Evaluation of different well control methods concentrating on the application of conventional drilling technique

Abstract

Over the past few decades, engineering failures have existed, and lack of knowledge, and safety practices have led to various catastrophic events of blowouts causing countless casualties and injuries to workers and individuals all around the world. Well control is a technique in oil and gas activities specifically when drilling oil and gas wells. Hydrostatic pressure and formation pressure should be a priority to prevent reservoir fluids from infiltrating the wellbore. The primary well control is commonly the primary barrier using the fluid column to prevent uncontrolled formation fluid flow into the wellbore by preserving pressure more substantial than formation pressure. The secondary well control provides the same purpose but involves using a piece of equipment known as a Blowout Preventer. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of different well control techniques of various well control methods, including the commonly used in petroleum engineering focusing on the application of conventional drilling. This study was conducted through a literature review. The analysis of the case studies synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the various well control methods. The findings suggested that conventional drilling techniques can be effective in controlling wellbore pressures, however, limitations existed in certain situations. Moreover, the parameters required controlling the well during a kick or a blowout is discussed to succeed in the application of well control methods in the oil and gas industry.