Mr. Erik Milito - The House Committee on Natural Resources ...

66 API STANDARD 65-2
— bullheading the kick back into the formation,
— diverting shallow gas,
— temporarily shutting in the well,
— plugging the borehole with barite or cement plugs leading to partial or complete abandonment of the well.
B.2.9.3 Shallow Water Flows
Shallow water flows are best managed by drilling the interval with weighted fluid. For cementing of shallow flow
zones, specialized cements are recommended as detailed in 5.7 and in API RP 65. More information on controlling
and cementing shallow water flow zones can be found in API RP 65.
B.2.9.4 Planning for Lost Circulation Control
Methods for avoiding or curing lost circulation during drilling can be found in C.2 and C.3, while those for handling lost
circulation during casing and cementing operations are described in 5.8.1. Procedures for managing wellbore
breathing or ballooning should also be considered. Wellbore breathing can be an indication of imminent lost
circulation. If breathing is observed, the following responses should be considered.
— Review system hydraulics to determine if it is possible to reduce ECD. Consider reducing the drilling fluid weight,
if possible.
— Monitor flowback while making connections. Record the volume and duration of flow.
— Do not weight up and risk loss of returns.
— Apply LCM pill.
— When a kick and breathing both occur, consider setting casing.
B.2.9.5 Formation Failure
Procedures for avoiding or managing formation failure vary depending upon the type of formation, the nature of the
instability, and the availability of resources. In general, the following practices should be considered:
— maintain the ECD within planned boundaries (see B.2.6);
— use an appropriate drilling fluid type that provides adequate filter cake and cuttings transport, and inhibits
chemical reactions with the formation;
— avoid surging or swabbing the formation and reduce tripping speeds when the BHA is opposite problem
formations;
— minimize the exposure time in areas where rock deformation or failure is time-dependent (e.g. in salt);
— ensure good hole cleaning (see B.2.6).
In the event of a packoff, the following measures should be considered in the order listed:
— turn off the pumps and bleed down the standpipe pressure;
— apply maximum make-up torque;