HPHT Procedures

Objective: Obtain enough knowledge of typical HPHT procedures

used, to allow the experienced drill crew to ask the right critical
questions, before and during operation in the HPHT section, in order
to operate safely.

20 April 2013

DRILLING PARAMETERS
CONSTANT DRILLING PARAMETERS

RPM
SPM
WOB

20 April 2013

DRILLING PARAMETERS
MUD LOGGER

RIG SYSTEM

MONITORED CONTINUOSLY

DISCREPANCY
THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATE
A FAILURE OF DRILLING INSTRUMENTATION COULD BE CAUSE FOR THE
SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS, IF THERE IS NOT A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE
MEANS OF MONITORING THE PARAMETERS AFFECTED.
20 April 2013

MWD
LWD
PWD
Verify temperature
Static and dynamic pressures downhole
Getting a picture of downhole
Compare with modeling of:
Swab
Surge
MW behavior

SURVEY PRIOR TO CONNECTION

20 April 2013

SURVEY PRIOR TO CONNECTION

by stopping rotation and bringing the pumps down to suitable pump rate required without
shutting down the pumps. (Verify best option with MWD operator)
Bring the pumps back up to drilling pump rate and pump up survey.
Once survey has been obtained, continue with connection procedure.
Advantage:
This will avoid having 2 pump off gas in annulus at the same time.
Start pumps in the best way for the well.
Can take SCRs on each connection.
Disadvantage:
Downhole tools might require different approach
Off bottom for longer time

20 April 2013

CONNECTIONS AND DUMMY CONNECTIONS without driling stand

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

8.
9.

Inform Mud Loggers prior to making a connection.

Ream as required.
Take torque measurements, stop rotation, and record drag measurements.
Shut down the rig pumps, allowing appropriate time for flow back to the active. Ensure the Mud Logger's screen
on the drill floor is displaying the active tank graph, and that backflow trend is fingerprinted. Line the well up on
trip tank, and start trip tank pump, with Mud Loggers screen displaying same.
(When CFM show the well is stable continue with connection)
If the well appear to be flowing or you are in doubt- shut the well in.
Make up next stand.
(Note trip tank volume and compare graph with previous connection graphs. If no anomalies observed, stop trip
tank pump and open to flow line.)
If the well appear to be flowing or you are in doubt- shut the well in.
(be aware of PP vs FG and decide on pump or not)
Rotate drill string slowly and bring one pump up to 10 spm until returns are observed at the shakers, then
slowly bring this pump up to operating strokes. Bring the remaining pumps up to operating strokes until full flow
rate has been reached. Increase rotation to drilling RPM, inform the Mud Logger, and resume drilling as per
procedure. Obtain reading from PWD to establish Low/High result from connection.
"Dummy" connection gas is a pumps-off event and must still be circulated out of the
well before the next connection is made
20 April 2013

CONNECTIONS AND DUMMY CONNECTIONS with Drilling stand

1.
2.
3.
4.

Inform Mud Loggers prior to making a connection.

Ream as required and pump back the drilling stand.
Take torque measurements, stop rotation, and record drag measurements.
With the full drilling stand above the rotary table, shut down the rig pumps, allowing appropriate time for flow
back to the active. Ensure the Mud Logger's screen on the drill floor is displaying the active tank graph, and
that backflow trend is fingerprinted.
5. Line the well up on trip tank, and start trip tank pump, with Mud Loggers screen displaying same.
6. Close bottom drilling stand FOSV as a mud saver, close TDS IBOP, break out the drilling stand and rack back
same.
7. Make up next stand.
8. Slowly lower the drill string. Avoid surging the formation.
9. Make up drilling stand. Open TDS IBOP valve and open lower drilling stand FOSV.
10.Note trip tank volume and compare graph with previous connection graphs. If no anomalies observed, stop trip
tank pump and open to flow line.
If the well appear to be flowing or you are in doubt- shut the well in.
11. (be aware of PP vs FG and decide on pump or not)
12.Rotate drill string slowly and bring one pump up to 1 bbl/min until returns are observed at the shakers, then
slowly bring this pump up to operating strokes. Bring the remaining pumps up to operating strokes until full flow
rate has been reached. Increase rotation to drilling RPM, inform the Mud Logger, and resume drilling as per
procedure. Obtain reading from PWD to establish Low/High result from connection.
Suggest a dummy connection once while drilling down stand. (EI part 17, volume 2 )
20 April 2013

CONNECTIONS AND DUMMY CONNECTIONSHaving MPD and RCD installed, using Drilling Stand.
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

8.
9.

Inform Mud Loggers and MPD operator prior to making a connection.

Back ream as required, take torque and drag measurements.
Pump back Drilling Stand.
Shut down the rig pumps in agreement with MPD operator starting up back up pressure pump. Ensure Stand
pipe pressure is zero before closing lower FOSV on drilling stand and breaking out TDS. Back pressure pump
on T/T or Active.
Rack back Drilling stand, make up new stand.
Run it in hole. Good communication with MPD.
M/U Drilling stand, open lower FOSV. Ensure volumes are within acceptable limits for connection.
If volumes are not acceptable or you are in doubt- shut the well in.
(be aware of PP vs FG and decide on pump or not)
Rotate drill string slowly and bring one pump up to 10 spm in corporation with MPD operator and verify system
integrity, then slowly bring this pump up to operating strokes. Bring the remaining pumps up to operating
strokes until full flow rate has been reached. Increase rotation to drilling RPM, inform the Mud Logger, and
resume drilling as per procedure.
Obtain reading from PWD to establish Low/High result from connection. The readings will be under
influence of surface pressure and will have to be corrected to give ESD.

The key is communication and training.

20 April 2013

A RATE OF MUD FROM OR TO THE WELL, AS MEASURED BY THE RIG AND

THE MUD LOGGERS, TO THE TRIP TANK, THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY FURTHER
ACTION. NORMAL OPERATION MAY PROCEED.

ACCEPTABLE FLOW CHECK

MINIMUM 30 MINUTES (used in the Norweign sector)
DECREASING TREND OF FLOW
IN LINE WITH EXPECTED THERMAL EFFECT
FOLLOWS TREND OF PREVIOUS FLOW CHECKS
MAX. 25-50% OF KICK MARGIN IN LOSS/GAIN
MUD COOLER/HYDRAULIC SIMULATION
All flow checks on Trip Tank

20 April 2013

FLOW CHECK
WELL STABILITY

BEFORE PUMPING OUT OF HOLE

CASING SHOE
TOP/BOTTOM OF MUD CAP

PRIOR TO PULLING BHA

INCORRECT MUD VOLUME while tripping
TOP OF LINER
DYNAMIC FLOWCHECK- lets talk.
If in doubt- shut the well in and observe pressures.
Run or strip back to bottom and circulate bottoms up.
Assess gas levels and evaluate to circulate the
last 3000 (MD flowcheck 1500m- circ through choke )
ft through choke.
20 April 2013

FLOW CHECK
PROCEDURE
CONNECTION AT RIG FLOOR
(space out for Annular or Pipe ram)
STATIC FLOW CHECK TO TRIP TANK
PLOT EVERY MINUTE
DRILLER AND MUD LOGGER RECORD VOLUME CHANGES

INFORM DSV AND TP

IF IN DOUBT, SHUT IN THE WELL

This takes MPD out of the loop, but you still have to verify the BOP is not leaking
20 April 2013

Suggested
FLOW CHECK PROCEDURE
with RCD installed

CONNECTION AT RIG FLOOR

(space out for Annular or Pipe ram)
DRILLER STOP PUMPS AS ON CONNECTIONS TOGETHER WITH @BALANCE
USING BACK PRESSURE PUMP TO MAINTAIN BHP CONSTANT.
(If possible line up on Trip Tank)
IN STEPS OF X PSI, REDUCE SURFACE PRESSURE AND MONITOR SURFACE VOLUME
HOLD PRESSURE FOR 5 MINUTES OR AS PR FINGERPRINTING
DRILLER AND MUD LOGGER RECORD VOLUME CHANGES AND FLOW
THE DRILLER WILL SHUT THE WELL IN IF ANY SIGN ON FLOW
INFORM DSV AND TP
STATIC OVERBALANCE WITH NO PRESSURE ON SURFACE
AND ACCEPTABLE FLOWCHECK.

IF IN DOUBT, SHUT THE WELL IN

This takes MPD out of the loop, but you still have to verify the BOP is not leaking

20 April 2013

FLUSHING CHOKE AND KILL LINE WITH MPD INSTALLED.

Purpose is to get fresh mud in the hoses to avoid sagging

Challenge is to flush the lines, while maintaining additional pressure on the well,

and maintaining volume control.

It has to be well, rig and equipment specific.

Pump from above or below maintaining ECD, or after Flowcheck.

20 April 2013

Establishing Circulation with risk

of breaking down formation
It only takes one....

1. Start with 25 GPM.

2. Break gel by bringing up string rotation stepwise to agreed rpm
3. Slow down string rotation to 30 rpm.
4. Increase pump rate stepwise when return is established. Bring
one pump up to planned pump rate before bringing the second
pump on line.
5. Increase string rotation stepwise until planned rotation.
6. The drill string should not be moved while performing these
steps controlling PWD reading for ECD verification.
The PWD is capable of providing maximum and minimum annular
pressures can be provided after pumps off events.
Review the information available after any trip to see if the surge
pressures created during the trip are acceptable.
If not, adjust the procedure and check for an improvement.

Hydraulics calculations shall be updated every 12 hours or

when mud properties has changed
Realistic modeling of swab/surge/temperature/ECD are necessary
for knowing your well.

20 April 2013

PIT DISCIPLINE
Pit discipline is a term used to describe the
system of work whereby no operation that may
affect mud pit levels is commenced,
without the full knowledge of the

Driller,
Mud Engineer,
Derrickman,
Mud Loggers

20 April 2013

1.

The Mud Engineer will always produce a written work instruction for the Derrickman, copy to
Driller, TP and Mud Logger.
2. When drilling ahead, adding premix/water/base oil, might be allowed whilst drilling ahead with the
DSV and STPs permissions provided that:
Fingerprint volume prior to the transfer.
The pit from which the transfer is to be made must be added to the active system PVT.
The only change in volume therefore should be as Fingerprinted before the transfer began.
3. If additions are required and the conditions do not meet the previous criteria or for any other reasons,
the Driller must pick off bottom and circulate until a stabilised pit level has been established.
Once obtained the addition can be done.
4. If barite has to be added to the system, then an allowance for the corresponding pit volume change has to
be made. Only light dusting of barite is allowed while drilling after permission from the DSV/TP.
Light dusting means maintaining existing mud weight. (know why it is necessary )
5. The Mud Engineer shall be present at the shakers to monitor bottoms up after trips, flow checks etc.
6. Radio communication system to be available at all times by the Driller, Mud Engineer, Derrickman,
Shaker hand and Mud Loggers.
7. Mud Loggers shall maintain an accurate volume balance sheet stating gain/loss and net result throughout
each section drilled. An updated sheet shall be presented at least 2 times daily and after tripping
in/out of hole.
8. Flow Sensors (rigs own, rental and third party sensor) should be operational at all times.
9. Mud Coolers to be utilized as required in the 12-1/4, 8-1/2, 6-1/2. (Shut down prior to POOH)
10. Never leave transferring into the active unattended.
11. Inform Driller of change in Shaker screen type, as it might change volume.
20 April 2013

WELL CONTROL: before drilling 9-7/8 Casing

ACCUMULATOR
BOTTLE
PRECHARGE @ 400 PSI

OPEN

ANNULAR
PREVENTER

BALL VALVE

PIT DRILLSTRIP DRILLS-

DRILLS:
STRIP DRILLSCHOKE DRILLS-

20 April 2013

CLOSE

Well Flow while Drilling

1. Pick off bottom until the annular can be closed and a FOSV is
accessible above the rotary table.
With MPD, they can increase back pressure
2. Stop rotating, and then stop the pumps.
immediately and minimize the kick size.
3. Close the annular (Hard shut-in).
4. Line up trip tank and monitor for leaking BOP.
5. Open choke line valves towards a closed choke.
6. Record time and monitor casing pressure (SICP).
7. Notify Tool pusher/Lead Driller and Operators drilling supervisor.
8. Close appropriate FOSV in Drilling Stand and bleed off pressure above
same to verify floats/FOSV are holding pressure.
9. Break connection above FOSV.
10.Install kick assembly with 15 K hose and Lo-Torqs, and make up TDS on
top.
11.Pressure test hose connection to max as agreed against closed FOSVs
above and below hose connection.
12.Open FOSV below hose connection and FOSV on Drilling Stand.
13.Establish SIDPP- not necessary for circulating out the influx
14.Circulate out kick/kill the well according to procedure
When the well is shut in, the MPD is out of the loop, but you have to verify
that your BOP is not leaking
Glycol injection can start at 75% B/U at a rate of 0,5 gpm/ 2 lpm
20 April 2013

Well Flow while Tripping

If a kick occurring when the TDS is not made up to the drill string (e.g. when tripping) the well
shall be shut-in as follows:
1. Set the slips below the top tool joint.
2. Install and close a FOSV.
3. Secure the well by the hard shut in method using annular preventer. Always keep in mind
string weight and wellbore pressure. Consider closing pipe rams to limit upward movement
of the drill string if drill pipe is across BOPs.
4. Open choke line to fully closed choke and monitor annulus pressure.
5. Notify supervisors.
6. If pumping is needed:
1. Install kick assembly with 15K hose and make up TDS on top
2. Pressure test hose connection to agreed pressure against closed FOSVs above and
below hose connection.
3. Open FOSVs below hose connection.
4. Establish SIDPP- if relevant.
5. Record SICP every 30 seconds.
7. Monitor trip tank to detect any annular or ram leaks.
8. Prepare to strip back to bottom if pressures permit.

Prepare to kill the well!!!

20 April 2013

HPHT CHECKLISTS
1. Prepare non essential personnel list
2. Attend morning meeting
3. Obtain copy of POA and post
4. Verify days since last BOP test
5. Verify days since last H2S drill
6. Verify days since last fire drill
7. Verify days since last abandon rig drill
8. Verify supply vessel schedule
9. Verify H2S package onboard and operational
10. Verify weekly H2S and combustible gas sensor test
11. Verify stand by vessel upwind for H2S
12. Hold pre-tour meeting with the drill crew
13. Verify rig floor kill board in compliance
14. Verify Driller / AD / Derrickman tour checklist
15. Hours since last TDS service
16. Hours since last swivel packing change
17. Numbers of closures / strip drills on annular preventer
18. Verify stocks from Barge Engineer
Hole Section

Cement
MT

Barite
MT

um Level
ement
rd supply vessel

Comments:

Date:

Signed:

Mud
Materials
for M

Drill Water
M

Glycol
gal

OIM/TP Daily Checklist

DSV Daily Checklist
DRILLER HPHT Tourly Checklist
A/D HPHT Tourly Checklist
DERRICKMAN HPHT Tourly Checklist
CEMENTER HPHT Daily Checklist
MUD ENGINEER HPHT Daily Checklist
MUD LOGGER HPHT Tourly Checklist

20 April 2013