Well Control

Learning Topics

  1. Kill Rate and Kill Rate Pressure

  2. Drillers Method

  3. Wait and Weight Method

e-Learning Resources

  1. U-Tube Drilling Concept: Explains the concept of U-Tube and provides the basic understanding as it affects the well control principles.

  2. Overburden, Pore Pressure, and Fracture Gradient- Develop a clear understanding of concepts of porosity, overburden, formation, and fracture pressures. Also includes fracture gradient models, mitigating lost returns along with a preliminary discussion on casing seat selection and design factors.

  3. Understanding MAASP: MAASP or Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure is an important parameter while killing the well.

  4. Hard Shut-in: Hard shut-in is a procedure for closing a well in preparation for well killing.

  5. Drillers Method (First Circulation): Drillers method of well control is a two circulation method. Let's learn concepts and pressure variations in the first circulation.

Case Studies

  1. Pore Pressure Uncertainty - IOGP

  2. Abnormal formation pressure due to offset water injection wells - IOGP

  3. Higher than predicted pore pressure during completion operations- IOGP

  4. Improper mud treatment resulted in a Well Control incident - IOGP

  5. Lack of management of change process, associated with late detection - International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP)

  6. Influx during MPD operations - IOGP

  7. Wellbore flow observed during fishing of completion tubing string - IOGP

  8. Severe loss - kick situation in the reservoir section

  9. Kick while drilling underbalanced with poorly isolated tight formation behind casing - IOGP

  10. Macondo Well Incident Transocean Investigation Report

Data Sheets and Calculation Tools