Underbalanced Operations and Well Control

Introduction

Supervision of UB operations requires specialized knowledge that exceeds conventional experience and training. During the course, students learn UB transient well behavior and control techniques using an advanced PC-based training simulator called UBitTS. Using this program, students interactively visualize the cause and effect relationship between injection rates, surface choke pressure, and formation flowrate. UB Equipment components and layouts, fluid systems, safety management, and specialized operational procedures are all covered from instructors with significant UB experience.

Objectives

By the end of this course participants will learn how to:

• Evaluate specialized UB equipment and identify their appropriate application
• Apply two-phase hydraulic flow models to manage UB operating windows
• Select and manage UB fluids and surface processing systems
• Drill UB while maintaining pressure control during connections, trips, and completions
• Detect operational problems and their appropriate response actions
• Safely manage UB well operations using industry best practice techniques

Target Audience

• Rig site decision-makers involved in UB projects
• Operator company representatives
• Rig tool pushers
• Service company engineers
• Equipment supervisors

Drilling & Well Construction Outline

The course covers the following topics:

• Technique overview and variations
• Case Histories
• Two phase flow dynamics
• Cased hole dynamics
• Fluid considerations
• Downhole tools
• Conventional well control review
• Underbalanced well control
• Gas well with DP inject
• Surface equipment
• Site management and procedures
• Low-pressure oil well with annular injection
• Normal operational procedures
• Underbalanced problems and solutions
• Written exam
• Examination well