· Well Control Procedure
Introduction
Safety is paramount in the
high-stakes world of the drilling operation. At the same time, the potential of
getting a kick — the rapid injection of formation fluids into the wellbore —
increases and requires a quick response. Drilling teams rely on formal
processes like Shut-In While Drilling (SIW) as safety measures to protect
workers, equipment and the environment from such risks.
Here, we discuss the detailed
procedure for the SIW followed during tripping operations with the importance
of following the procedure and safety of well control in drilling operations.
Best Practice: Making Sense of the SIW Procedure
The Shut-In While Drilling (SIW) procedure
is a specific series of steps to quickly and efficiently shut the well in upon
a primary kick warning signal. This allows for the prevention of undue
escalation of threats to the safety of people, equipment, and well integrity.
Implementation of the SIW procedure step by step
✔Type a string of characters with
equal spacing between them, then set slips
✔You start by spacing out the
drilling string about 1 meter above the rotary table.
✔This is to make sure string points
at the correct position for any further manipulation.
✔It also incorporates an additional
set of slips, which will hold the string and ensure it does not move.
Case Study: Step 2. Make-Up (M/U)
Float Operated Surface Valve (FOSV) on String
✔The Float Operated Surface Valve
(FOSV) is assembled onto the drill string.
✔This valve is essential for
regulating the flow of fluids inside the borehole.
✔It also provides an extra level of
safety during shut-in activities.
Step 3: Shut off the pressure relief
valve
✔The safety valve is shut quickly to
separate the wellbore from surface equipment.
✔The last contributes to the
cessation of influx of formation fluids in the well.
✔Preventing a blowout is important in
how to minimize risk, and controlling the situation is key.
Step 4: Closing of the Ram Blowout Preventer
(BOP)
✔The Ram Blowout Preventer (BOP) is
closed as an additional shut-in barrier.
✔This vital device isolates the
wellbore.
✔This offers an added layer of
protection against surges due to pressure.
Step 5: Reporting to the Workover
Supervisor and Senior Tool Pusher
✔Drilling operations further require constant
communication.
✔This shut-in condition needs to be
reported immediately to the Workover Supervisor and the Senior Tool Pusher.
✔This guarantees that any decisions
that need to be made are also correct and timely.
Step 6: Opening the Choke Line
Valve (HCR) at Stack
✔HCR (Choke Line Valve) at the stack
is opened.
✔This results in reduced loading on
the choke manifold to facilitate pressure management within the wellbore.
✔This makes it critical to mitigate
pressure spikes and avoid dangerous conditions.
Step 7: M/U Circulation Valve to Safety
Valve
✔MEMORY: The Circulation Valve → up
to → safety valve.
✔This improves the quality of the shut-in
barrier.
✔Also, it provides a way for
controlled fluid circulation of the wellbore.
Step 8: open the Safety
Valve
✔It is now time to gently open the
safety valve, with all due precautions.
✔This is the beginning of the
regulated decompression of the wellbore.
✔Controlled depressurization avoids
pressure shocks and unregulated fluid escape.
Step 9: Recording the Depressurization
Parameters
✔Correct documentation is necessary
to assess the matter.
✔Standpipe pressure, annular pressure
and mud gains are tracked.
✔It is good not only to guide the
on-site personnel but also to evaluate and continuously improve on the well
control.
Step 10: Killing Sheet Filling and
Well Killing Operation
✔All required information is filled
out in the killing sheet.
✔Company standard is followed during
the killing operation.
✔Protocols in place enable
stabilization of the well and restoration of control.
✔Well Control: The Key to Avoiding
Disaster and Maintaining Safety
Preventing Blowouts
✔Following SIW procedures
significantly reduces the risk of uncontrolled wellbore pressure.
✔Executing this properly can save the
operators from disastrous blowouts which can destroy a rig and lead to loss of
life.
✔Enhancing Personnel Safety
✔Thus, tripping operations are
associated with higher risks and need strict adherence to well control
procedures.
✔When every member of a drilling team
is well-versed in and adheres to protocol, workplace safety is automatically
strengthened.
Protective Equipment and Environment
Preservation
✔The properly controlled shut-in procedure
will mitigate such equipment damage.
✔It also prohibits environmental
hazards, including oil spills and gas leaks.
Adhering to Industry Standards
✔The SIW process follows the global
drilling safety requirements.
✔And companies that take care of safety and
compliance significantly reduce legal risks and allow processes to run
smoothly.
Conclusion: Implementing Safety Through Preemptive Practice
The SIW procedure during tripping
operations is an important well-control defense barrier. Following established
procedures and carrying out each process correctly enables drilling crews to
eliminate risks so that personnel, equipment, and the environment are all safe.
The oil and gas industry is known for its commitment to safety, which it demonstrates through proactive safety measures, like effective execution of communication within a control bottleneck and keeping impeccable records. Adherence to well-control protocols ensures the ongoing success of drilling operations.
Adhering to these practices promotes a safer workplace, improved efficiency of drilling practices and extends the life of the operations of petroleum extraction.
Summary: Well Control – A Detailed
Overview Welcome to FOPENGG Experience: Well Control is one of the most
challenging aspects in the field of Drilling and Oil exploration. The below
guide can be beneficial for anyone to understand or memorize the safety
measures and procedures for well control. Drilling and Oil exploration is a
rigorous process and requires extensive precautions to avoid incidents.
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