10 Daily Steps To Check Your Well Control Preparedness On Drilling Rigs

Check pressures of accumulator (3000 PSI), manifold (1500 PSI) and annular (between 700 and 1200PSI). Check air pressure to air pumps (125 PSI). Look and listen for any leaks of air or oil. Check the 4-way valve setting on control unit for hard shut in. No operational 4-way valves should be in centre position, this will lead to no pressure on the function and avoid confusion about actual position when needed in anger. Check all suction and discharge valves of all pumps and all valves to Accumulator bottles to be open. Check electrical triplex pump is in automatic mode and air supply valves open to all air operated pumps.

Try to remember when was the last time you heard the air pumps and electrical pumps running. Check the audible alarm is switched on and all alarm lights are working.

Once a week and with the rig managers permission open up the bleeder valve and check when the pumps kick in and out again but be aware of the actual Well Control situation. Also check the audible alarm is working by closing the airline to the control unit and bleed some air. The alarm should sound at 80 PSI.

Check the air pressure and hydraulic pressures on both remote stations. Allow a maximum deviation of 10 % from the values on the unit. When was remote station last used? (Should be used as part of the drawdown test and weekly BOP function test).

Check Kelly Cock and Gray Valve are on the rig floor including right X-overs and right Alan Key. Ensure Kelly Cock is working smoothly and Gray Valve is properly stored with push rod in place. Confirm that rig floor – BOP elevation drawing is up to date (for tool joint space out). Check hydraulic (remote) choke is reacting smoothly and position feedback is accurate. Check standpipe and annular pressure gauges on choke panel are reading correct value. Check manual pump is operational.

Ensure an up to date Kill Sheet is available at all times. A new one must be made every 150 meters, including taking new slow circulation rates. You should know what your kick tolerance is for each hole section.

Is the driller’s Flo show (+/-) 10% and PVT +/- set up correctly and alarms working?

Are there PVT sensors in the whole active system? Is the mud engineer informing the driller before transferring any mud in or out from the active system?

When tripping are the correct Open or Closed end DP displacement being used (for the correct trip tank dimensions). Does the driller keep a written record of stands vs. trip tank level?

Check if a NRV is installed in the kill line and check whether all temporary pipe work is fitted with safety lines. Check no leaks on any BOP hoses and that stripping bottle is closed (once per week check stripping bottle pre-charge pressure 400- 600 psi). Do you know the size of the variable rams that are installed?

Ensure your back pressure manifold is set correctly to handle a kick (hard shut in). Check standpipe and annular pressure gauges on back pressure manifold are reading correct value. Confirm whether spare choke parts are available on site.

Is the mud tester measuring mud weight in and out every 30 mins. Is it clear what pits are in the active system. In case of (total) losses, is the well continuously filled with the agreed fill up rate? Is there paper evidence that the fill up rate or tank level is checked every 15 mins. Is the Vacuum degasser operational? When was the Vacuum degasser last test run?

A good mud logger will spot a kick before the driller. Is the mud logger monitoring the whole active system and flow in/out correctly with the alarms set?

In conclusion, process safety is of the utmost importance on oil rigs. Incidents and accidents can have catastrophic consequences for the crew, the environment, and the company. It is the responsibility of everyone on the rig to prioritize and adhere to safe practices at all times. By implementing and following proper procedures, conducting regular drills and assessments, and maintaining equipment, we can ensure that our oil rig operates safely and efficiently. It is only through our collective commitment to process safety that we can prevent incidents and protect ourselves, our colleagues, and the environment.