Drilling

2.
Rig Move
To minimize the time between effective well operations, it is imperative that sites
are prepared correctly and that drilling rigs are moved in an efficient and safe
manner.
The primary objective of a rig move is to plan and execute the operation in the most
efficient and cost effective manner possible, consistent with applicable safety and
environmental standards.
Rigs offshore and onshore shall not be moved without an approved rig move plan.
Rig Move Planning (Safety and Review)

General Safety Procedure for Rig Moves
Prior to moving the rig, the Drilling Contractor shall address the following points:
Wearing personal protective equipment is a must when walking around on
location. As a minimum, the supervisors shall wear a hard hat and safety
shoes.
The crane drivers shall wear hard hats and safety shoes when out of their
cranes. Crane drivers shall also be competent (certified) to operate their
cranes.
Cranes shall be inspected and the inspection form shall be completed and
filed for reference prior to usage. Special attention shall be paid to their
slings. It shall be highlighted on the inspection form that crane drivers are
competent (certified). Forms shall be signed by Contractor Supervisor and
allocated crane drivers. It shall also be highlighted when last frill inspection
by third party was completed including last load test date
Drilling crews working off the ground and particular in the mast when
assembling or disassembling shall use safety belts and secure themselves.
Escort shall be available at cross point from black road.
Drilling Supervisor shall be fully responsible on both locations.
Senior personnel, Drillers, Assistant Driller, Mechanic, Electrician shall be
responsible for organizing and guiding crane operations.
All loads shall have a tag line on when lifted.
Use safety meetings to instruct how to sling loads, prior to rig moves. Note
specifically that slings lifting a load with an angle over 45 degrees, shall
double or even triple the total load for that particular sling/chain.
Drilling Supervisor shall leave old location as last person and shall satisfy
himself that location is left behind without any debris and disposal pit burned
out. This also includes the camp side.
A morning safety meeting shall be held on both locations prior to the start of
the operations and highlight all short-comings from the previous day.
No smoking allowed on old location during the rig move. Only behind
barriers near fly-camp.
Single side wide loads (i.e. mud tanks, etc.) shall have the overhanging part
on the right side of the trailer to enable safe road passes by other vehicles.
The Drilling Contractor shall be responsible for road safety. Wide loads shall
be moved in convoy.
Rig Move Review

The rig move review shall be discussed not later than one week after move and the
review shall contain:
duration/distance
number of loads
weather condition
incidents, near missed, potentials
detailed breakdown of events (planned versus actual time)
corrective actions to avoid delays
learning points which could be incorporated in Rig Move Manual.
The review shall be discussed with Superintendent, Operations Engineer and Drilling
Contractor.
Onshore Rig Move Plan - Table of

Content
1. Rig move preparation
2.
3.
Location survey
Road Survey
Preparation of advanced loads
Administration (Rig move plan)
Equipment Inspection
Preparation of new location and camp
Logistics
Number of Cranes
Number of truck loads
Lowboy truck loads
4. Load dimensions and weight
Description of loads in their sequence

List of wide loads for convoy
5. Rig move descriptions
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Preparation
Pre-move loads
Rig release
Move safety meeting
Line of responsibility:
Chart of responsibility
Job Descriptions
5.6 Daily move plan

5.7 Lower/ Raise mast procedures
5.8 Re-assembly substructure
6. Rig checklist
Lowering Derrick
Raising Derrick
7. Critical lifts
8. Lay-outs
Rig Lay out

Camp Lay-out rig site
Camp Lay-out
9. Pre-spud inspection
Safety
General
Drill floor
Derrick
Mud tanks
Mud pumps
Engines
Equipment
Drawworks
10. Daily move report

11. Rig drawing
12. Medivac procedures
Ambulance Drill
Notification chart
Emergency Instructions
Offshore Rig Move Plan

1. Rig move preparation
Administration (Rig move plan)

Equipment Inspection
Weather
2. Preparation of new location
Hydrographic surveys
Diving/seabed surveys
Preparation of jacket
3. Logistics
Number of Boats
Navigation routes
Helicopters
4. Rig move descriptions
Preparation
Pre-move plans
Rig release
Move safety meeting
Line of responsibility
Chart of responsibility
Job Descriptions
Daily move plan
Lower/Raise rig procedures
5. Rig checklist
6. Critical lifts/operations
7. Pre-spud inspection
Safety
General
Drill floor
Derrick
Mud tanks
Mud pumps
Engines
Equipment
Drawworks
8. Daily move report

9. Rig orientation/workover drawings
10. Medivac procedures
10.1 Ambulance Drill

10.2 Notification chart
10.3 Emergency Instructions
11. Rig Move Review
Offshore Rig Moves
This article describes the various issues to be considered for planning an offshore
rig move.
1. Well/Jacket Status
Well Plugging Prior to Rig Move
If the current well path is less than 100 ft from any of the existing wells on
the jacket, the wells shall be plugged with deep set plug and BPV. After
closing SCSSV, pressure above SCSSV to be bled of to 100 psi and after
installation of BPV, pressure above to be bled off to zero psi.
Wells other than mentioned above shall be plugged with BPV. After closing
SCSSV, pressure above SCSSV to be bled off to 100 psi and after installation
of BPV pressure above to be bled off to zero psi.
All the Xmas tree valves to be closed after ensuring zero pressure in the
Xmas tree. All annulus pressures to be bled off and all the annulus valves to
be closed.
SCSSV and wire cutting actuator's control lines to be removed/de-pressurised
and blind plugs to be installed.
Well Services shall co-ordinate with Drilling Supervisor on the rig and shall
check and bleed off pressures, if any, in the Xmas tree and annuli within 24
hours prior to the rig move.
Wellhead Preparation prior to Rig Move
Flowlines and gas lift lines to be de-pressurised on all wells on the jacket.
All annuli to be de-pressurised and all annulus valves to be closed.
For the well(s) planned to be worked over, flow lines and gas lift lines to be
de-pressurised, removed and spaded off with blind(s). Choke in the Xmas tree
bean box to be removed.
Jacket Preparation prior to Rig Move
Gin pole/pedestal jib to be removed.

Navigation Lights and solar panel to be removed.
Shut-down panels of the adjacent wells to be positioned away, at safer place,
and provided with protective cover, if required.
Flowlines, gas-lift lines, telemetry lines, instrument lines and adjacent Xmas
trees to be provided with steel covers to safeguard them against dropped
objects. This may not be required on two-deck jackets. Xmas tree steel cover
to have an 18in diameter opening for BPV installation/retrieval or other

wireline operations.
2. Location Preparation
Workover Drawings
Introduction
When a rig has to be moved to a jacket which has one or more flowlines
connected, a workover drawing is required. This large scale drawing includes:
jacket topdeck lay-out
jacket heading
wellhead location(s)
routing of flowlines with accurate measurements of offsets (doglegs) (has to
be measured by divers)
distance of rig footprints from flowlines.
Drawing Description
The rig is projected to scale on the workover drawing, in the anticipated final
position.
Distances from flowlines/subsea wells to rig legs are measured accurately. These
distances must be not less than 25 ft. If necessary the proposed rig heading must
be adjusted so that the distances of minimum 25 ft between rig/jacket and
leg/flowline are guaranteed.
Long Term Considerations

Improving Field Layout
Proposed flowline layouts and jacket locations are forwarded by Engineering and
Petroleum Engineering respectively for approval by Marine. Discussions should take
place between these departments, and Marine should carry out an accurate study
with regard to:
jacket heading
rig heading
possibilities for anchor-handling during the final positioning of rigs
availability of anchoring space for supply boats or a supply boat mooring
buoy
minimum space required for rig manoeuvring
consideration of future field development, as far as possible.
Design of New Jackets
When jackets or flowlines have to be situated in such locations that only a rig with
thrusters can be used (ie., no anchor handling), Petroleum Engineering must be
notified and future Drilling Sequences arranged accordingly. Memos and minutes of
meetings must be copied and filed for future reference.
The size of jackets has been the subject of considerable discussion in the past. It is
important to closely monitor the design of jackets and positioning of conductors
prior to installation to ensure that drilling operations can be carried out by the rigs
available.
3. Moving Rig
Timing of Moves
After the rig is handed over to the Senior Barge Engineer (by Drilling, Petroleum
Engineering or Production) for the final rig move preparations, the
Onsite Marine Officer reports the timing and actual weather to the Marine Manager.
The Marine Manager, in close liaison with the Meteorological Department
Representative, the Onsite Marine Officer and Senior Barge Engineer, decides on the
time of commencement for the move.
Timing of each move will be judged individually with due consideration to
weather
current
field lay-out
location of rig departure and arrival site
seabed conditions etc.
Departures and arrivals at congested locations, eg., jackets, production complexes,
flowlines, etc. will normally be done in daylight only. Departures, arrivals and normal
towage in open water areas clear of obstructions may be done at any time day or
night.
Weather Limits
Rig moves are subject to suitable weather and a favourable forecast for the duration
of the entire move. Predicted wind speeds should not normally exceed 15 knots and
swell/sea heights should be less than four feet. This limit may be varied depending
on:
wave types and period ie., long swell or short waves or a combination of both
nature and composition of seabed, eg., hard (B.H. field) or soft (I.S. field)
proximity of other structures/flowlines from old and/or new rig location
required positional accuracy on new location, ie., jacket or new drilling
location.
Radio Communication
The Marine Officer is responsible for the rig move radios; proper charging or
replacing of batteries, and repairs as required. Repairs and ordering of replacement
equipment is carried out by
Helicopter Flights
The Marine Officer will normally organise transportation to and from the rig. During
rig moves this often entails a special helicopter flight, arranged with TRA.
Helicopters are permitted to land on a rig while afloat, but not during jacking or preload operations.
Location Positioning
Prior to moving onto locations, the dive support vessel will ensure the location is
marked with a large Norwegian type marker buoy (on a tight rope).
The rig will then pin down as close as possible to the location on the approximate
final heading.
A wire is run down from an 'A' frame on the stern of the rig, attached by divers to
the wellhead and tensioned to enable accurate final positioning of the rig.
With the rig held in position by the towing vessels the legs are jacked down until
they spud with the seabed.
Jacking operations continue to raise the rig up to the desired air gap.
Water is taken onboard to pre-load the rig to achieve maximum leg penetration and
this is held for 12 hours.
The pre-load water is dumped and the rig is jacked up to the desired air gap.
The towing tug will remain connected to the rig ready to move until pre-load tests
are completed (start dumping pre-load).
The Marine Officer in charge will remain on the rig till the pre-load tests are
completed.
When the rig is jacked up and skidded out, the divers will measure the penetration.
4. Well Handovers
It is essential to establish a formal procedure for the handover of wells and jacket
from Production to Drilling Department and from Drilling to Production Department
prior to a rig moving onto or off that jacket. This procedure contains:
wellhead Jacket Inspection Method
plugging/securing of the wells
the Handover Certificate
Handover Requirements
Well Services shall prepare a Well Securing Programme in accordance with
established procedures and will execute the job in consultation and co-ordinate with
PD, EM.
Rig move co-ordination meeting shall be arranged by Marine Department, attended

by representatives from Production, Engineering, Transport and Drilling Department
to discuss and agree on all activities required prior to rig move.
De-pressurising of tubing, flowarms and annuli shall be completed by Well Services
Supervisor following plugging of well by wireline.
Flowarms and other equipment shall be removed by Engineering and Wellhead
Supervisor as required.
When the Drilling Supervisor and Wellhead Supervisor are fully satisfied that the
jacket is de-pressurised and in all respects safe for the rig to move, the Hand Over
Certificate shall be signed and faxed to Doha base.
After completion of drilling operations, and prior to rig move when Wellhead
Supervisor and Toolpusher are fully satisfied that the jacket is de-pressurised and in
all respects safe for the rig to depart, the Hand Over Certificate shall be signed and
faxed to Doha base.
After rig move, Wireline section shall unplug the well(s) if required.
Site Preparation for Land Wells

Planning
On a monthly basis the Drilling Contractor shall be provided with a list of proposed
new locations. This list is initiated by Drilling Manager and includes buffer locations
to allow for operational flexibility. The Construction Contractor shall plan for:
access tracks
cellar construction
location conductor
water supply.
Preparation
Access Tracks
Preparation of access tracks includes the:
construction of access tracks to the location
preparation and levelling of site to accommodate all drilling/workover
equipment including auxiliary services
spraying water/crude oil on access and location.
Cellar Construction
Preparation of a cellar includes:
excavation and construction of a well cellar to Company specifications.
Location Conductor
Preparation of a location conductor includes:
drilling, setting 20in or 30in conductor (40 ft) and cementing in place.
Water Supply
Preparation of a water supply includes:
drilling two water wells to a maximum of 300 ft on each new location
testing water wells with electrical submersible pump to access deliverability.
Rig Move Dailly Report (Onshore and

Ofshore)
The following information should be included in the daily rig move report to be
submitted to Superintendent.
Onshore Rig Move
Date
Old location
New location
Total loads
Loads moves
% Rigged up
% Rigged down
Rig Move distance
Equipment for rig move:
Cranes and forklist at old locations (nb and type)
Cranes and forklist at new locations (nb and type)
Trucks (nb and type)
Last 24 hours operations
Planed 24 hours operations
Problems/ Potential delays
Maintenance activities
Offshore Rig Move
Date
Old location
New location
POB
Weather
Boats in attendance
Helicopter landings
Distance moved
Distance to go
Last 24 hours activities
Planed 24 hours activities
Problems/ Potential delays
Responsibilities during offshore rig

moves
Rig moves should be carried out by two Marine Personnel. Deviations from this rule
can only be authorised by the Marine Manager. The Marine Manager, or his
nominated deputy, shall supervise the actual move from the time that the rig is
afloat until such time that the rig is pinned down at the new location in an agreed
position.
The Field Supervisor has the overall responsibility for all activities executed in his
field, including wellhead jackets and of ensuring the well is safe prior to Rig arrival.
Marine Officer
When moving off/on location, one Marine Officer is stationed at the aft end of the rig
to observe and report rig movements relative to the location structure (jacket,
marker buoys).
One Marine Officer is stationed on the Helideck keeping the towing tug and any
marker buoys in sight. The Officer will remain on the Helideck and in radio contact
with the tug(s) during the entire move.
The Marine Officer in charge of the move will instruct the tug(s) regarding
manoeuvres required for a safe move off/move on. In addition he will:
liaise with the Drilling Supervisor and agree on the final position of the rig
work closely with the Senior Barge Engineer or Barge Master, when securing
rig, connecting tow, anchor handling, jacking, operating thrusters or requiring
the barge to be trimmed
communicate with the Meteorological Department to ensure that he is in
possession of the most updated weather information
monitor the position of the rig and ensure safe navigation at all times, (in
particular when navigating and positioning the rig within the field, to ensure
that an adequate clearance is given to all subsea structures and flowlines)
maintain contact with MR (Doha Marine) and advise progress
maintain contact with A75, especially overnight on tows to or from the North
Field, to check communications
liaise with the Surveyors on board the rig and/or survey vessel for exact
positioning on new location or existing subsea completions if applicable
during every Rig Move a diving support vessel is delegated to the rig, (the
Marine Officer should keep the diving support vessel up to date about timing
and progress).
Drilling Supervisor
be responsible for ensuring that all Company policies and procedures are
observed before and during a rig move. He shall act as a liaison between the
Drilling Contractor and Company base when necessary
attend the pre-rig move meeting
liase with the Marine Officer and agree on the final position of the rig.
have the overall responsibility for operations on the well head jacket from the
time the rig is on location until the rig is ready to move off after concluding
the operation. This will include the time period from handing over the well to
Drilling until handed back over to Production (see Appendix D - Offshore Well
Handover Certificate).
be responsible for deciding if the jacket and wells are safe and if the rig can
move onto/off the well head jacket. He shall sign the Handover Certificate.
only sign the Handover Certificate when he is satisfied that the jacket is
depressurised and is safe in all respects for the rig to move.
be responsible for determining the pin down position and directing load
testing operation of rig prior to commencement of drilling operations.
Platform Development wells

The following table lists the main responsibilities involved in offshore rig moves and
site preparation for development wells.
Action
Execution
Approval of concurrent operations on jacket Head of Drilling
Operations
Head of Production
Operations
Engineering activities for jacket preparation FS(O) Representative
Preparation of jacket prior to rig arrival on
Field Supervisor
jacket
Secure well by plugging prior to rig move
Wireline Supervisor
Bleeding down flow lines, gas lift lines and Wellhead
annuli. Removal of choke from bean box.
Maintenance
Supervisor
Drilling operations on jacket including rig
Drilling Supervisor
arrival / departure
Drilling Contractor
Quality Control
Field Supervisor
Drilling
Supervisor
Field Supervisor
Field Supervisor
Field Supervisor
Field Supervisor
Head of Offshore
Operations
Exploration Wells
The following table lists the main responsibilities involved in offshore rig moves and
site preparation for exploration wells.
Action
Request new location
Seabed Survey
Execution
Operation Engineer
Surveying
Quality Control
Drilling Superintendent
FS(O)
Placing maker buoy

Drilling Operations including rig
arrival
Contractor
Surveying
Contractor
Drilling Supervisor
FS(O)
Drilling Supertintendent
All Wells
The Marine Department Representative on the Rig has the overall responsibility for
the safe approach to positioning at and departure from the wellhead jacket.
The Drilling Supervisor has overall responsibility for determining the pin down
position and directing load testing operation of Rig prior to commencement of
drilling operations.
Well Handover
The Wellhead maintenance Supervisor is responsible for bleeding down tubing,
flowarms and annuli and making required isolations. He will sign the Handover
Certificates on behalf of Production Department for hand over and acceptance of
wells to/from
The Drilling Supervisor has the overall responsibility on deciding if jacket and wells
are safe for the rig to move onto/off the wellhead jacket and will sign the Handover
Certificate.
Site Restoration
After completion of the drilling operation by the drilling rig, the well is suspended.
The following possibilities exist:
The well will be re-entered within a short period by the work over rig to install
a completion. The duration varies from within one week to several months
after rig release.
The well will be re-entered by a drilling or work over rig at a later time to
continue well operations (side-track, completion, deepening, abandonment,
etc.). This period between rig entries can vary from several months to many
years.
The drilling rig has installed the completion.
The well was dry and the site shall be restored to its original condition
Handover
In each case the well and location shall be handed over by the Drilling Supervisor of
the drilling rig to the representative of the Production Department.
Location Pits Status Diagram

The Location Pits Status Diagram recording the status of all the pits on the location
shall be completed. This list summarises the status of all pits on the rig and camp
site at the end of the drilling and the workover phase. It forms the basis of further
action for location restoration, to eliminate the environmental impact of the well
construction work.
Responsibiliites for Rig Move, Site

Preparation and Site restoration
Responsibilities for the implementation, supervision, verification and control of rig

moves and site work are listed in the following table:
Action
Ensure adherence to
highway regulations
Route planning
Communications
Load distribution
Escort and move
supervision
High load
Driver fatigue
Reporting incident/accident
Execution
Transport Contractor
Quality Control
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Operator (Comms. Dept)
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Supervisor
Site Preparation Responsibilities

Action
Execution
Initiate site preparation
Drilling Contractor
including collar
Time/cost estimate for site Drilling Contractor
construction
Review survey and location Survey Contractor
date, mark site
Determine access, water
Contractor
supply (2 wells)
Prepare site, cellar and
Drilling Contractor
conductor
Site Restoration Responsibilities
Action
Execution
Dispose of garbage, level site
Drilling Contractor
Fence off drying pit areas, cellar Drilling Contractor
Contour site, grade roads
Drilling Contractor
Remove fencing when dried pits Drilling Contractor
are backfilled
Monitoring/inspection of site
Drilling Contractor
work
Supervisor
Supervisor
Contractor
Contractor
Quality Control
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Quality
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Control
Supervisor
Supervisor
Supervisor
Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Onshore Rig Moves - Well Status
This article describe the well status requirements for Onshore Rig Moves.
1. Well Status Prior to Rig Move from Old Location

The following barriers shall be in place in a development well:
annuli full
completions installed and tested
Xmas tree installed and tested.
Annuli
All annuli shall have been topped up and all valves closed and valve handles
removed.
All annuli pressures shall be bled off and the annuli topped up.
The tubing/casing annulus shall be full of completion fluid with sufficient density to
control the reservoir pressure.
Completions
A plug and prong shall be installed and inflow tested in the F nipple below the
production packer.
The sliding side door across any selective interval shall be inflow tested, this will
happen simultaneously while inflow testing the wireline plug in the F nipple.
A BPV shall be installed in the tubing hanger and pressure tested by pressurising
the tubing below the plug to 2 000 psi and checked for inflow.
Note: Volume pumped during pressurisation shall be considerably more,
compared with the volume returned observed during the inflow test.
X-mas Tree
All valves on the Xmas tree shall be closed and valve handles removed.
In case no Xmas tree has been installed, a standard size gate valve with a bore
conforming to the ID of the tubing should be installed to allow the installation of a
standard wellhead adapter to enable wireline operations.
The gate valve shall be capped with a blind flange with a 1/2in NPT needle valve
and pressure gauge.
2. Condition of Location After Rig has moved off

After the rig has been moved off location, the Drilling Supervisor shall ensure that:
the cellar has been cleaned and drained out
the rat hole has been back filled with solid material
all debris has been removed from the location and dumped in the waste pit
the sewage pit has been back filled
all gate valves on the casing head spool and tubing head spool are closed
the location is clean and the pits have been re-filled after the rig has moved
off location.
3. Well Status With Suspected Tubing Leaks

Able to Set Plug and Prong in F Nipple
A plug and prong shall be set in the F nipple below the lower most packer.
The tubing and annulus shall be circulated to kill fluid of sufficient density to control
the reservoir.
A BPV shall be installed in the tubing hanger and pressure tested from below via the
tubing/casing annulus.
Unable to Set Plug and Prong in F Nipple

The tubing and annulus shall be circulated/bull headed to kill fluid of sufficient
density to control the reservoir.
A BPV shall be installed in the tubing hanger and pressure tested from below via the
tubing/casing annulus to a pressure not exceeding the pressure observed during
bull heading.
Offshore Rig Moves Planning and

Preparation
Navigational Planning
The Marine Officer should plan the courses between locations, and routes to be
taken through fields with due regard for jackets and barges or other vessels which
may be moored in the field. Calculation should be made of the points at which it will
be safe to increase the draft by lowering the legs.
Navigational planning should also include the operation of moving off location, and
procedures to be adopted for final positioning. When anchor handling is necessary
the position of anchors must be considered and if close to flowlines or subsea wells,
arrangements should be made to have these or the anchor position buoyed.
The Marine Department will inform the National Navigation Support Service,
advising:
the timing of move
the old location
the new location
any instructions regarding navigational warnings to be issued, which are

considered necessary.
Pre-Rig Move Meeting

Prior to moving a rig a meeting, will be arranged bythe Marine Department and will
include:
Marine Officer
Drilling Supervisor
Senior Barge Engineer
Owners Representative
Partners Representative.
The following points will be discussed:
penetration at the old location and if jetting is anticipated
whether a night time departure from location is possible
weather and sea limits during moving off location
sailing route, distance, expected duration of tow
names of towing and anchor handling boats to be used
whether a night time positioning is possible at new location
anchor handling procedure to be adopted
water depth at new location
expected penetration at new location
maximum allowable towing draft
flowlines and subsea wells which must be marked, Marine Officer to have
information available
the supply and backload situation before and after the move. (Marine Officer
to liaise with Transport Department prior to the meeting)
whether Production has to remove gin-poles or other lifting devices
any additional Production-related work (e.g. connecting, disconnecting risers)
whether and which flowlines have to be de-pressurised
status of the well during moving on/off
the final heading and tolerance
the final position, (drilling will give the tolerances athwartship and fore and
aft).
The information about anchor handling should be passed to the rig to enable the
Barge Master/Barge Engineer to make the necessary preparations.
The Production Stations involved, should be kept up to date. Prior to moving a
Contractor's Rig, the Owner's Representative, together with the nominated
Insurance Representative, if possible, should be invited to the Marine Office to
discuss the above points.
Safety
Although the Drilling Supervisor has the overall responsibility on deciding if jacket
and wells are safe for the rig to move onto, the Rig Mover should satisfy himself that
this is the case by sighting the Handover Form.
Briefing of Masters
Immediately before a rig move, Masters of towing and anchor handling boats must
be called to Marine Office to discuss all aspects of the operation, including:
starting time anticipated and destination
courses between locations and obstructions to avoid
routes into and out of fields
details of moving-off operation
details of final positioning and anchor handling operations
emergency pin down locations where appropriate
position of marker buoys if any.
Equipment
The following information and equipment must be provided on the rig to be moved:
navigation charts
up-dated Field charts
workover drawings (if applicable)
walkie-talkies and sufficient batteries
tide tables
departure/arrival location information
previous rig location information
up dated mooring buoy information.
Truck Driver Rig Move Toolbox Meeting
This article describes the main topics to be discussed during the the truck driver rig
move toolbox meeting.
1. Back ground of rig move.
2. Back ground of drilling contractor & policies and procedures in place
3. Inspection of drivers & trucks (reasons behind it)
4. Load inspection sheet
5. Truck move inspection sheet, KM / Times / Loads to be recorded
6. Route description and critical points
7. Traffic officers positions and rules to follow
8. Departure and estimated arrival time (Drive according to plan)
9. Safe parking to stop in case longer than 2 hours continuous driving
10.Critical points
11.Hill climbing instructions, select gear / dangers of overhanging loads
12.Focal points and contact numbers
13.Medivac procedure
14.Brake down procedures
15.Incident and reporting
16.PPE on location
17.Overnight at rig/ base
Rig Move Inspection Requirements

(Onshore Operations)
Drilling Contractor Inspection Requirements
Prior to and during any rig equipment movement, the Drilling Contractor shall make
inspections and checks on crane and support equipment condition eg., trucks,
forklift etc., and proposed route conditions including bridges, bends, road gradients,
road signs and villages. Single wide loads shall have the overhanging part on the
right side of the trailer to enable safe passes by other vehicles.
The Drilling Contractor shall complete the following reports:
Rig Move Contract Crane Inspection
Drilling Contractor Daily Rig Move Checklist
Inspector sheet turn office trucks 10 day contract
Truck Inspection
Trucks and Drivers Information
Truck movement
Truck driver toolbox meeting
Rig move logistics.
Pre-Spud Inspection
Prior to drilling operations, the Drilling Supervisor and the Drilling Contractor/Senior
Toolpusher shall perform a pre-spud inspection.
3. Pre-Spud
Pre-Spud Meeting on Site
The Superintendent or Senior Operations Engineer shall conduct a pre-spud meeting
on the rig with all relevant personnel directly or indirectly involved with the
operations.
The appropriate Drilling Supervisor and Operations Engineer shall also attend. A list
of attendees shall be taken and recorded with the minutes.
Agenda
At the pre-spud meeting, held in the office, the proposed Drilling Programme has
already been discussed in detail with the Drilling Contractor and all key contractors.
However, rig specific details should be discussed, including the following topics
along with any well or rig specified hazards identified when planning the well:
Identify special procedures and anticipated problems/hazards and their
possible solutions
Lines of responsibility and communication (telephone communication)
Communication system to and from rig
General safety and personal safety requirements for all personnel
Diverter drilling (offshore only), BOP drills and well control procedures
Requirement to conduct safety and operations meeting with all personnel
before all operations
Drilling Programme, general details (abnormal points to be highlighted)
Procedures and responsibilities relating to shallow gas (offshore only, if
applicable) especially for monitoring the shallow gas during top hole drilling
Emergency rig move procedures (offshore only)
Pro-active approach to equipment checks detailing any special items.
(Location preparation, roads and concrete base for onshore operations.)
Timing for BOP testing as per API ie., weekly or every two weeks.
Pre-spud Documentation Requirements

The documentation listed below must be available at the rig site prior to
commencing the operations:
Concurrent Drilling Completions and Production Operations (if applicable)
Emergency Response Manual
Wellhead Manual
Drilling Operations Manual
Signed copy of the Drilling/Completion Programme
Code and Cost Manual
General Data in Daily Reporting System
Medivac Procedures
Handover certificate
HSE Manual
Pre-Spud Drilling Equipment Suface and

downhole Inspections
Prior to commencement of each well the Drilling Supervisor with the assistance of
the Drilling Contractor Toolpusher shall perform a full rig inspection and record the
results on the Company Drilling Rig Inspections Report.
The Drilling Supervisor shall ensure that downhole and surface equipment
inspection requirements are met prior to and during drilling activities.
Downhole Equipment Requirements

It is a requirement for downhole equipment that:
drilling tools and equipment for each hole section shall be on hand, inspected
and in serviceable condition prior to spud in / casing drill out operations
the drilling contractor verifies all drill string assembly items are dimensionally
checked prior to RIH. Records of assembly sheets shall be maintained for the
duration of the contract and a copy provided for the Drilling Supervisor and
to Doha base.
items used continuously in the hole shall be checked periodically on trips
(i.e., DP and DC connections)
only fit for purpose drill pipe shall be used (ie., as defined in the latest
edition of API RP7G and specified in the contract with the Drilling Contractor).
Premium API Class is the minimum requirement
drillpipe shall be inspected as specified in the Companys contract with the
Drilling Contractor
drillpipe tool joints shall be inspected to ensure they have smooth hardfacing
only
ditch magnets shall be installed in the flowline to monitor casing wear,
all lifting equipment shall have current lift certification
all fishing tools appropriate to the tubular components required to be run in
hole shall be available at the wellsite. Drilling Contractors fishing tools shall
be available as per the contract. (for onshore operations, fishing tools are
kept in Dukhan base camp). If contractual fishing tools are not available, the
Drilling Contractor shall provide at their cost.
the Drilling Supervisor shall ensure that the Drilling Contractor and service
companies maintain records of equipment usage and inspections and that
records are available on the rig (i.e., drilling line ton miles, DP, DC, jar
rotating hours, and pump hours). All used equipment (Mud motors, MWD,
LWD) sent to therig shall be accompanied by usage time sheets, ie., total
hours are known prior to use.
all downhole equipment shall be drifted (with plastic/metal rabbit and
flushed).
when utilising a dart sub, the dart shall be checked for passage through the
kelly cock, the full opening valve and all subs used in the string.
jars should be run as per the recommendations given in the Well Design
Manual Chapter 5 depending on hole conditions and local experience.
all string stabilisers shall be of integral blade type. No sleeve type string
stabs shall be run, mud motor stabilisers are an exception.
when roller reamers are used instead of stabilisers, the number run shall be
limited to the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.
float valves shall be used in drilling of top hole sections.
consideration shall be given to running a junk sub assembly prior to
diamond/PDC or corehead and in addition when bit wear or drilling condition
indicate.
a minimum of three rates shall be taken with each pump. Pressures shall be
recorded and posted at the drillers position utilising the same gauge as that
used during well control operations.
Surface Equipment Requirements

It is a requirement for surface equipment that:
all rig floor equipment, including Geolograph chart, Crown-O-Matic, gauges,
recorders, and alarms shall be functioning properly
solids control equipment shall be serviced and cleaned immediately upon
shutdown /cleaning out cement.
all mud pumps and mud circulation system shall be inspected daily
prior to commencement of work, an acceptance test shall be conducted on all
rig equipment to certify that it is in working condition
rig maintenance personnel shall ensure that records of all scheduled
maintenance are kept (daily inspections shall be made on all major
equipment and the Drilling Supervisor shall be informed of all ongoing and
planned work at the daily meeting).
Trip tank must be used to monitor the well when not drilling/circulating e.g.
POOH, RIH, running wireline surveys etc. Trip tank to be calibrated in bbl
scale.
All casing handling and running equipment are rated for the required
operation.
All cranes shall be certified and be 100 % efficient.
All lifting equipment (including slings) must have valid certificates.
Note: All rig surface equipment requirements shall be as per the Drilling Rig
contract.
4. Abandonment
Abandonment guidelines
The objective of abandonment is to prevent the migration of all formation fluids, but
especially hydrocarbons, between formations and to the surface. There are two
types of conduit which must be closed off - the open hole plus casing and the
annuli.
Key requirements
In the open hole all intervals which contain hydrocarbons should be covered by a
cement plug extending some 50 m above and 50 m below the limits of the
hydrocarbons.
Water-bearing porous and permeable formations from different geological units or
under different pressure gradients should be separated by a plug, across one or the
other or anywhere between them, in order to prevent cross flow.
There is no need to set a plug at TD unless it is required by the above criteria, but
when considering that requirement it should be taken into account that any
unlogged pocket may contain a porous and permeable interval.
A plug should always be placed across the shoe of the previous casing - at least
50m above and below. If there has been production testing the perforations should
be covered by a plug as for hydrocarbon bearing intervals in open hole.
Plug setting and testing

Whether or not a plug should be tagged and weight tested depends on where it is,
how critical the placement is and whether any losses may have occurred during
placement. If the plug is placed on bottom with a relatively light mud in the hole
and no losses there is no need to feel for it. In many cases it is quicker just to fill the
whole of the open hole with cement than to set several smaller plugs and spend
time waiting on cement and feeling for it. This is also a convenient method of
disposing of surplus cement. In cases where the mud density and the cement
density are similar the plugs should be felt for; and since high mud weights imply
high pressures a pressure test of the plug in the casing shoe should also be done, to
above the leak-off pressure. In critical cases where a plug separates a lower high
pressure zone from a shallower, open, lower pressure zone, an inflow test should be
done.
A tubing stinger, preferably made of plastic or aluminium, should be used for the
abandonment plugs. This will disturb the cement less than DP as it is pulled out, and
if the stinger is cemented in, either accidentally or deliberately, it can be parted by
pulling. With a 700-1,000 m stinger, several 500 m plugs can easily be set one after
the other (washing off between plugs but not waiting to feel for them). Again, this
could only be done if there are no losses.
Poor cement
A pressure seal in the annulus can be guaranteed, and it is still very common that
pressure appears on an annulus from a hydrocarbon bearing interval across which
casing has been cemented. That is direct evidence of an open conduit to surface,
which cannot be allowed to remain. If the cementation has been designed so that
top cement is above the shoe of the previous casing it will be almost impossible to
cure that leak by perforating and squeezing - and perforation will also open yet
more channels for leakage into/from the formation behind the previous casing. The
only remedy is to cut and recover the inner casing above top cement, and plug the
outer casing above the cut. If the top of cement was designed to go into the shoe
then in practice it may be much higher, and the higher the plug has to be set the
longer any hydrocarbon column can be and the higher the differential pressure it
has to withstand. In the worst case it can happen that a cement "tongue" is holding
the casing and a series of cuts are made without being able to recover the casing.
The best method of dealing with this problem is not to cement into the previous
shoe. A good quality ring of cement around the shoe of the casing being cemented
is sufficient for what is required while drilling. However if there are hydrocarbon
bearing formations open to the annulus the cement column should extend above
them in line with the above guidelines. During subsequent drilling operations
onshore or on a jack-up the annulus should be monitored for pressure and bled
off/mud lubricated into it if necessary. At abandonment the casing strings should be
cut in turn at the level of the previous shoe and a plug set across the cut - 50 m
below to 50 m above. To prevent the plug falling a bridge plug should be set in the
inside casing before cutting it. If gas flow in the annulus had been a significant
problem then the cement plug can be dressed off in the outside casing and a bridge
plug set, plus possibly a further cement plug.
Surface Plug
The final stage onshore is to set a ca. 50 m plug in the top of the conductor. If
desired a plate can be welded over the flange of the casing head housing. It is not
worthwhile removing the latter, unless it is above ground level. A post can be
welded to the housing extending to above ground level and carrying a plate with the
name of the well.
From a jack-up a plug should be set in the conductor from ca. 50 m below sea bed,
and dressed off 3 - 4 m below sea-bed. The conductor and marine conductor can
then be cut mechanically (possibly in one run) and recovered (in one run again as
they will probably be cemented together). Explosive cutting cannot be used from a
jack-up.
With a sub-sea well head there is no access to the annulus for checking the
pressure, and therefore it is necessary to take adequate precautions before cutting
each casing string. What is considered adequate will depend on the circumstances,
but it may involve perforating just below the well-head and at the level of the
previous shoe and circulating through a packer before cutting fully and recovering
the casing. For the final cut through the conductor and foundation pile an explosive
cutter can be considered as well as a mechanical cutter.
Note that with a sub-sea wellhead the abandonment procedure will be substantially
simpler and quicker if the hanger lock-down rings were omitted when hanging off
the casing. This will have no adverse effect on an expendable exploration well.
Responsibilities for Abandonment

Responsibilities (Planning, Supervision and Verification) during abandoment:
Drilling Engineer
The Drilling Engineer shall be responsible for preparing the Suspension or
Abandonment Programme and for ensuring that:
the final well status meets the statutory requirements regarding zonal isolation
primary well control is in place and shall not deteriorate with time
economical use is made of rig time in placing and testing cement plugs.
Drilling Supervisor
The Drilling Supervisor shall ensure that the requirements for the suspension or
abandonment detailed in the Abandonment Programme are carried out by the
Drilling Contractor in accordance with the standards and procedures contained in
this manual document.
Planning, Supervision and Verification

The general responsibilities for planning, supervision and verification of
abandonment and suspension are listed in the following table:
Action
Execution
Quality Control
Prepare Temporary Suspension /
Drilling
Head of Onshore /
Abandonment Programme
Set cement plugs
Set electric line plugs
Set slickline plugs
Cut casing and recover wellhead
Nipple up and down trees/BOPs
Install suspension cap and pressure
test
Ensure that HSE requirements are
complied with on site
Supervisor
Drilling
Contractor
Logging
Contractor
Well Servicing
Contractor
Drilling
Contractor
Drilling
Contractor
Drilling
Contractor
Drilling
Contractor
Offshore Operations
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Engineer
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Abandonment programme - oil producer

Objective:
To abandon the well in a safe manner permitting the removal and restoration of the
location.
Workover number: xxx
Min. required hoist capacity: T 93
Estimated time : 2.5 days Estimated start date :
Account code :
Well history:
The well was drilled in xxx and was completed as an oil well. An Outside Liner repair
was carried out in xxx. The well was closed in due to high water-cut in xxx. In xxx,
the well was suspended with gravel, cement and a killstring.
Programme Outline: Hours

Move & rig up 12
PooH killstring Assy. 6
Cut/Retrieve 7" csg below 9 5/8" shoe. 20
Set cmt. plug to surface. 6
Install blind plate. Relaease well. 6

-- Total time 50
Estimated time including 15 % cont. (days) 2.5
Current well status :

Suspended with NACL 1.19 Brine, gravel pill, 53m cement plug & killstring.
Milieu restrictions :
Neighbouring wells: none
Wells to be closed in: none
Operating time : 24 hrs/day
Producing well data :

|Reservoir |Depth, |Pressure,|Gradient,|H2S, |CO2 |
Well production prior to workover :none
Well potential after workover :none
Fluid in well : NACL Brine S.D. : 1.19
Workover fluid : NACL Brine S.D. : 1.19
Mechanical well data:

Depth reference : 7 1/16" CA TBF
Elevation of ORT : 19.97 m, NAP
Elevation of reference : 17.67 m, NAP
Distance ORT TBF : 2.30 m
Elevation of top of cellar: m, NAP
Distance cellar - TBF : m
Concession:
Coordinates : X Y
Wellhead description:
SANTA FE Flange 9 5/8" x 7"
CA 7" STC x 7 1/16" 2K
BWS 7 1/16" x 7 1/16" 3K flange.

Adapter flange 7 1/16" 3K x 4 1/16" 3K.
BW Hanger 7" NOM 3 1/2" EU BOX
Casing scheme:
|Size |Weight|Grade|Coupling|From |To |TOC |
HUD: 751.0m - top of cement plug
Kickoff depth : Maximum deviation : 2.48 degrees at 706.4 m
Maximum dogleg : 0.94 deg/10m at 670.8 m
Current completion description:

Hanger: Boll Weevill 7" NOM 4 1/2" EU BOX.
X-over: 4 1/2" EU x 3 1/2" EU
Killstring tubing: 3 1/2" 9.3# EU to 612.3
X-over: 2 3/8" EU x 3 1/2" EU
Killstring tubing: 2 3/8" 4.7# EU to 698.7
Comp. liner: 4 1/2" slotted (0.45 * 50 * 260) openings
slotted 840.5 to 874.9 m
Brown model 'D' Hanger/Packer @ 809.8
General Notes
1. This is a H2S locations. Full H2S precautions to be taken including; H2S caravan
to be on site, continuous pH monitoring and gas detection in the flow line, no body
to stand on the tanks whilst circulating.
2. All pressure tests to be for a minimum duration of 15 minutes.
3. Components listed in order of RIH.
4. All depths related to TBF unless stated otherwise.
5. Check well killing report for suitability of workover fluid.
Programme :
1. Check tubing and production casing pressures, and pressure of all casing/casing
annuli. Bleed off pressures. Report pressures in WOR even if zero.
2. Reverse circulate well to workover fluid.
3. Instal H-plug in BW hanger and test to 200 bar.
4. Remove wellhead.
5. Pull H-plug
6. Pick up string, remove BW Hanger. POOH killstring.
7. Cut 7" casing 50m below the 9 5/8" shoe at +/-151m. Assembly for cutting 7"
casing as per Red Baron instructions. Circulate 7" x 9 5/8" annulus. Dump returns
into separate pit. Check if 7" casing is free by lifting wellhead.
8. Lift flange. Cut casing below flange. N/U adapter spool. Fish 7" casing stub.
9. Retrieve 7" casing. Red Baron casing cutting tool to be used instead of breaking
connections.
10. RIH 2 3/8" Cmt stinger to 154m and set cement plug to surface. Pump (50m
open hole) water spacer ahead. Pump cement until good cement returns seen at
surface.
11. POOH and clean out wellhead. If necessary perform top fill cementation to 3m
below TBF.
12. Install 10" blind plate.
13. Release well.
5. Equipment
Loadout list for drilling operations
This article presents examples of loadout/ equipment list for the following hole
section: 36", 26", 17.5", 12.25", 8.5" and 6"
Loadout list, equipment list for 36" hole section

Qty
Description - Equipment List - Loadout List

36 and 26 drillbits c/w nozzles
Contract
Company
1 ea
2
2
1
2
1
3
9
2 ea
2
2
300m
1 lot
3
2 ea
1 lot
1
1 lot
1 set
250m
1
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
36 and 26 bitbreakers
Bit sub, bored for float c/w 75/8 x 75/8 reg box / box
Float valve for item 3
36 string stabilizer
Totco ring 75/8 R
36 hole opener c/w spare cutters
91/2 DC c/w 75/8 reg conns
8 DC c/w 65/8 reg conns
8 and 91/2 DC slips and elevators
X/Over 75/8 R pin x 65/8 R box
X/Over 65/8 R pin x NC50 box
5 HWDP
5 DP 19.5 lb/ft- Premium grade G
5 pupjoints, 5 10 and 15 premium grade S
5 DP slips and elevators
Spare dies for items 9 & 14
Totco kit c/w running & retrieving gear
DP and DC dope
DC safety clamps
Tubing cement stinger; steel or GRP if available
X/Over to run stinger on DP
Handling equipment for item 19
Drillwater
Bulk Bentonite and Barite
Cement and additives.
Mud chemicals.
LCM fine, medium and coarse
Fishing equipment for all downhole tubulars
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Tools
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Company
Company
Company
Company
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Fishing
Loadout list, equipment list for 26" hole section

Qty
1
1 lot
1
1
1
2 ea
1
1
1

30 hydraulic latch c/w H4 profile
21 riser c/w pup jnts & handling equipment
Telescopic joint
Ball joint
Diverter body c/w inserts & handling equipment
171/2 and 26 drillbits c/w nozzles
171/2 and 26 bitbreakers
26 under reamer c/w two redress kits
Bullnose to fit below item 8
Contract
Wellhead
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
As per programme
Drilling Contractor
Tools
Tools
1
3
2
2
2
2
2
6
6
2
300m
1 lot
3
1
1set
3 sets
2 sets
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
171/2 sleeve type FG NB stab c/w sleeve breaker

171/2 sleeve type string stabs c/w 3 FG & 3 UG spiral
sleeves
Bit sub, bored for float c/w 65/8 x 65/8 reg conns
Float valve for items 10 and 12
91/2 DC type Monel
91/2 DC c/w 75/8 reg conn.
8 DC c/w 65/8 reg conn.
8 Drilling jars, Bowen hydromechanical c/w 65/8 reg
conn.
5 HWDP
5 DP 19.5 lb/ft- premium grade G
Totco ring 75/8 R
8 and 91/2 DC safety clamp, slips and elevators
Spare dies for items 31 & 32.
DP and DC dope
ROV c/w launching equipment & spares
Drillwater
Mud chemicals.
Directional
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Tools
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Subsea
Company
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Red Baron
Loadout list, equipment list for 17.5" hole section

Qty
2
1
A/R
1
1
3
2
2
2

183/4 seat protector c/w running tool
BOP test tool c/w spare seals
171/2 drillbits c/w nozzles
171/2 bitbreaker
sleeves
Contract
Wellhead
Wellhead
As per programme
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Drilling Contractor
2
2
6
6
2
300m
1 lot
3
1
1set
2 ea
2 ea
1 lot
1 lot
1
1
1
30
A/R
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot

91/2 DC type Monel
91/2 DC c/w 75/8 reg conn.
conn.
5 HWDP
Totco ring 75/8 R
8 and 91/2 DC safety clamp, slips and elevators
DP and DC dope
91/2 shock sub (check conns & X/O to fit above NB
Stab)
Circulating sub 65/8 R conns c/w redress kit and ball
Test sub NC50 pin x 2 WECO (for testing kelly etc)
DP-Casing protectors
Logging tools
ROV c/w launching equipment & spares
Drillwater
Mud chemicals.
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Tools
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Tools
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Logging
Subsea
Company
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Red Baron

Qty
2
1
A/R
1
1
4
2
2
2

183/4 x 133/8 wear bushing c/w running tool
121/4 bitbreaker
sleeves
Contract
Wellhead
Wellhead
Company
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Drilling Contractor
2
12
1
2
300m
1 lot
3
2
1 set
1 set
1 set
1 set
2 ea
2 ea
1 lot
1 lot
2
1
1
50
A/R
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
1 lot
8 DC type Monel
8 pony DC c/w 65/8 reg conn
conn.
5 HWDP
Totco ring 65/8 R
Magnetic single shot kit c/w running & retrieving
equipment
Magnetic multi shot kit c/w running & retrieving
equipment
Gyro multi shot c/w winch and compensator
8 DC safety clamp, slips and elevators
DP and DC dope
8 shock sub (check conns & X/O to fit above NB Stab)
Circulating sub 65/8 R conns c/w redress kit and ball
DP-Casing protectors
Logging tools
Drillwater
Mud chemicals.
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Tools
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Directional
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Tools
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Logging
Company
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Fishing

Qty
2
1
A/R
1
1
1
3
2

183/4 x 95/8 wear bushing c/w running tool
81/2 bitbreaker
81/2 integral blade FG NB stab, BFF
81/2 integral blade UG NB stab, BFF
81/2 integral blade string stabs, FG
81/2 integral blade string stabs, UG
Contract
Wellhead
Wellhead
As per programme
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Directional
Directional
Directional
2
2
2
2
2
12
1
2
300m
1 lot
3
2
1 set
1 set
1 set
2
2
1
1
2
ea
ea
lot
lot
1
1
1 ea
A/R
1
1
1
1
1
lot
lot
lot
lot
lot
Bit sub, bored for float c/w 4IF x 4IF conns

81/2 roller reamers c/w 2 redress kits
X/Over 4IF pin x NC50 box
61/2 DC type Monel
61/2 DC c/w 4IF conn.
61/2 pony DC 4IF conn
61/2 Drilling jars, Bowen hydromechanical c/w 4IF
conn.
5 HWDP
Totco ring 4IF
Magnetic single shot kit c/w running & retrieving
equipment
Magnetic multi shot kit c/w running & retrieving
equipment
61/2 DC safety clamp, slips and elevators
DP and DC dope
61/2 shock sub (check conns & X/O to fit above NB
Stab)
Circulating sub 4IF conns c/w redress kit and ball
4IF kelly cock and inside BOP c/w redress kits
81/2 coring equipment including coreheads, handling
equipment, fishing gear etc.
Mud chemicals.
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Tools
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Tools
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Directional
Directional
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling
Tools
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Coring
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Cementing
Fishing
Ingram Cactus: Exact 15 Universal Slimhole wellhead system
The Ingram Cactus Exact 15 Universal Slim-hole Drilling and Completion System
was specifically developed for use with slim-hole casing designs suitable for
installation through small bore BOP stacks (i.e. 7", 9" and 11" through-bore sizes).
One of the objectives in designing this system was to preserve all the design
features developed in the standard Universal Wellhead Product Line. Specific care
was taken to minimise the overall system height dimension so that in certain
applications the need for wellhead cellars can be eliminated.
When used offshore, the system significantly reduces the height requirements for
the wellhead deck area which can result in major structural savings in the platform
design.
The main features of the slim-hole wellhead include:
The low profile for the wellhead and tree combination (wellhead = 25.77",
tree = 53.44").
Through BOP installation of casing hangers and annular seals.
Integral tubing hanger design with continuous control line options.
A great reduction in the number of leak paths gained from the elimination of
wellhead penetrations for tie-down bolts.
Replaceability of all seal systems.
Replaceability of the wellhead spool.
External test facilities.
Priced to compete with conventional systems.
The following documentation offers information about the Ingram Cactus slim-hole
Universal Wellhead range suitable for use with either 11", 9" or 7 1/16" BOPs.
Alternative casing programmes have been incorporated into the designs. Ingram
Cactus Company intends to offer the Exact 15 Universal Slim-hole Product Group as
part of its standard product line available from all its manufacturing locations.
1 System descriptions
1.1 7" Exact 15 Slim-hole wellhead
The 7" Slim-hole Wellhead System can be used below BOPs with a through-bore
larger than 7".
The 7" system is designed to accommodate a 10 3/4" 7 5/8" 5 1/2" casing
programme, completed with 3 1/2" tubing.
a. Constricting load shoulder
A specific design requirement of the system is to provide full bore access through
the wellhead for the downhole assembly while at the same time providing an
adequate landing shoulder for the 5 1/2" mandrel casing hanger. These conflicting
requirements are met by a "constricting" landing shoulder. During the drilling
operation, the landing shoulder is retracted into the body of the 7 5/8" casing head.
Once drilling is completed, a torque tool is used to manipulate the actuation sleeve
and force the landing shoulder into the casing head's bore.
b. Casing head and wellhead housing
The 7" Slim-hole Wellhead consists of two main parts (i.e. the 7 5/8" casing head
{14.25" OD 6.785" to 6.825" ID} and the 7" wellhead housing {14.22" OD 6.938"
ID}) connected by a right hand thread (RHT) connection. This design was selected
to provide the following operational advantages:
Independent installation of the wellhead housing with pre-installed and
tested outlet equipment.
Easy access for emergency hangers.
Wellhead maintainability.
Easy access for maintenance purposes.
A metal to metal seal is formed at the wellhead/casing head interface and a resilient
seal is provided as a back-up and for external test purposes.
If run as a single unit, the wellhead housing/casing head combination utilises a hubstyle full-bore running tool engaged to the wellhead upper speed clamp.
Alternatively, the casing head can be run separately with a RHT, full bore running
tool.
c. Stepped wellbore
The wellhead housing and the casing head provide a number of progressively
smaller steps in their respective bores. This "stepping" technique helps to protect
the seals used on the annular packoffs and tubing hangers from damage during
installation. The final restriction in the casing head actuation sleeve can be used for
an abandonment cap seal.
d. Wear bushing
To protect the bore of the wellhead housing during drilling, a bit retrievable wear
bushing is used. This wear bushing has a restricted ID and is therefore run behind
the BHA. The wear bushing is carried utilising an in-string J-type running tool. A wear
bushing lock pin assembly which is temporarily installed in one of the lower
wellhead outlets secures the wear bushing in the vertical position as well as
preventing it from rotating.
e. BOP testing
A cup tester is used to perform periodic 7" BOP test procedures. Plug type test tools
are provided for the larger systems which permit solid landing shoulders in the
casing head.
f. Mandrel casing hanger
Prior to running the production casing string, a torque tool is used to manipulate the
actuation sleeve inside the casing head. Rotation of the actuation sleeve forces the
load shoulder into the wellhead bore and locks it in place. (See Constricting load
shoulder).
The mandrel casing hanger is run with a right handed threaded full-bore running
tool. If lockdown is required and the hanger lockdown ring is used, an extension is
added to the running tool which compresses the hanger lockdown ring into the
hanger body during installation. Once landed, the hanger running tool is partially
backed off which allows the lock ring to engage the drive sleeve groove. Overpull
will indicate if the latch has engaged properly. The running tool can then be
retrieved.
g. Annular seals
Annular seals on the production hanger are available in two styles for the Exact 15
Slim-hole Wellhead System:
Static
Compression
The Static design uses self energising seals on the hanger and housing interfaces.
No compression or injection is required. The unit is installed with a J-type running
tool through right hand rotation. The unit can be externally tested. Provisions are
made for injection for subsequent maintenance purposes.
The Compression design utilises dual static seals on the hanger interface and dual
compression type seals on the wellhead interface. The seal assembly is installed
with the same J-type running tool and makes up to the casing hanger in the same
manner as the static seal. The unit can be externally tested. Provisions are made for
injection for subsequent maintenance purposes.
h. Reusable drilling spool
The replaceable wellhead housing capability characteristic of all Universal Wellhead
Systems allows the use of a low cost, reusable drilling spool for use during
exploration work or for development drilling.
Just prior to completing the well, the reusable spool is removed from the casing
head under the protection of a temporary abandonment cap. The short spool is then
replaced with a completion wellhead which provides a location for the tubing
hanger. In slim-hole drilling projects where relatively light equipment is subjected to
the rigors of downhole rotation, this switch out capability can ensure that the
production wellhead is always in top condition.
i. Temporary abandonment capability
The 7" Slim-hole System in accordance with the standards of the
UniversalProductRange, offers wellhead replaceability under controlled conditions.
This is accomplished through the use of a temporary abandonment cap which
simultaneously seals off the production casing bore and the production casing
annulus.
The abandonment procedure is detailed below:
1.Short drilling spool is used to drill the well to TD.
2.If the well is suitable for completion, the production casing hanger packoff is
removed.
3.A temporary abandonment cap is installed over the production casing hanger
neck, sealing the production casing bore and production casing annulus
simultaneously. In those slim-hole systems where constricting load shoulders are
used, an injectable seal between the actuation sleeve and the casing head ensures
seal integrity once the T/A cap has been installed over the production casing hanger
neck.
4.Once the T/A cap has been successfully tested, the BOP and reusable drilling spool
can be removed.
5.At this stage a production wellhead housing can be installed on the casing head.
This unit provides additional outlet ports for the tubing annulus and provides space
for the tubing hanger.
6.The annular seal is replaced and the tubing hanger and completion tree installed.
j. Crossover options
Crossover spools can be provided to adapt specific slim-hole wellhead systems for
use below larger BOPs.
k. Tubing hanger
The Exact 15 Tubing Hanger is landed and locked down through the BOP stack.
During installation, an elongated running tool is made up to the external right hand
thread on the OD of the hanger's neck. At the same time, an integral sleeve of the
running tool holds the hanger lockdown ring in the retracted position. When the
hanger is landed, the running tool is partially rotated to release the lockdown ring.
Before disengaging the running tool completely, overpull is applied to the tubing
running string to ensure that lockdown has occurred. The running tool is then
retrieved.
As with conventional equipment, the tubing hanger can be provided with a variety
of back pressure valve (BPV) profiles and control line options.
l. Control line exit option
The 9" and 11" Slim-hole Wellhead Systems can offer continuous control line
configurations which exit through the wellhead housing. The design requires a
longer wellhead housing and tubing hanger neck configuration - which will introduce
additional costs in the system.

The 9" Slim-hole Wellhead System has been configured to be used with two
alternative casing programmes:
a. 13 3/8" 9 5/8" 7" casing program
As a result of the relatively large production casing size, this system has to use a
constricting landing shoulder for the production casing hanger. In this respect, this
system is very similar in design to the 7" system described previously.
Wellhead height25.46"
Xmas tree height51.01"
9 5/8" casing head15.818" OD 8.813" to 8.125" ID
9" wellhead housing18.14" OD 8.875" ID
9" speed clamp22.06" OD
7" casing hanger8.626" OD 6.359" ID

9" 7" packoff8.781" OD
9" 7" annular seal8.864" OD (optional)
3 1/2" tubing hanger8.932" OD 3.068" ID
b. 10 3/4" 7 5/8" 5 1/2" casing program
The smaller casing programme used with this 9" wellhead system allows the use of
a solid landing shoulder in the casing head.
7 5/8" casing head14.746" OD 6.675" ID
5 1/2" casing hanger8.626" OD 4.891" ID
9" 7" packoff8.781" OD
9" 7" annular seal8.864" OD (optional)
The two 9" systems utilise as many common components as possible to facilitate
interchangeability

As was the case with the 9" Slim-hole wellhead design, the 11" system is configured
for two casing programmes.
a. 13 3/8" 9 5/8" 7" casing program
Unlike the 9" system, the 11" Slim-hole Wellhead System can provide a solid landing
shoulder for the 7" casing hanger.
9 5/8" casing head13.742" OD 8.813" ID
7" casing hanger10.594" OD 6.359" ID

11" 7" annular seal10.064" OD (static type)
11" 7" annular seal10.781" (compression type)
b. 10 3/4" 7 5/8" 5 1/2" casing program
The smaller casing programme for the 11" system requires change out of the casing
head and the production casing hanger. All other components are interchangeable
with the previously described large programme
7 5/8" casing head13.742" OD 6.785" ID
5 1/2" casing hanger10.594" OD 4.891" ID
11" 7" annular seal10.064" OD (static type)
11" 7" annular seal10.781" (compression type)
2 Emergency equipment
The use of integral casing heads and mandrel casing hangers in the Universal
Wellhead presents the risk that stuck casing prevents correct positioning of these
components in the system. To provide an operational solution in these instances, a
complete range of emergency equipment has been developed.
2.1 Emergency casing hanger

The Universal Slim-hole Wellhead System can accommodate an emergency casing
hanger consisting of a split bowl and slip section, and an emergency pack-off unit.
The emergency hanger can be installed through the BOP providing that no coupling
is present above the hang-off point. The emergency pack-off unit can be installed
through the BOP and is retrievable for maintenance purposes. This unit can be
externally tested and injected.
The emergency hanger system maintains the same height tolerances so that the
tubing hanger can be installed as if landed on the mandrel hanger.
2.2 Trulock starting heads
In those cases where the surface casing gets prematurely stuck, a hydraulically
installed starting head which utilises casing slips to clamp the wellhead to the
casing stub can be supplied. Automatic seals with injection capability provide for
pressure integrity.
3 Low profile trees

As part of the effort to provide flexibility as well as reduce overall height
dimensions, Ingram-Cactus have developed a composite block tree.
The tree comprises an integral master valve and tree adaptor unit which is studded
upward, an upper master valve, a T-section, a swab valve and tree cap assembly.
Long studs reach from the integral adaptor through the swab valve, clamping the
block sections together to provide superior bending and shear resistance for the
tree.
The composite block trees can be provided in various configurations in the complete
range of valves and trims.
4 Speed clamp
The Ingram Cactus Speed Clamp, designed either for standard service or high
pressure, high temperature applications, offers the following advantages:
Four configurations for:Conventional API hubs- Type X
ICC standard- Type U
High pressure/temperature- Type T
Economy- Type E
Greater bending capacity:Hubs mate face to face, providing greater resistance to
bending moment than API clamps
Shear load resistant:Unique hub housing offers shear load resistance even when
mated to a standard API hub
Rigid segment alignment:Clamp segments are rigidly retained on the hub housing
even in the open position
Heavy duty construction:The Speed Clamp easily withstands stabbing loads on the
segment section
Fire resistant configuration available.
Designed for all service conditions.
5 Universal BSM End Connection

The Ingram Cactus Universal "BSM" (Bending, Shear, Metal Seal) End Connection is
designed with a metal to metal seal and built to provide safe, dependable service in
pressure applications from 2000 to 15,000 psi. The BSM is available in standard
bore sizes 11 3/16" to 21 1/4". Trims are available for all temperature and service
conditions.
The BSM can also be furnished with ring grooves which will make it adaptable to
either "BSM" or API flanges.
Face to face mating provide a stable connection more resistant to bending moment
than API flanges. The internal seal profile provides a straight bore with a metal seal
gasket creating a superior metal to metal seal.
A large cross-sectional diameter shear load offers maximum resistance to shear
load.
Cooper Oil Tools: MC2 compact wellhead
Main features of the MC2 compact wellhead are described below:

Flow through casing hanger with 45 degree shoulders and centralisation
feature.
"Fastlock" hub and metal/metal "CX" gasket on wellhead connections.
Non API shear and bending resistant outlets with parallel thread metal sealing
VR plug.
2" 5000 psi outlets for both upper and lower stages.
Minimum number of external dedicated test ports.
Retrievable seal assemblies with positive lockdown, eliminating tiedown
screws.
Coarse Acme running threads.
Identical seal assemblies between casing and tubing hangers with metal end
capped elastomeric seals.
Coupling like tonguing necks on all hangers and housings. Overall heights
include 6" long tonguing neck on housings which, in reality, may be omitted
from the stackup height.
QA requirements to PSL 3 Temperature "U", Material Class "DD". API 6A, 16th
Ed.
Differences between the 7 1/16" and 9" nominal

compacts
1. The through bore for the 7 1/16" compact is 6.65" minimum to allow for a 6 5/8"
bit. This enables sufficient landing shoulder of approximately 1/8" per side to cater
for the combined loads of 5 1/2" casing, 3 1/2" tubing as well as BOP test loads. The
loading capacity exceeds 400,000 lbs - this is easily capable of supporting the
anticipated loading.
2. The 9" nom compact allows full bore access into the lightest of 7 5/8" casings
without any load restrictions that could be foreseen as a problem.
3. BOP protection will be either 7 1/16" or 11" nominal BOPs.
6. Managed Pressure
Operations with Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Presure Drilling)
Once properly commissioned and tested the Mud

Cap Drilling system, drilling can be done the conventional mode until actual
circulation losses conditions dictate to switch to Mud Cap Drilling mode. At first,
decision could be taken to attempt to control losses with conventional methods.
Typically Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) mode will start as soon
as the last Gunk pill has positively plugged the hole, the mud in hole conditioned
and the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) system ready.
1. Prepare for Mud Cap Drilling operations

1. POOH with string (or core barrel) if it is in hole. If POOH can be avoided and the
Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) system is fully operational,
proceed as per step 11 below.
2. Once out of hole, static check well and close the blind/shear rams. Continue
control of well on choke line.
3. If not previously installed, install RCDs Sealing Elements and the Bearing section
as per RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP) procedures. Test
the RCD with a test plug as per applicable procedure.
4. If required perform a full test of BOPs and other rig well control equipment.
5. Ensure that all safety equipment for H2S and other gases is operational, as well
as the required PPAs.
6. Reinstall the RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP) drilling
adapter. Keep the sealing/bearing element in the first drilling stand ready to be
installed in the RCD.
7. Run Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) BHA to casing shoe. The
drill pipe will be exposed to a pressure higher than for normal drilling during the
Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) operations. Furthermore, water (or
similar) shall be pumped, which is more difficult than mud to contain. Apply an extra
amount of pipe dope and tightening connections appropriately to reduce risk of
leakage wash/out.
8. Ensure that the stands of drill pipe that will be used during Mud Cap Drilling
(MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) have a kelly-cock safety valve and the wear subs to
protect threads pre-installed. Ensure each one has been pressure tested and is
ready for use in the derrick. Note that the safety valve on top of each drilled down
stand will be closed while making connections. This shall provide an additional
safety barrier in the event of drill pipe float failure or a leak in the drill string while
the Top Drive is removed. Verify if with the DP top drive links available there is
enough room between elevator and pipe handler to lift a stand with a kelly-cock and
saver-sub on the top tool joint. An adequate number (say ten) of such drilling stands
shall be prepared and set back in derrick. At connection the kelly-cock will be just
above the rotary table. The valve shall be closed before unscrewing the TDS and
performing connection.
9. Circulate bottoms up (uniform mud weight will greatly help in determining the
bottom hole pressure in case of circulation loss) and ream to the top of plug.
Mill out and commence for CHC

10. Mill plug (conventional drilling mode) until total loss of returns. Observe well to
estimate the bottom hole pressure.
11. Estimating Bottom Hole Pressure from Fluid Level Drop
The formation pressure and gradient in the zone of total losses should be calculated
and verified with the following procedure:
a. Fill the hole with water until the hole level stabilizes just below flow-line. Measure
the volume and density as accurately as possible.
b. As soon as the hole stops taking fluid, calculate the BHP and record all data.
(Previous experience shows that this technique may under-evaluate the pressure in
the lost returns zone due to mud gellation. Consequently, make the above steps
with the string in rotation at 50 rpm).
12. Determine the Light Annualr Mud (LAM) weight. Mix the mud consequently and
check weight as accurately as possible.
13. Close the BOP and monitor well through choke line. Disconnect the drilling
nipple from the RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP). Pick up
the pre-installed sealing/bearing element and install in the RCD. Engage the
hydraulic clamp and close the manual safety lock on the RCD as per RCD
procedures.
14. Open BOP and close the choke line.

15.Line up the pumps for injecting LAM down the annulus and sacrificial fluid down
the drill pipe.
Displace well-bore with Mud Cap Drilling fluids

16. Check the casing pressure.
17. Reset the pump stroke counter.
18. Displace (bullhead) the annular drilling fluid in well with the LAM. Record and
plot casing pressure versus cumulative volume injected. Displace the new mud at a
rate of 2-5 bbls/min to improve displacement efficiency. Progressing with the
pumping, the casing pressure should stabilize to a value close to the calculated
Pmin csg.
19. Check the pressure and volume pumped against the calculated volumes.
20. Displace the drilling mud in the DP with SACRIFICIAL Fluid (water, treated with
scavenger if need be).
Check and record DP pressure.
Prepare to drill ahead in Mud Cap Drilling mode

21. Lower DP to bottom.
22. Check and record Torque and Drag.
23. Begin pumping (injecting) the SACRIFICIAL Fluid down the drillstring. Shut the
pumps down. Wait a minimum of 30 seconds and observe static casing pressure.
Slowly increase pump rate to just enough to open floats. Shut down the pump.
Record the Static *DP pressure. Conduct connection drill.
*(This value is directly linked with the annulus pressure outside the bit. Verify this
data with the result obtained from calculations).
2. Drilling
Before injecting into the annulus always confirm that the kill line is open on the
annulus and connected to pump discharge.
Start Drilling and Drilling ahead

1. Lower drill string to bottom and begin drilling.
Note: Annular displacement does not have to be complete prior to beginning
drilling. The annulus can be displaced simultaneously with drilling ahead.
2. Inject sacrificial fluid at a rate sufficient for optimum bit performance and hole
cleaning. Suggested drilling Sacrificial Fluid injection rate is 900 l/min in the 8
hole. Flush open hole with 5m3 of high viscosity pill every stand to improve hole
cleaning. Check torque & drag carefully and increase viscous pills as required. Ream
carefully before connection.
3. Drill ahead injecting Sacrificial Fluid, allowing casing pressure to increase to the
maximum planned casing pressure. Bit selection should be based on the optimum
bit to drill the formation. While smaller cuttings will be easier to remove and carry
up hole in the annulus, to be eventually injected in fractures, small cuttings are not
a necessary requirement of Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling).
Experience has shown that all bit types can be used in Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Presure Drilling).
4. Monitor at all times the standpipe pressure (SPP). Any change in pressure
indicates a change in the down-hole environment, unless it is accompanied by a
corresponding change in the SACRIFICIAL Fluid flow rate.
5. While continuing to drill, if the Pmax csg increases, inject Light Annular Mud into
the casing to squeeze contaminated bottom hole fluids back into the formation.
Record and plot casing pressure and volume. The casing pressure shall stabilize
back at the calculated Pmin csg after the lightened contaminated mud is
squeezed back from the well-bore into the formation.
6. Continue drilling, maintaining the casing pressure between Pmin csg and Pmax
csg or until a connection is required.
Logging while drilling

Note: The reservoir bore-hole condition developed during Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Presure Drilling) makes a wire-line logging operations extremely
dangerous for the equipment.
Required petrophysical/formation evaluation information shall be possibly obtained
with Logging While Drilling.
Running radioactive sources should be possibly avoided. If absolutely necessary,
running of these sources shall be performed only after having evaluated the actual
down hole conditions (corrosion from H2S attack, risk of differential sticking, etc.)
from previous runs performed with conventional equipment.
If required, a full logging suite will be recorded while the last bit run, or, if reduced
time of exposure is preferred, with a dedicated reaming/logging session at TD.
Making connections
1. At pipe connection pick up off bottom and record torque and drag. If excess
torque and/or drag is detected, continue to inject water down the drill pipe and flush
with high viscosity pills prior to making connections. Back ream and ream down as
required. Pump a minimum 5m3 high viscosity sweep every stand and before pipe
connection for hole cleaning.
2. Record dynamic DP pressure and rate. Shut off pumps.
3. Bleed off trapped pressure on DP slowly to 0 bar by opening the bleed off valve or
low torque manual valve on standpipe manifold. Check to confirm that the floats are
holding and that there is no Back Pressure in the drill pipes. If the floats are not
holding, see Para. 11.3.5.3, Floats Not Holding.
4. Before removing the top-drive, again check standpipe pressure gauge for trapped
pressure. This is any injection pressure that has not bled off.
5. Make pipe connection. This requires some slightly different procedure from
normal as there is an additional Surface Safety Barrier on the drill pipes side. Prior
to breaking off the top-drive, close the kelly cock on top of the drill pipe stand in the
rotary. Pick up the next stand having a kelly-cock in open position pre-installed on it.
Make up the new stand of drill pipe. Open the lower Kelly-cock and run to bottom.
6 Bring pumps on slowly and resume drilling.
7. Record torque and drag on every connection and watch for increasing trend. It
could mean that the hole is not being cleaned by the injected SACRIFICIAL fluid.
Trip out of the hole

Never POOH with the string full of water.
1. Prior to pulling out of the hole, pump a viscous sweep. Inject SACRIFICIAL Fluid as
required and reciprocate pipe to ensure the hole is clean of cuttings.
Note: Erratic torque and drag can indicate potential hole cleaning problems.
2. Replace the freshwater in the drill string with Light Annular Mud. At the end of
displacement, pump a Heavy Trip Mud pill for drill string slug.
3. Observe the drill string pressure and strip out of hole. Stripping out of the hole
will avoid swabbing of the formation. While pulling out, record incremental pressure
against RCD seal.
4. Continue stripping out of hole. Inject proper fill up volume of LAM in annulus while
maintaining pressures between the established Pmin csg and Pmax csg. POOH to
the last stand of DPs. Inject Heavy Trip Mud in the annulus until the pressure
reduces to zero. DO NOT OVER DISPLACE. To ensure that over-displacement does
not occur, pump at slow rate the calculated volume required to balance the well
before injection. Calculations should be based on balancing the BHP at the top
fracture encountered. Check for pressure on annulus. Ensure that there is no
pressure on the annulus or choke. Well must be dead before continuing this
procedure. If there is pressure, inject heavy mud in annulus to bring casing pressure
to zero. Record all volumes with their respective mud weights in and out of hole.
Wait until gels develop for the mud in hole (typically -1 hour). Mud gels fully
developed in an undisturbed mud column below the BHA will require few hundred
psi to be sheared.
5. Release safety locks on RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating
BOP) and hydraulic clamps. Slowly pull the 5 DP out of the hole, pulling bearing
assembly out of RCD bowl. Stand back bearing assembly and 5 DP offside of
derrick as per RCD procedure.
Note: Bearing Assembly should always be on the bottom joint of a stand and
readily available if needed.
6. To regain control of Well level, the Drilling Nipple should be reinstalled (have
arrangement ready to perform this operation with drilling string in hole).
7. POOH with HWDP and BHA. Fill the hole with LAM using the trip tank. Observe
hole, and maintain
balance using Heavy Trip Mud and LAM as required.
8. With the bit above the rotary, close the blind/shear rams and continuously
monitor annulus pressure on the choke manifold or returns on the mini trip tank.
Trip In The Hole

After the bit is above the rotary and the blind rams have been shut, the following
procedure may be used to trip in the hole. RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating
Head, Rotating BOP) rubber elements and bearing assembly will be on a stand of
pipe standing back in the derrick. The sealing element of the RCD will be re-installed
when the BHA is below the rotary.
1. Make up the bit on BHA. Keep the choke closed and continue monitoring the
annulus with the trip tank.
2. If the well flows or if casing pressure increases, inject Heavy Trip Mud to reduce
the casing pressure to zero. Do not over-displace and put the well on a vacuum (i.e.
the well slightly taking mud).
3. Check for pressure on the annulus. Ensure that there is no pressure on the
annulus or choke. Well must be dead before continuing this procedure.
4. Open blind rams and RIH with BHA, filling the BHA with Heavy Trip Mud. (Check
displacement volume).
5. After BHA is below the BOP stack, remove Drilling Nipple & Flow-line Adapter and
install 5 rubber elements in the RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head,
Rotating BOP) as per RCD procedure. (The bearing assembly was left on the last DP
stand pulled out of the hole).
6. Strip in the hole, filling the drill pipe with Light Annular Mud and recover the
string displacement mud volume through the choke and into the trip tank. While
recovering the Heavy Trip Mud that was pumped to balance the annulus pressure,
the well may begin to flow. Recover only the volume of Heavy Trip Mud that was
originally pumped and monitor it through the trip tank. Close the choke and
continue stripping in the hole. The casing pressure should stabilize at Pmin csg.
When lighter fluids start returning, displace only the calculated displacement of pipe
being tripped into hole.
3. Problem Solving in Mud Cap Drilling

With reference to HAZID/HAZOP analyses performed, the following points are those
highly ranked for consideration.
Leaking RCD Rubber Packing Element

Should the RCD rubber packing-element begin to leak while in use, or because a
decision is made to change the rubber elements in the RCD (Rotating Control
Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP), change them in accordance with equipment
specification and procedures and under the guidance of the RCD representative.
AVOID LOOKING DOWN THE ROTARY HOLE WHILE CASING UNDER PRESSURE (Mud
Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) OPERATIONS ON-GOING). THE RCD
(Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP) RUBBERS ARE RELIABLE,
BUT ARE ALSO EXPENDABLE; THEIR CONDITION AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT IS
UNKNOWN.
Shutting-In Pipe Rams (Pressure Too High On RCD)

It should be avoided to rotate or pull tool joints through the rotating head when the
pressure limit on the RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP)
has been reached. The pressure limits for static pressure and for rotating/stripping
pressure is set forth by the equipment Manufacturer specifications and shall be
acknowledged by all the concerned users. Typically, the RCD static pressure rating is
211 bar (3,000 psi) and the rotating/stripping pressure is 176 bar (2,500 psi).
In the unlikely event that the choke or annular pressure approaches the pressure
limit of the RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP), the upper
pipe rams on BOP should be closed.
There are two reasons why the upper rams are preferred over the annular preventer
to isolate the RCD from excessive wellhead pressures.
a. As the annular preventer closes, the annular rubber first seals against the drill
pipe and then continues to extrude into the trapped space between the annular and
lower RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP) rubber. This
increases the trapped pressure and may approach the failure limit of the RCD. The
problem is aggravated when the trapped fluid has no gas in it. The rams do not
compress the isolated fluid trapped between the rams and RCD (Rotating Control
Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP).
b. Secondly, the rams generally have a higher pressure containment rating than the
annular preventer. It should be noted that rams require a differential pressure
across them to actuate the top seal. If the required amount of differential pressure
does not exist, the rams will appear closed, but will allow pressure transmission to
the RCD. Ensure that RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP)
allows enough differential pressure for proper BOP rams closing.
Floats Not Holding
The following paragraphs address to how to recognize when the floats are not
holding and ways to clear floats when they are stuck open, or they have trash in
them.
Note: using a ball and seat type float will greatly reduce the probability of this
occurring.
Recognizing the Floats Are Leaking

1. Shut down the pumps.
2. Before removing the top drive, kelly or pump-in sub, check the standpipe
pressure gauge for trapped pressure. This means any injection pressure that has not
been bled off. Note and record standpipe pressure. Compare to standpipe pressures
recorded on previous connections.
3. Bleed the pressure off slowly on the DP to 0 psi by opening the air actuated bleed
off valve (if rigged up for Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling)). If an air
actuated bleed valve is not installed, bleed off trapped pressure using the standpipe
manifold. Check to confirm that the floats are holding and that there is no flow from
the drill pipe.
4. FLOATS NOT HOLDING SHALL BE EVIDENT IF THE STANDPIPE PRESSURE DOES
NOT ZERO AND FLOW DOES NOT STOP.
Clearing the Floats

A leaking float may not be a problem if trash is obstructing their ability to close and
the trash can be cleared. The following actions should be attempted in order to
clear the floats before a decision to make a trip with the floats not holding is taken.
1. Wash and ream drill string back to bottom.
2. Vary flow injection rate within parameter limits. Change parameters to attempt
dislodge debris that may be caught in the floats.
3. Attempt to induce a pressure surge on the floats allowing pressure to bleed off
fast.
4. Pump viscous pill(s) or a lubricant. Sometimes this works with stuck or debris
affected floats. Try this.
Floats Fail During a Connection

Firstly, DO NOT PANIC! THE RIG CREW MUST BE FULLY TRAINED FOR THESE CASES
AND MUST WORK QUICKLY, PURPOSELY AND WITH DETERMINATION!
Rigs with top drives

While drilling in Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) mode, all stands
shall be provided with one kelly cock safety valve on top of each stand. During a
connection this valve shall be at rotary table level and shall be closed until the top
drive is made up on string.
Tripping will always be performed with the string full of mud. The potential flow in
case of float failure is therefore reduced. If flow occurs while tripping, bring top of
stand back to floor. Set slips, and slack off on block engaging top drive safety valve,
tighten top drive and close safety valve either manually or using remote closing
feature if so equipped. Kill well using adequate mud.
Washout in Drill String

A washout in the drill string while in Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure
Drilling) mode will behave in the same manner as with conventional drilling: the drill
pipe pressure will decrease and annulus pressure may increase if leak is above the
top losing zone. If a washout has occurred, torque and drag may increase due to
poorer hole cleaning, and the penetration rate may decrease due to inadequate
hydraulics at the bit face.
If it is believed that a washout has occurred, displace the SACRIFICIAL Fluid in the
DP with LAM down the DP observing the casing pressure. If the casing pressure
remains constant and DP pressure reduces to Pmin csg, then slug the DP with Trip
Mud and pull out of the hole to check for washout.
Drill String Failure

If drill string parts or twists off during the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure
Drilling) operation, fishing operations can be carried out in conventional manner AS
LONG AS THE WELL IS DEAD.
1. Inject the annulus and drill string total displacement with Heavy Annular Mud
prior to POOH.
2. Trip out of hole as per conventional tripping or according to Mud Cap Drilling
(MPD, Managed Presure Drilling), depending upon actual well conditions.
Mind that a failure of the drilling string above the back-pressure valves may result in
a high drill pipe pressure because of the mud vs. water U tube. Annular mud
pressure may exceed by 352 bar (5,000 psi) the drillstring pressure when the drill
pipe are full of water.
Increasing Standpipe Pressure

Increasing standpipe pressure means that flow has been restricted in the drill string
somewhere between the bit nozzles and pump discharge or that injectivity of the
formation has decreased. The most likely places where restrictions/plugging may
occur are the bit nozzles or floats. If attempting to surge the pipe to clear the
obstruction does not work, then a decision shall be made to pull the drill string out.
If vice-versa the stand pipe pressure increase is due to the in-taking formations
being plugged, this should be reflected by an un-justified increment of the annulus
pressure (mind that annulus pressure may increase also because of migration of
formation fluids).
Corrosion and/or H2S Attach to the LWD Tools
The reservoir borehole condition developed during Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed
Presure Drilling) makes the bore environment potentially damaging for the costly
LWD equipment. As a preliminary assessment of the risk for running LWD tools may
result from the evaluation of the conditions of the MWD (or minimum suite of LWD
such as G.R./Resistivity). Acknowledging the actual condition of these tools (i.e.
working performance, reliability, presence of corrosion and recognition of H2S
attack), will dictate the best way to use the LWD. A suitable alternative could be
running the required suite of the LWD in the last bit run, or, even better, in a
dedicated reaming/logging session after have reached TD in order to minimize the
exposure time of the logging tools to the corrosive environment.
Stuck Pipes
Well shall be kept dead while working on stuck pipe.
Specific procedures shall be worked out in case acid jobs are to be carried out in
order to attempt un-freezing pipes in carbonate formations. Detailed work
programmes shall be issued in coordination with the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Presure Drilling) engineer, rig Toolpusher and other concerned Parties,
depending upon the actual case.
Acid formulation and safety issues related to work with acid shall be issued as the
occasion call making reference to the applicable KPO and Service Contractors
procedures.
Drilling String Plugged While Drilling

Plugging of drilling string may occur during drilling and string should be pulled out
to correct.
Mind that high differential pressure, which may exceed 352 bar (5,000psi) from the
annulus side, exists between the drillstring water and the annulus mud.
To displace a plugged string with mud, a hole need to be punched as deep as
possible considering the pressure rating of the wireline pressure control equipment
in use, to be installed on the drillstring over a Kelly-Cock safety valve. Once
punched, the drillstring water shall be squeezed to formation to ensure Mud-Cap
integrity.
4. Mud Cap Drilling well control equipment

Due to the peculiar situation of the well when applying the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Presure Drilling) mode, the kick control procedures in place during normal
U-tube drilling do not apply. The well is basically controlled in a bull heading-like
mode.
Casing and Wellhead

Ensure that casing and wellhead equipment are properly dimensioned to withstand
the worst-case pressures during drilling, well control and Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Presure Drilling) operations. This should ensure adequacy of the BOP and
all the well/pressure control equipment for Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure
Drilling) operations.
Rig BOP
The rig BOP stack shall be suitable for the drilling operations planned on the specific
well. Pressure rating for the BOP its configuration and testing procedures are
defined in KPO WOPM, Para. 2.7.4. BOPs and all the well control equipment, shall be
for Sour Service - H2S trim.
BOP Stack Clearance for RCD Installation

The BOP stack must allow adequate room needed between the top of the annular
preventer and the rotary beams to rig up a Rotating Control Device and associated
equipment.
These features shall be checked among KPO, the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed
Presure Drilling) Contractor, the Supplier of the RCD and The Rig
Superintendent/Toolpusher during the planning stage for Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Presure Drilling) operations.
Choke Manifold, Choke And Kill Line Equipment

Type and characteristics of the choke manifold will be in accordance with the KPO
Policies, Manuals and Procedures and shall be suitable for well control in the worst
foreseeable well conditions. Choke manifold, lines and associated equipment shall
be for sour service use. This should ensure adequacy of the choke manifold, choke
and kill line and other associated equipment for Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed
Presure Drilling) operations.
Gas Removal Equipment

Expected well conditions require a mud gas removal system that can remove H2S
gas from the drilling fluid if it is circulated out of the hole. During Mud Cap Drilling
(MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) operations there is no circulation and the H2S gas
removal system shall be used as required, when Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed
Presure Drilling) operations are terminated and the well is circulated with returns to
the surface.
Gas Buster
Prior to initiating Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling), ensure that mud
is gas free. If required, use a pressurized mud-gas separator to discharge effluent
straight into a vacuum degasser, available with the rig.
H2S Gas Flare System

All H2S Gas Flare System elements are specified in the drilling contract as approved
by KPO.
Rotating Control Device (RCD)

After the running of the production casing at top of the reservoirs, should it be
required by the expectation of heavy circulation losses during the next hole phase
drilling, the RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP) will be
installed above the BOP stack Annular Preventer and tested according to the RCD
Supplier procedures. The Flow line nipple will be installed and connected to BellNipple/Mud-box to allow circulation at the beginning of drilling the actual hole
phase. If Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) operations are not
required because on the reservoir conditions allow for normal drilling, then the RCD
(Rotating Control Device, Rotating Head, Rotating BOP) will act as an extra safety
equipment with normal mud return.
Rig Monitoring Equipment

The monitoring equipment that should be provided for control of Mud Cap Drilling
(MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) parameters is:
1. CASING PRESSURE A digital casing pressure gauges that reads up to 703 bar
(10,000psi) and is accurate and readable to the nearest +/- 2 psi shall be available
(sensor to be calibrated before to begin Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure
Drilling)). A back up low range pressure gauge to monitor annulus pressure should
be on location. The data should be captured on the time log and depth log.
2. DRILL PIPE PRESSURE A gauge to precisely measure the pumping pressure of
the sacrificial fluid shall be available.
3. PVT (Pit Volume Totalizer) A PVT shall be available and will be used prior to
converting to Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling). After Mud Cap
Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) is initiated, it can be used to monitor
annular injection fluid volumes.
4. % FLOW - % Flow shall be available and will be used prior to converting to Mud
Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling). After Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed
Presure Drilling) is initiated, it will not be necessary to monitor it since the annulus
will be shut in.
5. PUMP RATE - The ability to monitor flow rates both down the annulus and down
the drill pipe is essential to conducting Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure
Drilling) operations.
6. TRIP TANK Two 50 bbl trip tanks should be available. The trip tanks will be used
to accurately determine the bottom hole pressure and to control volumes during
tripping and injection operations.
7. Corrosion Rings/Coupons If required, place corrosion rings in the drill string in
two locations, one near the surface (Kelly saver sub, if so equipped) and one as near
the bit as possible.
5. Mud Cap Drilling hydraulics and planning of

operations
Hydraulics plays a fundamental role in the application of the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Presure Drilling) and must be fully acknowledged and understood by all
key personnel at the rig site.
The formation pressure regime must be known.

Accurate monitoring and control of the hydraulic (pressures and flow rates)
parameters are essential. In particular the following indicators shall be closely
controlled:
casing pressure
drill pipe pressure
PVT (Pit Volume Totalizer)
% flow
pump rate
trip tank.
Planning for Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Presure Drilling) must consider the
estimated material consumption vs. the supply and mixing capabilities (logistic
limitation to be duly considered as far as supplies are concerned).
Planning requirements for Managed

Pressure Drilling (Mud Cap)
The Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling) is a technique that can be
used even in case of total circulation losses.
Circulation losses are traditionally cured with Loss Circulation Materials (LCMs) pills,
gunk pills and cement plugs, but these methods have disadvantages:
uncertain about results
time consuming and expensive,
potential damage to reservoirs.
Severe circulation losses are often encountered drilling fractured formations,
particularly carbonate (limestone, dolomite, etc.), specially when long vertical
section are concerned, because of the differential pressure gradient of the drilling
fluid vs. the formation fluids.
A sacrificial fluid is pumped through the drillstring and lost to the formation while
the annuls is full of the so called dual gradient fluid system, i.e. the sacrificial fluid
itself on the lower portion of the hole, and the (heavy) Mud Cap Drilling in the upper
portion.
Although the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling), is not
underbalance drilling in the sense that formation fluids are not allowed to flow to
surface, the hydrostatic head of the dual system is such that it equals (or it is
slightly lower than) the formation gradient.
Requirements for Mud Cap Drilling

For optimum use of Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling), the
following is essential:
Heavy (total) circulation losses in fractured formations
Fractures that can take the drilling cuttings
Availability of low cost sacrificial fluid

Capability to build mud volume fast and effectively
Adequate additional surface equipment (Rotating BOP, high pressure
pumping system).
For most effective results, the following options are preferred:

Last casing set as close as possible to the top of fractured zone
Small (say 8 1/2) hole size to help hole cleaning and minimize injection rate.
Main equipment and rig upgrade for Mud Cap Drilling
Rotating Control Device (RCD).

Large amount of water (sacrificial fluid) that will be pumped through the
drilling string, into the loss zone and carrying the drilling cuttings.
High pressure mud circulating system (pumps, standpipe, rotary hose, topdrive, etc.) may need to be upgraded in order to allow for the implementation
of the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling) (7500 psi WP
system is generally required).
Drilling Technique
The Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling) technique applies when
conventional circulation is no longer possible. It involves blind drilling with the
choke completely closed while using an RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating
Head, Rotating BOP) to seal the annulus.
While the sacrificial fluid is continuously pumped through the drillstring in order to
refrigerate the bit and remove the drilled cuttings, mud is periodically injected into
the annulus to prevent hydrocarbons from migrating to the surface.
The Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling) is a cpmplicated and
expensive system. For these reasons it is used only when other system for
controlling losses were proven ineffective. Large quantities of water and mud are
required. Additional equipment and specialized personnel is also required.
An accurate evaluation of all factors concerned with the drilling through
hydrocarbon reservoirs, including rig time, material availability and consumption,
reservoir damage, drilling hazards, etc. shall be performed prior the decision to
switch from conventional drilling to Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure
Drilling) drilling is taken.
Sour gas considerations

The presence of H2S means that no formation fluids are allowed at surface unless in
strictly controlled manner (e.g. while well testing or during production operations).
Drilling with Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling), means that the
annulus will be closed and no returns circulated back to the surface.
All down-hole equipment and blowout preventer equipment (BOPE) for the Mud Cap
Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling) operation will be rated for H2S service.
Since H2S corrosion on steel is in reality a form a Hydrogen embrittlement, if the

hydrogen ions are in solution downhole rather than tied to sulfur ions, they may be
more likely to attack the steel. Therefore, all fluids pumped downhole, including the
sacrificial fluid, shall be treated to inhibit (or at least mitigate) the corrosion.
Along with these preventive measures, the mud shall be adjusted to maximize the
pH. The drill string shall be made up of steel suitable for the H2S environment.
Circulation losses and the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,

Managed Pressure Drilling)
Fractures and/or vugs are characteristic of carbonate formation, so that circulation
losses are often experienced here. In fractured reservoir, it could happen that a
drilling fluid properly balancing the reservoir pressure at top, greatly overbalance
the reservoir pressure with increasing depth, resulting in circulation losses. This is
because of the differential specific gravity between the drilling fluid and the
formation fluid. In practical terms it may happen that circulation losses are
experienced drilling the bottom of the reservoir section and that balancing the
pressure at depth of losses results in underbalance conditions higher in the
reservoir.
Traditional methods to cure losses are often unsuccessful if multiple leak off zones
may be encountered in sequence or because massively fractured zones cannot be
cured. In extreme cases, running of technical (or expandable) liner is the most
practical solution.
The Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling) system, on the contrary,
allows drilling ahead in circulation losses zones by controlling the annulus pressure
and injecting a sacrificial fluid into the thief formations.
Converting from conventional to Mud Cap Drilling

The Mud Cap Drilling (Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling), drilling
procedure can be used to continue drilling safely after approximately severe (total
or un-manageable) circulation losses occur. The nature of mud losses shall be
carefully analyzed to determine the applicability of the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Pressure Drilling) system, with particular regard to past experiences,
nature of fracture and their extend, knowledge of reservoir petrophysical
characteristics, nature of reservoir fluids, hole size, nature of the sacrificial fluid
required. In particular, to ensure sufficient hole cleaning, the presence of large
fractures or Karsts, capable of receiving the drilling cuttings, is required.
Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling)

equipment rig up and drilling rig features
Rig Features. If necessary, rig equipment will be upgraded to bring the fluid
circulating system pressure and volume ratings up to the requirements for the Mud
Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling) procedures. Performance test shall
prove the pumping capability (either rig pumps or auxiliary HP pumps) to cope with
the Mud Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling) requirements.
Mud System. The rig mud mixing system must be capable to add corrosion
inhibitors and other treatment chemicals to the Sacrificial Fluid and build the
required mud for the annular mud system at the same time.
Rotating Control Device (RCD). The approved Rotating BOP or Rotating Head
(Rotating Control Device or RCD hereinafter) shall be installed onto the rig BOP
stack prior to drill out the last casing shoe for possible Mud Cap Drilling (MPD,
Managed Pressure Drilling) operations. The RCD (Rotating Control Device, Rotating
Head, Rotating BOP) shall be commissioned and tested according with the Supplier
procedures. The drilling adapter shall be installed and the mandrel connected to the
bell-nipple/flow-line to allow circulation and control mud level when drilling in
normal circulating mode. Ensure that there is room enough below the rig floor and
above the rig BOP stack to accommodate the required equipment
High-Pressure Pumps. If the rig pumps are not sufficient for the scope of the Mud
Cap Drilling (MPD, Managed Pressure Drilling), auxiliary high pressure pumps are
required in addition to or in place of the rig pumps. Auxiliary high pressure pumps,
needed for the injection if the sacrificial fluid through the drillstring, shall feature an
intrinsically safe control panel installed close to the drillers consolle to facilitate
communication with the pump operator.
7. Hole Problems
Tripping Procedure in tight hole
The causes of tight holes include: Insufficient inhibition, Mud weight, Lubricity and
Hole cleaning.
All these factors are important and comparisons should be made between wells with
and without problems, to identify the critical factors.
Tight hole is mainly encountered when coming out of the hole. It occurs where
sometimes a fresh hole has been drilled, or where the formation elsewhere has a
tendency to squeeze during the settling process of the hole.
Tight hole may be detected by a constant or a spot-like overpull experienced in
excess of the normal hole drag (as seen in deviated holes).
The overpull may be the result of balling up of stabilisers and drill collars by
formation debris not removed from the hole, or from squeezing formations.
The most important factor to realise is that this situation may cause the string to
stick. To prevent this situation, it is essential that free movement, rotation and
circulation is maintained at all times.
Ensure that the hole, below when pulling out, or above when running in, is in good
shape so as to be able to go back there to regain rotation and/or circulation.
Balling up of drill collars and stabilisers under continued high overpulls results in
loss of circulation, swabbing, and finally sticking the string. In such circumstances
run back to a good part of the hole and consider conditioning the mud, adding
lubricants and increasing the mud weight. Advice from Base should be sought.
Hard and fast rules cannot be given for all circumstances. The following procedure is
the safest for tripping in an unknown area or through a new section of hole:
Tripping Procedure (Tight Hole)

1. Establish normal drag up and down while tripping in a good section of hole.
2. When pulling into a tight spot, limit the maximum amount of overpull to 15
MT over the normal drag. Do not pull more than 1 m with this pull, but wipe
the hole going down past the starting point to ensure the free movement of
the string below the tight hole area at all times. Continue this procedure until
past the tight section.
3. If 15 MT over normal drag is not sufficient, overpull may be built up to a
maximum 80% of the BHA weight in 5 MT increments. The same procedure of
pulling 1 m at a time and wiping the hole should be followed after each build
up of overpull.
4. When the string is pulled past the tight spot it is mandatory to wipe past it
once more before pulling to the next tight spot.
5. At each subsequent tight spot the steps 2 to 4 starting with 15 MT overpull,
shall be repeated.
6. Have a lithology log, based on cutting descriptions made up by mud logger,
available on the floor at all times. This helps to identify possible tight spots.
7. Where the overpull is continuous or increasing (or both) and nearing 80% of
the BHA weight (including HWDP), backream (w/ top drive) or install the kelly,
circulate and ream down a few singles. Condition the mud and consider
adding lubrication to the system.
8. If no improvement is obtained and no progress is made then contact Base.
Do not struggle in or out over a long interval. Analyse the problem and take action
in time to remedy the situation, this is always cheaper than fishing.
The ultimate responsibility on the well site is with the Senior Drilling Supervisor. He
must be informed by the contractor immediately of and hole conditions that could
result in a stuck pipe. the probelm should be discused with the team: Contractor,
Company drilling staff, mud contractor, and if necessary, consultation with Base.
If the string stands up, or excessive drag is experienced, then immediate remedial
action should be taken; backream out of the hole with top drive, and ream back.
In areas where hole problems are experienced, increase the nozzle size/annular
velocity to improve solids removal (consider four nozzle bits).
Lost Circulation
Lost Circulation is not always a major problem; however, the procedure below
should be followed when losses do occur:
1. Check surface equipment for leaks. If this fails to show any signs of leakage,
proceed as usual in such cases, e.g. reduce mud weight if safe to do so.
2. When the level in the annulus is out of sight fill up the annulus with water to
establish a fluid level.
CAUTION NEVER PULL OUT WHEN CIRCULATION IS LOST AND THE LEVEL CANNOT BE
SEEN.
3. Do not slug the pipe with heavy pills for round trips when losses have been
experienced, especially when static well conditions depend highly on a minimal
overbalance. When losses occur during drilling in productive zones, first try
decreasing the mud weight while still maintaining a sufficient trip margin, and
optimise the mud rheology (e.g. lowest practical gel - yield - viscosity). If spotting of
LCM pills is then still required, use acid-soluble materials such as "Snocal" to avoid
formation impairment for future production.
Note: Minimising pressure surges by careful down-hole string handling, can reduce
lost circulation problems.
Consider performing a casing pressure test using a packer, if the depth of the loss
cannot be determined. This is to check whether losses take place through a hole
worn in the casing. This is to be first discussed with Base.
Regularly check the ditch magnet for iron filings.
Also consider leaving out stabilisers, in order to avoid swabbing out LCM pills when
moving the pipe, if it is anticipated that these pills will have to be spotted.
The depths where losses can be expected for each particular well, are usually
mentioned in the Well Programme if such information is available.
Drilling Unconsolidated Formations
The following techniques should be used while drilling Unconsolidated Formations:

1. Obtain maximum annular velocities by using critical velocity circulating rates.
2. Use a "Clayball Trap" or a small settling tank upstream of the shakers.
3. When reaming, avoid scouring the sides of the hole with high jet velocities. When
reaming with a jet bit, run the pumps at reduced speed. If much reaming is
anticipated, use a four nozzle bit. Increase the frequency of check trips. Drill with
reduced rpm if conditions permit.
Note: Use four nozzle bits as standard when reaming in 17 1/2" (or 16") hole.
4. If necessary restrict the penetration rate to limit the generation of solids, and to
ensure the solids can be efficiently removed. Alternatively, drill a pilothole first
giving a higher penetration rate, without overloading the solids control system. The
hole sizes (pilot/ HO hole size) should be selected such that the total hole volume is
removed with 50% in each of the two runs.
5. Maintain low solids percentage and a low water loss.
Baryte plugs to cure losses
Baryte plugs to cure losses.Drilling 12 1/4" hole through a fault at 13,700 ft.
Thereafter, gas levels continued to increase (80%). Despite weighing up the mudf,
high gas levels were measured. Two gasblok cement plugs were set across / above
the fault, but were unsuccessful (80% gas levels monitored after setting the plugs).
How to avoid Hole Related Problems
The following guidelines should be considered to to avoid hole related problems ....
1. In 12 1/4" hole, do not use 9 1/2" drill collars. Reduce the number of drill collars
by replacing them with HWDP if possible.
2. When reaming long intervals, use the minimum practical number of drill collars,
(see (1) above concerning HWDP). Also, avoid using stabilisers, unless hole
indications dictate otherwise, in which case only the minimum amount should be
used.
3. In case of hole problems use nozzles no smaller than 16/32" (13 mm).
4. On check trips prior to running casing, or in between logs, run less drill collars if
possible, but leave the position of the remaining stabilisers unchanged.
8. HPHT
Rig Team HPHT Checklists
Checklists for the members of the rig team: OIM, Barge Master,
Toolpusher, Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrick Man, Cement Operator, Mud Engineer,
Mud Logger.
Download HPHT Checklists - Word Document
1. OIM / Barge Master HPHT Daily Checklist
prepare non essential personnel list (to be agreed with company drilling
supervisor)
hold morning meeting
obtain copy of daily work instruction and post
verify days since last bop test
verify days since last h2s drill
verify days since last fire drill
verify days since last abandon rig drill
verify supply vessel schedule
verify third party hp compliance & performance
verify weekly h2s and combustable gas sensor test
verify minimum stocks and requirements
Cement
Barite
Mud
Drill water Glycol
Base oil
(HP section)
(MT)
(MT)
volume(m3) (m3)
(litre)
(m3)
Actual
Mini Level
Requirement
On board
supply boat
2. Senior Toolpusher HPHT daily checklist
Prepare daily work instructions

Hold operational pre-tour briefing with drill crew + service company
personnel on shift.
Check hole volume work-sheet
Obtain slug calculations from mud engineer
from drilling supervisor
kick tolerance calculations

Current swab and surge calculations
ECD at bit and shoe
Pipe speed limitations
ROP limitations
from mud loggers
Current gas trend
Verify/ record the following:
All instruments and chart recorders calibrated

Verify cross checking of mud logging and driller instrumentation
Choke usage log & BOP usage log up to date
Hours since last choke inspection
Days since last BOP test
Days since last BOP function test
Days since last wear bushing inspection
Days since last gas detection calibration
Days since last mud measurement system calibration
Days since last check of MGS
Hours since last Top Drive service
Hours since Swivel Packing changed
3. Driller HPHT Checklist (each tour)
Check line up of choke manifold

Check Well can be Safely Shut in
Check active volume alarms
Pump through choke and kill lines
Complete new hole volume work sheet
Take SCR as soon as safely possible, update kill sheet
Note wind direction and designate over board line
Have and fill out drilling parameters sheet every 30 min

Review rams space out and shut in procedure
Function test all safety valves (Kelly TDS and Stab in)
from Mud Loggers
Agree/Record all daily losses/gain (carry over daily)

Agree on volume in all mud pits
Lag time
Position of connection gas in the annulus
Position of Trip gas flow check gas in the annulus
from company company drilling supervisor / contractor

tool pusher

ECD at bit and shoe
ROP limitations
from Mud engineer
Mixing or transfer instructions

Slug calculations
Confirmation last trip volumes are available
from assistant driller and derrick man
HP check list (ensure they have fully complied with their check list)
confirm all aspects of the following have been

satisfactirily dealt with:
Kick assembly
Safety valves, darts
Choke manifold
MGS
Active mud volume requirement
Minimum stocks
Degasser
Barite System
4. Assistant Driller HPHT Checklist (each tour)
Function test both remote operated auto chokes

Check choke manifold valves are aligned correctly
Check choke manifold equipped w/ Lo-pressure gauges
Verify amount and accessibility of glycol
Verify MGS U tube is flushed and full after each use

Check trip tank is half full
Verify dropping dart passes through both valves and all tubular
Verify minimum ID of Tool string
Verify Drop In Dart location (dog house) and condition
Verify 15K Kelly cocks, Gray valves and associated XO are operational
Verify Kick assembly accessibility
Verify Drill Pipe tally and count
Run Degasser
Verify shakers being attended by responsible person
Up date BOP and choke usage log
Up date BHA rotating hours
Copy of drilling parameter log in rig files
Verify Koomey unit is in running order. Check gauge reading in dog house.
Monitor and record annulus well pressure.
5. Derrick Man HPHT Checklist (each tour)
Verify surge tanks topped up with barite

Verify mud balance have been checked and calibrated
Purge Bulk transfer lines
Check and set all pit level markers
Verify total mud volume on surface (active, reserve & kill mud) exceeds
250m3, clear with mud loggers.
Calculate Total Active System =.m3
Verify with mud engineer sufficient mud chemicals are available to build
150m3 of drilling mud.
Verify LCM stocks are accessible in sack store and exceed 5 MT
Verify all mud mix systems are operative
Agree optimum mud slug parameters from Driller / Mud engineer
Obtain mixing / transfer instructions from mud engineer (clear with driller)
Obtain from mud engineer Barite tonnage required to raise active mud by 0.1
SG
Calculate total active volume at + 0.1SG
6. Cement Operator HPHT Checklist

Daily
checks
Check that Fuel tank is full
Check all oil levels
Check all down hole & surface tools are on board (RTTS packer) and take
inventory
Check cement vent
Check cement and chemicals are sufficient to set 3 x 200m long cement
plugs
Take inventory of all chemicals & check against minimum stock requirement
Weekly Checks
Pressure test unit

Check spares against inventory.
Make sure cement has been fluffed up
Check barites supply to cement unit
weekly maintenance audit complete
Material requirement (safety stock only)

Material
Slurry
Spacer
Cement volumes
Cement tank 1
Cement type
_____MT
Min required
Cement tank 2
Cement type
On board stock
_____MT
7. Mud Engineer HP daily Checklist
Record mud volume: Agree with derrick man and mud loggers
Pilot testing completed
Ensure mixing / transfer / slug information clear to all relevant personnel
Verify mud balances have been checked for calibration
Calculate swab, surge and hydraulics and inform Company drilling supervisor
Verify oil show in cuttings
Verify Shaker screens optimised
Verified stock and compare with minimum stock levels
Verify barite lines have been tested
What is the maximum volume of mud that can be mixed with the chemical on
board: ___m3
Material required to build 150 m3 of active mud.

Material
Accessible
Amount on board
Amount required
Kill mud weightSG

Premix weight..SG
Kill mud volumem3

Premix volume. m3
8. Mud Logger HPHT daily Checklist
Complete new hole volume work sheet

Driller provided with all relevant information
Check limits on all monitored systems
Carry out flow meter checks
Follow position of any gas in annulus (Pump off, Drilled gas, Trip gasetc)
Monitor trend in gas levels (BGG, Drilled Gas, Trip Gas)
Monitor flow line temperature and trend
Check that drillers instrument cross checked with mud loggers
Monitor days since last major gauge calibration
Monitor days since last calibration check of gas and H2S detection system.
Is weekly maintenance audit complete
Daily ditch magnet recovery.
Recovery.grams
Record total and composition of all shut down, connection and trip gases to
be recorded on morning report
Record 24 hr mud loss/gain and carry over daily. Confirm with mud engineer
and classify gain/losses (seepage, formation, super-charging)
Note any drilling parameters, D exponent changes

ECD at bit and shoe
ROP limitations
from company drilling supervisor
HPHT procedures
This article describes the keys elements for preparing a HPHT procedure
An offshore Daily Meeting will be held between Company Drilling Supervisor, and service companies to review
programme, procedure and safety aspects. The meeting will be conducted by the Company drilling supervisor.
Prior to starting specific operations other than routine jobs (i.e. well control, .etc) offshore pre job meeting will
be held between Company Drilling supervisor and service companies.
Drills
A record of all drills will be kept on board by the OIM. The following drills will be performed with supervision and
frequency recorded:
Type of drill
Minimum frequency
Pit / Trip
Daily
Muster
Weekly
H2S
Prior to drilling HP
section
Choke
section
Trapped pressure
section
Stripping
section
Flow check
section
Supervision
CRITERIA FOR THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF

OPERATIONS
The basic principle for suspension of operations or abandonment of the Well/Hole section is the protection of
the following in order of priority:
Personnel
Environment
Rig
Well, within economic limits
Equipment, within economic limits
Criteria to look for

Drilling operations will be suspended as soon as safely practical should any of the situations listed below arise.
The situation will be investigated and remedied or deemed no longer hazardous prior to any drilling operations
recommencing.
Well conditions subject well integrity dependant equipment to conditions within its operating window (pressure,
CO2 .., H2S.etc)
Vital safety equipment including its back up becomes inoperable. Monitoring equipment (gas,
hydrocarbons, pressureetc), Well control equipment (BOP.., Wellheads etc), Life saving appliances, Mixing
equipment (if no kill mud in reserve).
Stocks level of barites, whole mud, mud chemicals, cement, cement chemicals, base oil glycol fall
below minimum stock (safety stock).
Weather conditions.
The difference between the LOT at the previous shoe and mud density falls below 0.06 SG
Lost circulation (not seepage) occurs while drilling.
Back ground gas (BGG) rises to an unacceptable level.
Any kick indication: drilling breaks, increased returns, flow-rate, pit gain, hole not taking correct volume
during trip, change in properties of mud
Returned mud, increase in hook load, pump pressure decrease/pump stroke increase.
KEY INSTRUCTIONS FOR HP WELL

These specific instructions will come into force when drilling below the 9-5/8 and will be given to all relevant
personnel as a guide for safety. It is essential that all information is regularly shared between Driller, Mud
loggers and Derrick man in the mud pit room to develop a good understanding of the current well conditions.
Drill string
A drilling stand with TIW valves at each connection will be used for drilling.
Dart Sub for DICV and float valve must be systematically run.
Circulating Sub (Ball type) should be installed above MWD tools.
To minimize differential sticking, the length of the BHA must be reduced
Driller
To avoid differential sticking and assist in breaking gels, rotation should always be established prior to
starting the pumps. Pipe must be rotated whenever possible whilst in open hole. Torque reading should be
recorded each time.
Circulation should always be established prior to entering the open hole section (i.e. at TOL and casing
shoe).
Flow rate should always be increased gradually until full return of mud is observed.
Pipe must never be reciprocated without circulation
Prior to any flow check, pull back so the lower TIW valve on the drilling stand is easily accessible.
Bleed of any drill pipe pressure, close the TIW valve and flow check for at least 30 min on the trip tank with the
trip tank pump running. When the level on the trip tank is stable, stop the trip tank pump and carry on flow
checking using the derrick man jug and a stop watch. Plot the flow rate on a graph, as a rule of thumb a flow.
If the flow rate obtained at the end of the period is in line with the previous flow checks (same trend),
then the check is acceptable.
On encountering an unexpected drilling break, the driller will stop drilling immediately and flow check.
Bottom up will then be circulated prior to resume drilling. The driller will inform Company supervisor as soon as
possible.
Addition of whole mud to the active mud system will not be done whilst drilling. The driller will stop
drilling, make the addition and then carry on drilling once the active volume has stabilised
Derrick man
Mixing of chemical and/or barite in the active mud system whilst drilling is permitted if the volume
change rate is known and less than 1.5m3/hr (10 bbl/hr) Bleeding premix from one pit to another pit is permitted
if pits are monitored in a closed system. Bleeding pure base oil in the active pit is prohibited. Driller, mud logger
and Company Drilling supervisor & Drilling contractor Tool-Pusher, must be informed before and after all
mixing operations.
Mud weight will be recorded using a pressurized balance
Mud logger
Maximum ROP will be limited to 5-7 m/Hr (less if requested by the geologist) to ensure there will not be more
than one connection gas in annulus
The temperature of the mud return will be monitored at all times. If mud return temperature increases at a rate
higher than the previous observed trend then stop drilling and perform a flow check
If the ratio between connection gas and back ground gas levels in the mud increases, immediately notify
Company drilling supervisor.
Tripping
Tripping of bottom is one of the most critical times regarding Well control and each trip must be individually
assessed.
The Flow charts from page 24 to 31 of this procedure must be followed according to the well stability.
TRIPPING OUT PROCEDURE #1 (flow chart 1) should be followed when well-bore stability is questionable.
TRIPPING OUT PROCEDURE #2 (flow chart 2) should be followed once into known reservoir intervals
or once sufficient experience has been gained.
The difference between the two procedures is a short trip (additional security when unsure of stability).
TRIPPING IN PROCEDURE (flow chart 3) should be done when in accordance with the procedural
flow chart.
In addition, the following should be adhered to:
Company supervisor will be on the rig floor until the bit is inside the casing. The drilling contractor ToolPusher on duty will also be on the rig floor until he is satisfied that well is stable
The volume of the Heavy slug should be limited to 3m3 (20 bbl).
2 independent calculations of swab/surge speeds will be made (i.e mud logger, mud engineer). It will
be up to Company drilling supervisor to review these speeds, add a safety margin and then give the ToolPusher on duty clear tripping instructions detailing tripping speeds as a function of bit depth. The Tool-Pusher
will ensure that the driller abides by these instructions
Hole-fill will be monitored on the trip tank by both the driller and the mud loggers. Any discrepancies
should be flow checked immediately. Due to temperature effect gels and weights the volumes may not be as
calculated, these should be investigated and as the well progresses a trend of displacement should become
apparent. It is important the previous trip sheet be kept as reference to aid the next trip.
If the trip is interrupted for any reason, install a Kelly cock on the string and monitor the well
When out of the hole keep the Blind rams open and continue monitoring the Well on trip tank (with
pump running)
Coring
Coring trip out of the hole is also one of the most critical times regarding Well Control.
The Flow chart on page 27 of this procedure must be followed according to the well stability.
TRIPPING OUT (CORING) PROCEDURE #3 (flow chart 4) should be done in accordance with the procedural
flow chart.
In addition, the following should be adhered to:
DICV must be systematically run.
Circulation Sub (Ball type) should be installed above core barrels (ensure core barrel and circulating
sub balls are compatible)
Well stability Problems

The flow charts 5, 6, 7 and 8, on page 27 to page 31 of this procedure cover loss and gain situations during
drilling and tripping. These charts are an aid and events may arise which are not covered, in which case full
consultation will be necessary with Company drilling department.
LOSSES/GAIN WHILE DRILLING HP SECTION
LOSSES WHILE TRIPPING (flow chart 6)
LOSSES WHILE DRILLING (flow chart 8)
THE DECISION TO RAISE THE MUD WEIGHT WILL ONLY BE TAKEN WHEN ALL OTHER OPTIONS ARE
EXHAUSTED AND IF REQUIRED IT WILL BE DONE BY SMALL INCREMENTS
Casing and Wellhead wear considerations
The wear bushing will be pulled and inspected at least at each BOP test.
A ditch magnet will be installed in the flow line the weight of metal recovered from the ditch magnet will
be measured daily and recorded on IADC report. Increasing trend will be immediately reported.
Should casing pipe protector be used they will be minimized as far as possible for ECD concerns
(must be taken in to account for ECD calculations).
2
A
Well control procedure

Preparation
It is the joint responsibility of the Company supervisor and drilling Contractor Tool-Pusher to ensure that
the points listed in this section are completed
Prior to drilling the Casing shoe
BOP and choke manifold will be tested as per the drilling programme and lined up for hard shut in
method. The MGS will be lined up as per the OIM work instructions
All alarms and sensors will be tested
A Gray valve, a full opening 15,000 psi drill string safety valve and a wire line retrievable drop in dart
(DICV) of correct size will be kept on the floor with back up on the rig
A kick assembly, comprising Kelly valves and side entry sub will be made up and pressure tested. It
must be accessible at all times.
The following drills to be performed by both crews:
Stripping drill
Kill drill
Trapped pressure drill will be conducted to establish if any pressure is trapped in the system following
a hard shut-in.
Dummy flow check drill will be conducted to determine thermal effect flow rate
Record the pit volume change when degasser, centrifuge, mix pump start up/shut down or when
making a connection and post it on dog house and mud logging unit.
SCR pressure will be recorded (using low range pressure gauge) for the high pressure system on the
rig at 150, 200, 250, 300 & 400 l/min. These values can be compared to the equivalent pressures measured
through top drive and difference should be recorded.
Kick sheet will be established
When drilling
Kick sheet must be kept up to date (change in BHA, mud weight ect)
All normal kick detection systems will be regularly checked by mud loggers and drillers
All gas reading must be continuously monitored and analysed
Trip tank will be kept full at all times and flushed at each shift
Action on detecting influx

Flow chart 7 on page on page 30 details the actions that should be taken on detecting an influx depending on
the operation in progress (Drilling, tripping and out of hole)
HP PROCEDURE WELL FLOWING (flow chart 7)
C Well Kill
If there is any doubt after the Well has been shut in, that an influx has been taken circulate well out through a
choke (holding a slight back pressure) as precautionary measure.
The recommended procedure for killing the well is the Drillers method
Prior to well kill operations
Kick size will be determined by measuring pit gain
The kick will be considered to be gas until it has been circulated out
Mud logger will calculate
Stand pipe pressure schedule
Estimated casing pressures from start to end of kill operations.
Company drilling supervisor and Contractor Tool-Pusher will calculate independently
Stand pipe pressure schedule
Estimated kill mud weight
Company drilling supervisor and Drilling Contractor
Tool-Pusher will brief all involved personnel
During Kill Operation

Only upper rams will be used to circulate out a kick. Blind/Shear rams will be used in emergency to cut
pipe.
The MGS will be circulated with hot mud of the same density as the mud being circulated. The floor
man will be constantly checking returns of gas through the flow line and notified the driller immediately if gas is
detected. If there is any doubt in the mud seal the circulation rate will be reduced and if further doubt exists the
well be shut in.
Be ready to start injection of Glycol when the influx is +/- 500m below surface.
Casing pressure and temperature will be recorded at the choke by the mud loggers whilst circulating
out the influx. Casing annulus pressure must also be monitored any increase immediately reported to
If the Well is in danger or becomes incontrollable The OIM will take the necessary actions to ensure
the safety of all personnel on the Rig.
Equipment Testing, Inspection and Repair

BOP Choke manifold and auxiliary pressure control equipment will be tested with water to the test
pressure stated by Company in the drilling programme at the following times
On nipple up or following repairs
Prior to drilling a new phase or DST
After repair
Every 21 Days
Blind/shear rams will only be tested prior to drilling last casing shoe
All surface pressure control equipment will be function tested weekly
All instrumentation for monitoring pressure, temperature and flow rate will be checked weekly for
proper calibration.
Gas and H2S monitoring alarms will be tested weekly. A full test will be performed prior to drilling out
the casing shoe.
MGS choke and kill line will be flushed daily if displaced to mud
After stripping operation, annular BOP will be inspected and or repaired prior to recommencing other
operations.
4. Personnel
Meetings
An offshore Morning Meeting will be held between Company drilling supervisor, OIM and all involved
service companies to review programme, procedure and safety aspects. The meeting will be conducted by
Prior to starting specific operations other than routine jobs (i.e. well control, .etc) offshore pre job
meeting will be held between Company Drilling supervisor, OIM and service companies.
Drills
A record of all drills will be kept on board by the OIM. The following drills will be performed with supervision and
frequency indicated:
Type of drill
Minimum frequency
Pit / Trip
Daily
Muster
Weekly
H2S
section
Choke
section
Trapped pressure
section
Supervision
Stripping
section
Flow check
Daily & Prior to drilling

HP section
Type and level of Gas
Type of gas
The gas readings are obtained by the mud loggers from gas analysis equipment and are classified according to
the operation that releases the gas into the borehole.
Drilled gas: Gas that is produced from the volume of cutting drilled. It is usual to record peak drilled
gas level on the mud log
Back ground gas: The gas that enters the bore hole during drilling or circulating (correspond to
dynamic well bore conditions). It is the average gas level excluding peaks.
Connection Gas: The gas that enters the borehole when circulation is stopped (static conditions)
during the time taken for a typical connection.
Flow check gas: The gas that enters the borehole when circulation is stopped (static conditions) during
the time taken for a typical flow check (i.e. 15 min, 1/2 hretc)
Trip gas: Gas that enters the bore hole when the drill string is tripped out of the hole, or partially trip out
of the hole (i.e. short trips)
Re circulated gas: Gas which is not removed by surface equipment and re circulated into the bore
hole. May be detected when re circulated back to surface.

Swab gas: Gas that is introduced into the Well bore when the hydrostatic bottom hole pressure is
temporary less than the gas bearing formation pore pressure at the point of interest. The temporary reduction in
pressure is caused by the swabbing effect of the drilling string moving upward.
Kick gas: Gas that enters into the bore hole when the reservoir pore pressure exceeds the mud
hydrostatic pressure, either while circulating or under static conditions. Reservoir pressure may include virgin
reservoir pressure or pressure surcharged by mud losses.
Acceptable gas level
The meaning acceptable gas level can be defined as:
A level (%) of gas in the drilling mud, as measured by gas analysis equipment, that does not require any
modification on the on going operation, or adjustment to the mud weight.
In determining that the level is acceptable the following criteria will be assessed
Gas cutting: The mud should not be heavily gas cut because the process of passing through the
surface processing equipment shakers etc should allow any entrained gas to be released from the mud, and
the mud should return to its planned weight.
Free combustible gas: the amount of free combustible gas in any area where the mud passes through
should stay below the lower alarm setting for the combustible gas detectors.
Get wetness ratio: ratio of heavier gas elements to lighter gas elements to indicate proximity of
transition zone.
These are guide lines, events may change which are not covered in this procedure, in which case full
consultation will be necessary with Company drilling and operations department.
Stripping
Bull heading
Off bottom Kill
Volumetric method
Barite Plug
BULL HEADING
This procedure is recommended in very special cases and should only be used when normal circulation
method for kick control is thought to be too dangerous (large influx, excessive surface pressures/gas volumes if
influx circulated out, unable to strip to bottom It is to be noted that in certain cases bull heading could possibly
create worst problems (i.e. severe lost circulation) than what it might solve.
Conditions
One of the following hole conditions must exist for successfully accomplishing a kill operation by using a Bull
heading Technique:
Very small amount of open hole exists or the second weakest point in the open hole has a
fracture/injection pressure higher than the reservoir where the kick originated.
Influx is above the weakest point in the open hole and hardly any open hole exists.
All of the other following conditions must exist:
Operations have been comprehensively planned and no problems are foreseen.
All equipment (surface and down hole) must have a higher pressure rating than the maximum
anticipated Bullhead pressure (allowing for relevant fluid gradients).
Casing Burst must exceed surface bull heading pressure plus any hydrostatic difference between Mud
Hydrostatic Inside casing and Mud Hydrostatic outside casing
Surface Mud Volumes must be at least equal to double the amount required to bullhead influx back
into zone. (Generally bull heading will not be started until surface mud volume is equal to twice the entire hole
volume. If this is not possible due to Rig Mud System, additional volume will be built and placed on a liquid mud
supply vessel).
In extremely critical cases, seawater may be used. Seawater will not kill well but will probably reduce
surface pressures.
Bull heading will not create severe lost circulation (i.e. Total loss of fluid column in the annulus).
Usually it will be necessary to pump more than the calculated volume due to poor displacement of
influx.
OFF BOTOM WELL KILL
An off-bottom well kill (off-bottom well kill means circulating mud of the appropriate weight with the bit at the
present depth) will ONLY be attempted if bull heading and stripping to bottom cannot be carried out in a safe or
practicable manner.
Due to the fact that this procedure is abnormal in the extreme, every care must be considered independently
and a rigid procedure should not be used. However, written guidance is needed and this follows in the form of
an outline procedure plus key points which must be considered prior to attempting an off-bottom kill.
a. Outline Procedure
1.
Record all relevant well control data.
2.
Calculate kill mud weight required to kill well with bit at current depth.
3.
Is formation strength (at the open hole weak point) capable of withstanding the equivalent mud weight
(EMW) resulting from the circulation of the kill mud? If not, then reduce kill mud weight to an acceptable level
to prevent open hole fracture whilst at the same time reducing surface pressures enough to permit a stripping
operation.
4.
Circulate the kill mud (or partial kill mud) maintaining constant pressure (+ safety margin) at the bit
using a drill pipe pressure schedule.
5.
Once the well is killed (or partially killed), strip into the hole (possibly in stages conditioning the mud) to
bottom.
6.
Circulate the well to a stable condition with revised drilling mud weight.
B. Key Points to be Considered The following points should be considered and clearly covered in the detail
programme put together prior to any off-bottom well killing operation:
Where is the influx? (If influx is below the bit then SIDPP=SICP providing there is no slug in the pipe and no
trapped pressure in the mud column).
When calculating kill mud densities use sufficient safety margins (regarding P-pore and P-frac) to allow
for surging, ECD and temperature effects on mud density.
Ensure equipment being used is adequate for pressure and temperature ranges anticipated (this
includes low pressure gauges when low pressures are expected).
Allow pressures to stabilise
Calculate expected gas volumes at surface after expansion and ensure surface equipment adequate.
Make allowances for gas migration
Migration rate = pressure increase (bar/hr)
(m/hr)
Mud gradient (bar/m)
Ensure a clear record is kept of events (particular volumes of different density mud in the well and
bleed off volumes.
Drill pipe pressure is not a reliable guide to bottom hole pressure during killing operations if the bit is
not on bottom.
Crews cannot be certain how much mud and how much influx is below the bit.
If sufficient drill pipe pressure is not applied inflow can occur under the bit with a reduction of
hydrostatic gradient and an increase in drill pipe pressure. The normal control action by the choke operator, to
open the choke to restore the "pre-planned" drill pipe pressure, leads to further inflow.
The actual response of the well to the kill should be monitored to allow corrective action to be taken.
An example is shutting down kill pumps at predetermined intervals during circulation to record static drill pipe
and choke pressures.
VOLUMETRIC KILL
This procedure is recommended when circulation cannot be established (i.e. string, choke lines plugged) and
when the string is completely out of the hole and when stripping operation cannot be followed. The basic
principle of this technique is to maintain the BHP constant with the well closed, this will be achieved by bleeding
off a certain volume of mud in order to allow and control the gas expansion/migration.
Outline Procedure
1.
After shutting the well in allow the shut in SICP to build to SICP2 where:
SICP2= SICP + S + Pressure step
Where:
SICP= Initial Shut-in Casing Pressure
S = Safety margin pressure increment
Pressure step= Working pressure Increment
Convenient values of S and Pressure step are between 50 and 150psi (5 and 10 bars)
2.
Calculate the Volume of mud V1 where:
V1= allowance for loss of hydrostatic corresponding to Pressure step
Example: For 6.75 hole (capacity: 23.09 litre/m) Mud weight= 2.32 SG and Pressure step= 5 bars, Volume V1
will be:
V1= (5 x 10.2 / 2.32)23.09 = 507 litres
3.
Bleed off Volume V1 to the trip tank keeping SICP2 constant
4.
Allow the new shut in annulus pressure SICP2 to build to SICP3 where:
SICP3= SICP2 + Pressure step
5.
Bleed off Volume V1 to the trip tank keeping SICP3 constant
6.
Follow the same procedure for SICP4, SICP5.etc
a. Personnel
The following personnel must be fully aware of these procedures and know how to mix and set the barite plug.
OIM
Senior Tool-Pusher
Drilling Engineer
Supervisor
Mud Engineer
Cementing Engineer
b. Volume required for 150m of hole
Hole, Size Volume with Safety Factor
c. Material required vs. density for 1 m3 when drilling fluid is water base mud.
Density Barite
(SG)
(Kg)
FCL
Caustic
Soda
Fresh
Water
(Kg)*
(Litres)
(Litres)
[3 kg tetra pyro-phosphate or sodium hexameta-phosphate per m3 may be used to replace the FCL.
Use caustic soda so that the pH will be 8.5 for FCL or 9-10 for phosphate in mix water.]
d. Material required vs. density for 1 m3 when drilling fluid is oil base mud.
Density Barite
(SG)
(Kg)
* Oil Mud
Thinner(litres)
Base Oil
(litres)
Wetting Agent
The concentrations given above are only a guide, the mud engineer on board must perform several
tests to adjust as required
Quantity of oil wetting agent for the barite plug's required SG in order to obtain the fastest settling time]
e. Calculations
Calculate the volume required for 150m barite plug plus a washout factor (20-25% minimum).
Calculate the amount of material required.
Calculate setting of plug by "balance plug technique".

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2.

Rig Move Planning (Safety and Review)

Rig Move Review

Onshore Rig Move Plan - Table of

Preparation of new location and camp

4. Load dimensions and weight

Description of loads in their sequence

5. Rig move descriptions

5.6 Daily move plan

Rig Lay out

10. Daily move report

Offshore Rig Move Plan

Administration (Rig move plan)

2. Preparation of new location

4. Rig move descriptions

8. Daily move report

10.1 Ambulance Drill

11. Rig Move Review

Offshore Rig Moves

Wellhead Preparation prior to Rig Move

Jacket Preparation prior to Rig Move

Gin pole/pedestal jib to be removed.

to have an 18in diameter opening for BPV installation/retrieval or other

Long Term Considerations

Rig move co-ordination meeting shall be arranged by Marine Department, attended

Site Preparation for Land Wells

Rig Move Dailly Report (Onshore and

Onshore Rig Move

Offshore Rig Move

Responsibilities during offshore rig

Platform Development wells

Placing maker buoy

Location Pits Status Diagram

Responsibiliites for Rig Move, Site

Responsibilities for the implementation, supervision, verification and control of rig

Site Preparation Responsibilities

Onshore Rig Moves - Well Status

1. Well Status Prior to Rig Move from Old Location

2. Condition of Location After Rig has moved off

3. Well Status With Suspected Tubing Leaks

Unable to Set Plug and Prong in F Nipple

Offshore Rig Moves Planning and

any instructions regarding navigational warnings to be issued, which are

Pre-Rig Move Meeting

Truck Driver Rig Move Toolbox Meeting

17.Overnight at rig/ base

Rig Move Inspection Requirements

Pre-spud Documentation Requirements

Pre-Spud Drilling Equipment Suface and

Downhole Equipment Requirements

Surface Equipment Requirements

Plug setting and testing

Responsibilities for Abandonment

Planning, Supervision and Verification

Prepare Temporary Suspension /

Abandonment programme - oil producer

Programme Outline: Hours

Install blind plate. Relaease well. 6

Current well status :

Producing well data :

Mechanical well data:

BWS 7 1/16" x 7 1/16" 3K flange.

Current completion description:

Loadout list, equipment list for 36" hole section