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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method of controlling fluid influxes in hydrocarbon wells

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5336504
This patent describes a method of real time control of a gas influx or influxes from an underground formation into a wellbore being drilled. The method comprising the steps of: measuring the drilling mud injection pressure and return pressure and the flow rate at which the drilling mud circulates in the well; deriving a value of the slip rate of the gas in relation to the drilling mud; determining the density of the gas from the flow rate and from the value of the slip rate of the gas; from the pressures and the gas density, determining a value characteristic of the mass of the gas at intervals during its rise through the wellbore towards the surface, the parameter having a substantially constant value for a given influx; monitoring changes in the value; and adjusting the drilling mud return pressure so as to maintain a pressure at the bottom of the well higher than the formation pressure.
Assignee:
Schlumberger Technology, Corp., Houston, TX
Patent Number(s):
US 4867254
Application Number:
PPN: US 7227273A
OSTI ID:
5336504
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English