IWCF PREPARATORY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

PART-1

1. What is the PRIMARY means of preventing kicks?

Closing in the well with the BOPs.
Monitoring pit levels and flow rate to recognise a kick.
Taking regular slow circulating rate pressures.
The use of mud hydrostatic to balance fluid pressure in the
formation.

2. What is the PRIMARY means used to prevent formation fluid entering the well
bore?
The BOP stack.
The Annular Preventer.
Hydrostatic pressure of the mud.
Monitoring trips.

3. What is the correct definition of ‘Primary Well Control’ during normal drilling
operations?
Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by using BOP
equipment when the hydrostatic pressure in the well bore does not balance
or exceed the formation pressure.
Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by keeping the
dynamic pressure loss in the annulus equal to or greater than formation
pressure.
Preventing a kick by maintaining drilling mud hydrostatic pressure
equal to or greater than formation pressure.
Preventing the flow of formation fluid into the well bore by maintaining the
sum of drilling mud hydrostatic pressure and dynamic pressure loss in the
annulus equal to or greater than formation pressure.

4. A well 9,850 feet (TVD) is filled with 9.2 ppg brine.

8-1
 The plan is to run in the hole to 6,200 feet TVD (6,600 feet measured depth) and
displace with drill water (8.4 ppg).

What will the hydrostatic pressure be at 9,850 feet when the drill water has been
circulated back to the surface?
4,815 psi
4,303 psi.
4,454 psi.
5,164 psi.

5. In a well with gas cut mud, when is the reduction in bottom hole pressure
greatest?
When the gas is at the casing shoe.
When the gas is at bottom.
When the gas reaches the surface.

6. Gas cut mud may reduce the bottom hole pressure enough to cause a well kick;
when is bottom hole pressure reduced most?
When the gas is at the bottom.
When the gas is near the surface.
When the gas is halfway up the well bore.

7. A well is shut in on a 30 bbl kick, with the bit on bottom.

Hole size 8-1/2 inch

Hole depth 10,000 feet
Drill pipe 5 inch, 19.5 lbs/ft
Drill collars 6-1/2 inch x 3 inch, length = 360 feet
Open hole/drill collar capacity 0.0291 bbls/ft
Open hole/drill pipe capacity 0.0447 bbls/ft

Calculate the length of the influx assuming.

797 feet

8-2
8. Calculate the reduction in bottom hole pressure when circulating gas cut mud in
the following well:

Vertical depth = 7,000 feet

Surface to 800 feet mud weight = 11.2 ppg
800 – 2,100 feet mud weight = 11.8 ppg
2,100 feet to bottom mud weight = 12.5 ppg
Original mud weight = 12.5 ppg

76 psi.
101 psi.
139 psi.

9. How will bottom hole pressure be affected by gas cut mud whilst drilling?
There will be a small drop.
There will be a large drop.
There will be no change.
10. Which of the following would be the immediate effect of swabbing?
Reduction in bottom hole pressure.
A kick.
Losses.
Increase in bottom hole pressure.

11. Which of the following are likely to increase the chance of swabbing?

(THREE ANSWERS)
Pulling through tight hole with the pump off.
Pulling pipe too quickly.
Pulling pipe too slowly.
Pumping out of the hole.
Pulling through tight hole with the pump on.
High mud viscosity.

12. Which of the following increase the risk of swabbing?

8-3
 (THREE ANSWERS)
Low permeability formation.
Viscous mud.
Spiral drill collars in the BHA.
Tripping out too fast.
Balled up stabilisers.

13. Over pull while tripping out is a stuck pipe warning sign.
What well control problem may be associated with over pull?
Swabbing.
Losses
Hydrogen Sulphide gas.
Surging.

14. Which of the following increase surge pressures when running in the hole.

(TWO ANSWERS)
Small annular clearance.
Large bit nozzles.
Running-in slowly.
High gel strength mud.
Large annular clearance.
Low gel strength mud.

15. When pulling out of the hole from the top of the reservoir at 10,000 feet swab
pressures are calculated to be 150psi.

Mud Weight = 10.2 ppg.

Formation Pressure = 5200 psi.

Will the well flow?

No.
Yes.

8-4
16. WELL DATA

Drill Pipe Capacity 0.01776 bbls/ft

Drill Pipe Metal Displacement 0.0083 bbls/ft
Average Stand Length 93 feet

Calculate the mud required to fill the hole per stand when pulled ‘dry’.
. 0.77 bbls

17. WELL DATA

Drill Pipe Capacity 0.01776 bbls/ft

Drill Pipe Metal Displacement 0.0083 bbls/ft
Average Stand Length 93 feet

Calculate the mud required to fill the hole per stand when pulled ‘wet’.
. 2.42 bbls

18. A vertical well has been drilled to a depth of 7,480 feet.

Casing shoe depth 3,800 feet

Mud weight 12 ppg
Pore pressure gradient (7,480 feet) 0.6 psi/ft
Open hole capacity 0.1458 bbls/ft
Casing capacity 0.1571 bbls/ft
Drill pipe metal displacement 0.008 bbls/ft

How many complete stands can be pulled dry before the well flows? (Assume
one stand equals 93 feet)
. 57 stands.

8-5
19. Two stands of drill collars are pulled from the well (dry)

Drill collar capacity 0.0073 bbls/ft

Drill collar metal displacement 0.0370 bbls/ft

How many barrels of drilling mud should be pumped into the well? (Assume one
stand equals 90 feet)
5.5 bbls.
6.6 bbls.
1.3 bbls.
7.9 bbls.

20. A vertical well has been drilled to a depth of 9,400 feet

Casing shoe depth 5,100 ft

Mud weight 12 ppg
Pore pressure gradient (9,400 feet) 0.6 psi/ft
Open hole capacity 0.146 bbls/ft
Casing capacity 0.157 bbls/ft
Drill pipe metal displacement 0.008 bbls/ft

How many complete stands can be pulled dry before the well flows? (Assume
one stand equals 93 feet)
72 stands

21. Which of the following causes of well kicks is totally avoidable and due to a lack
of alertness by the Driller?
Lost circulation.
Gas cut mud.
Not keeping the hole full.
Abnormal pressures.

8-6
22. On pulling out of the well from 10,000 feet, the first 930 feet of 5 inch drill pipe
is pulled wet without filling the hole (no mud returning to the well).

WELL DATA
Casing capacity 0.074 bbls/ft
Drill pipe capacity 0.0178 bbls/ft
Drill pipe steel displacement 0.0077 bbls/ft
Mud Weight 11.4 ppg

What is the drop in bottom hole pressure

84psi.
290 psi.
220 psi.
140 psi.

23. On a trip out of the hole the hole fill pump was stopped and the complete BHA
was pulled dry.

Hole size 81/2 inch

Length of BHA 600 feet
Internal capacity of BHA 0.006 bbls/ft
Steel displacement of BHA 0.03 bbls/ft
Internal capacity of casing 0.072 bbls/ft
Capacity between BHA and casing 0.035 bbls/ft
Mud weight 12 ppg

Calculate the reduction in bottom hole pressure?

250 psi.
208 psi.
156 psi.
127 psi.

8-7
24. Whilst running 9-5/8 inch casing, 15 joints are run without filling the string.

Mud weight 10.8 ppg

Casing capacity 0.0719 bbls/ft
Annular capacity 0.0558 bbls/ft
Casing joint 40 feet

If the float valve was to fail at this point, what would be the reduction in bottom
hole pressure?
190 psi.

25. A 20 bbl heavy slug with a weight of 13 ppg is pumped before pulling out of the
hole. TVD = 9,750 feet. The level in the pipe falls by 180 feet.
What is the change in bottom hole pressure if the original mud weight was 10.7
ppg?
1,200 psi
100 psi.
0 psi.
180 psi.

26. Before pulling out of the hole a 20 bbl heavy slug is pumped and followed by 15
bbls of regular mud.

WELL DATA

Depth of hole (RKB) 10,400 feet

Drilling mud weight 11.0 ppg
Heavy slug weight 13.0 ppg
Drill pipe capacity 0.01776 bbl/ft
Surface line volume 10 bbls

How far will the mud level in the string drop when the well has equalised?
62 feet.
180 feet.
205 feet.

8-8
 307 feet.

27. Before a trip out of the well, a slug was pumped and chased by mud with returns
to the pit. The pumps were stopped. The trip tank was lined up on the well.
The top-drive was then disconnected and the slug allowed to fall.

WELL DATA
Well depth 8,000 feet
Drill pipe internal capacity 0.0176 bbls/ft
Mud weight 9.8 ppg
Slug weight 11.3 ppg
Slug volume in the string 20 bbls

Calculate the mud volume increase in the trip tank.

3 bbls.
15 bbls.
20 bbls.

28. Prior to starting a trip out of the well, a heavy slug was pumped.

WELL DATA
Drill pipe capacity 0.0177 bbls/ft
Annulus capacity DP/Casing 0.0514 bbls/ft
Mud weight 10.8 ppg
Slug weight 13.3 ppg
Slug volume inside the drill pipe 15 bbls
Well depth 10,200 feet

How far will the mud level drop when the well has equalised?
197 feet.
247 feet.
597 feet.
847 feet.

8-9
29. During normal drilling operations 30 bbls of light mud is pumped into the string
followed by original mud. The Driller shuts down with the light mud still inside
the drill pipe and observes the well.

WELL DATA
Well depth (TVD) 9,000 feet
Drill pipe capacity 0.0176 bbls/ft
Original mud weight 12 ppg
Light mud weight 10 ppg

Which of the following is correct?

Bottom hole pressure will remain the same, but a back pressure of
177 psi will be seen on the drill pipe pressure gauge.
Bottom hole pressure will increase 177 psi.
Bottom hole pressure will drop by 177 psi.

30. With the pumps running continuously a heavy mud pill is circulated. When will
bottom hole pressure start to increase (ignore dynamic pressure losses in the
well)?
Once all the pill is in the annulus.
Once the pill starts to be displaced into the annulus.
As soon as the pill is pumped into the drill string.
Once all the pill is inside the drill string and is about to exit the bit.

31. With the pumps running continuously a light mud pill is circulated. When will
bottom hole pressure start to decrease (ignore dynamic pressure losses in the
well)?
As soon as the pill starts to be pumped down the drill string.
Once all the pill is pumped inside the drill string and is about to exit the bit.
Once the pill starts to be displaced into the annulus.
Once all the pill is in the annulus.

32. Does a kick always occur after a total loss of circulation?

No, it depends on the mud level in the annulus and the formation
pressure.

8 - 10
 Yes, losses will always occur above any potential kick zone.
No, it depends on the reduction in drill string weight.

33. While drilling ahead through a faulted formation, the flow meter drops from 60%
to 35%.
What is the most likely cause of this?
There is a washout in the string.
Partial lost circulation has occurred.
A kick has been swabbed in.
Total lost circulation has occurred.

34. Whilst drilling ahead, partial losses are measure at 10 bbls/hour. A total power
loss occurs.
Annular capacity 0.1512 bbls/ft (with pipe).
Mud weight 10.2 ppg.
If the hole cannot be filled, what will be the reduction in bottom hole pressure
after 4 hours?
250 psi.
560 psi.
175 psi.
140 psi.

35. When drilling with water based mud, a complete loss of returns occurs and no
mud is visible when looking down the hole.
What is the first action to take?
Pump lost circulation material immediately.
Pump a heavy slug into the annulus.
Fill the annulus with water and record the volume added.
Pump a cement plug into the annulus using the kill line.

36. The flow sensor shows a total loss of returns and the mud level cannot be seen
in the annulus.
What immediate action should be taken?
Shut the well in and pump lost circulation material.

8 - 11
 Fill the annulus with water (or lightest mud available) and record
volume.
Pump at reduced rate adding lost circulation material.
Continue drilling ahead cautiously.

37. Severe losses occurred while drilling. The pumps were stopped and the mud in
the well could not be seen. The well was then filled to the top with water.

Mud weight 12 ppg

Sea water weight 8.6 ppg
Equivalent height of water column 150 ft of annulus

What is the reduction in bottom hole pressure with the 150 ft of water?
94 psi.
26 psi.
67 psi.
30 psi.

38. At 171/2 inch surface hole is being drilled at 3750 feet

The formation fluid pressure is 2000 psi at this depth.

Is the formation fluid pressure?

Above normal.
Below normal.
Normal.

39. What is meant by abnormal pressure?

The excess pressure due to circulating mud at high rates.
The excess pressure that needs to be applied to cause ‘leak-off’.
Heavy weight mud used to give an overbalance.
The formation fluid pressure that exceeds formation water
hydrostatic pressure.

40. A formation is over-pressured by an artesian effect.

8 - 12
 What has created the over-pressure?
Compaction of the formation by the overburden pressure.
A formation water source located at a higher level than the rig
floor.
The difference in density between oil and formation fluid.

41. What is the most common cause of abnormally high formation pressures
worldwide?

Under-compacted shales.
Carbonate layers.
Depleted sands.

42. When drilling top-hole with a risk of shallow gas, which of the following
statements are good practice?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Regularly pump fresh water pill to clean cuttings from hole.
Drill a pilot hole at a controlled rate.
Drill at a high rate of penetration and keep mud viscosity as high as
possible.
Use heavy weight mud to create maximum overbalance.
Pump out of the hole on trips.

43. Is it true that shallow gas kicks are easier to handle than those taken when
drilling deeper?
Yes.
No.

44. Which of the following statements are good operating practices when drilling
TOPHOLE formations where there is a risk of shallow gas?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Maintain high rate of penetration and keep mud viscosity as high as
possible.

8 - 13
 Use a heavy weight mud to create maximum overbalance.
Pump out of the hole on trips.
Use oil-based mud.
Drill a pilot hole at a controlled rate.

45. Formation strengths are generally weak when drilling top hole and total losses
may occur.
How can the risk of total losses be reduced when drilling top hole?

By pumping slowly to reduce the drill string pressure loss.

Keeping a high overbalance.
By controlling penetration rate to prevent loading the annulus with
cuttings.

8 - 14
 PART-2

1. Which of the following are indicators that a well might be going under-balanced?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Increase in the mud weight returning at surface.
Increasing back ground gas levels.
A big increase in the pump pressure.
A change in the size and shape of the cuttings.
A reduction in the drilling rate.

2. If WOB, RPM, and SPM are held constant, which of the following may be a
warning of abnormal pressure?

(THREE ANSWERS)
Change of cuttings shape and size on the shakers.
Increase in pump pressure.
Increase in penetration rate.
Connection gas.
Increase in Shale Density.
Increased trip tank level.

3. Drilling ahead at constant rate of penetration (ROP). Shale Shakers cannot

handle amount of cuttings returning in the mud.
What would be the safest course of action?
Slow down the mud pump until the shakers can handle the amount of
cuttings in the returns.

8 - 15
 Check for flow – if none, circulate bottoms up at a reduced rate so
that shakers can handle cuttings volume, flow-check periodically
during circulation.
Check for flow – if none continue drilling at same ROP.
Check for flow – if none, then continue at the same ROP. Allow half of the
mud returns to bypass the shakers.

4. Which of the following is good practice when connection gas is observed?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Control drilling rate so that only one slug of connection gas is in
the hole at any one time.
Pull out the hole to change the bit.
Raise the mud viscosity.
Reduce mud viscosity to minimize swabbing during trips.
Minimise the time during a connection when the pumps are
switched off.

5. If mud flows from the well with the pump off, but there is no gain when the
pump is running, what is the problem?
Low mud weight inside the drill string.
Mud hydrostatic pressure is greater than formation pressure.
Pump pressure is greater than mud hydrostatic pressure.
Annular pressure loss is giving an overbalance against formation
pressures.

6. While pulling out of the hole the mud required to fill the hole is less than
calculated.
What action should be taken?
Pump remaining stands out of the hole.
Flow check, if negative continue to pull out of the hole.
Shut the well in and circulate hole clean.
Flow check, if negative run back to bottom and monitor returns.

8 - 16
7. While drilling, which of the following situations make kick detection with a P.V.T
more difficult?
Allowing mud to overflow the shakers.
Reducing the pit level alarm settings from 10 bbls to 5 bbls.
Keeping active mud system transfers to a minimum when drilling ahead.
By-passing the solids control pits.

8. After pulling 15 stands of pipe, the well has not taken the correct amount of
mud. The Driller takes a flow check, which is negative.
What action should be taken?
Run or strip back to bottom and circulate bottoms up.
Continue pulling pipe from the hole because there was no flow.
Shut the well in and check for pressures.
Pull another 15 stands and flow check.

9. Whilst pulling out of the hole, the Driller observes that the hole is taking less than
the calculated volume.
Which is the safest action to follow?
Flow check for at least 15 minutes. If the well is static, continue pulling out
of the hole slowly and carry out a flow check after every 15 stands pulled.
Flow check for at least 15 minutes. If the well is static, continue pulling out
of the hole slowly to prevent swabbing.
Flow check. If the well is static, circulate bottoms up and observe returns
for any swabbed fluids. If negative, continue pulling out of the hole slowly
to avoid any further swabbing.
Flow check. If the well is static, run back to bottom, whilst
monitoring the trip tank. Circulate bottoms up and observe
returns for any swabbed fluids.

10. What action should a Driller take after a drilling break?

Reduce weight on bit.
Circulate bottoms up.
Flow check.
Reduce pump speed.

8 - 17
11. Which of the following is a positive indication that the well is flowing?
Increase in torque.
Increase in flow returns.
Decrease in pump pressure.
Gas cut mud.

12. Which of the following are positive indications of a kick whilst drilling?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Increase in pit volume.
Increase in flow rate with constant spm.
Decrease in flow rate with constant spm.
Decrease in pit volume.

13. Which of the following IS NOT an indicator of a kick whilst drilling?

Pit gain.
Decrease in pump strokes.
Decrease in pump pressure.
Flow rate increase.

14. The following describes one of the differences between drilling with water based
mud and oil based mud.
Hydrocarbon gas is more soluble in water based mud than in oil based mud.
False.
True.

15. The following describes one of the differences between drilling with water based
mud and oil based mud.
Hydrocarbon gas remains in solution longer in oil-based mud than in water-based
mud when circulating up to surface.
True.
False.

16. The following describes one of the differences between drilling with water based
mud and oil based mud.

8 - 18
 Gas is less soluble in water based mud than in oil based mud.
True.
False.

17. The following describes one of the differences between drilling with water based
mud and oil based mud.
Gas entering the well bore whilst drilling with oil-based mud will reduce the
hydrostatic pressure more than it would when drilling with water-based mud.
True.
False.

18. The following describes one of the differences between drilling with water based
mud and oil based mud.
Whilst circulating out a kick, gas expansion occurs in the annulus at the same
rate in oil and water-based mud.
True.
False.

19. The following describes one of the differences between drilling with water based
mud and oil based mud.
Gas entering the well bore whilst drilling with water-based mud will reduce the
hydrostatic pressure more than it would when drilling with oil-based mud.
True.
False.

20. The following describes one of the differences between drilling with water based
mud and oil based mud
Whilst circulating out a kick, gas expansion occurs in the annulus at a different
rate in oil and water-based mud.
True.
False.

8 - 19
 PART-3

1. What is the choke manifold line up for a soft shut-in procedure whilst drilling?
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) open.
Remote choke open.
Valve upstream of the mud-gas separator closed.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Remote choke open.
Valve upstream of the mud-gas separator open.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) open.
Remote choke closed.
Valve upstream of the mud-gas separator closed.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Remote choke closed.
Valve upstream of the mud-gas separator open.

2. What is the choke manifold line up for a hard shut-in procedure whilst drilling?
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Choke line open to remote choke.
Remote choke closed.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) open.
Choke line open to remote choke.
Remote choke open.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Choke line open to remote choke.
Remote choke open.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Choke line open through manual choke.

8 - 20
 Manual choke open.

3. The well kicks while tripping.

Which of the following actions should be taken to shut the well in using the hard
shut in?
Stab full opening safety valve.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Space out for tool joint.
Close BOP.
Close choke.
Record pressure.
Space out for tool joint.
Close the BOP.
Stab full opening safety valve.
Close the safety valve.
Open choke.
Record pressure.
Stab full opening safety valve.
Close the safety valve.
Space out for tool joint.
Close BOP.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Record pressure.
Open side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) and remote choke.
Space out for tool joint.
Close BOP.
Stab full opening safety valve.
Close safety valve.
Record pressure.

4. Which of the following practices would lead to a bigger influx when shutting the
well in?

(THREE ANSWERS)
Regular training for the Derrick man on his duties for monitoring pit level.

8 - 21
 Testing stab in valves during BOP tests.
Flow Check drilling break after 20 feet drilled.
Running regular pit drills for drill crew.
Calling Tool pusher to floor prior to shutting in the well.
Switching off the flow meter alarms while drilling.

5. When tripping out of the hole with 40 stands still to pull the well flows.
How do we shut the well in using the soft shut-in method?
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Close BOP.
Stab full opening safety valve.
Close safety valve.
Close choke.
Record pressure.
Stab full opening safety valve.
Close the safety valve.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Close BOP.
Close choke.
Record pressure.
Close BOP.
Stab full opening safety valve.
Close the safety valve.
Open choke.
Record pressure.
Stab full opening safety valve.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Close BOP.
Close choke.
Record pressure.

6. When picking up to check for flow the pumps are usually kept running, why?
To take a slow circulating rate pressure.
To check the pressure losses in the Annulus.
To clean the bottom of the hole of cuttings.

8 - 22
 To maximise the pressure on the bottom of the hole.

7. Whilst tripping out of the hole the well starts flowing.

What is the first action that should be taken?
Stab a drill string safety valve and shut the well in.
Pull back to shoe and shut in.
Run back to bottom as quickly as possible.
Close the Annular and make up the Top Drive or Kelly.

8. Why should the well be shut in quickly after a kick has been detected?
To minimize the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure (SIDPP).
To reduce the migration speed of the influx.
To minimise the size of the influx.

9. Put the following five steps in the correct sequence to shut the well in using the
soft shut-in procedure (according to API RP59).
4 Close the BOP.
3 Open the BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
1 With choke already open, position the drill sting
correctly.
5 Close the choke.
2 Stop the pumps.

10. What is the Choke Manifold line up for the soft shut-in procedure whilst drilling?
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) open.
Choke line open through remote choke.
Remote choke open.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Choke line open through remote choke.
Remote choke closed.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Choke line open through manually operated choke.
Manual choke closed.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Choke line open through remote choke.

8 - 23
 Remote choke open.

11. Which of the following describes the hard shut-in procedure for a surface stack
according to API RP59?
With remote choke open, position the drill string correctly
Stop the pumps.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Close BOP.
Close the choke.
Record pressures.
With remote choke closed, position the drill string correctly.
Stop the pumps.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Close BOP.
Record pressures.
With remote choke closed, position the drill string correctly.
Stop the pumps.
Close BOP.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Record pressures.

12. Which of the following describes the soft shut-in procedure when the well is
observed to be flowing while tripping?
Stab open drill pipe safety valve.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Space out to clear tool joints from Ram.
Close BOP.
Close choke.
Record pressure.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) and Remote choke.
Space out to clear tool joints from Ram.
Close BOP.
Stab open drill pipe safety valve.
Close drill pipe safety valve.
Close remote choke.

8 - 24
 Record pressure.
Space out to clear tool joints from the Ram.
Close the BOP.
Stab open drill pipe safety valve.
Close drill pipe safety valve.
Open choke.
Record pressure.
Stab open drill pipe safety valve.
Close drill pipe safety valve.
Open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Space out to clear tool joint from Ram.
Close BOP.
Close choke.

13. When drilling with a surface BOP how should the stack and choke manifold be set
up for a soft shut-in?

(THREE ANSWERS)
Remote choke open.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve open.
Remote choke closed.
Choke line open through remote choke.
BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR) closed.
Choke line closed through remote choke.

14. According to API RP59 which type of BOP can be used for the hard shut-in?
Annular BOP.
Either type of BOP can be used.
Ram BOP.

15. Which of the following correctly describes the soft shut-in procedure according to
API RP 59?
With choke already open,
pick up off bottom,
shut down pumps,

8 - 25
 open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR),
close the BOP,
close the choke,
record pressures.
With choke already closed,
pick up off the bottom,
shut down pumps,
open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR),
close the BOP,
record pressures.

16. Which of the following describes the API RP59 hard shut-in procedure?
With choke already closed,
pick up off bottom,
shut down pumps,
close the BOP,
open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR),
record pressures.
With choke already open,
pick up off the bottom,
shut down pumps,
open BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR),
close the BOP,
close the choke,
record pressures.

8 - 26
 PART-4

1. A well has been shut in on a kick. Which pressure gauge readings can be used
to determine formation pressure?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Drill pipe pressure gauge on the choke panel.
Casing pressure gauge on the choke panel.
Drill pipe pressure gauge on the Driller’s panel.
Choke manifold pressure gauge.

2. A well is shut in on a kick and drill pipe pressure recorded. The casing gauge is
not working. Which pressure cannot found?
Initial Circulating Pressure.
Shut In Casing Pressure.
Bottom hole pressure.
Formation pressure.

3. Which of the following affect the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Mud weight in drill string.
Size of Influx.
Annular volume from Bit to Shoe.
Influx gradient.
Formation fluid pressure.

4. Why is Shut In Drill pipe Pressure usually lower than Shut In Casing Pressure?
The influx fluid is usually less dense than the mud.
The cuttings in the annulus are lighter, therefore creating a lighter
hydrostatic.
The only difference is in the type of gauges used.
The casing pressure is not always higher; it depends on whether it is a land
or offshore rig.

8 - 27
5. A vertical well with a surface BOP stack is shut in on a kick. The pressure
readings are as follows:

Shut In Pipe Pressure 350 psi

Shut In Casing Pressure 450 psi

What is the reason for the difference in the two readings?

The influx is inside the drill string.
The influx has a lower density than the mud.
The BOP was closed too fast causing trapped pressure.
The influx has a higher density than the mud.

6. Which pressures are needed to calculate Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Fracture pressure.
Shoe pressure.
Hydrostatic pressure.
Formation pressure.

7. Whilst pumping why can the standpipe pressure be slightly lower than the
pressure shown on the gauge at the mud pump?
Hydrostatic pressure of the mud in the standpipe causes the difference.
Dynamic pressure losses from the pump to the standpipe affect the
readings.
The stand pipe pressure gauge is situated at a lower elevation than the
gauge at the pump.

8. Whilst drilling ahead, the well kicks and is shut in. Drill pipe pressure and casing
pressure both start to build up, but before stabilising both start to drop quite
rapidly.
Which of the following might have occurred?
Gas is to migrating up the well.
The drill string has washed out.
The bottom hole assembly has packed off.

8 - 28
 Both gauges have malfunctioned.
A weak formation has broken down.

9. A well has been shut in on a kick. The drill pipe pressure is zero because there is
a float (non-return) valve in the string.
How can you find the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure?
Bring the pump up to kill rate holding the casing pressure constant by
opening the choke. The pressure shown when the pump is at kill rate is
the Shut In Drill Pipe pressure.
Shear the pipe and read the drill pipe pressure directly off the casing gauge.
Pump very slowly into the drill string with the well shut in. When
casing pressure starts to rise, stop the pump and read the
pressure. This is the Shut In Drill Pipe pressure.
Pump at 2 barrels per minute into the annulus with the well shut in. When
the pressure equalizes the float will open. This pump pressure is the Shut
In Drill Pipe pressure.

10. A well has kicked, and is shut in. There is a float valve in the drill string.
What would be the correct course of action to determine the kill mud weight?
Pump very slowly into the drill string with the well shut in. When
the casing pressure rises the float valve has opened. This pressure
on the drill pipe gauge is the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.
Start raising the mud weight by 0.5 ppg increments until the well is dead.
Remove Kelly and drop float-opening tool.
Use the annulus pressure to calculate the kill mud weight.

11. A well has kicked with a float in the drill string and the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure
gauge reads zero.
Which of the following methods should be used to find the kill mud weight?
Calculate hydrostatic pressure of the influx and subtract from the Shut In
Casing Pressure.
Start circulating at the slow circulating rate, determine the Initial Circulating
Pressure and calculate the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.

8 - 29
 Pump very slowly into the drill pipe with the well shut in. When
the casing pressure rises the float has opened. The pressure on
the drill pipe is the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.

12. Shut In Casing Pressure is usually higher than Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.
If there was a large volume of cuttings in the annulus how would this effect
pressure readings?
Shut In Casing Pressure would be higher than expected.
It would not affect pressure readings.
Shut In Casing Pressure would be lower than expected.

13. Which of the following parameters affect the value of Shut In Casing Pressure
after a well is shut in during a kick?

(THREE ANSWERS)
The formation fluid pressure (pore pressure).
Bottom hole temperature.
Annulus capacity.
The kick volume.
Choke line length.
Drill string capacity.

14. Once the well is shut in, which factors determine the time taken for Shut In Drill
Pipe Pressure and Shut In Casing Pressure to stabilise?

Porosity.
Permeability.
Gas migration.
Friction losses.

15. Which of the following are affected by formation permeability.

(THREE ANSWERS)
SICP
Time for pressures to stabilise

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 ICP
Kill Mud Weight
Influx volume
SIDPP

16. When drilling a horizontal section of a well a gas kick is taken and the well shut
in.
If the influx is in the horizontal section what would you expect the SIDPP and
SICP to be?
Both are about the same.
SICP is much greater than the SIDPP.
SIDPP is much greater than the SICP.
SIDPP will be zero.

17. A well is shut in with a gas kick.

The bit is 90 feet off bottom and the influx is on bottom and 30 feet long (all the
influx is below the bit).
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure is 300 psi.

What is the Shut In casing Pressure likely to be?

Lower than the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure because of the effect of the
annular friction loss.
Higher than the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.
The same as the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.
Will depend on gradient of the influx.

18. The well is shut in on a kick after an extended period of fast drilling.
What would you expect the Shut In Casing Pressure to be?
Lower than if the drilling had been slow.
Higher than if drilling had been slow.
The same, whether the annulus is clean or loaded with cuttings.
19. WELL DATA
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure = 300 psi
Mud weight = 10.0 ppg

8 - 31
 A salt-water kick has been taken, filling 250 feet of the annulus.
Salt Water weight = 8.6 ppg

From the data above calculate the Shut In Casing Pressure?

18 psi.
318 psi.
430 psi.
412 psi.

20. A well is shut in after a kick.

TVD 9,500 feet

Mud weight 10 ppg
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 400 psi
Height of influx 700 feet
Influx gradient 0.1 psi/ft

Calculate the Shut In Casing Pressure?

70 psi.
765 psi.
695 psi.
700 psi.

21. A well is shut in on a kick and the pressures have stabilised. Due to equipment
problems the kill operation is delayed. Shut in Drill Pipe Pressure and Shut In
Casing Pressure are gradually rising after stabilisation.
What is the most likely cause of this?
There is a non-return valve in the BHA.
The mud in the hole is heating up and it is causing the volume to decrease.
The influx is gas and is migrating.
The formation that kicked has high permeability.

22. What could happen if gas migrates after a well is shut in and pressures have
stabilised?
Only the drill pipe pressure will increase.

8 - 32
 Shut in pressures will remain constant.
Both drill pipe and annulus pressures will increase.
Only the annulus pressure will increase.

23. A well is shut in following a kick whilst drilling. After pressures have been
stabilised, both drill pipe and casing pressures are observed to be gradually
increasing by the same amount.
What is the most likely reason for this?
The influx is gas and is migrating up the annulus and drill string.
The influx is gas and is migrating up the annulus.
The influx is gas and is migrating up the drill string.
The influx is gas and is expanding rapidly.

24. A vertical well is shut in with a gas kick. Surface Pressures are:

SIDPP = 500 psi

SICP = 600 psi
Mud Weight = 11.5 ppg
If the gas migrates 500 feet up the well what would the pressures be if no action
is taken?

Drill pipe = 800 psi, Casing = 900 psi

Drill pipe = 500 psi, Casing = 900 psi
Drill pipe = 800 psi, Casing = 600 psi
Drill pipe = 600 psi, Casing = 900 psi

25. A well is shut in on a kick. SIDPP = 400 psi. SICP = 600 psi.
Mud Weight = 13 ppg Influx gradient = 0.1 psi/ft
After 30 minutes both pressures have risen by 150 psi due to gas migration.
Calculate the speed of gas migration in feet per hour.
325 ft/hr
444 ft/hr
590 ft/hr
200 ft/hr

8 - 33
26. A vertical well has been shut in after a gas kick.

The surface pressures are as follows:-

Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure (SIDPP) = 500 psi
Shut In Casing Pressure (SICP) = 700 psi
Mud weight in the well = 12.0 ppg

The well is left shut in for some time, during which time the gas migrates 500
feet up the well. What will be the expected pressures at surface?
Drill pipe pressure – 812 psi, Casing pressure – 1,012 psi.
Drill pipe pressure – 500 psi, Casing pressure – 700 psi.
Drill pipe pressure – 812 psi, Casing pressure – 700 psi.
Drill pipe pressure – 500 psi, Casing pressure – 1,012 psi.

8 - 34
 PART-5

1. After setting casing, which of the following actions are normally taken prior to
making a leak-off test?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Run bit close to bottom.
Circulate the mud to get a uniform column of mud in the hole.
Drill out the casing shoe approximately 15 feet into new formation.
Line up the mud pump to do the leak-off test at the slow circulating rate.

2. When should a leak-off test be carried out?

Before drilling out casing shoe.
Before running casing.
Immediately after running and cementing casing.
After drilling out the casing shoe and 5 to 15 feet of new
formation.

3. Which of the following are needed for the calculation of an accurate formation
strength at the shoe?

(THREE ANSWERS)
Accurate pressure gauge.
Accurate stroke counter.
Accurate hole capacity
Exact vertical depth of casing shoe.
Installation of retrievable packer approximately 1000 feet below the rig
floor.
Constant mud weight around the well.

4. Which of the following need to be known for a leak-off test to be correct?

(TWO ANSWERS)

8 - 35
 The mud weight in the well.
The volume of mud in the annulus from casing shoe to surface.
Slow circulating rate.
The pressure limit for the mud pump.
Mud hydrostatic pressure in the casing annulus.

5. Which of the following could influence the leak-off test result?

(TWO ANSWERS)
The pressure limit for the mud pump.
The planned pump rate for drilling.
Casing burst pressure.
The mud volume in the casing annulus.
The mud hydrostatic pressure at the casing shoe.

6. To ensure that an accurate leak-off test result a number of parameters must be

accurately recorded.
Select those parameters from the following.

(THREE ANSWERS)
Measured depth of the casing shoe.
Mud volume in the casing.
Pumping time till leak-off starts.
True vertical depth of the casing shoe.
Mud volume pumped till leak-off starts.
Mud Weight in hole.

7. The casing shoe has been drilled and 10 feet of new hole made. A leak-off test
is to be taken. The mud is being conditioned to make the weight the same
around the well.
Which of the following would help give an accurate leak-off test result?

Condition the mud until the mud weight in the well is constant
before conducting the leak-off test.
Stop the pump after 5 barrels and record the drill pipe pressure as leak-off.

8 - 36
 Choose the lightest mud weight in the hole and use it in the leak-off test
result.
Slowly pump water down the annulus with the cement pump and record the
pressure.
8. Which of the following is a definition of MAASP?
The pressure in excess of mud hydrostatic that, if exceeded, is
likely to cause losses at the shoe.
The maximum pressure allowed in the hole during a kill operation.
The maximum pressure allowed on the drill pipe gauge during a kill
operation.
The total pressure applied at the shoe that is likely to cause losses.

9. Shoe TVD = 6000 feet.

Mud Weight = 11 ppg
Leak-off pressure = 900 psi
Calculate the maximum allowable mud weight.
13.88 ppg

10. WELL DATA:

13-3/8 inch casing is set at 5,210 feet TVD. Formation strength at the shoe is
3,800 psi. Current Mud Weight = 10.6 ppg.

What is the Maximum Allowable Annulus Surface Pressure (MAASP?)

2,050 psi.
555 psi.
928 psi
1,800 psi.

11. Which of the following conditions in the well increase the risk of exceeding
MAASP during a kill operation?

(THREE ANSWERS)
Small difference between formation breakdown pressure and mud
hydrostatic pressure.
Small influx.

8 - 37
 Large difference between formation breakdown pressure and mud
hydrostatic pressure.
Long open hole section.
Large influx.
Short open hole section.

12. What will happen to MAASP if Mud Weight is increased?

MAASP will stay the same.

MAASP will increase.
MAASP will decrease.

13. Which of the following affect Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure
(MAASP)?

(THREE ANSWERS)
The TVD of the last casing shoe.
The maximum pump pressure.
The mud weight in the hole.
Viscosity and water loss of the mud.
The fracture pressure of the formation at the shoe.
The ID of the last casing string.

14. When should MAASP be recalculated?

At the beginning of each shift.
Immediately before entering a reservoir.
After each bit change.
After changing the mud weight.

15. Which of the following would give the highest MAASP?

When formation breakdown pressure is much higher than mud

hydrostatic pressure.
The casing shoe is set deep.
When formation pressure is close to mud hydrostatic pressure.

8 - 38
The casing shoe is set close to surface.

8 - 39
 PART-6

1. From the statements below select the correct reason for circulating a kick at a
slow rate.

Minimize pressure exerted on formations during the kill operation.

Minimise expansion of gas influx to reduce casing pressure during the kill
operation.
Give sufficient pressure loss in the annulus to give greater overbalance
during the kill operation.

2. Which of the following determine the selection of the slow circulation rate?

(FOUR ANSWERS)
Trip tank volume.
The mud/gas separator handling capacity.
The volume of mud the choke can handle.
Capacity of mud mixing equipment.
Annular friction loss during the kill.
The burst pressure of the casing.

3. With a constant flow rate, which factors will increase the circulating pressure?

(TWO ANSWERS)
When bit nozzle size is increased.
When hole is drilled deeper.
When more drill collars are added.
When mud weight is reduced.

4. Slow circulation rate tests are made at different pump rates (spm).
Which of the following help you decide which pump rate is used?
(TWO ANSWERS)
Mud pump pressure limitation.
Mud/gas separator capacity.

8 - 40
 Depth of Casing Shoe.

5. Prior to drilling out the surface casing shoe the slow circulating rates are taken.
Which of the following determines the choice of pump rate?
The size of the surface casing.
Gas handling equipment limitation and kill mud-mixing capability.
The expected Shut In Casing Pressure.
The volume of the trip tank.

6. When should a Driller consider taking a slow circulation rate pressure?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Every time mud weight is changed.
At the beginning of each shift.
Only after drilling out the casing shoe.
Immediately before running casing.

7. Which of the following statement about slow circulating rate pressure are
correct?
(THREE ANSWERS)
Should be recorded when mud properties have changed
significantly.
Recorded on the drill pipe pressure gauge on the choke panel.
The recorded pressures are used to calculate formation pressure.
Recorded with the bit near bottom.

8. The equivalent circulating density (ECD) determines the actual bottom hole
pressure while circulating.
Which part of the system pressure losses used to calculate ECD?
The pressure loss in the annulus.
The pressure loss in the open hole section only.
The pressure loss across the nozzles.
The pressure loss in the drill string.
The pressure loss in the surface system.

8 - 41
9. A vertical well is 5500 feet deep and filled with 11.2 ppg mud. While circulating
at 100 spm the friction losses in the well are as follows:

150 psi through surface equipment.

900 psi in drill string.
1,700 psi through bit nozzles.
100 psi in annulus.

What is the bottom hole pressure when the pumps are running at 100 spm?
3,303 psi

10. A vertical well is 5,520 feet deep and filled with 11.2 ppg mud. While circulating
at 100 spm the friction losses in the well system are as follows:

150 psi pressure loss through surface equipment.

900 psi pressure loss in drill string.
1,700 psi pressure loss through bit nozzles.
100 psi pressure loss in annulus.

What is the pump pressure when circulating at 100 spm?

2,850 psi

11. At 60 strokes/minute, with a mud weight of 12 ppg, the circulating pressure is

600 psi.
What would be the approximate circulating pressure (at the same spm) if the
mud weight were raised to 13 ppg?
650 psi

12. When circulating the drilling mud at 80 spm, the pressure on the standpipe
gauge reads 3,000 psi.
What would the calculated standpipe pressure be if the pump speed were
reduced to 40 spm?
Approximately 500 psi.
Approximately 600 psi.
Approximately 750 psi.

8 - 42
 Approximately 1,500 psi.

13. At 60 spm, with 10 ppg mud, the pump pressure is 1,500 psi.
What would the pump pressure be if the rate were decreased to 20 spm and the
mud weight increased to 11.0 ppg?
167 psi.
183 psi.
204 psi.
262 psi.

8 - 43
 PART-7

1. Which of the following statements are true?

(TWO ANSWERS)
The surface line volume (pump to Rig Floor) does not need to be considered
when starting the kill.
Bring pumps must be brought up to speed holding the casing
pressure constant.
The surface line volume will affect the time at which the kill mud
will increase bottom hole pressure.
Maintain the drill pipe pressure constant when bringing the pumps up to kill
speed.

2. When is Shut In Casing Pressure used in well control?

To calculate the slow circulating rate.
To calculate kill mud weight.
To maintain bottom hole pressure constant during pump start up.

3. With a surface BOP what will happen if, when bringing the pumps up to kill
speed, the casing pressure is allowed to increase above Shut In Casing Pressure?
No change to down hole pressure.
Down hole pressure would decrease and possibly cause more influx to enter
the wellbore.
Down hole pressure would increase and may exceed formation
fracture.

4. *WELL DATA

Slow circulation rate pressure 400 psi at 40 spm

The well has been shut in after a kick: -

Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 300 psi

8 - 44
 Shut In Casing Pressure 700 psi

Circulation is started with the original mud. While the pump is being brought up
to 40 spm which pressure must be held constant to maintain the correct bottom
hole pressure?
1,000 psi at the casing gauge.
700 psi at the casing gauge.
700 psi at the drill pipe gauge.
1,100 psi at the drill pipe gauge.

5. During a kill operation the choke is adjusted to increase drill pipe pressure by 100
psi. SPM is held constant.
What will happen to the bottom hole pressure?
It will remain constant.
It will decrease.
It will increase.

6. During a kill operation the choke is adjusted to increase drill pipe pressure by 100
psi. SPM is held constant.
What will happen to the casing shoe pressure?
It will decrease.
It will remain constant.
It will increase.

7. During a kill operation the choke is adjusted to increase drill pipe pressure by 100
psi. SPM is held constant.
What will happen to the choke pressure?
It will increase.
It will decrease.
It will remain constant.

8 - 45
8. Whilst drilling a horizontal well a fault is crossed and a kick is taken. The well is
shut in. Calculate the mud weight required to kill the well using the data below:

WELL DATA MD TVD

Depth at start of horizontal 7,690 feet 6,100 feet
Depth at time of kick 11,000 feet 6,140 feet

Length of horizontal section 3,310 feet

Mud weight 11 ppg

KICK DATA
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 150 psi
Shut In Casing Pressure 170 psi

11.5 ppg

9. In a well with a long open hole section, which of the following kill methods will
minimise the risk of losses?
Bull heading Method.
Driller’s Method.
Wait and Weight Method.
Volumetric Method.

10. When killing a well what will happen to the mud pit volume as the gas is
circulated up the hole?
It will increase.
It will stay the same.
It will decrease.

11. What is surface pit volume most likely to do as a gas kick is being circulated up
the hole?
Increase.

8 - 46
 Stay the same.
Decrease.

12. A gas kick is being circulated out using the Drillers Method.
What will happen to the bottom hole pressure if the gas bubble is not allowed to
expand as it is circulated up the hole?
It will increase.
Stay the same
It will decrease.

13. Which method removes the influx from the hole before pumping kill mud?
Wait and Weight Method.
Driller’s Method.

14. Which method maintains drill pipe pressure constant for the first circulation?
Wait and Weight Method.
Driller’s Method.

15. When operating the choke there is normally a time delay before the drill pipe
pressure changes.
What is the ‘rule of thumb’ for this time delay in pressure transmission from
choke to drill pipe gauge?
3 – 5 seconds
750 feet/minute
1 minute per 1,000 feet of travel
1 second per 1,000 feet of travel

16. When using the Driller’s Method, what must happen to the casing pressure when
pumping kill mud to the bit?
Must be held constant.
Must be allowed to increase.

8 - 47
 Must be allowed to decrease.
It is impossible to say.

17. The Driller’s Method is used to kill a salt-water kick.

What will happen to the casing pressure when the influx moves up the annulus?
Casing pressure will slowly decrease as influx is circulated up the annulus.
Salt water will behave in the same way as a gas influx.
As influx expands Casing Pressure will increase.
Casing pressure will only change due to changes in annular size.

18. A well is being killed using the Driller’s method.

Original Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure = 600 psi

Original Shut In Casing Pressure = 900 psi

After the first circulation, the well is shut in and the pressures read: -

Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure = 600 psi

Shut In Casing Pressure = 700 psi

It is decided not to spend any more time cleaning the hole.

Which of the following actions should be taken?
Continue with second circulation of Driller’s method, holding casing pressure
constant until kill mud reaches the bit.
Bullhead annulus until Shut In Casing Pressure is reduced to 600 psi.
Use Volumetric technique to remove remaining influx.
Continue with the second circulation of Driller’s method, following
a calculated drill pipe pressure schedule as kill mud is pumped to
the Bit.

19. When circulating a gas kick from a well using the Driller’s Method, what happens
to the casing shoe pressure as the influx is circulated past the shoe?

8 - 48
 The casing shoe pressure will decrease.
The casing shoe pressure will remain stay the same.
The casing shoe pressure will increase.

20. On a land rig a salt-water kick is circulated out using the Driller’s Method.
When will the surface casing pressure be at it maximum value?
(TWO ANSWERS)
When the kill mud is pumped into the drill pipe.
When the kick reaches the casing shoe.
When the kick has been circulated to the surface.
When the kill mud reaches the bit.
Immediately after the well has been shut in.
When the kick is in the narrowest annulus

21. When killing a vertical well when is Final Circulating Pressure reached?
When kill mud reaches the casing shoe.
When the influx is out of the hole.
When kill mud reaches the bit.
When starting to pump kill mud down the drill string.

22. Which kill method pumps kill mud at the same time as circulating the influx up
the annulus?
Wait and Weight Method.
Driller’s Method.

23. Which kill method minimises the pressure in the annulus caused by gas
expansion?
Wait and Weight Method.
Driller’s Method.

24. A kill operation is ready to start. The Wait and Weight Method is to be used.

8 - 49
 The kill mud is ready to be pumped. It takes 100 strokes to displace surface
lines.

What is the correct procedure?

Ignore the 100 strokes. It will not affect the drill pipe pressure
schedule, and may give an added safety factor.
Subtract the 100 strokes from the surface to bit strokes and re-
calculate the drill pipe pressure schedule.
Re-Zero stroke counter after 100 strokes are pumped.

25. A kick is shut in and is to be killed using the Wait and Weight Method.

Pre-recorded data:-
Vertical depth of well 11,000 feet
Total string volume 1,900 strokes
Total annulus volume 13,300 strokes

Slow pump rate data:-

At 25 SPM 300 psi

Kick data:-
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 550 psi
Shut In Casing Pressure 650 psi
Mud weight in the well 11.0 ppg

Calculate the kill mud weight?

12 ppg

26. A kick is shut in and is to be killed using the Wait and Weight Method.

Pre-recorded data:-
Vertical depth of well 11,000 feet
Total string volume 1,900 strokes
Total annulus volume 13,300 strokes

8 - 50
 Slow pump rate data:-
At 25 SPM 300 psi

Kick data:-
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 550 psi
Shut In Casing Pressure 650 psi
Mud weight in the well 11.0 ppg

What is the Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP) at 25 SPM?

850 psi

27. A kick is shut in and is to be killed using the Wait and Weight Method.

Pre-recorded data:-
Vertical depth of well 11,000 feet
Total string volume 1,900 strokes
Total annulus volume 13,300 strokes

Slow pump rate data:-

At 25 SPM 300 psi

Kick data:-
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 550 psi
Shut In Casing Pressure 650 psi
Mud weight in the well 11.0 ppg

What is the Final Circulating Pressure (FCP) at 25 SPM?

327 psi.

28. If a kick is shut in on a surface BOP stack and the slow circulating rate pressures
is not known. What procedure should be used to obtain the correct Initial
Circulating Pressure?

8 - 51
 Only use the Driller’s Method. As the drill pipe pressure does not change
during the entire circulation it is only required to observe that the drill pipe
pressure remains constant and equal to the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.
When starting to kill the well, keep the choke pressure as close as
possible to the Shut In Casing Pressure. When the selected kill
pump rate has been reached, read the drill pipe pressure and use
that as the Initial Circulating Pressure.
Check the records and choose the kill rate circulating pressure taken with
the last BHA in the hole nearest to the depth where the kick took place.
Add 100 psi to this value as a precautionary measure.
Contact the mud logger and request the best possible calculation of the
Initial Circulating Pressure intended for use during the well kill.

29. A kill operation is ready to start. The Wait and Weight Method is to be used.
Kill mud is ready to be pumped, but it takes 10 bbls to fill the surface lines.

What is the correct procedure?

Subtract the 10 bbls (converted to pump strokes) from the total strokes to
be pumped.
Ignore it. Start the kill operation. It will not affect your drill pipe pressure
schedule.
Re-zero stroke counter when kill mud reaches the drill pipe.

30. Kill mud is being circulated down the drill string in a horizontal well. The pumps
are stopped and the well is shut in as the kill mud reaches the start of the
horizontal section (2,000 ft. long).
What would you expect the Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure to be?
Zero.
The same as the slow circulation rate.
The same as the original Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.
The same as the Shut In Casing Pressure.
Original SIDPP less the hydrostatic of 2,000 ft of mud.

8 - 52
31. A gas kick is being circulated out using the Wait and Weight Method.
What will happen to the bottom hole pressure if drill pipe pressure is held
constant when kill mud is being pumped to the bit?
Stay the same.
Decrease.
Increase.

32. A gas kick is being circulated out using the Wait and Weight Method.
What will happen to the bottom hole pressure if spm is increased whilst holding
casing pressure constant? (Ignore pressure losses in the annulus).
Stay the same.
Increase.
I Decrease.

33. What will happen if we ignore a large surface line volume (from the mud pumps
to the drill floor) when preparing a kill sheet for a Wait and Weight Method kill?

(TWO ANSWERS)
The drill pipe pressure schedule will result in a bottom hole
pressure that is too low.
The total time to kill the well will be shorter than calculated.
The total time to kill the well will be longer than calculated.
The drill pipe pressure schedule will result in a bottom hole pressure that is
too high.
There will be not effect on the bottom hole pressure.

34. Which of the following statements is true?

The Wait and Weight Method should always be used because the pressure
against the open hole will always be lower than when using the Driller’s
Method.

8 - 53
 If the kill mud enters the annulus before the kick reaches the shoe
then the Wait and Weight Method will reduce the risk of formation
breakdown compared to the Driller’s Method.
There is no difference between using the Driller’s Method or the Wait and
Weight Method.

35. While circulating out a gas kick, when is it possible for the pressure at the casing
shoe to be at its maximum?
(TWO ANSWERS)
When kill mud reaches the casing shoe.
At initial shut in.
When kill mud reaches the bit.
When top of gas reaches the casing shoe.

36. When circulating out a kick in a deep well the casing pressure approaches the
MAASP while the influx is still in the open hole.
Which is the MOST IMPORTANT action to take?
Minimize any extra pressure in the annulus without allowing
bottom hole pressure to fall below pore pressure.
Keep the casing pressure at MAASP by opening the choke.
Start pumping mud down the drill string at 1 ppg higher than needed to kill.

37. At what stage during a kill operation can choke pressure reading exceed MAASP
without breaking down the formation at the shoe?
When the influx is in the open hole section.
When the influx is on bottom.
When the kill mud is at the bit.
When the influx is above the casing shoe.
38. In a well with a long open hole section, which of the following kill methods will
minimize the risk of losses?
Bull heading Method.
Driller’s Method.
Wait and Weight Method.

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 Volumetric Method.

39. Which of the following statements are true for the Casing Shoe?

The Wait and Weight Method will always give a lower pressure on the
casing shoe than the Driller’s Method.
The Driller’s Method will give the lowest casing shoe pressure when the
open hole annulus volume is larger than the drill string volume.
The Wait and Weight Method will give the lowest casing shoe
pressure when the open hole volume is greater than the drill
string volume.
The Wait and Weight Method will give the lowest casing shoe pressure
when the open hole annulus volume is smaller than the drill string volume.
The casing shoe pressure will always be the same, regardless of the method
used.

40. Which of the following is correct when comparing the Driller’s Method with the
Wait and Weight Method?
The Wait and Weight Method should always be used because the pressure
against the open hole will always be lower.
It the kill mud is being circulated up the annulus before the kick
has reached the shoe, then the Wait and Weight Method will
reduce the risk of lost circulation.
There is no difference between using the Driller’s Method or the Wait and
Weight Method.

41. A kick was detected whilst drilling ahead and the well shut in. The long open hole
section has a number of formations that are potential lost circulation zones.
Which of the following methods should be used to minimize the well bore
pressure in the open hole?
Volumetric Method.
Driller’s Method.

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 Wait and Weight Method.
Bull heading.

42. In which of the following situations will the Wait and Weight Method give lower
casing shoe pressures than the Driller’s Method?
Casing shoe pressure is always lower when using the Wait and Weight
method.
Drill string volume less than annulus open hole volume.
Drill string volume greater than annulus open hole volume.

43. A kick is being circulated out at 50 spm. Drill pipe pressure reads 850 psi and
casing pressure 1,150 psi. It is decided to slow the pumps to 30 spm while
maintaining 1,150 psi on the casing gauge.
How will this affect bottom hole pressure (exclude any annular friction losses)?
Increase.
Stay the same.
Decrease.

44. Kill mud is pumped to the bit holding drill pipe pressure constant. What is the
effect on bottom hole pressure?
Stay the same.
Decrease.
Increase.

45. During a kill pump speed is increased from 20 to 40 spm whilst holding drill pipe
pressure constant. What will happen to bottom hole pressure?
It will stay the same.
It will increase.
It will decrease.

46. If pump speed is increased whilst killing a well, what should happen to the casing
pressure to maintain constant bottom hole pressure?

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 Casing pressure should be held steady during spm increase.
Casing pressure should be allowed to rise during spm increase.
Casing pressure should be allowed to fall during spm increase.

47. A well is being killed using the Driller’s method. The drill pipe pressure is 950 psi
at 35 spm.
Due to increasing pressure inside the mud/gas separator it is decided to reduce
the pump speed to 25 spm.
What is the effect on bottom hole pressure if 950 psi is held on the drill pipe
gauge while the pump rate is reduced?
Bottom hole pressure will decrease.
Bottom hole pressure will increase.
Bottom hole pressure will stay the same.

48. During a kill the pump rate is reduced whilst holding casing pressure constant.
How will this affect bottom hole pressure?
There is no way of knowing the effect on bottom hole pressure.
There will be a large drop in bottom hole pressure.
Bottom hole pressure will increase and may cause formation breakdown.
Bottom hole pressure will stay constant.

49. A kick is being circulated out at 30 spm and the Final Circulating Pressure is 650
psi.
What will happen to the bottom hole pressure if the pump speed is increased to
35 spm whilst holding drill pipe pressure at 650 psi?
It will decrease.
It will stay the same.
It will increase.

50. When starting a kill operation on a Jack Up, the choke pressure is kept constant
whilst bringing the pump up to speed. The drill pipe gauge reads 150 psi higher
than the calculated Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP).

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 What is the correct action to take?
There will now be 150 psi overbalance on the bottom. Nothing needs to be
done.
Continue to circulate with the new ICP and adjust the drill pipe
pressure graph.
Open the choke and let the standpipe pressure drop to the calculated value
(ICP).

51. The pump is brought up to kill rate holding the casing pressure constant. The
drill pipe gauge reading was 150 psi above calculated Initial Circulating Pressure.
What action should be taken?
Open choke to reduce drill pipe pressure back to the calculated Initial
Circulating Pressure.
Shut down and clean out choke manifold or change to another choke.
Carry on, everything is OK.
Recalculate circulating pressure schedule based on actual drill pipe
gauge reading.

52. Due to a power failure, it is not possible to start the kill operation and both drill
pipe and casing pressure readings are increasing at the same rate due to gas
migration. The bit is on bottom.
Which pressure must be kept constant to maintain constant bottom hole
pressure?
Casing shoe pressure.
Influx pressure.
Shut In Casing Pressure.
Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure.
53. A vertical well is shut in following a gas kick. The kill operation is delayed and
the influx has started to migrate with both drill pipe pressure and casing pressure
increasing by 100 psi.

WELL DATA
Well depth 9,000 feet
Casing shoe depth 5,000 feet

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 Mud weight 11 ppg (.572 psi/ft)
Open hole/drill pipe capacity 0.060 bbls/ft
Casing/drill pipe capacity 0.065 bbls/ft

NOTE: Assume only drill pipe to be present in the well.

Kick Data:
Shut in stabilised drill pipe pressure 600 psi
Shut in stabilised casing pressure 800 psi
Kick volume 25 bbls

How may barrels of mud should be bled from the well in order to maintain
original bottom hole pressure (before gas started migrating)?
Approx. 0.5 bbls

54. When stripping into the hole which of the following will maintain a constant
bottom hole pressure? (Assume there is no influx migration).
Bleed off the drill pipe closed end displacement while stripping
each stand.
Pump a volume of mud into the well equal to the drill pipe closed end
displacement while stripping each stand.
Bleed off the drill pipe steel displacement while stripping each stand.
Pump a volume of mud into the well equal to the drill pipe steel
displacement while stripping each stand.

55. 5-inch drill pipe is stripped into the hole through the Annular Preventer.

Average length of a stand 93 feet

Drill pipe inside capacity 0.0177 bbls/ft
Closed end displacement 0.0253 bbls/ft
Metal displacement 0.0076 bbls/ft

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 For each stand of pipe stripped, how many barrels of mud must be pumped to
keep the drill string full?
Approx. 1.7 bbls.

56. Well kicks after 25 stands have been pulled out of the hole.
Shut In Casing Pressure = 100 psi
Shut In Drill pipe Pressure = 100 psi

Which of the following would be the best action to take to return to primary
control?
Circulate the kick out using the Wait & Weight Method whilst keeping drill
pipe pressure constant at the Shut In Drill pipe Pressure.
Strip back to bottom using the combined Stripping and Volumetric
Method, then circulate the influx out using Driller’s Method.
Increase mud weight by 100 psi and circulate this heavy mud with the bit
25 stands off bottom.

57. 5-inch drill pipe is stripped into the hole through the Annular Preventer.

Average length of a stand 93 feet

Drill pipe inside capacity 0.0178 bbls/ft
Closed end displacement 0.0252 bbls/ft
Metal displacement 0.0076 bbls/ft

For each stand of pipe stripped, how many barrels of mud must be bled off from
the annulus?
2.34 bbls.

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58. After pulling 40 stands the well starts to flow and is shut in.

Well Data:
Well depth = 11,000 feet
9-5/8 inch casing shoe = 7,000 feet
8-1/2 inch hole capacity = 0.702 bbls/ft
Mud weight = 11 ppg
Drill Collar length = 450 feet
-Capacity = 0.0077 bbls/ft
-Metal displacement = 0.033 bbls/ft
5” Drill pipe -Capacity = 0.0178 bbls/ft
-Metal displacement = 0.0075 bbls/ft
Capacity drill collar/open hole = 0.0292 bbls/ft
Capacity drill pipe/open hole = 0.0459 bbls/ft
Capacity drill pipe/casing = 0.0515 bbls/ft
The bit depth at time of kick = 7,280 feet
Shut In Casing Pressure = 150 psi
Influx volume = 15 bbls

The influx is on bottom and is NOT migrating.

a) Calculate the volume to bleed off per 93 feet of drill pipe stripped back into
the hole?
2.35 bbls.

b) What will happen to the bottom hole pressure if too much mud is bled off
whilst stripping back to bottom?
Increase.
Decrease.
Stay the same.

c) What is likely to happen to casing pressure as the drill string is stripped into
the influx?
Increase.
Decrease.

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 Stay the same.

59. Which of the following statements best describes the Volumetric Method?
Maintain constant casing shoe pressure as the influx migrates to surface.
Maintain Shut In Casing Pressure at its initial value as the influx migrates to
surface.
Maintain constant bottom hole pressure as the influx is migrates to
surface.
Maintain constant pressure inside the influx as it is allowed to migrate to
surface.

60. A well is shut in on a kick. Circulation cannot start due to mechanical problems.
Gas is migrating and bottom hole pressure has to be kept constant.
In which of the following situations can the volumetric method of well control be
used?

(THREE ANSWERS)
With the bit on bottom, and a non-return valve in the string.
When the bit is a long way off the bottom, and no non-return valve
in the string.
With bit on bottom, no non-return valve in the string.
With the bit on bottom, and the drill string fully plugged off.

61. A gas kick has been taken in a well with a long open hole section. The drill pipe is
plugged (Drill pipe pressure cannot be read, and pumping down the drill pipe is
not possible). There is evidence of gas migration taking place.

Which one of the following well control procedures can be applied?

Volumetric Method.
Wait and Weight Method.
Driller’s Method.
Concurrent Method.

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62. When stripping into the hole which of the following will maintain a constant
bottom hole pressure? (Assume there is no influx migration).
Bleed off the drill pipe closed end displacement while stripping
each stand.
Pump a volume of mud into the well equal to the drill pipe closed end
displacement while stripping each stand.
Bleed off the drill pipe steel displacement while stripping each stand.
Pump a volume of mud into the well equal to the drill pipe steel
displacement while stripping each stand.

63. During top hole drilling from a jack-up rig, the well starts to flow due to shallow
gas. What will be the safest action to take to secure the safety of the rig and
personnel?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Line up to the mud/gas separator, close the diverter and send personnel to
the lifeboats.
Start pumping mud into the well at the highest possible rate.
Shut in the well and prepare to bullhead immediately.
Shut in the well using the blind/shear rams.
Activate the diverter system and remove non-essential personnel
from the rig floor.

64. If a shallow gas flow is detected, which of the following should be taken at the
same time as activating the diverter?
Maintain pump rate.
Increase pump rate.
Decrease pump rate.

8 - 63
 PART-8

1. A well is being killed at 30 spm using the Driller’s Method. Halfway through this
first circulation the choke operator observes a sudden increase in drill pipe
pressure. The choke pressure and pump speed have not changed.
What could have happened?

(TWO ANSWERS)
There is a blockage in the standpipe manifold.
The bit nozzles have partly plugged.
The kick is about to enter the choke.
The choke has partly plugged.
The mud/gas separator is plugged with cuttings.

2. Using the Drillers Method to circulate out the influx the circulating pressure =
1,000 psi
The circulating pressure increases rapidly to 1,400 psi (pump speed remains
constant). It is decided that a bit nozzle has plugged.
Which of the following will maintain constant bottom hole pressure?
Maintain the circulating pressure at 1,400 psi and the pump speed
constant.
Adjust the circulating pressure to 1,000 psi by changing the pump speed.
Stop the pump and shut the well in. Re-calculate Initial Circulating Pressure
and Final Circulating Pressure adding 400 psi to the original SIDPP.
Adjust the circulating pressure to 1,000 psi by adjusting the choke and
maintaining constant spm.

3. During a kill, a washout in the string develops.

What happens to the drill pipe pressure?
It should increase.
It should decrease.
It should remain constant.

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4. Which of the following could be affected by a string washout during a kill
operation?

(TWO ANSWERS)
MAASP.
Bottom hole pressure.
Slow circulating rate pressure.
Kick Tolerance and Fracture Pressure.

5. The choke is gradually closed to compensate for a string washout. What effect
does the gradual closing of the choke have on the bottom hole pressure?
Increase.
Stay the same.
Decrease.

6. If the drill string washes out during a kill operation which of the following
pressures would remain constant?
Slow circulating rate pressure.
Casing pressure.
Drill pipe pressure.
Initial Circulating Pressure

7. During a kill a washout develops in the drill string above the influx. What is the
safest way to handle this situation?
Stop pumping. Use the volumetric method until the influx is above
the washout. Then resume pumping.
Stop pumping. Strip out of the hole to locate the washout in the drill string,
then replace washed out joint and strip back to bottom.
Keep pumping until the influx is above the washout, then use the
Volumetric technique to remove the influx.

8. A well is shut in with the following readings:

Shut In Casing Pressure 0 psi

Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 200 psi

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 There is no flow from the annulus when the choke is opened.
What is the most likely cause of zero Shut In Casing Pressure?
Swabbing.
The choke gauge has failed.
The formation at the shoe has been fractured.
The drill string is plugged.
The hole is packed off around the BHA.

9. Which of the following would give lower annulus pressures in a long open hole
section?

(THREE ANSWERS)
Use the Driller’s Method.
Use the Wait and Weight Method.
Use a slower pump rate to kill the well.
Minimise the amount of influx.

10. What are the correct actions that can be taken to minimise pressure in the
annulus during the kill operation?

(TWO ANSWERS)
Use the Wait and Weight Method.
Choose a lower pump rate.
Choose a higher pump rate.
Maintain extra back-pressure on the choke for safety.

11. During a kill operation, minor losses are experienced. What could you do to
reduce the pressure at the loss zone?
Reduce mud viscosity.
Stop circulation and shut in the well. Allow the influx to migrate to surface
using the Volumetric Method.
Reduce pump speed and keep bottom hole pressure as close to
formation pressure as possible.

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12. How is lost circulation usually detected during a well control operation?
By a decrease in the mud volume in the pits.
By a decrease in the weight indicator.
By monitoring the return flow with the flow-show.
By an increase in pump speed.

13. Why is it important to monitor the pit volume during a well control operation?

(TWO ANSWERS)
To check for mud losses.
Tells you when to adjust drill pipe pressure.
To monitor the gas expansion.
To maintain bottom hole pressure constant.
Tells you when to adjust pump speed.

14. The choke line parted while killing a well, what is the first action to take?
Stop pump and close the choke.
Stop pump and close the BOP side outlet hydraulic valve (HCR).
Stop pump and close the IBOP at the Top Drive or Kelly.
Stop pump and close the shear rams.

15. Whilst circulating out a kick, the mud pump fails.

What is the FIRST action to take?

Change over to No.2 pump.
Shut the well in.
Divert the well.
Fix pumps as soon as possible.

16. Whilst circulating out a kick the Rotary (Kelly) hose in the Derrick bursts, what is
the first action to take?
Hang tool joint on pipe ram and close the shear rams. (Shear ram above
the pipe ram being used).
Stop the pump, close the full opening safety valve on the drill
string then close the choke.

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 Drop the drill string and close the blind/shear rams.
Stop the pump, close the choke and record pressures.
17. When killing a well what is the correct action to take if a sudden loss in drill pipe
pressure is observed?
Increase the pump rate to return drill pipe to correct value.
Continue at the same pump rate holding the new drill pipe pressure.
Shut the well in and investigate pressure loss.
Close the choke to compensate for the pressure loss.

18. Whilst drilling, a 20 bbl gas kick is taken and the well shut in. The pressures at
surface stabilise after a 15 minutes. Due to a delay in mixing kill mud the kill
operation cannot start. The pressures at surface begin to increase due to gas
migration.

What action should be taken to keep bottom hole pressure constant (assume
there is no float in the string)?
Start bleeding off mud and let the casing pressure decrease according to
volumetric calculations.
Bleed mud from the choke, keeping the drill pipe pressure
constant.
Bleed off mud keeping the casing pressure constant.
Leave it as it is. Gas migration will not affect the bottom hole pressure.

19. WELL DATA:

Slow rate circulation pressure 300 psi at 30 spm

The well has been shut in after a kick:

Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 600 psi
Shut In Casing Pressure 750 psi

Before starting to kill the well, there is a complete power failure at the pumps.
Which pressure should be kept constant in order to maintain the correct bottom
hole pressure if the influx migrates?
600 psi drill pipe pressure.
750 psi casing pressure.

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 1,050 psi casing pressure.
900 psi drill pipe pressure.

20. A well is shut in on a 15 bbl kick. The influx is known to be a gas condensate
(with both gas and liquid present).

Shut In Drill Pipe Pressure 400 psi

Shut In Casing Pressure 500 psi

There is a power failure on the rig and the influx starts to migrate.
Drill pipe and casing pressures are increasing.
If the choke was used to keep casing pressure constant at 500 psi, what would
happen to bottom hole pressure?
Increase.
Decrease.
Remain constant.

21. Whilst killing a well a sudden loss in standpipe pressure is observed.

If the choke was closed to compensate for the reduction in pressure, what would
happen to the bottom hole pressure?
It would increase.
It would decrease.
It would remain constant.

22. During a kill operation the pump starts to leak. The choke operator knows
nothing about the leak and is maintaining correct drill pipe pressure.
What will happen to the bottom hole pressure?
It will increase.
It will decrease.
It will remain constant.

23. Why is pressure build up in the mud/gas separator (poor boy degasser)
dangerous whilst circulating out a kick?
Pressure build up will increase the risk of lost circulation.
Pressure build up may allow gas to be blown up the derrick vent line.

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 Pressure build up may allow gas to enter the shale shaker area.
Pressure build up will make choke adjustment difficult.

24. When killing a well using the Driller’s Method the choke pressure suddenly
increases by 200 psi.
Shortly after, the choke operator sees the same pressure increase on the drill
pipe pressure gauge.
What is the most likely cause of this pressure increase?
A restriction in the Rotary (Kelly) hose.
A plugged nozzle in the bit.
The choke is partly plugged.
A wash out in the drill string.
A second influx has entered the well.

25. When killing a well using the Driller’s Method the choke pressure suddenly
increases by 200 psi.
Shortly after, the choke operator observes the same pressure increase on the
drill pipe pressure gauge.
What would be the correct response to this problem?
Reduce the pump rate to reduce both pressures by 200 psi.
No action required.
Shut the well in and change to another pump.
Shut the well in and change to another choke.

26. During a kill operation which of the following problems require the pump to be
shut down quickly to prevent over-pressuring the formation.
A washout in the choke.
A plugged choke.
A washout in the drill pipe.
A plugged standpipe.
A washed out bit nozzle.
A plugged bit nozzle.

27. How would a choke washout be recognised?

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 Drill pipe and casing pressures both falling despite closing the
choke.
Increase in casing pressure with no change in drill pipe pressure.
Rapid rise in drill pipe pressure with no change in casing pressure.
Drill pipe and casing pressures both rising despite closing the choke.

28. How would a choke washout be recognised?

Rapid rise in casing pressure and no change in drill pipe pressure.
Continually closing the choke to maintain correct circulating
pressure.
Increase in drill pipe pressure and no change to casing pressure.
Continually opening the choke to maintain correct circulating pressure.

29. Select the products commonly used to prevent the formation of hydrates:

(TWO ANSWERS)
Fresh Water.
Methanol.
Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC).
Glycol.
Diesel oil.

8 - 71
 Short Well Control Questions
QUESTIONS

(No calculator, answer True/False, Yes/No, Increase/Constant/Decrease)

1) BOPs & surface equipment provide primary means of well control.

2) Permeability & porosity is the means by which fluids flow through rock.

3) If we know the mud weight, we can easily calculate hydrostatic pressure.

4) When POOH, if well takes more fluid than theoretical, this is a sure sign of
swabbing.

5) If open hole volume is greater than string volume, the best kill method to
keep shoe pressure to a minimum is the wait & weight.

6) Highest pressure @ shoe is when gas bubble has fully entered shoe.

7) Choke should be kept fully open to allow mud & gas to flow freely into the
de-gasser where it is separated out.

8) Hard shut-in results in smaller influx since well is shut-in quicker than soft
shut-in.

9) The TIW valve should be closed before stabbing onto string to prevent fluid
gushing up through it while stabbing.

10) Dynamic BHP is greater than hydrostatic pressure due to annular pressure
losses acting against the formation.

8 - 72
11) When a well kicks, SICP is always greater than SIDPP.

12) After a well is shut-in on a kick, SICP can be used to accurately calculate
formation pressure.

13) If the well is shut-in on a gas kick and left, the gas will migrate up the
annulus.

14) What happens to BHP if the above were allowed to happen?.

15) What happens to the pressure @ shoe?.

16) What happens to casing pressure?.

17) What happens to drill-pipe pressure?.

18) Soft shut-in reduces shock on the formation by providing a flow path to the
de-gasser while closing the rams.

19) While circulating out a gas kick, the derrick man reports a large increase in
pit volume. The driller stops pumping & closes in the well to investigate. Has
he acted correctly?.

20) When stripping back into the hole following a kick, the steel displacement of
the stand has to be bled off into the strip-tank.

21) To kill a well, the driller pumps down the kill line (through the NRV) and up
the choke line on the BOP.

22) The Koomey unit provides stored energy to close-in the well in the event of
power failure.

23) In the event of loss of air pressure, the well cannot be closed-in from remote
stations.

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24) On functioning the UPR, the light changing from green to red confirms that
the ram has closed.

25) While circulating out a gas kick, driller calculates that gas bubble will reach
the surface before the end of his shift. He decides to ‘slow things down’ by
reducing the SCR from 30 SPM to 20 SPM but still follows his step-down
graph for 30 SPM. Is everything OK doing this?.

26) What happens to BHP as a result of his action?.

27) When closing rams, they receive full accumulator pressure of 3000 psi.

28) The annular regulator is fed from the manifold pressure of 1500 psi, allowing
a maximum annular pressure of 1500 psi.

29) Koomey bottles should be kept fully charged and closed-in for use in
emergency only.

30) Kicks are harder to detect in OBM as opposed to WBM because hydrocarbons
are more soluble in OBM.

31) What happens to MAASP once gas kick enters casing shoe?.

32) What happens to the pressure @ shoe in the above question?.

33) During correct well-kill procedures, what happens to BHP?.

34) Driller method, first circulation, gas kick has been circulated out, is the well
now dead?.

35) Wait & weight method, kill mud pumped until gas is circulated out, is the
well now dead?.

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36) During well kill operations, driller is worried about the increasing choke
pressure. He decides to ‘bleed it off a bit more.’ What happens to BHP?.

37) After pumping kill mud for a while, it is discovered that the swab on the
pump has been leaking (large spill on deck). What effect does this have on
BHP?.

38) Driller pumps slug before POOH, what effect does this have on BHP?.

39) AD notices manifold pressure has increased from 1500 psi to 2000 psi. Can
the rams still be closed?.

40) After taking a kick in a long horizontal well, after closing in well, is it possible
for SIDPP = SICP = 0?.

41) The usable fluid from a 3000 psi, 10 gallon bottle pre-charged to 1000 psi
with a minimum working pressure of 1200 psi is 5 gallons.

42) If the derrick man is ‘on the ball’, small gas kicks of 5 barrels can safely be
circulated out without the need to close-in the well.

43) The derrick man is asked to provide a slug but decides to make it ‘a good
one’ and adds extra barite to increase the slug weight. What happens to BHP
once the driller has pumped the slug?.

44) Driller method, second circulation, driller attempts to keep drill-pipe pressure
constant. What happens to BHP?.

45) Providing BHP is kept constant at (or slightly above) formation pressure, no
further influx is likely to enter the well-bore.

46) Accurate monitoring of pits is vital to well control.

47) A drilling break (rapid change in ROP) can give the driller an early warning
that a kick is imminent.

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48) An increase in the flow-meter is a positive sign that a kick is in progress.

49) A well can be ‘in balance’ with pumps on, but can go ‘underbalance’ when
the pumps are switched off.

50) SCRs are unaffected by mud weight.

51) Secondary well control can handle any size of kick providing the well is shut-
in correctly.

52) On a well-kill operation, before starting to pump kill mud, the driller zeros his
stroke counter and ignores the surface lines of approx. 10 barrels. What
effect does this have on BHP?.

53) The TIW valve should be closed and the drill-pipe filled above it while
stripping back to bottom.

54) If the Koomey pressure is allowed to drop too far, the nitrogen in the bottles
can enter the hydraulic lines.

55) During well-kill operations, pusher decides to ‘speed the job up’ and increases
the SCR from 30 SPM to 40 SPM. The driller continues to control casing
pressure following the 30 SPM chart. What happens to BHP?.

56) For the same SCR rate, the W & W method takes exactly half the time to
pump compared with the Driller’s method since the Driller’s method uses 2
circulations as opposed to the one circulation for W & W.

57) While bringing the pump up to SCR rate, choke pressure should be kept
constant by opening the choke slowly as the pump rate increases.

58) A ‘leak-off test’ is done to establish formation strength below the casing
shoe.

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59) A float valve in the string helps to reduce surge pressures while running in
the hole.

60) A grey valve (NRV) is installed above the TIW as back-up in case of TIW
failure.

8 - 77
 ANSWERS (1 to 60)

1 False, primary well control is provided by fluid column

2 True

3 False, we require TVD as well as mud weight to calculate pressure

4 False, if well takes too much fluid, it is a sign of losses down hole

5 True, because kill mud reaches bottom before gas reaches shoe

6 False, highest pressure at shoe is when top-of-bubble reaches shoe

7 False, if choke left fully open, no control!

8 True

9 False, it would be nearly impossible to screw-in if well was flowing!

10 True

11 False, if bit above gas bubble, SICP=SIDPP

12 False. Full column of drilling fluid in string so SIDPP is used

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13 True

14 Increase

15 Increase

16 Increase

17 Increase

18 True

19 No, the Driller should recognise that pit volume will increase as gas expands

20 False, the closed-end-displacement has to be bled-off

21 False, need to pump down string and up choke!

22 True

23 True

24 False, it only indicates that the 4-way valve has shifted

25 No

26 Increase

27 False, they receive manifold pressure of 1500 psi

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28 False, the annular regulator is fed from the accumulator pressure

29 False, stored pressure in bottles has to be ready for immediate use (open)

30 True

31 Increase

32 Decrease

33 Constant

34 No, no kill mud in well yet!

35 No, still to circulate out ‘old’ mud that was in drill-string at start of kill

36 Decrease

37 Increase

38 Constant

39 Yes

40 Yes, due to no significant change in TVD over long section

41 True

42 False, all kicks need to be closed in and removed under controlled conditions
43 Constant, only difference would be fluid level in pipe

44 Increase

45 True

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46 True

47 True

48 True

49 True

50 False, SCRs increase if mud-weight is increased

51 False, hence the reason that kicks need to be identified quickly!

52 Increase

53 False, would be unable to pump kill mud once at bottom!

54 False, nitrogen in bottles is contained in a separate bladder

55 Decrease

56 False, first circulation is only ‘bottoms up’ to remove gas, not full circ

57 True

58 True

59 False, float valve would increase surge pressures

60 False, TIW is opened once grey-valve fitted to allow stripping to bottom

8 - 81