Introduction to Well Controlling Methods

This lecture focuses on the Driller’s Method, providing an in-depth explanation of its step-by-step procedure. Students will learn how to perform the first circulation to circulate the kick fluid out, followed by the second circulation to introduce kill mud and balance the formation pressure. Emphasis will be placed on pressure control during the procedure, explaining how to manage both drill pipe and casing pressures while circulating. The lecture will also cover the advantages of the Driller’s Method, such as its simplicity and minimal arithmetic, as well as the disadvantages, like the high annular pressures it can create. By the end of the lecture, students will have a solid understanding of how to implement the Driller’s Method effectively.

In this lecture, students will delve into the Wait & Weight Method and its application in well control. This method allows for lower wellbore pressures and shorter circulating times. Students will walk through the procedure of preparing and circulating kill mud in advance, alongside the kick fluid. The lecture will compare the Wait & Weight Method with the Driller’s Method, highlighting the key differences and when to choose one over the other. In addition, the concept of volumetric well control will be introduced, teaching students how to handle an influx during tripping or swabbing. By the end of this lecture, students will understand the procedure, advantages, and limitations of the Wait & Weight Method and be familiar with the basics of volumetric well control.

In this lecture, students will learn about stripping operations, a critical procedure that involves running or pulling pipe while maintaining annular pressure. The lecture will explain how to properly manage high annular pressures during stripping and the importance of minimizing wear on packing elements. Students will also be introduced to the unique challenges associated with deviated and horizontal wells, particularly in terms of kick detection and pressure management. The lecture will cover how to detect kicks during critical operations like connections or tripping and the precautions needed to avoid well control issues. By the end of the lecture, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how to handle well control in horizontal wells and perform stripping operations safely.

Students will explore the concept of kick tolerance and how to assess the maximum allowable influx volume in both drilling and tripping scenarios. The lecture will also dive into gas kick management, explaining the complexities of managing gas influxes and methods for removing trapped gas from the BOP stack. Students will learn how to assess kick tolerance in real-time and take the appropriate actions to manage gas kicks, ensuring the safety of the well and crew. By the end of this lecture, students will be confident in their ability to assess and manage gas kicks during drilling operations.