PETE 661

Drilling Engineering

Lesson 20
Surge and Swab

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 Surge and Swab

 Three Different Forms of

Surge and Swab Pressures
 Kick Detection on Trips
 Well Shut-in Procedures
when a KICK is Detected
 A Blowout Case History

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 Surge and Swab
 Read: ADE Ch. 6

 Reference: Advanced Well Control

Manual, SPE Textbook, ~2003...

 Homework # 11 - due Nov. 25

 Homework # 12 - due Dec. 02
 Project - due Dec 6

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 Surge & Swab
The actual mechanics are complicated,
but can be sufficiently described by:
1. Pressure to initiate movement
in a thixotropic mud

2. Steady-flow viscous drag between

moving pipe and a static borehole,

3. Dynamic pressures resulting from mud

acceleration or deceleration
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 Annulus Mud Velocity
Profile during
downward movement
of drillstring resulting
in surge pressure

Function of:
• pipe speed
• system geometry
• flow regime
• whether the pipe is
open or closed

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 Inertial effects of pipe movement
Peak Velocity
Deceleration
effects while
breaking

Pipe at
rest

Swab due to
acceleration when
P/U off of slips
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 Example B-1
The following conditions apply to a
drilling liner job on a deep well.

Present depth = 16,000 ft

Last casing setting depth = 12,100 ft
Last casing inner diameter = 8.835 in
Liner outer diameter = 7.625 in
Drillpipe outer diameter = 5.0 in
Liner length = 4,300 ft
12,100
Mud density = 15.8 lbm/gal
Average running speed = one min. for
a 90 ft stand
Maximum acceleration = 0.60 ft/s2 16,000
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 Example B-1
Assume the mud has developed an average gel
strength of 30 lbf/100 ft2 & use the following Fann
multispeed viscometer data:

600 = 65 lbf/100 ft2

300 = 39 lbf/100 ft2
200 = 27 lbf/100 ft2
100 = 17 lbf/100 ft2
6 = 5 lbf/100 ft2
3 = 4 lbf/100 ft2
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 Example B-1, solution

 When dealing with tapered string geometries

(liner strings, drilling assemblies, etc.), the
maximum surge or swab pressure is usually
experienced when the bottom of the string
reaches the depth of interest.
 So, determine the surge pressure at 12,100
ft for each of the three effects and calculate
the equivalent density based on the highest
value.
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 Example B-1
Equation B-1 yields the pressure required to
break the gel strength: d1

g L
p g 
300 d2  d1  d2

(30)( 4,300) (30)(12,100  4,300)

p g  
300(8.8835  7.625) 300(8.8835  5.0)
p g  355  203  558 psi
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 Example B-1
 We estimate the maximum string velocity
using Equation B-4:

v p,max  1.5 v p,avg

Vp = 1.5 (90/60)
= 2.25 ft/s
= 135 ft/min
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 Example B-1
From Equation B-2, the relative velocity
opposite the liner for Newtonian fluids is:
2
dp v p
va  2 2
d2  dp

2
(7.625) (135)
a   394 ft/min.
8.835  7.625
2 2

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 Example B-1
The liner-casing clearance expressed as a
ratio is (7.625/8.835) or 0.863. Assuming
power law behavior, Schuh’s extrapolated
mud clinging constant is about 0.48. Hence
the effective annular velocity from Equation
B-5 is:

v ae  v a  K cling v p,max

Væ = 394 + (0.48)(135) = 459 ft/min.

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 Turbulent
Mud Clinging Constant

Laminar

Ratio of Pipe Diameter to Hole Diameter 14

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 Example B-1
To estimate annular friction losses, plot the
Fann viscometer data as shown in Figure B-2
and the equivalent viscometer speed at 459
ft/min using:
1.61 v ae
N
d2  d1

(1.61)( 459)
N  611 rpm
8.835  7.625
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Viscometer Reading, lbf/100ft2

66

611 16
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 Example B-1
The viscometer shear stress 611 obtained from Figure
B-2 is about 66 lbf/100 ft2. The laminar flow surge
pressure for the liner is:
g L
p g 
300 d2  d1 

(66)(4,300)
sf 1   782 psi
300(8.835  7.625)
where sf 1 is the steady-flow surge pressure and
the subscript “1” designates the lowermost string
section.
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 Example B-1
Convert the effective annular velocity into
a flow rate
( 459)(8.835  7.625 )
2 2
qe   373 gal/ min
24.5
and determine the turbulent loss:
5
7.7 x10 (15.8) (373) (65  39) ( 4,300)
0.8 1.8 0.2
sf1 
(8.835  7.625)3 (8.835  7.625)1.8
 897 psi
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 Example B-1
 The turbulent flow expression yields the
highest pressure loss so 897 psi is considered
the answer. Repeat the procedure for the
drillpipe / casing annulus.
2
(5.0) (135)
Va   64 ft / min
8.835  5.0
2 2

 K is 0.43 for the 0.566 diameter ratio so the

effective annular velocity is:
Vae = 64 + (0.43)(135) = 122 ft/min.
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 Example B-1
 The equivalent viscometer speed is:

(1.61)(122)
N   51rpm
51
8.835  5.0
and  is 12.5 lbf/100ft from the logarithmic plot.
2

 Determine the laminar surge pressure across the drillpipe annulus as:

(12.5)(7,800)
sf 2   85 psi
300(8.835  5.0)
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 Example B-1
 Repeating the turbulent flow
calculations:
(64)(8.8352  5.0 2 )
qe   139 gal / min
24.5
and
5 0. 8 0.2
7.7 x10 (15.8) ( 26) (7,800)
sf 2   12 psi
(8.835  5.0) (8.835  5.0)
3 1.8

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 Example B-1

 The surge pressure across the drillpipe is

85 psi and the total frictional pressure
drop for the tapered string is

sf  sf 1  sf 2  897  85  982 psi

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 2
0.00162  apipe dp L
Example B-1 p acc  2 2
d2  dp

 Finally, equation B-6 yields the pressure

increase due to pipe acceleration.

(0.00162)(15.8)(0.6)(7.625)2 ( 4,300)
a1   193psi
8.835  7.625
2 2

( 0.00162)(15.8)(0.6)(5.0)2 (7,800)
a 2   56psi
8.835  5.0
2 2

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 Example B-1
And, acc  193  56  249 psi

 Of the three effects, the steady-flow

condition is the most significant and the
maximum equivalent density seen at the
last casing seat is:
eq  15.8  19.25 (982 / 12,100)  17.4 lbm / gal.

 19.25 * 982 982 

   1. 6 
 12,100 0.052 * 12,100 
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 2

And evacuation of Results in: 3

the drillstring
Mud lifted
from annulus

and: 4

a drop in DP
fluid level
Tight and: 5
Clearance
1
a drop in BHP
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 Example 5.3
A trip operation commences at 5,010 ft
with:

 a 0.45-psi/ft gas sand at 5,000 ft;

 a 13-3/8 in. 54.5-lbm/ft surface casing set
at 2,000 ft
 the hole diameter assumed to be 12.25 in.

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 Example 5.3
 The drillstring consists of:
4-1/2 in., 16.60 lbm/ft Grade E drillpipe
and
600 ft.(182.9 m) of 7 x 3 in drill collars.
 Excess hole drag is indicated some
distance off bottom and the annulus soon
becomes packed off.
 Determine the pressure gradient at the gas
sand after pulling one more 90 ft stand of
drillpipe if the mud density is 9.2 lbm/gal
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 Example 5.3, solution
 The mud in the space between the
drillpipe and openhole and steel volume
are removed from the hole by pulling one
stand. The capacity factor for a 4.5 x 12.25
inch annulus is 0.12611 bbl/ft. The voided
volume is:
V = (Cd + Ca)
V = 90 (0.00644 + 0.12611)
= 11.9 bbl
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 Example 5.3, solution
 The mud level change in the drillpipe is this
volume divided by the internal capacity
factor:
h = 11.9/0.01422 = 836.8 ft.
 Which leads to the final wellbore pressure
gradient.
(9.2)(5,000  836.8)
g  0.398 psi / ft
(19.25)(5,000)

( gsand = 0.45 psi/ft )

Then what…? 29
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 Kick detection during trips-
Example 5.4
A national 10-P-130 triplex pump has a rated
3.7 gal/stroke output when furnished with 6.0
in. liners.
 How many strokes should this pump take to
fill the hole after pulling 10 stands of 5 in.,
19.50 lbm/ft high - strength drillpipe?
(Assume 95% volumetric efficiency.)

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 Kick detection during trips-
Solution
 The displacement factor for the drillpipe is obtained
from table 5.6 and the volume corresponding to ten 90
stands is determined as:
Vd = (0.00813)(900) = 7.3 bbl.
 Pump stroke counters that come with a PVT rental
package usually have a “trip” mode setting which
causes the counter to automatically stop the stroke
count when the flowline “sensor detects return flow.
From Equation 5.9 the stroke counter should read:

when the hole fills. N  (7.3)(42)  87 strokes

(3.7)(0.95)
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 Kick detection during trips
Flowline To mud pit

Fillup
line
Annulus kept full
Stack
by continuous
circulation from
trip tank

Trip
tank
Centrifugal pump 32
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 Wellhead Sonar
Water
gun
Receiver
& Processor

Kick
detection
during
trips
Gas cut
mud

Welbore
Discontinuity

Hole Bottom 33
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 Hard Shut-In
while tripping DP
1. Assure first that the choke manifold line is open to
preferred choke & choke is in closed position.
2. When a kick is verified, position upper tool joint
above the floor and set slips.
3. Stab and makeup a full-opening safety valve in
open position
4. Close safety valve.
5. Shut the well in, using annular preventer & open
remote-actuated valve to the choke manifold.
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 Hard Shut-In
while tripping DP
6. Notify supervisory personnel.
7. Install kelly.
8. Open safety valve. Read & record SIDPP.
9. Read & record SICP.
10. Rotate drillstring through the closed annular
preventer if feasible.
11. Measure & record the pit gain.

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 Soft Shut-In
while tripping DP
1. Assure first that the choke manifold line is open to
preferred choke & choke is in open position.
2. When a kick is verified, position upper tool joint
above the floor and set slips.
3. Stab and makeup a full-opening safety valve in
open position.
4. Close safety valve.
5. Close the annular preventer & open remote-
actuated valve to the choke manifold.
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 Soft Shut-In
while tripping DP
6. Shut well in by closing choke.
7. Notify supervisory personnel.
8. Install kelly.
9. Open safety valve. Read & record SIDPP.
10. Read & record SICP.
11. Rotate drillstring through closed annular
preventer if feasible.
12. Measure & record the pit gain.

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 Shut-In while tripping DP--
more than one stand in hole
1. First assure that the choke manifold line is open
to preferred choke & choke is in open position.
2. When a kick is verified, position upper connection
above the floor and set slips.
3. Pickup last drillpipe or combination stand & make
up into collar.
4. Run stand into hole, position tool joint & set slips.
5. Stab & makeup a full-opening safety valve in
open position.
6. Close safety valve.
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 Shut-In while tripping DP--
more than one stand in the hole
7. Close pipe rams & open remote-actuated valve to
choke manifold.
8. Shut well in by closing the choke.
9. Notify supervisory personnel.
10. Install kelly.
11. Open safety valve. Read & record SIDPP.
12. Read & record SICP.
13. Rotate drillstring through closed annular
preventer if feasible.
14. Measure & record pit gain.
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 Shut-In
tripping
DC

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 Example 5.5
Two 9 x 3 in. drill collars left to be pulled when flow is
detected. The bore is shut-in with a FOSV and the
annular preventer is closed.

 At what shut-in pressure will the string be ejected

from the hole if friction between the packing
element and collar is 1,000 lbf and the mud density
is 9.4 lbm/gal
 Assume the casing pressure gauge is 20 ft below
the closed value.
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 Example 5.5, solution

 Problem solution lies in setting Fs

equal to zero in equation 5.11 and
solving for Pcs :

Ff  w 1L1  D1gm A s  (L1  D1 )gm A i

pcs 
As  Ai

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 Example 5.5
 Note the denominator term is equivalent to
cross-sectional area of pipe OD, Ao. Solving
for Ao and the other cross-sectional areas.
 2
A o  9  63.617sq.in.
4
 2
A i  3  7.069 sq.in.
4
and
A s  A o  A i  63.617  7.069  56.548 sq.in.
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 Example 5.5
 The unit weight of the collar section can be
determined by multiplying the steel volume
over one foot by the steel specific weight of
0.2833 lbf/cu in:
W1=(56.548 sq in)(12 in/ft)(0.2833 lbf/cu in)=192 lbf/ft

 Assume a 180 ft stand length, substitute terms and

solve for:
1,000  (192)(180)  (160)(0.488)(56.548)  ( 20)(0.488)( 7.069)
cs 
63.617
 488psig
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 Shut-in when out of hole

Choke line open with blind ram closed--

1. When a kick is verified, close the

choke.
2. Close manifold gate valve immediately
upstream from the closed choke.
3. Notify supervisory personnel.
4. Read & record SICP.
5. Measure & record pit gain.
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 Shut-in when out of hole
Choke line closed with blind ram open
(Hard Shut in)

1. When a kick is verified, close the blind

ram.
2. Close manifold gate valve immediately
upstream from the closed choke.
3. Notify supervisory personnel,
4. Read & record SICP.
5. Measure & record pit gain.

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 Shut-in when out of hole
Choke line open with blind ram open or soft
shut-in--
1. When a kick is verified, close blind ram.
2. Close choke.
3. Close manifold gate valve immediately
upstream from the closed choke.
4. Notify supervisory personnel.
5. Read & record SICP.
6. Measure & record pit gain.

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 Blowout
Case
History

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 Blowout Case History
Significant events pertaining to a blowout from a
shallow oil well.

1. Set 18-5/8 in conductor casing at 415 ft (100 ft BML).

Installed diverter equipment.
2. Had a good oil show in the samples from 520 ft.
3. Lost full returns at 650 ft. Attempts to regain
circulation were futile. Resumed dry drilling with hole
standing full but not circulating.
4. Topped an oil reservoir at 900 ft & continued to drill to
960 ft. Began trip out of the hole.
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 Blowout Case History
Significant events pertaining to a blowout from a
shallow oil well.

5. Well began to flow at some point in the trip. The flow was
not detected until oil began to impinge on rotary table.
6. Poorly maintained FOSV could not be installed. No
backup was available.
7. Panic ensued causing misuse of diverter. Off-duty
personnel were not alerted.
8. Crews failed to don breathing equipment in presence of
flowing hydrogen sulfide.
9. Failed to recognize that rig equipment was inadequate to
control blowout & that abandonment was in order.
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