Welcome To

WELL CONTROL IWCF COURSE

 Course Objectives

1. To increase candidates operational knowledge of well control

procedures and killing operations.

2. To prepare candidates for IWCF surface and combined well

control examination.

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 WELL CONTROL
PRINCIPLE & PROCEDURE
(P & P)

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 WELL CONTROL BARRIERS

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 WHAT IS A KICK?
IT IS AN INFLUX OF FORMATION FLUID
THAT CAUSES THE WELL TO FLOW.

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 WHAT IS A BLOWOUT?
AN UNCONTROLLED EXIT OF THE FORMATION FLUIDS
AT THE SURFACE.

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 WELL BARRIER CLASSIFICATIONS

The function of Well Control (Barrier) can be subdivided into 3 main

categories:
• Primary Well Control: is the use of the fluid to prevent the influx
of formation fluid into the well bore (hydrostatic barrier): MUD
• Secondary Well Control: is the use of the BOP to control the well
if Primary WC can not be maintained/failed: EQUIPMENT
• Tertiary Well Control: Relief well – HELP!

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 WELL BARRIER CLASSIFICATIONS

• Procedural (Operational) Barrier: Monitoring the well for gain or

losses, Check Gain/Active pit.
• Physical Barrier: Like cement plug/ BOP/ Drilling mud.
• Mechanical Barrier: Piece of equipment that contains flow from
the formation (BOP/ Un-perforated casing).
• Barrier system (Envelope): More than one barrier act together to
contain flow from the formation.
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 HOW TO PRESSURE TEST THE BARRIER?

• Positive test: apply pressure on surface side of the barrier more

than the formation side.
• Negative test (Inflow test): apply pressure in the direction of flow
(formation side) more than the surface side of the barrier
Negative test is recommended to perform to test the barrier.
• Minimum two tested barriers are on place.
• PT cement plug/liner lap to check the integrity.
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 PRESSURE CONCEPT

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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE (HP)
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydro- means a fluid
Static- means at rest
P = MW x TVD x k
Pressure in PSI
mud weight in PPG
depth in FT
To make that happened, we will need a factor to convert ppg and ft
to psi

The conversion factor “k” is 0.052 and have the unit

PSI/FT
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 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE GRADIENT (PG)
Hydrostatic Pressure Gradient
Hydrostatic in the wellbore is from the mud
Mud weight in PPG x 0.052 = Pressure gradient [psi/ft]
Hydrostatic Pressure is the pressure exerted by a column of fluid at rest,
and is calculated by multiplying the gradient of the fluid by the True
Vertical Depth at which the pressure is being measured:
HP= MWT x TVD x 0.052
HP = Fluid gradient [psi/ft] x TVD

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 TVD

You have to consider the vertical height or depth of the

fluid column, the shape of the hole doesn’t matter.
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 T V D VS MD

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 Calculations

To convert mud weights to their respective pressure gradient we

multiply the mud weight in ppg by 0.052.

Example1: 10 ppg, calculate pressure gradient :

mw = 10 x 0.052 = 0.52 psi/ft

Example2: Pressure Gradient at 8500 feet TVD is 0.65 psi/ft, calculate mud weight:
Pressure G 0.65
MWt    12.5 PPG
0.052 0.052

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 FORMATION PRESSURE

PRESSURE

ABNORMAL
PRESSURE

SUBNORMAL
PRESSURE

NORMAL FORMATION PRESSURE Gradient (Salt Water Formation)

DEPTH = 0.465 PSI/FT

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 Calculations
Example: formation Pressure at 1200 feet TVD is 601 psi,
MWT in well 10.5 ppg. This pressure should be :
A. Normal
B. Abnormal
C. Subnormal
Formation Gp= Pressure / TVD 601 / 1200
Formation Gp= 0.5008 psi/ft 0.5008>0.465 formation is abnormal
Answer is B

Example:
What is mean by abnormal pressure related to the fluid pressure in the formation?
A. The excess pressure due to circulation mud at high rate.
B. The excess pressure that need to be applied to cause leak off in to normally formation
C. The formation fluid pressure that exceed formation water hydrostatic pressure.
Answer is C
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 OVERBALANCE VS UNDERBALANCE

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 STATIC & DYNAMIC BOTTOM
HOLE PRESSURE

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 MUD CIRCULATION SYSTEM

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 MUD SYSTEM PRESSURE LOSSES
0 psi
0 psi

0 psi

0 SPM
Static – Bottom – Hole Pressure:
MUD WT = 10 ppg

MW x 0.052 x TVD
10 x 0.052 x10,000 = 5,200psi. 0 psi

10,000 ft TVD

0 psi

5200 psi
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 MUD SYSTEM PRESSURE LOSSES

2600 psi
2500 psi

Dynamic 0 psi

80 SPM (100 psi)

(400 psi)
Annular

(300 psi)
Pressure 2100 psi

(500 psi)
Losses 1600 psi
(1300 psi)
300 psi
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 MUD SYSTEM PRESSURE LOSSES

2600 psi
Gauge on bottom of hole: 2500 psi

80 SPM
(100 psi)
Static + Dynamic MUD WT = 10 ppg
0 psi

(400 psi)
10,000 ft TVD
5200 + 300 = 5500 psi

(300 psi)
2100 psi

(500 psi)
Increase is caused by the Annular
Pressure Losses (APL) acting down
1600 psi
on the bottom of the well. (1300 psi)

5500 psi

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 BOTTOM HOLE PRESSURE

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 EQUIVALENT CIRCULATION DENSITY (ECD)

 The APL while circulating has the same effect on bottom hole pressure as
increasing the mud weight.

 This theoretical increase in mud weight + the original mud weight is called
the Equivalent Circulating Density or Equivalent Mud Weight.

 It can be calculated by using the following formula:

APLpsi
Original Mud Weight ppg 
TVDft   0.052
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 EFFECTS ON PUMP PRESSURE

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 MUD WEIGHT CHANGE
2600 psi
 It is a good drilling practice to 2860 psi
calculate the new circulating
pressure before changing the mud
80 SPM
weight.
 The way we calculate this change in
pressure is to use the following
formula: MW increased
MWnew ppg from 10 to 11 PPG
P2 psi  P1 psi 
MWold ppg
11
2600   2860psi
10
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 PUMP STROKE CHANGE
2600 psi
 It is a good drilling practice to 4063 psi
calculate the new circulating
pressure before changing the
pump speed. 80 SPM
 The way we calculate this change
in pressure is to use the following
formula: Increase pump
𝑃2 𝑝𝑠𝑖 = 𝑃1 𝑝𝑠𝑖 ×
𝑆𝑃𝑀𝑛𝑒𝑤
2
speed from 80
to 100 SPM
𝑆𝑃𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑑

2
100 
P2 psi  2600     4063 psi
 80 

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 Calculation
 Example
Calculate the new pump pressure?
Old mud density = 9.68 ppg
New mud density = 10 ppg
Old pump pressure = 1850 psi
Answer:

Formula No: 10
New pump pressure= 1850 * 10 / 9.68 =1911 Psi

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 Calculation
 Example:
Mud pump running at 30 SPM,10000 TVD. Calculate the pump pressure when pump rate has
being increased to 35 SPM with the system pressure losses with 30 SPM as below.
Surface Line Losses 100 psi
Drill String Losses 900 psi
Bit nozzle Losses 1300 psi
Annular Losses 300 psi
ANSWER
Old pump pressure with 30 SPM = 100+900+1300+300=2600 psi
New Pump pressure with 35 SPM=
2
 SPM new 
P2  psi  P1  psi  
 SPMold 
2
 35 
P2  psi   2600    3539 psi
 30 

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 WET & DRY TRIPPING

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 DRY TRIPPING

When a length of pipe is

pulled from the hole, the mud
level will fall
Equal to the volume of open
end steel pulled
Open-End-Displacement

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 WET TRIPPING

When a length of pipe is

pulled from the hole, the mud
level will fall

Equal to the volume of closed

end steel pulled

Closed-End-Displacement

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 Pipe Displacement & Capacity

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 TRIP TANK
 Trip tank is a small tank which has a capacity of 20 – 50 bbls.
 The trip tank use to fill the well and take return back to the tank.
 Level drop while tripping out and increase while tripping in.

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 TRIP TANK

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 TRIP SHEET

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 Calculation
 Example:
Drill pipe capacity 0.01776 bbls / ft
Drill pipe metal displacement 0.0083 bbls / ft
Average stand length 93 feet
Calculate the mud required to fill the hole per stand when pulling dry

Answer
93*0.00083 = 0.77 bbls

 Example:
Drill pipe capacity 0.01776 bbls / ft
Drill pipe metal displacement 0.0083 bbls / ft
Average stand length 93 feet
Calculate the mud required to fill the hole per stand when pulling Wet

Answer
93*(0.01776+00083) = 2.4 bbls
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 PUMPING HEAVY SLUG

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 PUMPING HEAVY SLUG

 It is useful to pump a heavy slug before tripping

 The slug weight being heavier than the mud, a length of pipe will be
empty
 The bottom hole pressure is not reduced as the heavier mud will
compensate for the empty pipe
 The bottom hole pressure will start to increase when the slug starts
exit the pipe/bit.

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 Slow Circulating Rate (SCR)

Reduced Rate Circulating

Pressure (RRCP)

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 Slow Circulating Rate (SCR)
Reduced Rate Circulating Pressure (RRCP)

 SCR or RRCP is the reduced circulating pump rate, used

when circulating out a kick. Take while drilling operation
with drill string near bottom ( 2 – 3 FT)
 Usually between 1 and 5 barrel per minute. (20 – 50 SPM)
 A minimum 2 circulating rates should be obtained for
minimum 2 mud pumps
 The pressure must be recorded using the gauges that will
be used during well kill operations (Remote Choke Panel).

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 When Record SCR or RRCP?

SCR/RRCP pressure for each pump will be

taken:
 At the beginning of every tour OR at least once a tour.
 Any time the mud properties are changed (weight/ viscosity).
 When a bit nozzle is changed.
 When the BHA is changed.
 After repairs have been made to the mud pumps.
 At least every 500 feet (153m) of new hole.
 After kill the well.
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 Why Using SCR Or RRCP?

Well Control Operations are conducted at

reduced circulating rates in order to:
 Minimise Excess of annulus pressure
 Allows for more time to control choke adjustment
 Allows for the weighting up mud and degassing of the mud
and disposal of the influx (gas separator capacity)
 Reduce the risk of choke erosion
 Reduce risk of over pressuring system if plugging occurs.

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 Formation Strength Test

Leak Off Test (LOT)

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 Formation Strength Test
Leak Off Test (LOT)

 A leak off test (LOT) determines the pressure at which the

formation begins to take fluid.
 This test is conducted after drilling out about 5 to 50 ft of new
hole below the shoe.
 The mud in the hole must be clean and uniform both in and out
the hole.
 Such a test will establish the strength of the formation and the
integrity of the cement job at the shoe.

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 LEAK OFF TEST
PRESSURE PRESSURE
ANNULUS

1100

1000

900

800
* *
700 * *
S
* *
600 H
* O
500 E
*
400 * P
* R
300 E
*
S
200 * V S
* O U
100 L R
* U E
M
E Ph Max
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Pshoe

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 EX: L O T
720 psi

720 psi
+
9.6 1498 psi
3,000’ ppg

2217
psi

What is The total pressure which is applied to the

formation?

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Maximum Allowable Drilling Fluid Density
0 psi

The Maximum Available Drilling Fluid

Density .
This is the total pressure, represented 3,000’ MADFD = 14.2 ppg
as fluid density, above which leak off or
formation damage may occurs with no
pressure on surface.
2218 psi
720
MADFD = + 9.6 = 14.2ppg
3000 X 0.052

MADFD= 2218
= 14.2ppg Formula # 17:
3000 x 0.052
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 FORMATION INTEGRITY TEST
(FIT)

 The same sequences as leak off test

 Pressure up to agreed surface pressure value without any
leak off into the formation
 It is mainly performed in the development wells.

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 FORMATION TESTS

PSI PSI

• Leak Off Tests • Formation Integrity

Tests

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 Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure
(M.A.A.S.P.)

 MAASP is defined as the surface pressure that when added to the

hydrostatic pressure exerted by the mud column, could results in
formation breakdown at the weakest point in the well, if exceeded.
 The weakest point is normally considered to be the shoe.
 This value of the MAASP is based on the Leak Off Test data.
 MAASP= ( MAMW- Drilling MW) X0.052 X Shoe TVD
 IF MWT is changed, the MAASP should be recalculated.

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 Maximum Allowable Annulus Surface Pressure

MAASP= Max Shoe pressure – Ph shoe

Ph MAASP
DOWN
DOWN

= =
MAASP
UP
Ph
UP

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 GAS BEHAVIOR

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 GAS MIGRATION

500 3000 5500

• Gas is lighter than the mud and will try to
migrate up the hole.
5500
• The speed of migration will depend on;
2500 – mud properties- weight and viscosity
HP
– hole angle
5000
psi
5500 5000
• The gas cannot expand so will carry
Formation Pressure upwards causing ;
2500
SICP to increase
BHP to increase
5500 5500 5500
5500
SIDPP to increase
FP FP FP

5500 8000 10500

• Risk to break weak point (casing shoe).

BHP BHP BHP

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 Gas migration - how to deal with it
500 600 500

Well shut in - stabilised Gas migrates - SIDPP increases Bleed mud through choke, allowing
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IWCF_P&P_L3&4_PPT_HA_rev02_09Dec2020 original value
 GAS EXPANSION

• Gas expansion occurs while circulating out the

well.
• Gas volume increase while expansion and its
pressure decrease.
• Maximum expansion for gas is near the surface.
• Casing pressure increase while gas expands
due to loss in hydrostatic.
• Pit gain increase with gas expansion. when gas
is passing the choke, pit gain start to decrease
• After gas influx out the well, pit level become
steady.

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 GAS EXPANSION IN OPEN WELL

16 32
8

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 GAS BEHAVIOR

• Gas expands as it is circulated up the hole

Pressure at any point above gas influx will be increasing

GAS As gas passes then pressure drops

Pressure at any point below gas influx will be constant

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 MAXIMUM SHOE PRESSURE

 With a gas kick :

 1- at initial shut in
 2- when the top of influx reach the casing shoe.

 With oil or water kick :

 1- at initial shut in
 2-pressure change due to annular size changing.

 If SICP exceeds MAASP at shut in then formation will break down.

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 GAS INFLUX IN WBM & OBM

Water Base Mud Oil Base Mud

• Easier to detect • More difficult to detect

• Higher migration rate • Lower migration rate
• Gas stay as a separate phase • Gas go into solution
• On bottom bigger kick size • On bottom smaller kick size
• Higher casing pressure • Smaller casing pressure
• Expansion: • Expansion:
- Slow first then Fast. - none first then very fast at the
bubble point (near surface).
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 K
WATER BASE OIL BASE
MUD I MUD
0 C
K 100% OF
TOTAL EXPANSION
12 bbl
2500 gas
DETECTABLE D BUBBLE POINT
PIT GAIN
E 1000’ to 2000’

6 bbl T
5000 gas
E
C
T NO EXPANSION
D
E I
P
T
O
H N
10000 03 bbl 1400
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IWCF_P&P_L3&4_PPT_HA_rev02_09Dec2020
 Warning Signs
Mud Weight 10.0 ppg Warning signs
Tell you Underbalance

Formation Pressure 9.0ppg

Major warning signs are:
• Increasing ROP
Pressure
• Increasing torque/drag
and
• Increased quantity/size of cuttings
Porosity
• Increased background gas
Increasing
• Connection gas
• Increasing temperature
Formation Pressure 10.0ppg
• Decreasing shale density

What if we ignore them?

63
 Warning Signs
Mud Weight 10.0 ppg

What should we do?

Formation Pressure 9.0ppg

Pressure Flow Check

and
Porosity
Increasing Circulate Bottoms Up

Formation Pressure 10.0ppg

Raise Mud Weight

64