Description

Well Control Fundamentals introduces drilling professionals to the basic concepts and procedures for maintaining and regaining control of a well during drilling operations. This course begins by describing the various types of fluid pressures in a well and how they relate to depth, density and pipe length. Example calculations are provided to illustrate the mathematical inter-relationships between the parameters. A presentation of how these pressures exist and react at various points in the borehole and formation follows this introduction. Hydrostatic, friction, formation, surface, bottomhole, trapped, fracture/leak off and drill pipe pressures are all covered, as well as pressure gradients and the U-Tube principle. Following this overview on basic pressure behavior in the drilling process, procedures for regaining control of a well that has taken a kick are then discussed in detail. High-end graphics and animations walk the student in step-by-step fashion through the Driller’s and Wait-and-Weight Methods of well control. Interactive worksheets for both methods of are provided and explained through the use of easy-to-understand terminology and real-world examples. The two methods are then compared to illustrate their advantages and disadvantages. The use of media-rich material and high-impact visuals throughout the course help to clarify and reinforce complex subject material.