Author: Peter Aird Checked By : Approved By:

WELL : Rig :
Drilling operational guideline No:

Ref:

WC006

Page: 1 Revision: 1.0 19 July 2000

WELLBORE LOSSES & GAINS

Losses & Gains essentials

Table of contents
LOSSES & GAINS ESSENTIALS ...............................................................................................................................1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................................1 LOSS/GAIN VICIOUS CIRCLE IN THE FIELD................................................................................................................2 Purpose ..................................................................................................................................................................2 Procedure...............................................................................................................................................................3

www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk

Author: Peter Aird Checked By : Approved By:

WELL : Rig :
Drilling operational guideline No:

Ref:

WC006

Page: 2 Revision: 1.0 19 July 2000

WELLBORE LOSSES & GAINS

Loss/Gain Vicious Circle in the field

e.g. Positive Flow Check, Circulate (Annulus & Choke DP), Increase Mud Weight

Purpose To determine whether flow during connections/flow checks is due to: flowback of mud lost when the pumps were on (ballooning), or a kick,

and how to identify, determine and take appropriate measures.

www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk

Author: Peter Aird Checked By : Approved By:

WELL : Rig :
Drilling operational guideline No:

Ref:

WC006

Page: 3 Revision: 1.0 19 July 2000

WELLBORE LOSSES & GAINS

Procedure If losses did not occur while drilling: - Flow is not lost mud flowback ? - If no, then treat as a kick, using standard well control procedures. If losses did occur while drilling: - Monitor rate of gain on trip tank. If flow stops before a safe and manageable allowable volume of mud is bled (e.g., for Central North Sea HPHT wells, Santa Fe recommend 5 bbl): - Flow is probably lost mud flowback. - Continue with normal operations. If flow does not stop after the allowable volume of mud is bled: - Shut-in well - Measure initial SIDPP, SICP. - Open choke, and bleed fluid. If flow stops before the allowable volume of mud is bled: - Flow is probably lost mud flowback. - Circulate bottoms up. - Flow check; if no flow, continue with normal operations - if flow, shut in well, and repeat previous steps. If flow does not stop after the allowable volume of mud is bled: - Shut-in well - Measure SIDPP, SICP. If pressures have increased: - Flow is not lost mud flowback. - Treat as a kick, using standard well control procedures. If pressures have decreased: - Flow may be lost mud flowback. - Circulate bottoms up. - Flow check; if no flow, continue with normal operations; if flow, shut in well, and repeat previous steps. - This process may have to be repeated several times before flow stops; the total volume bled off should not exceed the amount lost while drilling.

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