Introduction.

These questions are designed to help you to improve your Well Control knowledge. They
cover the driller and supervisor levels for surface and sub-sea BOP Well control. The mix of
questions is based on topics that will be useful to anyone involved in drilling operations.

Well Control Surface Equipment.

1. Item #1 in the figure is ______
A. ram packer.
B. top seal.
C. ram boutside diametery.
D. ram assembly.

1 2

2. Item #2 in the figure is ______

A. ram packer.
B. top seal.
C. ram body.
D. ram assembly.

3. Item #3 in the figure is ______

A. ram packer
B. top seal
C. ram body.
D. ram assembly.

4. Pipe rams can be closed ______

A. on any size pipe.
B. on the size of pipe they are designed for.
C. on open hole with no pipe in the hole.
D. on small drill collars.

5. Variable bore rams can be closed ______

A. on any size pipe.
B. on the variable size range they are designed for.
C. on open hole with no pipe in the hole.
D. on small drill collars.
6. The upper shear ram assembly is ______
A. item #2.
B. item #3.
C. item #6. 1
D. Item #5. 2
. 4

5
3
6
7. Shearing blinds rams ______
A. can shear the pipe and seal the wellbore.
B. can be used as blind rams.
C. can be used to isolate the wellbore and perform repairs above the rams.
D. All of the answers are correct.

8. Manifold pressure on a surface stack is regulated to ______

A. 1000 psi.
B. 1200 psi.
C. 1500 psi.
D. 3000 psi.

9. Accumulator pressure on a surface stack is regulated to ______

a. 1000 psi.
b. 1200 psi.
c. 1500 psi.
d. 3000 psi.

10. What is the primary function of the weep hole (drain hole, vent hole) on a ram type BOP?
A. To show the ram body rubber is leaking
B. To show that the primary mud seal on the piston rod is leaking
C. To show that the bonnet seals are leaking
D. To show that the closing chamber operating pressure is too high

11. The minimum closing pressure that is required for a 10,000 psi ram BOP with a closing ratio of 7:1 is
______
A. 1000 psi.
B. 1200 psi.
C. 1500 psi.
D. 3000 psi.
12. The weephole on a ram type BOPs is used to ______
A. show the primary mud seal on the piston rod is leaking.
B. show if hydraulic fluid is leaking from the ram open chamber.
C. prevent wellbore pressure from acting on the operating piston.
D. All of the answers are correct.
E. None of the answers are correct.

13. What action should you take, if during testing you observe fluid leaking from the weephole of a ram type
BOP?
A. Repair the preventer
B. Activate the secondary seal
C. Carry on with the BOP test because it is normal for fluid to leak from the weep hole
D. Carry on with the testing, as it can be fixed while drilling ahead

14. What action should you take if you notice mud leaking from the weephole of a ram BOP during a kill
operation?
A. Repair the preventer
B. Activate the secondary seal to energize the packing
C. Carry on with the kill operation, normal for fluid to leak from the weep hole while killing a well
D. None of the answers are correct.

15. The diverter system on a surface stack is ______

A. designed to divert and not close in a well.
B. primarily to deal with shallow gas.
C. most effective with large bore, short, straight overboard lines.
D. All of the answers are correct.

16. What is the purpose of ram locks?

A. To assist in closing the rams
B. To maintain the rams closed in the event of loss of closing pressure
C. To assist in opening the rams
D. To maintain the rams open in the event of loss of opening pressure
E. None of the answers are correct.

17. Rams locks are ______

A. manually activated only.
B. hydraulically activated only.
C. manually or hydraulically activated.
D. None of the answers are correct.

18. The full opening safety valve ______

A. must be stored on the rig floor in the closed position.
B. must be tested whenever BOP tests are done.
C. does not permit running of wireline tools smaller than its inside diameter through it.
D. will not leak when tested.
F. must not be functioned tested to check if it closes.
19. The inside blowout preventer ______
A. must be stored on the rig floor in the closed position.
B. permits running of wireline tools smaller than its ID through it.
C. cannot be used for stripping in the hole.
D. permits reading of SIDPP without having to pump it open.
E. None of the answers are correct.

4 5

20. Item #1 in the figure is a ______

A. annular piston
B. annular boutside diametery
C. annular packing element.
D. annular head.

21. Item #2 in the figure is a ______

A. annular piston.
B. annular body.
C. annular packing element.
D. annular head.

22. Item #3 in the figure is a______

A. annular piston.
B. annular body.
C. annular packing element.
D. annular head.

23. An annular preventer ______

A. can be used for stripping.
B. can be closed on open hole, if needed.
C. can be closed on most components that are run through the wellbore.
D. operating pressure varies depending on the type.
E. All of the answers are correct.
24. Which well kill method is feasible when the wellbore is closed in on the blind/shear rams?
A. Driller’s well kill method diameter
B. Wait & weight well kill method diameter
C. Volumetric well kill method diameter
D. None of the answers are correct.

25. On a surface stack which of these functions use the manifold pressure?
A. Rams only
B. HCRs only
C. Rams, HCRs and Annular only
D. Rams and HCRs only.

26. If power to the driller’s remote panel is lost, then the driller_____
A. can function the rams only.
B. can function the HCRs only.
C. can function the Rams, HCRs and Annular only.
D. cannot function any of the BOP components.

27. On a surface stack while closing the annular preventer, on which pressure gauges would you expect to see
a change?
A. On the manifold and accumulator pressure gauges
B. On the manifold and annular pressure gauges
C. On the annular and accumulator pressure gauges
D. None of the answers are correct.

28. On a surface stack while closing the ram preventer, on which pressure gauges would you expect to see a
change?
A. On the manifold and accumulator pressure gauges
B. On the manifold and annular pressure gauges
C. On the annular and accumulator pressure gauges
D. None of the answers are correct.

29. The purposes of having stored fluid under pressure in the accumulator bottles are _____
A. to improve reaction times.
B. to be able to functions the BOP in case of power failures.
C. to improve reaction times and function the BOP in case of a power failure.

30. An accumulator system has a maximum operating pressure of 3000 psi and a minimum operating
pressure of 1200 psi with a precharge pressure of 1000 psi. How many gallons of usable fluid are
available, if it a 24 bottle accumulator system and each bottle has a 10 gallon capacity?
A 10 gallons of useable fluid
B. 24 gallons of useable fluid
C. 120 gallons of useable fluid
D. 240 gallons of useable fluid
31. The master control (electric or air) on the remote panel ____
A must be operated to function BOP components.
B. does not need to be operated to function BOP components
C. is only used in an emergency situation.
D. is only used to function the shear rams.

32. The accumulator bottles are precharged with ______

A. oxygen gas.
B. nitrogen gas.
C. carbon dioxide gas.
D. hydraulic oil.

33. If an accumulator bottle has a 13.5 gallons nominal capacity and the precharge pressure is 1000 psi, the
minimum operation pressure is 1,200 psi and the maximum operating pressure is 3,000 psi, then how
many gallons of useable fluid is there in this bottle at the maximum operating pressure?
A. 5 gallons of useable fluid
B. 6.75 gallons of useable fluid
C. 10 gallons of useable fluid
D. 13.5 gallons of useable fluid

34. What happens to stored useable fluid in an accumulator bottle, if precharge pressure decreases or leaks
over a period of time?
A. The useable fluid increases in an accumulator bottle.
B. The useable fluid decreases in an accumulator bottle.
C. There is no change in the useable fluid in an accumulator bottle.
D. The useable fluid will first increase then decrease in an accumulator bottle.

35. Use the data in the table, calculate the volume of useable fluid required on an accumulator system to meet
this requirement. The requirement is to close all rams and annular and open all HCR valves first, then open
all rams and annular and close the HCR valves, and finally close the annular. The BOP stack consists of
one annular, three rams and two HCR valves.
Volume to close Volume to open
Annular 21 gallons 18.5 gallons
Ram 12 gallons 10.5 gallons
HCR valve 1 gallons 0.75 gallons

A. 63.75 gallons total useable fluid required

B. 121.50 gallons total useable fluid required
C. 132.50 gallons total useable fluid required
D. 191.25 gallons total useable fluid required
36. The purpose of the “bypass valve” on a surface BOP control unit is ______
A. to provide accumulator pressure to all functions on the unit after the valve is functioned to bypass.
B. to provide accumulator pressure to all functions on the manifold after the valve is functioned to
bypass.
C. to provide accumulator pressure to the annular only after the valve is functioned to bypass.
D. to isolate the accumulator bottles.

37. What is meant by the term closing ratio for a ram type BOP?
A. The ratio between closing & opening volume on the BOP
B. The ratio between closing & opening time on the BOP
C. The ratio of the wellhead pressure to the pressure required closing the BOP
D. The ratio of the wellhead pressure to the pressure required opening the BOP
.
38. While drilling the 4-way valves on the BOP accumulator unit on a surface stack are kept in the ______
A. open positions only.
B. close positions only.
C. neutral positions only.
D. open or closed positions depending on the BOP stack function.

39. The full opening safety valve on the rig floor has a NC 50 (4 1/2 IF) pin connection. The drill string
consisted of 5 in HWDP with a 4 1/2 IF box and pin connections and 8 in drill collars with 6 5/8-inch regular
box and pin connections. Which crossover would be required on the drill floor while tripping?
A. 6 5/8-inch regular box X 7 5/8-inch regular pin
B. NC 50 4 1/2 IF pin X 6 5/8-inch regular pin
C. NC 50 4 1/2 IF box X 7 5/8-inch regular pin
D. NC 50 4 1/2 IF box X 6 5/8-inch regular pin

40. What is meant by the term opening ratio for a ram type BOP?
A. The ratio between closing & opening volume on the BOP
B. The ratio between closing & opening time on the BOP
C. The ratio of the wellhead pressure to the pressure required to open the BOP
D. The ratio of the wellhead pressure to the pressure required to close the BOP

41. Which dimension on a BOP flange is used to identify the nominal flange size?
A. The through bore inside diameter of the flange.
B. The flange outside diameter
C. The outside diameter of the ring groove
D. The inside diameter of the ring groove

42. The kill line should enter the stack so that ______
A. the wellbore can be circulated if the blind ram is in use.
B. the wellbore can be circulated if the pipe rams are in use.
C. the wellbore can be circulated if the pipe or blind rams are in use.
D. the wellbore cannot be circulated if the pipe or blind rams are in use.
43. The term “6 BX” that is stamped on a BOP flange, represents ______
A. the serial number of the flange.
B. the pressure rating of the flange.
C. the size of the flange.
D. the type of the flange.

44. The diverter system must be operated, so that______

A. the diverter packing and the flowline close, before the overboard line open.
B. the overboard lines open before the diverter packing and the flowline closes.
C. the diverter packing, overboard lines and the flowline close all at the same time.
E. the diverter packing, overboard lines and the flowline open all at the same time.

45. Where is the pressure reading sent from, to verify the actual pressure supplied to a function such as an
annular or a ram preventer?
A. The pressure reading is sent from upstream of the regulator.
B. The pressure reading is sent from downstream of the regulator.
C. The pressure reading is sent from upstream as well as downstream of the regulator.
D. The pressure reading is sent from the regulator itself.

46. After connecting the open and close hoses to the stack, they should ______
A. be functioned tested to ensure they are correctly connected
B. not be functioned tested, because they will wear out.
C. be disconnected once again to bleed out the air.
D. pressurized to a 1000 psi only.

Blind/Shear Rams

5” Pipe Rams

47. Referring to the figure ______

A. the well can be killed, if 5-inch rams are closed on the drill string.
B. the annular and the outer valves can be repaired if the well closed is closed in with the Blind/Shear
rams.
C. the blind shears rams can be changed out with the well closed in with 5-inch rams.
D. All the answers are correct.
E. None of the answers are correct.
48. Referring the figure ______
A. the well can be killed with 5-inch rams closed in on the drillstring.
B. the annular and the outer valves cannot be repaired with the well closed in with the Blind/Shear rams.
C. the blind shears rams can be changed out with the well closed in with 5-inch rams.
D. All the answers are correct.
E. None of the answers are correct.

49. Item # 1 in the figure is a ______

A. non return valve releasing rod.
B. non return valve.
C. valve seat.
D. valve body.
E. releasing tool.
F. valve spring.

50. Item # 2 in the figure is a ______

A. non return valve releasing rod diameter.
B. non return valve.
C. valve seat.
D. valve body.
E. releasing tool.
F. valve spring.
51. Item # 3 in the figure is a ______
A. releasing rod for the non return valve.
B. non return valve.
C. valve seat.
D. valve body.
E. releasing tool.
F. valve spring.

52) Item # 4 in the figure is a ______

A releasing rod for the non-return valve.
B. non return valve.
C. valve seat.
D. valve body.
E. releasing tool
F. valve spring

53. Item # 5 in the figure is a ______

A. releasing rod for the non return valve.
B. non return valve.
C. valve seat.
D. valve body.
E. releasing tool.
D. valve spring.

54. Item # 6 in the figure is ______

A. releasing rod for the non return valve.
B. non return valve.
C. valve seat.
D. valve body.
E. releasing tool
F. valve spring.
55. Item # 1 in the figure is the ______
A. body of the safety valve.
B. crank of the safety valve.
C. upper seat of the safety valve.
D. lower seat of the safety valve.
E. ball valve of the safety valve.

56. Item # 2 in the figure is the ______

A. body of the safety valve.
B crank of the safety valve.
C. lower seat of the safety valve.
D. upper seat of the safety valve.
1 4
E. ball valve of the safety valve.

57. Item # 3 in the figure is the ______ 2

5
A. body of the safety valve.
B. crank of the safety valve.
C. upper seat of the safety valve.
D. lower seat of the safety valve.
E. ball valve of the safety valve.
3

58. Item # 4 in the figure is the ______

A. body of the safety valve.
B. crank of the safety valve.
C. upper seat of the safety valve.
D. lower seat of the safety valve.
E. ball valve of the safety valve.

59. Item # 5 in the figure is the ______

A. body of the safety valve.
B. crank of the safety valve.
C. upper seat of the safety valve
D. ball valve of the safety valve
E. lower seat of the safety valve.
60. Referring to the figure, how should the valves be line up while drilling?
A. Valves 1 and 3 open, and the rest closed
B. Valves 1 and 4 open, and the rest closed
C. Valves 1, 4 and 5 open, and the rest closed
D. Valves 1, 3 and 5 open, and the rest closed

Wind Direction

61. Referring to the figure, how should the valves be lined up while tripping?
A. Valves 4 and 5 open, and the rest of the valves closed
B. Valves 3 and 5 open, and the rest of the valves closed
C. Valves 1, 4 and 5 open, and the rest of the valves closed
D. Valves 1, 3 and 5 open, and the rest of the valves closed

62) Referring to the figure, how should the valves be lined up while diverting?
A. Valves 2 and 3 open, and the rest of the valves closed
B. Valves 2 and 4 open, and the rest of the valves closed
C. Valves 1, 2 and 4 open, and the rest of the valves closed
D. Valves 1, 2 and 3 open, and the rest of the valves closed

63. The main function of the remote choke or the manual choke in the overall BOP system is ______
A. to divert wellbore fluids to the mud tank.
B. to divert contaminant fluid to the burning pit.
C. to close in the well softly.
D. to hold back pressure while circulating up a kick.
64. What factors determine the buildup of pressure in a mud gas separator?
A. The length and inside diameter of the vent line
B The flowrate rate of gas through the vent line
C. All the answers are correct.
D. None of the answers are correct.

65. What direction should a valve in the choke and kill manifold be tested from?
A. Does not matter, either direction, as the valve is made to be tested on both sides
B. Always from the top side of the valve
C. From the side fluid would be expected to come from in a well control situation
D. Always from the bottom side of the valve.

66. Referring to the heights in the figure and if the mud weight in the mud gas separator was 14 ppg, then how
much pressure would the gas have to overcome before blowing to the shakers?
A. 7.2 psi.
B. 13.1 psi
C. 5.8 psi
D. 0 psi

67. Pressure build-up in the mud/gas separator can be dangerous because ______
A. gas may blow up the vent line.
B. gas may reach the shale shaker area.
C. the choke may not function properly.
D. the driller may be smoking on the rig

68. The critical design parameters for the mud gas separator (MGS) are ______
A. separator’s capacity to segregate gas from mud.
B. vent line’s capacity to vent free gas.
C. discharge line’s capacity to discharge degassed mud.
D. mud seal’s capacity to determine maximum mud gas separator operating pressure.
E. All of the answers are correct.
69. Why should side outlet valves, while testing a surface BOP stack with a test plug kept in the open position?
A. Because the test with create extreme hook loads.
B. Because of potential damage to casing/open hole if the plug leaks and to check for a leaking
test plug.
C. Because test plug tend to leak most of the times.
D. Because test plug will not seat in the wellhead if the valves are closed.

70. When would a "cup type" be used instead of a "plug type" test tool when testing a surface BOP stack?
A. When the stack needs to be tested, without applying excess pressure to the wellhead and casing.
B. When required to test the entire casing head and outlets and casing to wellhead seals.
C. When testing for leaks on the bonnets seals.
D. When a BOP test needs to be done in a hurry.

71. The vertical force on a cup tester is 422,000 psi. The grade of pipe required for this test, so as not to
exceed 80% of the tensile yield strength is ______.
A. grade X 95 pipe that has a tensile yield strength of 342,900 lbs.
B. grade S 135 that has a tensile yield strength of 561,375 lbs.
C. any grade of pipe that has a tensile yield strength equal to 422,000 lbs.
D. any grade of pipe that has a tensile yield strength less than 422,000 lbs.

72. When should a BOP be tested?

A. Once in 21 days.
B. After repairs or when any component is changed out.
C. Prior to drilling into a suspected high pressure zone.
D. All the answers are incorrect.
E. None of the answers are correct.

73. During a BOP test ______

A. valves can be opened under pressure to save time.
B. valves and BOP components are opened only when all pressure acting on them is bleed off.
C. BOP components can be opened under pressure to save time.
D. BOP components can be opened under pressure as long as all personnel are a safe distance away.
Well control principals & procedures
1. Why are wells killed at a slow circulating rate, rather than at normal drilling rates?
A. To keep circulating pressure to a minimum
B. To lessen the possibility of a choke plugging or washing out
C. To have more time for mixing kill mud
D. Due to the handling capacity of the mud gas separator
E. To have more time to react to make choke adjustments
F. All of the answers are correct.

2. Which gauge must be used to read drill pipe pressure while taking slow circulating rate (SCR)
pressures?
A. The choke console drill pipe gauge
B. The driller’s console drill pipe gauge
C. The standpipe gauge`
D. The gauge on the discharge line on the mud pump

3. When should slow circulating rate pressures (SCR) be taken?

A. If practical at the beginning of every tour.
B. Any time the mud properties change
C. As soon as possible after bottoms up from any trip
D. At least every 1000 ft of new hole drilled
E. Any time the bit nozzle configuration or bottom hole assembly has changed.
F. All of the answers are correct.

4. Slow circulating rate pressures at different pump speeds are taken for use on a kill sheet. Which of these
will affect the strokes per minute chosen to kill the well? (2 answers).
A. The handling capacity of the mud gas separator
B. The capacity of the drill string
C. The capacity of the open hole
D. The mud mixing capacity

5. What happens to the slow circulating rate (SCR) pressure, when mud weight is increased?
A. Slow circulating rate (SCR) pressure increases
B. Slow circulating rate (SCR) pressure decreases
C. Slow circulating rate (SCR) pressure remains the same.

6. The assistant driller notices there is less pressure on the standpipe gauge than the pump gauge while
circulating. What is the best explanation for this change in pressure difference?
A. The gauge calibration
B. The standpipe is lower than the pump
C. The frictional back pressure in the surface lines
D. None of the answers are correct

7. If the pump rate is decreased, then slow circulating rate pressure will ______.
A. increase.
B. decrease.
C. stay the same.

Page 15 of 96
8. Slow circulating rate (SCR) pressure at 30 SPM is 600 psi, then at 40 strokes per minute it will
approximately be ______.
A. 600 psi
B. 800 psi
C. 1067 psi
D. 347 psi

9. Slow circulating rate (SCR) pressure at 30 SPM is 600 psi with 10ppg mud, then with 11ppg the new
pressure will approximately be ______.
A. 600 psi
B. 660 psi
C. 726 psi
D. 545 psi

10. In which of the following situations will circulating pressure at 80 strokes per minute increase at constant
flow rate?(Choose 2 answers).
A. When the well is full with lower density fluid
B. When the drilled depth is increased
C. When the bit nozzle size is increased
D. When the mud weight is increased

11. When circulating at 60 strokes per minute, the pressure on the stand pipe gauge reads 3500 psi. If the
pump was slowed down to 30 stokes per minute, then the pressure reading on the standpipe gauge would
approximately be ______
A. 583 psi
B. 875 psi
C. 1166 psi
D. 1750 psi

12. The fracture gradient of a surface hole formation at 4500 ft is .606 psi/ft. The gradient of the fluid in the
wellbore is .495 psi/ft. The approximate pressure that can be closed in before the formation at 4500 ft
fractures, causing lost circulation is ______
A. 2227 psi
B. 450 psi
C. 500 psi
D. 2727 psi

13. A 13-3/8 in casing shoe was set at a depth of 3126 ft TVD. Later it was drilled out and tested with 10.2 ppg
mud to 670 psi surface pressure. The calculated formation fracture gradient is ______
A. .21 psi/ft
B. .53 psi/ft
C. .74 psi/ft
D. .77 psi/ft

14. A 13-3/8 in casing shoe was set at a depth of 3126 ft TVD. Later it was drilled out and tested with 10.2 ppg
mud to 670 psi surface pressure. While drilling ahead the mud weight was raised to 11.4 ppg. What is the
maximum allowable surface pressure with this new mud weight?
A. 670 psi
B. 1140 psi
C. 470 psi
D. 195 psi
15. What happens to maximum allowable surface pressure, if mud weight in the hole is increased?
A. Maximum allowable surface pressure increases
B. Maximum allowable surface pressure decreases
C. Maximum allowable surface pressure remains the same

16. What happens to maximum allowable surface pressure, if mud weight in the hole is decrease?
A. Maximum allowable surface pressure increases
B. Maximum allowable surface pressure decreases
C. Maximum allowable surface pressure remains the same

17. To ensure that correct results are obtained from a leak off test at the casing shoe, a number of critical
parameters have to be accurately observed, measured, and recorded. Which are the critical parameters?
(Choose 2 answers.)
A. The measured depth of the casing shoe
B. The fluid volume in the casing
C. The density of the fluid used
D. The true vertical depth of the casing shoe

18. After setting casing at 4800 ft TRUE VERTICAL DEPTH a leak-off test is conducted. The formation leaked
off at 1100 psi. At the time of the test 9.5 ppg fluid was in the well bore. What is the maximum allowable
fluid weight in ppg?
A. 9.5 ppg
B. 13.6 ppg
C. 13.9 ppg
D. 14.3 ppg

19. The rig has drilled 15 ft out of the casing shoe that is set at 4835 ft TRUE VERTICAL DEPTH. The present
fluid weight is 10.2 ppg. The company man wants to test the shoe to an equivalent fluid weight of 14.5 ppg.
The surface pressure that will take to achieve test is ______
A. 1084 psi
B. 1000 psi
C. 2572 psi
D. 3657 psi

20. What is the fracture pressure at the casing shoe given that the surface leak-off test pressure was 1000 psi,
the TRUE VERTICAL DEPTH of the casing shoe is 7500 ft and the leak off test fluid at the time of the test
was 11.0 ppg?
A. 3290 psi
B. 4290 psi
C. 5290 psi
D. 1000 psi

21. What is meant by the term porosity?

A. It is the ratio of pore space to rock volume expressed as a percentage.
B. It is the ability of a substance to allow flow of fluid through it.
C. Both answers are correct.
D. None of the answers are correct.

22) What is meant by the term permeability?

A. It is the ratio of pore space to rock volume expressed as a percentage.
B. It is the ability of a substance to allow flow of fluid through it.
C. None of the answers are correct
D. Both answers are correct
23) If a formation has a high permeability rate, then in a given time perioutside diameter ______.
A. more influx will enter into the wellbore if the well had to go underbalance.
B. less influx will enter into the wellbore if the well had to go underbalance.
C. more drilling fluid would be lost to the formation if the well had to go underbalance.
D. less drilling fluid would be lost to the formation if the well had to go underbalance.

24) What does the term underbalance mean?

A. The amount by which bottom hole hydrostatic pressure is less than the formation pressure.
B. The amount by which bottom hole hydrostatic pressure is greater than the formation pressure.
C. The amount by which bottom hole hydrostatic pressure is equal to the formation pressure.
D. None of these answers are correct.

25) What does the term overbalance mean?

A. The amount by which bottom hole hydrostatic pressure is less than the formation pressure.
B. The amount by which bottom hole hydrostatic pressure is greater than the formation pressure.
C. The amount by which bottom hole hydrostatic pressure is equal to the formation pressure.
D. None of these answers are correct.

26) Normal formation pressure is assumed to be somewhere between the gradient for fresh water and that of
salt water. What is the gradient range that is considered being “normal pressure”? (answer in psi/ft).
A. .358 to .433 psi/ft
B. .433 to .465 psi/ft
C. .465 to .520 psi/ft
D. None of the answers are correct

27. What is the mud weight that is normally used to balance a normal formation pressure?
A. 8.2 ppg
B. 8.9 ppg
C. 10 ppg t
D. None of the answers are correct

28. What does the term primary well control mean?

A. It means use of the BOP to control the well.
B. It means use of drilling fluid hydrostatic pressure to prevent an influx in the wellbore.
C. It means the use of the BOP and drilling fluid hydrostatic pressure to prevent an influx in the wellbore.
D. None of the answers are correct.

29. What are the causes for the loss of primary well control?
A. Failure to fill the hole while tripping
B. Swabbing while pulling out of the hole
C. Lost circulation
D. Insufficient mud weight
E. All of the answers

30. What is the term secondary well control mean?

A. It means use of the BOP to control the well.
B. It means use of drilling fluid hydrostatic pressure to prevent an influx in the wellbore.
C. It means the use of the BOP and drilling fluid hydrostatic pressure to prevent an influx in the
wellbore.
D. None of the answers are correct.
40. While tripping out of the hole, what must be done if the hole does not take the proper amount of fluid?
A. Perform a flow check and if there is no flow continue pooh.
B. Stop to spot hi-vis pill and then continue to trip out of the hole.
C. Perform a flow check and if there is no flow go back to bottom and circulate bottoms up.
D. Perform a check for gas cut fluid at surface.

42) Usually before a blowout there will be ______

A. no warning sign of an influx.
B. an increase in pump pressure.
C. an increase in fluid flow & volume.
D. reduced drilling rates.
5/8 1/2
43. If the fluid level fell 480 ft in a 9 in, grade 47 lb/ft casing that has an inside diameter of 8 in, then how
much hydrostatic pressure would be lost if the mud weight in the hole is 12.0 ppg ?
A. 400 psi
B. 300 psi
C. 200 psi
D. 100 psi

44. Fluid monitoring equipment such as pit volume totalizer and pit alarm systems, trip tanks and trip records
should be used ______
A. any time the well is open.
B. any time fluid is circulated through the pits.
C. only in proutside diameteruction and abnormal pressure formations.
D. only in deeper formations.

45. The pore (formation) pressure at 6,000 ft is 3180 psi. What fluid weight is required to balance the pore
(formation) pressure?
A. 8.9 ppg
B. 10.2 ppg
C. 9.5 ppg
D. 10.5 ppg

46. Gas cut fluid reduces bottom hole pressure the most when the gas ______
A. is near the surface.
B. is at or near the bottom.
C. is about halfway up the well.
E. is at the casing shoe.

47. The well depth is 2960 ft and the fluid weight in the wellbore is 13.5 ppg. What should be the fluid weight, if
a 200 psi trip margin is needed?
A. 12.2 ppg
B. 13.5 ppg
C. 14.8 ppg
D. 14.5 ppg

48. Which of the following is the first indication that you have taken a kick?
A. An increase in pit volume.
B. Gas cut fluid at the shakers
C. An increase in pump pressure
D. An increase in flow rate.
49. The driller is tripping pipe out of a 12 1/4 in hole dry. The driller has pulled 25 stands (92 ft each) of 5 in
pipe out of the hole. There are 85 more stands to pull. The calculated displacement of the 9 1/2 in DC is
0.08 bbls/ft. The capacity of the DP is 0.01776 bbls/ft and the metal displacement is 0.0075 bbls/ft. The
trip tank volume has reduced from 27 bbls to 15 bbls. What action should be taken in this situation?
A. Continue tripping with reduced pulling speed
B. Carry out a flow check, if no flow continue pulling out
C. Close the well in and check closed in pressures. If no pressures open the well and continue to pull out.
D. Carry out a flow check, if no flow run or strip back to bottom and circulate bottoms up

50. While drilling top hole which of the following may be implemented as a precaution in the event of
encountering shallow gas? Select two
A. ROP will generally be maximized while drilling top hole.
B. ROP will be controlled while drilling top hole.
C. A float will be run in the string while drilling top hole.
D. A float will not be run in the string while drilling top hole.

51. Prior to pulling out of the hole from 10,485 ft TRUE VERTICAL DEPTH, the pipe is full of 10.4 ppg fluid.
The drill pipe capacity is 0.01776 bbls/ft. A 25 bbl slug weighing 12.0 ppg is pumped into the drill pipe
causing the level to drop some 216 ft inside the drill pipe. What is the drop in bottom hole pressure due to
pumping of the slug into the drill pipe?
A. 25 psi
B. 0 psi
C. 117 psi
D. 135 psi

52. If total losses occurred while drilling with water based fluid what would should be done?
A. Drilling should be continued blind.
B. Drilling should be stopped and the hole filled with water
C. Drilling should be stopped and the well closed in.
D. Drilling should be stopped and the pipe pulled out of the hole

53. Which of the following cause swabbing?

A. Tripping pipe to fast out of the hole
B. Tripping pipe in the hole to fast
C. Failure to slug pipe prior to pull out of the hole.
D. Failure to fill the hole

54. Which of the following causes of well kicks is totally avoidable and due to a lack of alertness by the driller?
A. Lost circulation
B. Gas cut fluid at surface
C. None of the answers are correct
D. Not keeping the hole full with the correct amount of fluid while pulling out of the hole
E. Not keeping the hole full with the correct amount of fluid while running in the hole

55. What should a driller do at a drilling break?

A. Circulate bottoms up
B. Stop and do a flow check.
C. Reduce weight on bit.
D. Increase pump speed.
E. Increase weigh on bit
56. What is the first indicator of a kick or influx when tripping out of the hole?
A. The hole takes less than the calculated volume to fill
B. The hole takes more than the calculated volume to fill
C. There is a gain of fluid in the pits
D. There is a loss of fluid in the pits
E. There is a loss of fluid in the trip tank

57. Surge and swab pressures are directly related to ______

A. the rate of pipe movement.
B. the drilling fluid properties.
C. the clearance between drillstring and the hole.
D. None of these answers.
E. all of these answers.

58. The possible causes of lost circulation are ______

A. use of excessive mud weights in the wellbore.
B. high equivalent circulating densities.
C. surge pressures while tripping pipe in the hole.
D. annulus loading due to poor hole clean.
E. all of these answers.

59. While running pipe back into the hole, it is noticed that the normal displacement of fluid into the trip tank is
less than calculated. The return flow meter reading has decreased from 50% to 42%. A pit loss of 2 bbls is
noticed. What is the likely cause of these indications?
A. Partial lost circulation has occurred
B. Total lost circulation has occurred
C. A kick has been taken
D. The well has been swabbed in

60. Which one of the following is not a warning sign of a kick?

A. Flow rate increase
B. Decreased pump pressure
C. Pit Gain
D. Decrease in flow rate

61. The permeability of the formation from which a kick has occurred will affect which of the following?
A. The size of the influx
B. The closed-in casing pressure
C. The time taken for closed in pressures to stabilize
D. All of the answers
E. None of the answers.

62. A diesel pill is pumped into the well. At what exact moment will the bottom hole pressure start to decrease?
A. When the diesel goes down the string pushed by the original fluid
B. When the diesel is rising in the annulus
C. As soon as the diesel starts to be pumped inside the drill pipe
D. When the diesel starts to be pumped through the bit
63. Which of these indicators could indicate the well may be going underbalanced?
A. An increase in drag values when picking up the string
B. A change in the shape and size of cuttings at the shakers
C. An increase in background gas levels
D. All of these indicators could indicate the well may be going underbalance
E. None of these indicators could indicate the well may be going underbalance

64. What would be the drop in Bottom hole pressure if you pulled 10 wet stands of 5 in DP, 93ft long without
filling the hole? The drill pipe displacement = .0076 bbl/ft, drill pipe capacity = .0176 bbl/ft, mud weight = 9.5
ppg and the annular capacity is =.065 bbl/ft.
A. 110 psi
B. 140 psi
C. 180 psi
D. 225 psi

65. The bottom hole pressure is overbalanced by 200 psi, with a fluid weight of 15 ppg in the well bore. How far
can the fluid level be allowed to drop before losing the overbalance?
A. 200 ft
B. 300 ft
C. 256 ft
D. 356 ft

66. When coming out of the hole, a trip tank can help a driller know if the well is taking the proper amount of
fluid. An indication of a kick while pulling pipe is ______
A. pipe coming out of the well nice and shiny.
B. change in rotary torque as the tool joints are spun out.
C. hole taking too much fluid.
D. hole not taking the correct amount of fluid.

67. What is the indicator that lets the driller know for SURE, that the well is flowing?
A. Gain in the pits
B. A drilling break
C. Flowrate increase
D. Well flows with pumps off

68. What is the purpose of a trip margin?

A. To maintain hydrostatic overbalance without circulation
B. To maintain hydrostatic overbalance while pulling out of hole
C. None of the answers are correct
D. All answers are correct

69. What would be the new mud weight after adding a 120 psi trip margin to a mud weight of 10.6 ppg at a
depth of 5610 ft?
A. 10.2 ppg
B. 10.6 ppg
C. 11.0 ppg
D. 11.5 ppg
 3/4
70. What is the reduction in bottom hole pressure if a 10 bbl lightweight pill of 7.5 ppg is spotted around 4 in
1/8
drill collars that has a total length 460ft in a 6 in hole? The mud weight in the hole is 11.9 ppg.
A. 0 psi
B. 157 psi
C. 460 psi
D. 690 psi

71. What should the driller do if one or more positive kick indicators are seen at the same time?
A. Call the toolpusher to the rig floor to verify the positive indicators
B. Shut-in the well
C. Do nothing continue with ongoing operation
D. None of the answers are correct

72. How much mud is required to keep the well full while pulling 10 stands of dry 5 in drill pipe? The stands are
average 92ft long, drill pipe metal displacement is 0.0076 bbl/ft, drill pipe capacity is 0.01757 bbl/ft, and
casing capacity is 0.0732 bbl/ft.
A. 7 bbls
B. 16 bbls
C. 23 bbls
D. 64 bbls

73. How much mud is required to keep the well full while pulling 10 stands of wet 5 in drill pipe? The stands are
average 92ft long, drill pipe metal displacement is 0.0076 bbl/ft, drill pipe capacity is 0.01757 bbl/ft, and
casing capacity is 0.0732 bbl/ft.
A. 7 bbls
B. 16 bbls
C. 23 bbls
D. 64 bbls

74. While pulling out of the hole, 10 bbls of kick was swabbed in. SIDPP is 0 psi and the SICP is 150 psi. Mud
weight in the hole is 12.2 ppg and the true vertical depth is 8500 ft. What kill mud weight would be
required?
A. 12.2 ppg
B. 12.6 ppg
C. 11.9 ppg
D. None of the answers

75. How should the HCR of failsafe and remote choke be lined up, if a hard shut-in procedure is followed on
the rig?
A. HCR or failsafe open and remote choke closed
B. HCR or failsafe closed and remote choke closed
C. HCR or failsafe open and remote choke open
D. HCR or failsafe closed and remote choke open

76. How should the HCR valve or failsafe and remote choke lined up, if a soft shut-in procedure is followed on
the rig?
A. HCR or failsafe open and remote choke closed
B. HCR or failsafe closed and remote choke closed
C. HCR or failsafe open and remote choke open
D. HCR or failsafe closed and remote choke open
77. Partial losses are measured at 10 bbls/hour. If the hole is not filled, what will be the reduction in bottom
hole pressure after 3 hours? The casing capacity is 0.073 bbls/ft and the mud weight in the hole is 10.8
ppg.
A. 167 psi
B. 230 psi
C. 300 psi
D. 420 psi

78. A flowing well was closed in. The SIDPP recorded is 200 psi and SICP recorded is 0 psi. It is decided to
observe the well by opening the choke but there is no flow. What could be a possible problem?
A. The HCR valve is still closed
B. Total lost circulation
C. Plugged bit
D. None of the answers are correct

79. How many barrels of fluid would it take to fill 460 ft of 5 in drill pipe with an inside diameter of 4.276 in?
A. 11.2 bbls
B. 3 bbls
C. 8.2 bbls
D. 5.2 bbls

80. After a round trip at 11,560 ft with 10.4 ppg fluid in the well bore, the pumps are brought on line and
circulation is commenced. After a while, flow rate increases and pumping is stopped and the well shut-in.
The shut-in drill pipe pressure is 0 psi and the shut-in casing pressure is 150 psi. There is no float in the
drill string. What kill fluid weight is required?
A. 10.4 ppg
B. 10.7 ppg
C. 11.4 ppg
D. No way of knowing

81. While tripping out of the hole, there is an indication of a kick. As part of the closed in procedure which of
the following safety valves should be stabbed first?
A. The valve closest at hand
B. The inside BOP valve
C. The full opening safety valve
D. The kelly

82. The driller is drilling the surface hole when suddenly the well begins to flow excessively. Only a diverter is
rigged up for well control. What should the driller do?
A. Close the diverter and the diverter lines so pressures can be recorded
B. Send rigfloor hands to line-up the diverter in case it is needed
C. Open the diverter lines, close the diverter and continue pumping
D. Pick-up and observe the well while heavier fluid is being mixed
E. None of the answers are correct
83. Why is a 20 barrel kick in a small annulus more significant than a 20 barrel kick in a large annulus?
A. The kill mud weight cannot be calculated as easily
B. The kick results in higher annular pressure
C. The kicks are usually gas
D. The pipe usually gets stuck

84. Fast drilling in large diameter hole may cause an error in shut in casing pressure. If a well were closed in
on a kick just after a perioutside diameter of fast drilling, what would you expect closed in casing pressure
to be?
A. Casing pressure would be higher than if drilling had been slow
B. Casing pressure would be lower than if drilling had been slow
C. The same casing pressure, whether drilling fast or slow
D. None of the answers are correct

85. While drilling the pressure measured at the mud pump discharge manifold is slightly greater than that
measure at the drill floor. What is the reason for higher pressure on the discharge manifold?
A. Surface pressure losses
B. Leaks on the standpipe manifold
C. The gauge on the manifold is not calibrated correctly
D. None of the answers are correct

86. Of all the system pressure losses in a circulating system, which one is exerted just on the formation while
circulating?
A. Pressure loss in the surface pumping equipment
B. Pressure loss in the annulus
C. Pressure loss through the drillstring
D. Pressure loss through the bit nozzles

87. Shut in drill pipe pressure recorded with the bit near bottom is used to calculate ______
A. kill mud weight.
B. slow circulating pressure.
C. final circulating pressure.
D. original mud weight.

88. Can shut-in drill pipe pressure be determined if there is a solid float in the string?
A. No. Shut-in drill pipe pressure cannot be determined if there is a solid float in the string.
B. Yes. Shut-in drill pipe pressure can be determined by pumping open the float.
C. Yes. Shut-in drill pipe pressure can be assumed to be the same as shut-in casing pressure
D. None of the answers are correct

89. A kick has been taken with the bit at 6235 ft, and the shut-in drill pipe pressure is 650 psi. The mud weight
in the well is 14.0 ppg. The kill fluid required to balance the formation is ______
A. 14.0 ppg
B. 14.7 ppg
C. 15.4 ppg
D. 16.0 ppg
90. The mud weight in the well is 10.0 ppg and the well true vertical depth is 10,000 ft. The formation pressure
is 6560 psi. What will be the stabilized closed in pressure?
A. 5200 psi
B. 6560 psi
C. 1360 psi
D. 0 psi

91. If a gas influx is migrating in a closed in well, which of the following will not increase?
A. Bottom hole pressure
B. Casing shoe pressure
C. Pit volume
D. Shut in casing pressure
E. Shut in drill pipe pressure

92. A gas kick has been shut in while out of the hole. A stabilized shut in casing pressure was observed to be
200 psi. Some time later, the SICP is observed to have risen to 300 psi due to gas migration. Hole capacity
is 0.07323 bbl/ft and fluid weight in the hole is 15.4 ppg. How far has the bubble moved up the well?
A. 125 ft
B. 250 ft
C. 375 ft
D. 0 ft

93. If flow through the drill pipe occurs while tripping what should be the driller’s first action?
A. Pick up and stab the full opening safety valve and/or the top drive
B. Run back to bottom and circulate bottoms up
C. Close the BOP
D. Do nothing, wait for the flow to stop

94. When a kick occurs with the bit on bottom, why is it important to get the well closed in as soon as possible?
A. A larger pit gain will result in a higher shut in drill pipe pressure
B. A larger pit gain will result in a higher shut in drill pipe and shut in casing pressure
C. A larger pit gain will result in a higher shut in casing pressure
D. None of the answers are correct

95. A flowing well is shut in. Which pressure gauge reading can be used in the calculation, to determine
formation pressure?
A. Standpipe manifold pressure gauge
B. Choke console drill pipe pressure gauge
C. Driller’s console drill pipe pressure gauge
D. Choke console casing pressure gauge

96. Why is shut in casing pressure usually higher than the shut in drill pipe pressure.
A. Because the cuttings in the annulus are lighter, resulting in lighter hydrostatic pressure
B. Because the influx fluid is usually less dense than the existing mud weight
C. Because the influx fluid is usually more dense than the existing mud weight
D. Because the cuttings in the annulus are heavier, resulting in greater hydrostatic pressure
 97. Shutting in the well promptly is one of the most important duties of a driller after a kick has been detected.
Any delay may make the well potentially more difficult to kill. Which of the following most likely may lead to
an increase in the size of the influx.
A. Switching off the flow meter alarm, making it difficult to detect a kick
B. Drilling a further 15ft after a drilling break, before flow checking
C. Calling the tool pusher to the floor prior to shutting in the well
D. All of the answers are correct
E. None of the answers are correct

98. While waiting for pressures to stabilize after shut in, both gauges drop. The most likely cause for this is that
______
A. both gauges have failed.
B. the bit is plugged.
C. there is a hole in the string.
D. the formation has fractured.

99. Before pulling out of the hole a 20 bbl slug weighing 14 ppg is pumped. The mud weight in the hole is 12.5
ppg. Drill pipe capacity is .0176 bbl/ft and the bit depth is 8500 ft. What would be the increase in the trip
tank due to the slug balancing out?
A. 5.3 bbls
B. 4.2 bbls
C. 2.4 bbls
D. 3.7 bbls

100. A kick has been taken while drilling at 10500 ft TRUE VERTICAL DEPTH. The well was shut in and the
stabilized shut in drill pipe pressure was observed to be 450 psi. The mud weight in the well is 10.1 ppg.
What is the formation pressure at 10500 ft?
A. 5065 psi
B. 5515 psi
C. 5965 psi
D. 6065 psi

101. The well depth is 9200 ft and the calculated annular pressure loss while drilling is 100 psi. The mud weight
in the well is 11.0 ppg. What will be the equivalent circulating density at bottom?
A. 11.0 ppg
B. 11.2 ppg
C. 11.4 ppg
D. 10.8 ppg

102. The well depth is 6150 ft and the calculated annular pressure loss while drilling is 95 psi. The mud weight
in the well is 11.2 ppg. The casing shoe is set at 4400 ft. What will be the equivalent circulating density at
the bottom of the well?
A. 11.2 ppg
B. 11.6 ppg
C. 11.5 ppg
D. 10.9 ppg

103. How would initial circulating pressure be determined if no slow circulating rate pressures were available?
Assume a kick has been taken and the well shut in.
 A. By adding 300 psi to casing pressure and bring pump up to kill rate speed, after the delay pressure on the
drill pipe is initial circulating pressure.
B. By bringing the pump up to kill rate speed while keeping casing pressure constant by adjusting
choke size, after the delay pressure on the drill pipe is initial circulating pressure.
C. By adding 300 psi to drill pipe pressure and bring pump up to kill rate speed, after the delay pressure on
the drill pipe is initial circulating pressure.
D. None of the answers are correct.

104. While killing the well the drill pipe pressure has to be increased by approximately 100 psi? How can the drill
pipe pressure be increased?
A. Keep closing the choke until the drill pipe pressure increases to 100 psi
B. Keep closing the choke until the casing pressure increases to 100 psi and then wait for drill pipe
pressure to rise.
C. Keep opening the choke until the drill pipe pressure increases to 100 psi
D. Keep opening the choke until the casing pressure decreases to 100 psi and then wait for drill pipe
pressure to rise

105. At what point during a well kill would you expect the highest pressure at the shoe, while circulating out a gas
kick?
A. When the top of the gas kick reaches the shoe
B. When the bottom of the gas kick has passed the shoe
C. When the top of the gas reaches the surface
D. When the gas kick is completely circulated out of the wellbore

106. When killing a well, if the pressure on the stack and upper casing needs to be minimized, then which
methoutside diameter would be used to kill the well?
A. Wait and weight methoutside diameter of well control
B. Driller’s methoutside diameter of well control
C. Concurrent methoutside diameter of well control
D. Volumetric methoutside diameter of well control

107. After bring the pump to kill rate speed by holding the casing pressure constant, it was noticed that the drill pipe
pressure gauge read 100 psi above the calculated initial circulating pressure, what should be done? The well
is being killed using the Wait & Weight methoutside diameter.
A. Shut down and change over to the other remote choke
B. Carry on, everything is OK
C. Recalculate final circulating pressure and reduction schedule based on actual drill pipe gauge
reading
D. Open choke and reduce drill pipe pressure back to calculated initial circulating pressure
E. Continue holding casing pressure constant throughout the kill.

108. What would happen to bottom hole pressure if drill pipe pressure was held constant, while pumping kill weight
mud to the bit in the wait & weight methoutside diameter of well control?
A. Bottom hole pressure would increase
B. Bottom hole pressure would decrease
C. Bottom hole pressure would remain the same
D. None of this answers are correct
109. What would happen to bottom hole pressure if drill pipe pressure was held constant, while pumping kill weight
mud from the bit to surface in the wait & weight methoutside diameter of well control?
A. Bottom hole pressure would increase
B. Bottom hole pressure would decrease
C. Bottom hole pressure would remain the same
D. None of this answers are correct

110. What would happen to bottom hole pressure, if while pumping kill weight mud from the bit to surface, the drill
pipe pressure was held constant while increasing the strokes per minute from 30 to 40 strokes per minute?
A. Bottom hole pressure would increase
B. Bottom hole pressure would decrease
C. Bottom hole pressure would remain the same
D. None of this answers are correct

111. What would happen to bottom hole pressure, if while pumping kill weight mud from the bit to surface, the drill
pipe pressure was held constant while decreasing the strokes per minute from 40 to 30 strokes per minute?
A. Bottom hole pressure would increase
B. Bottom hole pressure would decrease
C. Bottom hole pressure would remain the same
D. None of this answers are correct

112. During a kill operation while circulating the influx out using the driller’s methoutside diameter, the choke
operator notices the drill pipe pressure slowly rising, though the casing pressure is steady. The choke
operates reacts by opening up the choke to maintain correct pumping pressure. This situation continues with
increasing regularity. The choke operator notices that during this operation the choke has been adjusted from
1/2 open to 3/4 open. What is the likely cause of this problem?
A. Choke plugging
B. Choke washing out
C. Pipe washing out
D. Bit nozzle plugging

113. During a kill operation while circulating the influx out using the driller’s methoutside diameter, the choke
operator notices the drill pipe pressure slowly rising, though the casing pressure is steady. The choke
operates reacts by opening up the choke from 1/2 open to 3/4 open to maintain correct pumping pressure.
What has happened to bottom hole pressure?
A. Bottom hole pressure has decreased
B. Bottom hole pressure has increased
C. Bottom hole pressure has remained the same.
D. None of this answers are correct

114. Using the driller’s methoutside diameter of well control, what would happen to bottom hole pressure if casing
pressure was held constant while pumping kill mud from bit to surface?
A. Bottom hole pressure would increase
B. Bottom hole pressure would decrease
C. Bottom hole pressure would remain the same
D. None of the answers are correct

115. What would be the surface to bit circulating time if the string capacity was 95-bbl, the pump output was .123
bbl/stk and the circulating pump rate was 40 spm?
A. 20 min
B. 30 min
C. 40 min
D. 50 min
116. Final circulating pressure is reached when ______
A. kill mud weight reaches the bit.
B. the influx is circulated out.
C. kill mud weight makes a complete circulation.
D. kill mud weight reaches the casing shoe.

117. While circulating out a kick the mud pump fails. The first thing to do is ______
A. close the well in.
B. fix pump as soon as possible.
C. change over to another pump.
D. close the diverter and divert the well.

118. A gas kick is being circulated out. At the time the gas reached the shoe at 7,000 ft, the pressure reading on
the casing gauge was 450 psi. If the mud weight in the annulus was 12.5 ppg, then what would be the
calculated casing shoe pressure?
A. 450 psi
B. 4550 psi
C. 5000 psi
D. None of this answers

119. What would be the type of influx, if a 21.5 bbls pit gain were recorded after a kick was taken. The hole size is
1/2
8 in hole and the length of 61/2-inch drill collar in the hole is 720 ft. The annular capacity between open hole
and the drill collar is .03 bbl/ft. The shut in drill pipe pressure recorded was 370 psi and the shut in casing
pressure recorded was 670 psi. The mud weigh in the hole is 10.7 ppg fluid.
A. gas ( .008 - .160 psi/ft)
B. oil ( .338 - .400 psi/ft)
C. fresh water ( .433 - .465 psi/ft)
D. salt water (.465 - .500 psi/ft)

120. While killing a well, the company man requested the well control team to increase the pump rate but insisted
that the drill pipe pressure be kept constant while increasing the rate. What would happen to bottom hole
pressure if the well control team had to follow the company man’s instructions?
A. Bottom hole pressure would increase
B. Bottom hole pressure would decrease
C. Bottom hole pressure would remain constant
D. None of the answers are correct.

121. While killing a well, the company man requested the well control team to decrease the pump rate but insisted
that the drill pipe pressure be kept constant while decreasing the rate. What would happen to bottom hole
pressure if the well control team had to follow the company man’s instructions?
A. Bottom hole pressure would increase
B. Bottom hole pressure would decrease
C. Bottom hole pressure would remain constant
D. None of these answers are correct

122. When a gas kick is being circulated up the well bore, the surface pit volume will ______
A. increase.
B. decrease.
C. stay the same.
123. When a gas kick is being circulated out of a well bore, the surface pit volume will ______
A. increase.
B. decrease.
C. stay the same.

124. On a surface stack, what would happen if when bringing the pump up to kill rate speed holding casing
pressure constant, the casing pressure was allowed to fall below the recorded closed in casing pressure
value?
A. The formation would probably break down
B. More influx would be let in the well bore
C. Nothing would happen, it is normal to allow casing pressure to fall below recorded closed in pressure

125. Initial recorded pressures after a kick was shut in were shut in drill pipe pressure equal to 500 psi and shut in
casing pressure equal to 900 psi. After circulating all of the influx out using the driller’s methoutside diameter,
what would you expect the casing pressure to be?
A. Closed in casing pressure equal to 500 psi
B. Closed in casing pressure equal to 900 psi
C. Closed in casing pressure equal to 0 psi
D. Closed in casing pressure equal to 400 psi.

126. Initial recorded pressures after a kick was shut in were shut in drill pipe pressure equal to 500 psi and shut in
casing pressure equal to 900 psi. After circulating all of the influx out using the driller’s methoutside diameter,
what would you expect the drill pipe pressure to be?
A. Closed in casing pressure equal to 500 psi
B. Closed in casing pressure equal to 900 psi
C. Closed in casing pressure equal to 0 psi
D. Closed in casing pressure equal to 400 psi.

127. The greatest applied pressure at the casing shoe is when ______
A. the highest pressure is at the surface, while the influx is below the casing shoe.
B. the highest pressure is at the surface, while the influx is above the casing shoe.
C. the highest pressure is at the surface, while the influx is at the surface.
D. none of these answers are correct.

128. When changing the pump speed during a surface stack kill operation, which pressure is held constant, while
slowing down or speeding up the pump rate?
A. Drill pipe pressure
B. Casing pressure
C. It all depends on the kill methoutside diameter used to kill the well
D. None of the pressures. The well is shut in as quickly as possible to minimize the influx.

129. A kick has been taken in open hole. The drill pipe is plugged and the shut in drill pipe pressure cannot be
determined. After stabilizing, the casing pressure begins to increase and gas migration is suspected. Which of
the well control methoutside diameter could be used to maintain bottom hole pressure constant?
A. The driller's methoutside diameter
B. The wait & weight methoutside diameter
C. The concurrent methoutside diameter
D. The volumetric methoutside diameter
130. While out of the hole a kick was taken and closed in. How many barrels of mud should be bled off to reduce
5/8
the overall hydrostatic pressure head by 100 psi? The mud weight in the hole is 15.4 ppg and the 9 in casing
capacity is .07323 bbls/ft.
A. 9.1 bbls
B. 12.4 bbls
C. 10.9 bbls
D. 0 bbls

131. After pulling 1,000 ft of pipe, kick indicators are noticed and the well closed-in. The toolpusher then notices the
stabilized drill pipe and casing pressures begin to increase so the toolpusher suspects a migrating gas bubble
in the wellbore. Due to problems with the power systems, the pipe cannot be stripped back to bottom nor can
mud be circulated. Assuming the gas bubble entered the wellbore beneath the bit, how should the initial shut
in drill pipe pressure relate to initial shut in casing pressure?
A. Shut in drill pipe pressure greater than shut in casing pressure
B. Shut in drill pipe pressure equal to shut in casing pressure
C. Shut in drill pipe pressure less than shut in casing pressure
D. None of these answers are correct

132. After pulling 1,000 ft of pipe, kick indicators are noticed and the well closed-in. The toolpusher then notices the
stabilized drill pipe and casing pressures begin to increase so the toolpusher suspects a migrating gas bubble
in the wellbore. Due to problems with the power systems, the pipe cannot be stripped back to bottom nor can
mud be circulated. Assuming the gas bubble migrated past the bit, how will shut in drill pipe pressure relate to
shut in casing pressure?
A. Shut in drill pipe pressure greater than shut in casing pressure
B. Shut in drill pipe pressure equal to shut in casing pressure
C. Shut in drill pipe pressure less than shut in casing pressure
D. None of these answers are correct

133. After pulling 1,000 ft of pipe, kick indicators are noticed and the well closed-in. The toolpusher then notices the
stabilized drill pipe and casing pressures begin to increase so the toolpusher suspects a migrating gas bubble
in the wellbore. Assuming the gas bubble migrates up the annulus and the toolpusher does nothing, what
happens to the pressure in the bubble?
A. The pressure in the gas bubble will increase
B. The pressure in the gas bubble will decrease
C. The pressure in the gas bubble will stay the same
D. None of these answers are correct

134. After pulling 1,000 ft of pipe, kick indicators are noticed and the well closed-in. The toolpusher then notices the
stabilized drill pipe and casing pressures begin to increase so the toolpusher suspects a migrating gas bubble
in the wellbore. Assuming the gas bubble migrates up the annulus and the toolpusher does nothing, what
happens to bottom hole pressure?
A. The bottom hole pressure will increase
B. The bottom hole pressure will decrease
C. The bottom hole pressure will stay the same
D. None of these answers are correct

135. After pulling 1,000 ft of pipe, kick indicators are noticed and the well closed-in. The toolpusher then notices the
stabilized drill pipe and casing pressures begin to increase so the toolpusher suspects a migrating gas bubble
in the wellbore. Assuming the gas bubble migrates up the annulus and the toolpusher does nothing, what
happens to surface pressures?
A. The surface pressures will increase
B. The surface pressures will decrease
C. The surface pressures will stay the same
D. None of these answers are correct
136. After pulling 1,000 ft of pipe, kick indicators are noticed and the well closed-in. The toolpusher then notices the
stabilized drill pipe and casing pressures begin to increase so the toolpusher suspects a migrating gas bubble
in the wellbore. Assuming the gas bubble migrates up the annulus and the toolpusher bleeds fluid at the choke
holding casing pressure constant all the way until the gas reaches surface, what happens to bottom hole
pressures?
A. The bottom hole pressure will increase
B. The bottom hole pressure will decrease
C. The bottom hole pressure will stay the same
D. None of these answers are correct

137. After pulling 1,000 ft of pipe, kick indicators are noticed and the well closed-in. The toolpusher then notices the
stabilized drill pipe and casing pressures begin to increase so the toolpusher suspects a migrating gas bubble
in the wellbore. Assuming the gas bubble migrates up the annulus and past the bit, how should the toolpusher
maintain bottom hole pressure constant?
A. By bleeding mud at the choke but keeping drill pipe pressure constant
B. By bleeding mud at the choke but keeping casing pressure constant
C. By bleeding mud at the choke at regular intervals based on initial pit gain
D. None of these answers are correct

138. All well control methoutside diameters ______

A. use constantly changing bottom hole pressures to control formation pressure and kill the well.
B. use constant bottom hole pressure to control formation pressure and kill the well.
C. use constant casing pressure to control formation pressure and kill the well.
D. use constant drill pipe pressure to control formation pressure and kill the well.

139. A well is being killed at 40 spm using the driller’s methoutside diameter of well control. The well control team
decides to slow the kill rate to 30 spm and keeps the casing pressure constant while slowing down the kill rate.
What is the effect on the bottom hole pressure?
A. Bottom hole pressure has decreased
B. Bottom hole pressure has increased
C. Bottom hole pressure has stayed the same

140. While tripping the well starts to kick and the driller shuts in the well. The bit is 2000 ft off bottom and there is
1/2
no gas migration. The hole size is 8 in. The 5 in drill pipe displacement is .0075 bbls/ft and the capacity is
1/2
.01776 bbls/ft. The 6 in drill collar length is 875 ft and has a displacement of .0330 bbls/ft and the capacity is
.0075 bbls/ft. What is the volume of mud to bleed off per foot of drill string stripped back in the hole?
A. 0.0075 bbls/ft
B. 0.01776 bbls/ft
C. 0.02526 bbls/ft
D. 0.0405 bbls/ft
E. 0.0330 bbls/ft

141. While tripping the well starts to kick and the driller shuts in the well. The bit depth is 2000 ft off bottom and
1/2
there is no gas migration. The hole size is 8 in. The 5 in drill pipe displacement is .0075 bbls/ft and the
1/2
capacity is .01776 bbls/ft. The 6 in drill collar length is 875 ft and has a displacement of .0330 bbls/ft and the
capacity is .0075 bbls/ft. What will be the total volume of mud to bleed off once the drill string is stripped back
to bottom?
A. 15 bbls
B. 35.5 bbls
C. 50.5 bbls
D. 81 bbls
E. 66 bbls
142. Which of these would indicate a choke washing out in a well kill operation?
A. Drill pipe pressure rising and the casing pressure staying the same
B. Continually having to open the choke to maintain drill pipe and casing pressure
C. Continually having to close the choke to maintain drill pipe and casing pressure
D. Drill pipe pressure staying the same and the casing pressure rising

143. Which of these would indicate a choke plugging in a well kill operation?
A. Drill pipe pressure rising and the casing pressure staying the same
B. Continually having to open the choke to maintain drill pipe and casing pressure
C. Continually having to close the choke to maintain drill pipe and casing pressure
D. Drill pipe pressure staying the same and the casing pressure dropping

144. Which of these would be effected if there were a hole in the drill pipe? (choose two answers)
A. Bottom hole circulating pressure
B. Slow circulating rate pressure
C. Formation fracture pressure
D. Annular closing pressure

145. What are the correct actions that need to be taken to minimize pressure in the annulus during a well kill
operation? (choose two)
A. Choose a higher circulating rate to kill the well
B. Choose the wait & weight methoutside diameter to kill the well
C. Choose the driller’s methoutside diameter to kill the well
D. Choose a lower circulating rate to kill the well
E. Maximize any safety margins

146. Initial shut in drill pipe pressure was 500 psi and the casing pressure was 900 psi. After circulating the influx
out using the driller’s methoutside diameter of well control the well was closed in and the pressures allowed to
stabilize. The shut in drill pipe pressure recorded was 500 psi and the shut in casing pressure was 650 psi.
What does this indicate?
A. All of the influx has been circulated out
B. There is trapped pressure of 150 psi on the casing gauge and it needs to be bleed off
C. All of the influx has not been circulate out
D. The actual under balance is 650 psi and not 500 psi.

147. The well is being killed using the driller's methoutside diameter. Final circulating pressure was being
maintained as the kill mud was coming up the annulus. While the kill fluid was approximately half way up the
annulus, the choke operator notices that the choke has to be gradually closed to maintain the correct final
circulating pressure even though the casing pressure was behaving normally. The well control team
determines there must be a washout in the string. What effect does the gradual closing of the choke have on
bottom hole pressure?
A. Bottom hole pressure has increased
B. Bottom hole pressure has decreased
C. Bottom hole pressure has stayed the same.
D. None of these answers are correct

148. Partial lost circulation during a well control operation is usually detected by ______
A. watching the return flow with the flowshow all the time.
B. watching the string weight.
C. watching the pump speed.
D. watching the mud volume in the pit.
149. During a bit trip, the hole was filled correctly while pulling drill pipe. The hole fill was then stopped and the
bottom hole assembly (drill collars) pulled dry to surface without further hole fill. If the BHA length = 600 ft,
capacity = .009 bbls/ft, displacement = .057 bbls/ft then what is the dry displacement of the bottom hole
assembly?
A. 5.4 bbls
B. 34.2 bbls
C. 39.6 bbls
D. 28.8 bbls

150. During a bit trip, the hole was filled correctly while pulling drill pipe. The hole fill was then stopped and the
bottom hole assembly (drill collars) pulled dry to surface without further hole fill. If the BHA length = 600 ft,
capacity = .009 bbls/ft, displacement = .057 bbls/ft then what is drop in bottom hole pressure if the mud weight
1/2
was 10.5 ppg and the casing ID was 12 in?
A. 40 psi
B. 130 psi
C. 150 ps
E. 110 psi
3/8
152. A 13 in casing string is run into the hole. The capacity of the casing is 0.1548 bbls/ft. Due to problems with
the fill up line, twelve 40 ft joints are run without filling the string. If the conventional float were to fail at this
point, how far would the fluid level drop? The annular capacity between the casing and hole is 0.1238 bbls/ft.
A. 213 ft
B. 480 ft
C. 267 ft
D. 383 ft
3/8
153. A 13 in casing string is run into the hole. The capacity of the casing is 0.1548 bbls/ft. Due to problems with
the fill up line, twelve 40 ft joints are run without filling the string. If the conventional float were to fail at this
point, with 11.5 ppg fluid in the well, what would be the effect on bottom hole pressure if the annular capacity
between the casing and hole is 0.1238 bbls/ft?
A. Bottom hole pressure would by 127 psi
B. Bottom hole pressure would by 158 psi
C. Bottom hole pressure would by 287 psi
D. Bottom hole pressure would by 230 psi

154. While drilling the well kicks and is closed in. It has been determined that an influx of 25 bbls has entered the
½
well bore with the bit on bottom. The hole size is 8 in and the drill string consists of 5 in drill pipe and 295 ft of
1/2
6 in drill collars. What is the length of the influx, if the capacity between drill collars and open is .0291 bbls/ft
and between drill pipe and open hole is .0447 bbls/ft?
A. 367 ft
B. 295 ft
C. 860 ft
D. 560 ft
E. 662 ft

155. If a shallow gas flow is detected, what should be done if the flow is to be diverted?
A. Pump at reduced rate, space out and attempt to maintain a constant bottom hole pressure until the well is
killed or the gas sand depletes
B. Continue pumping, activate diverter and increase pump to maximum rate
C. Pick up and stop pumping then activate diverter
D. Call the toolpusher to the floor to assist in diverting the flow
156. While killing the well using the driller’s methoutside diameter, it is noticed that the casing pressure is getting
close to the calculated maximum allowable surface pressure with the influx still in the open hole section. This
is a deep well with a very short open hole section where the surface to bit strokes are greater than bit to shoe
strokes. What should be done?
A. Minimize any extra pressure in the annulus
B. Open the choke to avoid exceeding maximum allowable surface pressure
C. Start to pump kill mud down the drill pipe
D. Increase pump rate, so the kick enters the cased hole quicker

157. Drill pipe is being stripped into a well “ram-to-ram". A tool joint is immediately above the bottom set of rams
and the top rams have just been closed. What must be done before the bottom rams can be opened?
A. The tool joint must be lowered onto the rams to force open the bottom rams
B. Well bore pressures below the bottom rams must be bled off
C. Fluid must be pumped into the stack between the rams to equalize pressures between the stack
and the well bore
D. The annular preventer must be closed as a back-up device

158. After a gooutside diameter consistent kill fluid weight is coming back, the well should be closed in.
What could be a problem after shutting in, if there is pressure on the casing gauge or on both drill
pipe and casing gauge?
A. There is a second kick in the well bore
B. That an incorrect pressure reading was used to calculate the kill mud
C. There may have been pressure trapped while shutting down the pump
D. All of these statements are correct
E. None of these statements are correct
Well Control Subsea Equipment, Principals & Procedures
1. The shuttle valves on a subsea preventer are mounted ______
A in the blue and yellow poutside diameters.
B. on the open and close ports of the BOP component.
C. on the close port of the BOP component only.
D. on the open port of the BOP component only.

2. The pilot valves or SPM valves on a subsea preventer are ______

A in the blue and yellow poutside diameters.
B. on the open and close ports of the BOP component.
C. on the open port of the BOP component only.
D. on the close port of the BOP component only.

3. The driller needs to close in a flowing well with drill pipe in a subsea BOP stack. The driller pushes the
"annular close" button and the lights change; but all gauges and the flow meter remain static. What is the
driller’s best option?
A Change poutside diameters and try again
B. Call and wait for the subsea engineer to come and trouble shoot the system
C. Send assistant driller to manually operate the 4-way valve on the hydraulic control manifold, to close
the annular
D. Do nothing, as it is normal for all gauges and the flow meter to remain static while the well is flowing.

4. While drilling, an alarm goes off indicating low accumulator pressure and the flow meter indicates a rapid
loss of fluid on a Subsea BOP system. The best course of action is ______
A. stop drilling and close the well in.
B. stop drilling and call the subsea engineer to the floor to trouble shoot the problem.
C. stop drilling and following a sequence put functions in the block position until the flow stops.

5. What happens to SPM valves, when a function is operated on a subsea BOP system?
A. SPM valves operate in both poutside diameters
B. SPM valves operate only in the active poutside diameter.
C. SPM valves do not operate in any poutside diameters.

6. What are the indicators on a subsea panel which indicate that a subsea function was
successfully operated?
A. Gallon count or fluid required operating the function.
B. Read back pressure signal.
C Change in light
D. All of these indicators
E. None of the these indicators
7. Shuttle valves ______
A. isolate pressurized control between poutside diameters.
B. seal any leaks in the poutside diameter.
C. are operated by pilot pressure.

8. Where is your weakest link in a subsea system while diverting gas?

A. Diverter ball joint and seals
B. Riser connections
C. Slip joint seals
D. Flex joint

9. What does the accumulator flowmeter on the subsea panel show?

A. Amount of fluid flow through the flow line
B. Amount of fluid flow through the choke line
C. None of the answers are correct
D. Amount of fluid it took to function a BOP component

10. Calculate the minimum amount of useable fluid required to close, open and close an 18 ¾ in bore stack
which has a 5000 psi Shaffer spherical annular and three 10,000 psi Cameron type “U” rams. To close the
annular it takes 48.16 gallons an to open 37.61 gallons. To close the ram it takes 24.9 gallons and to open
23 gallons.
A. 133.67 gallons
B. 204.83 gallons
C. 346.63 gallons
D. None of the above

11. The minimum useable fluid required in the accumulator bottles is 346 gallons. Accumulator bottles in use
have a 13.7 gallon capacity. If the precharge pressure is a 1000 psi and the minimum operating pressure is
1200 psi then the total bottles required at a maximum operating pressure are ______
A. 25 bottles
B. 35 bottles
C. 51 bottles
D. 61 bottles

12. Is there a difference in useable fluid volume between a 15 gallon accumulator bottle on surface and a 15
gallon accumulator bottle placed on the Subsea BOP's in 3500 water depth?
A. There is no difference, both have the same amount of useable fluid.
B. There is no difference, both have the same amount of precharge pressure.
C. There is a difference. Surface bottles have more useable fluid then the subsea bottles.
D. There is a difference. Surface bottles have less useable fluid then the subsea bottles.

13. What is the useable fluid on a subsea accumulator bottle given this information? The water depth is 4000 ft
and the gradient to use to calculate hydrostatic pressure to the subsea bottle is .445 psi/ft. The nominal
capacity of the subsea bottle is 13.5 gallons. The precharge pressure on the surface bottles are 1,000, the
minimum operating psi on surface is 1,200 psi and the maximum operating pressure on surface is 3000
psi.
A. 4.75 gallons
B. 6.75 gallons
C. 10 gallons
D. 13.5 gallons
14. When bringing the pump online during a well kill operation on a subsea stack, the choke line friction
pressure is ______
A. never taken into account because it is not a problem to maximum allowable surface pressure.
B. added to shut in casing pressure to keep bottom hole pressure constant
C. subtracted from the shut in casing pressure to keep bottom hole pressure constant.
D. added to shut in drill pipe pressure to keep bottom hole pressure constant

15. A pump piston goes out during the well kill operation on a subsea stack and the well must be shut in.
Which methoutside diameter would you use to keep bottom hole pressure constant?
A. Keep drill pipe pressure constant while slowing down the pump and shutting the well in.
B. Keep casing pressure constant while slowing down the pump and shutting the well in.
C. Let casing pressure increase by the amount of choke line friction pressure as the pump is
slowed down and the well shut in.
D. None of these answers are correct

16. A subsea well has just been killed using the upper annular on the BOP stack. However there is
approximately 2 bbls of gas trapped under the upper annular. What would be the surface volume of the
gas, if the driller made a mistake and opened the annular? Atmospheric pressure is 14.7 psi and the mud
in the 2000 ft riser is 10.0 ppg. The kill mud weight in the choke line is 12 ppg.
A. 2 bbls
B. 142 bbls
C. 169 bbls
D. 29 bbls

17. While drilling in 1250 ft of water with an air gap of 75 ft, the subsea BOP was accidentally from the well
head. If the mud weight in the riser was 10.5 ppg and the sea water gradient was .445 psi/ft, then what
would be the reduction in bottom hole pressure at 3960 ft?
A. 725 psi
B. 556 psi
C. 170 psi
D. 126 psi

18. After the well has been killed, gas remains trapped in the subsea stack. Before opening the BOP every
effort should be made to ______
A. reduce the volume of the trapped gas.
B. reduce the pressure of the trapped gas.
C. keep the safety of rig personnel first and foremost.
D. do All of the answers are correct..

19. If kill rate pressure through the riser at 20 SPM is 250 psi and the choke line friction at 20 SPM is 150 psi,
then what would be the dill pipe pressure reading if circulating through a full open choke at 20 SPM?
A. 100 psi
B. 250 psi
C. 350 psi
D. 400 psi
20. Choke line friction pressure must be determined because ______
A. it is a pressure that is present, but not seen on casing pressure at surface during a well kill operation.
B. it can cause formation breakdown if not taken into account.
C. it lowers the maximum allowable surface pressure by the choke line friction pressure value.
D. of All of the answers are correct..

21. Choke line friction pressure is determined by ______

A. taking the difference between the drill pipe pressure through a full open choke with the BOP closed
and the drill pipe pressure up the marine riser with BOP open.
B. circulating down the choke line and up the marine riser. Pressure required to circulate is direct
reflection of choke line friction pressure.
C. circulating down the kill and taking returns through a full open choke, with the wellbore and riser
isolated. Pressure recorded is double the choke line friction pressure.
D. all of these methoutside diameters.
E. none of these methoutside diameters.
 WELL DATA

Current Mud Weight 10.5 ppg # 1 Pump Output 0. bbls/stk

11
70
Kill Rate Speed 30 spm Kill Rate Pressure 45 ps
0 i

Length & Capacities

Drill Pipe Capacity 0. bbls/f
01 t
77
5
Drill Pipe X Casing Capacity 0. bbls/f
04 t
59
HWDP Length 75 ft
3
DP/HWDP X Open Hole Capacity 0. bbls/f
12 t
34
5
Drill Collar Length 0. ft
12
34
5
Drill Collar Capacity 0. bbls/f
12 t
34
5
Drill Collar X Open Hole Capacity 0. bbls/f
12 t
34
5

13.625 in Casing Shoe Data:

Measured Depth ft True Vertical Depth ft
LOT Mud Weight ppg LOT Pressure ps
i

8.5 in Hole Data:

Measured Depth True Vertical Depth ft

Shut-in Information
Shut-in DP pressure ps Pit gain bbls
i
Shut-in Casing presure ps
i
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CURRENT WELL DATA:

SUBSEA BOP DATA:

MARINE RISER LENGTH

feet
CHOKELINE LENGTH
feet

DRILLING FLUID:

DENSITY ppg

CASING SHOE
DATA:

SIZ inch
E

M. DEPTH feet

T.V. feet
DEPTH

HOLE DATA:

SIZ inch
E

M. DEPTH feet

T.V. feet
DEPTH
 Case 1: A semi is in 650 ft of water (0.445 psi/ft) drilling without a riser. Air gap is 60ft and
TD/TVD is 1350 ft RKB.

BHP = ( 1,350 - 60 ) x 0.445 = 574 psi

 Case 2: If the same rig was drilling with a riser connected at the same location and TVD and had
weighted up to 9.5 ppg.

BHP = 1,350 x 9.5 x 0.052 = 667 psi

 Case 3: If the riser was disconnected in case 2, what would be the new BHP?

BHP = ( 1,350 - 60 - 650 ) x 9.5 x 0.052 + 650 x 0.445 = 605 psi

(C5) Kicks as a result of surface initiated practices.

2§) What surface volume would 2 bbl of gas trapped in a sub-sea BOP at 1,900 ft water depth have if
released and allowed to migrate through the riser filled with 12.9 ppg mud?

P1V1 = ( 1,900 x 12.9 x 0.052 ) x 2 = 2,549

V2 = 2,549 / 14.7 = 173 bbls

MW = 150 / 9,615 x 0.052 = 0.3 ppg

8§) A semi is drilling top hole with a riser and diverter installed connected to 30” casing. Air gap is
70 ft, water depth 1523 ft, seawater is 0.465 psi/ft, TD/TVD 2250 ft RKB, MW is 9.7 ppg.

 What would be the reduction in BHP if the riser were lost or removed?

BHP = ( 1,523 x 0.465 ) - [ ( 1,523 + 70 ) x 9.7 x 0.052 ] = - 95 psi

 What increase in mud weight is required to offset this?

MW = 95 / ( 2,250 - 1,523 - 70 ) x 0.052 = 2.78 ppg

 What would be the minimum MW required to drill ahead with a riser margin? {Ref. WCM P175-
176}
MW = 9.7 + 2.78 = 12.48 ppg

9§) A semi is drilling 17-1/2” hole with returns via the riser. Air gap is 80ft, water depth is 220ft,
significant wave height is 6ft and the sky is blue, casing shoe is at 600 ft RKB, seawater is 0.465
psi/ft, formation fracture gradient is 0.65 psi/ft below the mudline.

 Calculate static MAMW.

MAMW = Pfrac / TVDshoe x 0.052

Pfrac = 220 x 0.465 + [ ( 600 - 220 - 80 ) x 0.65 ] = 297 psi

MAMW = 297 / ( 600 x 0.052 ) = 9.52 ppg

 With APL of 15 psi, calculate dynamic MAMW.

MAMW = 297 - 15 / ( 600 x 0.052 ) = 9.04 ppg

Section D

Indications of a kick

(D1) Kicks while drilling.

6§) How can vessel motion affect the kick indicators listed in question (2) on a semi? Does crane
movement affect the kick indicators?

Heave causes returns to rise & fall due to movement of the slip joint.
Pitch and roll can cause fluctuation of the level in the active tank.
Crane motion can cause pitch & roll.

(D2) Kicks while tripping.

5) Complete the following table for drop in BHP per foot of pipe pulled from a cased hole with
12.5ppg mud. Use the formula below.

MW  0.052  Drillpipe metaldisplacement

Pperdry foot 
Casing capacity  Drillpipe metaldisplacement

MW  0.052  (Drillpipe metaldisplacement  Drillpipe capacity)

Pperwetfoot 
Annularcapacity

e.g. #1: For 3-1/2” pipe pulled dry from 9-5/8” casing.

12.5  0.052  0.00543

Pper dry  foot   0.0521 psi / ft
0.0731  0.00543

e.g. #2: For 5” pipe pulled wet from 10-3/4” casing.

12.5  0.052  (0.00852  0.0178)

Pper  wet  foot   0.258 psi / ft
(0.0926 - 0.00852 - 0.0178)

Section F

Kick data.

3) With the pumps off and the well shut-in what is the probable cause of an increase in drill pipe
pressure by 150 psi over the initial SIDPP that you recorded?
The second buildup is due to gas migration.
{Ref. WCM P74}

7*) Calculate the casing pressure when a 5 bbl gas bubble at 2200 psi in 11.6 ppg mud reaches the
casing shoe at 3126 ft TVD without expansion.

SCIP = 2,200 - ( 3,126 x 11.6 x 0.052 ) = 314 psi

(F2) Shut-in pressure interpretation.

1) What has happened if during a trip out of hole the drillers shuts in with a pit gain of 5 bbls, SICP
of 175 psi and SIDPP of 0 psi?

A kick has been swabbed into the well above the bit.

2) If SIDPP and SICP are the same, what can you say about the density of the influx?

The density of the influx is close to the density of the mud in the well or the entire influx is below the
bit.

3) What would be SIDPP if 0.1 psi/ft gas had entered 365ft into the drill pipe in a 7,500 ft TVD well?
Formation pressure was 0.55 psi/ft and MW was 9.6 ppg. Would it be possible to drill to this depth
with this mudweight?

SIDPP = Pf - Ph-drillstring

SIDPP = ( 7,500 x 0.55 ) - [ ( 365 x 0.1 ) + ( 7,135 x 9.6 x 0.052 ) ] = 527 psi

The well is underbalanced. Drilling would be possible only if the formation had very low
permeability.

4*) What would be the SICP in question (3) if the annulus was loaded with cuttings to an average of
9.8 ppg and the top of the gas had risen to 6,000ft in the annulus without expanding?

SICP = Pf - Ph annulus

SICP = ( 7,500 x 0.55 ) - ( 6,000 x 9.8 x 0.052 ) = 1,067 psi

6) A gas influx enters the horizontal section of a well undetected while circulating. When does this
influx begin to change BHP and does BHP increase or decrease if circulation continues without
shutting in the well?

BHP decreases when the gas leaves the horizontal section.

(F3) Kick handling methoutside diameters.

{Ref. WCM P83-89 for Questions in this section}

1) Will the wait and weight methoutside diameter always give a lower shoe pressure when the top of
the gas reaches the shoe?

No. The W&W methoutside diameter gives a lower shoe pressure if kill mud enters the annulus
before the influx reaches the shoe.

2) Will the wait and weight or drillers methoutside diameters give lower surface pressures in all
cases?

The W&W methoutside diameter gives lower surface pressures in all cases.

3) Answer true of false: The wait and weight methoutside diameter results in a lower shoe pressure if
drillstring volume is less than the open hole annulus volume minus influx volume.

Almost true! – see answers to (1) and (4)

4) Answer true or false: Maximum shoe pressure will be the same for W&W or Drillers methoutside
diameters if the influx had reached the shoe when first shut-in.

True.

5) Answer true or false: Surface pressures are always lower if the W&W kill methoutside diameter is
used compared to the Drillers methoutside diameter.

True. Repeat of question (2). This is very important due to the risk to people.

6) Answer true or false for these statements on the Wait and Weight methoutside diameter.

 Casing pressure must be kept constant during the 2nd circulation.

False. There is no second circulation in the W&W methoutside diameter - if everything does to plan.

 The pumps are brought up to speed keeping the drill pipe pressure constant.

False.

 Annulus pressure is lower than with the drillers methoutside diameter.

True.

 There are less calculations then the drillers methoutside diameter.

False.

 Bottom hole pressure is maintained constant.

True.

 The well is dead once you have reached FCP.

False.

 SIDPP would be zero after pumping KMW from surface to bit.

True.

 The W&W methoutside diameter is preferred when you do not have enough barite to prepare
KMW.

False. It may be preferential to circulate out a gas influx if there is going to be a long delay. The gas
could alternatively be bled to surface keeping the drill pipe pressure constant and the W&W
methoutside diameter still used.

 The W&W methoutside diameter is preferred in the case of rapid gas migration.

False. Most operators would prefer to circulate the gas out, but see the answer to the last question.

 The W&W methoutside diameter is preferred if MAASP is critical and open hole capacity is
greater than the drill string capacity.

True.

7) Answer true or false to the following statements on the Drillers methoutside diameter.
 The pumps are brought up to speed keeping the casing pressure constant.

True.

 Maximum expected surface pressure is lower than the W&W methoutside diameter.

False.

 The kill can be performed if you know KMW, capacity of the drillstring and annulus.

True.

 Bottom hole pressure is maintained constant.

True.

 The well is dead when kill mud reached the bit.

False.

 At the end of the first circulation SIDPP = SICP

True.

 The drillers methoutside diameter is preferred if you do not have enough barite to prepare KMW.

True – but not necessarily better.

 The drillers methoutside diameter would give a lower shoe pressure if open hole volume was less
than drillstring volume.

False. Shoe pressure would be the same for drillers or W&W methoutside diameters.

8) During the 1st circulation of the drillers methoutside diameter, the choke operator maintained
casing pressure constant. What would happen to BHP during this circulation?

BHP dropped, this is a disaster. CP should have risen as gas expanded up the annulus. To keep CP
constant the choke must have been opened and another influx will have entered the well.

9) The choke operator maintained drill pipe pressure constant while circulating KMW from surface to
the bit. What happened to BHP?

BHP increased. In both methoutside diameters DPP should fall while circulating KMW down the
drillstring. To keep DPP constant the choke must have been closed progressively.
10) While bringing the pump up to kill speed casing pressure is allowed to rise by 250 psi. What
happens to BHP?

BHP rises by 250 psi too. While bringing the pump to speed CP should be held constant.

11) The drillers methoutside diameter can be implemented by maintaining either constant drill pipe
pressure or constant casing pressure at different stages of the two circulations. State which pressure
(drill pipe or casing) should be held constant in each case below.

 While bringing the pumps up to speed.

Casing.
 During the first circulation.
Drill pipe.
 While changing the pump speed for any reason.
Casing.
 While pumping kill mud from surface to the bit.
Casing.
 While pumping kill mud up the annulus.
Drill pipe.

12) A kick is shut-in with 220 psi SIDPP. No SCR data was available and the pump was brought up
to speed while maintaining constant casing pressure. At the kill rate of 30 SPM the standpipe pressure
was 1060 psi. What is the dynamic pressure loss at kill rate speed? What is the ICP?

ICP = SIDPP + PL ICP = 1,060 psi

PL = ICP - SIDPP PL = 1,060 - 220 = 840 psi

13*) What is the main advantage of the W&W methoutside diameter? What other advantages does
this methoutside diameter have?

Lowest surface pressure. This is a major safety consideration.

14) Answer true or false to the statements below assuming in each case that bottom hole pressure is
maintained constant.

 Maximum shoe pressure always occurs at initial shut in.

False.
 Pressure below a gas influx remains constant.
True.
 The W&W methoutside diameter always gives lower shoe pressure when a gas influx enters the
casing.
False.
 Pressure above a gas influx will rise.
True.
 Casing shoe pressure reduces as a gas influx is circulated past the shoe.
True.
 Surface pressure will be lower for a 10 bbls saltwater kick than a 10 bbls gas kick at the same
formation pressure.
True.
 Pressure of the gas is reduced as it is circulated up the annulus.
True.
 The gas volume remains constant as it is circulated up the annulus.
False.

15) What do you expect to happen to the pit level as gas is circulated up the casing?

It should increase.

16*) How can you maintain BHP constant with SIDPP = 250 psi, SICP = 500 psi and gas migration
of 550 ft/hr in a MW of 10.2 ppg without pumping? What would be your instruction to the driller if
you left the drill floor to prepare a kick sheet?

Maintain the SIDPP at 250 psi by bleeding mud through the choke.

17§) What do you expect to happen to the drill pipe and casing prssures as you reduce the pump
speed from 30 SPM to zero on a semi during a kill?

Drill pipe pressure should drop. Casing pressure should be allowed to rise by CLFL.

18§) How can gas trapped in a subsea BOP be safely circulated out?

{Ref. WCM P103 section 6.8}

19§) By how much would BHP change if a well was inadvertently opened before displacing the riser
to kill mud? MW = 10.4 ppg, KMW = 10.9 ppg Water depth = 1342 ft.
P = ( KMW - MW ) x WD x 0.052

P = ( 10.9 - 10.4 ) 1,342 x 0.052 = 35 psi

20*) In what circumstances may you use a barite plug during well control?

{Ref. WCM P130}

21§) Write down the definition of dynamic MAASP for a subsea BOP.

MAASPdynamic = MAASPstatic - CLFL

Complete the following table:-

A B A-B
Initial Dynamic
MAASPstatic CLFL MAASPdynamic SICP dynamic Safety
choke Margin
pressure
Case 1 850 150 700 500 350 350

Case 2 1550 275 1275 1050 775 500

Case 3 1275 220 1055 1200 980 75

In case (2) CLFL was taken at 35 SPM. What would be the new Margin if the pump speed was
increased to 40 SPM?

23*) Write down 3 reasons when Bullheading would be considered {Ref. WCM P98 & P152}

The influx contains more H2S than can be handled safely.

Losses occur while killing.
The drillstring is out of the hole.

(F4) Calculations.

1) Calculate the volume (bbls) in each case.

 Rectangular tank, 12 ft x 12 ft x 10 ft high.

Volume = ( 12 x 12 x 10 ) / 5.61 = 257 bbls

 Cylindrical tank, 2 ft diameter, 15 ft high.

Volume = [ (  / 4 ) x D2 x L ] / 5.61 ( = 3.14 ) or

2
Volume = D / 1030 x L where D is in inches and L in feet.
Volume = [ (  / 4 ) x 22 x 15 ] / 5.61 = 8.4 bbls

 Rectangular tank, 15 ft x 10 ft - find the volume in bbl per inch height.

Volume per inch = ( 15 x 10 ) / ( 5.61 x 12 ) = 2.22 bbls

2) Calculate the capacity (bbl/ft) in each case.

 Open hole 12-1/4”

12.252 / 1030 = 0.146 bbl/ft
 Open hole 8-1/2”
8.52 / 1030 = 0.07 bbl/ft
 Open hole 6-1/8”
6.1252 / 1030 = 0.0364 bbl/ft

 Find the capacity of 1,235 ft of 7-5/8” open hole.

7.6252 / 1030 x 1,235 = 69.71 bbls

3) Calculate the annular capacity (bbl/ft) in each case.

 Open hole 12-1/4” with 8-1/2” drill collars.

( 12.252 - 8.52 ) / 1,030 = 0.0755 bbls/ft

 Open hole 8-1/2” with 6-1/2” drill collars.

( 8.52 - 6.52 ) / 1,030 = 0.0291 bbls/ft

 Open hole 6-1/8” with 3-1/2” drill pipe.

( 6.1252 - 3.52 ) / 1,030 = 0.0245 bbls/ft

4) What are 0.56 psi/ft, 0.80 psi/ft and 0.456 psi/ft when expressed as mud weight in ppg?

MW = 0.56 / 0.052 = 10.77 ppg

MW = 0.80 / 0.052 = 15.38 ppg

MW = 0.456 / 0.052 = 8.77 ppg

5) Convert 9.5 ppg, 18.2 ppg and 13.6 ppg to gradients (psi/ft)

Gradient = 9.5 x 0.052 = 0.494 psi/ft

Gradient = 18.2 x 0.052 = 0.946 psi/ft

Gradient = 13.6 x 0.052 = 0.707 psi/ft

6) Calculate the mud weights required to balance the following formation pressures.

 3,500 psi at 7,000 ft

MW = 3,500 / ( 7,000 x 0.052 ) = 9.62 ppg
 2,800 psi at 4,000 ft
MW = 2,800 / ( 4,000 x 0.052 ) = 13.46 ppg
 9,000 psi at 12,000 ft MD / 10,500 ft TVD
MW = 9,000 / ( 10,500 x 0.052 ) = 16.49 ppg
 9,800 psi, at 9,800 ft
MW = 9,800 / ( 9,800 x 0.052 ) = 19.23 ppg
 4,580 psi at 10,000 ft TVD, 11,500 ft MD
MW = 4,580 / ( 10,000 x 0.052 ) = 8.81 ppg

7) Calculate the hydrostatic pressure in each case.

 9.5 ppg at 9,000 ft MD, 8,000 TVD

Ph = 9.5 x 8,000 x 0.052 = 3,953 psi

 15.5 ppg at 18,000 ft TVD and 21,000 ft MD

Ph = 15.5 x 18,000 x 0.052 = 14,508 psi

 0.889 psi/ft at 11,000 ft MD and 9,500 ft TVD

Ph = 0.889 x 9,500 = 8,445 psi

8) Calculate the pump pressure you would expect in each case.

 Old SPM = 30, old pressure = 600 psi, new SPM = 40

Pnew = Pold x [ SPMnew / SPMold ]2

Pnew = 600 x [ 40 / 30 ]2 = 1,067 psi

 Old SPM = 80, old pressure = 2500 psi, new SPM = 60

Pnew = 2,500 x [ 60 / 80 ]2 = 1,406 psi

 Old SPM = 70, old pressure = 1800 psi, new SPM = 20

Pnew = 1,800 x [ 20 / 70 ]2 = 147 psi

9) Calculate the pump pressures you would expect after the following mud weight changes.

 Old MW = 10.0 ppg, old pressure = 2200 psi, new MW = 10.5 ppg

Pnew = Pold x [ MWnew / MWold ]

Pnew = 2,200 x [ 10.5 / 10 ] = 2,310 psi

 Old MW = 9.5 ppg, old pressure = 1800 psi, new MW = 9.8 ppg

Pnew = 1,800 x [ 9.8 / 9.5 ] = 1,857 psi

 Old MW = 11.8 ppg, old pressure = 600 psi, new MW = 12.4 ppg

Pnew = 600 x [ 12.4 / 11.8 ] = 631 psi

10) Calculate bottom hole circulating pressure (BHCP) in each case.

 APL = 400 psi, depth = 12,500 ft, MW = 10.0 ppg

BHCP = Ph + APL

BHCP = ( 12,500 x 10 x 0.052 ) + 400 = 6,900 psi

 APL = 250 psi, depth = 9160 ft, MW = 10.5 ppg

BHCP = ( 9,160 x 10.5 x 0.052 ) + 250 = 5,251 psi

11) Find the ECD in each case.

 APL = 350 psi, Ph = 5050 psi, depth = 9,800 ft

ECD = BHCP / ( TVD x 0.052 )

ECD = ( 5,050 + 350 ) / ( 9,800 x 0.052 ) = 10.6 ppg

 APL = 40 psi, Ph = 6800 psi, depth = 12,000 ft

ECD = ( 6,800 + 40 ) / ( 12,000 x 0.052 ) = 10.96 ppg

12) Calculate the APL in each case.

 BHCP = 6,000 psi, MW = 11.6 ppg, depth = 9450 ft

APL = BHCP - Ph

APL = 6,000 - ( 9,450 x 11.6 x 0.052 ) = 300 psi

 BHCP = 3,000 psi, MW = 9.8 ppg, depth = 5,000 ft

APL = 3,000 - ( 5,000 x 9.8 x 0.052 ) = 452 Psi

13) Calculate the KMW in each case.

 SICP = 600 psi, SIDPP = 450 psi, MW = 10.0 ppg, TVD = 9,500ft, MD = 10,000ft

KMW = MW + SIDPP / ( TVD x 0.052 )

KMW = 10 + 450 / ( 9,500 x 0.052) = 10.92 ppg

 SICP = 850 psi, SIDPP = 690 psi, MW = 11.0 ppg, TVD = 12,000ft, MD = 12,300ft

KMW = 11 + 690 / ( 12,000 x 0.052) = 12.11 ppg

 SICP = 780 psi, SIDPP = 570 psi, MW = 10.5 ppg, TVD = 11,800ft, MD = 11,800ft

KMW = 10.5 + 570 / ( 11,800 x 0.052) = 11.43 ppg

 SICP = 700 psi, SIDPP = 300 psi, MW = 14.0 ppg, TVD = 13,400ft, MD = 13,400ft

KMW = 14 + 300 / ( 13,400 x 0.052) = 14.44 ppg

14*) Find the surface volume of swabbed gas in each case.

 Gas volume = 3 bbls, TVD = 9,347 ft, MW = 9.9 ppg

Depth 9,347 ft Surface

Pressure 4,812 14.7
Vgas 3 982
PV 14,436 14,436

 Gas volume = 5 bbls, TVD = 12,344 ft, MW = 10.7 ppg

Depth 12,344 ft Surface

Pressure 6,868 14.7
Vgas 5 2,336
PV 34,341 34,341

 Gas volume = 6 bbls, TVD = 13,116ft, MW = 17.4 ppg

Depth 13,116 ft Surface

Pressure 11,867 14.7
Vgas 6 4,844
PV 71,204 71,204

15*) Calculate the volume of mud required to bleed off in each case to maintain BHP constant. The
casing pressure is held constant while mud is bled off in each case.
{Ref. WCM P89 section 6.3.1.2}

SICP Casing ID Drill pipe Mud weight

OUTSIDE
DIAMETER
50 8.681” 5” 8.94 ppg
100 8.681” 3-1/2” 12.0 ppg
150 6.184” 3-1/2” 1.66 sg

V = H x Vannulus

H = SICP / ( MW x 0.052 )

Vannulus = ( CSGID2 - DPOUTSIDE DIAMETER2 ) / 1,030


 V = [ SICP / ( MW x 0.052 ) ] x [ (CSGID2 - DPOUTSIDE DIAMETER2 ) / 1,030 ]

V = [ 50 / ( 8.94 x 0.052 ) ] x [ ( 8.6812 - 52 ) / 1,030 ] = 5.26 bbls

V = [ SICP / ( MW x 0.052 ) ] x [ (CSGID2 - DPOUTSIDE DIAMETER2 ) / 1,030 ]

V = [ 100 / ( 12 x 0.052 ) ] x [ ( 8.6812 - 3.52 ) / 1,030 ] = 9.82 bbls

V = [ SICP / ( MW x 0.052 ) ] x [ (CSGID2 - DPOUTSIDE DIAMETER2 ) / 1,030 ]

V = [ 150 / ( 13.85 x 0.052 ) ] x [ ( 6.1842 - 3.52 ) / 1,030 ] = 5.26 bbls

16§) What is the volume of a 1,245 ft x 2-1/2” ID choke line?

Volume = [ (  / 4 ) x (D/12)2 x L ] / 5.61

V = [ (  / 4 ) x (2.5/12)2 x 1,245 ] / 5.61 = 7.57 bbls

17§) How many (0.115 bbl/stk) strokes will it take to displace a 16” x 5” riser/drill pipe annulus?

Vannulus = ( RISERID2 - DPOUTSIDE DIAMETER2 ) / 1,030

Vannulus = ( 162 - 52 ) / 1,030 = 0.224 bbl/ft

Total annular volume = 0.224 x Length

Number of strokes = Total annular volume / 0.115

18) Find the pressure drop (psi/100 strokes) per step in each case.

 ICP = 700 psi, FCP = 650 psi, surface to bit strokes = 1,250

P/100 = ( ICP - FCP ) / ( Surface to bit strokes /100 )


P/100 = ( 700 - 650 ) / ( 1,250 /100 ) = 4 psi / 100 strokes

 ICP = 1,200 psi, FCP = 875 psi, surface to bit strokes = 1,895
P/100 = ( 1,200 - 875 ) / ( 1,895 /100 ) = 17.15 psi / 100 strokes

 ICP = 2160 psi, FCP = 1,250 psi, surface to bit strokes = 1,110

P/100 = ( 2160 - 1250 ) / ( 1,110 /100 ) = 82 psi / 100 strokes

19) Convert the fracture gradients to MAMW in ppg

Gfrac = 0.62 psi/ft, Gfrac = 0.7 psi/ft, Gfrac = 0.835 psi/ft

11.9 ppg / 13.46 ppg / 16.0 ppg

 Kick #1: Surface stack, vertical well.

Well data.

Measured depth ..................................................................... 10,000 ft

TVD ....................................................................................... 10,000 ft
Hole size ................................................................................ 8-1/2”

Drillstring.

Drill pipe, 5”, 19.5 lb/ft ......................................................... 9,250 ft

Drill pipe capacity ................................................................. 0.01776 bbl/ft
Drill collars, 6-1/2” x 2-13/16” ............................................. 750 ft
Drill collar capacity ............................................................... 0.00768 bbl/ft

Annular capacities

Open hole to drill collars ....................................................... 0.0292 bbl/ft

Open hole to drill pipe ........................................................... 0.0459 bbl/ft
Drill pipe to casing ................................................................ 0.0505 bbl/ft

Pre-recorded data

Mud weight ........................................................................... 15 ppg

Fracture gradient at shoe ....................................................... 0.91 psi/ft
Casing MD/TVD 9-5/8” 47 lb/ft ........................................... 7,500 ft

SCR @ 26 SPM..................................................................... 270 psi

Circulating pressure @ 80 SPM ............................................ 2600 psi

Pump output .......................................................................... 0.117 bbl/stk

Surface volume ...................................................................... 500 bbls

Questions.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

a) Calculate the total capacity of the drillstring in barrels.

170 bbls
b) Calculate the total capacity of the annulus with bit on bottom.
482 bbls
c) What is the circulating time from surface to bit at 80 SPM?
18 minutes
d) What is the time for one complete circulation including the surface volume @80SPM?
123 minutes
e) What is the hydrostatic BHP?
10,000 x 15 x 0.052 = 7,800 psi
f) What is the ECD at TD if annular pressure loss is 260 psi at 80 SPM?
15.5 ppg @ 80 SPM
g) What is the ECD if the stroke rate is increased to 90 SPM?
15.63 ppg
h) What is the annular velocity around the drill collars at 80 SPM?
321 fpm
i) Calculate the kill mud weight for a 10 bbls kick closed in with SIDPP=500 psi and SICP=720 psi
16 ppg
j) Estimate the gradient of the influx, what is the influx?
0.137 psi/ft , the influx is gas
k) Calculate the initial circulating pressure using 26 SPM.
770 psi
l) Calculate the final circulating pressure.
288 psi
m) ( * ) Estimate the effect on BHP if the stroke rate is increased from 26 to 36 SPM keeping drill
pipe pressure constant with kill mud in the annulus.
Reduced by about 264 psi
n) How many strokes are require to pump from ICP to FCP?
1454
o) What is the maximum allowable mud weight?
17.5 ppg
p) What surface pressure was used during the leak-off test to obtain the gradient of 0.91 psi/ft if the
well was full of 12.5 ppg mud during the test?
1950 psi
q) What is the new MAASP with kill mud in the hole?
585 psi
r) How long will it take to pump from surface to bit at kill rate?
56 minutes
s) How many strokes does it take to pump from surface to bit?
1454
t) What is the bit to shoe travel time at the kill rate? How many strokes from bit to shoe?
34 / 884
u) What is the shoe to surface travel time at kill rate?
125
v) How many strokes does it take to pump from the shoe to surface?
3250
w) By how much (ppg) would you increase KMW to include a 100psi safety margin?
0.2 ppg
x) Calculate the total minutes to kill the well.
214 mins
y) How many strokes are require to kill the well?
5564
z) What was the safety margin with the initial SICP?
MAASP - SICP = 255 psi
 Kick #2: Surface stack, near-vertical well.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

Well data.

Measured depth ..................................................................... 14,800 ft

TVD ....................................................................................... 14,000 ft
Hole size ................................................................................ 8-1/2”

Drillstring.

Drill pipe, 4-1/2”, 16.6 lb/ft................................................... 13,800 ft

Drill pipe capacity ................................................................. 0.0142 bbl/ft
Drill collars, 6-1/4” x 2-13/16” ............................................. 1,000 ft
Drill collar capacity ............................................................... 0.008 bbl/ft

Annular capacities

Open hole to drill collars ....................................................... 0.0322 bbl/ft

Open hole to drill pipe ........................................................... 0.0505 bbl/ft
Drill pipe to casing ................................................................ 0.0562 bbl/ft

Pre-recorded data

Mud weight ........................................................................... 12.4 ppg

Casing MD/TVD 9-5/8” 47 lb/ft ........................................... 10,000 ft

LOT w/11.0 ppg .................................................................... 3640 psi

SCR @ 40 SPM..................................................................... 740 psi

Annular Pressure Loss @ 40 SPM ........................................ 74 psi
Circulating pressure @ 80 SPM ............................................ 2700 psi
Annular Pressure loss @ 80 SPM ......................................... 270 psi

Pump output .......................................................................... 0.117 bbl/stk

Surface volume ...................................................................... 650 bbls

Surface lines .......................................................................... 17 bbls

Kick data.

SIDPP .................................................................................... 700 psi

SICP....................................................................................... 1150 psi
Gain ....................................................................................... 30 bbls
Questions.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

a) What was the MAMW based on the LOT data?

18 ppg
b) What is the MAASP while drilling?
2912 psi
c) What is the annular velocity past the drill collars while drilling?
9.36 / 0.0322 = 290 ft / min
d) Calculate the formation pressure based on the shut-in data.
9727 psi
e) What is the kill mud weight required.
13.37 - 13.40 ppg
f) What is the ICP?
1440 psi
g) What is the FCP?
800 psi
h) How many strokes is it from surface to bit?
1744
i) How many minutes will it take to pump from surface to bit?
44 min
j) What is the height of the influx?
30 / 0.0322 = 932 ft
k) Approximately what is the influx gradient?
12.4 x 0.052 - ( 450 / 932 ) = 0.162 psi ft
l) How can we use the answer to (k) above?
To determine if the influx is gas or not, to prepare to handle at surface.
m) How many strokes are required to circulate bottoms up?
6700
n) How long will it take to circulate bottoms up at the SCR?
167.5 minutes
o) What is the ECD while drilling?
12.8 ppg
p) What is the ECD with kill mud to surface at 40 SPM?
13.5 ppg
q) How many strokes volume is the open hole annulus?
1897
r) How can we use the answer to (q) above?
To determine when the entire influx is in the casing.
s) What is the annular velocity around the drill collars at 40 SPM?
145 ft /min
t) How many pounds of barite are required to weight up the system?
64.65 x 1640 = 106,026 lbs
 Kick #3: Surface stack, near vertical well.

Well data.

Measured depth ..................................................................... 9,450 ft

TVD ....................................................................................... 9,200 ft
Hole size ................................................................................ 6-1/8”

Drillstring.

Drill pipe, 3-1/2”, 13.30 lb/ft................................................. 8,892 ft

Drill pipe capacity ................................................................. 0.0074 bbl/ft
Drill collars, OUTSIDE DIAMETER 4-3/4” x ID 2-1/4”..... 558 ft
Drill collar capacity ............................................................... 0.0049 bbl/ft

Annular capacities

Open hole to drill collars ....................................................... 0.0145 bbl/ft

Open hole to drill pipe ........................................................... 0.0245 bbl/ft
Drill pipe to casing ................................................................ 0.0217 bbl/ft

Pre-recorded data

Mud weight ........................................................................... 12.5 ppg

Fracture gradient at shoe ....................................................... 0.75 psi/ft
Casing MD/TVD 7”, 38 lb/ft................................................. 7,150 ft

SCR @ 30 SPM..................................................................... 600 psi

Pump output @ 30 SPM / 98% ............................................. 0.0863 bbl/stk

Surface volume ...................................................................... 400 bbls

Kick data.

SIDPP .................................................................................... 100 psi

SICP....................................................................................... 410 psi
Gain ....................................................................................... 10 bbls
Questions.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

a) What was the MAMW based on the LOT data?

14.42 ppg based on fracture gradient / 0.052
b) What is the MAASP while drilling?
(14.42 - 12.5 ) x 7150 x 0.052 = 713 psi
c) What is the annular velocity past the drill collars at 85 SPM / 95% pump efficiency?
AV = flowrate / DC-OH capacity = [ 85 x 0.0863 x (0.95/0.98) ] / 0.0145 = 490 fpm
d) Calculate the formation pressure based on the shut-in data.
Pf = SIDPP + Ph = 100 + ( 9200 x 12.5 x 0.052 ) = 6,080 psi
e) What is the kill mud weight required?
12.5 + ( 100 / 9200 x 0.052 ) = 12.71 ppg
f) What is the ICP?
700 psi
g) What is the FCP?
610 psi
h) How many strokes is it from surface to bit?
797
i) How many minutes will it take to pump from surface to bit?
26.6
j) What is the length of the influx measured along the wellbore?
Volume around the drill collars = 558 x 0.0145 = 8.09 bbls
Length around drill pipe = 1.91 / 0.0245 = 78 ft
Length along the wellbore is 558 + 78 = 636 ft
k) Approximately what is the influx gradient? (Use the IWCF formula)
Gi = ( 12.5 x 0.052 ) - [ ( 410 - 100 ) / 636 ] = 0.16 psi / ft
l) How can we use the answer to (k) above?
Prepare to handle a gas kick.
m) How many strokes are required to circulate bottoms up?
2384
n) How long will it take to circulate bottoms up at the SCR?
79.6 mins
o) How many strokes volume is the open hole annulus?
588
p) How can we use the answer to (o) above?
This figure tells you when the influx has entered the casing. The point of maximum shoe pressure has
passed. You may decide to increase the pump speed.
q) What is the annular velocity around the drill collars at 40 SPM?
AV = flowrate / DC-OH capacity = 40 x 0.0863 / 0.0145 = 238 fpm
r) How many pounds of barite are required to weight up the system? (Use the IWCF formula)
Barite required = 674.5 x ( 12.71 - 12.5 ) x 1500 / ( 35.8 - 12.71 ) = 9,201 lbs
 *Kick #4: Surface stack, deviated well.

Well data.

Measured depth ..................................................................... 10,500 ft

TVD ....................................................................................... 8,554 ft
Kick-Off Point (KOP) ........................................................... 4,000 ft MD / 4,000 ft TVD
End Of Build (EOB) .............................................................. 5,667 ft MD / 5,447 ft TVD
Hole size ................................................................................ 8-1/2”

Drillstring.

Drill pipe, 5”, 19.5 lb/ft ......................................................... 0.01776 bbl/ft

Heviwate, 5” x 3” .................................................................. 720 ft
Heviwate capacity ................................................................. 0.00874 bbl/ft
Drill collars, 6-1/2” x 2-13/16” ............................................. 820 ft
Drill collar capacity ............................................................... 0.0077 bbl/ft

Annular capacities

Open hole to drill collars ....................................................... 0.0292 bbl/ft

Open hole to drill pipe ........................................................... 0.0447 bbl/ft
Drill pipe / HWDP to casing ................................................. 0.0478 bbl/ft

Pre-recorded data

Casing MD/TVD 9-5/8” 47 lb/ft ........................................... 6,800 ft / 6,175 ft

Formation strength test .......................................................... 1,570 psi w/10.40 ppg

SCR @ 40 SPM..................................................................... 520 psi

Pump output .......................................................................... 0.117 bbl/stk

Surface volume ...................................................................... 320 bbls

Mud weight ........................................................................... 11.5 ppg

Kick Data

Pit Gain .................................................................................. 22 bbls

SIDPP .................................................................................... 750 psi
SICP....................................................................................... 900 psi
Questions.

{Ref. WCM P157 & Website}

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

a) What is the safety margin at the initial SICP?

Safety margin (SM) = MAASP - SICP

MAASP = ( MAMW - MW ) x TVDcsg x 0.052
MAMW = [ Plot / (TVDcsg x 0.052) ] + MWtest
 SM = {[((Plot / (TVDcsg x 0.052)) + MWtest ) - MW ] x TVDcsg x 0.052 } - SICP
SM = {[((1570 / (6175 x 0.052)) + 10.4 ) - 11.5 ] x 6175 x 0.052 } - 900 = 316 psi

b) How many strokes to pump from surface to bit?

1468 strokes (see volumes below)

c) What is the initial circulating pressure?

ICP = SIDPP + PL
ICP = 750 + 520 = 1270 psi

d) What is the final circulating pressure?

FCP = PL x (KMW/OMW)
FCP = 520 x ( 13.2 / 11.5 ) = 597 psi

e) How many strokes to pump from surface to KOP?

607 strokes (see volumes below)

f) What is the circulating pressure when kill mud reaches the KOP?

Circulating pressure = Dynamic pressure loss + remaining SIDPP

PLKOP = PL + [ ( FCP - PL ) x ( MDKOP / MDTD ) ] (formula on kick sheet)

PLKOP = 520 + [ ( 597 - 520 ) x ( 4000 / 10500 ) ] = 549 psi

SIDPPKOP = SIDPP - [ ( KMW - OMW ) x 0.052 x TVDKOP ) ] (formula on kick sheet)

SIDPPKOP = 750 - [ ( 13.2 - 11.5 ) x 0.052 x 4000 ) ] = 396 psi

Circulating pressure = 549 + 396 = 945 psi

g) How many strokes to pump from surface to the EOB?

607 + 253 = 860 strokes (see volumes below)

h) What is the circulating pressure when kill mud reaches the EOB?

Circulating pressure = Dynamic pressure loss + remaining SIDPP

PLEOB = PL + [ ( FCP - PL ) x ( MDEOB / MDTD ) ] (formula on kick sheet)

PLEOB = 520 + [ ( 597 - 520 ) x ( 5667 / 10500 ) ] = 561 psi

SIDPPEOB = SIDPP - [ ( KMW - OMW ) x 0.052 x TVDEOB ) ] (formula on kick sheet)

SIDPPEOB = 750 - [ ( 13.2 - 11.5 ) x 0.052 x 5447 ) ] = 268 psi

Circulating pressure = 561 + 268 = 829 psi

i) Calculate the pressure drop per 100 strokes of kill fluid pumped inside the string from the EOB to
the bit.

P100 = ( CPEOB - FCP ) x 100 / STROKESEOB to TD

P100 = ( 829 - 597 ) x 100 / 608 = 38.1 psi

j) Calculate MAASP after circulation of kill mud.

MAASP = ( MAMW - KMW ) x TVDCSG x 0.052

MAASP = ( 15.28 - 13.2 ) x 6175 x 0.052 = 667 psi

k) Calculate the overbalance when kill mud reaches the EOB if we had used a vertical kill sheet.

CPEOB using a vertical kick sheet gives ( 1270 - 597 ) x 100 / 1468 = 45.85 psi / 100 strokes reduction
in circulating pressure. At EOB / 860 strokes this gives a circulating pressure of 875 psi. The deviated
kick sheet gave 829 psi. An overpressure of 46 psi is imposed on the well.

l) What is the approximate time needed to kill the well?

139 minutes from the kick sheet.

Use this page for calculations.

For the kill sheet.

Volumes.

DP surface to KOP ............................ 4000 x 0.01776 = 71.04 bbls / 607 strokes

DP KOP to EOB ................................ 1667 x 0.01776 = 29.6 bbls / 253 strokes
DP EOB to BHA .............................. 3293 x 0.01776 = 58.5 bbls / 500 strokes
HWDP ............................................... 720 x 0.0084 = 6.29 bbls / 54 strokes
DC ..................................................... 820 x 0.0077 = 6.31 bbls / 54 strokes
Drillstring volume ............................. 171.7 bbls / 1468 strokes

DC x OH............................................ 820 x 0.0292 = 23.9 bbls

DP / HWDP x OH ............................. 2880 x 0.0447 = 128.7 bbls
Open hole volume ............................. 152.6 bbls / 1304 strokes

DP x casing........................................ 6800 x 0.0478 = 325 bbls / 2778 strokes

Total annulus volume ........................ 152.6 + 325 = 477.6 bbls / 4082 strokes
Total well volume.............................. 477.6 + 171.7 = 649.3 bbls / 5549 strokes
Active surface volume ....................... 320 bbls
Total active fluid system ................... 649.3 + 320 = 969.3 bbls
 *Kick #5: Surface stack, deviated well.

Well data.

Measured depth ..................................................................... 9,500 ft

TVD ....................................................................................... 6,013 ft
Kick-Off Point (KOP) ........................................................... 2890 ft MD / 2,890 ft TVD
End Of Build (EOB) .............................................................. 5,223 ft MD / 3,234 ft TVD
Hole size ................................................................................ 12-1/4”

Drillstring.

Drill pipe, 5”, 19.5 lb/ft ......................................................... 0.01776 bbl/ft

Heviwate, 5” x 3” .................................................................. 1116 ft
Heviwate capacity ................................................................. 0.00874 bbl/ft
Drill collars, 6-1/2” x 2-13/16” ............................................. 840 ft
Drill collar capacity ............................................................... 0.0077 bbl/ft

Annular capacities

Open hole to drill collars ....................................................... 0.0837 bbl/ft

Open hole to drill pipe ........................................................... 0.1204 bbl/ft
Drill pipe / HWDP to casing ................................................. 0.1214 bbl/ft

Pre-recorded data

Casing MD/TVD 13-3/8” 68 lb/ft ......................................... 2,760 ft / 2,760 ft

Formation strength test .......................................................... 790 psi w/9.60 ppg

SCR @ 50 SPM..................................................................... 630 psi

Pump output .......................................................................... 0.138 bbl/stk

Surface volume ...................................................................... 350 bbls

Mud weight ........................................................................... 10.0 ppg

Kick Data

Pit Gain .................................................................................. 30 bbls

SIDPP .................................................................................... 480 psi
SICP....................................................................................... 540 psi
Questions.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

a) What is the safety margin at the initial SICP?

Safety margin (SM) = MAASP - SICP

MAASP = ( MAMW - MW ) x TVDcsg x 0.052
MAMW = [ Plot / (TVDcsg x 0.052) ] + MWtest
 SM = [((Plot / (TVDcsg x 0.052)) + MWtest ) - MW ] x TVDcsg x 0.052 ] - SICP
SM = [((790 / (2760 x 0.052)) + 9.6 ) - 10.0 ] x 2760 x 0.052 ] - 540 = 191 psi

b) How many strokes to pump from surface to bit?

1088 strokes (see volumes below)

c) What is the initial circulating pressure?

ICP = SIDPP + PL
ICP = 480 + 630 = 1110 psi

d) What is the final circulating pressure?

FCP = PL x (KMW/OMW)
FCP = 630 x ( 11.54 / 10 ) = 727 psi

e) How many strokes to pump from surface to KOP?

373 strokes (see volumes below)

f) What is the circulating pressure when kill mud reaches the KOP?

Circulating pressure = Dynamic pressure loss + remaining SIDPP

PLKOP = PL + [ ( FCP - PL ) x ( MDKOP / MDTD ) ] (formula on kick sheet)

PLKOP = 630 + [ ( 727 - 630 ) x ( 2890 / 9500 ) ] = 660 psi

SIDPPKOP = SIDPP - [ ( KMW - OMW ) x 0.052 x TVDKOP ) ] (formula on kick sheet)

SIDPPKOP = 480 - [ ( 11.54 - 10 ) x 0.052 x 2890 ) ] = 249 psi

Circulating pressure = 660 + 249 = 909 psi

g) How many strokes to pump from surface to the EOB?

372 + 300 = 672 strokes (see volumes below)

h) What is the circulating pressure when kill mud reaches the EOB?

Circulating pressure = Dynamic pressure loss + remaining SIDPP

PLEOB = PL + [ ( FCP - PL ) x ( MDEOB / MDTD ) ] (formula on kick sheet)

PLEOB = 630 + [ ( 727 - 630 ) x ( 5223 / 9500 ) ] = 683 psi

SIDPPEOB = SIDPP - [ ( KMW - OMW ) x 0.052 x TVDEOB ) ] (formula on kick sheet)

SIDPPEOB = 480 - [ ( 11.54 - 10 ) x 0.052 x 3234 ) ] = 221 psi

Circulating pressure = 683 + 221 = 904 psi

i) Calculate the pressure drop per 100 strokes of kill fluid pumped inside the string from the EOB to
the bit.

P100 = ( CPEOB - FCP ) x 100 / STROKESEOB to TD

P100 = ( 904 - 727 ) x 100 / 417 = 42.4 psi

j) Calculate MAASP after circulation of kill mud.

MAASP = ( MAMW - KMW ) x TVDCSG x 0.052

MAASP = ( 15.1 - 11.54 ) x 2760 x 0.052 = 510 psi

k) What would be the difference in BHP when kill mud reached the EOB on the way down the drill
pipe if a vertical kick sheet had been used?

CPEOB using a vertical kick sheet gives;

CPEOB = ICP - [ ( ICP - FCP ) x ( STROKESEOB / STROKESTD ) ]

1110 - [ ( 1110 - 727 ) x ( 672 / 1468 ) ] = 873 psi

The deviated kick sheet gave 904 psi. An underbalance of 31 psi would occur at 672 strokes.

l) What is the approximate time need to kill the well?

183 minutes from the kick sheet.

Use this page for calculations.

For the kill sheet.

Volumes.

DP surface to KOP ............................ 2890 x 0.01776 = 51.33 bbls / 372 strokes

DP KOP to EOB ................................ 2333 x 0.01776 = 41.43 bbls / 300 strokes
DP EOB to BHA .............................. 2321 x 0.01776 = 41.22 bbls / 299 strokes
HWDP ............................................... 1116 x 0.00874 = 9.75 bbls / 71 strokes
DC ..................................................... 840 x 0.0077 = 6.47 bbls / 47 strokes
Drillstring volume ............................. 150.2 bbls / 1088 strokes

DC x OH............................................ 840 x 0.0837 = 70.3 bbls

DP / HWDP x OH ............................. 5900 x 0.1204 = 710 bbls
Open hole volume ............................. 780 bbls / 5657 strokes

DP x casing........................................ 2760 x 0.1214 = 335 bbls / 2428 strokes

Total annulus volume ........................ 780 + 335 = 1115 bbls / 8080 strokes
Total well volume.............................. 150.2 + 1115 = 1265 bbls / 9168 strokes
Active surface volume ....................... 350 bbls
Total active fluid system ................... 1265 + 350 = 1615 bbls
 §Kick #6: Sub-sea stack, vertical well.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

Well data.

Measured depth ..................................................................... 12,090 ft

TVD ....................................................................................... 12,090 ft
Hole size ................................................................................ 8-1/2”
Air gap ................................................................................... 80 ft
Water depth ........................................................................... 740 ft
Drill collars, 6-1/2”................................................................ 900 ft

Capacities.

Drill pipe capacity ................................................................. 0.01776 bbl/ft

Drill pipe metal displacement................................................ 0.00650 bbl/ft
Drill pipe closed end displacement ....................................... 0.02426 bbl/ft
Drill collar capacity ............................................................... 0.00768 bbl/ft
Choke line ............................................................................. 0.006 bbl/ft
Marine riser ........................................................................... 0.39 bbl/ft

Annular capacities

Open hole to drill collars ....................................................... 0.0292 bbl/ft

Open hole to drill pipe ........................................................... 0.0459 bbl/ft
Drill pipe to casing ................................................................ 0.0505 bbl/ft

Pre-recorded data

Mud weight ........................................................................... 13.5 ppg

Casing MD/TVD 9-5/8” 47 lb/ft ........................................... 8,800 ft
LOT w/12.0 ppg .................................................................... 2,700 psi
SCR (riser) @ 40 SPM .......................................................... 550 psi
SCR (choke line) @ 40 SPM ................................................ 850 psi
Pump output .......................................................................... 0.109 bbl/stk
Surface lines .......................................................................... 17 bbls

Kick data.

SIDPP .................................................................................... 200 psi

SICP....................................................................................... 600 psi
Gain ....................................................................................... 15 bbls
Questions.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

a) What was the MAMW based on the LOT data?

17.9 ppg
b) What is the MAASP while drilling?
2013 psi
c) How many strokes does it take to pump from surface to bit?
1886
d) How many strokes does it take to pump from bit to shoe?
1248
e) How many strokes is one complete circulation through the choke line?
6876
f) How many strokes are required to displace the riser?
[ 820 x 9 0.39 – 0.02426 ) ] / 0.109 = 2,751
g) What kill weight mud is required?
13.82 ppg
h) What is the Initial Circulating Pressure?
750 psi
i) What is the Final Circulating Pressure?
563 psi
j) What is the safety margin at initial stabilised shut-in?
MAASP – SICP = 2012 – 600 = 1413 psi
k) What is the initial dynamic casing pressure?
SICP – CLFL = 300 psi
l) What is the new MAASP after killing the well?
( MAMW – KMW ) x TVDshoe x 0.052 = 1867 psi
m) What is the pressure drop per 100 strokes as kill mud is pumped to the bit?
9.91 psi
 §Kick #7: Sub-sea stack, near vertical well.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

Well data.

Measured depth ..................................................................... 15,500 ft

TVD ....................................................................................... 15,000 ft
Hole size ................................................................................ 8-1/2”
Air gap ................................................................................... 70 ft
Water depth ........................................................................... 1,000 ft
Drill collars, 6-1/2”................................................................ 1,000 ft

Capacities.

Drill pipe capacity ................................................................. 0.01776 bbl/ft

Drill pipe metal displacement................................................ 0.00650 bbl/ft
Drill pipe closed end displacement ....................................... 0.02426 bbl/ft
HWDP (1,000ft) .................................................................... 0.0088 bbl/ft
Drill collar capacity ............................................................... 0.00768 bbl/ft
Choke line (1,100 ft) ............................................................. 0.006 bbl/ft
Marine riser ........................................................................... 0.39 bbl/ft

Annular capacities

Open hole to drill collars ....................................................... 0.0292 bbl/ft

Open hole to drill pipe ........................................................... 0.0459 bbl/ft
Drill pipe to casing ................................................................ 0.0505 bbl/ft

Pre-recorded data

Current mud weight ............................................................... 16.0 ppg

Casing MD/TVD 9-5/8” 47 lb/ft ........................................... 9,000 ft
Fracture gradient at shoe ....................................................... 0.91 psi/ft
SCR (riser) @ 40 SPM .......................................................... 500 psi
SCR (choke line) @ 40 SPM ................................................ 750 psi
Pump output .......................................................................... 0.119 bbl/stk
Surface lines .......................................................................... 17 bbls

Kick data.

SIDPP .................................................................................... 100 psi

SICP....................................................................................... 350 psi
Gain ....................................................................................... 10 bbls
Questions.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following.

a) What was the MAMW based on the LOT data?

17.5 ppg
b) What is the MAASP while drilling?
702 psi
c) How many strokes does it take to pump from surface to bit?
2154
d) How many strokes does it take to pump from bit to shoe?
2367
e) How many strokes is one complete circulation through the choke line?
7940
f) How many strokes are required to displace the riser?
3288
g) What kill weight mud is required?
16.13
h) What is the Initial Circulating Pressure?
600 psi
i) What is the Final Circulating Pressure?
504 psi
j) What is the safety margin at initial stabilised shut-in?
352 psi
k) What is the initial dynamic casing pressure?
100 psi
l) What is the new MAASP after killing the well?
641 psi

m) What is the mud weight required including riser margin? {Ref. WCM P176}
16.7 ppg

n) What is the MAASP with the new mud weight?

374 psi
 §Kick #8: Sub-sea stack, vertical well.

You are recommended to complete a kick sheet to answer the following. You can drill this well on
the STC simulator. Ask the instructor for snapshot 980610.snp

Well data.

Measured depth / TVD .......................................................... 8,904 ft

Hole size ................................................................................ 12-1/4”
Air gap ................................................................................... 57 ft
Water depth ........................................................................... 393 ft

Capacities.

Drill pipe (8090 ft) capacity .................................................. 0.01776 bbl/ft

HWDP (361 ft) capacity ........................................................ 0.0087 bbl / ft
Drill collar (454 ft) capacity .................................................. 0.00768 bbl/ft
Choke line ............................................................................. 0.0087 bbl/ft
Marine riser / drill pipe annulus ............................................ 0.335 bbl/ft

Annular capacities

Open hole to drill collars ....................................................... 0.0796 bbl/ft

Open hole to drill pipe ........................................................... 0.121 bbl/ft
Drill pipe to casing ................................................................ 0.124 bbl/ft

Pre-recorded data

Mud weight ........................................................................... 9.75 ppg

Casing MD/TVD 13-3/8” 72 lb/ft ......................................... 6,233 ft
Fracture pressure at shoe ....................................................... 4,675 psi
SCR (riser) @ 30/40 SPM ..................................................... 200 / 320 psi
CLFL @ 30 / 40 SPM ........................................................... 50 / 75 psi
Pump output .......................................................................... 0.0881 bbl/stk
Surface lines .......................................................................... 10.6 bbls

Kick data.

SIDPP .................................................................................... 350 psi

SICP....................................................................................... 400 psi
Gain ....................................................................................... 10 bbls
Questions.

a) What is the MAMW based on the shoe fracture strength?

MAMW = 4675 / 6233 x 0.052 = 14.42 ppg.

b) What was the MAASP while drilling prior to the kick?

MAASP = ( MAMW - MW ) x TVDshoe x 0.052 = 1,513 psi

c) Estimate the formation pressure at the kick zone.

Pf = 350 + ( 8904 x 9.75 x 0.052 ) = 4,864 psi

d) Calculate kill mud weight.

KMW = 9.75 + 350 / ( 8904 x 0.052 ) = 10.51 ppg

e) What is the initial circulating pressure at 30 SPM?

ICP30 = 350 + 200 = 550 psi

f) What is the initial dynamic circulating pressure?

IDCP = 400 - 50 = 350 psi

g) What is the final circulating pressure at 30 SPM?

FCP30 = 200 x ( 10.51 / 9.75 ) = 216 psi

h) What is the approximate height of the influx? What is the influx?

Hinflux = 10 / 0.0796 = 126 ft

Ginflux = ( 9.75 x 0.052 ) - ( 400 - 350 ) / 125 = 0.107 psi / ft

The influx is gas.

j) How many strokes will it take to circulate the annulus and choke line?
11,640
k) How many strokes to displace the riser / drill pipe annulus?
1711
Section G

Kill problems

{Ref. WCM P113 – Problem solving matrix for Q1-8}

1*) During the 1st circulation of the drillers methoutside diameter an ICP of 1,200 psi @ 30 SPM is
recorded. The circulating pressure increases rapidly to 1,500 psi with no change to the casing pressure
and you respond by opening the choke to reduce the pressure to 1,200 psi.

 What happens to BHP?

Decreases when you open the choke.
 If you suspected that a nozzle had plugged, how would you react?
Note the new circulating pressure and recalculate your pumping schedule.

2*) While circulating on the choke a problem is suspected and the well is shut-in while maintaining
constant drill pipe pressure. What happened to BHP while the pumps are shut down and the well
closed in?
The BHP increased by the dynamic pressure loss.

3*) You have to interpret changes in the drill pipe and casing pressure gauges during any kill
methoutside diameter for signs of specific events. In each case below state what event(s) would you
suspect?

 Reduction in casing and drill pipe pressure, gain in pit level.

 Choke is washing out.
 Reduction in drill pipe pressure and casing pressure, reduction in pit level.
 Gas is being circulated through the choke. Could also indicate lost circulation.
 Reduction in drill pipe pressure, no change in casing pressure or pit levels.
 Lost or washed bit nozzle or a hole in the drillstring.
 Increase in casing and drill pipe pressure, no change in pit level.
 Choke is plugging.
 Increase in drill pipe pressure, no change in casing pressure or pit level.
 Bit nozzle plugging.
4*) You have a washout somewhere in the drillstring. You pump rope down the pipe and notice an
increase in pump pressure at 800 strokes. Calculate the depth (from surface) of the washout given
that drill pipe capacity is 0.01776 bbl/ft, pump output is 0.117 bbl/stk and mud weight is 10 ppg.

Position of washout = Pumped volume / drill pipe capacity

Position = 800 x 0.117 / 0.01776 = 5,270 ft

5*) During a kill you notice the drill pipe pressure rising while the casing pressure remains static.
You open the choke to maintain correct drill pipe pressure. This happens several times.
 What problem do you suspect?
 What happened to BHP when you adjusted the choke?

It appears that the bit nozzle is plugging. When the choke is opened BHP drops.

6*) During a kill you notice the drill pipe pressure falling but casing pressure remains constant. You
react by closing the choke slightly to maintain correct drill pipe pressure. This happens several times.
 What problem do you suspect?
 What happened to BHP when you adjusted the choke?

It appears that the bit nozzle is washing out. When the choke is closed BHP rises.

7*) During a kill you notice both the drill pipe pressure and casing pressure rising. You adjust the
choke to maintain correct pumping pressure. This happens several times.
 What problem do you suspect?

It appears that the choke is plugging.

8*) During a kill you notice both the drill pipe pressure and casing pressure falling. You adjust the
choke to maintain correct pumping pressure. This happens several times.
 What problem do you suspect?

It appears that the choke is washing out.

GAUGE QUESTIONS

9) Refer to Kick #1 in section F4 to answer the following questions. You will need to complete the
kick sheet if you have not already done so.

 For each of six points during the kill you are given drill pipe and casing pressures, pump speed,
total strokes and the time from first starting the pump. The surface lines had been flushed with kill
mud when the stroke counter was reset and the wait and weight methoutside diameter is being
used. The driller reported that the pressures had stabilised and remained constant after the initial
build-up.

 Write down the letter corresponding to the correct course of action in each case in the last row.
The possible actions and their letters are;

A) Open the choke slowly.

B) Close the choke slowly.
C) Increase the pump rate.
D) Decrease the pump rate.
E) Continue, everything is OK.

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

Drill pipe 600 700 615 290 350 310
(psi)
Casing 850 725 735 735 850 850
(psi)
SPM 15 20 26 26 30 26
Strokes 5 30 500 1400 1450 2450
Time 1 2 21 56 57 100
ACTION A C E B D E
10) Refer to Kick #2 in section F4 to answer the following questions. You will need to complete the
kick sheet if you have not already done so.
 Use the same methoutside diameter and actions coutside diameteres as in question (9) to decide
what to do in each case below.

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

Drill pipe 1430 1125 975 775 820 800
(psi)
Casing 1175 1250 1300 1275 2100 25
(psi)
SPM 40 40 40 37 40 40
Strokes 35 900 1650 1850 4700 8450
Time 2 23 43 49 120 215
ACTION E E A C E E

11*) Refer to Kick #3 in section F4 to answer the following questions. You will need to complete the
kick sheet if you have not already done so.
 The Rig Superintendent and Company Man agree to use the drillers methoutside diameter to kill
this kick. One complete ( drillstring + annulus ) circulation is made before switching to kill mud.
Kill mud is ready at the end of the first circulation. The stroke counter is reset at the start of the 1st
circulation and again when kill mud enters the drillstring.

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

(1st circulation) (1st circulation) (1st circulation)

Drill pipe 835 675 700 655 700 610

(psi)
Casing 550 410 530 105 110 55
(psi)
SPM 30 30 30 30 32 30
Strokes 100 1750 2350 400 750 2000
(after resetting)

Time 5 60 80 120 133 175

ACTION A B E E D E
{Ref. WCM P117-118 for questions 12, 13, 14 and 15. P169 for Hydrates in Deepwater
environments}.

12*) What are the two components of hydrates? Describe the appearance of hydrates.
Natural gas and water. A solid mixture of gas and water that looks like dirty ice.

13§) What are the conditions particular to deep water drilling that can lead to the formation of
hydrates?
Low temperature in deep water, high hydrostatic pressure with gas influx close to surface.

14*) What are the two main problems caused by hydrates?

Plugging of equipment.

Rapid expansion of gas component.

15*) Name three possible strategies to prevent hydrate formation.

Primary well control - prevent gas entering the wellbore.

Use Oil Base Mud with minimum water content.

Use salt and glycerol additives to a water based mud.

16* Give three possible courses of action to take if surface pressure approaches MAASP while the
influx is below the last casing shoe. {Ref. WCM P115}

Reduce the pump speed & adjust the drill pipe pressure schedule.
Exceed MAASP.
Bullhead the influx back into the formation.

17*) Give three indicators of an underground blowout. {Ref. WCM P128}

After shutting in the well, pressure build up (Casing & Drill pipe) is interrupted as the formation
fractures.
Both SIDPP and SICP may fluctuate simultaneously or independently of each other.
Section X

2*) After POOH 20 stands the well does not take the right amount of mud to fill. A flow check shows
a steady flow and the well is shut in with a total 15bbls pit gain.

DP capacity = 0.01776 bbl/ft DP displacement = 0.0076 bbl/ft

DC/OH annulus = 0.0292 bbl/ft DP/OH annulus = 0.0459 bbl/ft
Gas gradient = 0.15 psi/ft 900ft of drill collars are in the BHA
TVD = 11,960 ft Stands = 92.5 ft average length
Open hole capacity = 0.0702 bbls/ft SICP = 60 psi
Mud weight = 12.5 ppg

 Find the height of the influx in the open hole.

Hinflux = Vinflux / OHvolume per foot
Hinflux = 15 / 0.0702 = 214 ft

 What would you expect the SIDPP to be at shut-in? (no float is fitted)
The kick was swabbed in and is almost certainly below the bit which is at 10,110 ft, 1,636 ft above
the expected top of the influx if it remained on bottom. Therefore we expect SIDPP = SICP = 60 psi.

 What should be the SICP after stripping to TD?

The height of the influx will increase to ( Influx volume / DCOH annular volume )
New Hinflux = 15 / 0.0292 bbl /ft = 514 ft
SICP = Hinflux [ Mud Gradient - Influx Gradient ]
SICP = ( 514 - 214 )  ( 12.5 0.052 - 0.15 ) = 150 psi
New SICP = 60 + 150 = 210 psi

3*) This question includes 5 steps. Use the data given, or that given in previous steps to answer each
part.

a) A kick is taken while drilling. It is shut in successfully and the following observations made.

SIDPPinitial = 200 psi (stabilised) SIDPP30 minutes later = 300 psi

Mud weight = 13.2 ppg Pit gain = 15 bbls
By how many feet has the influx migrated in the annulus after 30 minutes?

The gas has migrated 100/(13.2 x 0.052) = 146 ft

This corresponds to 100 psi hydrostatic pressure of a column of 13.2 ppg.

b) Use the given information to calculate the items listed.

TVD = 15,250 ft Hole size = 8.5”

Drill collars = 900 ft x 6.5” Influx gradient = 0.12 psi / ft

SICPinitial = SIDPPinitial + Hinflux ( Gmud - Ginflux )

Hinflux = 15 x 1029 / (8.52 - 6.52 ) = 514.5 ft
SICPinitial = 200 + 514.5 ( 0.686 - 0.12 ) = 491 psi

SICP30 minutes later = 491 + 100 = 591 psi

BHPinitial = 200 + 15,250 x 0.686 = 10,662 psi

BHP30 minutes later = 10,662 + 100 = 10,762 psi

4*) Calculate how many barrels of mud should be bled off through the choke to reduce BHP to its
initial shut-in value given the following information.

SIDPPinitial = 250 psi SIDPP60 minutes later = 400 psi

TVD = 8,235 ft MW = 9.8 ppg
Pit gain = 10 bbls

BHPinitial = ( 8,235 x 9.8 x 0.052 ) + 250 = 4,447 psi

Vmud = ( P1 x V1 / P2 ) - 10
Vmud = ( 4,447 x 10 / 4,297 ) - 10 = 0.35 bbls

5*) When swabbed gas reaches the choke it may be removed by lubrication. A known volume of lube
fluid is pumped into the well through the kill line raising casing pressure from P1 to P2. The casing
pressure must then be reduced to P3 to maintain constant bottom hole pressure. Assume that the gas
obeys Boyle’s Law, the fluid used is the same density as that in the hole and is sufficient to kill the
well.
Write down an equation for the number of barrels “S” of mud pumped through the kill line in raising
the pressure from P1 to P2 in terms of V1 (the original volume of gas), P1 and P2.

In the first case the gas has the properties P1 and V1.
When “S” barrels of fluid is pumped into the well: V2 = V1 – S
So we can say:
P2 ( V1 – S ) = P1 . V1 or
S = V1 x ( 1 – P1 / P2 ) (equation a)

Assumptions & hints.

 The gas obeys the law PV = k.
 The effect of hydrostatic pressure due to the column of gas reaching the choke is assumed to be
equal to the trip margin and is therefore disregarded. (Gm = 0 psi/ft)
 You will need the general solution for a quadratic equation in x.
 b  b 2  4ac
x
2a

At TD the height of the influx hi = Vi / AV

With the bottom of the gas at a position “S” feet measured vertically from the choke,
Vs = Pf x Vi / Ps
The pressure Ps = Pf – ( TD – S ) x Gm
Or Ps = SIDPP + ( S x Gm )

So Vs = Pf x Vi / (( SIDPP + (S x Gm ))

And at any position “S” the height of gas is Vs = Vs / AV

The maximum surface pressure occurs when gas reaches the choke, then the position “S” is equal to
the height of the gas bubble. We therefore need to solve for S the equation,

S = Pf x Vi / AV ((SIDPP + (S x Gm))

This quadratic in S gives A = Gm, B = SIDPP and C = - Pf x Vi / AV

The maximum pressure at the choke could be calculated knowing the height of the gas bubble and
densities of the mud and gas.

Pmax = SIDPP + S ( Gm – Gi )

This is simplified with assumption #2 as follows

Pmax = SIDPP + Hs x Gm

Use the solution for Hs to find Pmax

8*) Fill in the missing numbers.

SIDPP Gm TVD Vi AV PMAX

500 0.55 8,654 17 0.05 1,273
900 0.75 13,220 20 0.03 2,819
1,250 0.6 9,917 25 0.03 2,623
1,250 0.57 8,860 10 0.05 1,678