CAP3 Simulator Assessment (RS & ARS)

Preparation Guidelines for Candidates

 You should be adequately prepared to undertake this assessment. Read and

understand the guideline thoroughly
 You will be familiarized with Drilling simulator before beginning the
Assessment. Ask questions and clarify any doubts you may have about the
simulator functions
 Be relaxed without any stress while you are being observed or questioned.
Sometimes the observers will induce more stress, like in a real well
problematic situation which is stressful. This is to test the understanding of
principals, execution of procedures, decision making and confidence.
It’s better to say you are not sure or don’t know rather than giving wrong or silly
answer You should be well rested and mentally prepared to undertake the

Assessment
 This Assessment is aimed to assess RS/ARS required competencies for
supervising, controlling Tripping, Drilling, Stuck pipe and Well control
 Read the preparation and Assessment guidelines carefully to help in
Simulator assessment
 Watching the video in the link will support you while doing your simulator
assessment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiTaE6lDH_U
(YouTube search word : ADC Simulator)

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As Supervisor
When you arrive you will be introduced to Simulator

You will be given a well scenario and asked to take over operations as you come over shift. You
will be handed

 Hole details and BHA Sheet

 Drillers hand over notes, Trip sheet, Filled in kick sheet (Vols)
 Game plan
 Check List

You will be required to do (and will be assessed for) the following

1. Prepare a Comprehensive SID for Driller with instructions related to Game Plan
2. Check and Set up all surface equipment (MP, standpipe, BOPs, HCRs, Choke manifold,
gauges, trip tank, crown o matic, etc) according to SID and plan. You may use check list
for support. Test link tilt anti collision
3. Calculate and post correct MAASP
4. Instruct for and supervise further operations as mentioned in handover notes while
following SID, Game plan & company procedure and policy.
5. All your actions and decisions should be in line with instructions & procedures
6. Well Control: You are responsible for taking charge post Well Shut in, assess the
situation, Issue appropriate instruction and delegate crew for checks, watch and
reporting. Prepare and communicate a Kill plan. Direct and control Dynamic kill process.
Identify potential problems and implement corrective measures
7. Tripping and Drilling: Issue standard instruction (SID) as per Game plan). Respond to and
control any Reported problems and implement suitable corrective actions ( Stuck pipe)

The scenario will consist of Trip in, Drill, Trip out and handling any drilling problems,
Stuck pipe and well control situations that may arise during this time
You will be required to identify sticking mechanism and implement correct First Actions

Tripping
Monitor String weight and hole drag at all times
Monitor bit depths at all times. Control Trip speed
Verify Hole depth/Vs Bit depth. Supervise Fill string (as per and handover note position)
Line up Equipment for Drilling (MP, Standpipe)
Identify and correctly respond to any abnormal situation/Problem while tripping

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 Drilling
Stab and M/up TDS, Start rotation and Pumps start up
Supervise Drilling as per SID and Game plan
Calculate and Post Correct MAASP
Record SCR Verify flow sensor & pit level alarms are set
Record String wts, Trq and Drag, Rotating wt., zero WOB
Break in the bit : Supervise break in procedure
Drill manually and switch to Auto Driller
Supervise Drilling within given parameters. Monitor ROP
Verify Flow check for Drilling Breaks
Monitor drilling trends.

Problems While Drilling

1. Drop in Pump Pressure, SPM the same, return flow the same. This may be String wash out.
Establish the cause by checks
2. Sudden increase in Pump Pressure, other parameters stay the same. This may be nozzle plug.
3. Increase in Pump Pressure, drop in hook load. This may be hole pack-off. P/up off bottom, decrease
pump rate to ensure full returns. Follow stuck pipe procedure
4. In the event of a kick situation,
I. Assess the situation when called upon a Shut in Well
(Instruct crew to check for surface leaks) Isolate leaks if found
I. Verify Line up flow line from well to trip tank (to monitor BOP leak))
II. Verify Pit gain and record SIDPP, SICP at time intervals (2-5 Mins) and until pressures
stabilized. Instruct driller to watch and Report any changes in pressure during waiting
period. Procedure to control BHP increase due to Gas Migration
III. If SIDP Reads Zero- What is the reason?
IV. Instruct driller and explain procedure for, and Pump open float with Driller
V. Develop a Kill plan (with kill sheet) and Communicate to crew
VI. Direct and control Dynamic kill process. Identify potential problems and implement
corrective measures

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 Trip Out

When the well is under control, Circulate and condition Mud

Slug Pipe and Line up equipment for tripping

Compare Gain.. Actual Vs Calculated

Supervise Trip out of hole in line with SID and Game Plan

Identify and correctly respond to any abnormal situation/Problem while tripping

Doing all the steps during this assessment upto the required Standard will lead to your
classification in “Competent” Category

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 Notes for Dynamic Kill
Before commencing the killing, you must check the following

1. Assess the Situation

a. Well is closed properly ( correct rams/annular)
b. Size of the influx?
c. Trapped pressure?
d. Record pressure (Casing/Drill Pipe)
2. Check all systems
a. Correct set up of the drilling standpipe manifold
b. Correct set up of the choke manifold
c. Correct function and pressures for Accumulator gauges, including air pr
3. Check and Collect Kick pressure reading (SIDPP, SICP,)
4. In case SIDPP= Zero (Float valve) Pump open float. Pump 2-5 SPM in string steadily
You will find DP pr increasing and CP constant. Stop pump the moment CP begins to increase

Pr on DP pressure gauge is your SIDPP. Use this to calculate Kill Mud weight
5. Calculate MAASP & Ensure Correct MAASP is posted on Remote choke panel.
6. In case SCR pressure is not available, Bring the pump to kill speed while keeping BHP constant
Start pump 5 by 5 SPM keeping CP constant until reaching kill rate(example 30 SPM)
Circ. Pressure on drill pipe gauge is ICP, stop pump 5 by 5 keeping CP constant. SPR=ICP-SIDPP
7. You will be given a Kick sheet (with volumes) Fill in and complete the kill sheet, with drop down
schedule, decide which killing method will be used (< 15Mins).
When you prepare the Kill sheet: Instruct the Driller with SID
(to check pressures, not to reach MASP, ask to keep 100 psi or more safety margin, bleed off in
accordance….Inform you at any change…) due to gas migration

Driller’s Method long time for circulation, First Circulate the influx out then Displace well with Kill
MudPreferred method if Gas migration is an issue or non-availability of kill mud, long weighing up time
settling of solids in annulus etc. It can be started immediately

Wait & Weight Method Less time for circulation because KMW is pumped and the influx is circulated out
simultaneously. Preferred method with long open hole sections, weak shoe strength: to minimize open
hole and surface pressures

8. Meeting with the driller, instructions about killing operation, recording pressures regularly,
monitoring trip tank (BOP may leak) and how to start/stop pump in case there’s any problem.
Direct the crew for their stations and duties. Out Line the Kill Plan including Stop points
9. CP should be recorded on a regular basis, because if due to any problems pump is stopped and
restarted, this should be done while keeping last CP before the problem NOT the initial SICP.
CP must not exceeds MAASP until influx comes to the shoe (Until open hole strokes) after that
MAASP may be exceeded If BHP is maintained

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NOTE: Gas Kick: CP will increase slowly as the influx expands and is circulated out the hole and shouldn’t drop less
than initial reading until gas start to come out from the choke. When gas passes choke ONLY CP start decreasing.

Driller’s Method
The first Circulation with original mud weight
a. Reset the strokes, Bring the Pump to Kill Speed (Startup )
- Start pumping Increasing SPM 5 by 5 SPM keeping CP constant until Mud Pump @ kill rate
DP Pressure now reads ICP.
- Continue with the DP pressure = ICP; whatever you get. Put (50-100) psi as Safety Margin
Hold ICP constant on DP until gas is circulated out of Hole. Make minor choke adjustment for
correcting DP Pr = ICP if required
NOTE: - Start up is most critical step. After start up, if you find actual ICP is higher than the calculated one,
continue with the actual one. But if you open the choke, CP will also drop less than initial SICP and you’ll get
more influx. Check Choke lag time and Take care for response
b. This choke position once found should not change until gas is @ surface. Mark the choke position,
so that if you have any problem and you stop pump and restart again you will come to the same
choke position.
NOTE: With constant kill rate and same choke position, ICP shouldn’t change, so you shouldn’t play with the
choke but you should focus on the pressures so that if any problem happens, it’ll be very easy to notice it
(problems in last page).
c. When gas reach the surface, CP will drop, DP Pr will also drop ( ) so
close the choke more to hold the same CP it was when gas hit, you’ll see DP pressure will come
back. (ALL time keep ICP constant).
If this cannot be done on the Fly then Shut in properly and restart correctly with Startup
procedure (holding CP Constant)
NOTE: When all gas is out, the CP and then drill pipe will increase (Choke now too small for Mud) so you must
open the choke again to the last choke position (ALL time keep ICP constant)
d. After all the gas is out, stop pump, close choke while keeping CP constant ( Use correct shut in
procedure) reading should be SIDPP=SICP=Original SIDPP, if not this mean still having influx in the
annulus, continue pumping until all gas is out.
NOTE: IF SIDPP=SICP but higher than original SIDPP, this means trapped pressure

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The second Circulation : Displacement with Kill mud
a. With the pump lined up to KMW, reset the strokes, start pumping 5 by 5 SPM keeping CP constant
until MP SPM @ kill rate, reset the strokes after surface line and continue pumping keeping CP
constant until KMW reach the bit. DP pressure will drop from ICP to FCP
The recommended Practice is to follow DP Pressure Drop down schedule (As in W&W Method)
This means Drillers method second Circulation should be done as W&W Method
NOTE: With constant kill rate and same choke position, CP shouldn’t change, DP pressure will drop
automatically due to differential, and so you shouldn’t play with the choke. You may need only minor
adjustments. You should focus on the pressures so that if any problem happened, it’ll be very easy to notice it
(Ref problems last page)
If we stop pump with KMW at the bit, SIDPP=zero but SICP=original SIDPP.

b. Continue killing operation, keeping drill pipe (FCP) constant.

NOTE: While KMW is rising and filling annulus, drill pipe will increase slightly, so gradually open the choke to
keep FCP constant at all time while kill mud comes up in annulus.
c. After KMW reaches the surface, stop pump, close the choke, and observe for any pressure.
If nothing→ flow check through choke line, if nothing →open BOP and continue drilling.
Wait & Weight Method
a. With the pump lined up on KMW, reset the stroke, start pumping 5 by 5 SPM keeping CP constant
until MP @ Kill rate SPM , Reset the strokes after surface line Vol is pumped
Follow step down schedule until KMW reach the bit.

NOTE: - With constant kill rate and same choke position, you’ll find DP Pr automatically drops (due to diff. ) follow
the step down, may need minor adjustment in choke position. Do not play with the choke but you should focus on
the pressures so that if any problem happens, it’ll be easy to notice it (problems in last page).
If we stop pump with KMW at the bit, SIDPP=Zero but SICP ≠ Zero, Have reading (still influx and original mud weight
in the annulus).

b. Continue Killing keeping drill pipe (FCP) constant while KMW is filling annulus
NOTE: While KMW is filling annulus, drill pipe will increase slightly, so gradually open the choke to keep FCP
constant at all time.

c. When gas reaches the surface, CP will drop, DP Pr will also drop so you have to close the choke
more.(ALL time keep FCP constant)
NOTE: When all gas is out, the drill pipe will increase so you must open the choke again to the last choke
position (ALL time keep FCP constant)

d. After all the gas is out, stop pump and close the choke while keeping CP constant, reading should
be SIDPP=zero but SICP=have reading (KMW not reached the surface).
This is not a mandatory check but can be useful to ensure killing process is on track

e. When KMW @ Surface surface(cycle strokes), stop pump close the choke, observe for any pressure
If nothing → make flow check, if nothing → open BOP and continue drilling.

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 Problems While Killing

Problems Indication Action/Solution

1 Nozzle Plug Casing pressure constant, drill  Stop pump, close choke, identify the
pipe increase suddenly and problem
stabilized  If you’re keeping ICP/FCP, continue with new
higher pressure
 If you’re in step down, recalculate SCR, ICP,
FCP, Re-step down again
2 Nozzle Lost Casing pressure constant, drill  Stop pump, close choke, identify the
pipe decrease suddenly and problem
stabilized  If you’re keeping ICP/FCP, continue with new
lower pressure
 If you’re in step down, recalculate SCR, ICP,
FCP, Re-step down again
3 Pump Power Pump strokes stopped, drill pipe  If you didn’t close choke rapidly, SICP drop
Failure drop suddenly followed by CP and BHP drop. Shut in and secure Well
drop  Change over pump no.02
4 Choke Wash- Casing pressure drop, after  Stop pump, close HCR
out delay time drill pipe drop  Line up alternative Choke
Even you close choke both  Don’t forget to open HCR again
continue drop
5 Choke Plug Casing pressure increase, after  Stop pump, close HCR
delay time drill pipe will increase  Line up alternative Choke
Even you open choke both  Don’t forget to open HCR again
continue increase  NOTE: - Bleed any trapped pressure before
you continue.
6 BOP Leaking Driller should monitor BOP on trip tank at all time during killing process.

NOTE: You may get more than one Problem

Your first action to stop pump and shut the well using remote choke Or HCR depends on problem.

This should be done to establish the cause and troubleshoot the problem correctly

When you restart, bleed trapped pressures (if any) again you must keep CP with the last reading
before you got the problem and whatever you find on the drill pipe should be your Dynamic DP
pressure continue with it.
DP Pr Dropped/Increased with constant CP is indication of DP/Surface leaking/plugging
CP Changed first followed by DP Pr change is indication of problem in Surface annulus side.

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 Remember
1. Pump start up is a very critical step. Do it right
During the time when Pump SPM is changed ( Start up from zero to kill speed) or shut in (from
kill speed to zero) or otherwise from one SPM to another, Hold the CP at that time constant
during the change (transition) to ensure constant BHP
2. When choke position is changed (open or close) the response on the CP gauge is immediate due to close
proximity of CP sensor to Choke, DP Pr gauge is too far so it responds after a Lag time (delay).
Always take a note for and account for delay to see response on DP gauge
If you want to adjust + 50 Psi on DP Pr , open/close and put that value in CP gauge. Then wait
for delay time for DP gauge to respond
3. Trapped Pressures.
You could get trapped pressures in Well bore due to Choke plugging, wrong shut in (Running
pump), stopping killing with wrong shut down method etc.
If this happens while killing, bleed off the trapped pressure before start up
Find out trapped pressure using DP pr Gauge because DP has a known column of Mud
(Pressure in excess of Formation PR + Safety margin is trapped Pr)
If original Mud in Drill pipe (Drillers 1st Circ)…Then DP Pr should be = Original SIDP
If pumping Kill Mud surface to Bit,……………….Then DP Pr should be = Remaining SIDP
If DP is full of Kill mud………………………………… Then DP Pr should be = Zero
Pressure in excess of above pressures is trapped pressure
Bleed the pressure slowly and in stages, like in real situation. If its trapped pressure it’ll not
come back.
4. Gas at surface
When Gas hits the choke (you can hear sound) then the choke opening set for mud is too big
for gas to maintain same back pr and BHP, so the pressure drops
You’ll see fast drop in Csg pr followed by drop in and BHP and DP Pressure.
This is the time when well goes underbalance and more influx is Induced

To maintain BHP at this time ,be ready and close choke when you see CP dropping, close just enough to
maintain it and not let it drop. You’ll find a new choke position see your DP pressure after lag time and
adjust the choke if required to maintain FCP. If this cannot be done on the fly, then shut down and starts
up again keeping CP constant, you’ll find new choke position.

As the gas is passed out from well, you’ll see CP dropping slowly as mud column is replaced by
Mud column, CP dropped to a much lower value
When All gas is out and Mud hits the choke, the reverse happens (CP increases fast from its
previous value, increasing BHP and DP pressure) because now the choke opening is too small
for Mud.
This is the time when the formation could break down

To maintain BHP at this time, be ready and open choke when you see CP increasing, open smoothly just
enough to maintain CP whatever it was and not let it increase. You’ll find a new choke position. see your DP
pressure after lag time and adjust the choke if required to maintain FCP

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