GP 10 10 11 June 2008 Well Control PRT 2

Document No.
GP 10-10
Applicability Group
Date 18th November 2008
GP 10-10
Well Control
Group Practice
BP GROUP
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL PRACTICES
18th November 2008 GP 10-10
Well Control
Foreword
This is the second issue of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) BP GP 10-10. This Group Practice
(GP) is based on parts of the BP Drilling and Well Operations Policy (BPA-D-001), and, for the
subject matter covered herein, supersedes that document.
Copyright  2008, BP Group. All rights reserved. The information contained in this document is subject to the terms and
conditions of the agreement or contract under which the document was supplied to the recipient’s organization. None of
the information contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the recipient’s own organization without the prior
written permission of Director of Engineering, BP Group, unless the terms of such agreement or contract expressly
allow.
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Well Control
Table of Contents
Page
Foreword ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5
1. Scope .................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Normative references............................................................................................................. 6
3. Terms and definitions............................................................................................................. 6
4. Symbols and abbreviations .................................................................................................... 8
5. Well Control Training & Preparation....................................................................................... 9
5.1. General Requirements ................................................................................................ 9
5.2. Training & Certification................................................................................................ 9
5.3. Well Control Preparation ............................................................................................. 9
6. Well Control Practices.......................................................................................................... 10
6.1. General Requirements .............................................................................................. 10
7. Conventional Well Control Equipment.................................................................................. 11
7.2. Equipment Modifications, Changes & Repairs .......................................................... 12
7.3. Configuration: Drilling Diverter Equipment................................................................ 12
7.4. Configuration: Surface Drilling, Completion, Conventional and Hydraulic Workover
BOP Stacks .............................................................................................................. 13
7.5. Configuration: Subsea Drilling, Completion & Workover BOP Stacks....................... 14
7.6. Configuration: Rod Pump Pressure Control Equipment............................................ 15
7.7. Other Well Control Equipment................................................................................... 15
8. Wireline Operations ............................................................................................................. 17
8.2. Configuration: Well Control Equipment ..................................................................... 17
8.3. Well Control Processes............................................................................................. 17
9. Coiled Tubing Operations .................................................................................................... 18
9.2. Configuration: Well Control Equipment .................................................................... 18
10. Snubbing Operations ........................................................................................................... 18
10.2. Configuration: Well Control Equipment .................................................................... 19
11. Additional Considerations .................................................................................................... 19
11.1. Coring ....................................................................................................................... 19
12. Pressure Testing.................................................................................................................. 20
12.2. Pressure Testing of Well Control Equipment............................................................. 20
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Well Control
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Well Control
Introduction
Priorities for safety when planning and undertaking drilling and well operations shall be, in order of
importance:
• Personnel
• Environment
• The Installation
• Reservoir Integrity
• Well Delivery
This ETP shall form part of the contractual relationship between BP and its service providers.
Detailed statements are contained elsewhere within this document for specific activities.
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Well Control
1. Scope
This ETP covers the essential systems, practices and training requirements that comprise the BP well
control standard. Methods and practices for detecting the flow of formation effluent into the well
bore, shutting the well in, circulating out the unwanted formation effluent, diverting flow away from
personnel and restoring the well to a stable operating condition are described. Industry and BP
procedures that are considered to be best in class and essential practice for all personnel involved in
drilling, completion and well work activities are presented in detail. In addition to basic well control
techniques, specialized well control practices for wireline, coil tubing, snubbing, intervention
operations and coring are included.
2. Normative references
The following normative documents contain requirements that through reference in this document
constitute requirements of this GP. Requirements not referenced in this document are not
requirements of this technical GP. Detailed guidance to practices for safe and effective well control is
covered in the following BP Global documents:
BP
BPA-D-001 BP Drilling and Well Operations Policy
BPA-D-002 Well Control Manual
BPA-D-003 Casing Design Manual
GP 10-15 Pore Pressure Prediction
GP 10-16 Pore Pressure Monitoring
GP 10-20 Shallow Hazards
GP 10-35 Well Operations
GP 10-36 Breaking Containment
GP 10-40 Drilling Rig Audits and Rig Acceptance
GP 10-45 Working with Pressure
GP 10-60 Zonal Isolation Requirements during Drilling Operations and Well
abandonment
API
API RP 53 Blowout Prevention Systems, 3rd Edition
API RP 59 Well Control Operations
API RP 64 Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations
API Spec 16C Choke & Kill Systems
API Spec 16D Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment
API Spec 16R CD Specification for Drill through Equipment – Rotating Control Devices
3. Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this GP, the following terms and definitions apply:
Safety Critical
Having the potential to cause personal injury, environmental damage, property damage or loss of
reputation
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Safety Critical Software

Software, the output of which is safety critical. For purposes of this document safety critical software
is to include but not limited to all well control and well bore design software.
BOP
Blowout Preventer - a conditional surface / subsurface pressure barrier often consisting of a set of
hydraulically operated rams containing equipment designed to grip pipe, seal around pipe, shear off
pipe or seal an open hole during drilling or workover operations. The BOP components may include
an annular preventer; ram type preventers, valves, spools and other specific pieces of equipment.
Tree
Christmas tree - the control sections that sit above the wellhead. It may contain hangers, master
valves, annular valves, wing valves, and gauges or pressure, flow rate or monitoring equipment.
Wellhead
The part of the wellbore surface / subsurface equipment providing interface between the casing strings
and annuli to the tree and casing/tubing outlets
Well Work
Well intervention operations performed after the initial completion, with a service, conventional or
hydraulic workover rig and for the purpose of repairs, re-completions, workover, pulling rods for
pumps, tubing change outs, etc., where hoisting and well control are essential.
Well Work Unit

Rigs with masts and hoisting capabilities for handling completion strings and jointed pipe
Coiled Tubing Unit

Coiled tubing is an upstream operations using specialized equipment, pipe and qualified personnel to
control pressure and the movement a continuous string of pipe and tools in or out of the wellbore using
a coiled tubing injector under or over balanced.
Snubbing Unit
Snubbing is an upstream operation using specialized equipment and qualified personnel to control
pressure and the movement of jointed tubulars and tools in or out of wellbore using snubbing
equipment while under-balanced.
Hydraulic Workover Unit (HWO)

HWO units shall be defined as specialized snubbing type units which are configured to perform the
movement of tubulars and tools in or out of wellbore while employing conventional workover BOP
configurations as the contingent barrier and a stable column of fluid to balance well pressures as the
active barrier.
Contingent Barrier
During balanced drilling, conventional and hydraulic workover activities contingent barriers shall be
defined as: blowout preventer equipment (BOPE). E.g. ram and annular / spherical type BOPE and
down hole float equipment
During under-balanced drilling, wireline, snubbing and coiled tubing intervention activities contingent
barriers shall be defined as: redundant blowout preventer equipment (BOPE) not required for stripping
and tree. E.g. redundant ram and annular/spherical type BOPE configured to allow support primary
means of pressure containment and conveyance of tools for required intervention.
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Intervention
Activities that involves entering the pressure containing environment of the well. This includes
drilling, well work, wireline, coiled tubing, snubbing, conventional and hydraulic workover
operations, and tree and well head operations.
Active Barrier
During balanced drilling, conventional and hydraulic workover activities active barriers shall be
defined as: a stable column of fluid equal to or greater than bottom hole pressure.
During under-balanced drilling, wireline, snubbing and coiled tubing intervention activities active
barriers shall be defined as: dynamic mechanical sealing device. E.g. wireline packoff, grease injector,
stripping rubber, rotating head, mechanically assisted differential sealing back pressure valve, annular
or stripper rams – provided 100% redundancy is used.
4. Symbols and abbreviations
For the purpose of this GP, the following symbols and abbreviations apply:
AEUB Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
API American Petroleum Institute
BHA Bottom Hole Assembly
BOP Blow Out Preventer
BOPE Blow Out Preventer Equipment
CT Coiled Tubing
HPHT High Pressure High Temperature
H2S Hydrogen Sulphide
HWO Hydraulic Work Over
IWCF International Well Control Forum
IADC International Association of Drilling Contractors
MAR Major Accident Risk
OC Operating Centre
PM Preventative Maintenance
SPA Single Point of Accountability
TA Technical Authority
VR Valve Removal
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5. Well Control Training & Preparation
5.1. General Requirements

Each BU shall designate a well control TA responsible for fulfilment of expectations set out in
this ETP. Said TA is not required to reside within the respective BU and may be designated
outward. Additionally, individual well control SPAs’ may be designated within each PU as
required by the BU. Each SPA shall notify the designated BU TA of any well control issues.
Additionally, each BU TA shall notify and address all significant well control issues with the
Segment TA.
5.2. Training & Certification

All BP drilling and well operations personnel, and personnel acting on behalf of BP, who are
directly involved in planning and execution of BP drilling and well operations, plus any
contractor personnel who may take control of well activities (such as toolpushers, drillers,
assistant drillers, subsea engineers and service unit operators) shall have a valid and recognized
well control certificate.
5.2.1 Valid and recognized well control certification authorities include IWCF, IADC, AEUB and
others that may be designated by the Segment well control TA upon request by the BU.
5.2.2 Well control certifications shall be renewed at periods not exceeding twenty-four (24) months.
5.2.3 BUs shall be adequately prepared to remediate any well control event through the use of a Well
Control Response Guide and the BP Well Control Manual. Framework of each well control
response guide shall required endorsement of the Segment well control TA.
5.2.4 All BP personnel and personnel acting on behalf of BP, who are directly involved in the
planning and execution of BP drilling and well operations, shall be trained and competent in
participation of a Well Control Response Guide.
5.3. Well Control Preparation

5.3.1 All drilling operations involving static fluid level designs; bore protectors or wear bushings
shall be installed in the wellhead during all drilling operations. The wellhead design shall take
this into account. If operations preclude the use of bore protectors or wear bushings this policy
may be relaxed after completions of a documented risk assessment and BU well control TA or
designate approval.
5.3.2 For conventional drilling operations, the kick tolerance of the weakest known point of the hole
section being drilled shall be updated continuously while drilling and reported on all BP daily
drilling reports. This requirement for kick tolerance calculation applies to drilling of all hole
sections after the first pressure containment string has been set.
5.3.3 Kick tolerance is defined as the maximum volume of kick influx that can be circulated out of
the well without breaking down the formation at the open hole weak point. Kick tolerances are
to be calculated as described in the Well Control Manual.
5.3.4 On all wells the design kick tolerance shall be greater than 25 bbl based on maximum
anticipated pore pressure and planned mud weights. This policy may be relaxed only after a
documented risk assessment, approved by the BU well control TA or designate and conditional
under the following conditions:
• Confirmation of a good cement job
• Open hole formations in infield drilling areas are known to be normally or sub-normally
pressures based on established history
• Losses are expected in the target areas
• Where air or under balanced fluids are the primary circulating medium
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• Before any unshearable component enters the BOP stack

5.3.5 The calculation updating requirement and the 25 bbl volume requirement may be relaxed after a
documented risk assessment, and approval of the BU well control TA or designate and conditional
upon indications of a good cement job, under any of the following conditions:
• Open hole formations in infield drilling areas are known to be normally or sub-normally
pressured based on established history.
• Losses are expected in the target based on established history in infield drilling areas.
• Where air or under-balanced fluids are the primary circulating medium.
5.3.6 All drilling breaks shall be flow-checked and reported to the BP designated company
representative, based on criteria established between the BP designated company representative
and the driller or service unit operator.
5.3.7 Balanced drilling and conventional and hydraulic workover operations, involving static fluid
column designs, as a minimum, shall be perform flow checks while tripping out of hole:
• Before pulling off bottom.
• After pulling into the casing shoe.
• Before the BHA enters the BOP stack.
5.3.8 Balanced drilling, conventional and hydraulic workover operations, involving static fluid level
designs, trip sheets shall be filled out by the driller / operator on every trip in and out of the
hole. Any deviation from expected hole fill up volumes shall be investigated based on criteria
provided by the BP designated company representative.
5.3.9 Slow circulating rates shall be taken every tour, each time a BHA change is made, when
significant mud properties change and 500 feet of new hole is drilled. Choke line frictions will
also be considered.
6. Well Control Practices

6.1.1 Tested BOPE shall be installed for drilling operations below the surface casing shoe.
6.1.2 The BOP stack and wellhead in place at any point during the course of the well, shall be of
sufficient working pressure and temperature rating to contain the maximum allowable surface
pressure and temperature from total depth of the current open hole section.
6.1.3 The maximum allowable wellhead pressure shall take into account a gas column to surface for
exploration and appraisal wells, whilst for development wells reservoir fluid shall be used.
6.1.4 In balanced drilling, conventional and hydraulic workover operations involving static fluid
column designs, the designated company representative shall be present prior to each trip to
flow and loss check the well and then directly observe the trip until satisfied the wellbore fluid
level is stable and the hole fill volume is correct.
6.1.5 In unconventional operations without static fluid levels, the designated company representative
shall observe the pre-trip well conditions and assure themselves that the well will behave in
accordance with expected norms for the planned operations.
6.1.6 After completing all well kills or well testing operations, the designated company representative
shall be present to flow and loss check the well and directly observe the trip until such time as
they are satisfied that the wellbore fluid level is stable and/or the hole is safe to trip prior to
pulling out of the hole.
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6.1.7 Kick detection, diverter, circulating, stripping, and shut-in drills shall be held regularly until the
designated company representative is satisfied that each crew demonstrates suitable BP
standards.
6.1.8 Thereafter kick detection and shut-in drills shall be performed at a minimum of once per week
per crew and be reported in the Daily Report form.
6.1.9 A shut-in method shall be established, communicated and practiced which minimizes influx and
impact to the wellbore. Line and valve configurations shall be planned, communicated and
regularly checked by the driller or service unit operator and position confirmed with the BP well
site leader or his designate.
6.1.10 The driller / operator is responsible for and authorized to shut the well in. The designated
company representative shall be the only person authorized to initiate opening the well as part
or conclusion of well control measures.
6.1.11 Except during under balanced drilling, a drilling well kick sheet shall be maintained and
updated for immediate use in the event of a well control event.
6.1.12 A well control incident report shall be completed and documented within the Tr@ction
reporting system following any well control incident.
6.1.13 At least one contingent barrier i.e. down hole float valve shall be included on any casing string
run through a hydrocarbon-bearing formation.
6.1.14 Differential fill float equipment shall not be used on casing strings which are to be run through
potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones. This policy may be relaxed after a documented risk
assessment and approval of the BU well control TA or designate.
6.1.15 Auto fill float equipment shall be tripped prior to running through any hydrocarbon bearing
zone.
6.1.16 For all exploration, HPHT and H2S appraisal wells a well specific Well Control Response
Guide shall be prepared.
6.1.17 A well control interface / bridging document shall be prepared with the appropriate contractor to
ensure there is clear understanding of responsibilities and which reference documents and
procedures will be used in a well control situation.
6.1.18 Each BU shall ensure that well control response guides are maintained in every supporting OC
and base office and emergency drills regularly conducted and reported. These guides shall
address the availability of a means of quickly evacuating the well site and responding to an
event.
6.1.19 During well construction and maintenance activities, operations shall be conducted with one
active barrier and one contingent barrier installed to address critical operational risks and
contain the well.
6.1.20 During conventional drilling, completions and well work activities the active barrier shall
normally be a stable fluid column and the contingent barrier shall be the blowout preventer
(BOP) equipment or tree. During under-balanced drilling, wireline, snubbing and coil tubing
intervention activities, the active barrier shall normally be a dynamic mechanical sealing device
and the contingent barrier shall be the BOP or tree.
7. Conventional Well Control Equipment

The requirements of this section shall apply to all well control equipment used in drilling and
well operations. They represent the general requirements to mitigate Major Accident Risk
(MAR) potential. These requirements shall be exceeded for higher risk activities which may
result, for example, from a combination of factors such as under-balanced drilling, coil tubing
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drilling, H2S, etc. Conversely and except in offshore operations, the requirements may warrant
relaxation in lower risk activities or areas where the MAR is demonstrated to be below Group
reporting limits and/or compliance with these requirements increases personal exposure to risk.
Still other, special risk activities employed in several BP operating areas are not detailed in
these requirements including air drilling, stripping, temporary stimulation tree/surface
configurations
In either the high, low or special risk cases mentioned above, the operating unit shall develop
the relevant procedures based on risk assessment, the general context of these requirements and
with reference to appropriate industry guidance and the BP Well Control Manual.
7.1.1 Systematic documented risk assessments and procedures shall be required to confirm the
suitability of all contingent barriers other than BOP'
s and trees. Such contingent barriers
include but are not limited to cement plugs, packers and storm valves.
7.1.2 For all exploration and appraisal drilling operations, an independent recordable means of
monitoring wellbore conditions shall be used.
7.1.3 When conducting all offshore drilling and well operations, emergency power arrangements shall
be set up to enable operation of the cementing unit, the BOP control panel and ancillary services
for well control contingency purposes.
7.1.4 All hammer-lock unions shall be positively identified as to manufacturer, service and pressure
rating prior to assembly and use. Additionally equipment shall be able to demonstrate actual
Preventative Maintenance (PM) performed. Controls shall be in place to ensure direct
interconnection of different types, pressure ratings and manufactures is avoided.
7.1.5 The BOP, choke manifolds and associated equipment (i.e., equipment that is flow wetted and
pressure containing) shall always be designed for an H2S environment in areas where the
probability of any H2S exists, i.e., ‘H2S trim’. In areas where the presence of H2S can not be
determined H2S equipment shall be employed.
7.2. Equipment Modifications, Changes & Repairs

7.2.1 All modifications, design changes or weld repairs to well control equipment shall comply with
appropriate API specifications, manufactures specifications or government regulations,
whichever is more stringent.
7.2.2 Only original equipment manufacturers’ designated spares shall be used for blowout preventer
equipment (BOPE) replacement parts. Where older, out-of-service equipment models
dominate the industry in an operating area, after-market replacement parts that meet the original
manufactures specifications are acceptable provided a documented risk assessment is completed
and approved by the BU well control T A.
7.2.3 Ring joint gaskets with metal-to-metal sealing are preferred, but suitably qualified alternatives
with elastomer backup are permissible where a documented risk assessment reveals no life-of-
well integrity issues and approved by the BU well control TA or designate.
7.3. Configuration: Drilling Diverter Equipment

7.3.1 Diverter equipment shall be installed and operational to manage shallow hazard potential as
specified in GP 10-20 (Shallow Hazards). Diverter systems shall only be considered as a means
of controlling unexpected shallow hazards which have not been identified from site specific
surveys. All offshore well locations shall have a shallow hazard assessment. Where this survey
identifies possible shallow hazards, the location shall be moved to avoid the anomaly.
7.3.2 Where a riser and diverter system is to be used, the equipment shall be evaluated and the
diverter system shown to be adequate for the likely diversion scenario utilizing the possible
pressure and fluid regime anticipated.
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7.3.3 The pressure rating and sizing of all diverter system pipe work and valves shall be shown to
exceed anticipated pressures for a likely diversion scenario and to minimize the risk of
broaching from the casing shoe.
7.3.4 Where a riser and diverter system is to be used, the formation strength at the casing shoe shall
be sufficient to avoid an underground flow.
7.3.5 The diverter control system shall be sequenced to ensure that a side outlet is open and the shale
shaker valve is closed prior to the diverter element closing.
7.3.6 On closing the diverter element, flow shall be confined to the designated diverter lines only.
7.3.7 In cases where rupture discs are used, the diverter line valve, if installed, shall remain locked
and tagged open.
7.3.8 The diverter control system shall operate all necessary valves and close the diverter element
within 30 seconds for systems with a nominal bore of 20 inches or less. For systems with
greater than 20 inch bore, the operating time shall not exceed 45 seconds.
7.3.9 The diverter control panel shall be located adjacent to the driller’s / operator’s position, with a
second control panel located in a designated safe area.
7.3.10 Diverter lines shall be designed or audited to API RP-64. Diverter lines on offshore units shall
have a minimum internal diameter of 12 inches. Diverter lines for onshore drilling operations
shall have a minimum internal diameter of 8 inches. All diverter line valves and lines shall be
full opening and designed as straight as possible. Where rig designs require, targeted turns will
be allowed after a documented risk assessment is performed and approved by the BU well
control TA or designate.
7.3.11 Upon installation and prior to drilling hole sections where diverting is the planned means of
well control the diverter system shall be function tested and, subject to local environmental
constraints, the diverter lines flushed. Thereafter, the diverter system shall be function tested at
least once every seven (7) days. Diverter lines with rupture discs shall be inspected only and
results recorded.
7.3.12 Offshore rigs shall have dual diverter line systems.
7.3.13 Any diverter vent line shall terminate in a safe location.
7.4. Configuration: Surface Drilling, Completion, Conventional and Hydraulic

Workover BOP Stacks
7.4.1 As arranged from top to bottom, the minimum BOP configuration shall be required for wells
where a wellhead pressure up to and including 3,500 psi is possible, is:
• One annular preventer
• Two ram type preventers, the upper most shall be blind or blind shear
• Outlets for choke and kill lines shall be positioned above the lower most set of pipe rams
where a wellhead pressure of over 3,500 psi is possible, is:
• One annular preventer
• Two ram type preventers, the lower of which shall be blind or blind shear
• Outlets for choke and kill lines
• One pipe ram
7.4.3 Stripper heads are an acceptable alternative to the annular preventer for onshore well work
applications provided a documented risk assessment is completed and approved by the BU well
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control TA or designate. If used offshore for under balanced workovers, a stripper head shall be
supplemental to an annular preventer.
7.4.4 For offshore operations sealing shear rams shall be installed.
7.4.5 All surface BOP stacks shall incorporate at least one choke line and one kill line which enter the
stack above the lowermost set of pipe rams.
7.4.6 Kill and choke lines installed below the lowermost set of rams or wellhead other outlets shall be
used for pressure testing or monitoring the well only.
7.4.7 The BOP stack shall contain a pipe ram that can close on every size of drill pipe, casing and
tubing that comprises a significant length of the total string. Where tubular accessories (e.g.
cables, clamps, screens etc) may compromise a shear ram or pipe ram seal, then appropriate
procedures and contingencies shall be in place to mitigate this risk.
7.4.8 Where multiple similar rams are fitted, the lowermost ram shall be preserved as a master
component and shall only be used to close in the well when no other ram is available for this
purpose or for the purpose of upper BOP repairs or re-configuration.
7.4.9 Dual, full-opening valves shall be provided on each choke and kill line for all stacks. The outer
valve on the choke line shall be remotely activated. The outer valve on the kill line shall either
be a remotely operated or a non-return valve shall be fitted.
7.4.10 Each ram type preventer shall have a functional ram locking device fitted.
7.4.11 The standpipe manifold and cement manifold shall have double valve isolation from the kill
line.
7.4.12 Accumulator test shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements set out in the well
control manual.
7.5. Configuration: Subsea Drilling, Completion & Workover BOP Stacks

where a wellhead pressure up to and including 5,000 psi is possible, is:
• One annular preventer that is retrievable on the lower marine riser package.
• Three ram type preventers.
• Outlets for choke and kill lines.
There shall be a minimum of one kill line and one choke line connected to the BOP stack.
where a wellhead pressure of over 5,000 psi is possible, is:
• Two annular preventers, one of which is retrievable on lower marine riser package.
• Four ram type preventers.
• Outlets for choke and kill lines.
There shall be a minimum of three inlets/outlets. Where there are four inlets/outlets, one shall
be below the lowermost ram. Where there are three inlets/outlets, the single kill or choke line
connection shall not be below the lowermost ram.
7.5.3 A sealing shear ram shall be required. The limitations of its shearing capacity should be known
and understood, and a documented risk assessment shall be in place to address any such
limitations.
7.5.4 Except in emergencies following the failure of the primary kill and choke lines, any outlets and
lines installed below the lower most set of rams shall be used for pressure testing and
monitoring the well only.
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7.5.5 The BOP stack shall contain a pipe ram that can close on every size of drill pipe and tubing that
comprises a significant length of the total string. Where tubular accessories (e.g., cables,
clamps, screens, etc) may compromise a shear ram or pipe ram seal, then appropriate procedures
and contingencies shall be in place to mitigate this risk.
7.5.6 The lowermost ram shall be preserved as a master component and only used to close in the well
when no other ram is available for this purpose.
7.5.7 Ram type preventers shall have remotely or automatically operated ram lock systems fitted.
7.5.8 Both the standpipe manifold and cement manifold shall have double valve isolation from the kill
line.
7.5.9 Opening and closing volumes of all BOPE functions shall be monitored and recorded on subsea
stacks.
7.5.10 Accumulator test shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements set out in the well
control manual.
7.6. Configuration: Rod Pump Pressure Control Equipment

7.6.1 This section applies to well servicing of wells with sucker rods, co-rod, drive shaft
deliquification or similar through-tubing lifting systems where uncontrolled flow of well fluids
cannot be sustained.
7.6.2 Prior to pulling rods, a manual single BOP shall be installed atop the flow tee.
7.6.3 A pump in connection point shall be available below the rod BOP.
7.7. Other Well Control Equipment

7.7.1 A full-open safety valve rated to the same pressure as the BOPs shall be available and ready to
install on the rig floor at all times. Crossovers shall be available such that the full-open safety
valve can be attached to any string of pipe to be run in the well. Contingencies for installing a
safety valve and circulating casing at any time shall also be available.
7.7.2 On surface wellheads during the drilling and well operations, a minimum of one casing spool
side outlet to the casing string being drilled through or worked in shall be equipped with double
full-opening valves, companion flange and needle valve to allow installation of a pressure
gauge. The principle of two full-opening valves is based upon using one as a master valve and
one as a working valve when conducting pumping and circulating through the outlet.
7.7.3 The other side outlet(s) to this wellhead shall have either a valve removal (VR) plug or a full-
opening valve and shall be equipped with a companion flange and needle valve installed to
enable the installation of additional valves, if necessary.
7.7.4 Existing installed equipment which cannot meet the above design requirements based on lack of
VR profile or based on outlet design shall have two outlet valves. The full opening requirement
may be relaxed after risk assessment. New wellheads shall comply with the full-opening
requirement.
7.7.5 On surface wellheads during the drilling and well operations, a minimum of one casing spool
side outlet to any casing annulus shall be equipped with a single full-opening valve, companion
flange and needle valve to allow installation of a pressure gauge. This single valve shall not be
used to pump or flow through.
7.7.6 The opposing side outlet(s) to this wellhead shall have either a VR plug or a full-opening valve
and should be equipped with a companion flange and needle valve installed to enable the
installation of additional valves, if necessary.
7.7.7 Existing installed equipment which cannot meet the above design requirements based on lack of
VR profile or based on outlet design shall have a single outlet valve companion flange and
needle valve to allow installation of a pressure gauge. The full opening requirement may be
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relaxed after a documented risk assessment and approval of the BU well control TA or
designate on existing well heads only. New wellheads shall comply with the full-opening
requirement.
7.7.8 Prior to the use of VR plugs a full risk assessment shall be completed and a maintenance
program established to monitor and evaluate VR plug conditions.
7.7.9 All drilling, offshore workover, service and offshore HWO units shall have a BOP control
system with two independent and operational hydraulic charging systems.
7.7.10 BOP control systems for onshore workover or service rigs and where uncontrolled flow of well
fluids or gasses cannot be sustained shall have an accumulator with at least one operational
hydraulic charging system.
7.7.11 All drilling units, on and offshore, workover, service (excluding snubbing, CT and wireline
equipment) and HWO units shall be at least two operational control panels for all BOP
functions one of which shall be located adjacent to the driller’s or operators position, with a
second located in a designated safe area.
7.7.12 The primary hydraulic control unit, which may be considered as the second control panel, shall
be located in a designated safe area or protected by effluent well conditions.
7.7.13 On well service units where the operator works at ground level, a second panel is not necessary,
provided that the primary hydraulic control unit is located in a designated safe area and
immediately accessible to the operator within four (4) seconds.
7.7.14 The working fluid volume of BOP accumulators and the BOP closing times shall comply with
API RP 53 and the BP well control manual.
7.7.15 Choke manifolds are required on all drilling, conventional and hydraulic well work units and
shall incorporate a minimum of two adjustable chokes, one of which shall be capable of remote
operation.
7.7.16 Drilling unit choke lines, valves and the inlet side of manifolds shall be sized 3 inches minimum
internal diameter for surface and subsea stacks.
7.7.17 On and offshore workover, service, HWO, Snubbing and Coiled Tubing unit choke lines, valves
and the inlet side of manifolds shall be sized 2 inches minimum internal diameter for surface
and subsea stacks.
7.7.18 Discharge lines and vessels from permanent and temporary choke manifolds shall be properly
secured and inspected to prevent any movement during highest anticipated flow rates and
pressures. These systems shall be assessed as being fit for purpose.
7.7.19 There shall be calibrated choke manifold and standpipe gauges in close proximity to the choke
controls and visible to the operator at all times.
7.7.20 Gauges suitable for accurately reading low drill pipe and casing pressures shall be available
along with a suitable manifold arrangement. Low pressure gauges shall not remain plumbed
into the well control system during normal operations or employ a means of isolation from the
system during high pressure operations.
7.7.21 A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the standpipe and choke manifolds. The gauge shall be of
the same nominal pressure rating as the equipment on which it is installed.
7.7.22 Conventional drilling and offshore workover operations with static fluid levels in the wellbore
as the active barrier, a means of accurately monitoring fill-up and displacement volumes shall
be available to the driller / operator. A low volume trip tank shall be installed and equipped
with a volume indicator easily read from the driller’s / operator’s position.
7.7.23 During the well planning phase, a risk assessment shall be made regarding the necessity of a
stripping tank. If a stripping tank is installed a procedure for stripping using the equipment shall
be prepared and practiced. If a stripping tank is not installed an alternative method of stripping
shall be defined and practiced.
Page 16 of 22
Well Control
7.7.24 In conventional drilling operations it shall be possible at all times to disconnect from the string
leaving a manually operated, full opening valve on the string.
7.7.25 During any top hole drilling operations prior to installing the BOP, a non-ported float valve
shall be run in the drill string Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) as a protection against shallow gas
influx up the drill string.
7.7.26 Connections rated 3,000 psi and above shall not be threaded except as permitted in API RP53.
8. Wireline Operations

This section applies to well service operations performed with slickline, braided line or
conductor line with or without a X-mas tree in service.
8.2. Configuration: Well Control Equipment

As arranged from top to bottom, the minimum BOP configuration for stacks used on wells
where a surface pressure up to and including 5,000 psi is possible, shall be:
• Rated high-pressure, pack-off, stripper, or grease head with line wiper.
• Lubricator of sufficient length to allow retrieval of the whole tool string, including items
which may be retrieved from the well above the upper most tree valve or wireline BOP.
• One set of wireline valve rams for slickline, or dual wireline valve rams for braided and
conductor line, suitable or sized for each diameter wire passing through the wireline valve.
• Pump-in sub or other means to kill the well while wireline valve rams are closed.
8.2.1 Where a surface pressure of over 5,000 psi is possible, the following additional equipment shall
be required:
• An additional wireline valve ram.
• And, if the tree valve cannot cut and seal, a shear-seal BOP.
• A risk assessment should be conducted to determine the potential for gas escape past the
lubricator stuffing box and methods employed to mitigate.
8.3. Well Control Processes

In the event that fished wireline or other tools of irregular size and shape are to be removed
from the well, the number and size of the BOP’s in the BOP stack up shall be based on a risk
assessment and operational requirements.
8.3.1 Logging and perforating operations conducted without the installation of wireline pressure
control equipment shall only be carried out under conditions where:
• The hole can be contained, monitored and controlled for the duration of the wireline
operation.
• Drilling/completion fluid provides the necessary active barrier.
• Hole conditions are considered suitable for the tools that are to be run.
8.3.2 If the lubricator connection is broken above an already fully tested riser and BOP a retest of the
lubricator connection above the BOP for 5 mins to the maximum anticipated wellhead pressure, is
sufficient to confirm integrity.
Page 17 of 22
Well Control
9. Coiled Tubing Operations

This section applies to well service operations with a coiled tubing service unit with or with out
a X-mas tree in service.

9.2.1 All pressure containing connections from the well head up to the BOP’s shall be flanged.
Threaded connections may be used after a proper risk assessment and approval from the BU
well control TA or designate on operations where surface pressures do not exceed 3,000 psi.
9.2.2 All annulus outlets shall be double valved.
9.2.3 As arranged from top to bottom, the minimum BOP configuration for stacks used on wells
where a surface pressure up to and including 5,000 psi is possible, shall be:
• One high-pressure pack-off, stripper or annular type preventer.
• Lubricator of sufficient length to allow retrieval of the complete bottom hole assembly,
including items which may be retrieved from the well.
• Hydraulically operated (with manual backup) triple - i.e. if triple is used one ram to be a
dual purpose blind shear ram, quad or combination of BOP' s with equivalent capacity and
sized for the tubing to be used.
9.2.4 BOP’s shall have the following top down configuration:
• Blind rams.
• Shear rams.
• Slip rams.
• Pipe rams.
9.2.5 Where a surface pressure of over 5,000 psi is possible:
• An additional pipe ram shall be installed and used as contingency equipment additionally,
the additional pipe ram shall only used in situations following failure of primary BOPE
and not as an active barrier.
• Combi BOP’s shall not be installed
• A riser evaluation shall be undertaken to ensure that the combined mechanical and
pressure loadings are within the operating limits of the supplied equipment.

9.3.1 All relevant sections of this document shall apply to all coiled tubing operations.
10. Snubbing Operations

10.1.1 This section applies to well service operations with a snubbing unit with or with out a X-mas
tree in service. Additionally this section applies to stand alone, and rig assisted snubbing
operations.
10.1.2 Requirements set forth in this document are minimums and do not include the full range of
considerations needed for every snubbing installation. I.e. HPHT, sub-sea, H2S, fishing
operations etc. Each BU will develop and maintain guidelines and requirements specific to each
snubbing application and approved by the relevant BU well control TA or designate.
Page 18 of 22
Well Control

10.2.1 As arranged from top to bottom, the minimum BOP configuration for stacks used on wells
where a surface pressure up to and including 5,000 psi is possible, and the tubulars to be
snubbed are not tapered; shall be:
• Stripper rubber or active stripper system, i.e. snubbing stripper bowl and rubber, annular
or spherical type BOP
• Dual stripper rams equipped with a method to equalize and bleed off pressures between
stripper ram components.
Note: an annular or spherical BOP shall be not required if dual strippers are included in the BOP
configuration, however dual stripper rams shall be required if an annular or spherical BOP is
installed.
• An additional safety pipe ram shall be installed and used as contingency equipment.
Additionally, the additional pipe ram shall only used in situations following failure of
uppermost safety pipe ram and not as an active barrier.
Where a surface pressure of over 5,000 psi is possible and the probabilities of tapered tubulars
are anticipated additional equipment shall be installed:
• Blind or blind shear ram
• Flow / pump cross equipped with dual full opening valves on each choke and kill line for
all stacks. The outer valve on the choke line shall be remotely activated. The outer valve
on the kill line shall remotely operated and a non-return valve.
• An additional pipe ram for each tubular described shall be installed and used as
contingency equipment additionally, the additional pipe ram shall only used in situations
following failure of primary BOPE and not as an active barrier.

10.3.1 All relevant sections of this document shall apply to all snubbing operations.
10.3.2 All snubbing unit hydraulic functions shall not exceed the maximum operating tension loads of
80% and operating compression loads of 70% of minimum yield strengths for tubing string
used.
10.3.3 Sufficient stack height shall be used to cover all tools to be run in and out of the well above the
upper most contingent barrier.
10.3.4 Snubbing unit tongs shall be equipped with remote backups and safety snub line to secure and
prevent tong movement during pipe make up and breakout.
10.3.5 Non-essential personnel shall be minimized from the snubbing floor during “pipe light”
conditions.
10.3.6 Work floor egress route shall be predetermined and evacuation procedures practiced at regular
intervals.
10.3.7 All relevant sections of this document shall apply to all snubbing operations.
11. Additional Considerations
11.1. Coring
11.1.1 All coring tool strings shall be equipped with a circulating sub above the core barrel.
Page 19 of 22
Well Control
12. Pressure Testing

12.1.1 All testing requirements not identified in this document remain as set forth in GP 10-45
Working with Pressure.
12.2. Pressure Testing of Well Control Equipment

12.2.1 In areas or fields where well design, hanger profile damage or tree leaks limit the use of plugs
against which to test, the BOP’s shall be shop tested prior to installation. The testing company
shall provide the test charts and documentation. An additional shell test shall be performed
once installed. The required accumulator test and function test shall be performed after rig up
of well control equipment on the well and coincide with fourteen (14) day BOP pressure tests.
12.2.2 An accumulator test shall be carried out in accordance with the Accumulator Closing Test
worksheet of API RP53 and the BP well control manual. Accumulator pre-charge pressure shall
be recorded on the worksheet.
Page 20 of 22
Well Control
Revision History
Existing Revision Date

Clause
5.3.2 Deleted - Duplication of Clause 8.4 in DWOP 15th October 2008
5.3.3 Deleted - Duplication of Section 16 requirements in DWOP 15th October 2008
6.1.15 Deleted - Duplication of Clause 5.1.6 in DWOP 15th October 2008
Section 7 Deleted - Duplication of Section 12 in DWOP 15th October 2008
9.2 Modified 15th October 2008
9.3.2 Clause inserted 15th October 2008
12.1 Deleted - Duplication of Section 17 in DWOP 15th October 2008
Page 21 of 22
Well Control

Whole Clause numbers corrected following above revisions 15th October 2008
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Page 22 of 22

GP 10 10 11 June 2008 Well Control PRT 2

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3. Terms and definitions

Safety Critical Software

Well Work Unit

Coiled Tubing Unit

Hydraulic Workover Unit (HWO)

4. Symbols and abbreviations

AEUB Alberta Energy and Utilities Board

API American Petroleum Institute

BHA Bottom Hole Assembly

BOP Blow Out Preventer

BOPE Blow Out Preventer Equipment

HPHT High Pressure High Temperature

H2S Hydrogen Sulphide

HWO Hydraulic Work Over

IWCF International Well Control Forum

IADC International Association of Drilling Contractors

MAR Major Accident Risk

SPA Single Point of Accountability

5. Well Control Training & Preparation

5.1. General Requirements

5.2. Training & Certification

5.3. Well Control Preparation

• Before any unshearable component enters the BOP stack

6. Well Control Practices

6.1. General Requirements

7. Conventional Well Control Equipment

7.1. General Requirements

7.2. Equipment Modifications, Changes & Repairs

7.3. Configuration: Drilling Diverter Equipment

7.4. Configuration: Surface Drilling, Completion, Conventional and Hydraulic

7.5. Configuration: Subsea Drilling, Completion & Workover BOP Stacks

7.6. Configuration: Rod Pump Pressure Control Equipment

7.7. Other Well Control Equipment

8.1. General Requirements

8.2. Configuration: Well Control Equipment

8.3. Well Control Processes

9. Coiled Tubing Operations

9.1. General Requirements

9.2. Configuration: Well Control Equipment

9.3. Well Control Processes

10. Snubbing Operations

10.1. General Requirements

10.2. Configuration: Well Control Equipment

10.3. Well Control Processes

11. Additional Considerations

12. Pressure Testing

12.1. General Requirements

12.2. Pressure Testing of Well Control Equipment

Existing Revision Date

13.1.3 Deleted - Duplication of Clause 24.1.6 in DWOP 15th October 2008

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