Abstract:
A brief introduction is given to a range of well control procedures. It was found that many
of the procedures rely on a set of simplifying assumptions. This is particularly true in the
hand calculations for designing a well kill. This set of assumptions was used to define an
analytical model. The premises of the analytical model and some of the procedures were
tested in a well control simulator. The main objective of this thesis was to verify some of
the well control procedures, and to shed light on their limitations. Particular attention was
given to well control methods for a vertical and horizontal well. The aim of the project is
using the well control simulator to compare the vertical and horizontal drilling operation
in oil and gas exploration. The study involves drilling technology, well design and
construction, with reference to collating and comparing data when the two-drilling
simulation were performed.
Further modifications deemed necessary:
• Improved accuracy in reading of bottom hole and choke pressures.
• Implementation of additional topside parameters (pit gain, drill pipe pressure)
• A more realistic friction model.
• Changing the liquid component of the system from water to drilling fluid (altering
the liquid density).
The results obtained by the kick simulator were compared to hand calculations. The main
discovery was that although the hand calculations produce slight errors, the errors
exclusively functions as additional safety margins with respect to downhole pressure
differential.
It was also found that a gas bubble migrating in a shut-in annulus subjects the well to
higher loads than the gas filled well scenario.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION, Submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of Master of Technology (Mechanical) degree.
AUGUST, 2018