Use of new kick simulator will increase wellsite safety

Abstract

By gaining a deeper understanding of the physical processes that occur when gas enters a wellbore during drilling, BP International and Schlumberger Cambridge Research have developed a sophisticated gas-kick simulator to improve well control safety. This paper discusses the simulator, which functions as a well planning and training tool, and was funded by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The result of the joint effort is a user-friendly and robust gas-kick simulator suitable for use by engineers and scientists, and training professionals. Applicable in oil and water muds, the kick simulator improves the ability to determine safe criteria for kick detection, accurately recognizes kick volume, intensity and type, and predicts expected wellbore response during kick circulation.