.

SPE
SPE 15897

Drilling Safely Offshore in Shallow Gas Areas

by C,W, Sandlln,Exxon Co. M.
SPE Member

Copyright 1986, Society 01 Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared Ior pre.senlationat the SPE European Petroleum Conference bald in London, 20-22 Oclober, 1986.

Thie paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of informationcontained in an abstract eubmiltad by the
author(s).Contents of tha paper, ae presented, have not been reviewti by the S@aty Of petroleum En9ineersand are subject to correctionby the
●uthor(a).The material, ae presented, does nol n~essarily raflSCtany PoeitionOfthe Swieh’ Of ‘etroleum En9inWre, i~$oficere, or members. papers
presented ●t SPE meetings are subject to publicationraview by Editorial Committees of the Society of petroleum Engineers. Permission to copy is
restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 worde. Illuntratione may not be copied. The abstract should contain conspicuousacknowledgmentof
where and by whom the paper is presented.Write Pubt}cationsManager, SPE, P.O. Box 833S36, Richardson,TX 750S3-2636. Telex, 730S6S SPEDAL.

ABSTRACT

Procedures for top-hole dri11ing should emphasize
the maintenanceof hydrostaticcontrol of the well.
Crew and rig safety, together with environmental
protection,are the most importantfactors used both
in the design of drillingproceduresand in choosing
among alternative drilling methods. This paper
discussesthe detailed engineeringdesign of opera-
ting procedures,seismic int~rpretation,selection
and maintenanceof equipment,contingencyplanning,
and crew training that are key elements to success-
fully drilling cffshore in areas prone to have
shallow gas.
INTRODUCTION
Shallowgas is the most serious.singlecauseof kicks
leading to blowouts according to a study of 172
blowouts worldwideby the NorwegianSintef Research
Organization. This fact underscores the critical
importanceof well planning before the rig moves on
location. The shallow gas blowout which occurred
while drilling on Haltenbankenoff Trondhein,Nor-
way, in October 1985, has caused all operatorsto re-
examine proceduresand equipmentused when drilling
in areas prone to have shallow gas,
Two statementsare clear: first;proceduresfor top-
hole drilling should emphasize the maintenance of
hydrostaticcontrolof the well, and second;crew and
rig safety, togetherwith environmentalprotection,
are the most importantfactors to use both in the
design of drilling proceduresand In choosing among
alternativedrillingmethods.
If possible,select a surface locationwhich avoids
recognizedshallow gas accumulations. Proper eval-
uation and interpretationof high resolution,shal-
low-seismicdata, together with informationavail-
able from other drilling in an area, is employed to
help differentiatebetween areas with little proba-
bility of shallow gas and those with some greater
probability.
Based on an analysis of all available pre-drill
information,a drilling program is designed. The
program includes these key points: Use of the
appropriatemud weight while drilling and prior to
runntng casing; US.S of a well designed diverter
system;useof flow checks on drillingbreaks, prior
to pulling the drill pipe, and prior to pulling the
riser;useof a trip tank; useof both mud loggingand
electric logging;and the use of Well Controldrills,
One essentialpiece of the drilling system equipment
is the subsea dump valve. It allDws the operatorto
make a flow check prior to pulling the riser. This
surface-controlled valve is installedjust above the
pin connector in the marine riser. Other procedures
and equipment will be used only when conditions
indicatetheir need; these includethedrilling of a
small pilot hole and the use of special logging
tools,
Further,the necessaryequipmentand procedureswill
be in place to immediately commence dynamic kill
operationsshould a flow occur. Two factors are key
to this being successful: crew training; and, the
proper installationand maintenanceof equipment.
This paper describes Exxon practices for top-hole
drilling and summarizesour philosophyfor success-
fully drilling offshore in areas prone to have
shallow gas.
THE BASIC PLAN
Our basic plan is to maintain control of all the
wells drilled at all times, Our practice is to:

Illustrationsat end of paper.

AA6

~ DRILLING SAFELY OFFSHORE IN SHALLOU GAS AREAS
A) Prevent situations where wellbore pres-
sures cause fc:-mationbreakdown, casing
rupture,or hazardoussurface conditons.
B) Recognizepotentialwell control problems
from surface indicators.
c) Control the well so as to insure safetyto
personnel,equipment,and environment,
All of our well planning,crew training, and equip-
ment testing is done with these goals in mind. Many
of the casualties, and much of the environmental
damage and economic losses, resultingfrom blowouts
could have been preventedif the correctwell control
technologyhad been used. The need for correct well
control practicesis even greater now than it was in
the past, Wells are being drilleddeeper, in deeper
water, and in higher pressuredsections. For these
reasons, drilling personnel must plan the well to
preventwell control situationsfrom occurring,yet,
they must be able to recognizethe warning signsof a
potentialblowout, to effectivelyplan well killing
operations,and to take positive action to control
the well. The catastrophicproblemsassoci~tedwith
uncontrolledblowoutscanbe avoided if the “kick” is
detected before a large volume of formation fluid
enters the wellbore.
A “kick” is an influx of fluid from the formation
intothe wellbore. Two conditionsmust be present in
the wellborefor a kick to occur: one, the pressure
inside the wellbore at the face of the kicking
formationmust be less than the pore pressureof the
formation;and two, the kicking formationmust have
sufficientpermeabilityto allow flow into the well-
bore.
The hydrostaticpressurefrom the drillingmud is the
primary means of insuring well control. During
normal drilling operations, the planned mud weight
will always exert a pressure slightly greater than
the anticipatedformation pressure.
How, then, can akickoccur if the mud weight has been
planned correctly?The hydrostaticpressure exerted
by the mud column must become less than the pore
pressureof the exposed formation. This may occur in
one or more of the followingways:
● Hole not full of mud.
Failure to keep the wellbore full of mud
while pullingout of the holeon a trip has
been the primary cause of industry blow-
outs. As the drill string is pulled from
the hole, the mud level will drop due to
the volume of metal being removed. As the
mud level drops, the hydrostaticpressure
exerted by the mud column is reduced.
● Swabbing during a trip.
Even when th[ hole is full of sufficiently
heavy mud, the pressure in the wellbore
opposite a permeable formation can be
reduced by tb~ swabbing action caused by
pulling the drill string. This wellbore
pressure reduction may allow formation
fluid to enter the well. Swabbing can
cause the well to begin flowing if tl,e
hydrostaticpressure of the mud column is
. .
SPE 15897
sufficientlyreduced by the entering for-
mation fluid.
● Insufficientmud weight.
A well cannot flow as long as the hydro-
static pressureof the mud column is equal
to or greater than the highest pore pres-
sure exposed in the well. Inattmtion to
the mud systemmay allow the mud weight to
decrease.
● Charged (or overpressured)formations.
A kick, actually caused by insufficient
mud weight, may occur when a wellbore is
drilled into a charged or overpressured
formation. In a charged formation, the
pore pressure has been increasedby pre-
vious drilling or production operations.
In overpressured formations, the pore
pressure has been increased by natural
causes.
● Lost Returns.
The abilityof exposedformationsin swell
to contain mud of a certain density at a
given depth is relatedto theweight of the
overburden,the pressure if)the pore space
of the formation,the type of rock, and the
state of local ewth stresses. If the
fluid pressure in the wellbore is greater
than the fracture pressure of the forma-
tion, then the formation will break down
and the mud will be lost from the hole.
Lost returns allows the hydrostaticpres-
sure seen by the formationsto become lower
as the mud level in the well falls.
A well control problem can result in shallow gas
areas because of any (one or a combination)of the
above. The crew on adrilling rig must be preparedto
prevent~of thesecircumstances~om~ppenlng or,
where this is not possible,respond to the situation
correctly. We will discuss our plans for several
drillingsystemsor operationsprocedureswhich have
the objectiveof assuringwell control.
LOCATION SELECTION
The first step taken toward avoiding shallow gas
problems is correct selectionof the drilling loca-
tion, Two data sources can help to locate areas
prone to shallow gas: one, seismic data; and two,
other drilling in the area.
High resolutionshallow-seismicdata is recordedina
grid over the proposeddrilling location. This data,
when processed and interpreted,locateshigh ampli-
tude events which may be indicativeof shallow gas
accumulations,
Informationmaybe availablefrom other drilling in
an area, Shallowgas may either have been identified
in (or proven not to be in) any given formation,
All available informationis studied before a loca-
tion is selected. Should high amplitude events be
observed at the proposed location, a new location
will be selected bearing in mind, of course, the
objective of the well, When possible, we would
choose a locationwhich is 500 ft. [15Q m] or more
from a recognizedshallow gas accumulation,
 .
SPE 15897 CARL W. SANDLIN
EQUIPMENTAND PROCEDURES
Regardlessof the seismic indicationsor other dril-
ling experience in an area which shows a locaticn
will avoid shallow gas, all exploration wells are
drilled recognizingthat shallow gas may be present
in the wellbore. All equipmentused, all procedures
used, and all crew trainingreflect this philosophy.
Dependingon thedepth of the last casing stringset,
it may be hazardousto close in the well completely
if a flow were to be detected. When only structural
casing is set, the possibility is strong that the
formation may fracture to the surface creating a
hazard to both the personnel and the drilling rig
itself. If a kick occurs, then, with only shallow
casing set, the well is allcwedto flow, but the flow
is directed away from the rig. The diverter system
is used to protect the people and the rig until the
well can be brought under control and the flow
stopped.
DIVERTER SYSTEM
!livertersystemsshould allow well flow to be safely
directed away from the rig and, at the same time,
minimize the amount of back pressureon the d+verter
system and the formation. The reduction in back
pressureis best achievedby utilizinglargediameter
diverter lines and by minimizingthe number of turns
in the lines. Diverter lines should be securely
anchored and should not contain sleeve-type con-
plings.
The arrangementof the diverter valves must be such
that at no time can the entire diverter system be
completelyshut in on the well inadvertently. Shut-
ting in on the flowing well will either result in
breaking down the formation and possibly cause bro-
achingaroundthe structuralcasing shoe or cause the
diverter system itself to fail. The ability to shut
the well in completelycan bee”liminatedby modifying
the diverter valve control system or by making a
mechanicalconnectionwhich ensures that one valve
always rem ~ns open when the other valve is closed.
We insurethat all rigs we utilize are equippedwith
this feature.
The riser and diverter s~stem we composed of the
follo~ingcomponents: (Figure 1)
Hydraulicpin connector
2: Subsea dump valve
3. Marine riser and tensioningsystem
Diverter packer
!% Discharge lines
All diverter line connectorsshould be flanged, The
system should be designedfor a working pressureof
at least X)O psi [2070 kPa].
The diverter lines should be a minimum of 10-12 in.
[25-30 cm] and should contain the absolute minimum
number of turns, A-llcomponentsshould be function
and pressure tested after the system is nippled up.
The slip joint packing is one of the weakest com-
ponentsin the divertersystem. Many casualtiesthat
occur during well divertingoperationsare associa-
ted with failureof the slip joint packing. Failure
of the packing allows gas to enter the moonpool and
rig floor areas and can result in an explosion and
AG*
T“ ,
7
“
fire. All rigs we contract must be equipped with
slip joints which utilize a dual packing design.
During normal operation, only the upper packing is
energizedby rig air to contain returnmud flow while
drilling. We do not reconrnend energizingthe lower
packing except in emergency situations, Should the
well be placedon the diverter,the secondslip joint
pack~ng !s energized and the closing pressure is
increased on both packing elements. This dual
packing design reduces the chance of slip joint
packingfailure. We also :equirethat newslipjoi~t
packingbe installedbefore the start of each well if
there is any doubt regarding the condition of the
parking.
The riser dump valve is ahydraulicallyoperatedball
valve which is run in the riser just abcve the pin
connector. The purposeof the dump valve is to allow
the mud column in the riser to be lowered until it
reachesequilibriumwith seawater hydrostaticpres-
sure (Figure 2). This process simulatesconditions
which will exist when the riser is disconnected.The
well is then flow checked for a sufficient time
length to positively confirm that it is static.
During the flow check, the bit is on bottom so that
circulation can begin inwnediatelyif well flow is
detected. In addition,the riser dump valve can be
of benefitduringdynemickil1 operationsby allowing
sea water to be introduced into the riser which
provides additional back pressure on the flowing
formation. The riser dump valve is an integralpart
of our shallowdrilling and well control procedures,
We stronglyrecommendthat all rigs be equippedwith
such a valve.
Inthe event well flow is detectedwhile drillingthe
surfacehole, the well will immediatelybe placed in
the diverter mode and dynamic kill operationsutil-
izing 14.5 ibm/gal [1740 kg/m3] kill mud will com-
mence. The diverter will remain installed at all
times while drilling unless operationsrequire its
temporaryremoval.
Our procedures reduce reaction times for diverting
well flow and commencingdynamic kill operationsby
making the followingpreparationsprior to drilling
the conductor hole:
- Prepare the required volume of dynamic kill
weight mud and maintain in reserve until the
surfacecasing has been set. Typically,thisis
600 to 8)0 bbl [95 to 125 m3] of 14.5 ibm/gal
[1740 kg/m3] mud.
If the hole can be drilled using only one pump,
- line up the suction of the second pump on the
pit containingthe dynamic kill weight mud,
. Size the bit nozzles for dynamic kill flowrate
requirements.
- Set the diverteroperator pressure in the range
of 600-800 psi [4100-5500 kPa] during normal
:per:tions to reduce diverter packer closing
.
- Continuouslymonitorwind and currentdirection
and line up the diverter system to take well
flow out of the leeward discharge line,

d DRILLING SAFELY OFFSHORE IN SHALLOU GAS AREAS
Be prepared to move the rig off location in a
directionwhich allowsboth wind and current to
carry gas away from the rig.
Hold meetingswitt contractpersonnelto review
the diverter oper~ting procedure before dril-
ling the conductorhole.
. Hold diverter drills with each drill crew to
ensure all personnel are familiar with their
assignmentsduring divertingoperations.
I determine the depth of this sand.
CHECKINGFOR SHALLOW GAS
The surfaceequipmentused for shallowgas detection
consistsof the mud logging unit and its associated
networkof drillingsensors. Werequire that the mud
loggingunit be capable of monitoring all essential
drilling parameters including rate cf penetration
(ROP), total drill gas, mud weight in and out,
individualmud pit levels and return mud flow rate.
These parameters are continuously monitorea while
drilling. Gas inthe returnmud is one of the primary
indicators that a gas bearing formation has been
encountered. P, sudden increase in ROP can indicats
that a permeableformationhas been encounteredwhich
could be gas bearing.
While drilling,the followin!~proceduresareused as
an aid for the early detection of well flow:
a. When drilling in frontier areas or areas where
shallow gas sands are expected to exist, flow
check each connectionwhile drilling the hole.
b. Verify that the gas detection equipment is
properlycalibratedprior to drillingout of the
structural casing. Observe and record gas
reading. Should a significantincrease in the
level of gas in the mud returns occur, cease
drilling and flow check. If the flow check is
negative,circulatetoremovethedri 11 gas from
the mud, If the backgroundgas level cannot be
reduced by circulationalone, increasethe mud
weight and continue to circulate until the
backgroundgas subsides.
c. Maintainthe drillingparametersconstantwhile
drilling so that lithologychanges can be more
easily detected. If a significantincrease in
ROP occurs,the well should be checked for flow
as this may indicatethat a permeable sand has
been encountered.
[Note: When drilling inareas where the shallow
sedimentsare very soft, a controlleddrilling
rate will be required.]
d, Use of the trip tank is an essential part of
Exxon’s drillingprocedures. If while tripping
it is determinedthat the hole is not takingthe
proper amount of mud, stop and flow check the
well. Even if the flow check is negative,
return to bottom and circulatebottoms up. If
the well is flowlng, initi,’tewell killing
operations.
Mud weight is the primary barrier against well flow
both while drillingand prior to pullingthe riser to
run surface casing. The mud weight must be suf-
ficientto preventwell flow and yetbe low enough so
as not to result in lost returns.
AC5
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9
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SPE
-------15897
.
When the riser is pulled to run surface ca$i~g, the
mud hydrostaticfrom the rotary kelly bushing (RKB)
to the mudline which existed while drillingwill be
replacedby seawater hydrostaticpresstire.Prior to
pulling the riser, it is necessary to increasethe
mud weight in the hole to account for this loss in
hydrostaticpressureincludingthe columnof mud from
the RKB to sea level. The mud weight required to
offset this combined loss in hydrostaticpressure
will be dependenton the depth of the shallowestgas
sand. Electric logs will generallybe required to
Prior to pulling the riser when gas sands are
present, the well wiil be displaced with mud and
checked for flow as follows:
With the drill string at total depth (TD),
displace the hole from TD to the seafloorwith
mud hal’ingsufficientweight to place the same
overbalanceat the depth of the shallowestsand
(as was presentwith drillweightmud) afterthe
riser is disconnected. Open the subsea dump
valve and &llow the fluid level in the riser’to
reach equilibriumwith the seawaterhytirostatic
pressure. Observe the well for flow for 30
minutes.
There are two methods which are used for observing
the well for flow. One method calls for leavingthe
subsea dump valve open and observing for returns
using the subsea television. The secondmethod uses
a surface reading pressure transducer installed in
the riser above the pin connectorto monitor pressure
inside the riser. If the riser pressuretransducer
is used to observe for flow, then the subsea dump
valve is closed and well flow is detected by an
increasein the hydrostaticpressuremeasuredby the
transducer.
After flow checking,pump avolumeof mud equal
to the displacementof the drill stringand pull
out of the hole to the wellhead. Displace the
riser with seawater and flow check. Lower the
riser level to mean sea level and flow check
once again. Finish pulling out of the hole and
recover the riser.
The procedureoutlined above ensuresthat theequiv-
alent mud weight on all sands exposed in the surface
hole is never less than the mud weight used to drill
these sands.
Mud weight is also the primary barrier again$t flow
during well killing operations. The dynamic kill
proceduresused for shallowgas flow call f{w pumping
dynamic kill weight mud at the highest rate attain-
able once well flow is detected. A plt of dynamic
kill weight mud IS kept in reserve for use in the
dynamic kill operation. The volume of kill mud kept
in reservewill generallybe equal to the sumof the
annulusvolume between the drill string and the hole
from TD to the mud line and the volume required to
stop reservoirflow as determinedbythedynamicki 11
computer simulation.
PILOT HOLE DRILLING: AN ATTRACTIVEOPTION
The primary means of detecting shallow gas in the
surface hole is through the close monitoring of
drilling parameters and mud returns whtle drilling
. .
-.
SPE- -----
1!WJ7 PAQI
“n?.
the hole. This method of gas detection does not
provide advancel~r,uticeof a shallowgas occurrence.
However,a?l our drillingproceduresare designedto
contain all tldids in the formationand not allowgas
to enter the wellbore. It is sometimesdesirable
to first drill a pilot holeto a depth which is below
the setting depth of the surface casing and then
enlarge the hole to the required size for surface
casing. Since well control at this point in the well
is achievedby high rate circulationof kill weight
mud into the wellbore (dynamickill), the use of the
smaller pilot hole greatly improvesthe ability to
successfullykill the well in the event that flow
does occur. For a given pumpingrate (kill injection
rate),the smallerthe annulus area between the hole
and the drill collars, the greater the annulus
friction pressure drop which adds back pressure
against the formation.
A small pilot hole is generallynot requiredin areas
where it is known from operating experience that
shallowgas is not a problem. In areas where offset
informationor shallow seismic data indicatea high
potentialfor ashallow gas occurrence,a smallpilot
hole may be drilled to below the planned setting
depth of the conductorcasing.
The size of pilot hole required to successfully
perform a dynamic kill is dependenton such factors
as water depth, denth of the flowing formation,
reservoircharacteristicsand the wellbore configu-
ration. The pilot hole size is determinedby making
certain assumptions regarding formation depth and
reservoir characteristicsand using these in con-
junction with a computer model which simulates un-
steady state flow in the reservoirand wellbore. The
computer simulation is run for several different
pilot hole and bottomhole assemblysizes. Basedon
the results of these simulations,a pilot hole size
is selected which will allow a gas flow to be
dynamicallykilled,
When drilling in shallowerwater depths, the pilot
hole is drilled through the structuralcasing after
running the marine riser, While drilling, mud
returns and drilling parameters are closely moni-
tored for indicationsof shallow gas. Mud weight is
increasedas required,based on mud gas indications.
After completing the pilot hole, electric logs are
run to accuratelylocate the depths of any gas sands
which may have been drilled. If gas sands are
observed m the logs, then plans are made to place
mud in the hole such that the equivalentdrillingmud
weight is maintained at the gas sand at all times,
including release of the riser. Also special at-
tention is given to flow check and drill pipe
tripping proceduresthat have already been describ-
ed, Prior to pulling the riser, the hole will be
displaced with mud weight of sufficientdensity to
prevent formationflow when the riser is released,
In deep water drilling operations, it is our pre-
ferred practice to drill a pilot hole at or near the
planned well location without the use of a marine
riser, A small pilot hole, typically 9 7/8 in.
[25.08 cm], isdrilled toa depth which is below the
planned setting depth of the surface casing. Pump
rate is held constantwhile drilling the pilot hole
and pump pressure is utilized as the primary in-
dicatorof well flow. If adecrease in pump pressure
is observed while drilling the pilot hole, drilling
b
III
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SANIII TN
““..”.*!,
is ceased and a subsea televisionis run down along
the drill pipe on a specially designed frame. If
well flow is detectedby the subseatelevision,well
killing operations are initiated invnediatelyby
pbmp!ng 14.5 ibm/gal [1740 kg/m3] kill mud at the
highestrate attainablewith the rig pumps until the
well is killed. If no well flow occurs after
reaching total depth of the pilot hole the hole is
displacedwith 14.5 ibm/gal [1740 kg/mj] mud before
pulling out with the drilling assembly. (In some
areas, regulationsrequire that cement plugs be set
to abandon this pilot hole.) Once it has been
determined that the well can be safely drilled
without the riser, the drilling vessel is moved to
the actual wel? location and the well is drilled
riserlessdown to the setting depth of the surface
casing.
Th~t-eare two basic reasonsfor usingthe sacrificial
pilot hble without a riser in deep water operations.
First, it becomes increasinglydifficultto bringmud
returns to the surface as water depth increases.
This is due to the fact that formation fracture
gradientdecreaseswith increasingwater depth. The
formation below the “normal” setting depth of the
structuralcasing shoe may be unable to support the
hydrostaticpressureof the mud column in the riser.
Second, drilling a small pilot hole and having sea
water hydrostaticpressure availablefor back pres-
sure also greatly enhances well killing ability.
Figure 3 shows the potential flow rate during a
blowout for both a shallow water location (300 ft.
[91 m]) anda deepwater location(3300ft.T\glgd$~~
when drilling with and without a riser.
back pressure of the seawater hydrostatic becomes
increasinglyimportantwith increasingwater depth.
If a gas flow does occur while drilling in deep
water, the gas will be pushed downcurrent and will
safely surface away from the rig. This greatly
diminishes the chances of fire and explosion oc-
curring on t~lerig.
RESPONDINGTO A FLOW CORRECTLY
Wheneverpossiblewell flow is indicatedby either a
pit volume increase, an increase in the rate of
return mud flow, a rapid rise in mud gas contentor a
sudden increase in rate of penetration, then the
followingproceduresshould be carried out:
- Raise the kelly above the rotary
- Stop pumps
- Ensure that the appropriateoverboardvalve is
open
- Check for flow
If there is no flow, resume operations,but check for
flow beforemaking a connectionor atrip, (Note: If
a rise in mud gas content is observed, attempt to
circulatedown or weight up as necessar$after flow
checking.)
If there is flow:
- Sound the kick alarm.
- Close the diverter packer,
- Close the shaker valve.
““ Energize the lower slip joint packing and in-
crease the slip joint packing Lressure.
- Open the subsea dump valve once flow becomes
major,
.
ARQ .“
 . .
6 DRILLINGSAFELY OFFSNORE IN SWALLOW
—...GAS
..—— . .. AREAS
. . .-. ,- cm
.n-ri lcoa7
Ai#Ozt

. Begin pumping dynamic kill weight mud at the
highest attainablerate.
. Make the necessarypreparationsto move the rig
off location. Send persorlnel
to the appropriate
mooring winches to stand ready to release the
brakes at the conmnd of the platformmanager.
- After exhausting the dynamic kill weight mud,
stop pumping and monitor the well.
Note: The subsea dump valve should remain open
during this operationand well flow monitored at the
dump valve outlet with the subsea television.
If the well flow continues,
PROPER CREW TRAINING ESSEdTIAL
The best defense against a catastrophicwell control
situation is thorough ‘lanning and extensive well
control training. Exxon has for many years been an
industry leader in well control training programs.
Our personnel are expected to attend at least onc
Well ControlSchooleach year. These schoolsinclude
both extensivehands-ontraining (includinguseofa
simulator)and class discussionsand homeworkprob-
1ems. Periodically,a Well ControlSchoolconducted
by agroupof companyexpertswi11 be heldon the rig
prior to start of a drilling program. Both company
and contract personnelwould attend in this case.

Switch back to the active drilling mud system
and resume pumping.
Switch to seawater once the active mud system
is exhausted.
Note: During this time the mud engineer should
utilize available pit space to rebuild the 14.5
Ibm/gal [1740 kg/m3] kill mud, Dynamic kill opera-
tions should continue as long as, in the judgmentof
supervisorypersonnel,it is felt that well flow can
continue to be handled by the diverter system.
Should the flow become hazardous to the rig and
personneleven thoughthe flow is being diverted,the
platformmanager shoulddecidewhetherto remainover
the well continuingto divert the flow, or to release
the riser and move the rig off location.
When the decision is made to release the riser, the
rig shouldbe moved off locationat the same time the
riser is released to minimize the risk of ignition
when gas bubbles surface. Movement of the rig is
initially accomplished by releasing the leeward
mooring lines (Figure4). The energy stored in the
mooring system will mcve the vessel cff location.
The winch/wildcatscan then be powered and used to
move the rig further upwind and clearof the gas boil
in the water.
BEFORE DRILLING: DISCUSS THE PLAN
A pre-spudmeeting is held prior to the start-up of
every well. For initialrig start-ups,the pre-spud
meetings are normally held during the time that the
rig is undergoing inspection and acceptancetests.
Holding the pre-spud meeting aboard the rig before
proceedingto the locational:ows all of the drilling
crews and third-partypersonnel to attend the meet-
ings at the same time, In situationswhere one or
more wells are drilled consecutivelyby the same rig,
the pre-spudmeetings are held with all personnelon
board, The pre-spudmeeting ‘isrepeatedeach times
new drill crew arrives on the rig. The primary
topicsof discussionduringthepre-spud meeting are:
Crew training also extends to simulatedemergencies
on the rig. Prior to drillingout of the structural
casing, a diverter drill will be held with each
drillingcrewto insurethat all personnelunderstand
both their assignmentsand the proceduresused for
handling shallow gas flows.
Apit drill is held with each crew once aweek. This
trains the crewon the actionseach person must take
in the event of an unexpectedflow.
CONCLUSIONS
When drilling exploration wells in areas prme to
have shallow gas:
1. Collect all available informationfor use in
program planning.
2. Select a surface locatio!,which avoids recog-
nized (or suspected)shallow gas areas.
3. Oesign all drillingprogramproceduresto main-
tain hydrostaticcontrol of the well.
4. Pro erl prepare all diverter system equipment
R{
to and e a shallow gas flow should one occur.
5 Include a subsea dump valve in the diverter
system.
6. Be preparedto dynamicallykill any shallowgas
:1OW.
7. Consider drilling a small pilot hole to below
the conductorcasing settingdepth ia areas with
a high potentialfor shallow gs.
8. Train all rig personnel to handle emergency
situationswhich may occur. Repeatthe training
as often as requiredto insurethat each person
knows his responsibilityand how to correctly
carry out that responsibility.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author thanks Exxon Company, Internationalfor
permission to publish this paper. The author also
thanks members of the Exxon Company, International
Drilling Organizationfor their assistance in pre-
paring this paper,

Metric ConversionFactors
—
.
. Review of the drilling program
- Review of potentialdrillinghazards (including bbl. K 1.589873 E-01 = m3
discussions orl detectinq/controllingshallow
.. ft. x 3,048* E-01 = m
gas) in. x 2,54* E+OO = cm
. Review of drillingcontractor’sdrilling safety ibm/gal x 1,198264 E+02 = kg/m3
procedures psi x 6.894 757 E+OO = kPa
. Review of drilling contractor’smarine safety
procedures
‘kConversionfactor is exact
I
AKA
-T” -s
 ~ 1589?

Fla.1 COMPONENTS OF DIVERTER SYSTEM

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DUMP VALVE CLOSED BUMPVALVEOPEN

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~ Sub$oa Dump Valvo

MUD LINE

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 4

SE 15897”

FIs, 3 POTENTIAL FLOW RATES

DURING SHALLOW BLOWOUTS

3s00
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Fig. 4 TYPICAL MOORING SYSTEM

+’

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30°

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I I
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ML

PULLING OFF LOCATION USING MOORING SYSTEM ENERGY