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902 Well Site Preparation and Drilling Safety
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Blowout Prevention Program

The first line of defense in well control is to have sufficient drilling fluid pressure in the well hole.

Blowout Preventer Stack
a Blowout Preventer Stack

During drilling, underground fluids such as gas, water, or oil under pressure (the formation pressure) opposes the drilling fluid pressure (mud pressure).

If the formation pressure is greater than the mud pressure, there is the possibility of a blowout.

Potential Hazards

  • receiving injuries caused by loss of well control

Possible Solutions

  • Appropriate training for tasks performed. Example topics include the following:
    • causes of kicks, including detection
    • pressure concepts and calculations
    • well control procedures
    • gas characteristics and behavior
    • fluids
    • constant bottom hole pressure well control methods
    • well control equipment
    • regulatory information
  • Use of appropriate well control equipment including:
    • specification
    • installation
    • maintenance

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

9-2. In which of the following conditions is there a possibility of a blowout?