What is well kick ?

A kick is a well control problem in which the pressure found within the drilled
rock is higher than the mud hydrostatic pressure acting on the borehole or
rock face. When this occurs, the greater formation pressure causes fluids to
flow from the formation into the wellbore. This forced fluid flow is called a kick.
In almost all drilling operations, the operator attempts to maintain a
hydrostatic pressure greater than formation pressure and, thus, prevent kicks;
however, on occasion the formation will exceed then the hydrostatic pressure
then a kick will occur. If the flow is successfully controlled, the kick is
considered to have been killed. An uncontrolled kick that increases in severity
may result a situation that is known as a blowout.

The Most Common Cause Of Well Kick or Influx Are:

Lost circulation:
Occasionally, kicks are caused by lost circulation. A decreased hydrostatic
pressure occurs from a shorter mud column. When a kick occurs from lost
circulation, the problem may become severe. A large volume of kick fluid may
enter the hole before the rising mud level is observed at the surface. It is
recommended that the hole be filled with some type of fluid to monitor fluid
levels if lost circulation occurs.

Swabbing during pipe movement:

Pulling the drill string from the borehole creates swab pressures. Swab
pressures are negative, and reduce the effective hydrostatic pressure

throughout the hole and below the bit. If this pressure reduction lowers the
effective hydrostatic pressure below the formation pressure, a potential kick
has developed. Variables controlling swab pressures are:

Pipe pulling speed

Mud properties

Hole configuration

The effect of balled equipment

Insufficient mud weight:

Insufficient mud weight is the predominant cause of kicks. A permeable zone is
drilled while using a mud weight that exerts less pressure than the formation
pressure within the zone. Because the formation pressure exceeds the wellbore
pressure, fluids begin to flow from the formation into the wellbore and the kick
occurs.
An obvious solution to kicks caused by insufficient mud weights seems to be
drilling with high mud weights; however, this is not always available solution.
First, high mud weights may exceed the fracture mud weight of the formation
and induce lost circulation.
Second, mud weights in excess of the formation pressure may significantly
reduce

the

penetration

rates.

Also,

pipe

sticking

becomes

serious

consideration when excessive mud weights are used. The best solution is to
maintain a mud weight slightly greater than formation pressure until the mud

weight begins to approach the fracture mud weight and, thus, requires an
additional string of casing.
Abnormal pressure formations:

These abnormal formation pressures are often associated with causes for
kicks. Abnormal formation pressures are greater pressures than in normal
conditions. In well control situations, formation pressures greater than normal
are the biggest concern. Because a normal formation pressure is equal to a
full column of native water, abnormally pressured formations exert more
pressure than a full water column. If abnormally pressured formations are
encountered while drilling with mud weights insufficient to control the zone, a
potential kick situation has developed. Whether or not the kick occurs
depends on the permeability and porosity of the rock. A number of abnormal
pressure indicators can be used to estimate formation pressures so that kicks
caused by insufficient mud weight are prevented.

Shallow gas sands:

Gas-contaminated mud will occasionally cause a kick, although this is rare.

The mud density reduction is usually caused by fluids from the core volume
being cut and released into the mud system. As the gas is circulated to the
surface, it expands and may reduce the overall hydrostatic pressure sufficient
enough to allow a kick to occur.
Although the mud weight is cut severely at the surface, the hydrostatic
pressure is not reduced significantly because most gas expansion occurs near
the surface and not at the hole bottom.

Improper hole fill-up during trips:

Improperly filling up of the hole during trips is another prominent cause of
kicks. As the drill pipe is pulled out of the hole, the mud level falls because the
pipe steel no longer displaces the mud. As the overall mud level decreases, the
hole must be periodically filled up with mud to avoid reducing the hydrostatic
pressure and, thereby, allowing a kick to occur.
Several methods can be used to fill up the hole, but each must be able to
accurately measure the amount of mud required. It is not acceptableunder
any conditionto allow a centrifugal pump to continuously fill up the hole from
the suction pit because accurate mud-volume measurement with this sort of
pump is impossible. The two acceptable methods most commonly used to
maintain hole fill-up are the trip-tank method and the pump-stroke
measurements method.
The trip-tank method has a calibration device that monitors the volume of mud
entering the hole. The tank can be placed above the preventer to allow gravity
to force mud into the annulus, or a centrifugal pump may pump mud into the
annulus with the overflow returning to the trip tank. The advantages of the
trip-tank method include that the hole remains full at all times, and an
accurate measurement of the mud entering the hole is possible.
The other method of keeping a full holethe pump-stroke measurement
methodis to periodically fill up the hole with a positive-displacement pump. A
flow line device can be installed with the positive-displacement pump to
measure the pump strokes required to fill the hole. This device will
automatically shut off the pump when the hole is full.

 Special situations:

Drill stem testing.

Drilling into an adjacent well.

Excessive drilling rate through a gas sand.

Surveys in the past have shown that the major portion of well control
problems have occurred during trips. The potential exists for the reduction of
bottom hole pressure due to:

Loss of ECD with pumps off.

Reduction in fluid levels when pulling pipe and not filling the hole.

Swabbing.

Factors affecting kick severity:

Several factors affect the severity of a kick. One factor, for example, is the
permeability of rock, which is its ability to allow fluid to move through the
rock. Another factor affecting kick severity is porosity. Porosity measures the
amount of space in the rock containing fluids. A rock with high permeability
and high porosity has greater potential for a severe kick than a rock with low
permeability and low porosity. For example, sandstone is considered to have
greater kick potential than shale, because sandstone has greater permeability
and greater porosity than shale.
Yet another factor affecting kick severity is the pressure differential involved.
Pressure differential is the difference between the formation fluid pressure and

the mud hydrostatic pressure. If the formation pressure is much greater than
the hydrostatic pressure, a large negative differential pressure exists. If this
negative differential pressure is coupled with high permeability and high
porosity, a severe kick may occur.

Kick Labels:
A kick can be labeled in several ways, including one that depends on the type
of formation fluid that entered the borehole. Known kick fluids include:

Gas

Oil

Salt water

Magnesium chloride water

Hydrogen sulfide (sour) gas

Carbon dioxide

Warning signs of kicks:

Warning signs and possible kick indicators can be observed at the surface.
Each crew member has the responsibility to recognize and interpret these signs
and take proper action. All signs do not positively identify a kick; some merely
warn of potential kick situations. Key warning signs to watch for include the
following:

Flow rate increase

Pit volume increase

Flowing well with pumps off

Pump pressure decrease and pump stroke increase

Improper hole fill-up on trips

String weight change

Drilling break

Cut mud weight

Each is identified below as a primary or secondary warning sign, relative to its

importance in kick detection.
Flow rate increase (primary indicator)
An

increase

in

the

rate

of

mud

returning

from

the

well

above

the normal pumping rate indicates a possible influx of fluid into the wellbore or
gas expanding in the annulus. Flow rate indicators like

the FloSho

measure small increases in rate of flow and can give warning of kicks before pit
level gains can be detected. Therefore, an observed increase in flow rate is
usually one of the first indicators of a kick. This is a positive indicator of a kick,
and the well should be shut in immediately any time an increase in flow rate is
detected.
Positive readings of a shut-in drill pipe pressure indicate that the well will have
to be circulated using the Drillers or Engineers Kill Procedure. If the increase

in flow was due to gas expansion in the annulus, the shut-in drill pipe
pressure will read zero because no drill pipe under balance exists.
Pit volume increase (primary indicator)
A gain in the total pit volume at the surface, when there are no mud materials
being added at the surface, indicates either an influx of formation fluids into
the wellbore or the expansion of gas in the annulus. Fluid influx at the bottom
of the hole shows an immediate gain of surface volume due to the
incompressibility of a fluid, (i.e. a barrel in at the bottom pushes out an
extra barrel at the surface). The influx of a barrel of gas will also push out a
barrel of mud at the surface, but as the gas approaches the surface, an
additional increase in pit level will occur due to gas expansion. This is a
positive indicator of a kick, and the well should be shut-in immediately
any time an increase in pit volume is detected.
All additions to the mud system should be done with the Drillers knowledge.
Each change in addition rate, particularly of water or barite, should be
reported. Any change in valve settings that could affect fluid into or out of the
system should be noted and relayed to the Driller. This is the only way to
prevent unnecessary shut-ins of the well. Again, the Driller should always shut
the well in first, and then determine the reasons for a pit gain.
Flowing well with pumps off (primary indicator)
When the rig pumps are not moving the mud, a continued flow from the well
indicates a kick is in progress. An exception is when the mud in the drill pipe is
considerably heavier than in the annulus, such as in the case of a slug.

Pump pressure decrease and pump stroke increase (secondary indicator)

A pump pressure change may indicate a kick. Initial fluid entry into the
borehole may cause the mud to flocculate and temporarily increase the pump
pressure.

As the flow

continues,

the low-density influx will displace

heavier drilling fluids, and the pump pressure may begin to decrease. As the
fluid in the annulus becomes less dense, the mud in the drillpipe tends to fall
and pump speed may increase.
Other drilling problems may also exhibit these signs. A hole in the pipe, called
a washout, will cause pump pressure to decrease. A twist-off of the drillstring
will give the same signs. It is proper procedure, however, to check for a kick if
these signs are observed.
Improper hole fill-up on trips (primary indicator)
When the drillstring is pulled out of the hole, the mud level should decrease by
a volume equivalent to the removed steel. If the hole does not require the
calculated volume of mud to bring the mud level back to the surface, it is
assumed a kick fluid has entered the hole and partially filled the displacement
volume of the drillstring. Even though gas or salt water may have entered the
hole, the well may not flow until enough fluid has entered to reduce the
hydrostatic pressure below the formation pressure.
String weight change (secondary indicator)
Drilling fluid provides a buoyant effect to the drillstring and reduces the actual
pipe weight supported by the derrick. Heavier mud have a greater buoyant force
than less dense mud. When a kick occurs, and low-density formation fluids

begin to enter the borehole, the buoyant force of the mud system is reduced,
and the string weight observed at the surface begins to increase.
Drilling Break OR Gradual Increase in Drilling Rate (secondary indicator):
An unexpected increase in bit-penetration rate, called a drilling break, is a
warning sign of a potential kick. When the rate suddenly increases, it is
assumed that the rock type has been changed. It is assumed that the new rock
type has been the potential to kick.
While drilling in the normally pressured shales of a well, there will be a
uniform decrease in the drilling rate. Assuming that bit weight, RPM, bit types,
hydraulics and mud weight remain fairly constant, the decrease will be due to
the increase in shale density. When abnormal pressure is encountered, the
density of the shale is decreased and so is the porosity. Higher porosity shales
are softer and can be drilled faster. Therefore, the drilling rate will almost
always increase as the bit enters an abnormally pressured shale. This increase
will not be rapid but gradual. A penetration rate recorder simplifies detecting
such changes. In development drilling, this recorder can be used with offset
well electric logs to pinpoint the top of an abnormal pressure zone before any
other indicators appears.
It is recommended when a drilling break is recorded that the driller should drill
3 to 5 ft (1 to 1.5 m) into the sand and then stop to check for flowing formation
fluids. Flow checks are not always performed in tophole drilling or when
drilling through a series of stringers in which repetitive breaks are
encountered. Unfortunately, many kicks and blowouts have occurred because
of this lack of flow checking.

Cut mud weight (secondary indicator)

Reduced mud weight observed at the flow line has occasionally caused a kick
to occur. Some causes for reduced mud weight are:
Core volume cutting
Connection air
Aerated mud circulated from the pits and down the drillpipe
Fortunately, the lower mud weights from the cuttings effect are found near the
surface (generally because of gas expansion), and do not appreciably reduce
mud density throughout the hole. Table 3 shows that gas cutting has a very
small effect on bottomhole hydrostatic pressure.
Effect of Gas-Cut Mud On The Bottomhole Hydrostatic Pressure
An important point to remember about gas cutting is that, if the well did not
kick within the time required to drill the gas zone and circulate the gas to the
surface, only a small possibility exists that it will kick. Generally, gas cutting
indicates that a formation has been drilled that contains gas. It does not mean
that the mud weight must be increased.

Decrease in Circulating Pressure:

Invading formation fluid will usually reduce the average density of the mud in
the annulus. If the density of mud in the drill pipe remains greater than in the

annulus, the fluids will U-tube. At the surface, this causes a decrease in the
pump pressure and an increase in the pump speed. The same surface
indications

can

be

caused

from

washout

in

the

drill

string.

To verify the cause, the pump should be shut down and the flow from the well
should be checked. If the flow continues, the well should be shut-in and
checked for drill pipe pressure to determine whether an underbalanced
condition exists.
Other Secondary Indicators of a Kick:
1. Increase in Gas Cutting
2. Increase in Water Cutting or Chloride
Indicators of Abnormal Pressure:
1. Decrease in Shale Density
2. Change in Cuttings Size and Shape
3. Increasing Fill on Bottom After a Trip
4. Increase in Flow Line Temperature
5. Increase in Rotary Torque
6. Increasing Tight Hole on Connections

Kick detection and monitoring with MWD tools:

During

circulation

and

drilling

operations, measurement

while

drilling

(MWD) systems monitor:

Mud properties

Formation parameters

Drillstring parameters

The system is widely used for drilling, but it also has applications for well
control, including the following:

Drilling-efficiency data, such as downhole weight on bit and torque, can

be used to differentiate between rate of penetration changes caused by drag
and those caused by formation strength. Monitoring bottomhole pressure,
temperature, and flow with the MWD tool is not only useful for early kick
detection, but can also be valuable during a well-control kill operation.
Formation evaluation capabilities, such as gamma ray and resistivity
measurements, can be used to detect influxes into the wellbore, identify rock
lithology, and predict pore pressure trends.

The MWD tool enables monitoring of the acoustic properties of the

annulus for early gas-influx detection. Pressure pulses generated by the MWD
pulser are recorded and compared at the standpipe and the top of the annulus.
Full-scale testing has shown that the presence of free gas in the annulus is
detected by amplitude attenuation and phase delay between the two signals.
For water-based mud systems, this technique has demonstrated the capacity to

consistently detect gas influxes within minutes before significant expansion

occurs. Further development is currently under way to improve the systems
capability to detect gas influxes in oil-based mud.

Some MWD tools feature kick detection through ultrasonic sensors. In

these systems, an ultrasonic transducer emits a signal that is reflected off the
formation and back to the sensor. Small quantities of free gas significantly alter
the acoustic impedance of the mud. Automatic monitoring of these signals
permits detection of gas in the annulus. It should be noted that these devices
only detect the presence of gas at or below the MWD tool.
The MWD tool offers kick-detection benefits, if the response time is less than
the time it takes to observe the surface indicators. The tool can provide early
detection of kicks and potential influxes, as well as monitor the kick-killing
process. Tool response time is a function of the complexity of the MWD tool and
the mode of operation. The sequence of data transmission determines the
update times of each type of measurement. Many MWD tools allow for
reprogramming of the update sequence while the tool is in the hole. This
feature can enable the operator to increase the update frequency of critical
information to meet the expected needs of the section being drilled. If the tool
response time is longer than required for surface indicators to be observed, the
MWD only serves as a confirmation source.

Kill-weight mud calculation:

It is necessary to calculate the mud weight needed to balance bottomhole
formation pressure. Kill-weight mud is the amount of mud necessary to

exactly balance formation pressure. It will be later shown that it is safer to use
the exact required mud weight without variation
Because the drillpipe pressure has been defined as a bottomhole pressure
gauge, the psidp can be used to calculate the mud weight necessary to kill the
well.

The kill mud formula follows:

Where

kw =

kill-mud

weight,

lbm/gal

19.23

conversion

constant Dtv = true vertical-bit depth, ft o = original mud weight,

lbm/gal.

Example 1
What will the kill-weight mud density be for the kick data given
below?

Dtv = 11,550 ft
o = 12.1 lbm/gal

psidp = 240 psi

psic = 1,790 psi
Pit gain = 85 bbl
Solution.

kw = psidp

19.23/ Dtv + o = 240 psi 19.23/11,550 ft + 12.1

lbm/gal = 0.4 lbm/gal + 12.1 lbm/gal = 12.5 lbm/gal

Nomenclature:
Dtv

= true vertical depth, bit depth,ft

gi

= influx gradient, psi/ft

gmd
p

= mud gradient in drill pipe, psi/ft

hi

= influx height, ft

kw

= kill mud weight, lbm/gal

= original mud weight, lbm/gal

psic

psidp

= shut-in casing pressure, psi

= shut-in drill pipe pressure, psi

Why Do We Need To Minimize Influx (Kick)?

As you know, weve always been trained or told to minimize influx (kick).
Nowadays, there are several tools and procedures guiding us to prevent large
influx; however, interestingly there are quite a lot of people who dont
understand why we need to do this. In this topic, we will demonstrate how kick
volume will affect wellbore and surface casing pressure.

Main concept of minimizing kick coming into the wellbore is to minimize

surface casing pressure when shut in. If you have excessive surface casing
pressure, you will have a chance to fracture the weakest formation in the
wellbore such as formation at casing shoe. You need to remember that more
influx equals to more surface pressure. We will do basic calculation to see the
effect of kick volume and surface pressure.

Example: Use the following information and compare the result of 2 cases.
Well Information (figure 1)

Figure 1 Well Information

9-5/8 casing shoe was set at 5,000MD/5,000TVD.

The well is drilled to 10,000MD/10,000TVD with 8.5 bit.

The well is assumed to be a gauge hole.

Current mud weight is 9.2 ppg water based mud.

Leak off test performed at 9-5/8 casing shoe is 13.5 ppg equivalent.

Reservoir pressure at 10,000 TVD is 10.5 ppg equivalent.

Average gas gradient is 0.1 psi/ft.

5 DP is used to drill this section and 6-1/2 DC is used as BHA for 1,000
ft.

What will happen if the wellbore influx is 10 bbl and 50 bbl?

First of all, we need to determine influx height of 10 bbl and 50 bbl.

Influx Height = Kick Volume Annular Capacity
Annular Capacity between 8-1/2 hole and 5 DP = (8.5 2 52) 1029.4 =
0.04590 bbl/ft
Annular Capacity between 8-1/2 hole and 6.5 DC = (8.5 2 6.52) 1029.4 =
0.02194 bbl/ft
Height of 10 bbl
Influx Height @ 10 bbl = 10 0.02194 = 343 ft.

Figure 2 Height of 10 bbl kick

Height of 50 bbl
For this case, we need to check see if 50 bbl will be more than annular volume
between hole and drill collar.
Volume between hole and 6.5 DC = Annular Capacity x DC Length
Volume between hole and 6.5 DC = 0.02914 x 1,000 = 29.14 bbl
As you can see from the figure, it tells us that there is kick volume in the
annulus between hole and 5 DP.
Kick Volume between Hole and 6.5 DC = Total Kick Volume Volume between
hole and 6.5 DC
Kick Volume between Hole and 6.5 DC = 50 29.14 = 20.86 bbl
We know that we will have 20.86 bbl of kick between hole and 5 DP and then
we need to calculate height of that volume.
Influx Height @ 20.86 bbl = 20.86 0.04590 = 454 ft
Total Influx Height = Influx Height between DC and Hole + Influx Height
between DP and Hole.
Total Influx Height = 1000 + 454 = 1454 ft

Figure 3 Height of 50 bbl kick

What is formation pressure at 10,000MD/10,000TVD ?

Formation pressure = 0.052 x 10.5 x 10,000 = 5,460 psi
What is Maximum Initial Shut-in Casing Pressure (MISICP) ?
Maximum Initial Shut-in Casing Pressure (MISICP) = (LOT Current MW) x 0.052 x Shoe TVD

Maximum Initial Shut-in Casing Pressure (MISICP) = (13.5 9.2) x 0.052 x

5,000 = 1,118 psi
Then we need to apply the hydrostatic pressure concept to determine casing
pressure as per the relationship below.
Formation Pressure = Hydrostatic Pressure + Casing Pressure
Re-write to the equation below
Casing Pressure = Formation Pressure Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic Pressure with 10 bbl of Kick in The Well
Hydrostatic Pressure = Hydrostatic from Gas + Hydrostatic from Mud

Hydrostatic Pressure = (Gas Gradient x Height of Gas) + (0.052 x MW X Height of Mud)

Hydrostatic Pressure = (0.1 x 343) + (0.052 x 9.2 x (10,000 343)) = 4,654 psi

Casing Pressure with 10 bbl of Kick in The Well

Casing Pressure = 5,460 4,654 = 806 psi (Figure 4)

Figure 4 Casing Pressure with 10 bbl gas kick

Hydrostatic Pressure with 50 bbl of Kick in The Well

Hydrostatic Pressure = Hydrostatic from Gas + Hydrostatic from Mud

Hydrostatic Pressure = (Gas Gradient x Height of Gas) + (0.052 x MW X Height
of Mud)
Hydrostatic Pressure = (0.1 x 1454) + (0.052 x 9.2 x (10,000 1545)) = 4,233
psi

Casing Pressure = 5,460 4,233 = 1,227 psi (Figure 5)

Figure 5 Casing Pressure with 50 bbl gas kick

Based on the same assumption, we will get the surface pressure as listed below
Casing Pressure with 10 bbl kick = 806 psi
Casing Pressure with 50 bbl kick = 1,227 psi

If we compare with MISICP of 1,118 psi from the calculation above, we will see
that 50 bbl kick will break the casing shoe (Figure 6).

Figure 6 Shoe Fracture

Conclusion
More Kick = More Surface Pressure = Less Safe
Less Kick = Less Surface Pressure = Safer

Kick Tolerance Concept and Calculation for Well Design:

Kick tolerance is the maximum gas volume for a given degree of underbalance
which the circulation can be performed without exceeding the weakest
formation in the wellbore. This article is the extended version of Kick Tolerance
Calculation which will explain more on this topic. It is very critical that drilling
personnel understand its importance to well design and drilling operation.

There are two important factors used for determining the kick
tolerance
Kick

Intensity It is the different between the maximum anticipated formation

pressure and planned mud weight. For example, the planned mud weight is
13.0 ppg and the possible kick pressure is 13.5 ppg. Therefore, the kick
intensity is 0.5 ppg (13.5 13.0).
A zero kick intensity (swabbed kick scenario) should be used for a know area
where you have less uncertainty about an overpressure zone.

Kick Volume It is a gas influx entering into the wellbore from the formation.

Gas kick is always used for well control calculation because it is the worst case
scenario. The kick volume should be realistic figure which personal can detect
the influx on the rig. In a larger hole, it allows bigger influx volume than a
small hole.

Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure (MAASP) and Kick Tolerance:

Weakest formation point in the open hole is assumed to be at the shoe depth of
the previous casing. The well bore will be fractured if a summation of
hydrostatic and surface pressure exceeds the weakest pressure (Leak Off Test
pressure). The maximum surface pressure before breaking the formation is
called Maximum Allowable Shut In Casing Pressure (MASICP).
Make it simpler for your understanding. MASICP is the total of kick tolerance
budget. It consists of pressure from kick intensity and hydrostatic pressure loss
due to gas.
Kick Tolerance Example Calculation
Previous casing shoe (9-5/8 casing) at 6,000 MD/ 6,000 TVD
Predicted formation pressure at TD (10,000MD/10,000TVD) = 14.0 ppg
Pore pressure uncertainty = 1.0 ppg
Planned mud weight = 14.5 ppg (0.754 psi/ft)
Gas gradient = 0.1 psi/ft
LOT = 16.0 ppg
Hole size = 8-1/2
Drill Pipe = 5
BHA + Drill Collar = 7
Length of BHA+Drill Collar = 400 ft
Annular capacity between open hole and BHA = 0.0226 bbl/ft
Annular capacity between open hole and 5 DP = 0.0459 bbl/ft

Calculation Steps
Maximum anticipated pressure = 14.0 + 1 = 15.0 ppg
Maximum Allowable Shut In Casing Pressure (MASICP) = (LOT MW) x 0.052 x Shoe TVD
Maximum Allowable Shut In Casing Pressure (MASICP) = (16 14.5) x 0.052 x
6,000 = 468 psi
Kick Intensity = 15.0 14.5 = 0.5 ppg
Underbalanced due to kick intensity = 0.5 x 0.052 x 10,000 = 260 psi
As you can see, when the well is in underbalance condition (260 psi), the shoe
will not be broken because the MASICP is more than underbalance pressure
(468 > 260).
We know that 0.5 ppg kick intensity we will have 208 psi (468 260 = 208 psi)
before shoe broken.

It means that gas bubble can replace mud in equivalent to 208 psi before
fracturing the shoe. With this relationship, we can determine height of gas kick
by the following equation.

Height of gas kick = remaining pressure, psi (mud gradient, psi/ft gas gradient,
psi/ft)
Height of gas kick = 208 (0.754 0.1) = 318 ft.

Determine gas kick volume base on height of gas kick

We need to separate into two cases and compare the smallest volume.

1st case Gas at the bottom

Volume of gas kick =

Annular

capacity between open

hole

BHA x Height of gas

kick

Volume

(bbl)

of

gas

kick

and

0.0226 bbl/ft x 318 ft

= 7.2 bbl

2nd case Gas right

casing shoe

below

For this case, we need

to

gas at the shoe to the

bottom

condition by applying

Boyles

Laws.

convert

Volume of gas kick = Annular capacity between open hole and 5 DP x Height of
gas kick
Volume of gas kick (bbl) = 0.0459 bbl/ft x 318 ft = 14.6 bbl.

Convert to the bottom hole condition

Volume at the bottom = (volume of gas kick at shoe x Leak off test) formation
pressure

Leak off test = 0.052 x 16 x 6,000 = 4,992 psi

Formation pressure (gas kick condition) = 0.052 x 15 x 10,000 = 7,800 psi
Volume at the bottom = (14.6 x 4992) 7800 = 9.3 bbl
We can compare the kick volume from two cases like this.
1 st case : kick volume = 7.2 bbl
2nd case : kick volume = 9.3 bbl
The smallest number must be selected to represent maximum kick volume
therefore kick volume is 7.2 bbl.
We wish this article could help you get more understanding about Kick
Tolerance.

Kill Well Method Comparison

Kill Well Method Comparison Both the Drillers and Engineers or Wait and
Weight Methods have advantages and disadvantages, cause of this we will
share about kill well comparison depending on the general conditions of the
area of operation or the specific conditions in a well. The correct kill method is
determined through discussions between the Drilling Representative on
location and the Drilling Supervisor.
Figures E.3 and E.4 illustrate a gas kick being circulated to the surface using
both the Drillers and the Engineers Method. Observing both figures, note that
when the gas bubble reaches the casing shoe, the Drillers method produces a
surface casing pressure which is higher than the initial casing pressure,
whereas the Engineers Method is less. In the Drillers Method, the hydrostatic
pressure in the annulus is reduced as the gas bubble expands while being
circulated out of the well. Since the bottomhole pressure is held constant, the

surface casing pressure must increase. The hydrostatic pressure above the
shoe is the same as it was when the well was initially shut-in, as long as the
bubble is below the shoe. The pressure at the shoe will increase an amount
equal to the increase in the surface casing pressure plus any circulating
friction generated in the annulus above the shoe. This increase in pressure
could be sufficient to cause a formation breakdown at the shoe.
Consequently, the maximum pressure at the casing shoe occurs when the top
of the bubble reaches the shoe if the Drillers Method is used. Conversely, when
the Engineers Method is used, the maximum pressure at the shoe will
generally occur when the kill mud reaches the bit. Exceptions to this take place
when the kick volume enters the well filling it above the shoe, or when a small
kick volume does not increase the casing pressure as it rises into a larger
annular area at the top of the collars by the time kill mud reaches the bit, or at
any time the top of the bubble reaches the shoe before the kill mud reaches the
bit. The introduction of kill mud into the annulus through the bit increases the
hydrostatic pressure. In order to maintain constant bottom hole pressure, the
surface pressure must be reduced and the pressure at the shoe
is reduced.

Well Control - Driller's Method

With this method, the well is killed in two circulations. During the first circulation: the influx is circulated out of
the hole using the existing mud. Additional influx is prevented by adjusting the choke to maintain a constant
bottom hole pressure slightly in excess of the pore pressure.

During the second circulation: the existing mud is replaced by mud of the required density to (over)balance the
pore pressure. The choke is adjusted to maintain a constant bottom hole pressure slightly greater than the pore
pressure.

1. Disadvantages of the driller's method

Compared with the balanced mud method, principal disadvantages of the driller's method include the following:

the well must remain closed-in under pressure longer;

the maximum pressure at the casing shoe and against the formation will be higher if the influx is gas (unless
the top of the gas reaches the casing shoe before the drillstring would be displaced by heavy mud in the
balanced mud method);

the maximum choke pressure when the top of the influx reaches the surface will be higher if the influx is gas.

Before employing the driller's method, it is essential to confirm that exposed formations can support the higher
pressures which might be developed during the first circulation.

2 Advantages of the driller's method

Advantages of the driller's method include the following:

simplicity: circulation can be started without calculations. This may be useful if expert supervision is not
immediately available;

pumping can begin as soon as drillpipe pressure build-up is established; there is no delay whilst mud is
weighted up. This could be important in case of an H2S influx;

the well can be effectively controlled (although not killed), even if the weighting material supply is inadequate.

2.1 Procedures
The following procedures concerning the driller's method are discussed:

Closing in the well.

Pressure and pit volume readings.

First circulation: selecting the pump rate.

Standpipe pressure during first circulation.

Determining the height and gradient of the influx.

First circulation: determining travel times (or volumes).

First circulation: standpipe kill graph construction and use.

Determining the pressure at the top of a gas influx at any point in the annulus.

First circulation: action.

Second circulation: determining the gradient of the kill mud.

Second circulation: determining the amount of overbalance.

Second circulation: selecting pump rate.

Second circulation: travel times (or volumes).

Second circulation: standpipe pressures.

Second circulation: standpipe kill graph construction and use.

Second circulation: action.

Procedure after the well has been brought under control.

3 Closing in the well

Close in the well immediately after detecting a kick condition. The procedure is as for the balanced mud
method.

4 Pressure and pit volume readings

Pressure and pit volume readings should be taken as for the balanced mud method

5 First circulation: Selecting the pump rate

The mud is not weighted up for the first circulation: therefore, the pump rate is not limited by the weighting
material mixing capacity of the rig. However, the maximum pump rate is limited by other factors such as the
increased initial standpipe pressure, the need for choke adjustment, and surface gas handling equipment. Also,
if the choke starts blocking-off, pressure surges will be less at reduced circulating rates. Normally, the pump
speed selected will not exceed 50% of the usual circulating rate applied for drilling operations.

6 Standpipe pressure during first circulation

The standpipe pressure at the start is the same as with the balanced mud method. The standpipe pressure
should then be approximately equal to the normal pre-kick circulation pressure at the selected pump speed,
plus the closed-in drillpipe pressure, plus a small margin of 700 kPa (100 psi).

Always make sure that the formation strength at the casing shoe is not exceeded during the circulating
process.

Since there is no change in the gradient of the mud being pumped, the initial standpipe pressure must be held
constant throughout the first circulation to ensure that the bottom hole pressure is also kept constant.

7 Determining the height and gradient of the influx

This information is not essential, but will give an indication of the pattern of choke pressures and pit level
changes that may be expected during the first circulation. The procedure is as for the balanced mud method.

8 First circulation: Determining travel times (or volumes)

The bit-to-shoe and shoe-to-choke times are determined .The total pumping time for the first circulation is that
required to displace the annulus, i.e. the sum of the bit-to-shoe and shoe-to-choke times, volumes, or pump
strokes.

9 First circulation: Standpipe kill graph construction and use

The standpipe kill graph is a horizontal line equal to the closed-in drillpipe pressure plus the circulating
pressure plus the overbalance margin of 100 psi.

10 Determining the pressure at the top of a gas influx at any

point in the annulus
When a gas kick is being circulated out of the hole, the influx volume will increase due to expansion and
consequently results in increased pit levels.

By calculating the expected annular pressures at the top of the influx at specific points along the hole together
with the associated influx volumes at these points, comparisons can be made with actual values observed
during circulating out the influx. This information can play an important role in the decision making process
during well control operations.

The pressure at the top of a gas bubble at any point in the annulus while circulating it out using the "Driller's
method" can be calculated as follows:

11 First circulation: Action

The procedure for the first circulation is as follows:

1.Open the choke and start pumping the existing mud at the selected pump speed.

2.Adjust the choke opening until the choke pressure equals the closed-in annulus pressure plus the
overbalance margin. Record the choke pressures throughout the first circulation.

3.Read the standpipe pressure. It should agree with the calculated value, i.e. the normal pre-kick pump test
circulation pressure at the selected pump speed plus the closed-in drillpipe pressure, plus a small margin of
700 kPa (100 psi). If the observed standpipe pressure does not agree with the calculated value, consider the
observed pressure to be correct.

4.Note the standpipe pressure and thereafter keep it constant whilst maintaining a constant pump rate, until the
influx is circulated out.

5.When all influx has been circulated out, stop the pump and close in the well to check the closed-in drillpipe
and annulus pressures. At the end of the first circulation, the closed-in pressures of the annulus and drillpipe
should be the same and equal to the initial closed-in drillpipe pressure. The well is controlled but not killed.

During the first circulation the following should also be carried out:

maintain and record the density of the mud pumped into the drillstring. Ensure that it has the correct value;

measure and record the properties of the mud returns;

de-gas, treat or discard any contaminated mud returns.

12 Second circulation: Determining the gradient of the kill mud

The gradient of the kill mud to balance the formation pressure can be determined as soon as the closed-in
standpipe pressure has stabilised. A trip margin can now be added to the kill mud gradient in order to
overbalance the formation pressure and to resume normal operations.

13 Second circulation: Determining the amount of overbalance

Normally the overbalance on bottom during well control (neglecting friction losses in the annulus), should not
exceed 700 kPa (100 psi). However, since the influx has been displaced with r1 mud during the first circulation,
large fluctuations in mud gradient and choke control operations are not expected and therefore, if possible, the
density of the mud in the well is raised directly to that required to resume normal operations.

14 Second circulation: Selecting pump rate

This is carried out as for the balanced mud method.

A constant pump rate, approximately one half the speed used for the drilling operation, is maintained during the
second circulation.

15 Second circulation: Travel times (or volumes)

Provided that the same pump rate is used, the surface-to-bit and bit-to-choke times are the same as for the
balanced mud method Section

16 Second circulation: Standpipe pressure

The initial standpipe pressure should be the same as for the first circulation.

Pst =Pdp + Pc1 + margin

During the period that the heavy mud (including the overbalance) is pumped down the drillstring, the standpipe
pressure should decrease until the heavy mud reaches the bit at which time it should be:

Pst = Pc1 * rho2 / rho1 = Pc2

The standpipe pressure should remain constant after the heavy mud has reached the bit.

17 Second circulation: Standpipe kill graph construction and

use
The standpipe pressure kill graph for the second circulation is similar to that of the balanced mud method

The procedure for constructing the standpipe kill graph is as follows:

1.Plot the initial circulating pressure plus margin at the start of the second circulation.

2.Plot the heavy mud circulating pressure (Pc2) at the time that the heavy mud reaches the bit.

3.Whilst the heavy mud is being circulated into the annulus, the back pressure should be progressively reduced
to zero at the time when the heavy mud reaches the choke. The standpipe pressure should then equal the
heavy mud circulating pressure.

This assumes that the heavy mud gradient includes a suitable overbalance margin.

18 Second circulation: Action

If possible, the density of the mud in the well is raised directly to that required to resume normal operations.

The procedure during the second circulation is as follows:

1.Open the choke and start pumping mud of the required density at the rate selected to kill the well. Maintain a
constant pumping rate.

2.Adjust the choke opening until the choke pressure equals the closed-in annulus pressure plus margin
observed at the end of the first circulation. Choke pressures should be recorded throughout the process.

3.Read the standpipe pressure. This should agree with the calculated standpipe pressure, i.e. the pre-kick
pump test circulating pressure plus the closed-in drillpipe pressure at the end of the first circulation including
the margin. If the standpipe pressure does not agree with the calculated value, consider the observed pressure
to be correct and modify the standpipe pressure kill graph accordingly.

4.When the heavy mud reaches the surface, stop pumping and check whether the well is dead.

During the second circulation the following should also be carried out:

maintain and record the density of the mud pumped into the drillstring; ensure that it has the correct value;

measure and record the properties of the mud returns until the well is killed;

de-gas, treat or discard any contaminated mud returns.

19 Procedure after the well has been brought under control

After the well has been brought under control, the well should be flow-checked via the open choke line. The
preventers can be opened and normal circulation resumed after any possible flow has ceased from the choke
line for a reasonable flow-check time.

Procedures for floating drilling operations are described in the Balanced mud method.

Driller Method First Circulation

Engineering Method or Weight And Wait Kill Well Method

Well Kill Using Wait and Weight Method (Balanced

Method)
The Wait and Weight method is the method recommended, in some circumstances, for controlling an influx
taken while drilling or circulating on bottom. When drillpipe (string) volume is greater than open hole volume,
the influx will already be inside the casing before heavy mud reaches the open hole.

In this case the Drillers Method can be a better solution as the danger of gas expansion is removed
immediately while weighing up mud can take hours.

Advantages of Wait and Weight method

the annular pressure will usually be lower and the chance of formation breakdown is therefore reduced.

the hole and the wellhead equipment are subjected to high pressures for the shortest possible time since the
influx is circulated out and the well is killed in one circulation.

Disadvantages of Wait and Weight method

considerable waiting time while weighing up mud can cause gas migration

if large increases in mud weight is required, this may be possible in stages only

This method involves one circulation. Kill mud is prepared and is pumped from surface to bit while following a
prepared drillpipe pressure drop schedule. Once the kill mud enters the annulus, a constant drillpipe pressure
is maintained until the heavy mud returns to surface.

Procedure
The procedure for the Wait and Weight method is as follows:

After the well has been secured and pressures have stabilised, complete kill sheet including kill graph

Bring pumps up to speed keeping casing pressure constant by manipulating the choke

When pump is up to kill speed the choke is manipulated to keep the drill pipe pressure at initial circulating
pressure (ICP).

Pump kill mud down drill pipe keeping casing pressure constant and allowing drill pipe pressure to fall from ICP
to final circulating pressure (FCP).

When kill mud reaches the bit the drill pipe pressure should be at FCP. Continue pumping kill mud keeping drill
pipe pressure constant at FCP until the kick is circulated out and kill mud reaches surface.

Equations
KMW = (SIDPP / (0.052 * TVD)) + OMW

Trip margin may not be included in the calculation for kill mud weight. The major reason for this is to avoid any
unnecessary additional wellbore pressure that could result in formation breakdown.

Calculate initial circulating pressure:

ICP = SCRP + SIDPP (psi)

Calculate Final circulating pressure:

FCP = KMW x SCRP (psi)

OMW

Calculate surface to bit strokes:

Strokes = Drillstring volume (bbls)

Pump output (bbls/stroke)

Calculate time to pump surface to bit:

Time (mins) = Total strokes from surface to bit)

Strokes per minute

Where:

KMW = Kill mud weight (ppg)

SIDPP = Shut in Drillpipe pressure (psi)

TVD = True vertical depth (ft)

OMW = Original Mud Weight (ppg)

ICP = Initial circulating pressure (psi)

SCRP = slow circulating rate pressure (psi)

FCP = Final circulating pressure (psi)

Wait and Weight Method Kill Well

Wait and Weight Method Killing Well is sometimes referred to as the Engineers
Method or the One Circulation Method. It does, at least in theory, kill the well
in one circulation. This is the preferred method used by most operators and
recommended by many well killing experts. Its principal advantage is that it
provides the lowest annular pressures during the circulation of the kill, making
it the safest of the commonly used kill methods. Once the well is shut in and
pressures stabilized, the shut in drillpipe pressure is used to calculate the kill
mud weight. Mud of the required weight is made up in the mud pits.

When ready, kill mud is pumped down the drillpipe. At commencement

enough drillpipe pressure must be held to circulate the mud, plus a reserve
equivalent to the original shut in drillpipe pressure. This total steadily
decreases as the mud goes down to the bit, until with kill mud at the bit, the
required pressure is simply that needed to pump kill mud around the well. The
choke is adjusted to reduce drillpipe pressure while kill mud is pumped down
the string. With kill mud at the bit, the static head of mud in the drill
pipe balances formation pressure.
For the remainder of the circulation, as the influx is pumped to the surface,
followed by drill pipe contents and the kill mud, the drillpipe pressure is held
at the final circulating value by choke adjustment.
Procedure for the wait and weight method
The Wait and Weight method uses the same calculations already described for
a drillpipe pressure schedule.

The calculations are:

Kill Mud Weight = Original Mud Weight + [SIDPP TVD 0.052]
At the start of the circulation, with kill mud:
Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP) = Slow Circulating Pressure (SCRP) + Shut In
Drillpipe Pressure (SIDPP)
Once the capacity of the drill string is calculated, it is possible to draw a graph
showing how drillpipe pressure varies as kill mud is pumped down to the bit.
Once kill mud is ready, the start-up procedure is as previously described.
The choke is cracked open, the pump started to break circulation, and then
brought up slowly to the Kill Rate. While the Driller brings the pump up to the
Kill Rate, the choke operator works the choke so as to keep the casing pressure
at or as near as possible to the closed in casing pressure reading. When the
pump is up to the Kill Rate, the choke operator transfers to the drillpipe
pressure gauge, adjusting the choke if necessary to achieve the INITIAL
CIRCULATING PRESSURE on the drillpipe pressure gauge. As the kill mud
proceeds down the drillpipe, the drillpipe pressure is allowed to drop
steadily from the Initial Circulating Pressure to the Final Circulating Pressure,
by choke adjustment. Where the kick is a small one, at or near the bottom of

the hole, the drillpipe pressure tends to drop of its own accord as the kill mud
moves down. Little or no choke adjustment is required.
Only in cases of diffused gas kicks with gas far up the annulus will significant
choke adjustments be needed during this period. After kill mud has reached
the bit, the drillpipe pressures is maintained at the Final Circulating Pressure,
until the kill mud returns to surface.
As with the Drillers method, this Final Circulating pressure is held constant as
long as pump rate is held constant at the selected value. If, for any reason, the
pump rate is felt to be wrong, it can be changed using the same procedure
described previously. However, pump rate changes should be avoided, where
possible. While the pump rate is adjusted, the casing pressure is held steady by
adjusting the choke. Once the pump is stabilized at its new speed, the revised
circulating pressure is read from the drillpipe gauge. If a gas influx is very
near to the surface, adjusting pump rate by holding a steady casing pressure
may significantly increase the bottom hole pressure. This is due to the rapid
expansion of gas near the surface. Alterations in pump rate are to be made
early on!
The following two graphs depict pressure variations during the Wait
and Weight method.

Circulating Pressure

Annular Pressure

Step Wait And Weight Procedure

Advantages of the Wait and Weight Method Kill Well:
1. LOWEST WELL BORE PRESSURES, AND LOWEST SURFACE
PRESSURES this means less EQUIPMENT STRESS.
2. MINIMUM ON-CHOKE CIRCULATING TIME.
Disadvantages of the Wait and Weight Method Kill Well:
1. CONSIDERABLE WAITING TIME (while weighting up)
GAS MIGRATION?
2. IF LARGE INCREASES IN MUD WEIGHT REQUIRED, THIS IS
DIFFICULT TO DO UNIFORMLY IN ONE STAGE.