OVERVIEW

9 November

Took kick of approximately 100 barrels at 1530 hours. Shut in well with 2400 psi on drillpipe and casing. At 1730 pressure increased to 2700 psi. At 1930 pressure increased to 3050psi.

10 November

0200 pressure is 2800 psi. Determined total gain was 210 barrels. At 0330 pressure is 3800 psi. Bled 10 barrels of mud and pressure dropped to 3525 psi. At 0445 pressure is 3760 psi and building 60 psi every 15 minutes. At 0545 pressure is 3980 psi and building 40 psi every 15 minutes. Pressure stabilized at 4400psi at 1000 hours.

As illustrated in this drilling report, the circumstances surrounding a kick do not always fit the classic models. In this drilling report from southeast New Mexico, the bit was at 1500 feet and total depth was below 14,000 feet. In addition, the surface pressures were changing rapidly. These conditions are not common to classical pressure control procedures and must be given special consideration.

This chapter is intended to discuss non-classical situations. It is important to understand classical pressure control. However, for every well control situation that fits within the classical model, there is a well control situation which bears no resemblance to the classical. According to statistics reported by the industry to the UK Health and Safety Executive, classic kicks are uncommon. For the three-year period from 1990 to 1992, of the 179 kicks reported, only 39 (22%) were classic.

The student of well control must be aware of the situations in...