Experimental Study of Gas Kick Effects on Dynamic Drilling Parameters

Macondo blowout accident in 2010 at the Gulf of Mexico was an eye-opener for many oil and gas operators and oilfield service companies; thus, making early kick detection technology research one of the top industry agenda. However, only limited progress has been made on detection technologies that focus on downhole parameters due to the complexity of offshore drilling operations. Therefore, the current paper experimentally explores downhole drilling parameters for kick indication during drilling. The study uses a fully instrumented laboratory scale drilling rig and air injection and surface monitoring systems. This study observed a sudden jump in bottom hole pressure, increased fluid return, decreased mud density, reduced rate of penetration (ROP), and increased rotary speed as indicators of kick. The most significant new finding is the dampening effects of the drilling vibrations due to kick. Frequency analysis of the axial bit-rock displacements show changes of frequencies due to kick induction during drilling. Coupling this distinct change in bit-rock interactions with dynamic drilling models, the response of the drilling system at the indicating this change can be predicted.