At least 25% of all influx events on deepwater wells occur while making connections, but few deepwater-rig contractors use kick-detection alarms to alert the driller during a connection. Because of the transient-flow characteristics associated with connections, kick detection during connections is the most challenging to automate effectively. An influx-detection-at-pumps-stop (IDAPS) software was developed to provide early warning of abnormal flowback conditions during connections.
Introduction
On the basis of an internal review of kick-detection technology, an operator determined that three different well-construction activities must be included in any automated, smart kick-detection system: drilling, making connections, and tripping.
A multiyear effort was initiated in 2012 to develop an automated kick-detection system specific to connections. This effort resulted in the development of the IDAPS software that is now in daily use in the operator’s real-time operations centers (RTOCs), where it is part of the routine suite of monitoring programs used during the well-construction phase of offshore wells.
