Page 103 - test2

VIII. Kick Detection and Rig Response

A kick during drilling operations is the unwanted influx of formation
fluids, such as hydrocarbons, into the wellbore. An undetected kick can lead to a
loss of well control. As stated by Steve Robinson, BP vice president of wells in
Alaska, “[t]he key to well control is early detection. Itʹs getting it shut in
244
quickly.” Monitoring a well for kicks involves observation of a number of
indicators and a constant awareness of well conditions.

A. Kick Detection Methods and Responsibilities

Certain rig personnel, including the driller, assistant driller and
mudloggers have specific responsibilities for monitoring the well to detect kicks,
among other things. BP’s well control manual provides that the well site
245
leader is responsible for developing, monitoring, and supervising well control
procedures. The company drilling engineer is responsible for providing
technical support to the wellsite leader. The senior contractor representative has
overall responsibility for actions taken on the rig. The contractor toolpusher has
overall responsibility for implementing the well control operation and for
ensuring that the driller and the drill crew are correctly deployed during the well
control operation.
246

Personnel responsible for well monitoring use a number of methods to
determine whether the well is stable. One method is monitoring pit gain, which
involves tracking fluid gains in the pits that might indicate flow from the well.
Another method is the analysis of flow‐out versus flow‐in data – which should
be equal if the well is stable. As discussed by Dr. John Smith in his report, these
two methods – pit gain and comparison of flow‐in to flow‐out – are critical to
247
effective well monitoring. In addition, other data (including drill pipe pressure
changes and gas content information) can also indicate if a well is flowing. A
warning from any of these indicators should prompt personnel to stop
circulating fluid and to perform a flow check. If flow continues, the well should

be shut in using the BOP.
248

244 Robinson testimony at 44.
245 Transocean Well Control Manual, TRN‐USCG_MMS00043810.
246 BP‐HZN‐MBI00000001.
247 Smith Report at 21.
248 Id. at 22; See API RP 59; IADC Deepwater Well Control Guidelines.

98