Shut in Procedures
Shut in Procedures
Shut in Procedures
SHUT-IN PROCEDURES
CONTENTS
1. SHUT-IN PROCEDURES
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 GENERAL SOFT SHUT-IN PROCEDURE WHILE DRILLING - FIXED RIG SOFT SHUT-IN PROCEDURE WHILE TRIPPING - FIXED RIG HARD SHUT-IN PROCEDURE WHILE DRILLING - FIXED RIG 1.5 1.6 1.7 DIVERTER PROCEDURE WHILE DRILLING - FIXED RIG HARD SHUT-IN PROCEDURE - FLOATING RIG SOFT SHUT-IN PROCEDURE WHILE DRILLING - FLOATING VESSEL 1.8 SOFT SHUT-IN PROCEDURE WHILE TRIPPING - FLOATING VESSEL 1.9 1.10 1.11 SHUT-IN PROCEDURE WHILE OUT OF THE HOLE. DIVERTER PROCEDURE WHILE DRILLING SURFACE & SUBSEA BOPS WHILE WIRELINE LOGGING 8 8 9 9 7 4 4 7 1 3 3
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1.
SHUT-IN PROCEDURES
When any of the positive indications of a kick are observed and a check shows that well is flowing, it should be shut in immediately. However, If surface casing alone has been set the flow should be diverted rather than attempting a shut-in which might endanger the rig. Diverter procedures are discussed later in this section. Where a good casing seat exists it cannot be over-emphasised that early detection and early shut-in of well kicks minimises the hazards and simplifies the kill process. If there is doubt as to whether or not the well is flowing, the safest policy is to shut-in and check pressures. A small flow can rapidly turn into a full flow and blow out. Occasionally, fear of stuck pipe has caused hesitation in shutting in wells. In general, stuck pipe problems are minimised by closing in the well early, with a small influx to remove and lower the well bore pressures being exerted. The possibility of breaking down the formation - especially at the shoe may also cause hesitation in shutting the well in. Here if the well is allowed to flow, eventually it will be necessary to shut the well in, with higher pressures and a greater likelihood of causing damage. There are several different shut in procedures for different types of rigs and for different drilling operations. These are: Shut-in while drilling, fixed platform Shut-in while tripping, fixed platform Shut-in while drilling, floating rig Shut-in while tripping, floating rig Shut -in while out of hole.
1.1 GENERAL
1.1.1 Floating Vessel It should be noted that the shut-in procedure on a floating vessel differs from that of a fixed rig. In general, the differences are: (a) (b) (c) The floating rig tends to move. The BOP stack is remotely located - usually on the sea floor. The string can be hung off during a kill, with a tool joint lowered onto closed pipe rams, and string weight hung on these rams. A space distance, to prevent a tool joint being opposite the BOP rams must be calculated and available immediately to the driller. Where necessary allowance for tidal range must be made.
(d)
The alternative procedure for those previously mentioned is diverter operation The procedures which follow are generalised suggestions, not necessarily applicable in detail to any specific rig.
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(6) (7)
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(6)
NOTE: Choke in dosed position while drilling. After the well has been shut in. In any shut-in procedure it is prudent to line up the annulus to the trip tank above the annular or rams. This will assist in double-checking to see if they are leaking. Double check that the well is lined up through the choke manifold prior to circulating kick out
(2)
If any indication of flow is observed while drilling top hole, close diverter immediately as the gas will reach surface in a very short time and it is inadvisable to attempt a flow check. 4
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(3)
Suggested diverting procedure in the event of shallow gas kick. a) b) c) d) Maintain maximum pump rate and commence pumping kill mud if available. Space out so that the lower safety valve is above the drill floor. With diverter line open close shaker valve and diverter packer. Shut down all non-essential equipment; if there is an indication of gas on rig floor or cellar area then activate deluge systems. e) On jack-up and platform rigs monitor sea for evidence of gas breaking out around conductor. f) g) If mud reserves run out then continue pumping with seawater. While drilling top hole a float should be run. This will prevent gas entering drill string if a kick is taken while making a connection. It will also stop backflow through the drill string on connection.
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(6)
(7)
NOTE:
WHILE
DRILLING
(7) (8)
(9)
When a possible indication is observed, stop rotary and pick up string to the predetermined height required for spacing out. STOP pumps. Check for flow. If positive. OPEN failsafe valve on BOP stack (valve on the choke line). CLOSE annular BOP. CLOSE choke. If this choke is not a positive shut-off type, it is necessary to close a valve (ideally just downstream of the choke) in order to read well pressures. Alert supervisors. Check pit gain. Read and record pressures and times. If pipe is to be hung off, some companies prefer to exchange the Kelly for a circulating head first. In this case: (a) Set slips. CLOSE lower Kelly cock. Bleed off pressure in Kelly. Remove Kelly, above lower Kelly cock. (b) Make up and install circulating head. OPEN lower Kelly cock. Remove slips. CLOSE top pipe rams. Reduce the pressure on annular preventer and lower the drill pipe until it hangs off on top pipe ram. Note that it may be necessary to bleed off mud while lowering pipe, to prevent well pressure increase due to the extra volume of string being lowered into the hole. Bleed of mud to hold annulus pressure constant during this time. OPEN annular BOP.
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NOTE:
There has been no regulatory definition of when diverters should be used instead of normal shut in procedures in the UK. Accepted good practice is to run a diverter system until 133/8 casing or its equivalent is set, typically at depths between 4,000 - 5,000 feet true vertical.
NOTE:
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