Gas migration modeling improves volumetric method of well control

Journal Article · Mon Dec 26 00:00:00 EST 1994 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:7015564

Leach, C P; Quentin, K M ^[1]

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1. Well Control and Systems Design, Houston, TX (United States)

In the volumetric method, gas expansion during gas migration is allowed for by bleeding small quantities of fluid through the choke. When gas first reaches the choke, the influx is distributed near the surface in the annulus. Rapid gas migration then occurs, and mud and gas may need to be bled to maintain constant bottom hole pressure. The volumetric method is a technique for controlling gas kicks when circulation is not possible. The industry-recognized method is based on simple calculations which assume a single bubble of gas, the classic kick. This technique can now be evaluated by using more realistic, deterministic kick models. The results from such models cast double on some of the conventional procedures taught and used in the industry. This article details the analysis of influx behavior following a typical volumetric method. Numerical modeling of fluid losses as the surface pressure rises, gas migration, and dispersion are included to correspond accurately with field observations of kicks. Revised procedures are suggested to deal with these events better, such that the goals of the volumetric method are still attained.

• OSTI ID: 7015564
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 92:52; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PRESSURE CONTROL
ANNULAR SPACE
BUBBLES
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
MASS TRANSFER
NATURAL GAS
CONFIGURATION
CONTROL
DATA
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
SPACE
WELLS
030300* - Natural Gas- Drilling
Production
& Processing