Golden Rules of Well Control
1, A minimum of two independently verified and monitored barriers must be in place, in the well at all times(after the initial casing string is set). If one barrier fails, then well operations must stop until the barrier restored or replaced.
2, All fluid volumes pumped into the well and returns received from the well must be accurately measured. The fluids will be tested for weight and viscosity, and the values recorded. On floating rigs, when displacing the riser to seawater, the exact seawater volume being pumped, and the returning mud will be measured for volume.
3, All personnel having well control related job responsibilities will be trained to IWCF well control standards as per drilling’s training requirements.
4, The drilled is responsible for kick detection and shutting in the well using the hard-shut-in method(in accordance with the procedures contained in the Manual).
5, The trip tank must be used to monitor the well, any time the well is not being circulated.
6, If there is any indication of a flow from the well, immediately shut-in the well, there is no need to conduct a flow check if the well is flowing.
7, The driller should always be aware of the True Vertical Depth(TVD), Measured Depth(MD) of the hole and the space-out to the Blowout Preventer rams.
8, Test pressures must not exceed 70% of the minimum yield of the weakest exposed casing when pressure testing equipment on the wellhead(allowing for mud weight differentials(inside/behind the casing strings), unless an isolation test tool is used.
9, A float valve must be used during all drilling and hole-opening operations.
10, Before a subsea BOP deployment, a pre-run check sheet must be completed and signed off by the subsea engineer and the OIM.
11, Modifications(including software changes) to any well control equipment are subject to the management of change(MOC) process. All relevant documentation and approvals must be in place before any modifications are implemented.
12, After all well operations are successfully completed, gas trapped under the closed ram/annular must be flushed out before the BOPs are opened(to prevent the gas from entering the riser.)
13, Drilling operations will be suspended if the bulk stock levels on board the fall below the amount required to displace the primary fluid barrier density≥1.0ppg and install two 500 ft cement barriers in the hole section being drilled.
