Underground Flow Well Control: The Key to Drilling Low-Kick-Tolerance Wells Safely and Economically

Abstract

Summary The minimum acceptable kick tolerance can be quantified on the basis of the likelihood and consequences of an underground-flow well-control incident. Safe and economical casing points can be selected on the basis of the minimum acceptable kick tolerance required to drill the next hole section. For sections with a known but manageable underground flow potential, necessary unconventional well-control contingency plans can be developed. This new approach to well control has the potential to reduce drilling costs by significantly reducing the likelihood of major drilling-related well-control incidents.