MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND ENERGY INDUSTRIES

DRAFT DOCUMENT

GUIDELINES

FOR

DRILLING

OIL AND NATURAL GAS WELLS

November 30, 1996

 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The following reference documents were useful in drafting the

guidelines:-

1. Guidelines for Drilling, Danish Energy Agency,

1985.

2. Code of Federal Regulations 30 CFR 250,

Mineral Management Service, 1991.

3. Information Requirements, Ministry of Energy

and Energy Industries, 1993.

4. Code of Practice for Drilling and Production

Rigs, Ministry of Energy and Energy
Industries, 1990.
These guidelines apply to approval and supervision, which, in

consequence of Chap. 62:01, have been delegated to the

Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.

These guidelines apply to the drilling of oil and natural gas

wells. Some guidelines have specific relevance for offshore

wells.

It must be noted that specifications are given as guidance and

that other means of achieving corresponding conditions

regarding safety and data acquisition might be approved.

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1. PERMISSION TO DRILL

Prior to the drilling of a well, the operator shall

submit a Well Drilling Programme (DRL 2 form) to the

Ministry for approval. Drilling shall not commence until

permission to drill has been granted.

2. DRILLING PROGRAMME

The drilling programme shall state unambiguously how the

operations connected to the drilling of the well are

expected to be carried out. Parts of the information

required concerning the drilling programme may be

forwarded as separate attachments. The well should be

identified as part of a field development or enhanced

recovery programme, if applicable.

2.1 Well drilling programmes (DRL 2) in triplicate and

attachments in duplicate, shall be submitted at

least 21 days before drilling is scheduled to

start. The programme shall be completed in

accordance with "The Instructions for the

Preparation of Well Drilling Programme" (Appendix

`A'). The following shall be submitted along with

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 the Well Drilling Programme (DRL 2).

2.1.1 Well deviation programme including a deviation

tolerance sketch showing azimuth and hole inclination,

and procedures to achieve same.

2.1.2 Name of drilling rig and/or platform and date

certified by the Ministry in accordance with Code of

Practice for Drilling and Production Rigs (1990).

2.1.3 A description of the anticipated geological

horizons.

(a) Stratigraphic column showing and describing

anticipated lithology, as well as stating the planned

casing points.

(b) Structure, contour, isopach and cross-section maps

on the objective horizons showing the proposed well in

relation to nearby wells.

In the case of exploration, new-field development and

special wells:

(a) Representative, interpreted seismic sections through

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 the planned well.

(b) Depth and time structure maps and cross-sections

showing primary and secondary prospects.

(c) The velocity functions used in the area.

2.1.4 Casing and Cementing Programmes

The programmes shall contain :

(a) Procedure for setting surface string (drive pipe,

conductor, stove pipe, structural pipe).

(b) Programme for cementing of casing, including type of

cement, estimated height of cement behind the casing, and

necessary volumes of cement.

(c) Casing design safety factors for tension, collapse

and burst with the assumptions made to arrive at these

values. The intent to install previously used casing

should be indicated.

(d) Procedure for testing the formation strength after

drilling out each casing shoe, and precautions to be

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 taken if the required formation strength is not obtained.

(e) Procedures for testing casing, liners and liner

laps.

(f) Contingency plan to reach objectives in the event of

significant change to the proposed casing programme.

2.1.5 Drilling Fluid Programme, containing the following:

(a) A detailed description of the type of drilling fluid

to be used during drilling, specifying density,

viscosity, rheological properties etc.

(b) A detailed description of the components of the

drilling fluid.

(c) A list of anticipated drilling problems and

alterations to the mud system to overcome same.

(d) Procedure for monitoring the drilling fluid volume

during tripping.

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 (e) Procedure for safe disposal of drilling fluids and

cuttings.

2.1.6 Logging programme, containing details of types of

logs to be run at various intervals. This should include

MWD, LWD, mud logs, wireline logs and drill-pipe and

coiled tubing conveyed logs.

2.1.7 Programme for taking geological samples, including a

programme for core sampling during drilling.

2.1.8 Blowout Prevention Methods and Equipment

(a) A list of the blowout prevention equipment to

be used for each hole size, specifying

manufacturer, size, working pressure, and

arrangement.

2.1.9 Abnormal pressures.

(a) An evaluation of the possibilities of

overpressures in the well in question, based on

seismic data and/or experience from neighbouring

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 wells.

(b) A description of methods and procedures to be

used for detecting and combating any overpressure

in the well.

2.1.10 An evaluation of the possibilities of encountering

zones with poisonous gases in the well, including

description of methods for detecting and handling of

same.

2.1.11 An evaluation of the possibilities of encountering

gas pockets and handling same, based on seismic data and

experience from neighbouring wells.

2.1.12 A list of any other foreseeable drilling problems

(if any) which may be encountered during the drilling of

the well, and information on precautions planned in this

connection. For example, drilling through gumbo shales

or losing circulation.

2.1.13 A detailed sequence of all operations. The summary

shall give a general description of the operations,

including information on any special safety related

requirements (caused by e.g. possible gas pocket or

abnormal pressure).

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 An Operations Plan containing a detailed sequence

of all operations. All of the above requirements

may be included in this Plan.

Information regarding function, name, address and

nationality of the contractor companies to be

employed for the well in question.

2.1.14 Procedures for environmental remediation of the well

site.

2.1.15 For exploration wells and wells which may contain

poisonous gases, a contingency plan for use in the event

of major accidents or emergency situations regarding

safety as well as environment.

2.1.16 Drilling time graph

2.1.17 Cost details

2.1.18 Reserves expected.

2.2 Amendment to Drilling Programme

If any major changes to the originally approved drilling

programme are planned, an amended programme or a written

request must be submitted to the Ministry of Energy for

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 approval.

3. DRILLING ACTIVITIES

3.1 Notice of spudding a well (Form DRL3) must be sent to the

Ministry.

During drilling operations, all necessary steps

shall be taken to prevent explosion, blowouts, pollution,

or other damage. The safety related drilling equipment

shall be installed as required.

Apart from drilling prior to setting the conductor pipe,

drilling must not

be carried out before blowout preventers/diverter system

and related equipment have been installed and tested.

3.2 Casing strings and liners shall be installed in the

borehole to prevent release of fluids from any stratum

through the wellbore (directly or indirectly) into the

environment, prevent communication between separate

hydrocarbon-bearing strata, protect freshwater aquifers

from contamination, support unconsolidated sediments, and

otherwise provide a means of control of the formation

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 pressures and fluids.

A hardening test for each cement job shall be

carried out.

(a) Drive/conductor/stove pipe (casing) shall be set at

such a depth below surface such that unconsolidated

formations are supported and a stable hole ensured for

initial drilling operations.

Prior to drilling out from the drive/conductor

casing, a diverter system shall be installed and

tested operationally.

(b) Surface casing shall be installed in such a manner

that a good anchorage of the blowout preventer is

secured. Surface casing shall be cemented over its full

length. The cement shall be given sufficient time to set

before further drilling is carried out.

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 The conductor casing shall be set immediately prior

to drilling into formations known to contain oil or

gas or, if the presence of oil or gas is unknown,

upon encountering a formation containing oil or

gas.

Prior to drilling out surface casing, the blowout

preventer equipment shall be installed and tested

in accordance with the Ministry's Code of Practice

for Drilling and Production Rigs.

(c) Intermediate casing shall be installed in such a way

that full control of the well is maintained at all times.

Intermediate casing shall be cemented at least

200m into the previous casing but shall if

relevant, for instance as protection for ground

water, be cemented right to the surface. The

cementing programme shall ensure that all zones

containing hydrocarbons as well as all intervals

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 with abnormal pressures are isolated.

Prior to drilling out intermediate and subsequent

casing, an adequate blowout preventer stack shall

be installed and tested.

(d) Production casing shall be cemented to provide

annular fill-up to a minimum of 200 m above all zones to

be isolated or 200 m above the casing shoe in wells where

zonal isolation is not required.

(e) A liner shall be lapped a minimum of 30 m and

cemented over its full length.

3.3 Temperature surveys or cement bond logs shall be run

after the cementing of surface and intermediate casing if

these have not been cemented back to the sea-bed/surface

with satisfactory quantity of cement returns. After

cementing the production casing and liner, a cement bond

log shall be run. If the evaluation indicates inadequate

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 cementing, remedial action shall be taken.

3.4 Casing strings shall be designed and installed in such a

way that they can withstand any pressure which may be

expected in the well during drilling, testing, and

stimulation.

After the casing strings have been installed, they shall

be pressure tested. All casings except drive/conductor/

stove pipe shall be pressure tested to 70 percent of the

minimum internal yield pressure of the casing. If the

pressure test fails, remedial action shall be taken until

a satisfactory pressure test is obtained.

Installation of used casing is not permitted unless it

has been recently tested and inspected by an independent

inspection company and satisfactory strength of pipe and

connections are documented (certified).

Pressure testing of the formation strength below the

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 casing shoe shall be performed after drilling no more

than 10 feet of new hole. A safe margin shall be

maintained between the mud weight in use and the

equivalent mud weight at the casing shoe. Drilling

operations shall be suspended when the safe margin is not

maintained.

4 MUD PROGRAMME

4.1 The quantities, properties, use and testing of

drilling mud shall be designed to prevent the loss

of well control. Drilling operations shall be

suspended in the absence of sufficient quantities

of mud in order to maintain well control.

Sufficient amounts of materials for mixing of

drilling fluid shall at all times be available on

the well site so that loss of drilling fluid and

need for an increase of the drilling fluid density

can be handled immediately in a proper and safe

way.

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 Drill pipe and downhole tool running and pulling

speeds shall be at controlled rates so as not to

induce an influx of formation fluids from the

effects of swabbing nor cause a loss of drilling

fluid and corresponding hydrostatic pressure

decrease from the effects of surging.

4.2 Before starting out of the hole with drill pipe,

the mud shall be properly conditioned by

circulation with the drill pipe just off bottom to

the extent that a volume of drilling mud equal to

the annular volume is displaced.

The hole must be stable before pulling the drill

string out of the hole.

4.3 When the drill string is being pulled out of the

hole, the hole should be maintained full at all

times.

When there is an indication of swabbing or influx

of formation fluids, the safety devices and

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 measures necessary to control the well shall be

employed. The mud shall be circulated and

conditioned, on or near bottom, unless well or mud

conditions prevent running the drill pipe back to

the bottom.

4.4 During drilling, the drilling fluid reconditioning

equipment shall be used to the necessary extent to

separate gas and cuttings from the fluid.

4.5 Mud-testing equipment shall be maintained on the

drilling rig at all times, and mud tests shall be

performed once each tour, or more frequently, as

conditions warrant. Mud quality shall be

maintained for safe operations, prevention of

downhole equipment problems, and for kick

detection.

Mud monitoring equipment shall be installed and

used when mud returns are established and

throughout subsequent drilling operations in

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 accordance with the Code of Practice for Drilling

and Workover Rigs.

4.6 Oil based mud or mud containing chemicals which can

be detrimental to the health or environment, can

only be utilized when special approval is given by

the Ministry.

Mud-handling areas where dangerous concentrations

of combustible gas may accumulate shall be equipped

with ventilation systems and gas monitors.

5. ABNORMAL FORMATION PRESSURE DETECTION

5.1 The monitoring and recording of data for evaluation of

formation pore pressures, and of hydrocarbon content and

its relation to the drilling fluid density, drilling

rate, etc. shall be started immediately after drilling

out from the drive/conductor pipe and shall be continued

until the well has reached total depth.

5.2 Recognized measuring methods, parameters, calculation

methods shall be used at all times in evaluation of the

possibility of encountering abnormal pressures.

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6. SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

All drilling operations shall be conducted in accordance

with local and international safety and environmental

requirements with a view to protect people, plant,

property and the environment.

7. SUPERVISION AND SURVEILLANCE

(a) The operator shall provide onsite supervision of

drilling operations on a 24-hour per day basis.

(b) From the time drilling operations are initiated and

until the well is completed or abandoned, a member

of the drilling crew or the toolpusher shall

maintain rig-floor surveillance continuously,

unless the well is secured with BOP's, bridge

plugs, packers, cement plugs or sub-surface safety

valves.

8. SECURING OF WELLS

A downhole safety device such as a sub-surface safety

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 valve, cement plug, bridge plug, or packer shall be used

to shut-in wells when drilling operations are interrupted

by events such as those which force evacuation of the

drilling crew, prevent station keeping, or require

repairs to major drilling or well-control equipment.

9. INITIAL COMPLETION

Before initial completion of a well can be carried out

all relevant logs shall be submitted to and the

completion and test programme be approved by the

Ministry.

10. ABANDONMENT OF WELL

Prior to the abandonment of a well, the hole shall be

plugged according to procedures approved by the Ministry.

11. DAILY REPORTS

From the time the drilling rig is positioned at the well

site or slot and until the rig is re-positioned, the

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 Ministry shall receive daily before 9.00 a.m., by telefax

or other acceptable means, reports on operations and

results during the last 24 hours. The reports shall at

least cover the activities to 6.00 a.m. on the reporting

day. The Ministry may establish special rules for

reporting during weekends and holidays.

The reporting shall be in the format of the IADC Drilling

Report and at least contain the information detailed in

Appendix `B'.

The Ministry may prescribe more detailed rules for the

presentation of the reports.

12. FINAL WELL REPORT

Within three months after the completion of a well, a

final Well Report shall be forwarded to the Ministry in

accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry.

APPENDIX `A'

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF WELL DRILLING PROGRAMME

GENERAL

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Name of Form : Well Drilling Programme

Objective : To notify the Ministry of Energy and Energy

Industries of Intention to drill a well/wells
and to request approval of same as described
on the programme. Additional documents may be
appended as considered necessary.

Frequency : As occurs.

Due Date : At least 30 days before proposed date of

commencement of drilling.

Cut-off Date : Drilling must commence within 90 days of

approval of the programme by the Ministry. If
drilling is not commenced within this period
the Programme is invalid and must be
resubmitted if necessary.

Copies : Original plus two copies.

Distribution : Director Operations, Ministry of Energy

and Energy Industries, Box 142, San Fernando

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 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF WELL DRILLING PROGRAMME

PAGE 1 OF DRL 2

Lessee/Owner : Enter name of company or person holding

lease.

Operator : Enter the name of the company or person

operating the lease.

Programme No. : Well drilling programmes will be

identified by a seven digit number. The
first two digits will identify the
company. The next three digits will be a
sequential number assigned to each
individual company for programmes from
1st January to 31st December of each
year. The final two digits will
represent the last two digits of the year
in which the programme is submitted, e.g.
01-047-`66. This means that Oil Company
No. 1 (01), is drilling its 47th well
(047) for 1966 (`66).

Field/Location : Enter the name of the Field in which the

well is located or if no field, enter a
short geographical description.

Lease Number : Enter the lease number.

Well Number : Enter the well number if known.

Well Classification : Enter a brief description of

the well classification; for example,
injection, observation, or development;
or if a Lahee well, describe according to
the modified Lahee definition of wells,
i.e. A1, A2a, A2b, A2c, or A3.

Location
identification :

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Location Number :

Surface Objective : Enter the cadastral locations of the well

(top) Bottom Hole at the depths indicated, as accurately as
is possible at this time.

Co-ordinates (links) :

Surface Objective : Enter the location co-ordinates as the

Bottom Hole number of links north
and east of the base point.

ELEVATIONS :

R.T. above M.S.L. : Enter the height in feet of the Rotary

Table (R.T. above Mean Sea Level (M.S.L.).

Ground level above : Enter the height in feet of the ground at

MSL this well site,above Mean Sea Level. For
marine wells quote mean water depth as
negative figure.

RIGHTS :

Surface rights Enter under each heading whether Crown or

Subsurface rights Private. If Private, state whether
Freehold or Leasehold.

Boundary Conditions: If the well is situated within 500' of

Relating to one or more boundaries
of adjacent Contiguous Lease/
leases/fields, enter from left to right
Fields : (i) the owner or lessee of such
other lease(s)/fields(s).

(ii) The names of the adjacent

lease(s)/fields(s) as the case may be,

(iii) the distance of the well
from such lease(s)/field(s).

Geological Forecast : Enter a description of the expected

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 stratigraphy of this well, noting drilled and
subsea depths of each marker.

Programmed Depths: Enter the proposed vertical subsea and

Subsea Surface drilled depths in feet.

Drilling Deviation : Enter the acceptable variance from the

Tolerance planned axis of the well=bore.

Well Site Location : Enter where possible, a brief structural

and Accessibility description of the region in which the
well is to be located and comment on
accessibility to the well site.

Objectives and : Enter the objectives of this well in

Geological terms of horizon, sand, reservoir etc,
and justify the location of the well in terms
of geological information, both known and
expected.

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 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF WELL DRILLING PROGRAMME

PAGE 2 OF DRL 2

Basis for Mud : Enter the basis for the mud

programme.
Programme including Where this depends upon the behaviour
drilling histories
of nearby wells, enter a brief drilling
of nearby wellshistory with particular
reference to difficulties encountered.

MUD PROGRAMME:

Hole Depth : Enter for each depth interval the

weight
Mud Weight Composition and type and composition of the mud
to be Type and used. Depths to be given
in feet, and the weights in pounds per
cubic foot or pounds per gallon.

DISTANCES TO NEAREST
WELLS AT OBJECTIVE
HORIZON:

Horizon : For each important horizon, marker and

Well No. depth to be penetrated by the proposed
Direction well, enter in the appropriate columns:
Distance
(a) the well no. of each first line
well;

(b) the approximate compass direction;

and (c) the approximate horizontal distance

in feet of each adjacent well from
the proposed well.

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SUMMARY OF CASING
PROGRAMME:

Hole:

(i) Size : Enter the diameter of the drilled hole in

inches.

(ii) Depth : Enter the depth in feet of the well

in the indicated hole.
Casing:

(i) Size : Enter the outside diameter

(O.D.) of the casing in inches.

(ii) Weight, Grade : Enter the weight in pounds per linear

foot and the grade in standard symbols of
the casing set.

(iii) Shoe at : Enter the depth in feet of the shoe

of each string set.

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 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF WELL DRILLING PROGRAMME

PAGE 3 OF DRL 2

Drilling and : State here a detailed proposal of the

drilling and sampling
Sampling Programme programme. The programme for setting and
cementing the oil and string and for
completing the well should also be cleared in
advance with the Ministry of Energy and Energy
Industries.

Proposed well head : Enter a description of the proposed well

equipment head equipment.

Index of Attachment: Give here a list of all supporting

to Well Programme documents submitted with the Well
Programme. For example, Cross Sections,
Contour of horizons, deviation plans and
encroachment plans.

Signature : Signature of person authorised to sign on

behalf of the Company.

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 APPENDIX `B'

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DAILY DRILLING REPORT

Reporting date

Well identification

Drilling platform/drilling rig

Operator

Total days on the drilling site

Present operation

Present well depth, including measured depth and true

vertical depth.

Drilling progress during the last 24 hours.

Detailed description of operations during the last 24

hours, indicating essential results, as well as a
description of operational problems encountered as well
as problems anticipated.

When relevant, at least the following conditions shall be

described:

(a) Significant down hole loss or gain

in drilling fluid system.

(b) Problems with well stability.

(c) Problems in controlling or monitoring well

direction.

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(d) Substantial deviation from the
anticipated geological conditions.

(e) Substantial deviation from

anticipated formation pressures,
either at current depth or abnormal
pressure predicted below the bit.
(f) Casing operations, including casing
data (diameter, weight and type, as
well as setting depth), and
cementing data (density, volume,
expected top as well as indications,
if any, of good or bad cementing
quality).

(g) Pressure tests of both equipment and

formation.

(h) Logging, indicating intervals logged

and problems, if any.

(i) Test production, listing principal

results from the testing, including
the volume of fluid and gas
production as well as pressures and
temperatures.

(j) Plugging operations performed,

including results from testing of
the plugs.

(k) Intervals perforated, perforation

density and type.

(l) Hydraulic and chemical treatment of

formation performed, including
information on the operations
carried out.

Drilling Fluid rheology data, including density in and

out of the borehole, viscosity, loss of water, pH, oil

content, tracer concentration, and main components.

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 The gas content of the drilling fluid out of the borehole
during drilling, connection and trip, indicating total
gas and gas components, as well as background gas for
circulated drilling fluid.

Hole size.

Last casing size.

Last casing setting depth.

Test pressure for formation below the casing shoe.

Maximum permissible surface pump pressure with actual

drilling fluid density.
Wave height and direction.

Wind force and direction.

Barometric pressure and air temperature.

Directional surveys performed.

The well inclination and direction, as well as horizontal

and vertical position, as calculated from the latest
directional survey.

Description of the geological formations penetrated

during the reporting period, indicating depth, lithology,
colour, grain size, porosity and expected geological age,
including detailed results from the preliminary core
descriptions.

Hydrocarbon indications.

Drilling rate in the penetrated layers.

Costs for the last 24 hours.

Cumulative costs.

Safety meetings and drills held.

Accidents or pollution incidents.

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All wireline logs, MWD logs, mud logs and computer-
generated logs must reach the Director, Operations
within one working day after their being run or
generated.

Geolograph Charts

Any other relevant data.

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