Well Integrity & Primary Well Control "Prevention"

Basic Concepts of Well Integrity 

• Introduction to Well Integrity and Preventive Well Control

• Case History of Well Integrity event: The Macondo Blowout
  • Group Discussion

• Well Integrity Training Level I (Awareness) - Overview
  • Exercise on WI Training Level I

• Well Integrity Basic Concepts and Definitions
  • Class Exercise

On the first day of the course, participants will be approached to Well Integrity through the presentation and group discussion of a real case of WI event. The day will move forward with a review of WI Level I training, followed by a discussion of basic concepts of Well Integrity to be applied along the life cycle of the well.

All topics are reinforced with practical exercises and group discussion of well installations.

Well Barriers Design and Implementation 

• Well Barriers Properties and Requirements
  • Group Exercise and Discussion 

• Well Barrier Element Acceptance Criteria (WBEAC)
  • Workshop on WBEAC

•  Specific Barriers Used in Well Operations
  • Group Discussion of Well Barrier Installations

• Responsibilities for Well Integrity Assurance
  • Group Discussion

Deep knowledge of well barriers properties and requirements to perform their functions. Practical exercises and group discussions will help the students in the learning process.

Description of Well Barrier Element Acceptance Criteria (WBEAC), followed by a practical workshop to reinforce the understanding of such criteria. The day will be finished with the discussion of specific barriers installed to conduct well operations and the responsibilities of all involved for well integrity assurance

Fundamentals of Primary Well Control 

• Well Pressure Analysis with the U-Tube concept
  • Class exercises 

• Kick Causes, Prevention and Detection
  • Group Exercise and Discussion 

• Well Control Equipment
  • Workshop on Surface Installations 

• Diverter System and Shallow Gas Contingency

During the third day students will focus on the Primary Well Control for over balanced operations, starting with well pressure analysis using the U-Tube analogy.  Participants will learn main causes for kicks, the preventive actions and early detection. The day will finish with the discussion of well control equipment and diverter systems.

Well Control Procedures and Recommended Practices

• Well Shut-in Procedures and First Actions 

• Conventional Well Control Procedures: Circulation Methods
  • The Driller’s Method – Group Exercise

• Well Control Procedures in Special Conditions 

• Workshop on Recommended Practices for WC avoidance: Check Lists

On the last day, the course will focus on WC actions, starting with the well shut-in, and continuing with the discussion of conventional WC procedures when circulation from bottom is possible.

Students will take part in a group exercise to illustrate the Driller’s Method and finish the day with a workshop on recommended practices to prevent the occurrence of WC events and the loss of well integrity.