RTAS®: WELL CONTROL SUPPORT & LOSS PREVENTION

Unique Head-to-Head Capabilities, Compared to Conventional RTD Systems

  • RTAS has the ability to issue forward watches and alarms for the risks of evolving kicks.
  • RTAS assists in clarity for operator and rig crew well control responsibilities.
  • RTAS alarms against casing seat test pressure failures.
    • Defines the limits of drilling margins (with a safety factor), hence the maximum ECD achievable at any given depth.
    • Enables improved barrier management.
    • Assist in avoiding barrier losses that can lead to kicks and potential well control incidents.

A Conundrum: Misinterpreting Ballooning vs. Flow

Arguably the No. 1 reason in unconventional drilling that leads to well control incidents:

RTAS has the ability to offer conditional interpretations: is the condition a result of ballooning, or an actual flow event?

If mud weight/ECD is added to a ballooning event the risk becomes loss of barrier due to formation breakdown, then:
Loss of barrier results in a kick.

Flow: If the mud weight/ECD is too low, the risk is kick and flow.

Key: Proactively knowing the difference

Pumps ON: ECD > Rock strength and pressure. Formation elasticity creates a balloon effect, much like a series of micro springs applying forces or stress.

Pumps OFF: Formation relieves ECD applied stress causing fluid to temporarily flow back

Signs of Flow or Kick: Flow increases

LiteSpeed Server 2.0 - Dallas, Tx.

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