Course Overview

Well Control Fundamentals introduces drilling professionals to the basic concepts and procedures for maintaining and regaining control of a well during drilling operations. This course begins by describing the various types of fluid pressures in a well and how they relate to depth, density and pipe length. Example calculations are provided to illustrate the mathematical inter-relationships between the parameters. A presentation of how these pressures exist and react at various points in the borehole and formation follows this introduction. Hydrostatic, friction, formation, surface, bottomhole, trapped, fracture/leak off and drill pipe pressures are all covered, as well as pressure gradients and the U-Tube principle. Following this overview on basic pressure behavior in the drilling process, procedures for regaining control of a well that has taken a kick are then discussed in detail. High-end graphics and animations walk the student in step-by-step fashion through the Driller’s and Wait-and-Weight Methods of well control. Interactive worksheets for both methods of are provided and explained through the use of easy-to-understand terminology and real-world examples. The two methods are then compared to illustrate their advantages and disadvantages. The use of media-rich material and high-impact visuals throughout the course help to clarify and reinforce complex subject material. Quizzes are introduced at key points in the modules to reinforce the users understanding of learning objectives. The need to review specific concepts is identified through this electronic Q&A process.

Module Overview

Module 2 demonstrates how to calculate each type of pressure and to understand its significance in well control. The types of pressures covered include formation pressure, surface pressure, bottomhole pressure, trapped pressure, drill pipe pressure, fracture/ leak-off pressure, and surge and swab pressure.

^*A one-year SkillGRID subscription is required for all new users, billed at $12/year.