated
up after the trip.
21
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Results Of Supervising Trips

They stopped blowouts.
Had lots of spare time.
Eliminated 5 major problems associated with
tripping.
Drilling optimization programs started working.
Quit having washouts in their string.
They stopped causing operational delays.
It was a complete success story!

Case History #1
Have your company
foremen supervise this
part of the operation
and get their sleep
while they are drilling
ahead, you will stop
all these problems.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2 (October 2007 - February 2008)

Company did not have trip tanks on their rigs.
Rig foremen were not supervising trips.
They were having losses caused by surge and swab on
trips. They wanted a formula for how fast to trip.
MDS advised them to get trip tanks and supervise trips.
The only way to really know is to monitor through a
trip tank.

Company began requiring foremen to be on location
and to supervise all trips.
Company put trip tanks on each rig and began
monitoring trips through the trip tank.
Company slowed trip speeds per results from trip
schedule.
Company started 24 hour Mud Engineer service and
mud program.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Trip Tanks
Use Trip Tanks to detect swabbing early.

Average days to TD the wells went from 29.6 down to
19.3 days.
The average mud cost per well went from $165,022.47
to $116, 219.00.
The average cost per foot to drill each well went down
from $14.83 to $10.51.
The eighth well was 50% less cost per foot than the
first well due to monitoring and supervising trips.
It was a complete success story!
Swabbing is characterized:
On Trips: Hole must take
the right amount of mud
based on metal
displacement.
After Trips: Trip gas or
water or oil cut drilling
fluids or a combination.
22
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Trip Tanks

Monitor the trip out by sensitive accurate trip
tanks to make sure the hole is taking the right
amount of mud the whole way out.
Monitor the trip in to make sure there is a
volume gain in the trip tank, based on the metal
or metal displacement.
Overcoming Swabbing:
Swabbing can be overcome
by two or three ways:
Pull the pipe slower.
Lower the gel strength and
yield point.
As a last resort, raise the
mud weight a point or two.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

What should the trip tank tell a driller?
It should tell the driller whether hole is taking or
giving up the correct volume of MUD!
Many contractors and operators use trip tanks coming out

of the hole, but do not use them running in the hole.
Many blowouts are caused by surge, leading to:
Lost circulation and blowouts.
Ballooning of shales, leading to hole instability and
stuck pipe.
Therefore, it is important to use a trip tank pulling out of
the hole and running back into the hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Drilling Mode:
Catch a 5 bbl kick
2. Tripping Mode:
Catch a 1 bbl trip trend
change
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fill Up Line:
Things To Consider In
Building A Trip Tank
Used to fill the hole.

Used in addition to the closed loop.
Closed Loop:
Circulate across top of
well head.
Returns back into the trip
tank.
Centrifugal Pump:
Keeps hole filled at all times.
Flow Line:
Used at all times. It circulates mud from the hole.
Is part of the closed loop to get mud back into the trip
tank.
Mud Bucket or Catch Can:

Keeps mud from spraying all over the rig floor and the
workers, to keep up with the mud.
Needs to be tied into the trip tank.
23
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Trip Tank Calculations

Vol TT (bbl)
L' W'H' cuft

5.6cuft/bb l
Vol TT (bbl)
5.8 5.8 8.0

5.6146
Trip Tank Calculations

Vol.bbl
H(inches)
48
Vol TT (bbl/inch)
8 Ft 12 in/Ft
Vol TT (bbl/inch)
M et.D isp.(bbl)
M et.D isp .
# Std. L Std D PAW (lb/Ft)

2748 lb/bbl
5 9 4 2 3 .8 9
2748
Grade S, 5, XH Pipe
Stands
D.P.
Incr.
Vol.
Acc.
Vol.
Trip
Tank
In
Actual
Incr.
Vol.
0-5
4.09
4.09
8.18
6.09
6.09
+2
4.09
8.18
16.36
6.09
12.18
+2
11-15
4.09
12.27
24.54
5.09
17.27
+1
16-20
4.09
16.36
32.72
4.09
21.36
21-25
4.09
20.45
40.90
3.09
24.45
-1
26-30
4.09
24.54
49.08
2.09
26.54
-2
31-35
4.09
28.63
57.26
2.09
28.63
-2
Stands
D.P.
Incr.
Vol.
Acc.
Vol.
4.09
0-5
4.09
6-10
4.09
11-15
4.09
16-20
4.09
21-25
4.09
26-30
4.09
31-35
4.09
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Trip
Tank
In
Actual
Incr.
Vol.
Actual
Acc. Trends
Vol.
Situation:
CM and TP decide to RIH after pulling 35 stands
because of 5-bbl negative trend.
After RIH and circulating, gas off bottom was more than
previous trips and gas was recovered 15 minutes ahead
of calculated lag time.
Decision was made to raise MW to 15.2 ppg (2 points).
The mud YP was adjusted to 18. A short trip was made to
check the trip margin. Well looked OK on short trip and
the trip out of the hole was OK.
Actual
Acc. Trends
Vol.
6-10
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Met.Disp.= 4.086 bbl/5 stands
Drilling and Well

Control Training
0.5 bbl/inch
This trip tank has good sensitivity.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Vol TT
48 bbls
Vol TT
Drilling and Well

Control Training
24
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Formulas To Analyze Trip
1. psi / bbl =
G M 1029.4
DH 2
psi / bblOH =
0.781029.4
8.52

(Openhole)
2. psi/bbl =
0.781029.4
(8.6812 -52 )
psi/bbl DP/CSG = 15.94
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If you fill the hole after five stands:

There is a loss of 50 pounds before filling the hole.
There is a loss of 56 pounds because of the influx
into the bottom of the hole.
There is a loss of 106 pounds, plus swabbing.

3. P(psi)=Vol NT psi/bbl
P(psi) 5 bbl 11.1 psi / bbl
If this keeps up, what will happen?

Take a kick off bottom.
Have to strip back in the hole, running through the
BOP equipment.
Add another dimension of complication to the well.
P(psi)= 55.5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
G M 1029.4
(DP Csg AV)
(CID2 -POD2 )
psi/bblDP/CSG =
psi / bblOH = 11.1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Situation: Well is shut in with 700

psi on DP and casing. A diamond
core bit (and core) are being POH.
Given:
DH:
5.47 in.
Casing: 7 in.
MW:
13 ppg
300 psi
POB :
Well was static before POH.
How many barrels of

negative trend was required
to lose mud overbalance?
4. Vol.(bbl)
25
POB (psi)
psi / bbl
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
G M 1029.4
(Openhole)
DH 2
0.676 1029.4
psi / bbl
23.3
5.47 2
The negative trend is 12.9

barrels.
The trip tank is 2 per
barrel.
The negative trend in the
trip tank is over two feet
(12.9 2 = 25.8).
psi / bbl
Vol.(bbl)
POB (psi)
psi / bbl
Vol.(bbl)
300 (psi)
12.9 bbls
23.3 psi / bbl
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Where was the supervision?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The negative trend is 30

barrels.
The trip tank is 2 per
barrel.
The negative trend in the
trip tank is over five feet
(30 2 = 60).
How many barrels of negative trend

was required to equate with SIP =
700 psi?
POB (psi)
Vol.(bbl)
psi / bbl
700 (psi)
Vol.(bbl)
30 bbls
23.3 psi / bbl
How does this drilling foreman rate?
How would you rate this drilling foreman?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Supervise trip first hand.

2. Make each pipe increment of mud displacement
stand on its own (no accumulations).
3. When hole does not take (or give back) correct
mud displacement, take proper action.
4. Do not accept the interpretation that the hole is

breathing. Find out what is going on by tripping
back to bottom and circulating bottoms up for
observations.
5. Use Trip Tank to: pull out of hole (P.O.H.) and to
run in the hole (R.I.H.).
Going In The Hole: Slow down and go in carefully.

Coming Out Of The Hole: Head back to bottom.
26
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Supervising Complete Trips

When you begin to supervise trips, both out
and back in, including:
Checking the mud and trip tanks
Changing of the bits
Torquing of the collars
Testing of the BOP Equipment
Your career in drilling will change.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
H2S Important Considerations
1. Drillstring:
Drilling and Well

Control Training
For LSS High-Collapse Sour Service
Grade E
Grade X
a. Inspections
b. Two working strings
GRADE
2. Casing < 100,000psi Ym (C-75 or less)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
YIELD
TENSILE
HARDNESS
MIN
MAX
MIN
MAX
HCL-80 80,000
95,000
95,000
95,000
22 Rc
H2S-90
90,000
105,000
95,000
100,000
25 Rc
H2S-95
95,000
110,000
95,000
105,000
25 Rc
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Tripping (On circulating bottoms up)

Circulate of lag time conventionally
through flow line.
With rotating head, divert 2nd half bottom
up through choke manifold and circulate
@ speed.
3. Mud: Low lime mud

(2-4 ppb excess
Ca(OH)2 (Lime)
Filming amines
Iron oxide
Zinc carbonate
Ammonia Hydroxide
(trips). This neutralized
the smell of the H2S.
27
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rotating Head
A rotating head is a
pack-off to divert flow
down flowline.
It allows about 300 psi
of control.
It allows pipe to be
rotated.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rotating Head
The RH was used to
protect the rig crew on the
rig floor.
The stripping element was
set back on the first stand.
The key to trouble free
operation of a rotating head
is rig alignment.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
H2S will gather in

pockets (bottom of
cellar, mud tanks, etc.)
It is extremely
dangerous.
Be very careful and
dont become
complacent.
5. Monitors (Do not tolerate any H2S.)

A. Electronic
B. Lead acetate
C. Draeger tube
6. Wind Socks/streamers (4 minimum)
7. Safety meetings
Drilling and Well

Control Training
When someone is overcome:

Move victim to fresh air.
Give mouth to mouth
resuscitation.
Switch to the minute man
resuscitator after vital
signs are observed.
28
Originally prepared
and donated
by
ConocoPhillips
H2S Orientation
for
Offshore Drilling Supervisors
Produced and Presented by
Murchison Drilling Schools
H2S Orientation
Written
by
David H. Schwartz
What is Hydrogen Sulphide or H2S?

Why are we concerned about it?
Is it dangerous?
Can we protect ourselves against it?
H2S Orientation
Characteristics
Detection
Prevention
Emergency Procedures
Safety and First Aid
Training and Planning
H2S IS VERY TOXIC!
H2S Characteristics
Poisonous
Invisible
Heavier than air
Kills sense of smell
Explosive
Destroys steel and rubber
Threshold Limit
Threshold Limit
Day after day after day after day

10 PPM (.001%)
These OSHA limits can vary with the:

Country
State
Company
So, check with your supervisor!
10 minutes in 8 hours
50 PPM (.005%)
H2S Comparison
KILLERS
1000
600
300
20
10
H2S
HCN
50
CO
Smells like
rotten eggs!
H2S Symptons
< 100 PPM
Eye watering and

coughing possible
> 100 PPM
Eyes and throat

may sting
> 200 PPM
Eyes and throat burn
Suphur Dioxide
Threshold Limit:
5 ppm
Lethal Concentration:
1000 ppm
When ignited,
H2S produces:
Suphur Dioxide
YES
NO
Sulphide Stress
Cracking (SSC)
H2S Effects On Steel

Hydrogen Embrittlement
Sulphide Stress Cracking
Sulphide Corrosion Cracking
YES
NO
H2S Characteristics
Toxic
Invisible
Heavier than air
Kills sense of smell
Explosive
Destroys steel and rubber seals
Portable
Type
Fixed Point
Lead acetate
Solid state metal oxide
Electrochemical
H2S Monitoring Units

Know & understand your unit
Calibrate
Test
Change in Properties
MUD + H2S = pH DROP
Smells like
rotten eggs!
Change in Properties
H2S + NaOH
NaHS + H20
Garrett Gas Train
To Detect H2S
Monitoring units
Chemical tests
Change in pH
Fluid properties
Common H2S Scavengers

Zinc Carbonate
Zinc Oxide
Iron Oxide
Common H2S Scavengers
Expensive
Dependent on temperature and pressure
Affect mud properties
Testing difficult
Hydrogen Peroxide
Ammonium Hydroxide
Strong chemicals
Can cause severe irritations to:
Skin
Eye
Nose
CHECK FOR
USE
OIL BASE MUD or
LOW LIME WATER BASE
10
Severity Determination
I.
Potentially dangerous:
NO FREE GAS
II. Moderately dangerous:

FREE GAS < 20 PPM
III. Extremely dangerous:
FREE GAS > 20 PPM
For All Cases
Case I: Potentially Dangerous
Stop drilling
Check for flow
Call supervisor
If the well is flowing, follow your
procedure for taking a kick.
Case II: Moderately Dangerous
Drill cautiously
Treat mud
Hold bit weight & speed constant
Call loggers & engineer
Monitor
Case III: Extremely Dangerous
Stop drilling
Treat mud
Close diverter & ventilate floor
Wear breathing gear in suspected areas
Consider raising mud weight
11
Stop drilling
Put on breathing gear
Sound alarm
Reduce H2S concentration
Consider plugging well
Expect a Kick When
Taking an H2S Kick
Drilling breaks occur

Pit level increases
Hole wont take mud
Shale cuttings change
Hole sloughs
Fill on trips
H2S < 20 PPM
Follow Standard Procedures.

Circulate To Surface Using The
Drillers Method.
If No H2S, Kill The Well.
Put on breathing gear and kill the well.

Increase alkalinity or treat with
scavenger.
H2S > 20 PPM
H2S > 10 PPM
Stop drilling.
Sound alarm.
Make sure choke lines are well anchored

with no vibrations.
Alert boats.
Divert gas to a safe burning area.
Go to briefing area.
Alert shore base.
DONT PANIC!
DONT PANIC
12
H2S > 10 PPM

Check H2S concentration.
Use breathing gear if > 20 PPM.
Check for buddy.
Prepare to evacuate.
DONT PANIC
13
H2S Poisoning Symptoms
First Aid
Eye and throat irritation

Headache
Panting respiration
Cramps
Paralysis
14
Put on breathing gear

Get victim to fresh air
Start artificial respiration
Put victim on resuscitator
Get victim to hospital
Prevent chilling
KEY
TO
H2 S
SAFETY
H2S Training is a matter

of LIFE and DEATH!
If you have not had the
proper training, insist
on it.
15
Contingency Plan
Contingency Plan
General Information
General Information
Safety Procedures
Alarms
First aid
Equipment use
Contingency Plan
Contingency Plan
General Information
Safety Procedures
Operating Procedures
Gas monitoring
Pressure prediction
Kick killing
Operational limits
Contingency Plan
General Information
Safety Procedures
Evacuation Plan of Essential Personnel
Contingency Plan
General Information
Safety Procedures
List of Responsibilities
16
General Information
Safety Procedures
Personnel Directory
Contingency Plan
Everyone Must
Recognize H2S
General Information
Safety Procedures
Personnel Directory
Check Lists
Everyone Must
Everyone Must
Recognize H2S
Read monitoring units
Recognize H2S
Know First Aid
Everyone Must
Everyone Must
Recognize H2S
Know First Aid
Use breathing gear
17
Recognize H2S
Know First Aid
Use breathing gear
Have a buddy
Everyone Must
Everyone Must
Recognize H2S
Know First Aid
Use breathing gear
Have a buddy
Locate briefing area
Drilling Crews
Mud weight importance
Gas in mud
Emergency procedures
18
Recognize H2S
Know First Aid
Use breathing gear
Have a buddy
Locate briefing area
Participate in drills
THE END
This program is for educational
purposes only. Nothing herein is
approval or disapproval of any
product or practice.
19
ODT &AWC Day 6
Day Six
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Review Homework
Causes of Abnormal Pressure
Well Control Red Flags and Transition Zone
Indicators
Managed Pressure Drilling
Shales (Diagnosing, Solving & Preventing Shale
Problems)
Wellhead Installation & Subsea Presentation
Casing & Cementing
Simulator Testing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Day Six Homework
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Casing & Cementing

Trends
Problem #7
(due Day 8)
Simulator (bonus) (due Day 8)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Faulting and interruption of shale compaction trend.
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure, page 12.

See Well Control Manual, page 565-567.
Note: See example, Drilling Manual, Logging Chapter, page 20.
Causes of
Abnormal
Pressure
Causes of
Abnormal
Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dual Induction
Focused Log can
be used to
determine
transition zones.
Logging Chapter, page 20.
ODT &AWC Day 6
Causes of
Abnormal
Pressure
Causes of
Abnormal
Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Between 5900 feet

and 5950 feet there
is an increase in
conductivity and
decrease in
resistivity because
of the saline water
in the shale.
Log shows where the

kick was taken.
The conductivity
decreases and the
resistivity increases.
GR shows a clean
sand.
SP shows
permeability.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Uplifting/ Salt
plugs (Normal
pressure @ deeper
depth, that is
uplifted to
shallower depth
becomes an
abnormal
pressure.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Gas transfer
Natural
Man made i.e. liners,
etc.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Natural
Gas
Transfer
Gas
10,000 Ft.
Fp = 4,650 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Natural
Gas
Transfer
Gas
Gas
6,000 Ft.
6,000 Ft.
MWB =
0.052
4650
10,000 Ft.
Gas
10,000 Ft.
Fp = 4,650 psi
MWB = 9.0 ppg
Drilling and Well

Control Training
GAS TRANSFER - MAN MADE

What is pressure at top of liner?
MWB = 13.7 ppg
What is pressure at top of liner?

(P Pob )
MWN New
0.052 D LT
(5350 200)
MWN
0.052 7500
PNew (Fp (LLL 0.1psi/ ft))

PNEW (5400 (500 0.1))
PNEW = 5,350 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fp = (4,650 (4,000 0.1))

Fp = 4,250
4,250
MWB =
0.052 6,000 Ft.
MWN = 14.2 ppg
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How do you test the liner?

BSEE Regulations (page 14) say each production
liner lap shall be tested to a minimum of 500 psi above
formation fracture pressure at the shoe of the casing into
which the liner is lapped.
BUT, pressure tests are misleading. The best way to
determine whether gas has been properly isolated with a
liner is to run a differential pressure or reverse test. The
way to do this is to run a RTTS tool in there and simulate a
MW that the top of the liner will be exposed to in the
future.
How do you test the liner? Run a differential test. (This

formula is from Gas Cap Chapter, page 53.)
(MW MWTest Pr ess )Depth

(MW 8.33)
(14.2 10)7500
(14.2 8.33)
LH 2 O
LH 2 O
L H 2O 5,366 ft H 2 O in test string
See Drilling Manual, Gas Cap Chapter, page 53 for example.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Liner Considerations:
4. Shallow zones that

are pressurized
from production
leaks and poor
cement jobs on
casing.
It is extremely
dangerous to drill in
these areas.
Check:
5366 ft 0.052 8.33 ppg = 2324 psi
(7500 - 5366) 0.052 14.2 ppg = 1575 psi
2324 + 1575 = 3900 psi
3900
= 10 ppg (MWEquivalent for 10 ppg reverse test)
(7500)(0.052)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Transition Zone Indicators
Primary Indicator
One that the driller sees
immediately without
any lag time (time from
bit to surface).
These are called

underground
blowouts.
Secondary Indicator
Requires circulating
bottoms up. Could
have an hour lag time
or so on.
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure Chapter, pages 12-17
Transition Zone Indicators (Red Flags)

Primary
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Secondary
1. Increase in R.O.P.
1. Increase in temperature (flowline mud).
2. Increase in torque.
2. Cuttings will change. Small cuttings may

become slivers or you may get some large
cuttings.
3. D exponent decrease.
4. Increase in drag, particularly in
sloughing shale.
5. Fill on connections. (Top drive
connections made 10 off bottom.)
3. Shale density decrease.

4. There will be gas increase
(background gas).
5. Connection gas. This is porosity gas
from the sloughing.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Geopressure Detection Methods
8. Pit gains.
A. Geophysical
Methods
B. Drilling
Parameters
C. Drilling Mud
D. Drill Cuttings
E. Well Logging
F. Direct Pressure
Measuring Devices
9. SIPs.
See W.C. Manual, page 569.
6. Flow increase.
6. Chloride increase.
7. Pressure drop, stroke increase.
7. Hydrocarbons or salt water.
Scene 1
Blew out for 2 weeks.
ODT &AWC Day 6
Geopressure
Detection
Methods
Scene 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rig set on fire

with water.
Scene 3
Took 7 minutes
to burn up.
Logging Chapter, page 20.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Murchison Drilling School Notes:

MDS covers most of these variations under different
names.
1. Blind and mud cap drilling is covered under Lost
Circulation on Day 3. This includes use of dual
gradient (two different mud weights in hole at the same
time).
2. Well Control Technique (constant BHP): Drillers
Method, Wait & Weight Method, Concurrent Method,
Volumetric Method, Lubricating Method, and
sometimes bullheading.
Using Resistivity To Calculate Pressure

PF = [(D.O.S. 0.465 psi/ft + (D.O.I. D.O.S.) 1.0)]
Using Resistivity Plot From Area Wells

PF = [(6,000 ft 0.465 psi/ft + (11,470 ft 6,000 ft) 1.0)]
PF = 8,260 psi
See Drilling Manual, Logging Chapter, page 20 for example.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and WellVessel

Pressure
Control Training
Murchison Drilling School Notes:

MDS covers most of these variations under different
names.
3. ECD Drilling is taught on Day 8 under Lost Circulation
in Abnormal Pressure.
4. Running and hanging casing using a back-pressure
schedule, taking returns below where it has been hung,
cementing holding back-pressure are all covered on
Day 6 under Casing & Cementing.
Required Equip.
Rotating
Control Device
(Rotating
Head)
Drill String
Floats
Dedicated
Chokes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Keys to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD):

1. Organization.
MPD requires lots of prior planning.
Plan for the special equipment that is needed, like a
rotating head.
Plan the well location. It must be built differently.
Plan for the experienced personnel required.
2. Supervision.
Hand pick the best foreman for the job.
Talk to the contractor and get a good TP and
Driller for the job.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Keys to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD):

Example: Production while drilling
Special production equipment is needed.

A special dedicated choke manifold is required.
Contractor will not allow production through the
rig choke manifold.
Production personnel need to be involved in the
operation.
Special MPD service company personnel are
required.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Enhancing Control of the Well

Definitions:
Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD): Drilling The IADC
defines MPD as an adaptive drilling process used to more
precisely control the annular pressure profile throughout the
wellbore.
Underbalanced Drilling (UBD): Reservoir When the
hydrostatic head of a drilling fluid is intentionally designed
to be lower than the pressure in the formation being
drilled...this may result in an influx of formation fluids which
must be circulated from the wellbore and controlled at
surface. (AEUB document ID94-3)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MPD is an adaptive drilling process used to

precisely control the annular pressure profile
throughout the wellbore.
The objectives are to ascertain the downhole
pressure environment limits and to manage the
annular hydraulic pressure profile accordingly.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Technical Notes:
MPD may allow faster corrective action to deal with
observed pressure variations. The ability to dynamically
control annular pressures facilitates drilling of what
might otherwise be economically unattainable
prospects.
MPD techniques may be used to avoid formation influx.
Any flow incidental to the operation will be safely
contained using an appropriate process (Dual Gradient
Drilling).
Technical Notes:
MPD process employs a collection of tools and
techniques which may mitigate the risks and costs
associated with drilling wells that have narrow
downhole environmental limits, by proactively
managing the annular hydraulic pressure profile.
MPD (CBHP) may include control of back pressure,
fluid density, fluid rheology, annular fluid level,
circulating friction, hole geometry, pressurized mud cap
drilling (PMCD), or combinations thereof.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Objectives
Objectives
UBD:
Improve Rate of Penetration
Extend Bit Life
Limit Lost Circulation
Reduce Formation Damage
Early Production Recovery While Drilling
Enhance Formation Evaluation or Testing While Drilling
Identify Productive Zones (Oil =>Optimize; Water = Shutoff)
Establish TD Based on Inflow Performance
Improve Production Index for More Effective Completion
MPD:
Improve Rate of Penetration
Extend Bit Life
Minimize Differential Sticking
Limit Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
In Conclusion: UBD & MPD Applications

MPD cannot match UBD in:
minimizing formation damage
allowing characterization of the reservoir
identifying productive zones that were not evident
with overbalanced drilling (OBD).
MPD can be as effective as UBD and can be more
economical when the objective is to mitigate drilling
problems.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
In Conclusion: UBD & MPD Applications

MPD is preferable where:
1. wellbore instability is a concern.
2. when there are safety concerns due to high H2S
release rates.
3. when there are regulations prohibiting flaring or
production while drilling.
4. drilling where tight margins between pore and
fracture pressure where UBD not found applicable.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MPD is optimum for:

Reducing the number of casing strings required to
access the target.
Drilling narrow pressure margins efficiently.
Reducing risk of influxes and lost circulation.
Accessing residual or bypassed reserves in mature
fields.
Improving ROP and reduce days to drill.
Improving reservoir productivity by decreasing
amount of overbalance.
Excessive casing strings

Kick loss scenarios
Mud cost
Excessive drilling NPT
Environmental issues
Failure to reach TD with large
enough hole
Or prospect... not drillable
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling ahead, drilling

choke open
Shut in to make jointed pipe
connections, choke closed
EMW > Pp whether the rigs
mud pumps are on or off.
Four Causes of Instability

1. Overburden
2. Pore pressures
3. Tectonic forces
4. Water adsorption
Adds a very useful element to the equation for

determining Equivalent Mud Weight:
Circulating: Pp = HPMW + AFPCirculating
Static: BP = Pp - HPMW
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Hole unloading
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales Get Water 4 ways

1. On face of well bore (high MBT)
2. Permeable zone lamination (along
bedding plane)
3. Fractured shale-capillary forces
4. Osmotic forces (water activity)
Gamma Ray is
our best shale
log.
It is important for drilling foremen to know the activity

of the shale in their area.
Accurate record keeping of cuttings will help optimize
future wells in the area. (10 day shale, etc.)
Shales
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diagnostic Trends of Bentonitic Shale

1. High MBT Shale >15 (high bentonite)
2. Generally series 1 (bit type) drilling. (Bits are
designed to handle shale or not to handle shale.
Series One are shale bits. Series 7 or 8 bits will
not handle shale.)
Shales

Dont trip to ream, but
ream when you trip.
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
3. Hydraulic and RPM

responsive and does not
respond to bit weights.
It will require low bit
weights.
4. Mud making
(cuttings stay in
mud).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
5. Mud weight increasesolids/bentonite increases.

P = 21 psi
6. MBT will go up
without adding
commercial bentonite.
7. Bit balling if hydraulics
not good or if too much
weight on bit.
MWE 9
21 psi
= 9.2 ppg
2000 0.052
P 21 psi due to mud making shale
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mash Rock Technique (for unballing a bit)
1. Put low weight on the bit

2. Rock it back and forth very gently with rotary.
3. Pump plain water or use phosphate and rig
detergent while executing the Mash Rock
Technique.
8. Water requirements
increase to keep MW
down.
To maintain a 9 ppg
mud (5% solids by
volume) with 70%
efficiency, use the
Efficiency Factor of 5.7.
If 60% efficient,
multiply by solids factor
of 7.6.
VWater ROP Hrs Day Cap H Eff .Factor

VWater 100 24
Drilling and Well

Control Training
17.52
5.7 4, 070 bbl / day
1029.4
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
The drillstring is forced

against the borehole wall.
Pipe rotation initiates key
seat formation.
Continued pipe rotation
results in mature key seat
developing.
Drill collars or tool joints
become stuck in the key
seat when tripping out.

9. Easy formation to
keyseat if hole is
doglegged at shallow
depth because of high
tension loads below
dogleg.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diagnostic Trends For Gumbo Shale

Gumbo shale is a
very troublesome
volume problem.
Cuttings can attach
Mud Rings
to each other and
wrap around BHA
and TJ.
Shales

Gumbo shale is a
very troublesome
volume problem.
Cuttings can attach
to each other and
wrap around BHA
and TJ.
10
Mud Rings
Later
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training

3. Severe hydraulic effect (kelly being pumped
up derrick because of hole packing-off
above bit).
4. Flowline plugging, rotary bushings pushed
out, etc.
5. Stuck pipe and lost circulation.
Oil Mud is the only thing that really works.
Control drilling or pilot hole drilling will
reduce volume and help.
1. Mud rings will start to

form.
2. Driller cannot find
pickup weight with
pump running as hole
packs off above.
Driller needs to know his P.U. Weight at all times.
Driller needs to monitor it.
If the driller sees a P.U. Weight increase and mud
rings, he should stop drilling and clean up.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Solutions/Preventions of High MBT & Mud Making Shales
1. Get in and get out

quickly.
You have 3-10 days
depending on where
you are.
2. Choose bits that

minimize trips. (Trips
cause shales to lose
stability. Too many
string washouts will
cause trips and thus
instability.
Use sealed bits.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Washouts that are not

detected lead to twist offs.
Shales
3. Control drill (volume problem) or sometimes use

pilot hole (open hole in stages).
4. Use KCl, Polymers or Oil mud. Oil muds eliminate
most problems in gumbo.
5. Use good solids control. Keep up with dilution water.
6. Minimize doglegs with good weight, RPM and drill
string design practices. Stiffness prevents doglegs. If
you double the O.D., the stiffness goes up 16 times.
7. Avoid hole enlargement

with good mud and
hydraulic practices.
11
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8. Circulate the wellhead when

tripping in these top hole shales
to help minimize bridges and
associated sidetracks.
With low weighted muds,
bridges will form. Therefore,
it is important to circulate the
wellhead so that these bridges
do not form.
How many feet of drill pipe can

be POH (dry) before filling hole?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Length
POB (CSG V -
DPAW
)
2748
DPW
2748
22.12
6 psi (0.0732 )
2748 = 104 ft
Length
22.12
0.468
2748
GM
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Diagnostic Trends of Fractured Shale
Diagnostic Trends of Fractured Shale
1. Moderate-high MBT but may

have high MBT laminations.
2. Have visible fine fractures.
Catch and save the cuttings.
Over 10 piles of cuttings, you
will see a trend.
3. Very erratic torque trend.
4. Severe deviation problems (if
steeply dipped this is worse.
5. Many ledges and hence

bridges off bottom.
6. Ledges seen easily with
wireline operations.
7. High drag (up).
8. High capillary hydration.
Keep up with the water
that goes in the mud. It
is a very good trend.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sometimes a stiff hook-up keeps

the driller from seeing these
ledges. A wire log will help him
see it.
Shales
Solution/Prevention of Fractured Shale
1. Have good tripping practices, particularly how to clean

bridges out. (Mash Rock Technique).
2. Design mud to plug fractures.
a) Gilsonite and wetting agent
b) Asphalts (Soltex)
5. Use good deviation

monitoring practices.
Run surveys more
often. Use good BH
assemblies.
Smooth deviations
are much better than
severe deviations.
They are easier to
work with.
3. Design mud to give good colloidal (cake building)

properties, i.e., good MBT.
4. Design to give encapsulation or coating (polymers).
12
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Plastic-Flow Shale & Squeezing Marl
6. Oil muds have not been effective in minimizing the

fractured shale problem and associated problems.
7. Polymer muds, with asphalt additives, have been the
most effective in minimizing hole stability problems in
fractured shales.
Squeezing marls are under

very high pressure. In
evaporites, they are highly
pressured.
Squeezing marls are very
hydrostatic sensitive.
Note: This same approach also works well for coal drilling.
3,000+
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pump Pressure Changes For

Different Evaporites
Diagnostic Trends of Plastic-Flow Shale & Squeezing Marl

1. Moderate MBT
2. Associated with evaporites
(anhydrite, salt, limestone).
3. Bedded with salt on one side
and limestone on the other.
4. Quick change in surface
pressure if drilling with
diamond style bits.
Anhydrite
NOTE: Driller should not

be surprised when he
enters a squeezing marl.
He has had lots of red
flags indicating the
change in formation.
Salt
Shale
Limestone
2,000
Drilling and Well
Control Training

2,200
Drilling and Well
Control Training

Anhydrite
Anhydrite
Salt
Salt
Shale
Shale
Limestone
Limestone
13
2,600
Drilling and Well
Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6

3,000+
Drilling and Well
Control Training

NOTE: Driller must pick up and get weight off bit
to keep from blowing the pop off of the relief line.
2,400
Drilling and Well
Control Training
Anhydrite
Anhydrite
Salt
Salt
Shale
Shale
Limestone
Limestone

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales

5. Severe torque and drag
until hydrostatically
balanced.
6. Stuck pipe.
7. Very mud making if mud is
low on polymer
encapsulator or isnt oil
based. (case history)
Anhydrite
Salt
Shale
Limestone
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Building High-Weight Salt Saturated Mud
Normally
In These Formations
1. Salt Water and

Clay
2. Add 4-6 ppb
starch.
3. Adjust pH.
4. Weight up with
barite.
1. Fresh Water and starch (12

ppb) for encapsulation.
2. Add salt through a salt barrel
(saturated salt starch mud).
3. Adjust pH to 7.5-8.5. Stay on
the correct side of the pH
hump.
4. Weight up with barite.
8. Easily ballooned with

connection or trip surge.
9. Can have severe
hydraulic effect and lost
circulation if driller fails
to react to squeezing
condition (quick pump
pressure change).
14
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Solution/Prevention of Plastic-Flow Shale & Squeezing Marl
10. Can be associated with severe water flows (high in

magnesium salts and very sensitive to high pH mud.)
1. Use long running bits to avoid trip

surge.
11. A marl contains approximately:

50-70%
CaCO3
Clay
50-30%
2. Use good tripping practice.

3. Use good drillers that monitor trends
carefully.
Weak drillers will make you look
bad. You cannot tolerate weak
drillers.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
4. Keep low solids, use excess polymer

encapsulator, and run low pH.
6. Balance marl with

MW increase and
use P/stroke
relationship to
know if balanced.
This is very
important.
5. Mud should be either salt saturated

or oil muds.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
7. Run drilling jars (in tension) to

help free up bit if sticking occurs.
1. Calculate pressure to place

below a closed annular BOP
to equate to a seven point
MW increase.
8. Pressuring-up below a closed

annular BOP (not to exceed shoe
frac) will sometimes help free bit
that is stuck with plastic shale
(marl) or salt.
PSurf (MWd MWH ) 0.052 TVD
PSurf (18.7 18) 0.052 9,500

PSurf 345 psi
15
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Calculate Mud
Weight Equivalent
at casing shoe with
pressure calculated
in 1.0.
PSurf
MWE MWH
TVD
0.052
Shoe
PSurf
MWE MWH
TVD
0.052
Shoe
345
MWE 18.0
6,500 0.052
3. Would this pressure

break shoe down?
MWE = 19 ppg
Additive Pressure is very dangerous if you dont put a
pencil to it!
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Roughneck Formula
9. Do not drill over one foot

of marl before picking-up
and measuring drag.
Pressure-stroke relationship
and torque are also good
indicators of squeezing
condition.
If the strokes are doubled, the

pressure is quadrupled.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
P
SPM 2
P2 P1
SPM1
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sloughing Shale
Sloughs on bottom
Sloughs because of:
pressure in the shale
weak rock matrix
strength caused by
interruption of water
compaction trends.
Has nothing to do with
water loss or over exposure.
Roughneck Formula
Above squeezing marl = 2,000 psi/100spm.
Adjacent squeezing marl = 2,100 psi/98 spm.
What is the P due to squeezing?
2
98
P2 2, 000
1920 psi
100
Therefore: P = (2,100 - 1,920) = 180 psi
This shows a restricted annulus.
Shales
Heaving Shales
Falls in off bottom.
Has been overexposed. You have
given time for the
osmotic hydration
process to take place.
16
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Water Loss and Shales

You get improvement
not because of
lowering water loss,
but because the
additives raise the YP.
This gets the shale off
of you. Water loss has
nothing to do with
shale falling in.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
How do Shales get water?
Diagnostic Trends of Sloughing Shales
Capillary forces
Osmotic forces
Interruption of Compaction
Trend
1. Low MBT.
2. Associated with shale
transition zones. (Water
compaction trend
interrupted.)
3. Greater: porosity, water
content, ROP, gas
content, torque, drag.
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hole Unloading!
Shales
4. Fill on connections (on

bottom).
5. Sloughs on bottom.
(Weak rock matrix), and
terrific connection gas
off bottom.
6. All well control red

flags. (transition zone
indicators).
7. Large cuttings
(sloughing).
Hole Unloading!
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Solution/Prevention of Sloughing Shales

2. Calculate MW to
balance as you drill
and weight-up
accordingly.
3. Clean out hole-fill
with patience and
good YV. Keep
problem below the
bit.

1. Use good Well
Control surveillance
(all W.C. Red Flags.
17
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales

4. Use good mud.
5. Control drill if shale has
too much porosity gas
to handle on surface.
True Yp
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Reduction in Hydrostatic Head due to gas cutting of the mud
18.0 ppg mud cut to 9.0 ppg

Depth 20,000 feet

Depth 20,000 feet
W1 W 2
Ph
PP S I
33.81 Log
W2
14.7
Where
Ppsi
W1
W2
Ph
=
=
=
=
W1 W 2
Ph
PP S I
33.81 Log
W2
14.7
18 9 33.81 Log 18, 720

PP S I
9
14.7
PPSI = 105 psi
Reduction in BHP, psi

Weight of uncut mud, ppg
Weight of cut mud, ppg
Hydrostatic of mud, psi
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Normal Head
18 ppg Mud
Reduced
Head
1,000
936 psi
866 psi
60 psi
5,000
4,600 psi
4,598 psi
82 psi
10,000
9,360 psi
9,265 psi
95 psi
20,000
18,720 psi
18,615 psi
105 psi
Shales

6. Do not over expose.
7. Severe sloughing in
low weight muds
sometimes requires
weighted-High
Viscosity pills (18.5
ppg).

Depth
Shales
Head
Reduction
18
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diagnostic Trends of Heaving Shale

Definition:
A heaving shale is one that heaves off bottom and has
been over-exposed.
It has osmotic hydration.
Diagnostic Trends:
1. Any MBT
Volp (bbl)
(MWp MWh ) 0.052

Ann.Vol. (bbl / Ft)
50
P
(18.5 9.0) 0.052
(12.252 - 52 ) /1000
High MBT gives quick heaving

Low MBT gives delayed heaving
P = 198 psi
Change in BHP due to HW Pill
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
2. Heaves off bottom.
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Diagnostic Trends of Heaving Shale
Solution/Prevention of Heaving Shale
3. Quick changes in:

a) Pressure stroke
b) Drag
c) Torque
4. Problem above (if in drilling
mode this is difficult).
5. Bridges off bottom.
6. Stuck pipe.
1. Get in, get out.

2. Optimize operation
to minimize trips
and days of
exposure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
3. Buy time: with KCl, oil muds, encapsulation if high

MBT shale. In low MBT use oil mud or
encapsulation.
4. Use good practices for
cleaning out bridges and use
good reporting practices to
classify days of stability.
5. Use high yield point sweeps
to clean up bridges or heaving
shale.
Cleaning Out Bridges

1. Take off bottom readings (Hook Load; Drag;
Pressure/Stroke, etc.
2. Study Daily Reports (W.O.B.).
3. Keep W.O.B. lower than what was used to drill
adjacent section with.
4. Keep RPMs low.
5. Use Mash-Rock Technique to de-cake bridge.
6. Normalize all trends before RIH.
19
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Diagnostic Trends of Caving Shale

1. Result of other shale stability problems.
2. Caused by unsupported shale.
3. Shows up after/during trips and on logging runs.
4. May cause severe hole cleaning problems.
5. Very large pieces of shale on shaker.

This can be one of
the worst of all the
shale problems.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training

6. Could have change in drag, torque and pump
pressure/stroke relationships.
7. May show up when not drilling shale.
8. May show up when drilling salt.
9. May show up in laminated lithology (soft
and hard streaks). Torque and ROP will
show this drillability fluctuation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shales
Solutions/Prevention of Caving Shale

1. Raise YV of whole mud and treat as a hole
cleaning problem.
2. Ream as necessary to improve logging
conditions.
3. Trip carefully to minimize stuck pipe.
4. Minimize exposure time.
Shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Solutions/Prevention of Caving Shale

5. Use good drilling practices related to:
a) Hydraulics.
b) Drill string design
c) Tripping.
d) Cleaning out fill and bridges.
Chevron
Subsea
Presentation
Surface
Wellhead
Installation
Rigging Up
Casing
Drilling
20
Subsea & Land

Wellhead Installation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Casing and Cementing Pumping Surface Pipe Off Bottom
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pumping Surface Pipe Off Bottom
Hydraulic Force Formulas:
Hydraulic Force Formulas:
F = L[(WCsgBFCmt) (42 VCsg)(MWCmt MW)]
F = L[(WCsgBFCmt) (42 VCsg)(MWCmt MW)]
This formula
will give you
the proper
weight mud to
balance static
forces.
F = 328[(87.5 0.775) (42 0.3062)(14.7 9.0)]

F = - 1,791 lb
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Wcsg BFcmt
MWB MWCMT -
42 Vcsg
Wcsg BFcmt
MWB MWCMT -
42 Vcsg
Where:
)F
= Force tending to hydraulic casing off bottom
(minus number)
L
= Casing length
WCsg = Casing weight (lb/ft)
BFCmt = Buoyancy Factor of cement
) MW = Balancing mud weight to prevent hydraulicing
VCsg
= Volume of casing (bbl/ft)
MWCmt = Weight of cement (ppg)
MW
= Mud weight (ppg)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
87.5 0.775
MWB 14.7 -
42 0.3062
MW
9.4
MWB = 9.4 ppg

MWB = Balancing Displacement Fluid Mud Weight
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cementing Surface Pipe

Through Inside String
1. Gives higher quality

cement job.
2. Offer more flexibility
and control (in collapse
prevention)
Top Hole, p. 13
3. Prevents or minimizes
recementing from top.
4. Minimizes contamination
of cement and cuts down
on displacement time.
1791 lb
(18.625) 0.7854 sq.in

MW B 9.0
328 0.052
MWB = 9.4 ppg
21
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Who is responsible for picking the casing point?
Casing point selection:

1. Well design
a. Regulations
b. Geology
c. Predicted pore pressure and fracture gradient
d. Directional
If you set the casing in the wrong place and you

have to squeeze it at 1:30 am, will the geologist
get up and help you?
2. Well bore stability

a. Actual pore pressure and fracture gradient
b. Time sensitive shales
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Casing Seat Selection Who Should Be Involved?

1. Geologist/Paleontologist
2. Driller
3. Toolpusher
4. Drilling Foreman
5. Drilling Engineer
There is nothing more

important in casing
and cementing than
picking the seat itself.
You want nonpermeable integrity.
Get involved in casing seat selection.

Dont take this for granted.
Pick a competent shoe.
Example:
ROP is important in
picking a competent
shoe.
Everybody involved in the operation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Time Sensitive Shales
Example:
It is the Foremans responsibility is to

catch regular samples of cuttings so
that a trend change of cuttings can be
seen.
Casing shoes are

extremely important
when separating
zones with varying
pressures.
A loss of hole stability can be seen as

cuttings change.
Larger shale cavings indicate over
exposure and future hole problems.
No cuttings on the shaker screen
indicates a problem with hole
cleaning, either with the mud
properties or the hydraulics.
You want nonpermeable integrity.
22
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The Foreman must also

communicate these cuttings
trends to the Drilling Engineer
in the office, particularly the
loss of stability.
Field Mans Responsibility

Keep trend of cuttings.
Report cuttings trends changes on daily report
and to engineer.
Recommend solutions:
This helps identify the shale as

time sensitive and future well
plans can benefit from this
information.
Run casing early.

Change to oil-base mud to buy time.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling Engineer
Do not be penny wise and dollar

foolish.
Start with a large enough casing to
ensure that the objective depth can be
reached with a hole at least 5 or
larger.
In exploration work, an extra string of
casing may be needed.
Dont fail to reach the objective
because the hole size is too small, i.e.
3 hole size.
Engineers Responsibility
Change current program as needed.
Change next well program to adjust for time
sensitive shale.
Casing point
Oil-based mud
Bits
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
1. Prevents formation collapse.
1. Before casing point is reached.
2. Supports casing.
2. After casing point is reached.
3. Prevents casing corrosion.
3. Running of casing.
4. Prevents migration of fluids.
4. On bottom with casing before cementing.

5. Cementing Operation.
23
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Before Casing Point is Reached

2. Receive and inspect casing.
3. Tally and space out casing.
1. Make the measured depth correspond to the wire

line depth. To do this, when the driller reaches the
casing running depth on the geolograph, let the
weight that the driller has on the weight indicator
drill off before picking up off bottom. Then, the
depth will check out very closely to the wire line
depth. Note: It will only drill off until it reaches
the compressive strength of the formation. That
number is useful to know and should be recorded.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Torque Turn Report
Tally it when you receive it and when you run it. If

there is a difference on the second tally, that joint(s)
should be re-checked.
To tally the casing, measure 10 factory collars and take
the average length of make-up of the 10 measurements.
Make a brass hook exactly that length. Then, put the
brass hook on the pin in and start your rig tape at that
point. Read the tape at the end of the factory collar.
This will help you take the threads off correctly.

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Tally and space

out casing.

Pre-Plan Check List

4. Receive, sample and check cement. Send mix H20
and/or admix H20 to lab.
5. Prepare rig and handling equipment.
6. Have required mixing water for cement and
emergency displacement fluids.
Example of tool
made on rig to
measure casing:
The foreman is responsible for all aspects of the cement.

Make sure the lab test conditions are the same as the rig
mixing conditions, i.e. mix, H2O, temperature, etc.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
After Casing Point is Reached
In humid areas, fluff

the cement before
mixing begins. It will
be difficult to feed the
hoppers and get the
slurry weight right
unless re-fluffing is
done.
Logs To Use To Finalize Plan:

Gamma Ray Log
Density-Neutron Logs
Deviation Log
Temperature Log
Resistivity Log
Sonic Log
Caliper Log
Note: Keep a complete set of logs on the rig.
24
ODT &AWC Day 6

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
After Casing Point is Reached

Class Workshop
1. Calculate air and weight indicator weight.
1. Finalize casing and cementing plan.
2. Calculate metal displacement. a) 500 ft, b) total
2. Evaluate hole conditions. Did logging engineer

see ledges or tight places in hole? What is hole
caliper?
3. Discuss monitoring metal displacement float and

differential float equipment.
4. Calculate cement and mix water requirements.
a) First Stage: CW 15.7 ppg; yield 1.35 cu ft/sk; mix H2O
5.0 gal/sk. Use 30% excess above hole caliper in csg/OH
section.
b) Second Stage: CW 14.5 ppg; yield 1.67 cu ft/sk; mix H2O
6.0 gal/sk. Bring cement up to 1,000 ft from surface or mud
line.
3. Finalize technical plan.

4. Change Rams and test.
5. Prepare to run casing.

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
5. Calculate mixing and displacement rate based on

annular velocity while drilling (150 ft/min).
10. If U-tube pressure to land 1st stage plug is 200 psi low,
how much cement column was lost?
6. Calculate pre-flush or spacer to give a 7 minute contact

time across critical zones.
11. What is the maximum length of cement allowed above

the previous casing shoe? (Data: 13 previous shoe
@ 4,000 ft, LOT 13.4 ppg (2787 psi frac pressure)
7. Calculate total mixing and displacement time for 1st

stage cement.
12. Discuss operation procedure differences between

bomb and displacement type plugs.
8. Calculate U-tube pressure to land 1st and 2nd stage

plugs. Ignore weight of spacer fluid.
13. What casing and cementing practices would you rate in

the top five to enhance quality of job?
9. Calculate surface pressure required to lock DV stage

collar.

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Given Data:
TD:
Hole:
MW:
BF:
FC:
DV:
Shoe:
Csg/OH:
Csg/csg:
Ann. Cap.:
Blocks:

Class Workshop
1. Calculate air
weight (WAir) and
weight indicator
weight (WWI).
12,000 ft
12.75 (from caliper)
10 ppg
0.847
11,920 ft
6,000 ft
9, 12,000 ft
0.3814 cu ft/ft
0.3354 cu ft/ft
0.0732 bbl/ft, 0.4110 cu ft/ft
80,000 lbs
TD
WCsg
MW
Blocks
WAir
WWI
=
=
=
=
=
=
W A ir L C sg W C sg
W W I (( W A ir B F ) H L )
25
12,000 ft
47 lb/ft (9)
10 ppg
80,000 lbs
?
?
ODT &AWC Day 6

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pipe Elongation
Air weight causes pipe to stretch and lengthen. Temperature
also causes pipe to lengthen. Buoyancy (piston effect)
causes pipe to shorten.
W A ir 1 2 , 0 0 0 4 7 564,000 lbs
W W I ((5 6 4 , 0 0 0 0 .8 4 7 ) 8 0 , 0 0 0 ) 558,000 lbs
Stretch
12, 000
564, 000
2
30, 000, 000 (9.625 - 8.681 )

4
2
In drilling we normally assume that temperature and

buoyancy offset each other. Therefore, in spacing the casing
out, we only consider stretch.
In completion work, however, when spacing out tubing, we
DO consider each one of these factors separately because of
the extreme pressure and temperature changes.
8.3 feet
Rule of Thumb Stretch: 0.75 ft per 1,000 ft. steel

Rule of Thumb Stretch: 0.75 12= 9
2. Calculate metal
displacement
a) 500 feet
b) total
Vm Len(ft)
Vmt
Drilling and Well

Control Training
See Point #1 of Before Casing Point Is Reached Checklist.

See Rules of Thumb, Chapter 30 for formulas and examples.

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Calculate metal displacement
TD = 12,000 ft;
DH = 12.75 (caliper)
WCsg = 47 lb/ft (9)
a. Vm 500
b. Vmt
WCsg lb/ft
47 lb / ft
= 8.55 bbl
2748 lb / bbl
12000 47
= 205 bbl
2748
2748 lb/bbl
Len(ft) WCsg lb/ft

2748 lb/bbl
Are you getting the right amount of mud?

If not, the casing is being run too fast.
WAir lb
or
2748 lb/bbl

Class Workshop
3. Discuss
monitoring metal
displacement
regular float and
differential float
equipment.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
3. Discuss
monitoring metal
displacement
regular float and
differential float
equipment.
Regular Float Equipment:

Means that nothing will
come back into the string.
Have to fill the casing as it
is run into the hole.
Most people use regular
float equipment,
particularly in hydrocarbon zones.
26
Differential Float Equip.

Use in non-hydrocarbon
zones.
It is self filling up to 81%
if two pieces of equipment
are used, based on the
annular hydrostatic.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Differential Float
Equipment Blowout
When Gas enters the

casing, the fluid
hydrostatic becomes
low inside compared to
outside. Therefore the
floats lock open.
The well then blows
out through the inside.
Example
MW = 13.5 ppg
Pob = 200 psi @
Top of Gas Cap
L=
200 psi
= 286 ft
0.7 psi/ft
V = 286 ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Running Casing With

Conventional Float Valve
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Situation: Due to problem with the fill-up line, the casing

was not filled.
(8.6812 -7 2 )
= 7.3 bbl loss
1029.4
Running Casing With

1. Calculate total capacity outside and inside in bbl/ft.

Total Capacity = (Outside + Inside) bbl/ft
Total Capacity = (0.124 + 0.1521) bbl/ft
Total Capacity = 0.2761 bbl/ft.
Data:
Twelve 40 ft joints have been run in hole.
Casing = 13, 61 lb/ft;
Casing capacity = 0.1521 bbl/ft;
Annular Capacity = 0.124 bbl/ft;
Mud Weight = 11.5 ppg
2. Calculate volume outside of casing.

Volume Outside = (Depth Annular Capacity)
Volume Outside = (480 ft 0.124 bbl/ft)
Volume Outside = 59.62 bbl
Calculate how much bottom hole

pressure would be lost if the float
valve and collar suddenly failed.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Differential Float
Equipment Blowout
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Running Casing With

Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Calculate average length outside and inside.
Running Casing With

5. Calculate bottom hole pressure loss when float fails.

P = (U-tube Bal. MW 0.052)
P = (264 ft 11.5 ppg 0.052)
P = 158 psi
Average Length = (Vol. Outside) / (Total Cap.)

Average Length = 59.62 bbl / 0.2761 bbl/ft
Average Length = 216 ft
4. Calculate U-tube balance level.

Balance Level = (Length Casing Ave. Length)
Balance Level = (480 ft 216 ft)
Balance Level = 264 ft
27
ODT &AWC Day 6
Running Casing With

Drilling and Well

Control Training
TD
DH
MW
Shoe
FC
DV
Cap 9
The following formula can be used:

Hydrostatic Pressure Loss If Casing Float Fails (HPL)
HPL
HPL
MW 0.052 Cap Csg H UnfilledCsg

Cap Csg Cap Ann
11.5 0.052 0.1521 (12 40)
158 psi
0.1521 0.124
MW
CapCsg
CapAnn
HUnfilledCsg
HPL
=
=
=
=
=
Mud Weight (density), ppg

Casing Capacity (bbl/ft)
Annular Capacity (bbl/ft)
Unfilled Casing Height (ft)
Hydrostatic Pressure Loss (psi)
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
CapAnncsgOH =
Csg/csg
=
BF
=

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Purposes of Stage Cementing
To separate different temperature

zones. Cement design is based on
the temperature of the zone in
which it is being placed.
Primary CW =
Yield
=
Mix H2O
=
To seal off lost circulation zones

before placing cement in the
upper stage(s).
15.7 ppg
1.35 cu ft/sk
5.0 gal/ sk
Tail in, 200sk = 16.0 ppg

Yield
= 1.2 cu ft/sk
Mix water
= 4.5 gal/sk
1st Stage Requirements

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Outside

Class Workshop
4. Calculate cement and mix

water requirements for first
stage. Open Hole, use 30%
excess.
To break up a big cementing job

into two or more pieces.
First Stage:
12,000 ft;
12.75 (caliper)
10 ppg
9 @ 12,000
11,920 ft
6,000 ft
0.0732 bbl/ft and
0.4110 cu ft/ft;
0.3814 cu ft/ft
0.3354 cu ft/ft
0.847

Class Workshop
First Stage:
Cu ftTI = SacksTI cmt. yield cu ft/sk
Inside 1
Cu ftTI = 200 1.2 = 240 cu ft

Cu ftL = (cu ftT cu ftTI)
SF
Cuft T Shoe d - FC d Cap I Shoe d - Dv d Cap OH 1
100
Cu ftL = (3008 240) = 2,768 cu ft
30
12000 11920 0.4110 12000 - 6000 0.3814 1
100
CuftT = 3,008 cu ft
28
ODT &AWC Day 6

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Calculate cement and mix

water requirements for second
stage. Open Hole, use 30%
excess. Cased hole, use 10%
excess.
First Stage:
SacksL = cu ftL / cmt. yeild (lead) cu ft/sk
SacksL = 2768/1.35 = 2050 sacks
Mix H2OL = gal/sk sacks / 42 gal/bbl
or H2O1st = (5.0 2050 + 4.5 200)/42
H2O1st = 266 bbls (total)
Primary CW=
Yield
=
Mix H2O =
14.5 ppg
1.67 cu ft/sk
6.0 gal/ sk
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
2nd Stage Requirements

Drilling and Well
Control Training
Second Stage: 1
Both are
outside.
Second Stage:
Sacks = cu ftT / cmt. yield cu ft/sk

Sacks = 2098/1.67
sf
Cu ft T = DVd - PREV. SHOEd CAPOH 1 +

+
100
sf
PREV. SHOEd - TOP CMTD CAPCAS 1 +
100
Sacks = 1257 sacks

Mix H2O2nd = gal/sk sacks / 42 gal/bbl
30
10
= 6000 - 4000 0.3814 1 +
+ 4000-1000 0.3354 1 +
100
100
Mix H2O = 6.0 1257/42

Mix H2O = 180 bbls
CuftT = 2,098 cu ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
5. Calculate mixing and

displacement rate
based on annular
velocity (Va).
Mix/Disp Rate Va VAnn
Va
TD
DH
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
2
= 12,000 ft
= 12.75
VAnn (bbl/ft) =
(from caliper)
(12.75 9.625 )
1029.4
VAnn (bbl/ft) = 0.0679
DCas = 9
Va = 150 ft/min
Mix/Disp. Rate (bbl/min) = 150 ft/min 0.0679 bbl/ft

Mix/Disp. Rate (bbl/min) = 10.19
Pump Output bbl/min

Ann.Vol. bbl/ft
VAnn

Class Workshop
(DH 2 DP 2 )
1029.4
NOTE: Mix Rate = 1 BPM per inch Casing OD
29
ODT &AWC Day 6

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. Calculate preflush or spacer to give a 7 minute

contact time across critical zones (permeable
zones).
It is important to minimize contamination
in the critical zones.
6. Calculate preflush or spacer

VPreFlush = Mix/Disp. Rate (bbl/min) Contact time (min.)
VPreFlush = 10 bbl/min 7 min = 70 bbl
If H2O or a low MW PreFlush is used,
calculate P (loss in pressure):
Mix/Disp. Rate (bbl/Min) = 10.19
VPreFlush (bbl)
(MWH PFwt. )0.052
VAnn (bbl/Ft)
70
P
(10 8.33)0.052 = 89.5 psi
0.0679
P

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
7. Calculate total mixing and displacement time for

1st stage cement.
Mix / Disp Time

Class Workshop

Class Workshop
8. Calculate U-tube
pressure to land 1st
and 2nd stage plugs.
Ignore weight of
spacer fluid.
(VCmt VCsg Disp ) bbl

Mix/Disp rate bbl/min
3008 cu.ft
) (11,920 0.0732 bbl/ft)

(
5.6 cu. ft/bbl
Mix/Disp. Time
10 bbl/min
MW
Shoe
FC
DV
CW1st
CW2nd
=
=
=
=
=
=
10 ppg
9; 12,000
11,920 ft
6,000 ft
15.7 ppg
14.5 ppg
Mix/Disp. Time = (141 Minutes)

Note: Use 100% Safety Factor (282 Minutes).
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
8. Calculate U-tube pressure to land 1st and 2nd

stage plugs.
1st Stage PUT = (11,920 6,000) (15.7 10)0.052
1st Stage PUT = 1755 psi
Note: If a pressure was recorded at 10 bpm before
mixing cement, a dynamic pressure can be known,
i.e. 1000 psi/10 bpm.
1st Stage
Dynamic Pressure = 1755 + 1000
PUT (Dep FC Dep DV ) (CW MW)0.052
2nd Stage PUT (Dep DV DepTCMT ) (CW MW)0.052
Dynamic Pressure = 2755 psi
30
ODT &AWC Day 6

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop

stage plugs.

stage plugs.
1st Stage PUT = (11,920 6,000) (15.7 10)0.052
2nd Stage PUT = (6,000 1,000) (14.5 10)0.052

2nd Stage PUT = 1170 psi
Notes:
You need more pressure than the U-tube pressure.
You want to bump the plug so that you know that you
have the tail end cement in.
Slow pump down near the end so you dont bump the
plug too hard.
Use rig pumps with known outputs.
Note: If a pressure was recorded at 10 bpm before mixing

cement, a dynamic pressure can be known, i.e. 1000 psi/10
bpm.
Dynamic Pressure = 1,170 + 1000
Dynamic Pressure = 2170 psi

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
9. Calculate surface pressure required to lock

DV stage collar.
PSurf (PUT 1500 psi)

PSurf = (1,170 + 1,500) psi = 2670 psi
PS u rf (PU T 1 5 0 0 p si)
Cv
PP B cas vo l C
3 0 0, 0 0 0
Cv

Class Workshop
Cv =
PPL cas volC

300, 000
(2,6706,0000.0732)
300,000
Cv = 3.9 bbls (Measure Bleedback)


Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
10. If U-Tube pressure to land 1st

stage plug is 200 psi low, how
much cement column was lost?
MW
Shoe
FC
DV
CW
=
=
=
=
=
10. If U-Tube pressure to land 1st stage plug is 200

psi low, how much cement column was lost?
DOI (D DV
10 ppg
9 @ 12,000
11,920
6,000
15.7 ppg
DOI (D DV

Class Workshop
P
)
(CW MW)0.052
DOI (6,000 ft
200 psi
)
(15.7 10) 0.052
DOI = 6,675 ft
Is this the Loss Zone Depth?
P
)
(CW MW)0.052
31
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
11. What is the maximum length of cement allowed

above the previous casing shoe?

Class Workshop
12. Discuss operational

procedure differences
between bomb and
displacement type
plugs.
Data: 13 previous shoe, @ 4000 ft,

LOT 13.4 ppg (2787 psi frac pressure).
LMAX = {(PFrac/.052) (DPrev Shoe MWH)} / (CW MWH)
LMAX = {(2787/.052) (4000 10)} / (14.5 10)
LMAX = 3,021 ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
12. Discuss operational procedures: Bomb Type
12. Discuss operational procedures: Bomb Type

9. Mix and pump 2nd stage cement.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pump lead spacer / pre-flush.

Drop bottom by-pass plug.
Mix and pump cement (1st stage).
Drop top displacement plug.
Displace cement to float collar. Bump plug.
Bleed off (measure) and drop bomb (200 FPM
in 9.0ppg).
7. Pressure up. Slide DV open and circulate through
stage collar.
8. Pump 2nd stage spacer / preflush.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop
10. Drop closing plug.

11. Displace closing plug.
12. Pressure up and lock stage collar (2700 psi).
Measure bleed back. Compare with the
compressibility volume (Cv).
13. Observe the well.

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
12. Discuss operational procedures:

Displacement Type

Class Workshop

Displacement Type
4. Drop first stage top displacement plug.
In heavy muds, you must use displacement plugs.

Bombs will not fall.
In highly deviated well (> 60 degrees), you must
use displacement plugs.
5. Pump mud spacer (DV to FC volume).

6. Drop displacement plug to open stage collar.
7. Displace opening plug to stage collar.
1. Pump spacer / pre-flush.
8. Slide stage collar open and circulate.
2. Drop bottom by pass plug.
9. Pump 2nd stage spacer / pre-flush.
3. Mix cement
(1st
stage)
10. Mix 2nd stage cement.
32
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Displacement Type
Pressure Operated Stage Cementing Tool

Due to demand for tools that will work in directional
wells without using the two plug process to open and
close the tool, the industry has developed pressure
operated stage cementing tools.
11. Drop 2nd stage displacement / closing plug.

12. Displace closing plug to stage collar.
13. Pressure up/Lock DV and measure bleed back.
After bumping the top plug of the first stage cement

job, the stage collar is opened by pressuring up to a
pre-determined pressure. It then is used in the same
manner as the other stage tools, and is closed with a
closing plug.
14. Observe.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Class Workshop

Class Workshop
Drilling and Well

Control Training
13. What casing and cementing practices would you

rate in the top five to enhance quality of job?

Pre-Plan Check List
Running Casing
1. Get your Workshop to clean and threadlock the
factory collars for the first three or four joints.
2. Threadlock the field end as you run the casing.
3. Run casing in the correct order.
4. Have the right integrity by torqueing casing properly.
5. Make sure you dont knock the bottom out of the
hole. Keep up with metal displacement.
6. If you think you are on bottom, count the joints left
on location. This is a known number.
1. Implement good cement plan.

2. Use centralizers.
3. Keep moving pipe.
4. Keep spacer (pre-flush) in turbulence.
5. Use both plugs (top/bottom)
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Casing Running Speed (Surge)

Example: Given Data
Casing Length of interest
MW
= 15.0 ppg
MWLot
= 16.7 ppg
LI = 2000 feet
LI = 4000 feet
= 8000 ft
DCsg shoe
Vh 600
= 70
LI = 8000 feet
Vm 300 = 40
* Common to each
DH
length of interest
= 8.5 in.
= 7.0 in.
DP
Jl (Range 3) = 40 feet
Where:
T
n
Vh
Vm
c
=
=
=
=
=
seconds per joint, sec

power law constant
600 Rdg.
300 Rdg.
equivalent critical
dial reading
= equivalent dial
reading
VPMT = maximum casing
velocity without
frac, ft/min(turb)

Pre-Plan Check List
VPML = max. csg.vel.without

frac, ft/min (laminar)
JL
= joint length, ft
MWf
= mud wt frac factor
MWLOT = leak off MW, ppg
MW
= mud weight in hole
Dcsgshoe = Casing shoe depth, ft
= casing length of
LI
interest, ft
= diameter of hole, in
DH
= diameter of pipe, in
DP
33
ODT &AWC Day 6

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
n
n

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Log Vh / Vm
0.301
Log 70 40
0.301
n = 0.807

1 .6 5
V
D
2
n
2 n
M W
4 0 0 .8 0 7
1 . 6 5 8 . 5 7 2 1 5
0 .8 0 7
( 2 0 .8 0 7 )
c 3 1 .9 7

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Casing Length (LI): 2,000 feet

Dcsgshoe
MWF MWLOT MW
LI
= 13.87 MWF (DH DP)

= 13.87 6.8 (8.5 7) = 141.5
8000
MWF 16.7 15
2000
MWF
(141.5) > c (31.97); Therefore it is turbulent.

If: > c; It is turbulent
If: < c; It is laminar
= 6.8

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
824 D 2H D P2
VPM T
D 2H D P2
824 8 .5 2 7 2
VPM T
8.5 2 7 2
M WF D H D P
6 .8 8 .5 7
284 D2H DP2 DH DP 13.9 MW D D n

F
H
P
VPML

VM
D2H DP2
MW
(Thisisanexampleofaturbulentflow.Therefore,
nonumbersareputintotheformula.)
15
VPMT = 130 ft/min

Repeat for each length of interest.
34
ODT &AWC Day 6

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
JL (ft) 60 (sec/min)
VPM (L) or VPM (ft/min) (T)
MWF MWLot MW
t=
40ft 60sec / min

130ft / min
MWF 16.7 15
t = 18.4 sec/joint
Casing Length
Seconds per Joint
2,000 feet
18.4
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dcsgshoe
8000
4000
MWF = 3.4

Pre-Plan Check List

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
824 D 2H - D P2
VPM T =
D 2H + D P2
= 13.87 MWF (DH DP)
= 13.87 3.4 (8.5 7)
= 70.7
VPMT = 92.1 ft/min

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
t=
40ft 60sec / min

92ft / min
M WF D H - D P
8 2 4 8 .5 2 - 7 2
V P M T =
8 .5 2 + 7 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
LI
MW
3 .4 8 .5 - 7
15

Pre-Plan Check List
Summary
Casing Length
2,000 feet
4,000 feet
t = 26 sec/joint
35
Seconds per Joint

18.4
26
ODT &AWC Day 6

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

MWF = MWLOT - MW
Dcsgshoe
= 13.87 MWF (DH DP)
LI
= 13.87 1.7 (8.5 7)
8000
MWF = 16.7 -15
8000
= 35.4
MWF = 1.7

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
824 8.5 2 - 7 2
1.7 8.5 - 7
VPM T =
2
2
15
8.5
+
7

40ft 60sec/min
65ft/min
VPMT = 65.15 ft/min
t = 37 sec/joint
8 2 4 D 2H - D P2
VPM T =
D 2H + D P2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
M W F D H - D P
MW

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Summary
Casing Length
2,000 feet
4,000 feet
8,000 feet
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Seconds per Joint

18.4
26
37
NOTE:
The longer the casing string that is picked-up, the slower
the casing should be run in the hole to stay below FRAC.
How Long To Circulate Before Cementing

Circulate 1 casing volumes (minimum).
Circulate long enough to cool hole.
Clean hole (observe shale shaker).
Stabilize drag trends.
Evaluate circulating (mixing & displacement rate).
36
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How Long To Circulate Before Cementing
How long to
circulate has
nothing you do
with how long it
takes the company
man and the tool
pusher to have
breakfast.
6. If losses occur, stabilize loss trend and establish a

circulating rate that minimizes or stops losses.
Lowering the ECD might be enough to stop
losses.
7. The YP on directional wells can be reduced
before cementing (smaller annulus after running
casing).
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Cement is the #1 differential sticking fluid.

It has a high water loss.
It doesnt have the best properties.
Keep pipe and cmt. moving after cmt. enters annulus
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Pre-Plan Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Casing and Cementing Drag Trends

While Reciprocating Casing
1. If you have done a good

job with the other four
phases, this phase
becomes a people plan.
2. Delegate the
responsibilities of the job
in a pre-cementing
meeting.
37
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Company Man
Drilling Engineer
Man in charge
Assists Foreman
Does not count nuts

and bolts.
Keeps up with Postappraisal Trends
Has no business
weighing cement
Helps with technical plan

and cementing report.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Toolpusher
Driller
Liaison between
the company man
and all the
contractor people.
drag
hook loads
circulating rates
Needs to supervise the

whole job
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Feed Pump Operator

Someone delegated
by driller or
Toolpusher to feed
water and/or mud to
cementing units.
Responsible for
supervising crew,
working pipe, and
monitoring such data as:
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Chief Cementing Engineer
Mud Engineer
Coordinates all cement

operators and relays
orders from Operator
Drilling Foreman.
Responsible for mud (mud condition and all pit

measurements).
Delegates someone to help measure cement weight.
Verifies cement weight is

correct.
Drops all plugs.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Weighing The Cement

The whole cement plan
depends on the cement
being mixed at the right
weight
1. Mud Balance
2. True Weight Balance
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If you are bringing

cement back to the
surface, you must be
prepared to quickly
drop it out of your
BOPs, flush out your
BOPs and flush where
you are going to land
the slip and seal
assembly.
Underbalanced Cementing
This is what happens when you dont mix the cement at the
right weight to keep the well overbalanced.
38
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 6
Application:
When cement
cannot be mixed at
required weight to
balance formation
pressure.
Operational Requirement:
1. Hang casing before
cementing.
2. Line up to take returns,
below where casing is
landed, through choke
line.
3. Make a back pressure
schedule.

Pressure Chapter, pages 187-189
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Back Pressure Schedule: (See Abnormal Pressure, page 188.)

1. G (MW CW)0.052 (20 18)0.052 0.104 psi/ft
= Difference between cement and mud gradient
0.104
G
(bbl/ft)
1.82psi/bbl
Ann.Vol.
0.057
3. BPI (psi) Desired increment psi/bbl
psi/bbl = The pressure loss for each barrel of cement in

annulus
BPT
= Total back pressure with all cement in casing

annulus
BPI
= Back pressure required for each increment of

cement pumped into annulus
BPS
= Back pressure for increment of cement in

strokes
BACK PRESSURE SCHEDULE
Accum. Pump Stks

shoe
Drilling and Well

after cmt
is at
Control
Training
431
862
1,293
1,724
2,155
2,586
3,017
3,448
3,879
4,310
4,741
** 4,913
570 bbl
0.116 bbl/stk
= 4,913 stk **

Pressure Chapter, pages 187-189
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Nomenclature:
G
Drilling and Well

Control Training
50bbl 1.82psi/bbl 91psi

Volume (bbl)
50bbl
bbl/stk
431strokes
P.O.
0.116
5. BPT (pressure) Ann.Vol. psi/bbl
4. BPS (strokes)
570bbl 1.82psi/bbl 1,040psi
(See Abn. Press., page 188.)
Vol. Cmt. In Ann. bbls

50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
570
2. psi/bbl
Surface Back
Pressure (psi)
91
182
273
364
455
546
637
728
819
910
1,001
*1,038
570 bbl 1.82 psi/bbl = 1,038 psi *

Note: If overbalance is desired, just add 200 psi
to each back pressure increment (below chart).
39
An
Overview Of Land
&
presents
Sub-sea Drilling
Operations
Murchison
Drilling Schools
Leadership Training
For The Man On The Rig
An Overview Of Land
&
Sub-sea Drilling Operations
The following companies have

supplied pictures or other materials
used in this presentation:
Cameron
Noble Drilling
Sedco Transocean Forex
The objective of
this ppresentation
is to show the
differences
between land rigs,
jack ups, semisubmersibles and
drill ships.
Fixed Rigs
Land Rig
Jack Up Rig
A fixed rig is
located just
above earths
surface.
Above the
surface of the
sea, far above
the drilling
site.
Fixed Rigs
Jack Up Rigs
Towed to the drilling
site.
i
Legs are lowered into
place raising the barge
out of the water.
Floating Rigs
Floating Rigs
Drill Ships
Drill Ships
Drilling
proceeds
through an
opening in
mid-ship,
called the
moon pool.
Have drilling
rigs
i mounted
t d on
them.
Have the hull
profile of a ship.
Semi-submersibles
Floating Rigs
Drill Ships
Drill ships are
used in deeper
water, when a
jack up rig
cannot be
used.
Most
floating rigs
are semisubmersible.
Floating Rigs
Floating Rigs
Semi-submersible
Semi-submersibles
Float while being

towed to the drilling
site.
Semis are not as

susceptible to wave
action as drill ships.
Their pontoons can

then be flooded,
partially submerging
the rig.
Semis may be
anchored or have
dynamic positioning
systems.
Floating Rigs
Drill ships and
semis have special
equipment to
compensate for
movement caused
by wind, waves,
and tides.
Special Adaptations
If the rig is
anchored and uses
guidelines when
running BOPs and
wellhead
equipment, a
guideline tensioning
system is used to
compensate for the
rigs motion.
The type of
offshore rig
selected for a
drill site
depends on
several factors:
Depth
Weather
Logistics
Drilling Procedures
Bottom-Supported Units
Rig Selection Factors

Depth:
Bottom-supported rigs are used in

shallow waters from 50 to 650 ft.
Floating units are used in waters over
450 ft. deep.
Weather:
If ice m
must
st be contended with,
ith a drill
ship or semi-submersible is required.
In areas where the rig may be exposed
to icebergs or pack ice, a drill ship is
used for its increased mobility.
Logistics:
Drilling from a jack up

rig is very similar to
land drilling operations.
Conductor pipe
extends to surface.
Wellhead and BOP are
installed at top of
conductor pipe, just
below rig floor.
In areas that are not easily re-supplied,

drill ships are used.
Drilling Procedures
Drilling Procedures
If shallow gas is not

handled correctly
and the diverter line
plugs up,
up then a
shallow shoe could
break down and
cause underpinning
of the jack up.
Drilling from a
jack up rig is far
more dangerous
than a land drilling
operation,
particularly related
to shallow gas.
Drilling Procedures
Floating Units
Drilling Procedures
The whole rig
would
ld go down
d
in the water.
Drilling Procedures
Floating Units
Drilling Procedures
Floating Units
Guidelines
Drilling Procedures
Floating Units
Drilling Procedures
Floating Units
In soft bottom areas, the conductor
pipe is jetted into place.
A temporary guide base is not used.
Guidelines are attached to the
permanent guide structure posts.
Drilling Procedures
Floating Units
Drilling Procedures
Floating Units
When drilling has been
completed, the BOP is
removed.
If the well is to be
placed in production, a
sub-sea production
christmas tree is
installed or the well is
temporarily capped off.
An Overview Of Land &

Sub-sea Drilling Operations
Similarities and
differences in land and
sub-sea drillingg operations.
p
The End
Various types of sub-sea

drilling operations.
Produced by :
2501 Juan Tabo NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
(505) 293-6271
[email protected]
Special considerations that

must be given to floating
rigs to compensate for
wave motion.
ODT &AWC Day 7
Day Seven
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Review Homework
Good Mud Practices
Logging & Perforating
BOP Equipment &
Accumulator
Considerations
Simulator Testing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Day Seven Homework
Day Seven Homework

Logging
Mud
Bonus Homework due Day Eight
IWCF Equipment 1
Simulator
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MDS Bonus
HW Award
Good Mud Practices
A. See that rig

equipment can
carry out the
mud program.
1. An optimized drilling fluids program must have:

A. The best rig and solids control equipment available
for the well being drilled and the fluids selected for
the well.
Ideally, this
should be done
when the rig is
being selected.
B. The best mud for the interval being drilled.

C. The best practices while drilling
D. Proper storage and care of products
Use the equipment wisely and as each

piece is intended to be used.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
B. Choose the best mud for the specific interval

1.
2.
3.
4.
Good Mud Practices
B. Types of Drilling Fluids
Spud
Top Hole
Intermediate interval
Production Interval
1.
2.
3.
4.
Air
Mist
Foam
WBM
Multiple Types
5. OBM
Multiple Bases
We will focus on WBM, OBM and SBM Muds
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Water Base Mud
1. Types of Water Base Muds
B. General Mud Types
A. Spud Mud A high viscosity mud used to drill surface to

shallow depth
1. Water Base Muds

2. Oil Base Muds (OBM, NAF)
B. Low Solids Muds Polymer enhanced mud with fewer solids

than a similar clay based mud
C. Dispersed Muds Clay based muds, chemically treated to
disperse bentonite particles and lower viscosity. Often with an
improved filter-cake.
D. Non-Dispersed Muds Clay based mud, usually low density
and low solids, without defloculants or dispersants to lower
viscosities
E. Inhibited Muds - Chemically treated to minimize fluid
interaction with the formation being drilled.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Water Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Oil Base Muds
E. Inhibited WBM
A mud that can suppresses hydration of a
particular type of formation into the mud.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is an Oil Base Mud? A mud where a brine

(internal phase) is emulsified in an oil (external phase).
The oil/water ratio refers to the fraction of oil in the
external or continuous phase as compared with the
fraction of brine in the emulsified phase.
Sea water mud

Saturated Salt
Gyp Mud
Lime Mud
K-plus mud.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Oil Base Mud
Example: The liquid portion of an 80/20 oil base mud

has 80% oil and 20% brine.
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Oil Base Muds
Oil Base Mud
2. Oil Base Muds
Benefits of Oil Base Mud

Provide excellent inhibition and stability for reactive
formations (shales, clays, salts)
Stable at high temperatures
Lubricity
ROP
Lower hydrostatic pressures
Benefits of Oil Base Mud

Tolerate various contaminants (H2S, CO2)
Minimal issues with hydrates
Minimal issues with corrosion
Simple to store and re-use
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Oil Base Muds
2. Oil Base Muds
Problems with Oil Base Mud

Environmental concerns
Cost
Lost circulation can be worse
Barite sag
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Types of Base Oils

A. Diesel
Refined crude
Usually easily available and relatively inexpensive
Environmental liability
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Oil Base Muds
Oil Base Mud
Development of a Better OBM

Mineral Oils Performance
Types of Base Oils

B. Mineral Oils
Refined or highly refined
Means low aromatic and paraffinic oils and those
mineral oil-based fluids that are neither synthetic fluids
nor fluids of a class whose use is otherwise prohibited
The development of a low toxicity mineral oil (LTMO) mud

provided an improvement on diesel muds, but biodegradability
of LTMO cuttings is poor in aerobic conditions and very poor in
the anaerobic conditions typically found within a cuttings pile.
The clays and shales in an OBM cuttings pile remain
permanently oil-wet, so that hydration does not take place.
Thus, the cuttings do not disperse with time, so operators must
use other disposal methods such as re-injection or landfill after
thermal desorption or encapsulation. Each of these methods has
specific environmental risks and operational costs which must
be considered.
C. Synthetic Oils
Highly refined mineral oil-based fluids and fluids
derived from vegetable and animal sources
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Oil Base Mud
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Oil Base Mud
Mineral Oils Performance

Further, OBMs may contain aromatic components that
can cause tainting in fish and shellfish, making them
inedible. Some aromatics used in the mineral oil muds
have also been identified as carcinogenic to humans.
SBM Development
The problem with OBM cuttings disposal was
recognized as early as 1985. Cuttings piles discharged to
the seafloor persisted, continuing to pollute for many
years. An alternative to oil-based muds was required.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Synthetic Base Muds
A. Synthetic Base Oil Synthetic Fluid is a hydrocarbon manufactured from smaller base molecules.
The end product is not normally found in nature.
SBM Development
Any environmentally sound alternative fluid had to
offer the technical performance of OBMs as well. SBMs
were designed to retain the key benefits of OBMs,
including:
Borehole stability, especially in sensitive shale
formations
Lubricity,
Mud stability over a range of temperatures and hole
conditions,
Absence of reaction with formations.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Esters and Di-Ethers Reacted alcohol and fatty acids

PAO Poly Alpha Olefin straight chained hydrocarbon
made from ethylene
LAO Linear Alpha Olefin polymerization of ethylene
IO Internal Olefin different chemical structure or isomers of
LAOs
Linear Paraffins saturated linear structure made from ethylene
Polyols water soluble chemicals with many OH groups
MEG Modified glucose molecule with OH groups
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Selecting the type of base oil for the Mud
Oil Base Mud
1. Specific Onshore/Offshore Operational Area

Regulations
World
US
3. HSE Regulations
Health
Short and long term health issues
Closed or open pits
Diesel onshore with open topped pits
Mineral oil onshore with closed pits
2. Company Policy
If there are regulatory differences use the
most conservative regulation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Oil Base Mud
Safety
Mixing areas
Rig floor
Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE)
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Oil Base Mud
Concerns while Using Oil Based Muds

4. Environment
Discharge Regulations Offshore
North Sea No discharge of cuttings
GOM discharge of cuttings with maximum SBM
percent only on cuttings depending on type of base oil.
Disposal Regulations Onshore and Offshore
Fixing, Burial, Construction Material
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. Cuttings dryers and availability of processing

equipment.
Health issues
Elastomer impact
Economics
Specific area requirements
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Concerns while Using Oil Based Muds

5.
6.
7.
8.
General Oil Mud Components
Environmental Impact
Sheen on water surface
Oil on cuttings
Biodegradation rates
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Oil Base Mud
Base Oil
Primary Emulsifiers, and Secondary Emulsifiers
Water with a Salt concentration
Lime
Fluid Loss Additives
Wetting Agents
Weight Materials
Viscosity Enhancers
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Typical Mixing Order

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Oil Base Mud
Oil Base Mud
Component Functions
1. Primary and Secondary Emulsifiers
Help form water droplets in continuous oil phase.
Emulsifies any water added to the mud while drilling
Base Oil
Primary and Secondary Emulsifiers
Viscosifier
Lime, (Shear 30min. minimum)
Salt Water (Shear 30 min.)
Wetting Agent
Weight Material (Shear 30 min.)
Fluid Loss Reducers
2. Lime
Lime forms a soap with the emulsifier that helps
stabilizes the water droplets.
Helps control acid gas influxes (CO2 & H2S)
Time is required to shear an oil muds to produce the required rheology
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Component Functions
Oil Base Mud
Specific Oil Mud Emulsion Stability Test
3. Water
Adds weight
Impacts viscosity and rheology of the mud
Helps reduce cost of mud
Electrical Stability
The probe is placed in the mud.
A meter reads between 0 -2000
volts
The reading indicates stability
of the water in oil emulsion and reflects the oil
wetting qualities. The higher the value the more
stable the emulsion
700 900 might be a typical range
4. Salts
Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)or Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
that helps stabilize reactive formations.
The correct concentration minimize changes in the
water concentration in shale sections.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Oil Base Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Production Interval Muds
Water Base vs Oil Base Mud
A. Specialty Drill-in Fluids

B. Use CaCO3 sized for the formation
C. Minimize material that cannot be removed such as
Barite, bentonite, polymers many types of LCM
D. Drill underbalanced
E. Modify the muds if the well will be fractured for
F. Increased production
If costs of discharge for synthetic oils increase due

to new regulations will their use decrease?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling Mud Additives
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Additives

Mud Additives
5. Shale Inhibitors: Reduce water movement to shale or

into formations, K, Ca, Gel, Asphalt, PHPA, Glycol,
Silicates
6. Filtrate Reducers: Lower fluid loss, Gel, CMC,
Starch, PAC
7. LCM: Multiple types, control or reduce seepage to
massive fluid losses
8. Flocculants: Clump particles together, Acrylic
Polymers, Ca
1. Viscosifers: Improve viscosity, Gel, Polymer

Extenders, Salt Gel, Polymers, Flocculants, Lime
2. Weight Materials: Increase mud wt. and hydrostatic
pressure
3. Akalinity, pH Control: NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)2,
Soda Ash, SAPP
4. Thinners: Disperse particles, lower attractive forces
between solids, lower mud viscosity,
Lignosulfonates Lignites
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mud Additives

Mud Additives
14. Corrosion inhibitors reduce steel corrosion Bisulfite, iron oxide zinc products amines
15. Defoamers: Reduce surface tension, reduce air in
muds particularly in salt systems
16. Foaming Agents: Surfactants that let water foam
17. Temperature Stability Products: Particularly WBM
18. Hydrate Suppressants. Alcohol base for riser
environments
9. Calcium Removers: Drilling cement, gyp and

anhydrite formations, Bicarb, Phosphates
10. Lubricants: Improve sliding and ROP
11. Bactericides: Control bacteria growth, Rotate types
12. Surfactants Various, Change wettability
13. Emulsifiers: Incorporate water in oil or oil in water
ODT &AWC Day 7
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
A. Lost Circulation
Drilling Problems Around The World
1. Billion dollars plus a year in operator costs.

Rig Time
Personnel Time
Product Costs
Operational Time
Lost Circulation
Stuck Pipe
Well Control
Mud & Hydraulics
Tripping & Shale
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
B. Fluid Loss Categories
C. Geological zones with potential for losses
1. Seepage Losses
Water Base
< 25 bbls/hr
1. Unconsolidated Formations
Sand
Pea Gravel
Gravel
Shells
Reefs
Oil Base < 10 bbls/hr
2. Moderate Losses
Water Base
25-100 bbls/hr
Oil Base 10-30 bbls/hr
3. Severe Losses
Water Base
Drilling and Well

Control Training
> 100 bbls/hr
Lost Circulation
Oil Base > 30 bbls/hr
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
2. Vugular & Cavernous Formations

Reefs
Limestone
Chalk
Dolomite
3. Fissures and Fractures

Natural
Induced
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
D. Information required for correct action
D. Information required for correct action
1. Determine rate of loss

Pumps off and circulate across wellhead
3. Identify zone of losses

Top Hole, Intermediate, Production
4. How close to a reaching interval TD is the loss
5. Cost of mud in the well
6. Understand the restrictions of BHA equipment
7. What is available in the area.
2. Identify reason for losses

What was being done just before the losses
occurred
Mud Wt
Mud Properties
ECD
Surge
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Selection of the best LCM
Lost Circulation
F. Types of LCM
1. Choose type of LCM to use based on:

Rate of losses
Formation information
Rig and equipment limits
Temperature at loss zone
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rigid
Deformable
Large to fine sizes
Micron sized
2. Understand the limits of loss zones vs type of

LCM to be used
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
G. Seepage
Lost Circulation
H. General Loss Solutions
Identify Reason for loss Real or not enough water

remember water to fill hole and fluid on cuttings
Near csg point
Cost of mud
Check fluid level with pumps off
Stop with fine solids
Pull up into csg and let heal, perform rig work
Add 4-6 lb/bbl fine solids
1. Add LCM to circulating system

2. Periodically pump LCM sweeps
3. Spot LCM slug across or above zone, pull into casing
and let heal
4. Spot LCM slug across or above zone, pull into casing
and squeeze
5. Slug hole while tripping allow to heal slowly
6. Spot before running casing possibly better cmt job
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I. Severe to total losses specialty LCM

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Shale Inhibition
A. Methods of Reducing Shale Problems
Spot and squeeze crosslinked polymer

Hydratable pre-crosslinked polymers
Gunk Squeeze or Reverse Gunk Squeeze
Barite Squeeze
DE Squeeze
Cement
1. Reactive Shales - Hydratable Shales

Use Shale Inhibitors: K+ or a Potassium substitute product
Cover surface with a cationic or anionic polymer
There is a time limit in each shale type that

directly impacts drilling optimization
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shale Stability
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shale Stability
2. Fractured Shales Mixed Shales

Block both capillary and hydraulic pressure movement
of water into the fracture or bedding planes with an
asphalt like material.
Cover surface with a cationic or anionic polymer
3. Well bore Shale formation surfaces

Cover surface with a cationic or anionic
polymer or asphalt like material
Block micro pores with materials that change
shape or properties in the pores such as silicates
or glycols.
OR
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
B. Spud Mud is a highly viscous mud.
Drill with an Oil Based Mud with the correct

salt activity and mud properties.
Fractures and bedding planes can still be
problems with OBM
Base Mud
40
20
PV 20
YP 0
Spud Mud
40
28
12
16
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
C. Improve top hole mud with minor chemical

treatments.
Good Mud Practices
Flow Diagram for Newtonian

and Plastic Fluids (True Yield
Point is associated with the
pressure it takes to break
circulation.)
1. Proper treatment of top hole mud helps reach contract

depth safely, and cuts down equipment damage
caused by sand.
Newtonian fluids are like water.

Most drilling fluids are closer to
the Bingham Model.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
C. Ask only for the mud properties you actually

need in each Mud Intervals.
C. Top Hole Mud

2. Delay conversion as long as possible.
Top hole mud with good properties should be carried
out to the deepest possible depth.
1. Not based on how it has been done for years.

2. Most big mud changes can be avoided by hole
cleaning and better solids control.
3. When needed improve top hole mud with minor

chemical treatments.
3. If used, there must be sufficient chemicals to

encapsulate the cuttings. (Thinners and Polymers)
Proper treatment of top hole mud helps reach

contract depth safely, and cuts down equipment
damage caused by sand.
4. Can not have mud making properties.

5. Let the hole trends dictate changes in mud properties.
See Drilling Manual, Drilling Mud Chapter, pages 5-7.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
C. Use mud additives which are compatible

with the base system. Keep muds simple!
C. In-field development drilling, re-evaluate

the mud properties systematically.
1. Expensive mud problems can be headed off by
evaluating the past wells in the nearby areas.
1. You will either run your operation by politics or

by technology. If you run by politics, forget about
technology; they dont go together.
2. It takes 4-5 rounds of optimization to really

optimize an in-field operation.
First two rounds of optimization bring honesty
back to the rig.
2. Case history of Drilling Manager with a conflict

of interest.
10
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Add water before or

below the shaker
screen, not on it.
4. Use water wisely.
Monitor its use.
5. Carry on good
practices through
well completion.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
C. Let the hole trends dictate treatment rather than

the actual value. Treat the hole, not the mud.
1. Your trends should include the following:
Date
RPM
Depth
Bit Weight
ROP
Hydraulics
Bit
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
C. Let the hole trends dictate treatment rather than

the actual value. Treat the hole, not the mud.
Good Mud Practices
C. Think about lost circulation

before treating it.
1. Your trends should include the following:

Torque
Drag
Trip Trends
Daily Mud Costs
Mud Prop.
Accumulated Mud Costs
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
1. What do you want the driller to

do if he has lost circulation? He
must keep out of secondary
problems.
2. Treat the root problem. Tell the
driller to start fluid in the annulus.
Good Mud Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
General Mud Topics
MBT Methylene Blue Test
D. Remember how much mud materials cost

when handling them on the surface.
Measures the reactive bentonitic clays in a WB

drilling fluid or drilled solids.
Reported as bentonite-equivalent lb/bbl for the
drilling fluids.
Reported as lb/bbl of bentonite-equivalent per
100 lb of shale in the formation drilled.
1. Stack commonly used

materials on top.
2. Use bulk mud.
3. Stack straight.
4. Palletize
5. Use Pails and Totes
11
General Mud Topics
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Bentonite
Log Applications for Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
S.P. Log
(Spontaneous Potential)
SP Log measures
voltage between open
formation and wellbore
Works similar to a
battery
Measured in millivolts
(1/1000 volt)
Normal range is 15 to
150 millivolts
Permeability log
Identifying lithology and hardness of

formations
Identifying pay zones
Selecting bits
Identifying and solving drilling problems
Post appraising and optimizing future wells
See Drilling Manual, Logging Chapter, page 20 for example.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Practices
Native Clay (Low Yield)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
S.P. Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Wall cake acts like

the permeable
membrane.
Affected by salinity
(not effective in salt
muds)
Cannot be used in
oil muds
12
S.P. Log
ODT &AWC Day 7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
S.P. Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
S.P. Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
S.P. Log
Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray Log uses natural atomic radiation emitted

by certain elements (potassium, thorium, uranium) to
identify formation types, particularly shales.
Can detect the presence of shales through casing and
tubing.
Can be used in salt muds and oil muds.
Uses API units (0 150)
The Spectral Gamma Ray Log calculates percentages of
Thoriam, Potassium, and Uranium.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Gamma Ray
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Gamma Ray log

helps drilling spot
the shale sections.
Gamma Ray logs
are excellent for
correlation.
13
Gamma Ray
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Gamma Ray
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Caliper
Uses
GR
1. Correlation
Yes
Yes
2. Shale
Yes
Yes
3. Bit Selection
Yes
Yes
4. Lithology
Yes
Maybe
5. Completion
Yes
No
14
SP
6. Post Appraisal
Yes
Yes
7. Abnormal Pressure
Yes
Indirectly
8. Permeability
No
Yes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Logging tools have calipers in

them to measure the diameter
of the hole.
The 2-arm caliper will
gravitate towards the wider
part where there is less stress
being applied.
The 4-arm caliper will measure
all four sides and will be far
more accurate.
Gamma Ray & SP Uses
Caliper
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Caliper
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Caliper
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Resistivity Ohm-Meters
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Resistivity Log measures the resistivity to electrical

current.
Resistivity logs are used to find bed boundaries,
determine water saturation, and find formation porosity.
Unit of measure is ohm-meter.
Resistivity Log and SP Log are complimentary and are
often used together.
15
Caliper
Caliper
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Refer to Drilling Manual, Logging Chapter, page 14, figure 11.14.
The more to the right, the harder it is to drill.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Benefit Of Using Porosity Logs

In Running & Operating Bits
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Well G
Well H
The series 7 hard

formation bit was pulled
at 11,69 when the driller
hit shale.
The engineer took the

offset record of Well G
and plotted the bit record
on the well log.
Three bits were required

to drill a total of 408 feet
in 94 hours.
He compared the logs of

both wells as Well H was
being drilled and made
adjustments in the drilling
practices to get through
the 10 shale section.
16
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Well H
Uses
Only two bits were

needed to drill a total
of 454 feet in 83 hours.
One bit and one round
trip were eliminated.
10 hours of rig time
were saved.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Neutron Log
Rock
Caliper
Yes
Yes
2. Shale
Yes
Yes
3. Bit Selection
Yes
Yes
4. Lithology
Yes
Yes
5. Completion
Yes
Yes
6. Post Appraisal
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Density Log
The fewer the

electrons, the less
reflected gamma ray
signal there is.
The amount of signal is
proportional to the
density. Density is then
translated into
porosity.
Hydrogen
Gamma
Ray
Receiver
Gamma Ray
Neutron-Density
Log
Drilling and Well
Neutron and
Density
Logs
Drilling and Well
Control Training
Control Training
NOTE:
The Neutron and
Density logs are radioactive source logs and
should be run after
evaluating hole
condition with other
logs, i.e. Induction, etc.
Neutron
kicks left
in shale.
They work 10 times

better together.
The Neutron-Density
combination is good for
determining:
Porosity
Lithology
Rock bulk Density
17
Resistivity
1. Correlation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Radioactive
Element
Gamma Ray NeutronDensity Logs are

synergistic.
Caliper & Resistivity
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Rule of Thumb
Shale:
Neutron always to left of density
Sand:
Neutron to right, clean sand: 6% porosity

separation, gas sand: > 6% separation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Neutron and Density Log
Limestone: Curves track, Hydrocarbon effect: 2-4%

Dolomite: Neutron always to left, check gamma ray
(may look like shale).
Salt:
Neutron 0%, Density +42%
Anhydrite: Neutron 0%, Density -17%.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
18
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Rule of Thumb (N-D Log)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shale:
Neutron always to left
Sand:
Neutron to right, clean sand: 6% porosity

separation, gas sand: > 6% separation
Limestone: Curves Trac, Hydro-carbon effect: 2-4%

Dolomite: Neutron always to left, check gamma ray
(may look like shale).
Salt:
Neutron 0%, Density +42%
Anhydrite: Neutron 0%, Density -17%.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Uses
Logging Uses of
Neutron-Density
Neutron and Density
1. Correlation
Yes
2. Shale
Yes
3. Bit Selection
Yes (best)
4. Lithology
Yes
5. Completion
Yes
6. Post Appraisal
Yes
Yes
8. Permeability
No
Logging
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Logging
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pop Quiz
Anhydrite
Dolomite
What are these rocks?
Anhydrite
Dolomite
Logging
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dolomite
Limestone
Limestone:
Tracking
Hard drilling
19
Logging
ODT &AWC Day 7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sandstone
Limestone Scale:
Dolomite
If the dotted line is to

the left, it is dolomite.
Logging
Sandstone
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sandstone
If the dotted line is to

the right, it is sand.
Tracking
Lmt & SS
Limestone
Sandstone
Logging
Logging
Limestone
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Shale
Sandstone
Shale
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sandstone
High Water Content
Shales (very
unstable), (Stuck
Anchor on D.S.T.)
Shale
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Density Log Limestone Scale
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Apparent Porosity for Anhydrite

App.Porosity
Shale
Density Log Limestone Scale
Apparent Porosity For Sandstone of Zero Porosity
2.71 2.98
2.71 1.1
App. Porosity =
App. Porosity = -16.8%

Density of Limestone = 2.71 gm/cc
Density of Anhydrite = 2.98
Density of Formation Fluid = 1.1
2.71-2.65
2.71-1.1
= 3.7%
Density of Limestone
= 2.71 gm/cc
Density of Sandstone
= 2.65
20
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Density Log Sandstone Scale
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Apparent Porosity For Limestone Of Zero Porosity
Apparent Porosity For Anhydrite

Apparent Porosity
Density Log Sandstone Scale
2.65 2.98
2.65 1.1
Apparent Porosity
2.65 2.71
2.65 1.1
Apparent Porosity = -21.3%
Apparent Porosity = -3.9%
= 2.65 gm/cc
Density of Anhydrite
= 2.98
= 2.65 gm/cc
Density of Anhydrite
= 2.71
Sonic Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sonic Logs are good for:

Carbonate (worm
hole porosity)
Fractures
Formation
bedding plains
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sonic Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Mohs Scale of Hardness

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Seismic While Drilling
Talc
Gypsum
Calcium
Fluorite
Apatite
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Why do we need
seismic while
drilling?
To help
geologists with
their correlations.
To set casing at
the correct depth.
21
6. Orthoclase
7. Quartz
8. Topaz
9. Corundum
10.Diamond
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Basic
Induction
Log
Principles
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Used for determining

formation resistivity.
Resistivity Log
Resistivity
from 2000 Hz Waveforms
Log from
2000+
Waveforms
Drilling and Well
Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Resistivity Log
Resistivity Detection of water table and shale layers in

horizontal wells.
NMR Logging
Drilling and Well

Control Training
NMR Logging: (Nuclear

Magnetic Resonance Logging)
NMR Principles
Getting the rocks ready:

In preparation, a steady
magnetic field is emitted
by the logging tool.
This aligns the atomic
nuclei in the formation in
the N-S direction so that
they can react uniformly to
a signal from the tool.
1938 The phenomenon

discovered and proven in the lab.
1960 Schlumberger made
first logging run.
2007 Technology has made
the miracle tool possible.
22
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
NMR Principles
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Getting the rocks ready:

Most nuclei have a natural
spin, and therefore have a
north and south magnetic
pole.
Each nucleus of an
element has a proprietary
resonant frequency.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stimulating the Nuclei:

A second burst, this time of an
induced FM radio signal at a
frequency (KHz) equal to a
known procession spin
(wobble) rate for a particular
element, and at 90 degrees to the
original aligning magnetic field,
knock the nucleus into a wobble
in sync with the FM signal.
NMR Principles
Drilling and Well

Control Training
NMR Principles
This precession rate is much

slower than the resonant spin
rate, and will decrease to zero
in a few seconds.
The nucleus of this element

will radiate back FM signals to
the tools receiver, saying, I
am here, but getting weaker in
this sticky fluid in this tiny
hole.
The precession rate inside a

pore is slowest in oil, medium
in water, and fastest in gas.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
NMR Principles
When the wobble ceases, the

decay spin (spin relaxation
time) has been measured.
NMR Principles
Drilling and Well

Control Training
NMR Principles
Number of Neutrons and Protons in Various Elements and

Resonant Frequency in MHz:
A Fermion is a nucleus with an odd number of protons
and neutrons.
A Boson is a nucleus with an even number of protons
and neutrons.
NOTE: The Fermion is more likely to have a higher
Resonant Frequency than the Boson. The number to the
left of the element symbol is the total number of protons
and neutrons (atomic weight). The number beneath is
the resonant frequency in MHz.
All this information reflected back allows computation of:

Molecular weight and determination of lithology.
Pore size and porosity.
Permeability
Free fluid (percentages of oil, water, gas)
Rock-bound fluid
Viscosity of free fluid
Temperature and porosity
Movable oil and fluid saturations in the invaded zone
Further conclusions are drawn from computer
calculations.
23
ODT &AWC Day 7
NMR Principles
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Perforating:
Gamma-Ray
Tie-In The
Open Hole Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fermions:
3H
13C
13N
15O
21Na
25Mg
27Al
29Si
33S
35Cl
45.4
10.7
4.9
11.0
12.1
2.6
11.1
8.5
3.3
4.2
2H
14N
22Na
32P
36Cl
40K
42K
52Mn
6.5
3.1
4.4
1.9
4.9
2.5
4.3
3.9
Bosons:
For heavier elements, with atomic weight above 70, the

resonant frequency becomes very small.
Perforating:
Gamma-Ray
Tie-In The
Open Hole Log
Perforating:
Gamma-Ray
Tie-In The
Open Hole Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Base logs for 6,415
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Perforating: GammaRay Tie-In The GammaRay Log
Perforating:
Gamma-Ray
Tie-In The
Open Hole Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
First Run
They dont match up yet.
What must be done to make

this log look like the first
one?
12 feet must be added to
match it up.
24
Sandstone Scale
ODT &AWC Day 7
Perforating:
Gamma-Ray
Tie-In The
Open Hole Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Now, the two logs

match up.
Perforating:
Gamma-Ray
Tie-In The
Open Hole Log
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Now, we are ready

to perforate.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Perforating
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Perforation
can penetrate
into the
formation
30-40 inches.
Report number
and position
(depth) of bad
shots.
25
Perforating
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Perforating
Drilling and Well

Control Training
It is important to make a full

report of the perforating job.
Report should have said...

Perforated well through the 7 casing
at 9:32a.m., 10/23/96, with
Schlumberger Hyperjet II guns, 0.375
diameter hole size, 4 jet charges per
foot, at the following intervals:
8613-8635, 22, 88 charges
8656-8693, 37, 148 charges
8722-8753, 31, 124 charges
(360 total jet charges)
Bigmax Oil Company Western

District Well, Bullfeather #32,
October 23, 1996
Perforated well as per completion
procedure. All guns fired.
This does not give us all the
information that is needed. A full
report should be made.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Perforating
Perforating
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Report should have said...
7 misfires (slight to partial

penetration of the carrier case)
occurred at the following
depths: 8628, 8663.5, 8671,
8678, 8689.25, 8732,
8747.75.
BOP Equipment Presentation
Overview of Land & Subsea

BOP Equipment Slideshow
BOP Equipment Characteristics
BOP Design Considerations
Subsea Considerations
(7 misfires, or 1.94% of the total)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Overview of Land & Subsea
Drilling and Well

Control Training
26
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pipe Rams are designed to

close around a specific size
of drillpipe or casing. Most
pipe rams are designed to
be run with 1,500 psi
closing pressure.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Blind Rams are designed to

seal on open hole, when there
is no pipe or casing in the
hole. A blind/shear ram is
designed to shear some sizes
of drillpipe and then seal off
the open hole. They will not
shear tool joints. Shear rams
are designed to operate with
up to 3,000 psi
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
All ram type blow out

preventers mentioned in this
section incorporate a
weephole and secondary
sealing mechanism between
the operating chamber and the
interior of the BOP. The
function of the weephole is to
isolate wellbore pressure from
the pressure in the operating
cylinder.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
The Wedgelock is a
hydraulic mechanism
which allows the BOP
to be locked in the
closed position
remotely.
This locks the Ram in
position even if
hydraulic closing
pressure is lost.
Large bore shear bonnets

are designed to increase
the available shearing
force required to shear
high strength and high
quality pipe.
27
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Multiple Position
Locking (MPL)
System for remote
automatic locking of
the BOP.
A mechanical lock is
automatically set each
time the ram is closed.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Poslock pistons are

locked automatically in
the closed position each
time they are closed. The
preventers remain in the
closed position even if
closing pressure is
removed.
Poslock pistons are
adjusted in the factory.
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The UltraLock system provides a maintenance

free and adjustment free locking system.
The rams will continue to be held in a locked
position even in the event that hydraulic pressure
is lost or removed
The locking system is a mechanical lock which
consists of spring loaded segments that allow a
greater number of locked positions.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
BOP Equipment
Annular BOPs are

designed to close
around any size of
drillpipe, drill collar,
or tool joint.
The annular BOPs
take much longer to
close than RAM
BOPs.
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Nitrile rubber (a synthetic

compound) is for use with oil
based or oil additive drilling fluids
when operated at temperatures
between 20F to 190F.
Neoprene rubber is for low
temperature operating service and
oil based drilling temperatures
between -30F to 170F. It is
detrimentally affected by
extended high temperature
applications.
Natural rubber is
compounded for drilling
with water based drilling
fluids.
Natural rubber-packing
unit will usually provide
the longest service life
when properly applied.
Operating temperature
range -30F to 225F.
28
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Typical diverter for

multiple sizes of pipe.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Control line
arrangement for
automatic control of
valve on diverter line.
When diverter closes
the valve
automatically opens
due to being hooked
up to the same
hydraulic fluid source.
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Inside Blow Out

Preventer (IBOP)
The inside Blow Out
Preventer (IBOP) is a
type of float valve
which can be pumped
through the top, but
will hold pressure
from below.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
BOP Equipment
Kelly Valve
A kelly valve is a small
one-piece valve that can
easily be handled by one
person. It has a pressure
rating of 10,000 to 15,000
psi. It has metal to metal
seals and will withstand
pressure from below or
above.
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Top Drive Drill/Drill Pipe

Safety Valves
Top drives incorporate an
upper and lower Kelly
guard as pictured. Their
design allows the upper
splined valve to be
manually opened and
closed with an actuator in
place as well as remote
operation.
BOP Equipment
Mud Gas Separator

The Poorboy
degasser derives its
name from its
simple yet efficient
design.
Unlike the vacuum
degasser, does not
remove entrained or
dissolved gas
29
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Mud Gas Separator
Mud Gas Separator

Example: If the
current mud weight
is 12.5 and the
height of the mud
seal is 10 feet, what
is the rated working
pressure?
The length and

diameter of the vent
line (D1) will
determine the pressure
build-up in the
separator.
The rated working
pressure of the
separator is
determined by the
mud seal height (H1)
and the mud weight.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PW H1 MW 0.052
PW 10 12.5 0.052 6.5 psi
BOP Equipment
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The three types of

connections commonly
found on BOPs and
BOP equipment.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Two types of ring gaskets for most flange connections.
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cameron Iron Works

Subsea Type AX
Pressure Energized
Ring Gaskets
The defining
characteristics of the
AX is the groove
that allows the AX
type to be retrieved
upon disconnect.
Designing BOP Equipment
Considerations
1. Pressure
This is one of the biggest
considerations.
You must design, install,
maintain, test and use the BOP
system and system components to
ensure well control. The workingpressure rating must exceed
maximum anticipated surface
pressure....
See Workbook, BSEE Rules, page 16 250.440.
30
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Considerations
Considerations
2. Size
3. Arrangement
13 = the clearance through the BOPE.

The tools that will be run must also be considered.
The BOP stack must include at least four remotecontrolled, hydraulically operated BOPs consisting
of one annular BOP, two BOPs equipped with pipe
rams, and one BOP equipped with blind or
blind/shear rams. The blind/shear ram must be
capable of shearing the drill pipe that is in the hole.

See Workbook, BOP Chapter.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
See Workbook, BSEE Rules, pages 15-16, 250.441 (a), 250.442 (b).
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Considerations
Considerations
3. Arrangement
3. Arrangement
a) Stack
a) Stack
A foreman needs to
make sure all BOP
equipment is working
properly.
The pipe rams are changed for casing.

Note: Many stacks do not have spools.
They have bored rams for choke and kill
lines.
See Workbook, BOP Chapter.

See Well Control Manual, page 30, Figure JA-3.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
See Workbook, BOPE, page 10, Figure BOP-13.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Considerations
Considerations
3. Arrangement
b) Choke Line/ Kill line
Requires 25 - 36 of spacing
between sheer ram and hang
off ram.
Hang Off For
Routine Kicks
A choke line and a kill line on the BOP stack.

You must equip each line with two full-opening
valves, one of which must be remote controlled.
For a subsea BOP system, both valves in each line
must be remote-controlled....
Hang Off For

Bad Weather
See Workbook, BSEE Rules, page 18, 250.443 (d).
See Workbook, BOPE, page 13, Figure BOP-22.
31
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Considerations
Considerations
3. Arrangement
b) Choke Line/ Kill line
4. Trim (H2S)
Use BOP system components, wellhead, pressurecontrol equipment, and related equipment exposed to
H2S-bearing fluids in conformance with NACE
Standard MR017503 (as specified in 250.198).
Elastomer seals. You must use H2S-resistant
materials for all seals which may be exposed to
fluids containing H2S.
What is the arrangement of the Hydraulic and

Manual valves on the Choke Line?
High MW: Hydraulic inside, Manual outside.
(Extreme cold)
Normal MW: Manual inside, Hydraulic outside
Everything subsea is Hydraulic Type.
See Workbook, BSEE Rules, page 27, 250.490.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Considerations
Considerations
5. BOP Testing Requirements
When you pressure test the BOP system, you must conduct a lowpressure and a high-pressure test for each BOP component. You
must conduct the low-pressure test before the high-pressure test.
Each individual pressure test must hold pressure long enough to
demonstrate that the tested component(s) holds the required
pressure. Required test pressures are as follows:
(b) High-pressure test for ram-type BOPs, the choke manifold, and
other BOP components. The high-pressure test must equal the rated
working pressure of the equipment or be 500 psi greater than your
calculated maximum anticipated surface pressure (MASP) for the
applicable section of hole. Before you may test BOP equipment to the
MASP plus 500 psi, the District Manager must have approved those
test pressures in your APD.
(a) Low-pressure test. All low-pressure tests must be between

200 and 300 psi. Any initial pressure above 300 psi must be
bled back to a pressure between 200 and 300 psi before starting
the test. If the initial pressure exceeds 500 psi, you must bleed
back to zero and reinitiate the test.
(c) High pressure test for annular-type BOPs. The high pressure test
must equal 70 percent of the rated working pressure of the equipment
or to a pressure approved in your APD.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Considerations
Considerations
6. Accumulator, volume, etc.

You must install an accumulator
system that provides 1.5 times the
volume of fluid capacity necessary
to close and hold closed all BOP
components. The system must
perform with a minimum pressure of
200 psi above the pre-charge
pressure without assistance from a
charging system...
(d) Duration of pressure test. Each test must hold the required pressure
for 5 minutes. However, for surface BOP systems and surface
equipment of a subsea BOP system, a 3-minute test duration is
acceptable if you record your test pressures on the outermost half of a
4-hour chart, on a 1-hour chart, or on a digital recorder. If the
equipment does not hold the required pressure during a test, you must
correct the problem and retest the affected component(s).
See Workbook, BSEE Rules, page 17, 250.441 (c).
32
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Surface Accumulator Requirements

API STD 53 12.3.2
Subsea Accumulator Requirements

API STD 53 13.3.2
BOP systems should have sufficient usable hydraulic

fluid volume (with the pumps inoperative) to close one
annular and all rams from a full open position and open
one HCR against zero well pressure. At the conclusion
of these operations the remaining accumulator pressure
shall be no less than 200 psi above the minimum
recommended precharge pressure.
BOP systems should have sufficient usable hydraulic

fluid volume (with the pumps inoperative) to close and
open one annular and all rams from a full open position
against zero well pressure. At the conclusion of these
operations the remaining accumulator pressure shall be
no less than 200 psi above the minimum recommended
precharge pressure.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What is the stored fluid volume in an 10-gallon bottle with 1000-psi

Nitrogen pre-charge?
Considerations
6. Accumulators (API STD 53 12.3.1)
P1V1 =P2 V2 or V2
Stored Hydraulic Fluid: The fluid

volume recoverable from the
accumulator system between the
maximum designed accumulator
operating pressure and the precharge
pressure.
Usable Hydraulic Fluid: The
hydraulic fluid recoverable from the
accumulator system between the
maximum accumulator operating
pressure and 200 psi above pre-charge
pressure.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
P1V1
P2
VHF VAcc VGas

Where:
P1 = Nitrogen pre-charge
V1 = Volume of of Nitrogen gas
P2 = Pressure of accumulator
V2 = Volume of Nitrogen gas
VHF = Volume of hydraulic fluid
VGas = Volume of Nitrogen gas
VAcc = Volume of accumulator
Usable Fluid In Accumulator
Drilling and Well

Control Training
See Workbook, BOPE, page 17.
What is the usable fluid in the bottle with a minimum

required closing pressure of 1200 psi?
What is the stored fluid volume

in an 10-gallon bottle with 1000psi Nitrogen pre-charge at 3,000
psi operating pressure?
V2
V2
P1V1 (1000)(10)
8.33 gal
P2
1200
VHFMDD 10 8.33 1.67
P1V1 (1000)(10)
3.33 gal
P2
3000
VUHF VHFOP VHFMDD

VUHF 6.67 1.67 5 gal
VHFOP VBottle VGas

VHFOP 10 3.33 6.67 gal
33
ODT &AWC Day 7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What is the usable fluid in the bottle with a minimum

required closing pressure of 1200 psi?
IWCF Formula #19
13
10,000
GK Hydril Annular
13
10,000
U CIW Ram
Accumulator Bottle Useable Fluid (gallons)
(1) 13
10,000
U/B Blind-Shear Ram
(1) 4
10,000
F CIW CL Valve
(1) 4
10,000
F CIW KL Valve
Precharge Pressure psi Precharge Pressure psi
Bottle Sizegal
Minimum Pressure psi Maximum Pressure psi

1000 1000
10 5 gallons
1200 3000
(This example uses the BSEE requirements.)

Refer to WC Manual tables, pages 145-154, to help choose a system.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

# BOPs
Close
Open
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
29.35
11.60
11.60
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.59
Hydril Annular
Ram
Blind Ram
CL/KL Valves
Subtotal
Total
Accumulator
Operating
Pressure
psi
750
1,000
1,000
1,500
0.125
0.33
0.5
0.582
psi
Accumulator
Size
Factor
8
3
2
1.72
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What is the accumulator size

needed to have enough usable
volume (80 gallons) for the BOP
system.
VT
Usable Fluid
Volume*
(fraction of
bottle size)
*Note: Based on minimum discharge pressure of 200 psi above

pre-charge pressure.
Refer to WC Manual tables, pages 145-154, to help choose a system.
VUFraction
Minimum
Recommended
Precharge
Pressure
1500
2,000
3,000
5,000
52.55
0.59
53.14 + 50% = 79.7 gallons of hydraulic fluid
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How many bottles are required to

give us the needed 80 gallons of
hydraulic fluid?
VUHF
5
0.5
VBottle 10
# Bottles
VReq
VUsable
80
16.0
5
# Bottles 16
V Re q
80
160 gallons
VUFraction 0.5
34
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How many bottles are required to give us the needed 81

gallons of hydraulic fluid if the BOP stack is rated for
15,000 psi and we have a 10.6 closing ratio?
What is the usable fluid in the

bottle with a minimum required
closing pressure of 1415 psi?
The Closing Ratio is the ratio of the wellhead pressure to

the pressure required to close the BOP.
V2
PMin
P1V1 (3000)(3.33)
7.06 gal Nit

P2
1415.09
VHFMDD 10 7.06 2.94 gal HF
BOP Rating
15,000
1415.1 psi
Closin g Ratio
10.6
VUHF VHFOP VHFMDD

VUHF 6.67 2.94 3.73 gal
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What is the usable fluid in the

bottle with a minimum required
closing pressure of 1415 psi?
How many bottles are required to

give us the needed 80 gallons of
hydraulic fluid?
IWCF Formula #19

# Bottles
VReq
VUsable
80
21.4
3.73
# Bottles 22

Precharge Pressure psi Precharge Pressure psi
Bottle Sizegal
Minimum Pressure psi Maximum Pressure psi
Because of the closing ratio, the usable amount of

hydraulic fluid per bottle has changed. Therefore, the
number of bottles has increased from 17 to 22.
1000
1000
10 3.73 gallons
1415.09 3000
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Checking Average Pre-Charge
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Checking Average Pre-Charge
1. Pick up test joint and test plug.

2. Isolate charging pumps.
6. Calculate average pre-charge if our pressure

accumulator drawdown (PF) if 1900 psi.
3. Read pressure on Accumulators. 3,000 psi

4. Close annular BOP. 29.35 gal
PN
(VU )(PAcc )(PF )

VT PI - PF
PN
(29.35)(3000)(1900)
294 (3000-1900)
5. Read accumulator pressure again. 1,900 psi
PN 517psi
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure chapter, page 2.
517 psi
PAcc
PN
PI
Accumulator Pressure
Pressure Nitrogen Pre-Charge
Initial Accumulator Pressure
PF
VT
VA
VU
Pressure Accumulator Drawdown

Total Accumulator Volume
Volume Available
Volume Hydraulic Fluid Used
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure chapter, page 2.

35
ODT &AWC Day 7
What To Do If Average
Pre-Charge Is Low
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Drain all hydraulic fluid back into the reservoir.

On some large rigs, there are isolating valves and
bottles (cylinders) can be checked individually.

The main purpose of a

marine riser is to
provide a closed
pathway between the
BOP stack and the
drilling vessel.
2. Check each cylinder separately to determine which

cylinders are low and need to be pressured up.
3. Pressure up low cylinders with 1000 psi of nitrogen
(for 3,000 psi accumulator).
a. A good source of clean nitrogen is critical.
b. Dirty nitrogen is extremely dangerous.
4. Pressure up all cylinders with hydraulic fluid to
operating pressure.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Diverter and Housing

Connects the top of the riser to
the vessel and allows return mud
to be directed to pits or over
board
Top Flex Joint
Allows for the lateral movement
of the rig in relation to the riser.
Goosenecks
Provides the connections for the
choke, kill, and boost lines.
Telescope (slip) joint

allows for up and down
movement in the marine
riser.
Drilling and Well

Control Training


Riser
Tensioner
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Riser Tensioners
1. Purpose
To provide sufficient tension to
keep the riser straight
2. How They Work

Large air cylinders provide
tension in the system and
compensate for rig movement
3. Recoil System
Controls speed of changes in the
system
36
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Two additional factors that

must be considered when
calculating the required
tension on the tensioner
lines are:
Friction over Sheaves
Angle to the riser
Riser Tension Calculation

Tens.TJ WRiser WLMRP VM MW WSW OP
Where:
TensTJ
WRiser
WLMRP
VM
MW
WSW
OP
Drilling and Well

Control Training
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
BOP Equipment
Tension in Top Joint (lbs)

Weight of Riser (lbs)
Weight of Lower Marine Riser Package (lbs)
Volume of Mud (gal)
Mud Weight (ppg)
Weight of Sea Water (ppg)
Overpull (lbs)
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Riser Recoil System

1. Controls the speed at which tensioner cylinders
will extend in event of EDS.
2. Why Its Needed
BOP Equipment
While BOPs nominal size is the through bore

(minimum ID of BOP), risers nominal size is the
OD of the riser pipe.
As an example a 16 BOP stack would require
a minimum of a 18 riser.
When the riser is released, or parts, it loses the

weight of the mud in the riser and any overpull that
has been applied. If left without control speed
limits the system will damage the equipment trying
to adjust for the large loss of weight.
See Workbook, BOPE Chapter, page 19.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Riser Running Equipment
Riser Running Equipment
Hydraulic Riser Running Tool
Riser Connector (high pressure)
37
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Riser Running
Equipment
Three types of flotation have

been used on marine risers
Foamed matrix material.
Syntactic floatation
material.
Air tanks.
Riser joint
Riser spider
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
In subsea operations the BOPs are placed on the

well head at the sea floor for two reasons:
BOP Equipment
The operational characteristics of both surface

based and subsea BOPs are similar.
Both use hydraulic pressure to close the BOPs.
Both require two operations to function a BOP.
So that the rig can move off location without

disturbing the wellhead.
To provide a firm and solid base for the blowout
preventers.
The most significant difference in the two BOPs

is the control system.
Surface control systems are direct operated from the
control panel.
Subsea control systems operate pilot valves that control
the hydraulic system to function a BOP.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Drilling-vessel heave causes:
Subsea vs. Surface BOP Stack
Constant pipe movement in the hole

Problems in detecting a kick
Can cause excessive loads on the
derrick.
Surface
Operating fluid passes through 4 way valve
Vented fluid returns to accumulator
Subsea
The motions compensator is used

to prevent or minimize the effects
of vessel movement on the drill
string, but does not enhance the
ability to detect a kick.
Accumulator on BOP stack

Signal from control valve to pilot in control pod, pilot
valve functions the appropriate SPM valve
Operating fluid vents to sea
38
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
In a subsea
operation the
wellhead is
usually welded
to the surface
casing and is
run with the
permanent
guide base.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The wellhead serves the following functions:

Supports and houses subsequent casing strings.
Provides a foundation for the BOP stack.
Provides a pressure seal between casing and the
BOP stack.
BOP Equipment
Subsea BOP Test Plug

The BOP Test Plug can
be run without pulling
the wear bushing.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
In ultra-deep water with heavier muds, the

hydrostatic difference between the mud and
seawater must be considered when testing BOPs
to nominal pressure.
Test Plug
Wear Bushing
For example, with a 15.0 ppg and seawater that is

8.7 ppg, at a water depth of 10,000 feet, there is
3,276 psi difference that must be accounted for.
Casing
Hangar
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The BOP stack is

usually guided to the
guide base using either
guide wires, or a funnel
on the bottom of the
stack and a ROV to
guide the stack into
place.
BOP Equipment
The following is the API nomenclature for a BOP stack.

5M Maximum rated working pressure
13 Through bore of the BOP
CH Remote control connector with full
working pressure
R Ram type blowout preventer
A Annular type blowout preventer
39
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The hydraulic fluid is used to operate subsea

preventers is fresh water mixed with biocide and
environmentally friendly lubricants.
Because of the hydrostatic pressure of the
hydraulic fluid in the control line the fluid in the
BOP is not returned to the accumulator system
when a function is performed, instead it is vented
to the sea.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lower Riser Package (LMRP)

The LMRP is usually
comprised of the hydraulic
connector, the flexible joint,
jumpers for kill and choke
lines, and an annular
preventer. In some cases
there will be two annular
preventers in the LMRP.
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Control Systems
BOP Equipment
Hydraulic BOP
Control Systems
1. Original Type
2. Valves controlled by
Hydraulic Pressure
3. Uses pilot pressure
signal
4. Vents operating fluid
to the sea
1. Primary
a. Hydraulic
b. MUX
2. Secondary
a. Acoustic
b. ROV Intervention
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MUX system
1. Electric Hydraulic
System
2. Electric signal from
control valve to SPM valve
3. Two way communication
4. SPM valve gets order and
operates
40
BOP Equipment
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Acoustic BOP Control

1. Emergency Use
2. Separate Pod
3. Limited Functions
4. Interference
5. Whale Myth
ROV Intervention
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
After killing a well using any of the well control

methods the BOPs can not be opened until the
riser and kill line are filled with kill mud.
The stack has to be flushed to insure that there is
no trapped gas in the stack that might migrate up
the riser when the BOPs are opened.
The following is a procedure to perform the stack
flushing operation.
ROV Intervention
1. Emergency system
2. Does not use Pod
3. Uses sea water as
operating fluid
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Sequence #1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
After killing kick with 14.0 ppg mud in 5,000 of

water a small gas bubble (2 bbl) remains in the
BOPs trapped below the pipe rams.
Well has been killed

and riser has been
filled with Kill Mud.
How much gas is this if allowed to expand up the

riser?
One barrel of gas is

trapped below the
rams.
P1V1 P2 V2 or V2 =
V2
P1V1
P2
2 5, 000 14.0 0.052 14.7

14.7
496 bbl
This is 1, 478 in a 21 riser, a loss of 928 psi hydrostatic.
41
ODT &AWC Day 7
Sequence #2
Sequence #3
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Close the bottom pipe

ram to isolate the
wellhead.
Open up the fail-safe
valve to the Kill Line
(KL).
Circulate sea water
down Choke Line
(CL), across the BOP,
and up the KL.
Once KL and CL have

been displaced with
sea water, stop
circulating.
Line up to circulate
across the riser and to
take returns out both
the CL and the KL.
Sequence #4
Sequence #5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Circulate Kill Mud

across the riser to keep
it full when U-Tubing
out the sea water and
trapped gas.
Once the sea water and

trapped gas have been
U-tubed out, close the
ram above the KL.
Circulate Kill Mud
down CL, across the
BOP, and up the KL.
Open up the top pipe

rams and U-Tube the
sea water and trapped
gas out the CL and KL.
Circulate until you

have Kill Mud returns.
Sequence #6
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Before resuming
operations, check
below the closed ram
for pressure before
opening.
CHOKE AND KILL LINES

Choke and kill lines should have the same
maximum working pressure as the BOP stack.
Choke and kill lines should have at least two
full-opening hydraulically controlled fail safe
closed valves adjacent to the preventers.
42
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
There should be multiple vent lines from the

diverter and the poor boy gas buster on the rig to
allow gas to be vented to the down wind side of
the rig.
Subsea Accumulators
A semi-submersible is in 2,000 feet of water with a
subsea BOP stack and a 5,000 psi accumulator with
a 1,500 psi pre-charge is being used. It needs 800
gallons of usable hydraulic fluid; and 700 gallons
will be stored on surface and the remaining 100
gallons will be stored on the subsea BOP stack, what
is the total volume needed on the surface
accumulator system?
What is the total volume needed on the subsea BOP
accumulator system?
The down wind side of an offshore rig is referred

to as the leeward side of the rig. Leeward is the
maritime term for down wind.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Subsea Accumulators Surface Accum. Volume

V2
V3
PHSW D 0.445 2,000 0.445 890 psi
5000 6
17.65 gal Nitrogen (2.35 gal HF)

1700
VUHF 14 2.35 11.65
VT
VUHF 11.65
0.5825
VBottle
20
VReq
VUFraction
VT
VReq
V3
5000 890 14.7 8.14 18.48 gal Nitrogen (1.52 gal HF)
1700 890 14.7
-
Hydrostatic Pressure of Sea Water

Atmospheric pressure (14.7 psi)
Gradient of sea water (0.445 psi/ft)
Depth of water (ft)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Gas Hydrates (gas clathrates) - are crystalline

compounds in which an isometric (cubic) ice
(H2O) lattice contains cages that incorporate
small guest gas molecules. They are stable at
high pressures and low temperatures, above and
below the ice point. The ice lattices are stable
only when the cages contain a gas molecule.
Can be hydrocarbon (C1 - C5), CO2, or H2S.
V
10.31
UHF
0.5165
VBottle
20
VUFraction
P1V1 (1500 890 14.7)(20)

P2
5000 890 14.7
PHSW
PAtm
GSW
D
700
1201.7 gal or 61 bottles
0.5825
Subsea Accumulators Volume

VUFraction
V2
VUHF 11.85 1.52 10.33
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Subsea Accumulators Subsea Accum. Volume
P1V1 (1500)(20)

P2
5000
VUFraction
Usable Fluid In Subsea

Accumulator
100
193.61 gal or 10 20-gallon bottles
0.5165
Note: At the 2,000 foot depth, the subsea accumulator bank

only needs 10 bottles and a total volume of 200 gallons. At a
depth of 8,000 feet, the same subsea accumulator bank would
need a total of 280 gallons or 14 bottles. Therefore, it is
important to size the subsea accumulator to the maximum
anticipated depth that the semi-submersible will work.
43
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 7
BOP Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Gas Hydrates
Gas Hydrates
The Reverse Riser Method (Tourly method)
cannot be used to check Choke Line Friction
with hydrate inhibitors (like Glycol) in choke and
kill lines.
Use the Choke Line Friction that was recorded
during the drill out and, if necessary, correct for
new mud weight.
Gas hydrates can occur in depths of water over 600,

and are more common in depths of 1,000 or deeper.
As the choke line/kill line temperatures decline to
the seafloor water temperature, the formation of
hydrates can be prevented by using a glycol,
methanol, or salt mixture (10% to 40% by weight) in
choke and kill line.
The use of glycol or other hydrate inhibitor is often
used in water depths in excess of 6,000.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
BOP Equipment
Correcting Choke Line Friction

Once CLF has been established, it can be revised
when there is a change in mud weight by using the
following formula.
CLFCorrected CLF
CLFCorrected 150
BOP Equipment
MWN
MWO
12.0
164 psi
11.0
44
Todays Headlines
Instructions on
Presents
Blowout-Prevention
Equipment
Well-Control
Murchison
Drilling Schools
for
Operations
Rotary Helpers and
Derrickmen
Formation
fluids
entering
the hole
push mud
out.
Mud Flow Return Sensor
30
40 50 60
20
LO
ADJUST
PADDLE
100
RETURN
MUD
FLOW
LO
HI
FLOW FLOW
HI
ADJUST
SMOOTHING
MUD
FLOW
ON
PADDLE
MOVEMENT
90
MUD FLOW SENSOR
70
80
10
LO
MED
HI
FLOW-METER
PROPORTIONATE
READING
Mud-return indicator should be

checked by noting operation
when pump is turned on.
Also, the pump rate should be
changed to see if sensor indicates
change in flow.
Laser Level Transmitter
Laser Sensors
Loss
Gain
Loss
Gain
Be sure floats move easily and

increase in volume is shown
on instrument and recorder.
Gas Cut Mud
GAS DETECTOR
Check for broken lines and dirty
detector heads.
MAINTENANCE OF
VACUUM DEGASSERS
Check vacuum pump for proper oil
level and belt tightness.
Move float-control arm and valve to
ensure free travel.
Check for leaks in suction by looking
for air in discharged mud.
MAINTENANCE OF PUMP
DEGASSERS
Check pump inlet for buildup of mud solids
and lost circulation materials.
Inspect inlet screen for plugging.
Check all belts for tightness.
Inspect electrical connections.
TRIP TANKS
A trip tank can
automatically fill the hole,
or..
the driller may have to

start the pump.
MAINTENANCE OF
TRIP TANKS
Check tank valves for easy
operation.
Check drillers readout panel for
accuracy.
TWO TYPES OF BOPs

Two types of BOPs used in
preventer stack:
Annular BOP
Ram-type BOP
Cameron Type of Annular Preventer
10
ANNULAR BOP
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE OF ANNULAR BOP
SHOULD INCLUDE:
Picking up the jet sub and positioning it in the
lower part of the BOP and jetting out solids which
could include drill solids, barite and even cement.
Activating the Annular and making sure it will
open fully. Solids collected under the operator will
sometimes prevent the Annular from being fully
opened.
11
ANNULAR PREVENTERS
BASIC MAINTENANCE FOR
ANNULAR PREVENTER
Check all hydraulic lines for leaks.
Leaks should be repaired immediately.
12
ANNULAR PREVENTERS
BASIC MAINTENANCE
FOR DIVERTERS
Make sure there are no leaks
in the hydraulic control lines.
13
RAM BOPS
BASIC MAINTENANCE FOR
RAM BOPS:
Check daily for leaks in
hydraulic lines!
14
15
ACCUMULATOR SYSTEM
Accumulator maintenance
includes:
Checking daily for leaks in
hydraulic lines.
16
CHOKE MANIFOLD
All valves should be opened
and closed fully, and lubricated
if necessary.
CHOKE MANIFOLD
Be sure that it is securely
fastened down.
17
MUD-GAS SEPARATORS
Check mud and gas lines for
leaks.
If float is used, arm should be
lubricated.
DART
VALVE
type of
Inside
BOP.
18
INSIDE BOPS
Maintenance for Inside

BOPS include:
Keeping all inside BOPs
clean!
19
Kelly Cock Valve
KELLY COCK & SAFETY VALVE

Maintenance for the Kelly Cock and
Safety Valve include:
Opening and closing frequently to
be sure they are operating freely.
Greasing the valves when required.
20
Todays Headlines
The End
21
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Day Eight
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Review homework
Lost Circulation From Propagation Losses
ECD Drilling Technique
Underground Blowouts & Barite Plugs
Optimization & Bit Practices
Differential Sticking and Freeing Techniques
Kick-Off Plug
WellCAP Surface Review
Simulator Training (Volumetric & Lubrication)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Freeing Technique
Kick-Off Plug
All Day Eight Bonus
Homework is due today.
Lost Circulation From

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Difference between Seepage and Propagation Losses

Seepage Losses are defined by the industry as any low
rate of loss regardless of the actual mechanism. This is
not helpful. In our training ExxonMobil defines Seepage
Loss as occurring when whole mud or filtrate flows into
the rock without actually exceeding integrity. Its usually
a low rate loss of 5-20 bph, while fracture propagation
losses may be 2-4 bpm. Seepage occurs in all permeable
formations when were overbalanced (which is just about
all the time).
Fred Dupriest, ExxonMobile
I. Introduction
II. Induced Fractures
III. Solving A Lost Circulation
Problem Due To Propagation
Losses (Not Just In Abnormal
Pressure)

Pressure Chapter, page 49.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Day Eight Homework

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Definition of Fracture Closure Stress (FCS):

The stress holding the fracture faces closed is referred to
here as the Fracture Closure Stress (FCS). The closing
stress is equal to the fluid pressure required to open the
fracture. (Nolte) If the fluid density is reduced so that
the circulating pressure is less than this stress, the rock
closes and losses stop. Pressures that exceed the stress
cause the fracture to open and losses continue. Field data
has demonstrated that a mature fracture can be reopened
repeatedly and the opening pressure will not decline
because the minimum far field stress stored in the rock
does not change.

Propagation Losses
Field data has

demonstrated that a
mature fracture can be
reopened repeatedly and
the opening pressure will
not decline because the
minimum far field stress
stored in the rock does
not change.
ODT &AWC Day 8

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Rock Integrity
Figure 5.38 illustrates the relationship between fracture

width and closing stress.
Integrity is a function of stored stress, and

the strength of the rock itself.
Major losses occur through fracture
propagation. A fracture is opened when
the wellbore pressure is sufficient to
overcome the sum of 1) the stress holding
the rock closed, 2) the tensile strengths of
the rock and, 3) the fluid pressure in the
rock.

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pore pressure
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000

Propagation Losses
Some of the Causes of Propagation Losses:
Lots of room
4,000
Depth (ft)
For example, when the wellbore pressure

pushes the rock open and fluid is able to
reach beyond the wellbore to apply
pressure to the face of the growing
fracture, the hoop stress falls to zero, but
the far field stress is still present.
Furthermore, if the fracture is allowed to
close so that wellbore pressure cannot act
on its face, a portion of the stress may
return.

Propagation Losses
2,000

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Operationally, it is useful to view the

rock stress holding the fracture closed as
being comprised of two components The
major component is the minimum
principle far field stress.
The total compressive stress holding the
opening to the fracture closed is then the
sum of the large far field stress and the
additional smaller hoop stress in the near
wellbore region.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD > FCS
Narrow rangenot
much room for error.
Surge related to pipe movement.

Pump engagement without pipe being moved.
16,000
Spudding the pipe to deball and unplug bits.

Pumping air or gas cut mud down the hole.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
MW (ppg)
Reaction time is less on a shallow well!
ODT &AWC Day 8

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Permeable porous zones that have a
different frac modulus than shale or
non-permeable zones.
Drawn down reservoirs.

Natural fractures. (Keep problem below you.
Fix a problem before drilling ahead. Otherwise,
you will lose well control integrity.
A mud cake in a permeable zone will

strengthen it to about equal to a nonpermeable zone.
Mud properties such as yield point and gel

strengths.

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Identify and define the

problem. Propagation
losses.
2. Select the root cause. ECD
exceeds the fracture closure
stress (FCS).
3. Select the best solution. A
high water loss high %
solids LCM pill will be
hesitation squeezed in three
increments to increase FCS
greater than mud ECD.

Cake Being Knocked Off:
A trip
An oil kick
Gas
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Causes Of Lost Circulation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1: Determine the nature of the loss.

Propagation Losses
Choosing Treatment
Seepage - Matrix losses. Lost circulation materials for

matrix losses should be fine (0-100 microns). However,
blended LCM sizes are useful for matrix seepage losses
specifically because they allow a range of pore throats to
be blocked to reduce fluid loss. LCM pills for this type
loss should accomplish: 1) Matting; 2) Sealing; and
3)Bridging
1. Vugular
2. Seepage (Matrix)
3. Fracture propagation losses (90% of time)
Matting Fibers
Sealing Cellophane Flakes
Bridging Walnut Hulls
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Choosing Treatment
Reducing Mud Weight and ECD to less than

FCS (Fracture Propagation Mud Stress).
Fracture Propagation (90% of all cases). The model of fracture

behavior suggests that any successful treatment must achieve
two objectives simultaneously. These apply to all materials,
including LCM, cement, adhesive solids, and viscous setting
systems. The operator selects a treatment based on its ability to
achieve these objectives in a given situation.
The material must achieve and maintain isolation of the tip
as the fracture widens.
The final width must be sufficient to create a FCS closing
stress greater than ECD.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The ECD drilling technique is an operational

method to lower the mud losses by lowering
the ECD. The ECD is lowered by reducing:
1) the annular velocity, 2) the mud yield
point, 3) and the mud weight.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Requirements for Solving Propagation Losses:
4. Implement the solution.

1. LCM pill design;
2. Hydrostatic packer to
reduce hydrostatic to less
than FCS but not less than
pore pressure;
3. Operational plan for
placing the pill and
squeezing.
5. Document lessons learned. Post appraise, i.e. what
could be done to prevent the problem in the future, and
how the solution could be improved.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
1. You must achieve and sustain fracture tip isolation as

wellbore pressure is used to widen the fracture.
2. You must permanently prop the fracture with
sufficient width, so the closing stress exceeds the
circulating pressure needed to drill ahead.
Note:
This approach is most successful in permeable
formation.
The success rate in building significant integrity
decreases in low or damaged permeability.
Choosing Treatment and

LCM Application
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Layering
1. Is the lost circulation zone permeable?
When treating a low permeable zone for fracture

propagation, hesitation squeezing becomes necessary
to allow the LCM to be built up in layers, without the
development of an immobile mass (due to the loss of
its carrier fluid).
2. Is the lost circulation zone non-permeable?

3. Is the mud water based or oil based?
4. How much increase in FCS is required?
5. Can the tip of the fracture be isolated by the
leak-off of carrier fluid?
ODT &AWC Day 8
Creating
Immobile Mass
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pills should be designed to maximize the

starting solids content by percent
volume, up to the limit of pumpability.
The implications are that LCM should be
chosen according to its density and that
LCM content should be specified by
percent solids content, not pounds per
barrel.
LCM is believed to isolate

the fracture tip by becoming
immobile due to the loss of
its carrier fluid (Figure
5.43k). Initially, there is
very little resistance to flow
down the fracture. If
resistance does occur due to
drag between large particles
and the fracture face, the
backpressure widens the
fracture, which reduces the
resistance.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Example of Squeezing
Permeable Zone
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Hesitation Squeezing is a technique of waiting after a

partial amount of squeeze fluid had been squeezed for the
following reasons:
Figure 5.43c also

shows that LCM
size should be as
uniform as possible
to maximize fluid
loss.
1. Allow leak-off of carrier fluid to take place to leave an

immobile mass.
2. Allow setting or hardening of cement to take place.
3. Allow thickening of fluids to take place.
The concern now is with #1 above, since LCM in the
carrier fluid is the chosen active material.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Fracture
Propagation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Figure 5.43h shows

hesitation squeeze data in
an originally pressured,
low permeability
formation. A 100-bbl pill
was balanced and the bit
was pulled to the top of
the pill. The fracture
opening pressure on the
initial squeeze was 300
psi.
Thicker zones are more

difficult to treat because tip
isolation must be sustained
across the entire vertical
height of fracture.
ODT &AWC Day 8
Fracture
Propagation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Non-Aqueous Fluids (NAF)

NAF is short for Non-Aqueous fluids
where water is not the continuous phase.
Oil muds are NAF.
Fracture faces that have been exposed to
NAF mud losses may eventually behave
as if they are impermeable due to
plugging of the pore throats.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fracture Propagation

Propagation Losses
Hesitation squeezing becomes necessary
in low or NAF-damaged permeability
where the leak off is inadequate to
facilitate the development of the
immobile mass during a single
placement.
It may also be useful in originally
pressured sands where there is little
differential pressure between the pill and
pore throats to drive the fluid loss.

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Field data shows that the reopening

pressure is often greater than the final
squeeze pressure.
This may be due to the return of the hoop
stress after a filter cake seals the entrance
to the packed fracture so that filtrate
pressure is prevented from acting on the
face of the fracture.

Propagation Losses
Overdisplacement can be prevented by
following the treatment with sufficient
light fluid so that the total head when the
pumps are shut down is less than the
FCS.
The height of the water column is
designed to place the total hydrostatic
head to above the Formation Pressure
and below the FCS.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8

Propagation Losses
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cross linked polymers

and other similar
service company
products should be
used. Each is
evaluated according to
its ability to achieve
the primary objectives
of:
Maintaining tip isolation
Achieving adequate width.
1. Field Trials and Observations From LCM Applications

Section 1.1 (See Abnormal Pressure, page 61.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fracture Propagation In Non

Permeable Zone
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Non Permeable Zone
The initial placement and

two subsequent hesitations
were pumped with no
increase in pressure or
fracture width. The lack of
change in opening pressure
is interpreted the same as
with LCM. If the opening
pressure has not changed,
the fracture width has not
changed, and the previous
material must still be
mobile.
The FCS that can be

achieved by a viscous
product is equal to the
pressure drop the
material will resist
before it begins to
move.
Once the first squeeze becomes immobile, the fracture
must widen in order to accept the next squeeze. Two to
three layers may be deposited in this manner to build the
width.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fracture Propagation In Non

Permeable Zone
Non Permeable Zone
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cement may also be a candidate for

use in low permeability because it does
not require fluid loss to lose its
mobility.

Propagation Losses
Mud Volume and LCM Pill Building Formulas
Example
Calculating % Solids by Volume (See
Abnormal Pressure, page 72.)
% Volume of Barite
% Volume of Clay
% Volume of Water
Clay Pounds per Barrel
Barite Pounds per Barrel
However, cement particles are roughly

the same size as barite and injecting
green cement does not force the
fracture width to grow to more than
100-200 microns.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8

Propagation Losses
Given Data for Hydrostatic Packer, Equalization Point, and Hesitation Squeeze:
Calculating Hydrostatic Packer or Balancing Water
Example
TVD
Cas. Shoe
Hole Size
DS for Squeeze
MW
ECD
FCS
Pore Press.
Hydrostatic Packer
Losses due to ECD being higher than FCS

12,500 feet
9, 47 lb/ft, 11,250 feet
8 inch
5, 19.5, Grade S, with diverter sub on bottom of DP
14 ppg (9100 psi)
14.4 ppg (9360 psi)
14.3 ppg (9295 psi) based on leak-off test
13.5 ppg (8775 psi) based on kick
13.8 (8970 psi) based on being 300 psi below fracture closure
stress (FCS) (Approximation)
Open Hole Capacity = 0.0723 bbl/ft
Annular Capacity
= 0.0473 bbl/ft
DP Capacity
= 0.017 bbl/ft
LCM (Bar. & Clay) = 32% solids by volume
Length of LCM pill* = 1107 feet (80 bbl)
Note: Length of LCM pill with DS above pill.
Given Data (Page 73)

Formula (Page 73)
Example (Page 73)
Spotting pill
with
hydrostatic
packer
Drilling and Well

Control Training
After
pulling out
of pill, prior
to squeezing
Lost Circulation Squeeze
Drilling and Well

Control Training
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Overdisplacement can be
prevented by following the
treatment with sufficient light
fluid so that the total head when
the pumps are shut down is less
than the FCS. The drill string will
have a positive surface pressure
while squeezing . This column of
light fill (i.e. balancing water) is
referred to as a hydrostatic
packer because it acts to prevent
downward or upward fluid
movement.
For successful propagation losses squeeze

program, design hydrostatic column:
To be overbalanced to pore pressure.
To be underbalanced to fracture closure stress.
To give positive surface pressure when
squeezing with LCM treating fluid in place.
Note: Use hydrostatic packer to accomplish this.*
*Balancing water or oil fluid column see Drilling
Manual, Abnormal Pressure, pages 55, 73-74.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Length of water for hydrostatic packer
Volume of water for hydrostatic packer:
MW MWE TVD
MW 8.33
14 13.8 12,500
LH O
441 ft
14 8.33
VolH2O 441 0.0723 31.9 bbl
L H2O
or
%VolAnn
Cap Ann
Cap Ann Cap DP
%VolAnn
0.0473
73.6%
0.0473 0.017
LeadVH2O 31.9 bbl 0.736 23.5 bbl
130 psi 441 ft

LH O
14 8.33 0.052
Tail InVH2O 1 0.736 31.9 8.4 bbl
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydrostatic Packers
Check hydrostatic columns (without LCM Pill)

H 2 O = 441 ft 8.33 0.052
H 2 O = 191 psi
12,500 - 441
Mud =
14 0.052
Mud = 8779 psi
P
TVD 0.052
8970
MWE
12,500 0.052
MWE 13.8 ppg
MWE
PTotal = (191 + 8779)

PTotal = 8,970 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydrostatic Packers
Hesitation Squeezing Operational Plan

Pump lead water (23.5 bbl).
PDP 14 8.33 0.052
23.5
0.017
PDP 408 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pump LCM pill (80 bbl of 16 ppg).
PCsg 16 14 0.052
Pump tail-in water (8.4 bbl).
80
0.017
P 14 8.33 0.052
PCsg 489 psi
P 146 psi
PCsg 489 408 81 psi
PDP 146 81
PDP 65 psi
8.4
0.017
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pump pill to balance point (11,250)
Pull drill string above

pill, (1107 feet, 12
stands).
Vol.BP 191 8.4 Tail in H 2 O

Vol.BP 182.6 bbl
VolBP
P.O.
182.6
Strokes BP =
0.113
Strokes BP =1616 strokes
Strokes BP =
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hesitation Squeeze (Squeeze #1)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Definition of ECD:
The equivalent circulating density
is the effective mud weight on the
formation due to the total effect of
the mud weight plus the friction loss
in the annular space between the
pipe and the hole while circulating.
The pressure prorates up the annulus
and at the flow line the pressure is
zero.
10
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Calculations
MW
PV
YP
Q
POB
=
=
=
=
=
ECD Calculations
16 ppg
45 cp
25 lb/100 ft2, (too high)
330 gpm
200 psi
AV (DP Ann)
AV (DP Ann)
ECD Calculations
Q 24.51
(D H 2 - D DC 2 )
L YP
L PV V
225 (D) 90, 000 (D) 2
PAnn
330 24.51
(8.52 - 6.52 )
Where:
PAnn
L
D
V
PV
YP
AV (DC Ann) = 270 ft/min
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Calculations
AV (DC Ann)
330 24.51
(8.52 - 52 )
AV (DP Ann) = 171 ft/min
ECD Drilling
AV (DC Ann)
Q 24.51
(D H 2 - D DP 2 )
AV (DP Ann)
Q 24.51
(D H 2 - D DP 2 )
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
=
=
=
=
=
=
Annulus pressure loss (psi)

Depth (or length of DP)
Hydraulic Diameter (Diameter of hole Pipe OD)
Annular Velocity (ft/min)
Plastic Viscosity (cps)
Yield Point (lb/100 ft2)
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Calculations
ECD Calculations
PAnn
L YP
L PV V
225 (D) 90, 000 (D) 2
PAnn
L YP
L PV V
225 (D) 90, 000 (D) 2
PAnn
12, 000 25 12, 000 45 171
225 (8.5 - 5) 90, 000 (8.5 - 5) 2
PAnn
700 25
700 45 270
225 (8.5 - 6.5) 90, 000 (8.5 - 6.5) 2
PAnn = 63 psi (Drill Collars)
PAnn = 381 + 84 = 465 psi (Drill Pipe)
11
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
ECD Calculations
ECD Calculations
Find the total pressure

loss in the annulus.
ECD MWH
TVD 0.052
PAnn = 465 (DP) + 63 (DC)
528
ECD 16
0.052
12,
700
PAnn = 528 psi
ECD = 16.8 ppg
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
ECD Rule of Thumb #1
0.1 YP
ECD MWH
= Hydraulic Diameter (Diameter hole

minus pipe diameter, (D = DH DDP))
MWH = Mud weight in hole (ppg)
YP
= Yield point/value
0.1 25
ECD 16
8.5 5
0.1 YP
ECD MWH
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD = 16.7 ppg
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
ECD Drilling Application and Analysis.
YP
ECD MWH
11.7(DH DDP )
25
ECD 16
11.7(8.5 5)
$96,000.00/day is being spent for mud.

The well is losing 20 barrels/hour.
Do we need 200 psi overbalance to drill ahead
or just to trip with?
Overbalance is only needed to trip and make
connections with.
ECD = 16.6 ppg
12
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Calculate new mud weight (MWN) if 75% of

overbalance is given up.
PRed
MWN MWH
Depth Kick 0.052
Calculate new mud weight (MWN) if 75% of

overbalance is given up.
PRed
MWN MWH
Depth Kick 0.052
MWN:
New mud weight (ppg)
MWH:
Mud weight in the hole (ppg)
PRed:
Reduction in overbalance pressure (psi)
DepthKick: Depth of kick (feet) *
* MWRed must be based on kick zone depths.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
150 psi
MWN 16
12,
000
0.052
MWN = 15.8 ppg
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Anytime mud weight changes are made,
particularly when they are being lowered, it
must be done very carefully.
The mud weight has been lowered by two points.

The new mud weight (MWN) is 15.8 ppg.
The Yield Point (YP) is 16.
The new ECD (ECDN) must be calculated.
YP 0.1
ECD N MWN
(DH DDP )
Water works very well in these muds.
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Four points of mud weight makes a big difference in

this well.
The difference in pressure because of the reduction in
the ECD by four points can be calculated.
YP 0.1
ECD N MWN
(D
H D DP )
16 0.1
ECD N 15.8
16.3 ppg
(8.5
5)
After cutting MW
& Lowering YP
ECD = 16.7 ppg
ECD = 16.3 ppg
ECD Drilling
Before cutting MW
& Lowering YP
ECD Drilling
Lower it by one point at a time and observe the

well.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
P G TVD
P: Change in pressure
G: Change in gradient (ECD ECDN)
TVD: True vertical depth
13
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
P ((16.7 -16.3) 0.052) 12, 700 264 psi
When bit dulls, the overbalance has to be

restored to trip out.
Two Choices
1. Bring mud system back to 16.0 ppg. (Put
overbalance back in.)
2. Spot heavy mud in open hole and keep the mud
at the shoe at the reduced weight of 15.8 ppg.
A four point reduction takes off 264 pounds of

pressure off the well.
Because of this, there will probably be full
returns.
By lowering the flow rate, further ECD
reductions could have been achieved.
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training

If we choose to spot heavy mud in the open hole,
the weight of the heavy mud to be spotted can be
calculated.
MWTOH MWN
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(MW MWN ) Depth Kick

(Depth Kick Depth Shoe )
MWTOH
MW
=
=
MWN
MWB
DepthKick
=
=
DepthShoe
MW to spot in open hole

MW with trip margin
(overbalance), (ppg)
MW being used to carry out
ECD drilling technique (ppg)
MW to balance kick zone (ppg)
Kick depth (or formation depth
of concern) (ft)
Casing shoe depth (ft)
Note: From shoe up would be MWN.
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MWTOH MWN
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
(MW - MWN ) Depth Kick

(Depth Kick Depth Shoe )
Overbalance Check:
The overbalance check is to make sure that the
numbers add up to the same pressure at the kick
zone.
(16 -15.8) 12,000

MWTOH 15.8
(12,000 8,000)
The reason for the comparison of the two

choices is to see how much help or reduction in
pressure you get at the shoe.
MWTOH = 16.4 ppg
14
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Overbalance Check:
Overbalance Check:
Choice 2 Spotting heavy mud in the open hole

(16.4 ppg) and 15.8 ppg above the shoe.
Choice 1 circulating 16 ppg mud all the way

around.
Kick Depth Original Mud 0.052
(DShoe MW above shoe 0.052) +

((DKick DShoe) MWTrip for open hole 0.052)
(8,000 15.8 0.052) + (4,000 16.4 0.052) = 9,984
12,000 16 0.052 = 9,984 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Comparison of Two Choices:
Choice 1:
If the probable loss zone

is at the shoe, Choice 2
would be the operational
procedure to use.
DShoe MW 0.052
8,000 16.0 0.052 = 6,656 psi
Choice 2:
6,656
- 6,573
83
DShoe MW 0.052
8,000 15.8 0.052 = 6,573 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
If you did not feel the loss

problem was near the shoe,
the mud weight could be
raised to 16.0 ppg all the
way around before making
the trip.
If heavy mud is spotted

in the open hole, it must
be cut back to 15.8 ppg
when going back into
the open hole.
It may take 2 or 3
circulations to do this.
15
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Two Choices
May be simpler, but it may not be as good as
spotting heavy mud.
The 15.8 hydrostatic is going to protect it better.
In either case, there is 200 psi overbalance at the
kick zone, which is required to make the trip safely.
This is called ECD Drilling.

It lends itself to long running bits.
The overbalance can be dropped out of the mud
and drilling can continue without loss problem.
It drills faster because the overbalance has been
reduced on the formation and this always speeds
up the bit.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
YP =
40 lbs/100 ft2
MW =
9 ppg
DH =
6
DDP =
3.
TVD =
7,000
Horizontal Section = 2,000
ECD In Horizontal Wells

In vertical holes, ECD is the same at all depths.
The pressure is prorated up the annulus and was
zero at the flowline.
The ECD of 16.48 at 2,000 feet depth was the
same at 12,000 feet.
In horizontal section, this is not the case.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
ECD In Horizontal Wells

In horizontal section, there is not an increase in
true vertical depth (TVD) to offset the increase
in pressure.
Therefore, the ECD goes up with each foot of
horizontal hole that is drilled.
The first calculation is to find the pressure
gradient per each foot of horizontal section.
L YP
225 D
psi / ft sec t. length
ECD (ppg)
TVD 0.052
PAnn
16
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
L YP
225 D
(1) 40
P psi / ft
0.071
225 (6 3.5)
PAnn
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD (ppg)
psi / ft sec t. length

TVD 0.052
ECD (ppg)
ECD Drilling
ECD HS 9.0 0.39 9.4 ppg
H. Length
MW in Hole
P (psi/ft.)
ECD (ppg)
9 ppg
0.071
0.00
9.0
500
9 ppg
0.071
0.09
9.1
1,000
9 ppg
0.071
0.19
9.2
1,500
9 ppg
0.071
0.29
9.3
2,000
9 ppg
0.071
0.39
9.4
2,500
3,000
9 ppg
9 ppg
0.071
0.071
0.49
0. 59
9.5
9.6
1.
PAnn
ECD Drilling
L YP
225 D
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Planning and Monitoring Horizontal Wells Using ECD

Drilling Technique
Horizontal wells have slim holes and have
high yield points to prevent fall out of cuttings
on the low side of the hole.
2.
ECD (ppg)
ECDHS
3.
psi/ft sect. length
ECD HS MW ECD
TVD 0.052
ECD Drilling
MD: 7,500 feet
MW: 9.5 ppg
TVD:7,000 feet
FG: 10.5 ppg
DDP: 3 inches
YP: 25lb/100 sqft
DH: 6 inches
17
0.071 2, 000
0.39
7, 000 0.052
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD HS MW ECD
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
Step 1. Calculate minimum friction gradient in the

annulus.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1. Calculate minimum friction gradient in the

annulus.
Pfriction(psi/ft) = YP {225 (DH DDP)}
Pfriction = YP {225 (DH DDP)}
YP: Yield Point

DH: hole diameter, in.
DDP: Drillpipe OD, in.
Pfriction = 25 {225 (6 3.5)}

Pfriction = 0.044 psi / ft
ECD Drilling
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2. Calculate available ECD increase based on

frac gradient.
Step 3. Calculate the equivalent pressure from the

ECD available in Step 2.
ECD Avail (FG MW)
PEquiv TVD 0.052 ECD Avail
ECD Avail (10.5 9.5) 1.0 ppg

Equivalent pressure (psi)
PEquiv:
TVD:
True vertical Depth ( 7,000 feet)
ECDAvail: Equivalent circulating density
available (1.0 ppg)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 3. Calculate the equivalent pressure from the

ECD available in Step 2.
Step 4. Calculate maximum depth (MD) that could

be drilled horizontally.
P TVD 0.052 ECD Avail
MDMax = PAvail / Pfriction
PEquiv 7, 000 0.052 1.0 364 psi
MDMax:
PAvail:
Pfriction:
18
Maximum measured depth (ft)

Available pressure (psi)
Friction gradient (psi/ft)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training


Only 690 feet (8190-7500 MD) of
horizontal section could be drilled
without exceeding the fracture
gradient of the formation.
MDMax = PAvail / Pfriction

MDMax = 364psi / (.044psi / ft)
MDMax = 8190 ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Benefits of ECD Drilling Technique

1. Lower drilling costs.
The savings on mud costs alone can be
$100,000.00 per day.
2. Reduced Losses and Pressure at the shoe while
tripping.
A combination of lighter weight mud above the
shoe and heavier mud in the open hole results
in less pressure being applied to the shoe.
Consequently, there are fewer losses.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ECD Drilling
ECD Drilling

3. Faster drilling
ECD Drilling reduces
the overbalance, and
gives a faster bit speed.
This translates to faster
drilling.
ECD Drilling
Drilling and Well

Control Training

4. Fewer trips.
ECD Drilling

5. Overall hole stability.
The ECD Drilling

technique lends itself
to long running bits.
ECD Drilling gives much

better hole stability and
minimizes problems such
as stuck pipe, which are
associated with lost
circulation.
This results in fewer trips.

Other potential problems
are also reduced.
19
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Causes of Underground Blowouts
Causes of UGBO
1. Exceeding formation strength (kick

imposed stress).
Approximately 75% of all UGBO
are caused by pressure exceeding
the final closure stress (FCS) or
Leak-Off Test (LOT).
It can be caused by the operator
out drilling the casing seat hoping
not to encounter a porouspermeable zone.
2. Poor cementing of casing

and not getting hydraulic
seals across permeable gas
zones.
The gas travels up the
casing annulus and breaks
a shallower zone down.
This type UGBO is
difficult and options are
limited.
See WC Manual, Difficult WC Situations, page 341;

See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure Chapter, pages 95-98.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Causes of UGBO
Many sidetrack operations are

done blind with low build
angles.
The hole trajectory is
dangerously near the old
wellbore.
This type of UGBO is very
difficult to control and a relief
well is sometimes required.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Prevention
1. Plan kick-off
professionally.
2. Establish good safety
barriers in the old hole
section before side
tracking.
3. Re-establishing communication
with an old wellbore (related to
sidetrack operations).
Prevention
Drill hole carefully, with
getting a good cement job on
casing as a high priority.
Plan cement job carefully,
using all drilling and logging
data.
Implement the cement plan,
with emphasis on mixing
cement at correct design
weight.
Avoid surge that exceeds FCS
(LOT) when running casing.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Approach to killing UGBO with barite plug:
Causes of UGBO
4. Production leaks.
Holes in casing and/or tubing could charge up
exposed hole and cause and UGBO.
Poor cement jobs on casing string(s) could
also contribute to UGBO.
1. Pump heavy mud to dynamically stop blowout

followed with
2. Barite Plug or
3. Cement
4. After stopping underground blowout, squeeze
off losses.
20
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Choose plug weight

based on settling tests.
Choose a MW for
plug that gives
maximum settling.
Have your lab run
settling tests.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
200
sx.
300
sx.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
0.935
5.10
5.30
18.9
37.8 56.2 75.5
20.0
1.039
3.70
6.43
15.6
31.1 46.6 62.5
21.0
1.090
3.20
6.95
14.4
27.8 43.2 57.5
22.0
1.142
2.75
7.50
13.3
26.6 40.0 53.5
2. Calculate Barite plug requirements.

Mix H20 required: Sacks H20 gal/Sx
2,000 3.2
= 6400 gal.
6400/42
= 152.4 bbl
Slurry Volume
2,000 0.144 = 288 bbl
Note: 0.144 is bbl/sack for 21 ppg slurry.
400
sx.
18.0
2. Calculate Barite plug requirements

Use a minimum of 2,000 sacks (100 # sacks)
Mix water (see page 341 WC Manual)
Mix Barite (see page 341 WC Manual)
Barite settling
Water
Barite
Thinner
(Sometimes a
polymer is used.)
Slurry
Slurry
Water Sacks
100
Density Gradient gal/sx. Barite sx.
bbl/slurry
Lb/gal. psi/ft.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
* See WC Manual, Table, page 342.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Make & implement Operational Plan.
Optimization
Optimization is a way to collapse the learning curve.

It should not take 30 wells to find out how to
drill. The first 2-3 wells need to be carefully
analyzed and optimized.
Honesty is required. Put in the actual numbers.
Plan wells with good information.
Run a material check to see if the numbers being
reported are accurate.
Pump 5 hole volumes of weighted mud at a high rate.

(This is a dynamic kill @ 10-20 bpm.)
Follow weighted mud with Barite Plug at high rate.
Displace drill string with weighted mud (Barite Plug
displaced from drill string)
Wait and observe well
Repeat as necessary and increase size of plug and/or
amount of lead mud.
21
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Optimization
Optimization
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Create Company Savings Two Ways
Create Company Savings Two Ways
I. Direct
II. Indirect
A. Less Rotating Time - Faster Hole

B. Bits - Lower Cost
C. Mud - Lower Cost - Better Properties
Be careful: Cheap mud may end up being costly.
Expensive mud may turn out to be inexpensive.
A. Focuses Technical and Supervisory Attention

B. Breaks New Ground in Drilling Technique
C. Increases Contractor Competition
D. Encourages Better Service Performance
D. Better Hole Conditions, i.e. Reduced Unscheduled

Events Like Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Optimization
Optimization
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Variables Used In
Optimization
1. Mud
2. Hydraulics
3. Bits
Optimization Steps and Procedures

1. Gather data.
2. Analyze the data.
3. Become a good salesman.
Sell local management.
Sell to people implementing the plan.
4. Post appraise.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling Optimization
Procedure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Optimizing Approach
Post Control log and

select drillability
intervals.
Computer programs
and offset logs can
be used to select
drillability intervals.
Request for Program

Determination of Limits of Variables
Preparation of Recommendations (Well Plan)
Sell to: Management and Drilling Foremen
Pre-Drilling Conference
Implementation
Collecting Data
Reporting
Post Appraisal
22
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Optimizing Approach
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Controllable
Mud
Hydraulics
Bit Type
Weight-RPM
Rig
Alterable Variables
Mud
Type
Solids Content
Viscosity
Fluid Loss
Density
Uncontrollable
Formations to be Drilled
Depth
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Schemes For
Hydraulic Programs
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Maximize Bit Hydraulic Horsepower

65% of the available horsepower or pressure
is used at the bit.
2. Maximize Jet Impact Force

Shallow Holes 70% of the available
horsepower used at bit.
Deep holes 50% of the available
horsepower used at bit.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Table 2 Drilling Variables
Major Variables
Affecting Drilling Cost
1. Mud System:
Type Solids
Solids Volume
Properties For
Hole Stability
Drilling Variables
Unalterable Variables
Characteristic hole
Weather
problems
Location
Water availability
Rig Conditions
Formation to be
Rig flexibility
drilled
Corrosive borehole gases
Crew
efficiency
Bottom-hole temperature
Depth
Round-trip time
Rock properties
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Good Mud Leads To:

1. Better hydraulics
2. Better bit selection
3. Wider window of bit operating
parameters
4. Less hole cleaning problems
5. Enhanced cuttings and solids
removal
6. Less lost circulation
7. Less stuck pipe
8. Better completions and
9. OPTIMIZED WELL
Hydraulics
Pump Pressure
Jet Velocity
Circulating Rate
Annular Velocity
Bits
Bit type
Weight-on-bit
Rotary speed
Major Variables
Affecting Drilling Cost
1. Mud System: Type Solids, Solids Volume,

and Mud Properties For Hole Stability
2. Hydraulics: Bit Cleaning - Hole Cleaning
3. Bit Type: Depends Upon Formation and Mud
System
4. Weight-RPM: For Lowest Cost/Foot.
23
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Post Appraisal
Bits
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Was Program Followed?

Were Deviations Necessary?
Can Future Programs be Improved?
Where was Most Money Saved?
What Savings for Next Well in Area?
Bit Design & Hydraulics

Bit Classification
Bit Types
Bit Selection
Bit Operating Practices
a. Drill-Off Tests
b. Pump-Off Force
6. Bit Grading
See Drilling Manual, Optimization Chapter, pages 87-110.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PDC and Diamond bits shear rock a

mechanically more efficient process
than the crushing action of roller cone
bits.
The shearing action makes it possible
for PDC bits to maintain high rates of
penetration with less weight-on-bit.
This improves deviation control and
reduces wear on the bit and the drill
string, while yielding very high rates
of penetration.
Petroleum drill bits use three

main methods for cutting rock:
1. Crushing, by putting the rock
in compression, as a roller
cone bit does.
2. Plowing/grinding the
formation.
3. Shearing the formation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Design
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Proper bit hydraulics are vital to any drilling operation,

and are even more important with PDC bits than any
other bit types.
Because of the shearing action and large depth of cut,
PDC bits generate a large volume of cuttings that must
be removed efficiently from the bottom of the hole.
Often, especially in softer formations, penetration rate is
limited only by the ability to remove these cuttings.
Hydraulics also plays a critical role in cooling cutters.

PDC cutters have two basic limits an impact limit and
a thermal limit.
Excessive frictional heat can degrade PDC performance
dramatically.
Flow rate is typically fixed between certain limits which
are set by the required annular velocity, the ability to
carry cuttings up the hole, pump capacity and other
factors.
24
ODT &AWC Day 8
Bit Classification
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Formation Categories (World Oil 2007)
IADC Code For Bit Classification:
Soft and soft sticky (Low compressive strength and high

drillability, such as clay, marl, gumbo, unconsolidated sand.)
Soft-to-Medium (Low compressive strength, inter-bedded with
hard layers, such as sand, shale, anhydrite.)
Medium (with moderate compressive strength, such as shale,
chalk, anhydrite, sand.)
Medium-to-Hard (Dense with increasing compressive strength but
non or semi-abrasive, e.g., shale, siltstone, sand, lime, anhydrite.)
Hard (Hard and dense with high compressive strength and some
abrasive layers, such as sand, siltstone.)
Extremely Hard (Very hard and abrasive, like quartzite and
volcanics.)
The first number in the bit description refers to the

broad hardness of the formation.
The second number in the bit description refers to
the hardness of the bit within the classification. A
series 1-1 bit is the softest of the Series 1 steel bits.
A series 1-3 is the hardest of the Series 1 steel bits.
The last number refers to the design characteristics
of the bit, such as sealed bearing, non-sealed
bearing, or gauge protection.
Series 1-3 are all steel tooth bits. Series 4-8 are
insert bits.
Bit Classification
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Formation Type
Bit Name
IADC
Recommended WOB
RPM
Type
Soft and soft sticky
GTX-G1
HC404
115
M233
1,500 4,000 lb/in

235 2,500 lb/in
200-80
350-60
STB
PDC
Soft-to-Medium
MSS
131
1,500 5,000 lb/in
60-130
STB
HC604
M223
235 2,500 lb/in
350-60
PDC
Medium
MS-X
216
2,000 5,000 lb/in
50-110
STB
HC605
M323
235 2,500 lb/in
350-50
PDC
Medium Hard
MXL-55
637
3,000 7,000 lb/in
90-150
IRC
HC407
M333
235 2,500 lb/in
350-60
PDC
Hard
HS
HC309
311
M443
3,000 6,000 lb/in

235 2,500 lb/in
40-80
350-50
STB
PDC
Extremely Hard
MX-89
837
2,000 5,000 lb/in
80-40
IRC
HC6127X
M423
235 2,500 lb/in
350-50
PDC
Bit Types
There are basically three

types of bits:
Roller Cone (Mill
Tooth, Insert)
Polycrystaline Diamond
Cutter (PDC)
Diamond Bit
World Oil 2007 Drill Bit Classifier
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Classification
Roller Cone Insert Bit
Bit Types
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Roller Cone Bits

Conventional Bearing
Sealed Bearing
PDC Bits
60% of all footage is
now being drilled with
PDC bits.
PDC bits offer the

advantages of good
penetration rates,
longevity, and
steerability.
Roller Cone Mill Tooth
25
Bit Types
ODT &AWC Day 8
Bit Types
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
New technology has

enabled many PDC
bits to be used with
downhole steering
tools.
One of the limitations
of PDC bits has been
hard rock.
New design developments in PDC bits is extending the
PDC applications to hard rock formations. (Example:
Hughes HC6127X M423 PDC Bit)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit companies place their

bits on the IADC bit chart.
Even though a bit may
have the same
classification as another
bit, it may not drill the
same. Look at the
individual bit design
PDC Casing Bit
(EZ Case System)
Bit Selection
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The objective of bit selection

is to optimize directional
control, vibration control, and
borehole quality.
Bit Selection
Three factors that are

considered in bit selection are:
1. Drilling efficiency: optimized
ROP, maximized durability and
drilling at the lowest cost per foot.
2. Steerability: optimized anglebuild capability and the force to
deviate the bit.
3. Stability: minimization of stickslip, bit whirl and axial vibration.
Bits must be evaluated and

considered based upon the
impact upon the entire drill
string system and the
formations that will be drilled.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Selection
Bit Selection
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Computer modeling has

made great improvements
in ROP, toughness and
wear resistance, stability
and reliability.
Computers use algorithms
to model forces and bit
behavior during simulated
Bit Selection
Formation Evaluation:
Determine what kind of
formations will be drilled.
Is this a shale formation? Look
at offset logs.
Look at hardness within
formation.
The Gamma Ray and Neutron
Density Logs help identify the
rock.
Look at offset bit records
Computer modeling has enabled bit manufacturers to

custom design bits for specific drilling applications.
26
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Bit Selection
Bit Selection
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Type
API Series
FORMATION DRILLABILTIY INTERVALS

Mill Tooth Hole
Insert Hole
Soft
Medium
Hard
>50% Shale
<%50 Shale
Hard Sand
& Limestone
<30% Shale
Dolomite/
hard limestone and
chert
Mill Tooth
Series
Series
Series
1
2
3
Inserts
Series
Series
Series
Series
Refer to Drilling Manual, Logging Chapter, page 14, figure 11.14.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6
7
8
Refer to Drilling Manual, Optimization, page 90.
Bit Selection
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Selection
Well H
Benefit of using Porosity

Logs in running and
operating bits
Well G The series 7
hard formation bit was
pulled at 11,697 when
the driller hit shale.
Three bits were required
in 94 hours.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4&5
& PDC
The engineer took the

offset record of Well G
and plotted the bit record
on the well log.
He compared the logs of
both wells as Well H was
being drilled and made
adjustments in the drilling
practices to get through
the 10 shale section.
Bit Selection
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Well H
Bit Selection
Gamma Ray NeutronDensity Logs are

synergistic.
They work 10 times better
together.
The Neutron-Density
combination is good for
determining:
Porosity
Lithology
Rock bulk Density
Only two bits were needed

in 83 hours.
One bit and one round trip
were eliminated. 10
hours of rig time were
saved.
27
G
C
S
L
yrits
h
A
d
S
lean
im
d
alyS
eston
h
iteD
olm
O
h
alt
S
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Procedure for Drill-Off Test
1. Drill-Off Test
1. Select rotary speed and pump rate.
A drill-off test determines

the optimum bit weight
penetration rate response
when drilling a specific
formation for a specified
rotary speed.
2. Apply maximum anticipated WOB.

3. Chain the brake down.
4. Record drilling time for each 2,000 pound increment.
5. Continue test until ROP decreases below minimum
acceptable rate.
6. Repeat the test at a different RPM.
See Drilling Manual, Optimization Chapter, pages 95-96.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill-Off Test Example
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Pump-Off Force
Pump-Off Force is the hydraulic force under
the bit that that attempts to pump the bit off
the bottom. It reduces the effective weight on
the bit.
Pump-Off Force is very important with certain
types of bits (diamond bits, PDC bits)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Pump-Off Force
2. Pump-Off Force
Procedures:
a. Take off-bottom pressure
reading
b. With bit about 4 inches
off bottom, slack off
slowly
c. Measure change in
pressure (P) and
corresponding weight.
Procedures:
d. Plot on plain graph
paper.
e. At point of deflection
(slope change) record P
and weight on bit.
28
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Pump-Off Force
2. Pump-Off Force
Procedures:
f. Calculate pump-off area:
Procedures:
Calculate true weight on bit for any given weight
indicator weight, i.e..,
AE
W.O.B.
P
15, 200 lbs

25.1in 2
605 psi
W = 635 psi w/ 38,000 lbs.

W = 635 psi 25.1 in2
W = 15, 950 lbs.
Therefore:
38,000 lbs. - 15,950 = 22,050 lbs. true weight on bit.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Pump-Off Force
h. As bit dulls, repeat this

procedure to get new
pump off area (and
pump off force).
Cost Per Foot
(Trip T Rot. T)(Tot. hrly Rig Cost) *Bit Cost

Footage Drilled
* Less Salvage Value
$ / Ft.
Use the cost per foot

analysis to determine
when a new pump-off
force test is required.
This is necessary to
keep the correct amount
of weight on the bit.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
$ / Ft.
T time
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Trip Time Rotating Time Total hourly Rig cos t * Bit Cost
T2
Many bits will ball up in soft,

sticky gumbo or plastic shales
if proper weight on the bit and
hydraulics are not applied.
Footage Drilled
* Less Salvage Value
T2
B2
R1
t
C1
T1
B2 R1 (t)
F
C1 1 - R1
T1
Many bits ball up because of

the way the driller puts them in
the nest (on bottom).
= Rotating time for proposed bit hours.

= Cost of proposed bit, dollar (minus salvage value).
= Rig cost or operating rate, dollars/hour
= Round trip time, hours
= Cost per foot of control bit, dollar/foot
= Rotating time for control bit, hours
This is particularly true with

water based muds. Bit balling
is not a problem with oil based
muds.
29
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Roller Cone Practices
Roller Cone Operating Practices

If running an unsealed bearing bit, the drilling fluids
need to be kept very clean (low solids).
If running sealed bearing bits, the hydraulic horsepower
across the bit has to be kept below about 7 hh/sq.in.
Too much weight on the bit will cause failure to both
sealed and unsealed bearing bits.
Poor stabilization of the bit will lead to premature
bearing failure.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. PDC bits are run with

low weights and high
RPMs.
2. PDC bits are run at the
high end of the available
hydraulic range.
3. They work well in
conjunction with
downhole motors.
PDC Operating Practices
Soft Formation PDC Bit

Classification: M233
WOB: 235-2500 lb/in
RPM: 350-60
Hard Formation PDC Bit
Classification: M423
WOB: 235-2500 lb/in
RPM: 350-50
Diamond Bit Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
In most PDC applications, best results can be obtained

by keeping the flow rate at the high end of the
permissible range, especially in larger hole sizes.
Nozzle sizes should be selected that produce a
horsepower per square inch (HSI) value that is within
10% of the maximum level permitted by the rigs
hydraulic capacity when drilling at the high flow rates.
HSI
PDC Operating Practices
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Advantages and Disadvantages

2. Hole Preparation for Diamond Bit
3. Building Nest
4. Getting Pump off weight and
effective W.O.B.
5. Diamond Bit Monitoring
6. Cost per foot
PBit (Q)
1346 (OD) 2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Advantages
1. Less Hole Surge
2. Less shale problems
3. Less WC problems
4. Take advantage of ECD drilling.
5. Reduced hole problems related to limber hook-ups.
6. Better hole temperature stability because of more
on bottom time.
NOTE:
The stabilization
required for
effective diamond
bit drilling will
give a more
effective hole
diameter.
30
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Disadvantages
1. Mud solids problem created by finer cuttings.
2. Cuttings are smaller, making paleo slides more
difficult.
3. More rotating wear on casing because of higher
RPM (if downhole motors cannot be used).
4. More wear on drilling assembly.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Disadvantages
5. Requires a better drill string because diamond
bits are very RPM responsive. Better drill string
supervision is required.
6. Many rigs would require an independent rotary
drive to give adequate horsepower for efficient
diamond bit drilling rotating.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Hole Preparation Before Running a Diamond Bit:

a. Stabilization
b. Bit gauge
c. Drift diameter
d. Hole has to be free of junk
e. Mud
1. Hole Preparation Before Running a Diamond Bit:

f. Pumps
g. Drilling Assembly
h. Rig alignment
i. If previous casing was run in doglegged hole, the fast
RPM required for diamond bit drilling can wear a
hole in the casing.
Bit under-gauged
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. During Trip In With Diamond Bit

a. Run in carefully to avoid damage to bit or sticking.
b. Do not ream with diamond bit.
c. Be extremely careful when entering liners.
d. Remember that diamond bits are not as flexible in
spiral or stair step hole.
3. Prior To Drilling
a. Circulate hole clean and take three off bottom
pressure and pump stroke readings.
b. Wash to bottom without rotating and apply about
5,000 lbs. to insure bit is on bottom.
c. After cleaning bottom, pick up two or three feet
and rotate to bottom and gradually apply weight.
Build nest.
d. Make sure hydraulics comply with manufacturers
recommendations.
31
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Prior To Drilling:
Bit Grading
Why Grade Dull Bits?

1. Cut Costs and Optimize.
2. Improve Bit Selection
3. Improve Running
Conditions on Future Bits.
4. Information for
Engineering and
Management
Record the following drilling parameters before drilling:

Off bottom pressure and strokes at operating
circulating rate
Drag up
Drag down
Torque off bottom
Torque with bit loaded at drill rate
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Grading
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Grading
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bit Grading
Bit Grading
State why the bit was pulled.

Hit the top of a liner.
Change in drillability.
Cost per foot.
Reached casing point.
Geologist wanted to log.
Evaluate the bit carefully.

Evaluate the wear of the bit. Is it
worn on the outside row or on inside
rows?
If the teeth or inserts on the outside
row are broken or worn, it usually
indicates the RPM on the bit was too
high.
If the inside teeth or inserts are
worn, it usually indicates that too
much weight was run on the bit.
32
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Bit Grading
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Differentially Stuck Pipe Causes
Write down your gut

feelings about the bit.
Your observations and
comments are important
for future bit selection
and operating practices.
This was a stinky bit run.
This was a terrific bit run.
1. Operating practices, i.e. kicking pump in.

2. Mud overbalance, i.e.
> 400 psi pip sticking
3. Mud quality
a. Solids
b. Coefficient of friction
c. Mud cake
See Drilling Manual, Gas Cap Chapter, page 28.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
Differentially Stuck Pipe Causes
Differentially Stuck Pipe Prevention & Freeing Techniques
4. Permeability and
length of zone open
5. Drill string design
(clearance, etc.)
1. Use good operating practices

a. Engaging pumps
b. Pipe movement
c. DS design (clearance/contact area)
2. Mud design and maintenance
3. Keep driller trends, i.e. drag after each
interruption.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
4. Do not pull on differentially stuck pipe except for initial

stretch reading.
5. Go into freeing techniques quickly (Time is important).
a. Oil Spotting
b. Reversing technique (H2O/oil) to lower overbalance.
c. DST tool
d. Nitrogen (hard rock areas)
Conclusion: Force to pull free increases as:

(A) Length of pipe in contact
with permeable formation
increases
(B) Force usually exceeds
margin-of-over-pull on drill
string
(C) Best to relax pull while
trying to free pipe (pulling
can extend contact area).
33
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Comment: To minimize
differential sticking, maintain
low solids and make sure that
the mud has adequate
compressible solids to minimize
down-hole water loss. Use good
operation practices, i.e. have the
pipe moving when the pump is
engaged.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
= 0.2 Pob Contact Area
FDif
Where:
FDif
= Differential sticking force, lb.
Factor = 0.2 (water base mud co-efficient)
POB = Hydrostatic mud overbalance, psi
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
Contact Area = Len. (ft) 12 (in/ft)

DCOD (Contact Percentage/100)
Contact Area = 30 ft 12 in/ft 3.1414 6.5 (25/100)
Contact Area = 1,838 sq in
FDif (lb) = 0.2 465 psi 1838 sq. in = 170,934 lb

Where:
FDif
Where:
DCOD = Drill Collar Outside Diameter, in.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
= Differential sticking force, lb.
Note: M.O.P. is generally 100,000 lb
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
Method 1: U-tubing Technique

Calculate the required fluid
(usually water or oil) to lower
mud weight equivalent by some
increment.
Danger: When reverse circulating
is done, as required by u-tubing
technique, kicks do occur and bits
are sometimes plugged.
If differentially stuck, TIME is

very important because you
can become mechanically
stuck very quickly.
Key: Within 4 hours we have
50% chance of getting
unstuck. After 4 hours - only
get free 10% of time.
Example:
Lower equivalent mud weight 9 points,
(from13.5 to 12.6 ppg). TVD 9,934 Ft.
34
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1:
Step 2:
POB (psi)
POB (psi)
Vol UTF =
+
G(psi/ft)VolAnn (ft/bbl) G M (psi/ft)Cap DP (ft/bbl)
465
465
Vol UTF =
+
100.7 bbl
(13.5-8.5) 0.052 20 (13.50.052) 58.82
POB = (MWH-MWE) 0.052 TVD (ft)

POB = (13.5-12.6) 0.052 9,934
POB = 465 psi
Where:
VolUTF:
VolAnn:
POB :
G:
G M:
CapDP:
Where:
POB :
MWH:
MWE:
TVD:
Overbalance Pressure (psi)

Mud Weight in hole (ppg)
Mud Weight Equivalent (ppg)
True Vertical Depth (ft)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
VolFB POB
FPE = TVDG M
VolFBM
11.3465
FPE = 99340.7 6, 489 psi

11.3
Where:
FPE:
Estimated Formation Pressure (psi)
TVD: True Vertical Depth (ft)
GM:
Gradient of Mud
POB : Pressure Overbalance (psi)
VolFB: Volume that flowed back when pipe came free
VolFPM: Maximum barrels of seawater or oil to be flowed back
PBBB = 100.7 bbl 20 ft/bbl 13.5 - 8.5 0.052
PBBB= 524 psi

Pressure Before Bleed Back (psi)
Volume U-Tube Fluid (bbl)
Volume of Annulus (ft/bbl)
Difference in Fluid Gradient
Refer to Drilling Manual, Gas Cap, page 43.
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Method 2: Unweighted Oil Spotting
Step 1:
The objective of oil spotting is to break the mud cake up

that is causing the differential seal and ultimately to free
pipe.
G = (MW - MWF ) 0.052
Stuck Pipe
G = (13.5 - 7.0) 0.052

G = 0.338 psi/ft
Same problem used in Method 1 example:

13,069
13.5 ppg
5, 19.5, Grade, S
6 844
8
Oil (to be spotted) = 7.0 ppg
Example:
MD:
MW:
DP:
DC:
Dh:
MWF:
Stuck Pipe
Step 4: Bleed Annulus (about 11.3 bbl)
PBBB = Vol UTF Vol Ann ft/bbl G
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Volume U-Tube Fluid (bbl)

Volume of Annulus (ft/bbl)
Overbalance Pressure (psi)
Difference in Fluid Gradient
Gradient of mud (MW 0.052)
Capacity of Drill Pipe (ft/bbl)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 3:
Where:
PBBB :
VolUTF:
VolAnn:
G:
Stuck Pipe
Where:
G :
Difference in Fluid Gradients (psi/ft)
MW: Mud Weight (ppg)
MWF: Mud Weight of fluid being spotted
35
ODT &AWC Day 8
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2:
L DPO
Step 3:
PSur
500 psi
=
G
0.338 psi/ft
VODC =
Stuck Pipe
Step 4:
DCID
L DC
1029.4
2.81252
VDCI =
844 ft = 6.486 bbl
1029.4
VDCI =
Where:
VDCI:
DCID :
LDC:
VODC = 24.60
Where:
VDPI:
CapDP :
LDP:
CapHW:
LHW:
VTotal:
VDPI =
Stuck Pipe
- 6.5
1029.4
DC
844 ft = 24.6 bbl
DCVi =
DPVi =
Volume of Oil around Drill Collars (ft)

Diameter of hole (in)
Drill Collar Outside Diameter (in)
Length of Drill Collars (ft)
Stuck Pipe
Volume of Oil Inside Drill Pipe (bbl)

Capacity of Drill Pipe (bbl/ft)
Length of Drill Pipe (ft)
Capacity of Heavy Weight
Length of Heavy Weight
Total Volume
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 6:
Pumping of oil into Drill Pipe. Check Point #1a.
Summary Oil
Required
VODC = 24.60
VDCI = 6.5
VDPI = 25.1
VTotal = 56.24
Stuck Pipe
Step 6:
Strokes to pump oil from tank. Check Point #1b.
VTotal
W (ft) L (ft) 0.0148 (factor)
56.24 bbl
Tank Inches =
Check
20 6 0.0148 (bbl/in)
VTotal
P.O. bbl/stk
56.24 bbl
Stk =
477 stk
0.118
a. Tank Inches =
Tank Inches = 31.5 in
VDPI = 0.0170 bbl/ft 1479 ft + HW 0.0 25.14 bbl
VDCI = 6.5
1a
1b
1c
2a
2b
- DCOD
1029.4
Summary Oil
Required
DCVo = 24.60
Step 5:
VDPI = Cap DP L DP + Cap HW L HW
Volume of Oil Inside Drill Collars (bbl)

Inside Diameter of Drill Collars (in)
Length of Drill Collars (ft)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Summary Oil
Required
8.5
Where:
VODC:
Dh :
DCOD:
LDC:
Length of Oil in Drill Pipe (ft)

Pressure at Surface (psi)
Difference in Fluid Gradient (psi/ft)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VODC =
LDPO = 1,479 (oil in DP above DC)
Where:
LDPO:
PSur :
G:
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stk =
Points
= 31.5
=
=
=
=
Where:
Stk:
Strokes to pump oil from tank
VTotal: Total Volume
P.O.: Pump Output (bbl/stk)
36
Check Points
1a = 31.5
1b = 477
1c =
2a =
2b =
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 6:
Pumping of oil into Drill Pipe. Check Point #1c.
PDP =
PDP
VTotal
G
Cap DP
56.24
=
0.338
0.017
PDP = 1,118 psi

Where:
VTotal:
PDP:
CapDP:
Step 7:
Pumping of oil to bit. Check Point #2.
a. Pump Strokes
Check Points
1a = 31.5
1b = 477
1c = 1118
2a =
2b =
V
L - Total Cap DP VDCI
DP Cap
DP
Stk
P.O. bbl/Stk
56.24
12,225' 0.017 6.49 bbl
0.017
Stk
0.118 bbl/stk
Total Volume
Drill Pipe Pressure with oil in Drill Pipe.
Capacity of Drill Pipe (bbl/ft)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
STK = 1,340 strokes
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 7:
Pumping of oil to bit. Check Point #2.
PSurf = 1275 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Read DP pressure.
2. Start circ. WH through
trip tank. Monitor trip
tank and DP pressure.
3. Torque DS (RH Torque).
4. Slack off weight.
Stuck Pipe
a. Strokes
Check Points
1a = 31.5 in
1b = 477 stk
1c = 1118 psi
2a = 1340 stk
2b = 1275 psi
3a = 209 stk
3b = 500 psi
VODC bbl
P.O. bbl/stk
24.60
Stk=
= 209 strokes
0.118
Stk =
Check Points
1a = 31.5
1b = 477
1c = 1118
2a = 1340
2b = 1275
b. Pressure = Read (and

interpret)
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
Step 9: Interpretation
a. What if pressure is 500 psi?
Write down what you see!
Step 8:
Pumping of oil in place. Check Point #3.
Action List With
Oil In Place
Check Points
1a = 31.5
1b = 477
1c = 1118
2a = 1340
2b =
Step 8:
Pumping of oil in place. Check Point #3.
b. Pressure on Drill Pipe with oil

at the bit (PSurf)
(V - V
PSurf = L DC + Total DCI G
Cap DP
56.24 - 6.5
PSurf = 844 ft +
0.338 psi/ft
0.017

PSurf = 3,770 ft 0.338 psi/ft
Stuck Pipe
Check Points
1a = 31.5 in
1b = 477 stk
1c = 1118 psi
2a = 1340 stk
2b = 1275 psi
3a = 209 stk
3b = 500 psi
1. Pressure is as planned
2. Hole volume (OH) is as planned
3. Good sign, probably will get free
4. Watch for volume loss in trip tank
and a DP pressure increase this
would make it an excellent sign.
37
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
b. What if pressure is 600 psi?
c. What if pressure is 400 psi?
1. Pressure is 100 psi lower than planned.
2. Shorter mud column (lower U-tube
pressure)
3. Longer oil column.
4. Restricted annulus (stretched oil
column out).
5. Bad sign.
6. Alert Back-off man.
7. Organize fishing.
1. Pressure is 100 psi higher.

2. Longer mud column (more U-tube
pressure).
3. Shorter oil column.
4. Probably broke cake down when oil
first entered the annulus.
D h 2 -DC OD 2 x P
VReq =
5. Very good sign.
1029.4
G
6. Pump more oil.
8.5 2 -6.52
VReq =
1029.4
x 100 psi =8.6 bbls
Where:
VReq: Volume of oil required to cover the collars
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Stuck Pipe
0.338
Stuck Pipe
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 10: Talk about weighted-oil slim hole case history
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
1. Use adequate spacer before and after the

cement. If a water-base mud is being used, water
will serve as a spacer.
Weighted-mud uses
1. Sensitive overbalance
2. Slim hole (6 hole or less)
H=
* Safe Pressure Loss

Gradient Difference Between Water & Mud
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Use mixing-sub on
bottom of setting string
to minimize
contamination. DO
NOT USE OPENENDED PIPE.
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
3. Use U-tubing cement plug setting technique.

This technique greatly minimizes mud
contamination.
4. Use densified cement (low water/cement ratio).
5. Design cement to give high compressive
strengths.
Mixing or diverting sub
on bottom of drill string.
38
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. Use plenty of cement. If less than 100 sacks

are used, plans should call for batch mixing.
9. When cement is heavier than mud, and if a plug

catcher is not used, displacement should be done
as follows.
A. Spot cement in bottom of drill pipe or
tubing.
B. When lead water spacer starts out of DP into
annulus, the DP pressure will start to drop.
When this observation is made, the program
should be fine tuned.
7. Use four-arm caliper log to determine point

of kick-off and required cement.
8. Placement time should be thirty minutes plus
mixing and displacement time.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
10. Calculate equalization point using the

following formula:
9. displacement should be done as follows.

C. The correct time to open by-pass line is
when static DP pressure drops to zero.
D. Keep drill pipe full and allow cement to Utube while pumping mud with by-pass on
cementing head (Chiksan tied off above
cementing head) open. This will prevent
pumping past the balance point (and
contaminating plug).
D B P C M TB D
CT
DBP
=
N
=
CMTBD =
C
=
T
=
Depth of balanced cement column

Cu.ft. of cement. required.
Bottom of CMT Plug, ft.
Cu.ft. per linear foot of space between drill pipe and casing.
Cu.ft.per linear foot inside drill pipe.
Note: Units can be barrels (bbl/ft, etc.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
12. Plan the operation at

the field level and
resolve everything
in writing so that the
complete operation
is understood by
everyone concerned.
11. Pull out of plug very

slowly to reduce
contamination of plug.
Flush joint pipe will
minimize plug
disturbance.
39
ODT &AWC Day 8
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
e. Check point chart (to check the accuracy of

displacement volumes, slurry weights and
spacer volumes)
f. Plan for pulling out of plug
g. Reverse circulating out above plug
h. Wait on cement (WOC) time
i. Dressing-off of plug and plug testing
(firmness)
13. Operational plan should contain the following

points and considerations:
a. Required cement and proper design.
b. Required mixing and displacement time.
c. Surface equipment rig-up and line testing.
d. Necessary calculations (balanced plug
calculations, displacement volume,
differential or U-tube forces.
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Example:
Given Data:
DP = 5, XH, S
0.017 bbl/ft
Dh = 12.75
(caliper)
Bottom of plug
Top of plug
Cement plug
Mud
POB
Cement Weight
Cement yield
Mix H2O
-12,700
-12,400
-300
-14 ppg
-200 psi
-16 ppg
-- 1.35 cu ft/sk
-5.0 gal/sk
Technical Calculations
a. Required cement (cu.ft.) (CReq )

C Req = PLen
(12.75)2 0.7854
144
266
CReq = 266 cu ft or
= 47.5 bbls
5.6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Use Mix H20 to

know how much
cement is
removed from
storage tank.
KEY: Mix
cement at proper
slurry weight.
266 cu.ft.
1.35 cu.ft./sk
Sacks = 197 sacks
Mix H 2 0 =
Dh 2 0.7854
144
C Req = 300
Sacks =
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
197 sk5.0 gal/sk

42 gal/bbl
Mix H2O = 23.5 bbls
40
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
ODT &AWC Day 8
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
D BP = (CMTB.D. DBP = (12,700 -
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
N
)
C+T
Re quired mixing and displacement time

(Vol. cmt. DS vol @ B.P.) bbl
Time (min)
Mix / Disp. rate bbl / min
(47.5 210.5) bbl
Time (min)
4 bpm
47.5 bbl
)
(0.017+0.1336) bbl/ft.
DBP = 12,385 ft
VBP = 12,3850.017 = 210.5 bbl
Time (min) = 64.5 min

Pressure Chapter, page 142.
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Balancing Water
Balancing Water
POB Useable
Lead H 2 0 Len. =
(MW - H 2 0W ) 0.052
Vol. Lead H 2 0 = Lead H 2 0
Lead H 2 0 Len. =
(Dh 2 - Dp 2 )
1029.4
(12.752 -52 )
Vol. Lead H 2 0 = 339 ft.
1029.4
100 psi
(14-8.33) 0.052
Vol. Lead H2O = 45.3 bbls
Lead H2O Len. = 339 ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Description
of Operation
Balancing Water
1. Pump
Lead H2O
Tail-in H 2 0 Vol. = Lead H 2 0 LenDPCAP
Surface Pressure
U-Tube
Considerations
U-Tube
45.3
(14 8.33)0.052
0.017
786
Dynamic
1,586
Comments
Circ.Press.
= 800
Tail-in H 2 0 Vol. = 339 ft. 0.017 bbl/ft.
Tail-in H2O Vol. = 5.8 bbls

Volume
Length
Capacity
Note: Rig up and test line, including by-pass isolating

valve.
41
Length G DP Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Pump Lead H2O.

Circ. Press. = 800
U-Tube
= 786
Dynamic
= 1586
Description
of Operation
1. Pump
Lead H2O
2. Mix
cement
U-Tube
Considerations
Surface Pressure
U-Tube
Dynamic
45.3
(14 8.33)0.052
0.017
786
47.5
(16 14)0.052
0.017
500
1,586
1,300
Comments
Circ.Press.
= 800
What if? 100
psi high
MWcmt=15.3
Post appraise before you pump

the cement, before it is too late.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What if the drill pipe pressure is 100 psi high?
Vcmt bbls
LCmt ft =
DPCap bbls/ft
47.5
LCmt ft =
= 2,794 ft
0.0170
PU psi
CW CWP
LCmt ft 0.052
100 psi
CW 16
2,794
Ft
0.052
CW = 15.3 ppg (too low)

This means that they did not mix the cement correctly.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Mix Cement.
Circ.Press. = 800
U-Tube
= 500
Dynamic = 1,300
Description of
Operation
Surface Pressure
U-Tube
1. Pump
Lead H2O
45.3
(14 8.33)0.052
0.017
786
2. Mix
cement
47.5
(16 14)0.052
0.017
500
5. 8
0.2948
0.017
600
3. Pump TI
Spacer
42
U-Tube
Considerations
Dynamic
1,586
1,300
1,400
Comments
Circ.Press.
= 800
What if? 100
psi high
MWcmt=15.3
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Pump TI Spacer
Circ.Press
= 800
U-Tube
= 600
Dynamic
= 1,400
Description of
Operation
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
2. Mix
cement
47.5
(16 14)0.052
0.017
500
5. 8
0.2948
0.017
600
1,400
600
1,400
Description of
Operation
(12,700-5,800).017 =
117.3
Comments
Circ.Press.
= 800
What if? 100
psi high
MWcmt=15.3
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Surface Pressure
U-Tube
Considerations
U-Tube
Dynamic
786
1,586
2. Mix
cement
47.5
(16 14)0.052
0.017
500
1,300
3. Pump TI
Spacer
5 .8
0.2948
0.017
Drilling and Well

Control Training
* NOTE:
When DP side of U-Tube
reverses, open the by-pass
line. Slow mud displacement
to the point of keeping up
with cement U-Tubing to
balance point. When mud
comes out of by-pass line, the
plug is balanced.
1,300
45.3
(14 8.33)0.052
0.017
5. Pump to
Balance Point.
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
1,586
1. Pump
Lead H2O
4. Pump to
bottom of DS
(not out)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dynamic
786
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Pump to bottom of DS
(not out)
Circ.Press.= 800
U-Tube = 600
Dynamic = 1,400
U-Tube
45.3
(14 8.33)0.052
0.017
4. Pump to
bottom of DS
(not out)
45.3
47.5
5.8
5,800 ft
0.017 0.017 0.017
Surface Pressure
U-Tube
Considerations
1. Pump
Lead H2O
3. Pump TI
Spacer
WL1 + CL + WL2 = Bottom WL1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
600
1,400
(12,700-5800).017 =
117.3
600
1,400
VolBP = (210.5(5.8+117.3))= 87.4
UTubing
Comments
Circ.Press.
= 800
What if? 100
psi high
MWcmt=15.3
Plug
balanced
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
5. Pump to Balance Point
U-Tube = 0
Dynamic = U-Tubing
Plug balanced
43
ODT &AWC Day 8
Kick-off Plug
Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
GIVEN:
DP:
5, 19.5, XH, Grade S, 0.0170 bbl/ft
DC:
6 213/16 720, 0.00768 bbl/ft
Shoe: 9, 47 lb/ft, 9000
L.O.T.: 17.4 ppg
Casing Burst: 8,150 psi
Pump Output: 0.112 bbl/stk
Slow Rate Pressure (SRP): 600 psi @ 25 spm
SIDPP: 650 psi
SICP: 1100 psi
6. Pull pipe out of the

cement plug slowly.
Circulate or reverse
circulate. Wait on
cement.

See Kill Sheet Review, Workbook, Well Control, pages 73-74.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. What is Maximum Allowable Annular

Surface Pressure?
Calculate the Mud Weight Equivalent (MWE).

Usually the Leak Off Test (L.O.T.) is given in a mud
weight equivalent. Sometimes it is given with the mud
weight used plus a recorded pressure on the drill pipe.
Then, a mud weight equivalent must be calculated. If 15
ppg mud was used for the Leak Off Test and 1,125 psi
pressure was recorded, the MWLOT is 17.4.
MAASP= (MWLot - MWH) 0.052 TVDshoe

MAASP= (17.4 - 14) 0.052 9,000
MAASP = 1,591 psi
Papplied
MWE LOT MWLOT
(TVDShoe ) 0.052
1125
MWE LOT 15
17.4
9000 0.052
See Workbook, Well Control, Formula 7, page 41.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. What is the equivalent MW at shoe with well

closed in? (MWEquiv)
3. What is the kill weight MWK?

SIDPP
Kill Mud Weight (ppg) = MWH +
0.052TVD
PHydro = MW0.052TVD
Papplied
MWEquiv MWhole
(TVD of interest) 0.052
1100
MWEquiv 14
9000 0.052
650
MWK (ppg) = 14 +
0.05212,720
MWEquiv = 16.4 ppg
MWK (ppg) = 15
Note: Casing Pressure is used for MWE at shoe.
See Workbook, Well Control, page 41, Formula 1.
44
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Principle of Additive Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If pressure is put in the form of MW, it will act like a

gradient at all points of the hole. If we add 300 psi to the
MW, what is the new MW?
MWNew
If we add 300 psi to the casing or below the BOP, what

would be the MWe at all points?
300
15
10,000 0.052
MWNew 15.6
300
MWe 15
2,000 0.052
17.9
300
MWe 15
6,000 0.052
16.0
300
MWe 15
10,000 0.052
The new MW of 15.6 will give a constant

mud gradient at all depths of the hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Principle of Additive Pressure
15.6
The MW equivalent is different at

different depths of the well. Therefore,
the safest place to put the 300 psi is in
the mud.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
5. What is Final Circulating Pressure (FCP)?
4. What is Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP)?

ICP = SIDPP + SRP
FCP = SRP
ICP = (650 + 600)

ICP = 1,250
MWK
MWO
15
FCP = 600
14
FCP = 643
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Note: Final
Circulating pressure is
nothing more than the
slow rate pressure
corrected for kill mud
weight.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
6. What is the revised Final Circulating Pressure

(FCP) if the actual ICP is 1450 psi?
7. What is Drill String Volume?

VOL DS =(DPCAP Len1 )+(DPCAP Len 2 )+(DCCAP Len)
SRP = ICP - SIDPP

MWK
FCP = SRP
MWO
VOL DS =(0.01712,000)+(0.00768720)
VOLDS = 209.5 bbls
SRP = 1,450 - 650 = 800 psi

15
FCP = 800 857 psi
14
See Workbook, Well Control, page 41, 56-58.
45
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8. How many strokes are required to reach FCP?
9. Calculate the circulating time to bit:
STK DS =
Drill String Total Volume (bbl)

Pump output (bbl/stk)
Time DS =
Drill String Strokes

Strokes Per Minute
STK DS =
209.5
0.112
Time DS =
1871
25
STKDS = 1,871 stks
TimeDS = 75 minutes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
10. What are some of the Limitations to Control

Capability?
11. Kick tolerance is greater with small kicks?

(a) True
Size kick
Percolation
Reaching ICP
Stroke Fluctuation
Method of closing in well
(b) False
See Well Control Manual, pages 373-382

See Workbook, Well Control, pages 44.
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure, pages 7- 9.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
12. Is the Utube

balanced?
13. If DP Pressure is not

corrected going from ICP to
FCP, using the Weight and
Wait Method, what will
happen to BHP?
YES!
It will increase.
46
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
14. How does pressure/stroke relationship affect

kill operation?
It can cause BHP changes.
16. If pump strokes are doubled, pump pressure

____________.
quadruples
15. If the SPR is changed from 30 to 35 and the

Drill Pipe Pressure is kept constant at 800 psi,
what will happen to the bottom hole pressure?
17. Which pressure is held constant when the

pump is being brought up to kill rate?
(a) drill pipe
(b) casing
a) Increase
b) Decrease
Decrease by 289 psi.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
SPM 2
P2 =P1
SPM1
35
P2 800 1089
30
Drilling and Well

Control Training
18. How do you maintain constant BHP during

percolation while on bottom?
Keep DP pressure constant plus small SF
20. If the Drill String volume is 98 bbl, the

Annular volume is 550 bbl, and the Open
Hole Annular volume is 88 bbl, what is the
recommended method of well control?
(a) Drillers
(b) Modified Wait & Weight
(c) Volumetric
(d) Wait & Weight
19. How do you maintain constant BHP during

percolation when plugged or off bottom?
Use Volumetric Method of Well Control.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
22. If we want to be able to open and close each of

the BOP components and have a 50%
redundancy, how much hydraulic fluid is
required for the following system?
21. The preferred method of well control on a

horizontal well is:
(a) Drillers
(b) Modified Wait & Weight
(c) Volumetric
(d) Wait & Weight
Qty
Size
Rating
Type
13
10,000
GK Hydril
29.35, 20.96
Close/Open
13
10,000
U CIW Ram
5.80, 5.45
10,000
F CIW CL Valve
0.59, 0.59
47
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8

# BOP
Close
Open
29.35
11.60
0.59
20.96
10.90
0.59
41.54
32.45
(1)
(2)
(1)
Hydril
Ram
CL Valve
Subtotal
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2.0
23. The sizing factor of ________,
based on a
3000-psi accumulator with a 1000-psi nitrogen
precharge and a 1200-psi minimum discharge,
is used to calculate minimum recommended
accumulator volume (nitrogen + fluid).
(a) 1.5
(b) 2.0
(c)2.5
(d)3.0
74 + 50% = 111 gallons of hydraulic fluid
Total
See Drilling Manual, Abnormal Pressure Chapter, page 2 or

Drilling and Well

Control Training
Workbook, BOPE, pages 14-15.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
24. If this is a 3,000 psi accumulator with a 1,000

psi precharge and the bottles are 10 gallons
each, how many bottles would be required?
25. What are the limiting factors for Maximum

Allowable Casing Pressure?
LOT
Surface casing
WH & BOP Equipment
(a) 11 bottles
(b) 12 bottles
26. If the influx is in the open hole section,

what is the limiting factor?
(c) 22 bottles
(d) 23 bottles
(a) Casing minimum yield

(b) MAASPLot
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
27. Heavy water dilutions and short bit runs

affect which of the following abnormal
pressure trend?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
28. What is a safe BOP drill while in open

hole?
(a) ram drill
(b) hydril drill
(c) reaction time drill
(d) full closure drill
Pit level volume

Cutting shape and size
Penetration rate increase
Flow line temperature
29. Smaller holes have a smaller bottom hole

pressure than large holes.
Short bit runs require trips and both trips and heavy
water dilutions will alter the flow line temperature.
(a) True
(b) False
48
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
32. How do you handle lost circulation while

circulating out a kick?
30. Gas cut mud at surface always requires a

MW increase:
a) True
b) False?
Stay on bottom, slow pump, add fine LCM.
False, if a gas formation is drilled, regardless of

mud hydrostatic, gas cut mud will take place.
33. What is the most important tripping

consideration?
31. The mud gradient of a 15 ppg mud is ________.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
G M MW 0.052
G M 15.0 0.052 0.78
Drilling and Well

Control Training
35. The kill method is

Wait & Weight.
Given this data,
what action should
be taken?
Hole not taking correct amount of mud on trip.

Gain in pit volume.
Increase flow across shale shaker.
Drilling break.
Decrease in pump pressure.
Gas cut mud or chloride increase.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Slug plan
Trip plan
Monitor plan
Supervision
Drilling and Well

Control Training
34. What are some trends that indicate a possible

kick and that the well should be checked for
flow?
SPR:
SRP:
SIDPP:
SICP:
MW:
MWK:
DS Stks:
Drilling and Well

Control Training
36. The key person on the rig as far as kick

detection is concerned should be:
30 spm
600 psi
650 psi
750 psi
14.0 ppg
15.0 ppg
1871
Strokes
DPPress
1250
187
1189
374
1129
561
1068
748
1007
936
947
1123
886
1310
825
1497
764
1684
704
1871
643
(a) Open choke a little

(b) Close choke a little
(c) Shut well in
(d) Reduce pump rate
38. BSEE Rules state that oil spills shall be reported

orally to the Regional Supervisor within 24 hours if
spills are more than one barrel at your facility.
(a) mud engineer

(b) company man
(c) toolpusher
(d) driller
(e) derrickman
(a) True
(b) False
They should be reported without delay.
39. BSEE Rules state a surface diverter must be ___.
37. A secondary indicator is seen immediately

(without circulating bottoms up).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) True
(b) False
49
8 inch diameter
10 inch diameter
12 inch diameter
14 inch diameter
BSEE Rules:
Surface is 10 inches.
Subsea is 12 inches.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
40. Prior to drilling the plug after cementing and in

the cases of plugs in production casing strings
and liners not planned to be subsequently drilled
out, all casings, except the drive or structural
casing, shall be pressure tested to 70 percent of
the minimum internal-yield pressure of the
casing or as otherwise approved or required by
the District Supervisor.
Label the following statements as:

A. True of annular preventers
B. True of ram preventers.
C. True of both ram and annular preventers.
41. ____Must
be matched to the drill pipe in the hole.
B.
42. ____Can
be used to strip pipe in and out of the hole.
C.
43. ____Sealing
pressure can increase with well
C.
pressure, depending on manufacturer.
44. ____A
variation is used to shear off pipe in the hole.
B.
(a) True
(b) False
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
(a) true
(b) false
____Can
be locked in a closed position.
B.
____Can
be closed around any size tool joint.
A.
____Can
support the weight of the drill string.
B.
____Uses
a closing pressure of 1,500 psi.
C.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
49. No damage can be caused on the BOP by

closing a well too rapidly on a strong flow,
i.e., stopping flow abruptly.
Label the following statements as:

A. True of annular preventers
B. True of ram preventers.
C. True of both ram and annular preventers.
45.
46.
47.
48.
On large kicks, a water hammer effect can be caused

by closing in a well too rapidly.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
50. To prevent damage to the BOP from the

water hammer effect, what method of closing
in should be considered?
51. Does closing

pressure on annular
BOP effect wear of
element?
(a) hard close

(b) soft close
YES!
50
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
53. Field repair on top pipe rams can be made on:
52. When moving the

drill pipe through the
preventer, motion
reversal harms the
rubber?
(a) flange
(b) bonnet seal and ram packer
(c) body of BOP
YES!
Drilling and Well

Control Training
WellCAP Subsea Review
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Give two reasons why blowout preventers for
floating drilling rigs are installed on the ocean
floor.
I. INTRODUCTION
B. What do both land based and subsea BOPs have
in common?
1.
2.
3.
4.
1. So that the rig can move off location without

disturbing the wellhead.
2. To provide a firm and solid base for the blowout
preventers.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Precautions and procedures for blowout prevention.

Design and operation of the stack.
Connections and pressure test.
All of the above.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I. INTRODUCTION
D. Drilling-vessel heave can cause:
I. INTRODUCTION
C. What is the primary difference between surface
and subsea BOPs?
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The set up of the control systems.

The operation of the BOP components.
The size and pressure ratings.
All of the above.
51
Constant pipe movement in the hole.

Problems in detecting a kick.
Excessive loads on the derrick.
All of the above.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I. INTRODUCTION
E. Which device helps the driller control the
weight-on-bit from a constantly moving vessel?
1.
2.
3.
4.
I. INTRODUCTION
F. In ultra-deep water with heavier muds, the
hydrostatic difference between the mud and
seawater must be considered when testing BOPs
to nominal pressure.
Lower riser.
Telescopic joint.
Motion compensator.
Diverter.
1. True
2. False
1. True. For example, with a 15.0 ppg and seawater
that is 8.7 ppg, at a water depth of 10,000 feet, there is
3,276 psi difference that must be accounted for.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I. INTRODUCTION
G. While hanging off is recommended to prevent
trapped gas in the BOP and to protect the
element in the annular, on dynamically
positioned (DP) vessels there is a third
consideration. What is it?
II. CASING AND WELLHEADS

A. In a subsea operation the wellhead is usually
welded to the:
1.
2.
3.
4.
_____________________________________
In the event of station keeping problems, already being
hung off places you in the best position possible for an
emergency disconnect. Therefore, many operations require
hanging off in all well control situations.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Conductor pipe.
Guide base
Surface casing
All of the above.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

B. What is generally the limiting factor in the well
control system?
1.
2.
3.
4.

C. The wellhead serves all but one of the following
functions.
Wellhead.
Casing.
Stack.
Riser.
1. Supports and houses subsequent casing strings.

2. Provides a foundation for the BOP stack.
3. Provides the remote control hydraulic connector for
the BOP stack.
4. Provides a pressure seal between casing and the BOP
stack.
52
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
III. SUBSEA BOP STACKS

B. Decode the following API nomenclature for a
BOP stack.

A. How is the BOP stack usually guided to the
guide base?
1.
2.
3.
4.
With the guide base.

By radio control.
Along the guide wires or funnel and ROV guided.
Over the conductor pipe.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
5M
13
CH
R
A
Maximum working pressure, 5,000 psi

Diameter of the throughbore
Remote control connector with full working pressure
Single-ram preventer (pipe or blank)
Annular type blowout preventer
Drilling and Well

Control Training

C. Top and Bottom hydraulic connectors are
similar in design and operation, but the bottom
connector is dependent on the wellhead size and
manufacturer.
IV. RAM-TYPE PREVENTERS,

ANNULAR-TYPE PREVENTERS
A. What type of hydraulic fluid is used to operate
subsea preventers?
1. Diesel oil mixed with water.
2. Fresh water mixed with biocide and environmentally
friendly lubricants.
3. Oil emulsified in saltwater.
4. Regular hydraulic fluid.
1. True.
2. False.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IV. RAM-TYPE PREVENTERS,

ANNULAR-TYPE PREVENTERS
B. The upper annular preventer should be used to
close in a well because...
IV.C
blowout preventer
1. Annular
____________________
can be closed around any
size drill pipe or casing.
1. If it fails, the well can be secured with the other

preventer and the upper annular can be pulled with the
LMRP to be repaired.
2. It has a higher rating than the other preventer.
3. It is just preference and does not matter which one is
used.
4. It has the fastest closing time.
53
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IV.C
IV.C
Wellhead is the
2. The __________
foundation for the BOP
stack or production
tree.
Choke and Kill Lines

3. __________________
are means by which
fluid can be pumped
into or released from
the annulus during a
well kick.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IV.C
IV.C
4. The _____________
Flex Joint
allows for the lateral
(side to side) movement
of the marine riser.
5. The ______________
Control Pods
are the mating portion
of the subsea hydraulic
remote-control
mechanism.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IV.C
IV.C
Hydraulic Connector
6. The _________________
fastens the marine riser to
the BOP stack by remote
control.
7. The _______________
Pipe Rams
are sometimes used to
support the drill string in
a subsea operation.
54
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IV.C
IV.C
Riser Pipe
8. The _______________
conducts drill pipe down
to, and drill fluid up
from the well.
Telescope (slip) joint

9. ________________________
allows for up and down
movement in the marine riser.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IV.C
IV.C
Guide Base
11. The Temporary
__________________
is the first piece of
guidance equipment to
touch bottom.
10. _______________means
Tensioner lines
by which a constant pull
is maintained on the riser
pipe despite vessel
movement.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
V. MARINE RISER SYSTEMS

Lower Riser Package
A. The main purpose of a marine riser is to provide
a closed pathway between the BOP stack and
the drilling vessel.

Lower Riser Package
B. Which one of these forces would have the least
effect on a marine riser?
1.
2.
3.
4.
1. True
2. False
55
Waves and current.

Weight of the mud in the riser.
Pressure from a gas kick rising to the surface.
Differential pressure between fluid inside and the fluid
outside the riser.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Lower Riser Package
C. One of the following is not always included in
the lower marine riser package.
If an annular is run as
part of the riser
package, it is run
between the hydraulic
connector and the ball
(or flex) joint.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Hydraulic connector.
Flexible joint.
Hoses of pipe for kill and choke lines.
Annular preventer.
Pipe ram.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VI. RISER PIPE AND CONNECTORS,

INTEGRAL CHOKE AND KILL LINES

A. A preventer stack with a 16 inch throughbore

3. 18 O.D.
would probably use a _____________riser
pipe.
1.
2.
3.
4.
B. What is the most common method for

connecting riser pipe?
1.
2.
3.
4.
16 inch O.D.
17 inch I.D.
18 inch O.D.
20 inch I.D.
Weld on clamps.
Threaded box and pin with torque lock.
Back flange with hinged locks.
Mandrel and box with mechanical lock.
See Workbook, BOPE Chapter, page 18.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

VI. RISER PIPE AND

CONNECTORS,
INTEGRAL CHOKE
AND KILL LINES
4. All of these.
C. In deep water, _______________
provides a
practical means of increasing riser pipe
buoyancy.
1.
2.
3.
4.
56
Foamed matrix material.

Syntactic floatation material.
Air tanks.
All of these.
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VII. TELESCOPIC JOINT,

SUBSEA DIVERTER SYSTEM
VII. TELESCOPIC
JOINT, SUBSEA
DIVERTER
SYSTEM
A. A telescopic or slip joint can do all but one of

the following.
1. Compensate for vertical movement (heave) of the
drilling vessel.
2. Provides fittings for choke and kill lines to the drilling
vessel.
3. Compensates for pipe movement in the hole.
4. Provides attachments for the riser tensioner system.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
VIII. RISER TENSIONERS, GUIDELINE SYSTEMS
VII. TELESCOPIC JOINT,

SUBSEA DIVERTER SYSTEM
A. If six tensioners are used for a riser tensioner

system with 240,000 lbs, how much pull would
be required for each tensioner?
1. outer
B. The ____________
barrel of a telescopic joint
remains fixed to the riser pipe and contains the
resilient packing elements for the pressure seal.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1. 66,000 lbs
3. 24,000 lbs
outer
inner
middle
all of these
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. 40,000 lbs
4. 15,000 lbs
VIII. RISER
TENSIONERS,
GUIDELINE
SYSTEMS
B. Name two other factors that must be corrected to

find the total pull required of each tensioner
through the reeving system.
1. ____________________________________________
Amount of friction loss (20%)
2. ____________________________________________
Angle of the tension lines to the riser (cosine of angle)
57
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
C. How is the amount of pull exerted by each

tensioner unit usually controlled?
D. Wire-line used in a __________________

system
1. tensioner
usually has a very short life span.
1. Hydraulic pressure
2. Air pressure
3. Counter weight
4. All of these
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. tensioner
2. guideline
3. both of these
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IX. SUBSEA BOP-OPERATING SYSTEM
E. ROVs and/or guidelines are used to: _________.
A. In which way is the operation of subsea BOP the

same as the operation of a land based BOP?
_______________________________________
2. Location and operation of the control panels
1. Assist recovery of the guide base.

2. Help position the vessel over the well.
3. Guide equipment to and from the wellhead.
4. All of these.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
Amount and type of activating fluid

Location and operation of the control panels
Operation of the choke and kill lines
Type of control lines used
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IX. SUBSEA BOPOPERATING SYSTEM
3. Shuttle valve
C. A_________________
automatically switches
access to a function from one pod to another
should one of the pods fail
B. Name two means by which a

subsea BOP assembly can be
remotely controlled
1. __________________________
Hydraulically
1. Accumulator valve
3. Shuttle valve
Electrically (Electrohydraulic)
2. __________________________
58
2. Redundancy valve
4. All of these
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 8
Drilling and Well

Control Training
After killing kick with 14.0 ppg mud in 5,000 of water

a small gas bubble (1 bbl) remains in the BOPs
trapped below the pipe rams.
How much gas is this if allowed to expand up the riser?
D. After filling the riser with kill mud, it is now

safe to open up the BOPs and commence normal
1. True
2. False
P1V1 P2 V2 or V2 =
False. There may be trapped gas in

the BOP which must be flushed out.
V2
P1V1
P2
1 5, 000 14.0 0.052 247.6 bbl

14.7
This is 688 in a 21 riser, a loss of 500 psi hydrostatic.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
X. CHOKE AND KILL FITTINGS
E. One of the differences between a multiplex control

system and a hydraulic control system is that with a
hydraulic control system you do not have control
access without making the connection to the pod
hose reel, but with the multiplex control system you
have full control access at all times.
1. True
2. False
Drilling and Well

Control Training
A. Choke and kill lines should have the same

maximum working pressure as the BOP stack.
1. True
2. False
B. Choke and kill lines should have at least two

full-opening valves adjacent to the preventers.
1. True
2. False
True (Choke and kill lines can be

tested while being lowered due to
the fact they are fail-safe valves.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
X. CHOKE AND KILL FITTINGS
If SS choke line friction is measured at 100 psi, what

should casing pressure be at ICP?
C. Gas should always be vented to the windward

side of the rig.
1. True
2. False
SICP @ ICP = (1100 100)

SICP @ ICP = 1,000 psi
59
Day Nine
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Review Homework
Gas Cap Drilling
Gas Cap Lost Circulation
Squeeze Cementing
Workover & Completions
MDS Final Test
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost Circulation
Propagation Losses
& Hydrocarbon
Workshop
Gas Cap
Drilling
Lost Circulation In Gas Cap
Drilling and Well

Control Training
I.
How Lost Circulation And

Associated Problems Develop In
The Gas Cap
II. Basic Equipment Required
III. Analysis Of Lost Circulation
Problems In The Gas Cap
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Day Nine Homework
Many exploration
wells are positioned
on the top of anticline
reservoirs so that
maximum geological
information is
achieved from the
drilling process.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Many drilling problems

result from drilling the
complete anticline in
one open hole section
without committing a
liner or casing string.
One method that

works is to cement
off each lost
circulation zone
before drilling ahead.
The technique is
called cement
consolidation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
This includes:
Mud and wire line
logging.
Drilling has the

obligation to get the
maximum geological
and reservoir
information for the
other departments of
the company.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill stem testing the

gas cap, the oil leg
and the water leg
before doing any
cement work or
squeezing.
Drill String Testing

Considerations
DST Responsibility
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drill Stem Test With One Limited Flowing

Test Can Be Expected To:
Drilling must be in control of the operation:

Make sure the objectives of the test are clear to
all concerned. Request from production
engineering and/or exploitation geology is okay.
Give Accurate Reservoir Pressures

Indicate the Pressure or Absence of Oil and Gas
Indicate Formation Characteristics With Regard
To Permeability and Fracturing
Drilling plans and implements the D.S.T.
Indicate the Pressure or Lack of Communicating

in Liner Laps, Perforations and Casing Shoes.
All orders and changes here to be coordinated

through drilling management.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling is responsible for the safety of the test.
DST Check List
Stationary Rig
Drilling and Well

Control Training
DST
Floating Rig
1. Time and Measurement

2. Hole in Good Conditions
3. BOPS, Well head and DST Equipment Tested.
4. Order and Check All Tools and Equipment
Drill String
5. Safety and Contingencies, i.e. H2S.
Packer
See Drilling Manual, Drill Stem Testing Chapter, page 3.
Drill String
Packer
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
DST Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training
DST Check List
6. Observations and Recommendations During

All Phases of Test

All Phases of Test
While running tools
2nd flow period
in hole
Final shut in time
While setting
packer
1st flow period
1st shut in period
Rules Of Thumb For Final Shut In

1. Good Flow
FSI = Final Flow Time
2. Average Well
FSI = 1 Final Flow Time
3. Poor Well
FSI = 2 Final Flow Time
Drilling and Well

Control Training
DST Check List
Drilling and Well

Control Training

All Phases of Test
While running tools
2nd flow period
in hole
Final shut in time
While setting
Reversing out
packer
Unseating of packer
1st flow period
Pulling tools out of
hole.
1st shut in period
A-B
B
C
C-D
D
E-F
F
G
H
H-I
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Going in hole
Packer seated, tester valve opened
Mud pressure relieved, formation pressure buildup starts.
Initial closed-in pressure build up curve.
Auxiliary valve opened.
Flowing pressure curve.
Closed-in pressure valve closed.
By-pass opened.
Packer unseated
Coming out of hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Many reservoirs have abnormal pressure at the

top of the structure because of long gas
columns.
Consequently, when a MW is designed with a
reasonable trip margin (overbalance) of 200 psi
at the top of the structure, the overbalance
increases up to four or five times the original
overbalance by the time the bottom of the
reservoir is reached.
Hydrocarbon and gas

cap drilling can be very
hazardous and problem
related even when
drilled under normal
reservoir pressure.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The overbalance increases because the

formation pressure at the top of the
reservoir is either abnormally pressured
and the formation pressure at the bottom of
the reservoir is normally pressured, or
because of the difference between mud and
the formation fluid gradients.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Normal Vs. Abnormal Pressure Gradients

Normal:
0.44 to 0.58 psi/ft.
Abnormal:
0.58 to 1.0 psi/ft.
A 0.465 psi/ft is accepted to be the normal

(standard) overbalance around the world.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling through permeable

formations containing gas or oil is
always problem related, but it is a
very severe problem when the
formation is thick and highly
fractured.
When more than one formation is
exposed, particularly when the
formations are under different
gradients, drilling operations become
extremely hazardous.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

The problems that develop are:
Lost circulation
Gas kicks related to lost circulation
Blowouts
Differential sticking
Poor cement jobs around liners
Drilling and Well

Control Training
You are the drilling manager.

There are two drilling foremen: one is excellent
and the other is mediocre.
There are two wells waiting for a supervisor to
be assigned.
One well is deep (20,000 foot) and the other is a
shallow well with a shallow gas cap (1,000 feet)
that must be drilled through.
Which well do you assign to each foreman?
Typically, a drilling manager will put the

excellent drilling foreman on the deeper well.
In reality, the reaction time must be quicker on
the shallow well and the better supervisor
should be assigned to the shallow well.
Shallow hydrocarbons can be extremely
dangerous.
ODT &AWC Day 9
Well 311
M.I.S.,
Iran
Drilling and Well
Well 311, M.I.S., Iran

GAS CAP, 1,000 Depth
17 hole
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
This blowout, like most

blowouts, could have
been prevented.
Certain equipment is
needed while drilling in
the gas cap formations.
Crews need to be
instructed to carry out the
company policies.
Mud cooley with his wife after receiving a gold

Rolex watch as a reward for his bravery.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Adequate
pressure
overbalance
must be
planned.
I. How Lost Circulation And Associated

Problems Develop In The Gas Cap
Because the mud
gradient is much higher
than the fluid gradient
in the formation, a
tremendous increase in
mud overbalance
develops for each foot
drilled.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

When long columns of
hydrocarbons are
drilled, the frac
gradient (frac mud
weight) will be
decreasing with depth.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

The combination of
increasing overbalance
and decreasing frac
gradient leads to loss
circulation and associated
problems such as
differential sticking and
potential blowouts.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

FP POB
TVD 0.052
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Calculate required mud weight (MW) to give 200

psi overbalance at 8,000 feet depth.
Calculate required mud

weight (MW) to give 200 psi
overbalance:
Depth = 8,000 ft.
Fp
= 5,400 psi
MW
MW
FP POB
TVD 0.052
MW
5, 400 200
8, 000 0.052
MW = 13.5
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Calculate estimated Fpe @ 8,500, 9,000, and 9,500.

At 8,500 Depth
At 9,000 Depth
Fpe (FP (LS FG ))
Fpe (FP (LS FG ))
Fpe (5, 400 (500 0.1))
Fpe (5, 450 (500 0.3))
Fpe = 5,450 psi
Fpe = 5,600 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Depth
(feet)
FP (psi)
At 9,500 Depth
8,000
5,400
Fpe (FP (LS FG ))
8,500
5,450
Fpe (5,600 (500 0.465))
9,000
5,600
Fpe = 5,832 psi
9,500
5,832
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sometimes a formation
pressure is given on a
world geological map for a
water aquifer or water
table.
PHydro
(psi)
POB
(psi)
PF (psi)
MWF
(ppg)
200

Calculate estimated
overbalance and
hydrostatic pressure @
9,500.
These calculations must be

worked backwards to
extrapolate the pressure at
the top of the gas cap.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PHydro MW 0.052 TVD

POB (PHydro FP )
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Calculate estimated overbalance and hydrostatic

pressure @ 9,500.
Calculate estimated overbalance and hydrostatic

pressure @ 9,500.
At 9,500 Depth
At 9,500 Depth
PHydro MW 0.052 TVD
POB (PHydro FP )
PHydro 13.5 0.052 9,500
Pob (6, 669 5,832)
PHydro = 6,669 psi
POB = 837 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Depth
(feet)
FP (psi)
PHydro
(psi)
POB
(psi)
8,000
5,400
5,616
200
8,500
5,450
5,967
517
9,000
5,600
6,318
718
9,500
5,832
6,669
837
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PF (psi)
When the overbalance is greater than 400 psi, there

will be severe loss circulation and differential
sticking.
MWF
(ppg)
If the driller gets

complacent and does
not keep the pipe
moving, he runs the
risk of becoming
differentially stuck.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Estimate fracture pressure (PF) @ 8,000, 8,500, 9,000, 9,500
This kind of situation

not only leads to loss
circulation and
differential sticking,
but also leads to gas
kicks and blowouts.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PF (k(s FP ) FP )
MWF
PF
0.052 TVD
Where:
PF
=
MWF =
k
=
s
=
FP
=
TVD =
Drilling and Well

Control Training
est. frac. press., psi

est. frac. MW, ppg
related to Poissons ratio
overburden pressure (use 1.0 psi/ft), psi
formation pressure, psi
True Vertical Depth, ft.
At 8,000 Depth
At 8,000 Depth
PF (k(s FP ) FP )
MWF
PF
0.052 TVD
MWF
5842
0.052 8000
PF (0.17(8000 5400) 5400)

PF = 5,842 psi
MWF = 14 ppg
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Depth
(feet)
FP (psi)
PHydro
(psi)
POB
(psi)
PF (psi)
MWF
(ppg)
8,000
5,400
5,616
200
5,842
14.0
8,500
5,450
5,967
517
5,968
13.5
9,000
5,600
6,318
718
6,178
13.2
9,500
5,832
6,669
837
6,455
13.1
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
One possible solution is to

run a casing liner part of the
way down and then reduce
the MW so that the rest of the
gas cap could be drilled.
But this is an exploration well
and we are not interested in
the shallower depths. We
want to go fairly deep.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Running a liner will reduce

the hole size and will limit
the depth that can be
drilled.
Another solution must be
found to drill this anticline
reservoir, which will allow
us to manage all the
problems.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What are the problems associated with gas

cap drilling?
1. Lost circulation
2. Differential sticking
3. Blowouts
4. Liner cementing (gas isolation)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Loss zones should be solved with cement,

not LCM.
The fractures that will give secondary kicks
when losses on bottom occur must be
cemented and consolidated.
This eliminates many of the associated
problems.
The whole key to drilling

through gas caps is the
consolidation method.
The losses must be
consolidated as the well is
drilled.
Each loss zone must be
solved before drilling
ahead.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
More importantly,
when fractures are
cemented as the well is
being drilled, any new
lost circulation that is
encountered will
always be below the
bit.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ABC
Exploration Corporation
One of the
cardinal rules
of drilling is to:
Always keep
the problem
below the bit!
Production
Reservoir
Engineering
Exploitation
Geology
Reservoir
Engineering
Exploitation
Geology
Drilling
Reservations can be overcome by furnishing

these departments the information that they are
looking for.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

I. How Lost Circulation And
Associated Problems Develop
In The Gas Cap
ABC
Exploration Corporation
Production
Drilling
By doing a drill stem test at the top of each leg

of the anticline gas cap and by running good
logs, they will have all the information that
they want.
In addition, the gas cap can be safely drilled.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Lost circulation while drilling

in a hydrocarbon zone is
extremely dangerous because
of the associated gas kicks
that are allowed when the
fluid level at the surface
drops to the point that the
overbalance is lost.
Some of the hazards of

lost circulation can be
reduced if:
The crews are trained
properly.
Necessary equipment
is rigged up properly.
10
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Some of the hazards of

lost circulation can be
reduced if:
Loss problems are
properly anticipated so
that contingency plans
are ready.
Proper control
techniques are used.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Most of this equipment is very
basic and standard equipment.
These pieces of equipment are
the very minimum that is
needed.
Do NOT try to drill through a
gas cap without having it.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
A. Hydraulic valve on kill

side of BOP.
A. Hydraulic valve on kill side of BOP.

This allows the driller to start fluid in the
annulus immediately when losses occur.
The driller must be able

to work independently
from his crew.
In highly fractured formations, fluid has to be

started immediately because complete losses are
routinely encountered and kicks are almost
simultaneous.
The valve needs to be

handy for the driller to
use from the rig floor.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
B. Rotating Head
Considerations for using a
rotating head start when
the braden-head is
installed.
It is essential to have the
braden-head and all other
spools level and properly
aligned.
B. Rotating Head
With any misalignment,
the rotating heads cannot
be used properly.
The stripping element in a
rotating head will not last
if there is any
misalignment.
11
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
B. Rotating Head
The stripping element is
used while drilling.
When tripping, the
stripping element is set
back on the first stand
that is pulled out of the
hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
B. Rotating Head
Spacing below rotary beams
is an important consideration
on some rigs.
The rig must have a proper
sub-structure and spacing to
build the wellhead and the
stack with the rotating head
on top.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
C. Bit Float Valve (back pressure)

A drill pipe float can be
positioned above the bit
(below collars) to prevent
back flow into the drill string.
It provides positive and
instantaneous shut off against
high or low pressure.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

A bit float valve assures
control of fluid flow through
the drilling string at all times
during the drilling operation,
whether the top drive or kelly
is in place or not.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

It is useful in top hole drilling
to prevent backflow and Utubing of mud and cuttings
into the drilling assembly,
therefore preventing bit
plugging and wet connections.

A solid float is recommended
over a vented float in the gas
cap, so that nothing can come
into the drill string.
Safety is the primary concern
in choosing equipment in the
gas cap.
12
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
D. Drop-in Check Valve (inside BOP).

It is versatile and may be run at any position in
the drill string.
A landing sub is the only equipment needed to
provide inside blowout protection for the
duration of drilling.
The landing sub offers no interference to
normal drilling operation, surveying or other
functions.

A profile for a drop-in
check valve is normally
run in the first or second
stand of drill pipe above
the hevi-weight or drill
collars.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

If a blowout threatens, the
valve is simply pumped
down the drill string or
run with a wire line to
the landing sub.
Once the valve is landed,
it provides continuous
inside valve service.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

In drilling a gas cap, there must always be
control on the inside, just in case the collars
and bit float are lost.
If a string shot back off of the collars is going
to be made and the float is going to be lost,
pump the backpressure valve in before moving
the pipe out of the hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

To remove the valve,
unscrew the stop ring
from the lower end of
the landing sub. The
valve may now be
removed from the lower
end of the sub and stored
for future use.

In subsea or surface
operations where
shear/blind rams are
employed, the drop-in
check valve should be
used to close off the
drill pipe before shearing
the drill pipe.
13
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Choke Manifold.
A header is
provided with the
separator to take
the flow from
adjustable chokes
and other chokes
or from the bypass
line on the choke
manifold.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Choke Manifold.
When the BOP is
closed, all mud
and fluids are
diverted through
the choke line to
the choke
manifold.
Choke Manifold
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Choke Manifold.
The fluids are
diverted from
the choke
manifold to
either the mud
gas separator or
to a burning pit.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Choke Manifold.
The choke
manifold has both
manual and
hydraulic valves.
The choke
manifold is used to
hold proper back
pressure.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Choke Manifold.
One of the most important considerations
for the choke manifold is that the pressure
rating of all the
valves needs to
be uniform
throughout the
entire manifold.
E. Choke Manifold.
If working around
sour gas reservoirs,
choke manifolds
must be properly
stress relieved to
withstand that
environment.
14
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
F. Mud Gas Separator and a Vacuum Degasser.

Gas separators
are not difficult
to build, but
when working
around H2S, do
not use a poor
boy model.

Use a factory built
gas separator that
has been properly
stress relieved with
heat.
Mud gas separator
Low pressure mud gas separator
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Well control planning
should include handling
of contaminants on
surface.
A low pressure mud gas
separator and a high
vacuum degasser should
be considered.
Vacuum degasser
Drilling and Well

Control Training

If degassers are not rigged up, a very large
surface volume and an adequate agitation
system is required.
Either pit rolling devices
or large stirring devices
are needed since pit mud
guns are seldom adequate.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
F. Mud Gas Separator and

a Vacuum Degasser.
The primary use of the
mud gas separator is
to separate and vent
trip gas and gas from
heavily cut mud.
When gas is circulated to the surface, pressure in

the gas reduces, and the gas bubbles expand and
accumulate into pockets of gas or heads.
As these pockets rise to the surface, their rapid
expansion gives tremendous velocity to the mud
ahead, which if not controlled, can cause the
mud to be blown out of the well and damage rig
equipment and cause injuries.
15
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

The gas following
the mud creates a
dangerous fire
hazard when it
escapes into the air
around the drilling
rig.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

To operate efficiently with the mud gas
separator, the hole must be shut in (or diverted
with rotating head system) with the mud
circulating through the choke manifold or a
drilling head.
The flow is diverted from the flowline or choke
line to the mud gas separator.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

The mud passing over
the baffles of the
separator releases gas,
which is carried by the
top vent to a remote
flare.

A moderate backpressure may be maintained.
This reduces the rate of expansion of the gas in
the mud stream and moderates the surge effect
as gas pockets reach the surface.
It also prevents mud from blowing out the gas
vent lines.
Remote gas flare
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

A float valve in the mud
gas separator maintains
a minimum mud level
to provide a liquid seal
that prevents the gas
from blowing out the
return line.

The mud gas separator
is used primarily to
control trip gas and gas
cutting.
It is also a valuable tool
during a well kick to
help control the near
surface expansion of
gas.
16
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

It is particularly useful
when drilling bridges in
an old or collapsed hole
to control sudden gas
heading.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

These flows are then
passed through the
separator.
The header can also act
to some degree as a
surge tank in these
smaller lines.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
G. Trip Tank.
A trip tank is
necessary because
keeping pump
strokes with a
triplex pump is not
accurate, because of
the supercharger.
The mud gas separator is an essential piece of

safety equipment where:
Drilling is likely to encounter large volumes of
gas, or
An operator is likely to drill with a slightly
under-balanced mud column.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
G. Trip Tank.
A trip tank should be
used to pull out and to
go in the hole when
tripping to keep up
with metal
displacement.
H. Center Cut Bits or Sliding Sleeve Mechanisms.

These have definite advantages if severe losses
are anticipated and if lost circulation material
and/or cement plugs are to be used in treating
the loss zone.
It is better to drill the center of the bit out in
the workshop, rather than using a rig welder,
because of possible metallurgy damage.
17
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

A hole size ranging from to 1 is normally
satisfactory (other nozzles open) to
accommodate any amount of LCM required
and gives satisfactory opening for setting
cement plugs through bit.
The hole should have proper hard-facing
applied to prevent washout.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Center cut bits normally
drill at a satisfactory rate in
gas caps because severe
gas cutting, due to porosity,
is a problem if fast
penetration rates are
maintained.
Center Jet Bit
by Hughes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
J. Cementing Manifold and Lines.

If cement is to be used
to treat the loss zone, a
cementing manifold
facilitates mixing.
I. Pill or Slugging Tank.

To facilitate mixing LCM in mud, a
partitioned pill tank is required so that base
slurry (viscous medium) can be premixed
and held.
LCM can be freshly mixed in the base slurry
so that quick treatment is possible.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Having two cement headers
eliminates unnecessary pipes
and chicksan.
One header should be at the
base of the rig substructure
and the other should be on the
rig floor with lines going to
the cementing head.

It is very important to
hook up cementing lines to
both the drill pipe and the
annulus so that the cement
can be displaced out of the
drill string and the last part
of the squeeze can be
performed through the
annulus.
18
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
J. Cementing Manifold
and Lines.
This clears the cement
that possibly U-tubed
behind the drill string.
K. PVT and Flow Rate Indicators

A driller must start fluid
in the annulus before
complete losses take
place to prevent a drop
in fluid level in the
annulus and a gas kick.
Cement Head
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Mud pit level
indicators are
necessary on
every rig so that
kicks and lost
circulation can be
detected in the
early stages.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

A pit volume
totalizing tool
is necessary to
account for
different levels
in mud tanks.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

This is extremely
important on a
floating vessel since
wave motion will
cause fluctuations in
pit levels and the
PVT will automatically
correct for total pit
volume.

Subsea operations need
two probes per tank to
give a more accurate
total (heave
compensated).
Most of these devices
are set to alarm when a
1% change in pit
volume occurs.
19
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

However, a small one to three barrel kick is
sometimes caught and, on the other hand, a
fifteen to twenty barrel gain in pit volume is
necessary to activate the alarm.
Equipment is good if properly maintained and
adjusted, but cannot be unattended.
Pit levels should be closely monitored by a
trained person and recorded at regular intervals.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Another early warning sign at surface is the
return flow rate at the flowline.
Meters have been devised to
continuously measure the
amount of mud coming out
of a well and compare this
volume with the amount
pumped into the drill pipe.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

If the volumes are not
exactly the same,
indication of a gain or
loss is given
immediately.
Light signals and
audible warnings are
triggered.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

In floating operations,
this device is not as
reliable because of
upward and downward
motion of the vessel.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

A new electronic device
has been devised to
monitor the flow rate at
the sea floor to eliminate
the wave motion
problem.

It must be emphasized that these devices will
not eliminate or reduce the importance of the
driller monitoring the pressure and pump
strokes continuously.
The pressure stroke relationship will change
when a kick or lost circulation takes place.
20
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

By monitoring the return
flow and stroke/pressure
relationship, many problems
such as drilling assembly
washouts, squeezing
formations, etc. can be easily
analyzed.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
In the gas cap, there can be sudden losses.

An ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure.
Be prepared and anticipate
these losses by being
properly rigged up with
the proper equipment.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Dont be complacent because
a well has all the proper
equipment.
Equipment cannot replace a
good man.
People who are well trained,
have good minds, and have
their heart in their work are
needed on these rigs.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

I. How Lost Circulation And
Associated Problems Develop
In The Gas Cap
Drilling and Well

Control Training
III. Analysis Of Lost Circulation Problems In

The Gas Cap
Len (ft)
If we drill into this gas

cap and hit a natural
fracture, how much
fluid could we lose
before the gas kick
would enter into the
wellbore?

POB
GM
G M MW 0.052
Where:
Len:
POB:
GM:
MW:
21
Length (ft)
Pressure Overbalance (psi)
Mud gradient (psi/ft)
Mud weight (ppg)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The next step is to

find the volume of
that length.
Calculate the Length (Len) in feet.
Len (ft)
Len (ft)
POB
GM
Calculate the Volume in

barrels.
Vol (bbl) Len (ft) VOL ANN (
Vol (bbl) 286
bbl
)
ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
We are only 14 bbl

from a potential
blowout!
VOL ANN
bbl
)
ft
(CasID 2 - DPOD 2 )
1029.4
A supervisor of the well should ask himself the

following questions before lying down at night:
Do I realize that I am
only 14 barrels away
from a potential
blowout?
(8.6812 52 )
1029.4
Have I told the driller

everything I wanted to
tell him?
Vol (bbl) = 14 bbls
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Vol (bbl) Len (ft) VOLANN (
Where:
Vol:
Volume (bbl)
Len:
Length (ft)
VOLANN: Annulus Volume (bbl/ft)
CasID:
Casing Inside Diameter (inches)
DPOD: Drill pipe Outside Diameter (inches)
200
0.7
Len (ft) = 286
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
A supervisor of the well

should ask himself the
following questions before
lying down at night:
A. Drillers First Actions

1. Start fluid in the annulus
and keep the pipe
moving.
Does my driller know

what the first plan of
action should be? (He
needs to be very clear
about what you want him
to do.)
Once the driller starts this,

he has time to get with the
foreman and toolpusher to
decide what to do next.
22
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Measure loss rate while

circulating across
wellhead.
2. Measure loss rate while

circulating across
wellhead.
Do not measure loss rate

while circulating through
bit, because this is not the
mode we will be at after
spotting LCM Pill.
Use the trip tank and the

32 centrifugal pump to
circulate across the
wellhead and measure the
loss rate.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
B. Operational Plan To Solve Loss Problem
The loss problem

will be solved with a
cement plug, but a
plan is needed in
order to solve it
successfully.
1. Measure loss rate.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The loss rate was

measured and is 80
barrels per hour
(B.P.H.)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Spot LCM Pill. Re-measure loss rate.
The purpose for doing

this is to see if the
LCM pill has been
spotted in the correct
place.
If there is not an improvement in the loss

rate, then the loss zone has probably not
been properly identified and the pill has
not been spotted in the correct place.
23
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The purpose of the LCM pill is not to solve the

problem, but to slow it down. The problem is
going to be solved with a cement plug.
In this example, the loss rate has slowed down

to 30 barrels per hour after spotting the LCM
pill.
It takes time to build a 13.5 ppg mud and there

is a limited amount of mud.
This is a good sign and shows that the LCM pill

has been spotted in the correct place.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The losses need to be slowed down until it

can be solved with cement.
3. Pull out of the hole to the casing shoe while

continuing to circulate across the wellhead
through trip tank.
The losses from each zone are going to be

solved before drilling to the next zone.
Keep the hole full.

There is not a lot of time, so get to the shoe as
quickly as possible.
This is called consolidation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
C. Lost Circulation Cement Plug
4. Spot 2nd LCM pill near the casing shoe.
1. Calculate the amount of cement required.
As the pill works its

way down the hole, get
organized and ready to
do the cement job.
The first plug will be

based on the drill string
volume at the setting
point (casing shoe).
24
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Calculate the amount of cement required.
VCmt
VCmt
VCmt
LDp
CapDp
LDc
CapDc
= Volume of cement (cu ft)

= Length of DP (ft)
= Capacity of DP (bbl/ft)
= Length of DC (ft)
= Capacity of DC (bbl/ft)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dp
Cap Dp L Dc Cap Dc 5.6
Dp
VCmt (7, 200 0.017 800 0.0068) 5.6
Vbbl = 128 bbls

VCuft = 716 cu ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
In this example, notice that a center-cut bit has

been used. This was part of the plan.
It is not safe to set a cement
plug with a bottom hole
assembly in open hole
because there is a good
chance of getting
differentially stuck.
There is also a good

chance that the bottom
hole assembly will be
cemented in.
It is not safe to come out
of the hole to pick up a
diverting sub.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cap Dp L Dc Cap Dc 5.6
Drilling and Well

Control Training
There are many center-cut

bits on the market today.
If one is not available in
your area, a good
workshop can cut 1 out
from the center and hard
face it.

It is better to get properly rigged up before
going in the hole.
By using a center cut
bit, a cement plug can
be set with the bottom
hole assembly and the
bit in place.
25
Center Jet Bit by

Hughes
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Does a center cut bit affect the hydraulics?

Yes, but in a gas cap formation, a center cut bit
will still make good hole.
The loss in hydraulics does not compare with
the danger of trying to drill the gas cap without
a center cut bit, which facilitates plug setting
without tripping out of the hole.

2. Calculate the sacks of cement required to set the
cement plug and the amount of Mix H2O.
Here are the two formulas used to calculate them.
Sacks (Sk)
Mix H 2 O
Drilling and Well

Control Training
V cuft
Cement Yield Cuft / Sk
Sacks H 2 O (gal / sk)

42 gal / bbl
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Sacks
2. Sacks
Sacks
V cu ft
Cmt. Yield cu ft / sk
Mix H 2 O
Mix H 2 O
716
Sacks
265
2.7
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Sacks H 2 O (gal / sk)

42 gal / bbl
265 7
42
Mix H 2 O 44 bbls
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Benefits of Using Gilsonite:
Lightens the cement.
Helps to plug the lost
circulation zones.
Lost circulation cement (sometimes referred to

as garbage cement) is used for these plugs.
Lost circulation cement has Gilsonite, walnut
hulls and gel in it.
Gilsonite is simply blown asphalt.
26
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

One Requirement In Using Gilsonite:
There must be an adequate
amount of gel in the
cement. Otherwise, it can
plug up the casing, float
equipment, DS, or center
cut bit.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Recommended Use Of Gilsonite:
For every 10 lbs. of Gilsonite per sack of
cement, you need 2% gel (bentonite).
Example: If you have 25 lbs. of Gilsonite per
sack of cement, you need 5% gel
Drilling and Well

Control Training
D. Operational Plan For Bradenhead Squeeze of

Lost Circulation Zone.
The first area to look
at is the
BOP/Wellhead setup
with the drill string at
the casing shoe.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

1. Keep annular BOP closed.
The kill line should be open and the wellhead
should be circulated through the kill line and
out the choke line, which should also be open.
The well must be kept full of fluid to prevent
other associated problems.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

2. Tie the lines into the cement head and
annulus with isolation valves.
Test the valves with water before tying into
the annulus.
If it will hold water, it will also hold cement.

3. Mix the cement. *
*Warning!
Mix the cement at the
correct slurry weight.
In this example, the
cement will be mixed at a
slurry weight of 14.5 ppg.
27
Keep circulating
fluid across the
wellhead to keep
the fluid level
from dropping.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

3. Mix the cement.

4. Stop pumping fluid across the wellhead.
Close the choke line and
the kill line.
At this moment a U-tube
pressure will apply.
The MW is 13.5 ppg

and the cement needs
to be a little heavier
than the MW.
Keep the mud going
across the wellhead.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Use the following formula
to determine how much
U-tube pressure.

PUT (CW - MW)0.052 LCmt
PUT (14.5 -13.5)0.052 8000
PUT 416 psi
PUT (CW - MW) 0.052 LCmt
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

In a competent zone, this U-tube pressure can be
observed.
This is a loss zone and the pressure will never
be seen.
There will be an increase in the loss rate.

5. Displace the cement from the drillstring.
The cement was
calculated earlier and
there are 128 barrels.
At this point you are
Bradenhead
Squeezing.
28
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

6. Pull two or three stands of drillpipe.
Keep circulating the
wellhead while
doing this.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

7. Switch from squeezing through Drill String to
squeezing through
Annulus.
This is done by
closing one valve and
opening the other.
Begin squeezing the
cement to the loss
zone.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

How many barrels of
cement should be squeezed
after clearing the drill
string?

Vol.s LenOHft. CapOH bbl / ft.
Vols 400 ft. 0.072 bbl / ft.
A squeeze plan needs

to be made.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Vols 28.8 bbl
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Monitor the squeeze pressure versus the
cumulative volume at a constant rate. This
rate cannot be changed.
The cement operator needs to be notified that
any change of rate will not be tolerated.
In this example, 2 bbl/min will be used.
400
0
2
300
Min.
psi 200
100
0
14.5
Cumulative Volume
29
29
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
On the surface it looks good.

265 sacks of cement
were mixed and
squeezed into the loss
zone.
29 barrels of
cumulative volume.
400
psi
What if the pressure dropped off after squeezing

20 barrels of cement?
0
2
300
Up until the pressure

dropped off, there was
cement going into the
loss zone.
Afterwards, there was
mud going into the loss
zone.
Min.
200
100
0
14.5
29
Cumulative Volume
But, it is the what ifs that make us keep records.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Vol.Bd
Csg shoe depth
Cap bbl / ft
DOI
20
8, 000 '
0.072
DOI 8, 278 ft
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Go through the morning reports to see if this depth

of 8,278 correlated to anything else.
It is possible that the depth of one of the zones
that was squeezed off earlier was at 8,278 feet
and it broke down.
It is possible that the losses were not at 8,600
feet (zone being squeezed off), but were at
8,278 feet.
What would be the depth of interest (DOI) at 20

barrels?
DOI
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What would have happened if we were down at

the bottom setting a cement plug and the loss
zone was on top of us?
It is extremely important
to keep cement below
the bit and not let it Utube around.
When there are unstable hole conditions, like

there are in gas cap lost circulation, never bring
cement up around the bottom hole assembly.
Always keep cement
below the bit!
30
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
If the well did break down at 20 barrels, what

would be the next step?
The squeeze operation
needs to be evaluated,
so that the next plan can
be improved.
We need to learn from
our mistakes.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

The plan needs to be
modified from 29 barrels
to 15 barrels on the
displacement curve.
It may take two or three
squeezes to get all the
losses consolidated.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
E. Operational Plan For Squeezing Lost

Circulation Zone With A Retainer In Gas Cap.
The Bradenhead Squeeze was unsuccessful in
stopping the losses.
The well is continuing to lose fluids at a high
rate.
The loss problem is in abnormal pressure.
More safety and control is required than the
Bradenhead Squeeze will give.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Squeeze Considerations
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Bradenhead
RTTS
Cement Retainer
Bridge Plug
a. Neat cement
b. Low WL cement
c. Lost Circulation cement
A. Walking Squeeze
B. Hesitation Squeeze
C. Combination
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Choice: Retrievable packer or Drillable retainer
Choice: Retrievable packer or Drillable retainer
If we use a retrievable packer:

The packer will have to be unseated
immediately after completing the squeeze.
This will put the hydrostatic pressure from
above back on the loss zone.
This could aggravate the success of the cement
squeeze.
If we use a drillable retainer:

Simply unsting and keep the hydrostatic
pressure off the loss zone.
This allows a lighter fluid, like water, to be used
to do the squeeze with.
Therefore, a retainer is recommended rather than a
retrievable packer.
31
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

When squeezing with a packer or retainer, the
first step is normally an injection test with
water.
Since this is lost circulation, the water
injection is not necessary.
Before starting the operational plan, make a
back pressure schedule to position cement at
bottom of the setting string.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How To Make A Back Pressure Schedule

1. Find out the total amount of back pressure
(BPT) and the psi and volume increments that
will be used.
G (14.5 13.5) 0.052
BPT 200 (7,800 0.052)
G 0.052
BPT 605.6 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
psi / bbl
BPT: Total back pressure

SF: Safety factor
DRet: Depth of retainer
The BPT is 600 psi.

This can easily be broken into six 100-psi
increments.
These will be the volume increments used.
G
DPCap
G: Gradient change
CW: Cement weight
MW: Mud weight

will be used.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Now, find the volume for each 100-psi
increment. First, find the psi per barrel.
psi / bbl
BPT SF (D Re t G)

will be used.
BPT SF (D Re t G)
G (CW MW) 0.052
Drilling and Well

Control Training
G (CW MW) 0.052

Now that the total back pressure, psi and
volume increments are known, a casing back
pressure schedule can be made.
Use the following formulas to make this
schedule.
0.052
3.0588
0.0170
Vol.Pumped
CSG UT
(C W - MW)0.052
DPCAP
100 psi
100
Vol
32.69 or 33 bbl
psi/bbl
3.0588
Back Pr ess. BPS BPC
32
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Find the Casing U-tube pressure (CSGUT):
CSG UT

Find the total back pressure (BackPress):
Back Pr ess. BPS BPC
Vol.Pumped
(CW - MW)0.052
DPCAP
Back Pr ess. 200 100 300 psi
33
CSG UT
(14.5 -13.5)0.052 100 psi
0.017
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Once the schedule is made, begin implementing

the schedule.
Casing Back Pressure Schedule

Volume
Casing Back Pressure
200
33
300
66
400
99
500
132
600
Drilling and Well

Control Training
When the BOPs are closed, start circulating

through the drill string and through the
hydraulic choke.
Build up to the starting back pressure of 200 psi
by adjusting the hydraulic choke.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Implement the schedule.

A second option is available when the hole is
cased off with a retainer (like this example).
The pressure can be allowed to build up to a
total of 600 psi and held there while the
cement is mixed and pumped.

Start mixing and
pumping cement into
the drill string.
Maintain 200 psi until
33 barrels (1st
increment) is mixed
and pumped.
33
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Next, allow the pressure to build up to 300-psi
and maintain that 300-psi pressure until the
next 33 barrels are mixed and pumped.
Then, let the pressure build up to 400 psi and
maintain that pressure until the next 33 barrels
are mixed and pumped.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Repeat the process
until all 132 barrels are
mixed and pumped.
There will be 600-psi
casing back pressure
on the last 33 barrels
of cement that is
mixed and pumped.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Once the planning and the back pressure
schedule has been completed, the operational
plan for squeezing a lost circulation zone with a
retainer can be implemented.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

1. Sting in and sting out.
Note the exact
pickup to sting
out.
Close the annular
BOP and line up
through the
choke manifold.
Drilling and Well

Control Training


2. Start circulating through choke

manifold and build up 600 psi
on choke.
3. Mix the cement and sting in.
Hold the 600 psi constant
while mixing cement.
Pump the cement into the drill
string.
4. While holding 600 psi on the

annulus, strip through the
closed annular and sting in
to the retainer.
5. Displace (squeeze) with
water.
34
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

6. Clear retainer and the casing
and leave 100 feet of
cement in open hole above
the loss zone.
7. Strip up through the annular
and unsting from the
retainer. Reverse the water
out of the drill string.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

All of the hydrostatic
pressure has now been
isolated.
There is water in the hole
and the cement has been
squeezed down below into
the loss zone.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

When the water was
reversed out of the drill
string, the tool was cleared.
If for some reason the
squeeze does not hold, the
tool is now free and the
procedure can be repeated.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

This operation could not have been done safely
with a Bradenhead Squeeze.
Therefore, it was done with the safety of a
retainer.
If for some reason this did not work, a
combination method should be considered.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Recommended Combination Method
Use an LCM pill, followed by gunk, and then
by cement.
The LCM and gunk are put ahead of the
cement to give support.
They give the cement time to set before it goes
into the fractures.
35
Lost Circulation (I, III, C, c)

Holes in Casing (I, II, III, IV, C, a)
Shoes
Top of Liners
Perforations--Production squeezing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Locate the hole.

a) Temperature survey
F. Operational Plan For Squeezing A Hole In

Casing.
1. Find the depth of the hole in casing. The hole
in casing can be located by using one of the
following methods.
a)
b)
c)
d)
When a temperature survey

is run, there will be a change
of temperature at the depth
where the hole is located.
Temperature survey
Wireline bridge plugs
Wireline with rag
RTTS and retrievable bridge plug
Drilling and Well

Control Training
The mud below the hole in

the casing will be warmer
than the mud being lost in
the hole.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Locate the hole.

b) Wireline bridge plugs
1. Locate the hole.

c) Wireline with rag
Look at the previous surveys for any doglegs.

A dogleg is the most likely place for a hole in
the casing, because of rotational wear.
Set a wireline bridge plug below where any
hole is suspected.
This method can be used until a depth of

between 6,000 and 8,000 feet.
The line will go limp when the rag is sucked
into the hole in the casing.
The depth of the hole can be observed on the
wireline depth counter.
Evaluate to see if the casing has a hole in it by

pressuring up and observing.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Locate the hole.

d) RTTS and retrievable bridge plug

Casing.
2. Isolate the zone below the hole in casing with
a bridge plug.
Set the bridge plug at about half of the casing

depth. Test the casing.
We want to isolate the pressure below from

the pressure behind the damaged casing.
Make sure the bridge plug is not set in
damaged casing (like dogleg wear).
If the test is successful, set the BP at about

of the casing depth and re-test. Etc..
Once the hole has been located, set the BP
below the hole, spot sand, and prepare to
squeeze.
36
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Casing.
3. Lower the mud weight to balance the zone
behind the damaged casing.

Casing.
4. Squeeze using Bradenhead or packer.
In shallow wells, a balanced plug is usually set
and a Bradenhead squeeze is used.
In deeper wells, when abnormal pressure is
involved, use a retrievable packer (RTTS) for
squeezing and evaluating.
In abnormal pressure, the same weight from the

previous casing is used.
In normal pressure, a lighter weight or water is
sometimes used.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Casing.
5. Evaluate the squeeze.

Casing.
It can be tested with pressure that equates to the
mud weight in use (MWE) or by displacing the
casing with mud that is being used.
Then, observe the well.
Evaluation is needed to make certain that

the hole in the casing has been plugged or
squeezed off.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

It is critical that the drilling superintendent
clearly communicate with the foreman exactly
how the testing is to be done.
Many problems have arisen over this
procedure due to poor communication and
lack of understanding about how to calculate a
mud weight equivalent.

Casing.
6. Case off or overlap the damaged casing at the
earliest convenience.
37
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
Development well.
A 12 hole section was
being drilled below a 13
casing string.
The 13 casing string was
set through a shallow
dogleg.
MW was 11 ppg.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
The losses were found in a hole in casing
at 1,037 feet.
A balanced plug was set across the
damaged casing.
The drill pipe was pulled above the plug
and the damaged casing was Bradenhead
squeezed with neat cement.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
Archie (foreman):
I got her squeezed. Whats
the program now?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
Drilling Supt.: The
program says to test the
squeeze with 11-ppg mud
weight equivalent. If it
holds, clean the bridge
plug, and finish drilling to
casing point. Then, pull out
and run 9 casing as
programmed.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
This program sounded simple,
but the problem was that
Archie did not know how to
calculate a mud weight
equivalent.
I was on a well six months
ago that was similar to this.
We tested it to about 700 psi.
That ought to be about right.
Case History #1
They never reached 700
psi, because this is a 21-ppg
mud weight equivalent.
The damaged 13 casing
was set in a 9-ppg
environment.
38
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
Unfortunately, the
isolating bridge plug had
been set in worn casing.
When pressuring up, the
damaged casing broke.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
Everything that was done
from that point on to
correct the problem was
done in open hole.
They hung a sign on it:
OPENED BY MISTAKE
and plugged and abandoned
the well.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
Archie took the full brunt of
the mistake.
He was the low man on the
totem pole.
OPENED
By
MISTAKE
Case History #1
The Drilling Superintendent
should have been the one to
shoulder the responsibility.
He failed to communicate
clearly to Archie what he
needed to do.
Totem pole at Walt Disney

Worlds Jungle Cruise
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
How should the superintendent have given the order?
He should have done
the calculations
himself and given
Archie a number that
Archie could use.
Case History #1
The superintendent should have said:
Circulate 11.0 ppg mud into the casing above
the bridge plug and observe the well for losses.
Eleven pound mud would not have broken the
casing and they could have completed the well.
39
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
There are two ways to test a well.
Case History #1
The following formulas are used to calculate the
pressure to test (PT) and the mud weight equivalent
(MWE).
1. Test the well with

pressure.
2. Test by displacing and
circulating mud in the
casing with the mud that
you are using.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
PT ((MWE -MWH ) 0.052 D.O.I.)

MWE (MWH
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
Hole in casing occurred while drilling with 11.0
ppg mud at 11, 200 ft.
The hole in casing was located @ 1037 ft (in
dogleg section).
The damaged casing was Bradenhead squeezed
with cement using water after setting the bridge
plug to isolate the 11.0 environment.
PT
)
0.052 D.O.I.
Case History #1
Two Ways To Test
1. Pressure (144 psi is difficult to read)
2. MW equivalent
PT MWE - MWH 0.052 D.O.I.

PT 11- 8.33 0.052 1037
PT = 144 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #1
Two Ways To Test
1. Pressure (144 psi is difficult to read)
2. MW equivalent
Circulate 11.0 ppg mud above the bridge
plug and observe the well for losses.
Case History #2
Well was located
in Eloi Bay.
15 minute
helicopter ride.
3 hours by car
and boat.
PT
144
MWE MWH
MWE 8.33
11 ppg
0.052 D.O.I.
0.052 1037
40
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2
They were using 18.5
ppg oil-based mud.
Depth was 21,400 feet,
below a 7 inch liner in
the 9 inch casing.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2
Casing had been set in a
16.0 ppg environment.
Hole in casing was
located at 9,250 ft.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2
A bridge plug was set
below damaged casing
to isolate the 18.5 ppg
environment.
After changing the mud
above the bridge to 16.0
ppg mud, the hole was
squeezed successfully
using a retrievable
packer.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2
The foreman (engineer
and consultant) called the
office:
It looks like we got her
squeezed. Whats the
program?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2
The Drilling Superintendent
told the engineer:
Case History #2
This is what the consultant did.
He put 1,500
PT
MWE MWH
pounds on top of
0.052
D.O.I.
16.0 ppg mud.

1500
This calculates to
MWE 16
19.1 ppg mud

0.052 9250
weight equivalent.
MWE 19.1 ppg
Test it to 18.5 mud weight

equivalent. If it holds, clean
out the bridge plug,
condition the hole, and then
tie back the liner to overlap
the hole in the casing.
41
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2
The 19.1 ppg mud weight equivalent
broke the well down.
The consultant should have put 1200
pounds of pressure on the well.
Case History #2
The mud weight equivalent
for 1,203 psi is 18.5 ppg.
This is what the consultant
was asked to squeeze with.
PT
MWE MWH
0.052
D.O.I.
PT MWE - MWH 0.052 D.O.I.
PT 18.5 -16 0.052 9250 1, 203 psi
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1203
MWE 16
18.5 ppg
0.052 9250
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2
The problem was that the
engineer/consultant did not
know how to calculate mud
weight equivalent.
How should the
Superintendent in the office
have communicated with the
engineer on the well?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Case History #2
Im having a rough day at the office.
I ran the numbers and I got 1,200 pounds
of pressure for the 18.5 mud weight
equivalent.
Check my numbers for me and then test
the squeeze.
If it holds, then clean out the bridge plug,
condition the hole and tie back the liner to
overlap the hole in the casing.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
When communicating
about squeezes and
testing, make sure that
there is no
misunderstanding.
Poor communication is
very costly in both time
and money.
Poor communication is
extremely dangerous.
Case History #2
If the Superintendent had communicated
this way, the Foreman could have checked
out the numbers and verified them.
If he didnt know how to calculate the
mud weight equivalent, he could have
used the 1,200 psi given by the Drilling
Superintendent.
42
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Shoes (I, II, III, C, a)
Top of Liners
Perforations -- Production squeezing
Operations 3.0 Casing Shoe General

1. Most casing shoes are Bradenhead squeezed; However,
a RTTS packer could also be effectively used.
2. Bradenhead squeeze.
a. Set balanced cement plug
b. Pull setting string above plug
c. Close BOP and squeeze
d. Account for surface pressure
and hydrostatic of fluid columns.
NOTE: DO NOT FRAC
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3. RTTS Squeeze
a. Run RTTS. Set. Open bypass.
Spot H2O and check injection.
b. Open bypass. Mix and spot
cement in squeeze string using
back pressure. Close bypass and
squeeze.
c. Squeeze (clear tool) and test
after W.O.C.
Note: To prevent possible bypass leaks
(to top of packer) hold more pressure
on inside (csg.) than on squeeze string.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Top of Liners (II, A, b)
More pressure on
casing annulus than is
being used to squeeze
with on the drill pipe.
Liner Considerations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Have a Check List For Each Planning Period of

2. Use High Quality Cement. Have it batch mixed.

Low Water Loss
Before reaching liner point
Gas Migration Additives
After reaching liner point
Temperature Design
While running the liner
Batch Mix Cement
While circulating on bottom

before cementing
Use Caliper In Design
Cementing of the liner
43
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Choose Equipment Based On Well Considerations:
4. Operating practices
Run liners carefully and keep up with metal
displacement.
Consider spiral liners

Use maximum clearance liner hangers
Fill drill string while RIH.
Consider LH set packer for squeezing lap as part of

primary cementing operation
Circulate bottoms up completely before restricting

passage in liner hanger.
Consider tieback sleeve and packers
Rotate or reciprocate pipe while circulating and

cementing.
Rotating/reciprocating liner hangers

Hold downs and higher FC (more cement in liner)
Centralizers
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. Operating practices continued

Bump plugs with < 1500 psi above
U-tube pressure. Therefore,
calculate the U-tube pressure.
Do not reverse out on top of liner
Use reverse testing to evaluate
liner tops.
L H2O
(MW - MWTest Pr essure ) Depth

(MW - 8.33)
L H2O
(16 -12.5)17, 000

(16 - 8.33)
LH2O = 7758 ft
See Gas Cap Chapter, page 53.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Operations 4.0 Top of Liners General

Reverse Testing Liner
To run a reverse test, calculate
depth to displace H2O in drill pipe.
For example, if the hole contains
16 ppg mud, and the liner top is to
be tested to an equivalent mud
weight of 12.5 ppg at 17,000 ft.,
the following calculations would
apply:
MW - Test Pr essure MW Depth
L H2O
MW - 8.33
Check:
7758 ft 0.052 8.33 ppg
(17,000 - 7758) 0.052 16 ppg
11, 050 19.23
MWE
12.5 ppg
17, 000
= 3,360 psi
= 7,690 psi
11,050 psi
12.5 MW equivalent for 12.5 ppg reverse test.

See Drilling Manual, Gas Cap Chapter, pages 53-54.
44
Drilling and Well

Control Training
L H2O
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
MW - Test Pr essure MW Depth
Operations 4.0 Top of Liners General

b. Squeeze (if necessary) after testing. Small leaks may have
to be flowed through test string to open squeeze channel.
MW - 8.33
16 -12.5 17, 000

LH O
= 7758 ft
16 - 8.33
1. Use high quality (low water loss cement)

2. Use walking squeeze (hesitation is misleading)
3. Stay below frac pressure of Previous shoe that liner
overlapped
Check :
7758 ft 0.052 8.33 ppg 3360 psi
17, 000 - 7758 0.052 16 ppg 7690 psi
Note: LH set tools (champ) can be run with the liner and
squeezing done after primary cement job. Also pressure
can be held on liner lap while cement is setting.
3360 7690 11, 050 psi
11, 050 19.23

12.5 ppg (MWEquivalent for 12.5 ppg reverse test)
17, 000
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Top of Liners (II, A, b)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydraulic Fracturing
How does it relate to Drilling Problems and Cementing?

What is the #1 Cause of WC problems?
Lost Circulation
What is the #1 cause of Lost Circulation?
Poor Tripping Practices
Running into hole too fast
Pressure shock (surge) from any source
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Leak Off Test

Keep the fracture
small!
Stimulation Fracturing to Increase Productivity
Sand Filled Fracture
45
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
What makes the fracture wider and higher?

Rate
Pressure
Viscosity
Low Modulus
Squeeze Misconceptions:
1. Pancake Squeeze
Wont work because fractures are vertical,
not horizontal.
G as
360
O il
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Pancake Squeeze
Drilling and Well

Control Training
2. Policy Block Squeeze
If it aint broke dont fix it.
Block Squeeze as Policy is bad.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Pump into Formation
Squeeze Misconceptions
4. You should always Put it away, Since you
have it mixed.
What will this do to the pay zone?
Therefore, cement cant be pumped into formation

pore space without fracturing (it will simply plug up).
Macro cmt. is about 10th the size of normal cement.
Pore size (micron) Permeability (Md)
Md Ps 2
Cmt grains 60
6 60
360
Md (perm.) 360 2
129,600 Md
46
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Planning A Squeeze Job
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Have a plan! Ask:

Why?
How?
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Why are you squeezing?

1. You should squeeze cement only if you have a
clear reason for squeezing.
2. For instance, a poor bond log is not sufficient
reason.
3. Consider the consequences of getting cement
into the producing formation.
4. Consider alternativesan expandable liner for
holes in casing, for example.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
How will you get the cement to the desired place?

1. If you are trying to circulate and fill a small
channel, it may be difficult. Establish
circulation with water. Use an acid cleanup
treatment if necessary.
2. Split casing, corrosion holes or a long
perforated interval may require several stages.
Use an RTTS tool.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Who will be in charge of the job?

Will it be you, or the service company technician?
1. Who knows more about the cement, pumps,
tools, and surface and downhole equipment?
2. Who knows more about the formation, the
problem you want to take care of, and the
overall plan?
3. Who will your boss hold responsible if
something goes wrong?
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Where will the cement go?

1. If you are squeezing a channel that makes contact
with the pay zone, the cement will go directly
into the pay zone unless you keep downhole
pressure below the fracture pressure of the pay
zone. The pay zone will, more than likely, have
the lowest fracture gradient of the entire well.
2. If you are pumping through perforations into a
non-permeable zone, you will create a vertical
fracture. Consider where the cement may go.
What do you want to accomplish?

1. Have a detailed and well thought-out plan,
beginning with a precise summary of objective
and procedure.
2. The plan should include at least the following:
a. A complete well record, with electric logs.
b. A well diagram showing all tubulars, with burst and
compressive strengths (de-rate if old or worn pipe).
c. A detailed, step-by-step procedure.
47
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
When will you perform the squeeze job?

1. On a new completion, you can have evidence of
a problem that may not actually exist. Evaluate
the risk. You may decide to produce the well for
a while and see if you have a problem.
2. If bottom-water is being produced through a
channel, it may be desirable to produce the well
as long as possible so that the water flow can
clean the channel. Often it is not possible to
pump cement through a dirty channel.
Objective: To squeeze channel thats either

producing water or coning gas.
The channel has to be squeezed without
fracturing the well with cement.
The dividing line between low pressure
and high pressure is fracture pressure.
Production Squeezing
Through Perforations
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 1:
Example:
Perforations:
7665 - 7680
Packer:
7625
Tubing:
2.375, 0.00387 bbl/ft
Form. Frac. Press.: 4982
Max Allow. Press.: (4982-300) psi/sf = 4682 psi
Initial Surf. Press. (ISP): 350 psi
Squeeze fluid:
Water (8.33 ppg)
Cement Weight:
15.6 ppg
Cement Yield:
1.18 cu ft/sk Type H
LCMT
LCMT
Max ISP
D FW
0.052
CW FW
4682 350
7625 8.33
0.052
15.6 8.33
= 2,722 ft
See Drilling Manual, Gas Cap Chapter, page 16.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 2:
Step 3:
Sacks =
LCMT CapTubular bbl/ft 5.6146

Cement yield cu ft/sk
psi / bbl
Sacks =
2722 0.00387 5.6146

1.18
psi / bbl
Sacks = 50
CW - FW 0.052
Cap.Tubular bbl / ft
15.6 - 8.33 0.052
psi/bbl = 97.69
48
0.00387
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Step 4:
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Where:
LCMT = Maximum column of cement to prevent break down, feet
Max = Maximum allowable hydrostatic pressure minus SF
(usually 300 psi)
ISP
= Initial desired squeeze pressure @ surface
D
= Depth to bottom of tubular, feet
FW = Flush (or squeeze fluid) Weight, ppg
CW = Cement slurry weight, ppg
Sacks = Number of sacks to equal Cmt column
psi/bbl = Pressure for each barrel of fluid in tubular (or casing)
VolD = Squeeze or displacement volume, barrels
FSP = Final squeeze pressure for any displacement (or squeeze)
volume, psi
Squeeze Schedule = Can be table or expressed graphically
VolD = LCMT Cap.Tubular

VolD = 2722 0.00387 = 10.5 bbl
Step 5:
FSP = (VolD psi/bbl + ISP)

FSP = (10.5 97.69 + 350) = 1379 psi
Graphical Approach
To Squeezing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hesitation,
Dehydrate
perf. node
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Graphical Approach
To Squeezing
1379
PSurf
x x
x
350
x
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hesitated
Hesitated,
Disp.
complete
Step 7.
Note: Channel may
squeeze off before the
calculated squeeze
volume is completed. In
that case, reverse out
balance of cement.
Production
Squeezing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cum. Vol Max. Surf Press.

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10.5
350 (cmt @ perfs)

447
545
643
741
839
936
1034
1132
1229
1327
1379 FSP
Cement Bond Log

Good for finding top
of cement.
49
ODT &AWC Day 9
Production
Squeezing
Production
Squeezing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Well #6
Well #6
Cement Bond Log
Cement
Evaluation Log
Production
Squeezing
Production
Squeezing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Well #7
Well #7
Cement
Evaluation Log
Cement
Evaluation Log
Primary Cement
Job
Post Squeeze Job
CEMENT EVALUATION: ULTRASONIC IMAGER

Drilling and Well
..FROM
BOTTOM...
Control Training
...UP 1400 FEET......

Drilling and Well
..FROM
BOTTOM...
Control Training
.UP 1000 FEET..
High Strength Cement

(Dark)
Lower Bonding
Index
Bonding Index 100%

(Better To The Left)
Matches Poorer
Cement Strength
(Lighter Color)
Gas Index Shows No

Gas (Zero To Left)
Colored Striations
Indicate Varying
Pipe Wall Thickness
Pipe Wall Thickness
Channels of Poor
Quality Cement
50
...UP 1400 FEET......
.UP 1000 FEET..
ODT &AWC Day 9

Drilling and Well
..FROM
BOTTOM...
Control Training
...UP 1400 FEET......
Drilling and Well

Control Training
.UP 1000 FEET..
Completion and Workover
Definition of Completion Operations

All operations required to initiate
production from a new formation in a well
bore in which drilling operations have been
completed.
High Gas Index

Poor Bonding Index
Probable Gas
Channels
Channels Of Poor
Quality Cement
Stringers Of Fair
Quality Cement
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Reasons for Completion and Workover Operations

1. To establish production from a new formation in
a new well bore.
2. To establish production from a new formation in
a well that has been producing from a different
formation.
3. To repair a failed cement job or failed sand
control to allow re-establishment of production
from the same formation.
Definition of Workover Operations

Remedial operations to restore production
from a well that has been previously
completed and producing.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Reasons for Completion and Workover Operations

4. To install or repair artificial lift equipment in a
well and return a producing interval to
production.
5. To repair or replace tubular in an existing
producing well
Types of Completions
Barefoot Completion
Producing formation is not
cased.
Production of hydrocarbons
is up the production casing.
Most common in low
pressure oil reservoirs
51
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cased Completion
Open Hole Completion

with Tubing
Producing formation has

casing set and cemented
into or through the
formation
Production of
hydrocarbons is up the
casing.
Good for very high
volume producing wells
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Can be produced up casing

tubing annulus and/or tubing
Allows for artificial lift of
open hole completion
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Single Zone Packer

Completion
Single Zone Packer

with Dual Tubing
Strings Completion
Most common type of

completion
Perforated casing
across producing zone
Environmentally
preferred because of
two strings of pipe
between production and
formation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Second string for kill

string in high pressure
Used to circulate
corrosion chemical or
fresh water for salt
deposition
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Single Zone Packer

Completion with
Concentric Tubing
String
Dual Zone Completion

with One Tubing
String (Casing / Tubing
Dual)
Concentric string for

kill string in high
pressure
Used to circulate
corrosion chemical or
fresh water for salt
deposition
Lower zone produces up

tubing, upper zone up
casing
Upper zone only
separated from formation
with one string of pipe
52
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Dual Zone Completion

with Two Tubing
Strings
Maintain two barriers of well control at all times.

Drilling Operations
Mud is the primary barrier.
BOPE is the secondary barrier.
Alternate barriers include: floats, IBOPs, TIW
valves.
Production barriers include: Christmas trees,
Surface Control Subsurface Safety Valve
(SCSSV), Wireline-set backpressure valves
Both zones produces up

tubing strings
Most versatile type of
dual completion
Environmentally
preferred for two strings
of pipe between the flow
and the formation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Producing Well
Christmas Tree is primary barrier
The Christmas Tree has redundant valves to
assure its integrity. This can be considered the
secondary barrier.
Secondary barrier SCSSV, storm choke
Alternate barriers include: Wire line set plugs,
down hole flow restricting devices
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Completion of New Well Prior to perforating
Kill weight completion fluid is primary barrier.
BOPE is secondary barrier.
Production casing (not perforated) is a primary
barrier
Alternate barriers include: Wire line lubricator
while perforating, or Christmas tree if installed.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Completion of New Well After perforating
Production casing (now perforated) is not a
primary barrier
Alternate barriers include: Wire line lubricator
while perforating, or Christmas tree if installed.

Completion of New Well While running tubing
Alternate barriers include: Christmas tree,
SCSSV, tubing plug, if installed.
53
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Completion of New Well After running tubing
while N/D BOPs
Primary barrier BPV in tubing hanger
Secondary barrier include: SCSSV
Alternate barriers Wire line set tubing plug,
Hydrostatic of well bore fluid if it exceeds BHP
may be considered a barrier if a constant fluid
level can be maintained.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Procedure for re-entering a well for workover

After moving the rig on the well
1. Rig up a lubricator and pull BPV (installed
prior to rig move) from tubing hanger
2. Open SCSSV
3. Verify the presence or absence or pressure
4. R/U to pump into casing or tubing, depending
on kill method to be used
5. Kill well
Well Re-entry
Drilling and Well

Control Training

After moving the rig on the well
6. Close SCSSV.
7. Set a back pressure valve in tubing hanger
8. Verify all valves on the tree are closed
9. Check for pressure on all casing annuli, bleed
off pressure if possible
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Well Re-entry
Well Re-entry

Procedure for installing BOPs after well is dead
10. Remove tree and install BOPs
11. Remove BPV and install two way check
12. Test BOPs
13. Remove two way check, open SCSSV or pull
tubing plug
Completion Well Control
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Bullheading
Bullheading
Advantages
Easy to do, can be done
with the tree on and
without picking it up.
Provides full control of
well, with the tree, at all
times until it is dead.
Pump down tubing with
higher rated working
pressure
Most common type of

well control for producing
wells (Workovers)
Pump kill weight fluid
down tubing and into the
producing perforations
until well is dead.
Used in high permeability
zones
54
Disadvantages
May break down the
formation and cause loss
of returns.
Sometimes difficult to
force formation fluid
back into the perforations
Can bypass gas in the
tubing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Pressure to pump into the Formation Original Frac

Gradient (0.7 (Orig. BHP Present BHP))
Depth
= 8,000
Orig. BHP
= 3,840 PSI
Present BHP
= 1,340 PSI
FG
= 0.60 PSI/Ft
FG
= 0.38 PSI/Ft
Injection Press.
= 4,800 PSI (11.54 PPG)
Injection Press.
= 3,050 PSI (7.33 PPG)
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Reverse Circulating
Pump kill weight fluid
down one string or the
casing / tubing annulus and
up the producing tubing
string. Circulate out the
fluid that is in the
production tubing string.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Reverse Circulating

Lubrication
Disadvantages
Advantages
Do not have to force fluid Must have a fluid path
from surface to near
into the production
bottom of production
perforations.
tubing.
Lower maximum casing
If annulus is used, lower
pressure
burst strength of casing
Recover fluid in the
must be considered.
tubing string
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Used when gas is at top of tubing with fluid below it or

when it is impossible to pump into the formation and
bullhead fluid down the tubing string.
Bleed gas off the tubing until the pressure is down a
predetermined amount.
Pump in an equivalent amount of mud in BHP, wait for
gas to come back to surface.
Repeat process until well is dead.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Conventional Well
Control
Lubrication
Disadvantages
Advantages
Very time consuming
Can reduce tubing
pressure without breaking Works best with gas,
down the formation.
other fluids take too long
to migrate up to top
Can use any kill weight
above kill fluid.
fluid
Can be used on annulus
when there is no
circulation path
Circulate kill weight

fluid down the tubing
and up the annulus
Higher pressure rating
on the tubing to initiate
circulation
Requires communication
between tubing and
annulus.
55
ODT &AWC Day 9

Problem
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Given Data:
PF
= 5,200 psi
PTubing = 1,800 psi
PCasing = 850 psi
Depth = 10,000 ft
Formulas:
1. FWK
FWK
FWK:
PF:
TVD:
POB:

Problem
FWTa
TVD 0.052
5200 200 psi 10.4 ppg
10, 000 ft 0.052
Kill Fluid Weight

Formation Pressure
True Vertical Depth
Pressure Overbalance
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Problem
3. Initial Circulating Pressure

(ICP) = 2,400 psi (arrived at
by bringing pump on and
maintaining annulus surface
pressure constant by
adjusting choke)
Formulas:
PF - SITP psi
2. FWTa
PF POB psi
Where
Objective: Kill well so that workover

operation can begin. The sliding sleeve can
be opened (or tubing perforated) so that
circulation can begin. The required kill MW
and average weight or fluid in tubing string
can be calculated
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Problem
TVD 0.052
5, 200 -1,800 psi 6.5 ppg

10, 000 Ft. 0.052
Where
FWTA:
PF:
SITP:
TVD:
Apparent (Average) Fluid

Weight of Tube
Formation Pressure
Shut In Tube Pressure
True Vertical Depth
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Problem
Drilling and Well

Control Training
4. SRP = (ICP-SITP)
SRP = (2400 psi - 1800 psi)
5. FCP SRP
FCP 600

Problem
6. Make a circulating (pump down) plan. i.e. tubing

strokes = 1000
ICP = 2400 psi
FCP = 960 psi
= 600 psi (at some SPM)
MWK
FWTa
ICP - FCP
psi increments
10
10.4
960 psi
6.5
2400 - 960
psi increments
144
10
56
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9

Problem
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Problem
6. Make a circulating (pump down) plan. i.e. tubing

strokes = 1000
ICP = 2400 psi
FCP = 960 psi
Stroke increment
Tubing Strokes
10
1000 strokes
100 stk / increment
10
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hold FCP pressure (960 psi) constant

until FWK is circulated around.
Trapped Pressure
Drilling and Well

Control Training
When gas works to the surface in an enclosed

system (like the casing tubing annulus) it is not
allowed to expand. It will bring BHP to the
surface or until the pressure exceeds the burst
pressure of the casing.
In the tubing string pressure can be trapped in the
same manner when the well is shut in and the gas
in the tubing works to the top with out being
allowed to expand. The SITP will increase until
fluid is forced back into the formation.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Completion & Workover

Fluids
Functions of Fluid
Provide hydrostatic pressure to control
formation pressure
Transport any cuttings or solids out of hole
Lubricate and cool down hole tools
Completion Fluids
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Fluids
1. Gases (Air? No! No!) Use Nitrogen!
Types of Completion Fluids
2. Water Base Fluids
3. Oil Base Fluids

4. Packer Fluids
7 lbs/bbl of any salts gives 2% solution
Requires expert chemists
57
Fresh water 8.33 ppg

Potassium Chloride KCl 8.4 to 9.7 ppg
Brine NaCl 8.4 9.8 ppg
Calcium Chloride CaCl2 Up to 11.7 ppg
Calcium Bromide CaBr Up to 14.5 ppg
Zinc Bromide / Calcium Bromide Mixtures
ZnBr / CaBr Up to 19.2 ppg
ODT &AWC Day 9
Completion Fluids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Clear Water Brine Fluids: (Na, K, Ca inhibit clay swelling)

Salt
Salt
S.G.
Usual
Wt., ppg
NaCl
2.17
9.8
CaCl2
2.15
11.7
KCl
1.98
9.5
2% solution: 7# KCl + 1 bbl. Water
NaBr
3.2
12.7
This and salts below are hazardous,

very expensive, sensitive
CaBr2 3.35
14.2
ZnBr2 3.2
19.2
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fluid Weight Loss By

Temperature Increase
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Fluid
C, multiplier, ppg/F
Fresh Water
NaCl Brine
CaCl2 Brine
NaBr Brine
CaCl2/CaBr2
CaCl2/CaBr2/ZnBr2
CaBr2/ZnBr2
Comments
Common salt
With SO4 precipitates CaSO4 (Gypsum),
hazardous, high viscosity with NaOH
0.00353
0.0025
0.00235
0.0024
0.0024 - 0.0030
0.0030
0.0030 - 0.0055
Example: Wt @ Temp 2 = Wt @ T1 C (T2 T1)

Wt @ Temp 2 = (9.8 0.0025 (150 100))
Wt @ Temp 2 = 9.675 ppg
These two weights used to obtain

intermediate weights
Completion Fluids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Non-Soluble Materials:
(use with polymer for sufficient yield strength,
for weighting or fluid-loss control)
CaCO3 (limestone), S.G. 2.71, 95% acid
soluble (10% = of pore size for bridging)
FeCO3 (siderite), S.G. 3.65, 85% acid soluble
Completion Fluids
Mixing Any Two Fluids:

(CAUTION: Check with chemist for compatibility,
solubility, or crystallization problems.)
WH - WD
WH - WL
Decimal % Heavier 1- % Lighter
Decimal % Lighter
Where:
WD = Desired, ppg
WH = Weight of Heavier, ppg
WL = Weight of Lighter, ppg
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Completion Fluids
Decimal % Lighter
WH - WD
WH - WL
Decimal % Lighter
19.2 -16.2 0.6

19.2 -14.2
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Fluids
Completion Fluids Characteristics

Fresh Water
Readily Available
Non-hazardous
Damaging to many formations (Clays)
Economical
Decimal % Heavier 1 - % Lighter
Decimal % Heavier 1 - 0.6 0.4
58
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9

Fluids
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Potassium Chloride
Non-hazardous
Not damaging to all types of clays
Can be mixed on the rig
Economical
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Sodium Chloride Brine (Salt Water)
Readily Available
Non-hazardous
Not damaging
Can be mixed on the rig
Economical

Fluids
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Calcium Chloride
Readily Available
Slightly hazardous to personnel
Not damaging to equipment and formation
Can be mixed on the rig or in mud plant
Economical
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Fluids

Fluids

Calcium Bromide
Has to be mixed in a mud plant
Hazardous to personnel
Damaging to equipment and rubber goods
Expensive

Fluids
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Zinc Bromide/Calcium Bromide mixture
Has to be mixed in a mud plant (made with
saturated CaCl base 11.6 ppg)
Very Hazardous to personnel
Damaging to equipment and rubber goods
Very Expensive

Fluids

Water based fluids expand when the
temperature increases. This causes them to
decrease in density.
The following formula is used to calculate
clear brine density at elevated temperature.
Wt @ Temp 2 Wt @ T1-"C" (T2 - T1)
59
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9

Fluids
Drilling and Well

Control Training

NaCl and CaCl2 fluids freeze at lower
temperatures than fresh water.
CaBr and ZnBr have freezing points above
that of fresh water.
The graph on page 436 of the Well Control
Manual presents the freezing point of
various clear fluids.
Drilling and Well

Control Training

Fluids

Due to the temperature effects on clear
fluid densities, the temperature should
always be recorded when the fluid weight
is determined.
An effective method of determining fluid
weight is with a hydrometer that has a
thermometer built into it.
Oil Base Fluids
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. Lease oil (not old tank bottoms).

2. Diesel oil (not with air for underbalance).
3. Invert oil emulsion.
Oil
Packer Fluids
Sufficient weight to balance reservoir

Non-corrosive (Use inhibitors.)
Non-reactive with formation or fluids
Anti-bacterial (Anaerobic bacteria makes H2S.)
Sufficient yield to support solids
Water
High pH Lime Water
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Hydrates Formation
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Gas Hydrate is an ice like substance that forms in

the presents of gas and water at elevated pressure
and low temperatures.
A molecule of gas is surrounded by and trapped
inside an ice crystal.
The type of gas, especially H2S or CO2, will
cause the temperature at which hydrates form to
increase by as much as 20 F.
At high pressure hydrates can form above 32 F.
Hydrates Formation
Hydrates often form in chokes when gas and

water are present and the expanding gas reduces
the temperature sufficiently.
In well killing operations, especially in the
sub-sea environment where the water depth
increases pressure and reduces temperature.
Can release large volume of gas rapidly when ice
melts.
60
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Hydrates Prevention
Christmas Tree
Inhibitors used to prevent the formation of hydrates

1. Alcohols
2. Chloride Salts
3. Glycol and glycerol
The collection of
valves, Cross or
Tee, Gauges, and
chokes that control
the flow from the
well at the surface.
All the above will lower the temperature at which

hydrates form.
Glycol and alcohol are often injected into the fluid
stream before a pressure drop to prevent formation
Salts, and special mud inhibitors are spotted in
choke and kill lines to prevent hydrates.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Subsurface Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Cannot be retrieved once set

Single or multiple production strings
Wireline or hydraulic set
Simplest of all packers, once set
there are no moving parts
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Retrievable Packer
Single or multiple production strings
Set on the tubing
Can be recovered when tubing is pulled
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Tension Set Retrievable Production Packer
Retrievable Production Packer
Permanent Production Packer
Surface Equipment
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Bridge Plug
Retrievable Packer
Used for injection, shallow completion, or pumping well
Set on the tubing
Can be recovered when tubing is pulled
Permanent Plug used to abandon part of hole

Can be set on tubing or wire line
61
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Surface Controlled Subsurface

Safety Valve (SCSSV)
Cement Retainer
Used to squeeze cement.

Permanent, must be drilled after cementing
Can be set on tubing or wire line
Contains a valve that allows pressure to be trapped
below it after cement job
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Tubing Retrievable
Controlled from surface with hydraulic
pressure on control line
Fail safe closed, if hydraulic pressure is
lost a spring in the valve will close it
Full opening valve
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Subsurface Safety Valve (Storm Choke)
Sliding Sleeve
Wireline run and retrievable

Shuts the well in if a preset flow is exceeded
Remains open until flow closes it. Must be
pulled and reset once it is closed
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Allows controlled access to tubing /

casing annulus
Can be used for multiple completions
Opened and closed by wireline
Full opening
Can be run either open or closed
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Tubing Nipple
Flow Coupling or Blast Joint
Provides a profile for the setting of wire

line plugs, subsurface safety valves, flow
control devices, or other devices.
Can be provided with varying diameters
May or may not have a No-Go profile in
bottom.
No-Go prevents tools from being run or
dropped out the end of the tubing
Flow couplings are run above and below

any restriction in the tubing (Such as
nipples) that may induce turbulence.
The thick wall prevents erosion of the joint.
Blast joint is run across perforations to
prevent external erosion of the tubing by
flow from the producing formation.
62
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9
Workover & Completion

WellCAP Review
Drilling and Well

Control Training
1. If a well is to be completed in high pressure and

corrosive chemicals are to be used, what type of
completion would be recommended?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
2. In a normal drilling operation, what are the

primary and secondary barriers?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Single Zone Packer with Concentric Tubing String

Single Zone Packer with Dual Tubing String
Single Zone Packer
Both (a) and (b)
Both (a) and (c)
Both (b) and (c)
Drilling and Well

Control Training

WellCAP Review

WellCAP Review
4. After perforating and prior to running the tubing,

what are the two barriers?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Casing and BOP

Casing and Mud
Mud and BOP
All of the above
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Casing and BOP

Casing and Mud
Mud and BOP
BOP and Float
Drilling and Well

Control Training
3. Prior to perforating the initial completion zone

with kill mud weight in the casing, what are the
barriers?
a.
b.
c.
d.

WellCAP Review

WellCAP Review
Casing and BOP

Casing and Mud
Mud and BOP
BOP and Float
Drilling and Well

Control Training
5. After running the completion tubing while

nippling down the BOPs, what are the two
barriers?

WellCAP Review
6. After the well is completed and it is producing,

what are the two barriers?
a. Hydrostatic pressure of well bore fluid and
Christmas tree.
b. Hydrostatic pressure of well bore fluid and SCSSV.
c. Christmas tree and packer.
d. Christmas tree and SCSSV.
a. SCSSV and hydrostatic pressure of well bore fluid.

b. BPV in tubing hanger and hydrostatic pressure of
well bore fluid.
c. SCSSV and BPV in tubing hanger.
d. All of the above.
63
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 9

WellCAP Review
Drilling and Well

Control Training
8. What is the primary reason that Potassium

Chloride is preferred over salt water as a
completion fluid?
7. Why must personnel be careful in handling

Calcium Bromide?
a. It is hazardous to work with.
b. It is damaging to equipment and rubber goods.
c. Both (a) and (b) are correct.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
a.
b.
c.
d.

WellCAP Review

WellCAP Review
10. When both gas and water are present, what

conditions encourage gas hydrates to form?
a. Elevated pressures and elevated temperatures.
b. Low pressures and low temperatures.
c. Elevated pressures and low temperatures.
Less kill fluid volume is required.

Lighter kill fluid can be used.
The maximum tubing pressure will be lower.
The maximum casing pressure will be lower.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
It is less corrosive.
It is easier to mix.
It is more readily available.
It inhibits the swelling of clay.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
9. What is one of the advantages of using the

reverse circulation technique to kill a producing
well?
a.
b.
c.
d.

WellCAP Review
Testing
MDS Final Test

MDS Test is an open book test.
MDS Test has two-hour time allotment
Turn in test and answer sheet to Chris.
64
Drilling and Well

Control Training
ODT &AWC Day 10
Day Ten
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Well Control Certification Exams

(IADC WellCAP or IWCF)
Day Ten Homework
1. Begin to apply what you have learned in your daily

operations. This is the best way to retain what you have
learned.
Critiques
2. Get involved in training your co-workers. The next best

way to retain what you have learned is to teach others.
Individual Evaluations, Diplomas, and Photos
3. Begin writing your own case histories. Write down

what led to the problem, what steps were taken to solve
the problem, what the results were, and what lessons
were learned. Send MDS some of your case histories.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IADC WellCAP Testing
Drilling and Well

Control Training
IWCF Testing
This is a closed-book exam, but candidates may use the IADC

Test Booklet, which contains formulas and BSEE Rules.
Candidates may only take in a calculator and pen.
Candidates may also use Kill Sheets and calculators.
There are two tests: Principles and Procedures Test, and

Equipment Test.
Candidates should have passport with them.
Turn in all tests and test booklets to Chris at the

completion of the test.
Surface candidates have 2 hours.
IWCF Invigilator will administer and grade both tests

and then give results to MDS staff.
Combined Surface/Subsea candidates have 2 hours.
MDS staff will notify you of your results.
Workover & Completion candidates have 30 more minutes.
Successful candidates will be given certificates at the

Individual Reviews.
Certificates will be given out at Individual Reviews.
Drilling and Well

Control Training
Thanks for your participation

Drilling
and Well
in
this
Murchison Drilling
Control Training
School course. It has been
our pleasure working with
you. We wish you the very
best success in your drilling
career.
Individual Reviews
After your well control test has been turned in, and
graded, you will have an individual evaluation and be
presented with an MDS Certificate.
Successful well control candidates will receive a well
control certificate.
Individual photo will be taken with Bill.
Bring Memory Stick for class and individual photo.
Murchison Drilling Schools

Mds Odtawc Slidebook - 2015

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mds Odtawc Slidebook - 2015

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL

Slide Book Table of Contents

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL

OPERATIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED WELL CONTROL

Murchison Drilling Schools, Inc.

Drilling and Well

ODT &AWC Day 1

Operational Drilling Technology

There are two sets of

Drilling and Well

Drilling and Well

Drilling and Well

Operational Drilling Technology

Drilling and Well

Operational Drilling Technology

Drilling and Well

Operational Drilling Technology

1. Cut Costs and Optimize.

Murchison Drilling Schools, Inc.

ODT &AWC Day 1

Drilling and Well

Drilling and Well

Murchison Drilling Manual

The course is taught in the same sequence that a

PowerPoint Slide Book

Drilling and Well

Drilling and Well

Drilling and Well

Day One Homework

Drilling Problem Diagnosis

Drilling and Well

Use the Problem Solving

Things That Do Not

Unscheduled Events/Lost Time Operations Cause:

1. Identify and define the

Murchison Drilling Schools, Inc.

Drilling and Well

ODT &AWC Day 1

Things That Do Not

Drilling and Well

Drilling and Well

Things That Do Not

Drilling and Well

Things That Do Not

Example: Driller to Toolpusher

Drilling and Well

Things That Do Not

Things That Do Not

Drilling and Well

4. Casing Point Selection

Things That Do Not

5. Lost Circulation - #1 Problem in the World.

Even with a geologist on sight, the

Lost Circulation is the #1 cause

Hole Cleaning & Stability

Murchison Drilling Schools, Inc.

Drilling and Well

ODT &AWC Day 1