Technology Transfer Volumetric Stripping

Technology Transfer Volumetric Stripping

Research & Engineering Slide 1 Sedco Forex Dec93

There have been a number of incidents in recent years both on Sedco Forex rigs and on others where attempts have been made to kill wells with the bit off bottom. In this situation neither the drill pipe or the casing pressure gauges are a reliable guide to bottom hole pressure. Without a good knowledge of the bottom hole pressures it is possible to allow the formation to go underbalance and flow. In some cases this has lead to a large secondary influx during the well kill operation. This problem can be avoided if the bit is returned to bottom before the well kill is attempted. The Sedco Forex well control manual section II.2.5 says, every effort should be made to safely return return the bit to bottom whilst at the same time maintaining well control. The UK H&SE safety notice 3/92 says, Whenever practicable and safe the bit should be returned to bottom before attempting to kill a well. The technique that allows us to strip back to bottom whilst safely maintaining control of the well, keeping the BOP closed, is called volumetric stripping. These slides aim to cover the thinking behind and the application of this technique.

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Introduction
q q q q Volumetric Well Control Stripping Operations Combined Volumetric Stripping Rig Site Procedures
Standard Configuration Rig Equipped With Stripping Tank

Research & Engineering Slide 2 Sedco Forex Dec93

At first sight in the well control manual volumetric stripping may seem a complex technique. It is easier if at first we try to understand how the two main components of the technique work. These are ; q q Volumetric well control Stripping operations

Once these are better understood then their combination into volumetric stripping is easier to follow. The purpose of this presentation is not to replace the well control manual but to aid in the understanding of the technique. The technique to be of any use has to be easily applicable at the well site. There are two main procedures to be considered ; q q Standard rig configuration Rig equipped with a stripping tank

In fact both calculation processes are the same with just one slight alteration. The technique can in fact be applied to all Sedco Forex rigs if some pre-planning and preparation is done.

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Volumetric Well Control

A well is shut in on an influx with no string in the hole q q q q Shut In Casing Pressure 950 psi Surface Pit Gain 28 bbl Mud Weight 13.4 ppg Hole Diameter 8 1/2 ( from Surface to TD at 7120 ft )

Research & Engineering Slide 3 Sedco Forex Dec93

The first thing we are going to look at is a simple volumetric well control example. Despite all our precautions whilst pulling out of the hole, once the BHA had been racked back some flow was noticed from the well. The well was shut in with the blind or shear rams and the pressure recorded over a period of time. From this recording the casing pressure started to stabilise at 950 psi. The pit gain after the well had been closed in was found to be 28 bbl. The mud weight was 13.4 ppg. To simplify our calculations the hole is considered to have a single uniform diameter. If this diameter is taken as the minimum of the well, in this example 8 1/2, then it acts as a worst case assumption. The influx will extend further in a smaller section and have a bigger effect on the well. As we cannot be sure of its exact position we think about it in the worst possible place. This worst case assumption is a common feature of all this work on volumetric stripping. If we are not certain of something then we assume the worst and if we are wrong it acts as an additional safety factor in the process.

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950 psi

Influx @ TD
+ + + Mud Hydrostatic Pressure Influx Hydrostatic Pressure Shut In Casing Pressure

Bottom Hole Pressure is the sum of :

6721 ft @ 0.697 psi/ft

BHP = ( 6721 x 0.697 ) + ( 399 x 0.1 ) + 950

399ft @ 0.1 psi/ft

BHP = 4683 + 40 + 950 BHP = 5673 psi

Research & Engineering Slide 4 Sedco Forex Dec93

Once the pressures have stabilised we can work out what bottom hole pressure is required to keep the well under control. The bottom hole pressure is simply the sum of the hydrostatic column in the well and the shut in casing pressure. The hydrostatic pressure is itself the sum of the pressure from the mud and the pressure from the influx. Because we know the volume of the influx from the pit gain we can work out the height of the influx. But to work out the hydrostatic pressure of the influx we also need to know its density or gradient. This is unknown but we can make another of our worst case assumptions. The influx is always treated as gas with a very low gradient of 0.1 psi/ft. This also makes the calculations easier. Once we have the height of the influx then the rest of the well is full of mud at 13.4 ppg or 0.697 psi/ft. So just as the shut in casing pressure stabilises at 950 psi we have a bottom hole pressure of 5673 psi. This is sufficient to keep the well under control.

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1100 psi

Well Shutin Gas Migrates

q q q q q Gas Cannot Expand Influx Pressure Stays Constant Less Mud Above Influx Casing Pressure Rises Bottom Hole Pressure Rises

Research & Engineering Slide 5 Sedco Forex Dec93

Now we see that although the casing pressure started to stabilise at 950 psi it has continued to increase at a slower rate. This is due to gas migration. The influx density is much less than that of the mud and in effect the influx starts to float up through the mud. The well remains shutin and so the bubble cannot expand. The pressure that was in the bubble does not alter whilst its volume stays the same. The column of mud above the influx is slowly being reduced. This means that the pressures applied by the mud to the influx goes down. As the pressure in the bubble has stayed the same then more of the influx pressure is seen at the surface. If we remember how we found our bottom hole pressure then any increase in the shutin casing pressure will lead to the same increase in bottom hole pressure.

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1100 psi

What Are The New Pressures

1500

6506 ft @ 0.697 psi/ft

Casing 1300 Pressure 1100 ( psi )

900 -10 0 10 20 30 40

Volume Bled Off ( bbls )

399ft @ 0.1 psi/ft 215 ft @ 0.697 psi/ft

5900

Bottom 5800 Hole Pressure 5700 ( psi ) 5600

-10 0 10 20 30 40

Volume Bled Off ( bbls )

Research & Engineering Slide 6 Sedco Forex Dec93

If we go back to our picture of the well bore we can recalculate our pressures. The first thing we can see is that the bubble has risen by 215 ft. This means that the hydrostatic pressure applied to the influx by this mud column, 150 psi, now has to be applied at the surface by an equivalent increase in shut in casing pressure. If we look at the top graph we can see that as no mud has been bled off the casing pressures has simply increased. But if we consider our original calculation for the bottom hole pressure we can see that neither hydrostatic pressure of the mud or the influx has changed. The mud is now in two sections but there is still 6721ft of it, with a pressure gradient of 0.697 psi/ft. This means that when we look at the bottom graph we can see that the 150 psi increase in the casing pressure has also lead to the same increase in the bottom hole pressure. If the migration were allowed to continue unchecked then the influx would bring full bottom hole pressure to the surface. However, before this happened the well would probably break down.

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We Must Control The BHP

The BHP must be returned to the shut-in value. We allow a small overbalance as a safety factor, in this example 50 psi. We want to reduce the BHP by 100 psi, to do this we must bleed off some mud. Height of Mud Pressure Gradient = Volume of Mud Height Of Mud Capacity = x Height of Mud 100 0.697 = 143 ft = Volume of Mud 143 x 0.0703 = 10 bbl =

Research & Engineering Slide 7 Sedco Forex Dec93

We know that at the initial shutin the bottom hole pressure was 5673 psi. The well was in control at that point. If we return the bottom hole pressure to its shutin value , then we would remain in control of the well. It would be unwise to try and get back exactly to the initial shutin value as any slight errors could lead to a second influx. For this reason an overpressure is always maintained as a safety factor. In this example we will use 50 psi. The Sedco Forex well control manual recommends a safety factor between 100 and 200 psi. In effect if we want to maintain a 50 psi safety factor then, in this example, we need to reduce the bottom hole pressure by 100 psi. We do this by reducing the hydrostatic pressure applied by the column of mud. We know that each foot of mud applies a small amount of pressure. We can find the height of mud to be removed to lower the pressure. The volume of mud required to fill this height of the well can then be found. In our example we want to reduce the pressure by 100 psi and we know that each foot of mud gives a pressure of 0.697 psi. This means that we must remove 143 ft of mud to reduce the pressure by 100 psi. If each foot of the well has a volume of 0.0703 barrels then we must remove 10 barrels to reduce the height by 143 ft.
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1100 psi

Bleed Off 10 BBLS

1500

6578-??? ft @ 0.697 psi/ft

Casing 1300 Pressure 1100 ( psi )

900 -10 0 10 20 30 40

Volume Bled Off ( bbls )

542 ft @ 0.074 psi/ft ??? ft @ 0.697 psi/ft

5900

Bottom 5800 Hole Pressure 5700 ( psi ) 5600

-10 0 10 20 30 40

Volume Bled Off ( bbls )

Research & Engineering Slide 8 Sedco Forex Dec93

If we now look at how this is achieved on the rig, we have our wellbore picture and the two graphs show casing pressure and bottom hole pressure. We could just let the ten barrels of mud flow out and then close the well in again. If we did this the casing pressure would drop considerably. If we let the casing pressure drop whilst at the same time removing mud from the well, then we would reduce the bottom hole pressure far more than intended and would probably start a second kick. We would not be in control of the well. We must try to maintain a constant casing pressure whilst allowing the gas to expand and the mud to come out of the well. This will require manipulation of the choke to get a steady value. During this bleed off phase the influx will continue to migrate. We can no longer assume that we know the position of the influx. We do know the size we have allowed it to expand to and this in turn will reduce the influx density. The influx will always supply the same hydrostatic pressure. Maintaining good control of the choke whilst bleeding off the mud will allow the bottom hole pressure to reduce by our calculated amount. This new bottom hole pressure will still maintain the well under control.

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1100 psi

Close The Choke Again

1500

Casing 1300 Pressure 1100 ( psi )

542 ft @ 0.074 psi/ft

900 -10

10

20

30

40

Volume Bled Off ( bbls )

5900

Bottom 5800 Hole Pressure 5700 ( psi ) 5600

-10 0 10 20 30 40

Volume Bled Off ( bbls )

Research & Engineering Slide 9 Sedco Forex Dec93

Once the required volume of mud has been bled off, 10 barrels in this case, then the well is shut in again with the choke. The gas will continue to migrate, it had been migrating and expanding during the bleed off phase. As the well is shut in this migration will cause the casing pressure and hence the bottom hole pressure to rise again. We could continue to try to do the hydrostatic sums to find out the new bottom hole pressures but we do not need to. The good thing about the volumetric method is that in practise the only calculation you need to do is the one to find the mud volume to bleed. This volume will automatically correct the bottom hole pressure. When the casing pressure has risen by another step then it is time to carry out the next bleed off phase. We have chosen 100 psi as our step in this example. In practice the pressure step is selected to allow ease of interpretation on the rig gauges, but the Sedco Forex well control manual suggests a range of 50-150 psi.

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1400 psi

Repeat The Cycle ( as often as required )

1500

Casing 1300 Pressure 1100 ( psi )

900 -10 0 10 20 30 40

Volume Bled Off ( bbls )

5900

Bottom 5800 Hole Pressure 5700 ( psi ) 5600

-10 0 10 20 30 40

Volume Bled Off ( bbls )

Research & Engineering Slide 10 Sedco Forex Dec93

This process of allowing the casing pressure to build and then bleeding off the fixed volume whilst holding the casing pressure constant is repeated until the influx is at surface. It is important during all this to maintain a record of times, pressures and volumes. Once the influx is at surface the approach has to change. You will not be able to bleed any further mud off whilst holding the casing pressure constant. The casing pressure must be maintained to keep the well under control. The pressure applied at the choke should now be replaced by mud hydrostatic. Pump a volume of mud into the well. Again we need to calculate the hydrostatic pressure supplied by the mud volume. The mud is allowed to fall through the gas in the well. Any increase in casing pressure caused by the pumping should be noted. Once the mud has settled the casing pressure can be bled back to its previous value, prior to pumping the mud. It can then be further reduced by the hydrostatic pressure supplied by the mud pumped. If mud comes back whilst bleeding down the pressure then the well must be shut in. Further time should be allowed for the mud to fall through the gas. Loss of mud at this stage would reduce the hydrostatic balance and thus the bottom hole pressure. This process is repeated until the all gas is bled off.
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Volumetric Well Control Summary

q q q q q q Let casing pressure rise to create an overbalance Allow casing pressure to rise by a preselected step Bleed off pre-calculated volume holding casing pressure constant Allow casing pressure to rise to the next step, and repeat process Once the gas is at the surface, displace the gas with mud Record Everything
Research & Engineering Slide 11 Sedco Forex Dec93

To summarise the process of volumetric well control q The shut in casing pressure is first allowed to rise by 100200 psi to create an overbalance. This will act as a safety factor during our future choke manipulations The casing pressure is then allowed to rise by pre-selected step. This amount will depend on the ease and accuracy with which we can read the rig pressure gauges, but should be in the 50-150 psi range. We can then remove the volume of mud that would give the same hydrostatic pressure as this pressure step. It is vital whilst doing this to maintain the casing pressure as constant as possible. Once this volume has been bled off the well is shut in. The casing pressure is then allowed to rise by another increment of the pressure step. Once the gas is at the surface pump known volumes of mud to replace the remaining casing pressure with a hydrostatic equivalent. During all this it is important to maintain good records of volumes bled off, pressure rises and times. This way any potential problems can be more easily seen.
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Stripping Operations Bit Off Bottom

1000 psi

q q q q

Well Shut In Known Influx Type, NOT Gas Pipe Stripped In Mud Bled Off Whilst Casing Pressure Held Constant

Research & Engineering Slide 12 Sedco Forex Dec93

If we consider a situation where whilst tripping out of the hole the well started to flow. Once the well was shut in, both with the annular preventer and an inside BOP, we would want to go back to bottom to circulate out the influx. If we knew the area and expected reservoir we may know that there is no gas. If the casing pressure stays constant then there would appear to be no gas migration and again this would point to no gas. We may decide to do a normal stripping operation back to bottom. This is not wise as we shall see later. The pipe would be stripped in through the annular. The casing pressure would be controlled. It would be held as close as possible to the shut in pressure. This would ensure that a hydrostatic balance was maintained in the well.

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Stripping Operations Bit Back To Bottom

1000 psi

q q q q

Well Shut In Steel Pipe Displaces Mud Casing Pressure Kept Constant Mud Bled Off SHOULD equal closed end pipe volume

Research & Engineering Slide 13 Sedco Forex Dec93

Whilst stripping in, the well is effectively a closed container. As pipe enters the well it displaces the mud. In order to maintain the constant casing pressure it should only be necessary to bleed off the closed end displacement of the drill pipe. If everything goes correctly our records should show that whilst we maintain the constant casing pressure the volume of mud returned is the same as the volume of the pipe stripped in.

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Combined Volumetric Well Control & Stripping Operations

The Combined Method Must : q q Allow For Gas Migration Allow For Pipe Volume

In ADDITION It Must q Allow For BHA Entering Influx

Research & Engineering Slide 14 Sedco Forex Dec93

This first approach to stripping operations has one major mistake. When the BHA enters the influx the height of the influx is changed and this affects the hydrostatic balance. This problem is overcome if we use the combined volumetric stripping technique. The combined method allows for both gas migration and the displacement of mud from the well by the drill pipe, which we have already seen. In addition it anticipates the change in the hydrostatic pressures as the BHA enters the influx and incorporates a simple safety factor to allow for this.

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BHA Just Above The Influx

1000 psi

q Well Configuration 8000 ft MD 8 1/2 Diameter 6 1/2 Drill Collars 12 ppg Mud q 10 bbl Gas Influx Influx Height 142 ft
BHP = Mud + Influx + SICP BHP = ( 7858 x 0.624 ) + (142 x 0.1)+ 1000 BHP = 4903 + 14 + 1000 BHP = 5917 psi

Research & Engineering Slide 15 Sedco Forex Dec93

If we look at an 8,000 ft well as an example then we can assess the situation just before the BHA enters the influx during the stripping operation. The casing pressure is being held at 1000 psi. We have assumed a ten barrel influx in the 8 1/2 diameter open hole section of the well. This would give us an influx height of 142 ft. We will also assume that the influx is gas with a gradient of 0.1 psi/ft. We can do exactly the same hydrostatic sum that we did in our volumetric well control example to find the bottom hole pressure. This would give us a bottom hole pressure of 5917 psi.

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Influx Around The BHA Constant Casing Pressure

1000 psi

q q q

Open Hole Capacity

0.0702 bbl/ft

Drill Collar Annulus

0.0292 bbl/ft

Influx Height In Annulus

343 ft ( 142 ft Before BHA )

BHP = Mud + Influx + SICP BHP = ( 7657 x 0.624 ) + (343 x 0.1)+ 1000 BHP = 4778 + 34 + 1000 BHP = 5812 psi

THE BHP HAS DROPPED

Research & Engineering Slide 16 Sedco Forex Dec93

We can now assess the situation just after the BHA has been stripped into the influx. During this stripping operation the casing pressure is being held constant at 1000 psi. We can see that the open hole capacity was 0.0702 bbl/ft and the drill collar annulus capacity is less than half that at 0.0292 bbl/ft. This means that when the influx goes from below the collars to around them then it grows in height from 142 ft to 343 ft. The influx still occupies the same volume so its density remains unchanged. If we re-do the hydrostatic sum with the longer influx and less mud we can see we now have a bottom hole pressure of 5812 psi. This means that even though we have held the casing pressure constant at 1000 psi the bottom hole pressure has dropped by over 100 psi.

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The Safety Factor, Psaf

An Allowance For The Loss Of Hydrostatic Pressure As The Influx Rises From Below The Bit To Around The Drill Collars. Psaf = Change In Height Change In Gradient x Change In Height Height In Annulus Height In Open Hole = Change In Gradient Gradient Of Mud Gradient Of Influx =

Research & Engineering Slide 17 Sedco Forex Dec93

Fortunately because we know the annular capacities and the volume of the influx we can calculate the size of this effect before it happens. We do this by calculating a safety factor Psaf. This is an allowance for the loss in hydrostatic pressure as the influx rises from below the bit to around the drill collars. Looked at as a simple calculation Psaf is the change in height of the influx multiplied by the change in gradient from the mud to the influx. The change in height is the height the influx will occupy in the annulus minus the height it already occupies in the open hole. The change in gradient is the gradient of the fluid currently around the drill collars minus the gradient of the influx that will replace it.

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Change In Height
Height Of Influx In Open Hole Pit Gain Cap = OH Height Of Influx In Annulus Pit Gain Cap = OH/DC

Change In Height ( Pit Gain Cap = OH/DC ) ( Pit Gain Cap ) OH

Research & Engineering Slide 18 Sedco Forex Dec93

To find the height of the influx in the open hole below the bit we only need to know the pit gain and divide that by the capacity of the open hole. Similarly the height the influx will occupy in the drill collar annulus is the pit gain divided by the open hole drill collar capacity. This is another of the worst case assumptions that we make in this method. Once the influx goes past the drill collars to around the drill pipe it will have a smaller effect on the hydrostatic pressure. It would be difficult to tell when this happened, the influx is always considered to be in the worst possible place, around the drill collars. The change in height can then be found from the bottom equation.

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Change In Gradient
Mud Gradient ( psi/ft ) = Mud Weight ( ppg ) x 0.052 Influx Gradient Is Unknown A WORST Case Is Assumed A Gas Influx At 0.1 psi/ft Change In Gradient = Mud Gradient 0.1

Research & Engineering Slide 19 Sedco Forex Dec93

The calculation of the mud gradient, in psi/ft, from the mud weight, in ppg, is straightforward with the use of the 0.052 conversion. As mentioned earlier it is not possible to know the gradient of the influx in this situation. It is assumed to be gas at 0.1 psi/ft. If we had taken a liquid kick such as oil, water or condensate then there would still be a reduction in the bottom hole hydrostatic pressure as the influx moved up around the collars. It would just not be such a large reduction. The use of 0.1 psi/ft would always keep us on the safe side.

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To Calculate Psaf
Psaf = Change In Height Change In Gradient x

Pit Gain Pit Gain x Psaf = CapOH/DC CapOH

Gmud - Ginf

Research & Engineering Slide 20 Sedco Forex Dec93

Now we can combine our two simple equations for the change in influx height and the change in influx gradient. This allows us to work out a value for Psaf before we commence the stripping operations.

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Pre Kick Calculations ( what would 1 barrel do )

1 1 x ( G mud - 0.1 Psaf1 = CapOH/DC CapOH

( and how much mud to bleed off )

Vstep =

( Pstep xCapOH/DC )

Gmud

Research & Engineering Slide 21 Sedco Forex Dec93

The more calculations we can do before a kick situation the better. It reduces the chances for error in a stressful situation and allows more time to ensure that the correct well control procedure is implemented. Obviously we cannot find Psaf until we know what the influx size or pit gain is. We can calculate what a one barrel kick would do. Nothing in this equation should change after the kick. We know our hole size, we know the size of the collars and we know our mud weight. Similarly beforehand we can calculate Vstep, the volume of mud to bleed off to allow for the gas migration. The only thing we must decide to find Vstep is the pressure step increments Pstep we will work in. Earlier we said that the value of Pstep depended very much on the rig pressure gauge configurations, normally it is chosen in the range 50-100 psi. The mud density and annular capacity were already used to find our Psaf for one barrel. Note that the Vstep calculation assumes the influx to be in the worst place, alongside the drill collars.

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After An Influx Can We Strip In ?

The weight of the string in the well must be GREATER than the up force from the SICP and the annular Friction
Upward Force ( lb )

= SICP x

3.14 x Diam x Diam 4

If NOT then we cannot strip in and must continue with standard VOLUMETRIC WELL CONTROL

Research & Engineering Slide 22 Sedco Forex Dec93

After the well has been shut in the rig must be prepared to implement the standard volumetric well control procedures. They can then decide whether or not combined volumetric stripping is possible. The weight of the drill string in the well must be greater than the upward force due to the SICP and the annular friction. The up force is determined from the area of the item in the BOP and the force acting on it. The diameter, Diam, of the item is used to find its area. The friction from the annular BOP is best determined from stripping drills. If combined volumetric stripping is not possible then the rig must continue with volumetric well control procedures.

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After An Influx Record Pit Gain & SICP

Psaf = Pit Gain x P saf1

Pchoke = SICP + Psaf + Pstep

Research & Engineering Slide 23 Sedco Forex Dec93

If we do the previous calculations before any kick situation then after the kick the calculations are simple. There is only one multiplication and then two additions to do. First we must correct our one barrel Psaf to allow for the kick volume. This is a simple multiplication. Then we must calculate Pchoke, the value we will allow the choke pressure to rise to before we start bleeding off. It is the sum of the shut in casing pressure, Psaf ( our allowance for the influx moving up to the collars ) and Pstep ( our working increment on the rig pressure gauges ).

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Shut Well In & Record Data Follow Volumetric Well Control Procedures No Volumetric Stripping Possible ? Yes

Volumetric Stripping Outline Procedure

Carry Out Volumetric Stripping Checklist Find Pchoke & Vstep Strip Pipe In Hole Do Not Bleed Off Mud Until Pchoke Reached When Pchoke reached start calculating closed end pipe volume

No Strip One Stand Bleed Off Mud Maintain Pchoke Constant On Completion of Stand Remove Closed End Volume of Pipe Find Extra Volume Is the Extra Volume equal to or greater than Vstep ? Yes Strip Pipe with Choke Closed Until New Pchoke Reached Close Choke Find New Pchoke & Vstep

Research & Engineering Slide 24 Sedco Forex Dec93

We can take an overview of the outline procedure in the flow chart. From our shut in casing pressure we have decided we can strip in and have found our values for Pchoke and Vstep. We run pipe until the choke pressure reaches Pchoke, this may very well be in the first stand. Once this pressure is reached we continue stripping, but we bleed off mud to maintain Pchoke. All this manipulation requires good planning and communication at the rig site. We have previously calculated the volume Vstep that we can allow to bleed off before we have to close the well in again. This volume assumed no pipe was stripped in. This makes it slightly more complex now than in our previous volumetric well control example with no pipe. We have to subtract the closed end volume of pipe from the amount bled off to give us our Extra Volume. When the Extra Volume is in excess of the closed end volume by Vstep then we close the well in again. Whilst stripping we let our Choke Pressure rise by another step to a new Pchoke. Once the new Pchoke is reached then the process repeats itself.

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Volumetric Stripping Rig Practises

We said earlier that we have to allow for the volume of the pipe stripped in the hole. There are two ways to do this dependant on the rig configuration :q q Without Stripping Tank With Stripping Tank

Research & Engineering Slide 25 Sedco Forex Dec93

One difficulty during the stripping operation is to try and maintain track of the volume of mud bled off and the volume of pipe stripped in. This difference is calculated after each stand has been stripped in. No allowance is made for any pipe volume stripped in before Pchoke is reached. It is this difference between the two figures that allows us to see when we have reached our value of Vstep. This indicates that we have to close the well in again. There are two ways to do this ; q q Without a stripping tank With a stripping tank

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Without Stripping Tank

q Straightforward Calculation

Extra Volume = Trip Tank Closed End Disp q q q Amount Of Gas Expansion Reduction Of Hydrostatic Stripping Tank Is Simply A Mechanical Calculator

Research & Engineering Slide 26 Sedco Forex Dec93

The standard way is to do a simple calculation. The extra volume is the increase in the trip tank level minus the closed end displacement of the drill pipe stripped in after Pchoke is reached. This shows us how the gas has expanded. This gives us a controlled reduction in hydrostatic pressure to allow for the gas migration. The use of a stripping tank is in effect using a mechanical calculator.

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With Stripping Tank

Calibrated Trip Tank

16 bbl 14 bbl 10 bbl 8 bbl 6 bbl 4 bbl 2 bbl

Calibrated Stripping Tank 3 Stands 2 Stands 1 Stand

Research & Engineering Slide 27 Sedco Forex Dec93

With the stripping tank, when the mud is being bled off to maintain a value of Pchoke it is returned to the trip tank as usual. However after each stand has been stripped in the closed end volume of the stand is bled off to a tank calibrated in stands. Once a calibrated stand volume has been removed then any gain in the trip tank is due to the controlled gas expansion. The use of a stripping tank requires good communication and coordination as there is normally another person involved in the chain to monitor the stripping tank. It is imperative that he is told when to bleed off a stand and he in turn must tell the drill floor when he has finished.

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Volumetric Stripping Summary

q q q q q q Know How To Apply It To Your Rig Stripping Drills Help Keep Calculations Up To Date Good Records Good Communications Increases Safety For Crew & Rig

Research & Engineering Slide 28 Sedco Forex Dec93

This presentation has covered the theory and an outline practice for volumetric stripping. It cannot tell you how to apply it to your rig. You now know the steps required but you must decide how each of the steps can be practically carried out. The notes you have been given include sample check-lists and worksheets. These, in conjunction with the well control manual, will give you a head start in working out a rig procedure. They should not be used straight from the book. Once you have developed a procedure for your rig then stripping drills in cased and cemented hole will help identify any points that may have been overlooked. The situation will be helped if you keep the calculations up to date. This means less time will be lost prior to implementing the procedure. During a stripping operation it is important to keep good records of volumes and pressures so that you can understand and follow what is going on. This record keeping is greatly simplified if good two way communication is established between all the personnel. The use of volumetric stripping allows the bit to be returned to bottom whilst maintaining control of the well. This makes the final well kill a more straightforward operation which in turn leads to increased safety for the crew and the rig.
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