BSEE Identifies Early Kick Detection to Prevent Loss of Well Control
Per Holand of Exprosoft presented the research at OESI’s Public Technology Assessment Program Forum
Researcher Per Holand, a senior consult with Exprosoft, presented a risk model at the Ocean Energy Safety Institute’s (OESI) Public Technology Assessment Program Forum that shows earlier kick detection during offshore oil and gas operations could be vital to preventing losses of well control.
The forum feature six BSEE funded projects related to safety and environmental protection.
“We looked at loss of well control events across the world from 2000 to 2014,” Holand stated, “and found that most losses of well control that occur during drilling, workover, and completion occur because well kicks are observed too late.” That presents an opportunity, according to Holand. “To achieve risk reduction,” he said, “the industry should not only try to reduce kick occurrences, but also improve kick detection.”
Roughly nine percent of these incidents can result in fires and explosions.
“It’s important that the industry anticipates both unexpected pressures and downhole failures, and be prepared to react fast when these rare, but potentially catastrophic, events manifest,” Holand said.