OISD – RP -174 REVISION

S.N Para
Heading Existing Para Proposed revision Remarks
o. No.
1. Primary well control is by maintaining hydrostatic
pressure in the wellbore at least equal to (preferably
more than) the formation pressure to prevent the flow
of formation fluids. During drilling and workover
operations flow of formation fluids into the wellbore is
considered as kick. If not controlled, a kick may result
in a blowout. For safety of personnel, equipment and
environment, it is of utmost importance to safely
prevent or handle kicks.
This document provides guidance on selection,
installation and testing of well control equipment. The
recommended practices also include procedures for
1.0 INTRODUCTION preventing kicks while drilling and tripping, safe
closure of well on detection of kicks, procedures for
well control drills, during drilling and workover
operations.
Recommendations for the surface installations are
applicable to sub-sea installations also unless stated
otherwise.
All the sections / sub-sections of this document
mentioning ‘drilling’ are relevant to ‘workover
operations’ also, wherever applicable. Terms like
‘drilling fluid’ means ‘workover fluid’ in the context of
workover operations.
2. This document covers selection, installation and
testing of well control equipment both surface and
SCOPE sub-sea, and recommended practices for kick
2.0 prevention, and control and competence requirement
(training and drills) for personnel, in drilling and
workover operations.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.0

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

4. Accumulator (BOP A pressure vessel charged with nitrogen or other inert

Control Unit) gas and used to store hydraulic fluid under pressure
3.1 for operation of blowout preventers and/or diverter
system.
5. A device, which can seal around different sizes &
3.2 Annular Preventer
shapes object in the wellbore or seal an open hole.
6. An uncontrolled flow of well fluids and/or formation
3.3 Blowout
fluids from the wellbore.
7. A device attached to the casing head that allows the
3.4 Blowout Preventer well to be sealed to confine the well fluids to the
wellbore.
8. The assembly of well control equipment including
Blowout Preventer
3.5 Stack
preventers, spools, valves, and nipples connected
to the top of the casing head.
9. Sum of all pressures that are being exerted at the
bottom of the hole and can be written as:
BHP = static pressure + dynamic pressures
Static pressure in a wellbore is due to mud column
hydrostatic pressure and surface pressure.
Dynamic pressures are exerted due to mud
movement or the pipe movement in the wellbore.
BHP under various operating situations is:
Not circulating (static condition)
BHP = hydrostatic pressure due to mud column
Bottom hole
3.6 Pressure (BHP)
While drilling (over balance)
BHP = Hydrostatic pressure of mud + annular
pressure losses.
While drilling (MPD/UBD)
BHP = Hydrostatic pressure of mud + annular
pressure losses + Surface annular pressure
While shut-in after taking kick
BHP = Hydrostatic pressure + surface pressure
While killing a well
BHP = Hydrostatic + surface pressure + annular
pressure losses

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

Running pipe in the hole

BHP = Hydrostatic pressure + surge pressure
Pulling pipe out of hole
BHP = Hydrostatic pressure – swab pressure.
10. The assembly of valves, chokes, gauges, and piping
to control flow from the annulus and regulate
3.7 Choke manifold
pressures in the drill string / annulus flow, when the
BOPs are closed.
11. A distinct increase in gas level above a normal New
3.8 Connection Gas background gas level when a bottom up addition
circulation occurs after a pipe connection.
12. A vessel, which utilizes pressure reduction and/or
3.9 Degasser inertia to separate entrained gases from the liquid
phases.
13. A device attached to the wellhead or marine riser to
3.10 Diverter close the vertical access and direct flow into a line
away from the rig.
14. ECD i.e. Equivalent Circulating Density is equal New
3.11 ECD to Original drilling or completion fluid density addition
plus annular pressure losses.
15. EMW i.e. Equivalent Mud Weight is equal to New
Original Mud weight + Annular pressure losses addition
3.12 EMW
+ weight of drilled cuttings existing in the
annulus
16. The pressure required to initiate a fracture in a sub-
surface formation (geologic strata). Fracture pressure
3.13 Fracture Pressure can be determined by Geo-physical methods; during
drilling fracture pressure can be determined by
conducting a leak off test.
17. Pressure exerted by the fluid column at the depth of
interest is termed as hydrostatic pressure. The
Hydrostatic magnitude of hydrostatic pressure depends upon
3.14 Pressure the density and the vertical height of liquid column.
Hydrostatic pressure can be calculated by the
following formula.

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

Hyd. pressure (psi) = 0.052 x mud wt.(ppg) x TVD

(feet)
Hyd. pressure (kg/cm2) = Mud wt.( gm/cc) x TVD
(mtrs)/10
where TVD = True vertical depth.
18. 3.15 Influx The flow of fluids from the formation into the wellbore.
19. A kick is intrusion of unwanted formation fluids into
wellbore, when hydrostatic head of drilling fluid
3.16 Kick column is / becomes less than the formation
pressure. Kick can lead to blowout, if timely corrective
measures are not taken.
20. Reduced circulating rate (kill rate) is required when
circulating kicks so that additional pressure to prevent
formation flow can be added without exceeding pump
liner rating. Kill rate is normally half of the normal
3.17 Kill Rate
circulating rate. For subsea stacks in deep water, kill
rates less than half of the normal circulating rate may
be required to avoid excessive back pressure in the
choke flow line.
21. Leak off test is a procedure used to determine New
3.18 Leak Off Test the pressure required to initiate a fracture in the addition
open or exposed formation
22. LMRP (Lower Marine Riser Package) is the New
upper section of subsea BOP stack consisting of addition
a hydraulic connector, annular BOP, ball / flex
3.19 LMRP joint, riser adapter, jumper hoses for choke, kill
and auxiliary lines and subsea control pods.
This interfaces with lower BOP stack.

23. The circulating pressure measured at the drill pipe

3.20 Kill Rate Pressure gauge when the mud pumps are operating at the kill
rate.
24. The extension of the wellbore from the subsea BOP
Marine riser
3.21 system
stack to the floating drilling vessel which provides for
fluid returns to the drilling vessel, supports

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

the choke, kill, and control lines, guides tools into the
well, and serves as a running string for the BOP
stack.
25. Maximum It is maximum allowable annular surface pressure
Allowable Annular during well control; any pressure above this may
3.22 Surface Pressure damage formation / casing / surface equipment.
(MAASP)
26. A device that removes gas from the drilling fluid
returns, when a kick is being circulated out. Mud gas
3.23 Mud Gas Separator
separator is also known as gas buster or poor-boy
degasser.
27. ‘Pipe-light’ occurs at the point where the formation
pressure across the pipe cross-section creates an
3.24 Pipe-light upward force sufficient to overcome the downward
force created by the pipe’s weight- a potentially
disastrous scenario.
28. Pressure at which formation fluid is trapped in the
pore (void) spaces of the rock is termed as formation
pressure or pore pressure. It can be expressed in
3.25 Pore Pressure
various ways like: In term of pressure - psi or kg/cm2
In term of pressure gradient - psi /ft or kg/cm2/meter.
In term of equivalent mud wt. - ppg or gm/cc.
29. Riser margin is the mud weight increase below New
the mud line to compensate bottom hole addition
3.26 Riser Margin pressure in case of an accidental disconnect or
a failure in the marine riser close to the BOP
stack at sea bed.
30. The word ‘shall’ is used to indicate that the provision
3.27 Shall
is mandatory.
31. The word ‘should’ is used to indicate that the
3.28 Should provision is recommendatory as per sound
engineering practice.
32. Trip gas is the accumulated gas which enters New
3.29 Trip Gas the wellbore when the mud pumps are shut and addition
trip is being made.

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

33. Trip margin is the small; amount of drilling fluid New

weight carried over that needed to balance addition
formation pressure to overcome the pressure
3.30 Trip Margin
reduction effects caused by swabbing during
tripping operations.

34. Umbilical is a bundle of helically/sinusoidal New

wound small diameter flexible hoses, steel addition
tubes, optical fibre cables or electrical cables.
These are connective medium between surface
3.31 Umbilical
installations and subsea installations and
generally provide hydraulic / electrical power,
fluid injection and / or communication services.

35. Drilling operation, when the hydrostatic head of a

drilling fluid is intentionally (naturally or induced by
Underbalanced adding natural gas, nitrogen, or air to the drilling fluid)
3.32 Drilling (UBD) kept lower than the pressure of the formation being
drilled with the intention of bringing formation fluids to
the surface.
36. Planning for well
4.0 control
37. Kick may be caused due to: To be shifted to clause number
I. Encountering higher than anticipated pore 7.1
4.1 Cause of Kick pressure.
II. Reduction in hydrostatic pressure in the
wellbore.
38. I. Failure to keep the hole full of drilling fluid To be shifted to clause number 7.2
Cause of II. Swabbing,
Reduction in III. Loss of circulation
4.2 Hydrostatic IV. Insufficient drilling fluid density.
Head V. Gas cut drilling fluid
VI. Loss of riser drilling fluid column.
39. 4.1 Well Planning I. Well planning should include conditions

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

anticipated to be encountered during drilling

/working over of the well, the well control a. Casing design,kick
equipment to be used, and the well control
procedures to be followed.
tolerance, Pore
II. For effective well control the following pressure, formation
elements of well planning should be fracture pressure and
considered: down hole temperature
a. Casing design and kick tolerance predictions for the well
b. Cementing
c. Drilling fluid density
bore.
d. Drilling fluid monitoring equipment
e. Blowout prevention equipment b. Drilling fluid type and
selection density
f. Contingency plans with actions to be
taken if the maximum allowable
casing pressure is reached
g. Hydrogen sulphide environment, if
expected.
During well planning shallow gas hazard should also
be considered. Well plan should include mitigating
measures considering the following:
a. Pilot hole drilling,
b. Use of diverter.
c. Riser less drilling (with floater)
40. A diverter system is used during top hole drilling; it A diverter system is used during top hole Point should
allows routing of the flow away from the rig to protect drilling; it allows routing of the flow away from read as
persons and equipment. Components of diverter the rig to protect persons and equipment.
system include – annular sealing device, vent Components of diverter system include –
Diverter outlet(s), vent line(s), valve(s), control system. annular sealing device, vent outlet(s), vent
5 Equipment and line(s), valve(s), control system.
Control System
New addition
Diverter system is mandatory
for:

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

 Subsea wells
Recommended practices for diverter system:
I. The friction loss should not exceed the  Exploratory wells
diverter system rated working pressure, place onshore as well as
undue pressure on the wellbore and /or
exceed other equipment’s design pressure,
offshore.
etc., e.g. marine riser. The diverter system  Development wells
should be accordingly designed. where shallow gas
II. To minimise back pressure (as much as
practical) on the wellbore while diverting well pockets are
fluids, diverter piping should be adequately expected.
sized.
III. Vent lines should be 10” or above for offshore
and 8” or above for onshore.
IV. Diverter lines should be straight as far as
possible, properly anchored and sloping III A. In offshore installation Vent line selector
down to avoid blockage of the lines with valve is to be kept in downward wind direction,
cuttings etc. close diverter packer and close shale shaker
V. The diverter and mud return (flow line) lines inlet valve.
should be separate lines.
VI. Diverter valves should be full opening type
either pneumatic or hydraulic with automatic
sequencing / manual sequencing.
VII. The diverter control system may be self-
contained or an integral part of the blowout
preventer control system. It should be located
in safe area.
VIII. The diverter control system should be
capable of operating the diverter system
from two or more locations - one to be
located near the driller's console.
IX. When a surface diverter system and a sub-
sea BOP stack are used, two separate
control / accumulator systems are required.
This will allow the BOPs to be operated and
the riser disconnected in case the diverter

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

control system gets damaged.

X. Size of the hydraulic control lines should be
as per manufacturer’s recommendations.
XI. Control systems of diverter should be
capable of closing the diverter within
maximum 45 seconds and simultaneously
opening the valves in the diverter lines.
XII. Telescopic/slip joints (in case of floating rigs)
should be incorporated with double seals, to
improve the sealing capability when gas has
to be circulated out of the marine riser.
XIII. Alternate means to operate diverter system
(in case primary system fails) should be
provided

41. Following procedure is recommended for use of

diverter:
I. Stop drilling
II. Pick up Kelly until tool joint is above rotary.
III. Open vent line towards downward wind IIIA In offshore installation Vent line selector To be added
direction, close diverter packer and close valve is to be kept in downward wind direction, between iii and
shale shaker inlet valve. close diverter packer and close shale shaker iv
inlet valve
IV. Stop pump and check for flow through open
Procedures for vent line.
5.1 Diverter Operations V. If flow is positive, pump water or drilling fluid
as required moderating the flow.
VI. Monitor and adjust packer pressure as and
when required.
VII. Alert the personnel on the rig.
VIII. Take all precautions to prevent fire by putting
off all naked flames and unnecessary
electrical systems.
Additionally following are applicable in
case of subsea wells:

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

I. Monitor and adjust slip joint packer pressure

as and when required.
II. Watch for gas bubbles in the vicinity of drilling
vessel.
42. Well Control
6 Equipment &
Control System
43. I. All the equipment including ram preventers, I. All the equipment including ram preventers, Point I
lines, valves and flow fittings shall be lines, valves and flow fittings shall be should read
selected to withstand the maximum selected to withstand the maximum
anticipated surface pressures. Annular anticipated surface pressures. Annular as
preventer can have lower rating than ram preventer can have lower rating than ram
BOP. BOP. (Maximum Anticipated
Surface Pressure = Maximum
anticipated Formation pressure )

II. Welded, flanged or hub end connections are

only recommended on all pressure systems
above 3000 psi
6.1 Selection
III. In sour gas areas H2S trim (refer
NACEMR0175 / ISO 15156) equipment
should be used. V to be
IV. Kill lines should be of minimum 2” nominal replaced
size and choke line should be of minimum 3” V Size of choke line and choke
nominal size. manifold should be same. Minimum
V. Size of choke line and choke manifold should nominal inside diameter (ID) for
be same.. downstream of the chokes shall be
equal to or greater than the nominal
connection size of the choke inlet and
outlet

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

VI to be
VI. Closing systems of surface BOPs should be VI Closing systems of surface BOPs should be replaced
capable of closing each ram preventer and capable of closing each ram preventer and
annular preventer up to 18¾” size within 30 annular preventer smaller than 18¾” size within
seconds and annular preventer above 18¾” 30 seconds and annular preventer 18¾” and
size within 45 seconds. bigger size within 45 seconds.
VII. Closing systems of sub-sea BOPs should be
capable of closing each ram preventer within
45 seconds and annular preventer within 60
seconds.
VIII. Ram type subsea preventers should be
equipped with an integral or remotely
operated locking system. Surface ram
preventer should be equipped with
mechanical / hydraulic ram locks.

44. I. The organisation should establish inspection I. The organisation should establish inspection Point I
and maintenance procedures for well control and maintenance procedures for well control should read
equipment. Inspections and maintenance equipment. Inspections and maintenance
procedures should take into consideration the procedures should take into consideration
as
OEM’s recommendations. the OEM’s recommendations and / or
relevant API / ISO / OISD
standards
Periodic Inspection II. Inspection recommendations, where
6.2 and Maintenance applicable, may include:
i. Verification of instrument accuracy
ii. Relief valve settings
iii. Pressure control switch settings
iv. Nitrogen pre-charge pressure in
accumulators
v. Pump systems
vi. Fluid Level
vii. Lubrication Points
viii. General condition of

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

i. Piping systems
ii. Hoses
iii. Electrical conduit/cords
iv. Mechanical components
v. Structural components
vi. Filters/strainers
vii. Safety covers/devices
viii. Control system adequacy
ix. Battery condition
III. Inspections between wells: after each well,
the well control equipment should be
cleaned, visually inspected, preventive
maintenance performed before installation at POINT NO
the next well. The inspection should include IV SHOULD
the seal area of the connectors (Choke and
kill lines) for any damage.
READ AS
IV. Major inspection: after every 5 years of
service or as per OEM’s recommendation. IV. Major inspection: after every 5 years of
The BOP stack, choke manifold, and diverter service or as per OEM’s recommendation.
assembly should be disassembled, and The BOP stack, choke manifold, and diverter
inspected in accordance with the OEM’s assembly should be disassembled, and
guidelines. inspected in accordance with the OEM’s
guidelines.

• The recertification of well control

equipment after five yearly major
inspections should preferably be
carried out by OEM or OEM
authorized repair facility in line with
the recertification procedures
mentioned in Appendix -B of API
16A. 2004 edition
• All the elastomers are to be replaced
with the OEM spares.

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

• After assembling the unit, it should

be pressure tested at Rated Working
Pressure.
V. Spare parts requirement as per OEM should
be considered. However, minimum spare
parts as listed below should be readily
available:
i. A complete set of ram seals for each
size and type of ram BOP in use.
ii. A complete set of bonnet or door
seals for each size and type of ram
BOP in use.
iii. Ring gaskets to fit end connections.
iv. A spare annular BOP packing
element and a complete set of seals.
VI. During storage of BOP metal parts and
related equipment, they should be coated
with a protective coating to prevent rust.
Storage of elastomer parts should be in
accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations.
VII. System should be in place to control use of
rubber / elastomer parts, having limited shelf VII. System should be in place to Point no VII
life. control use of rubber / should read
elastomer parts, having limited as
shelf life. Elastomers exposed to
drilling / completion fluid shall be
compatible to fluid in use while
drilling and completion
operations

VIII. Separate maintenance history / log book of

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

all the BOPs, Choke manifold and Control Point no IX

unit should be maintained. IX All pressure gauges and relief valves should read
IX. All pressure gauges on the BOP control
system should be calibrated at least every
on the BOP control unit should be calibrated as
three years. at least once in a year.

45. Surface blow out prevention equipment is used on

land operations and offshore operations where the
wellhead is above the water level.

I. Well control equipment can be classified under

the following categories based on pressure
rating:
a) 2000 psi WP
b) 3000 psi WP
c) 5000 psi WP
d) 10000 psi WP
e) 15000 psi WP, and
f) 20,000 psi WP
Surface Blow out
6.3 Prevention
II. Refer Annexure-I for recommended 2000 psi
Equipment
BOP stack. One double, or two single ram II. Refer Annexure-I for recommended Point no II
type preventers - one of which be equipped 2000 psi BOP stack. One single ram should read as
with correct size pipe rams the other with blind type preventers with correct size of pipe
or blind shear rams. ram and one annular BOP
or
One double of which ram should be
equipped with correct size pipe rams
and the other with blind or blind shear
rams
(Preferably one Annular preventer and
one ram preventer should be
considered for the following advantages

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

• It can close any size / shape of tubular

or non-cylindrical objects with minimum
response time.
• Drill pipes / tool joints can be slipped
through it by means of careful control of
the hydraulic closing pressure.
• It can maintain effective seal around drill
pipes even as it rotates.
III. Refer Annexure-II for recommended
3000/5000 psi BOP stack. The stack
comprises of, besides annular BOP, one
double, or two single ram type preventers -
one of which should be equipped with correct
size pipe rams and the other with blind or
blind-shear rams.
IV. Refer Annexure-III for recommended 10000 / IV Refer Annexure-III for recommended 10000 / Point no IV
15000 / 20000 psi BOP stack. The stack 15000 / 20000 psi BOP stack. The stack should read as
comprises of, besides annular BOP, three comprises of, besides annular BOP, three
single, or one double and one single ram type single, or one double and one single ram type
preventers: one of which should be equipped preventers: one of which should be equipped
with blind or blind-shear rams and the other with blind or blind-shear rams and and the other
two with correct size pipe rams. two with correct size of variable ram to close
against pipe if multiple size of string is in use

V. When the bottom ram preventer is equipped

with proper size side outlets, the kill and choke
lines may be connected to the side outlets of
the bottom preventer. In that case the drilling
spool may be dispensed with.
VI. Inspite of the above, a drilling spool use may
be considered for the following two
advantages:
a. Stack outlets at drilling spool
localizes possible erosion in less
expensive drilling spool.
b. It allows additional space between

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

preventers to facilitate stripping, hang

off, and / or shear operations.

VIII. A fill up line should be provided above Point no VIII &

the uppermost preventer. IX new point

Ix. Prior to commencing operations with

tapered drill string, the BOP stack should be
provided with one set of variable pipe rams
capable of sealing around both the sizes of drill
pipes.

46. I. Control systems are typically simple closed

hydraulic control systems consisting of a
reservoir for storing hydraulic fluid, pump
equipment for pressurizing the hydraulic fluid,
accumulator banks for storing power fluid,
manifold, piping and control valves for
Control System for transmission of control fluid for the BOP stack
Surface BOP functions.
Stacks (Onshore II. A suitable control fluid should be selected as
6.3.1 and Bottom the system operating medium based on the
supported control system operating requirements,
Offshore environmental requirements and user
Installations) preference.
III. Two (primary and secondary) or more pump
systems should be used having independent
power sources. Electrical and / or air
(pneumatic) supply for powering pumps
should be available at all times such that the
pumps will automatically start when the

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

system pressure has decreased to

approximately ninety percent of the system
working pressure and automatically stop
within plus zero or minus 100 psi of the
system design working pressure.
IV. With the accumulators isolated, the pump
system should be capable of closing annular
BOP on the drill string being used, open HCR
valve on choke line and achieve the
operating pressure level of annular BOP to
effect a seal on the annular space within 2
minutes
V. Each pump system should be protected from
over pressurisation by a minimum of two
devices designed to limit the pump discharge
pressure. One device should limit the pump
discharge pressure so that it will not exceed
the design working pressure of a BOP
Control System. The second device normally
a relief valve, should be sized to relieve at a
flow rate of at least equal to the design flow
rate of the pump systems, and should be set
to relieve at not more than ten percent over
the design pressure.
VI. The combined output of all pumps should be
capable of charging the entire accumulator
system from precharge pressure to the
maximum rated control system working
pressure within 15 minutes.
VII. The hydraulic fluid reservoir should have a
capacity equal to at least twice the useable
hydraulic fluid capacity of the accumulator
system.
VIII. In the field, the precharge pressure should be
checked and adjusted to within 100 psi of the
recommended precharge pressure during

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

installation of the control system and at the

start of drilling each well (interval not to
exceed sixty days)
IX. The BOP control system should have a
minimum stored hydraulic fluid volume,
with pumps inoperative, to satisfy the
greater of the following two requirements:

a) Close from a full open position at

zero wellbore pressure, all of the
BOPs in the BOP stack, plus 50%
reserve
b) The pressure of the remaining stored
accumulator volume after closing all
of the BOPs should exceed the
minimum calculated (using the BOP
closing ratio) operating pressure
required to close any ram BOP
(excluding the shear rams) at the
maximum rated wellbore pressure of
the stack.
X. All rigid or flexible lines between the control
system and BOP stack should be fire
resistant including end connections, and
should have a working pressure equal to the
design working pressure of the BOP control
system. All control system interconnect
piping, tubing hose, linkages etc. should be
protected from damage from drilling
operations, drilling equipment movement and
day to day personnel operations.
XI. The control unit should be installed in a
location away from the drill floor and easily
accessible to the persons during an
emergency.
XII. A minimum of one remote control panel

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

accessible to the driller to operate all

system functions during drilling operations
should be installed at onshore rigs. In
offshore, one control panel shall be available
at a non-hazardous area preferably tool
Pusher office for BOP stack functions,
besides the one near the driller.
XIII. Remote control panels should have light
indicators to show open/close/block position
of each BOPS and Hydraulically operated
choke and kill valves. For onshore it is
optional and for offshore unit it is must.
XIV. For offshore units emergency backup BOP Point no XIV was to be
control system should be available. A backup
system consists of a number of high pressure deleted(discuss)
gaseous nitrogen bottles manifolded together
to provide emergency auxiliary energy to the
control manifold. The nitrogen backup system
is connected to the control manifold through
an isolation valve and a check valve. If the
accumulator pump unit is not able to supply
power fluid to the control manifold, the
nitrogen back-up system may be activated to
supply high pressure gas to the manifold to
close the BOPs.
47. Subsea BOP stack arrangements should provide
means to:
I. Close in on the drill string and on the casing
or liner and allow circulation.
Subsea Blow out II. Close and seal on open hole and allow
6.4 Prevention volumetric well control operations.
Equipment III. Strip the drill string using the annular BOP(s).
IV. Hang off the drill pipe on a ram BOP and
control the wellbore.
V. Shear logging cable or the drill pipe and seal

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

the wellbore.
VI. Disconnect the riser from the BOP stack.
VII. Circulate the well after drill pipe disconnect.
VIII. Circulate across the BOP stack to remove
trapped gas.
48. Subsea blow out prevention equipment is used on
subsea wellhead.
I. Well control equipment can be classified in
following categories based on pressure
rating.
a) 2000 psi WP
b) 3000 psi WP
c) 5000 psi WP
d) 10000 psi WP
e) 15000 psi WP and
f) 20,000 psi WP
II. Arrangements for subsea BOP stack at
Annexure – IV and V should be referred.
III. Annular BOPs are designated as lower
annular and upper annular. Annular BOP
6.4.1 Subsea BOP Stack may have a lower rated working pressure
than the ram BOPs.
IV. Choke and kill lines are manifolded such that IV Arrangement of Choke and kill manifold Point no IV
each can be used for either purpose. The should be such that each can be used for either should read as
identifying labels for the choke and kill lines purpose. The identifying labels for the choke
are arbitrary. When a circulating line is and kill lines are arbitrary. When a circulating
connected to an outlet below the bottom ram line is connected to an outlet below the bottom
BOP, this circulating line is generally ram BOP, this circulating line is generally
designated as kill line. When kill line is designated as kill line. When kill line is
connected below the lowermost BOP, it is connected below the lowermost BOP, it is
preferable to have one choke line and one kill preferable to have one choke line and one kill
line connection above the bottom ram BOP. line connection above the bottom ram BOP.
When this bottom connection does not exist, When this bottom connection does not
either or both of the two circulating lines may exist, either or both of the two circulating
alternately be labelled as a choke line. lines may alternately be labelled as a
choke line.

20
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

V. Some differences as compared to surface

BOP systems are:
a) Choke and kill lines are normally
connected to ram preventer body
outlets to reduce stack height and
weight, and to reduce the number of
stack connections.
b) Spools may be used to space
preventers for shearing tubular,
hanging off drill pipe, or stripping
operations.
c) Blind-shear rams are used in place c. Blind-shear rams are used in Point C should
of blind rams. place of blind rams. The Blind- shear read as
ram shall be capable of shearing any
drill pipe in the hole under Maximum
Anticipated Surface Pressure

d) Ram preventers should be equipped

with an integral or remotely operated
locking system.
49. For subsea operations, BOP operating and control
equipment should include:
I. Floating drilling rigs experience vessel
motion, which necessitates placement of the
BOP stack on the sea floor. The control
Control System for systems used on floating rigs are usually
6.4.2 Subsea BOP open-ended hydraulic systems (spent
Stack hydraulic fluid vents to sea) and therefore
employ water-based hydraulic control fluids.
II. An independent automatic accumulator unit
for subsea BOP control system complete with
an automatic mixing system to maintain
mixed fluid ratios and levels of mixed

21
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

hydraulic fluids.
III. The accumulator capacity should be sufficient
for closing, and opening all ram type
preventers, annular preventers and fail-safe-
close valves without recharging accumulator
bottles, and the remaining pressure should
be either 200 psi above recommended
precharge pressure or value based on the
closing ratio of ram preventer in use,
whichever is more.
IV. The unit should be equipped with two or more
pump system driven by independent power
source. Capacity of the pumps should meet
following:
a) With accumulator isolated, each pump
system should be capable of closing annular
preventer and opening fail-safe-close valve of
choke within 2 minutes time.
b) Combined output of all the pumps should be
capable of charging accumulator to the rated
pressure within 15 minutes.
V. Accumulators should be installed on the BOP
stack for quicker response of the functions,
and its precharge pressure should be
compensated for water gradient.
VI. Two full function remote control panels to
operate BOP stack functions should be
available, out of which one should be
accessible to driller on the rig floor. A flow
meter for indicating control fluid flow should
be located on each remote control panel.
VII. The remote panels should be connected to
the control manifold in such a way that all
functions can be operated independently
from each panel.
VIII. Two independent control pods with all VIII The Subsea BOP stack shall have two Point no VIII

22
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

necessary valves and regulators to operate Two fully redundant control pods. Each control Point no VII
all BOP stack functions should be available. pod should contain all necessary valves and should read as
Two separate and independent sets of regulators to operate BOP stack and LMRP
surface and subsea umbilical should be used, functions. The control pods may be retrievable
one dedicated to each control pod. Main or non-retrievable. To isolate the pods from one
hydraulic fluid line should be of minimum 1” another, each control pod shall be connected to
size. a shuttle valve that is connected to each
operable function
Old point no
IX. An emergency control system, either acoustic IX. If one of the two PODS fails, the IX deleted
system or remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations should be stopped, well
operated control system should be used in and new
the event that the BOP functions are
secured and the faulty POD should point should
inoperative due to a failure of the primary be made operational prior to resume read as
control system. Emergency control system the further operations follows
should charge and discharge stack mounted
accumulator, close at least one ram type
preventer, blind shear ram and open Lower
Marine Riser Package (LMRP) hydraulic
connector.
IX A. Umbilical and Reels Point no IX
A is new
1. There should be two or more means of
surface to subsea power fluid supply. The rigid point to be
conduit(s) are attached to the riser and provide included
the primary hydraulic supply to the subsea between old
control pods. X and XI in
2. The hotline hose supplies power fluid revised 174
from the surface to subsea control pods
mounted on the LMRP. The hot line is run,
retrieved and stored on the hose reel.
3. The hot line(s) and MUX cable(s)
should be secured to the riser by clamps to
prevent corrosion and damage. The outer
sheath of the hot line and MUX cable should be
inspected visually for damage on retrieval.

23
OISD – RP -174 REVISION

4. The hot lines should be tested at MWP

of the system once a year.
5. Re-terminations, repairs of Hot line and
MUX cable should be tested at the RWP of the
hose.
6. The MUX electrical cables supplies
power and communication for control of the
subsea pod functions. The MUX cable should
be run, retrieved and stored on a cable reel.
7. All underwater electrical umbilical cable
terminations should be sealed to prevent water
migration into the cable in the event of
connector failure or leakage and also to prevent
water migration from the cable into the subsea
connector termination in the event of water
intrusion into the cable.
8. Individual connector terminations should
be physically isolated so that sea water intrusion
does not cause electrical short circuiting.
9. The hose / MUX cable reel should be
equipped cwith a brake, mechanical lock and
guard.

XI. Secondary control system:

 ROV (Remotely operated vehicles)

intervention
• The BOP stack should be equipped with
Point no XI is
ROV intervention equipment that at a minimum new point in
allows the operation of critical functions i.e. revised 174
shear ram, one pipe ram, ram locks and
unlatching of LMRP connector.
• Hydraulic fluid can be supplied by the
ROV, accumulators mounted on BOP stack or
an external hydraulic power source maintained
at the well site.

24
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

• All critical functions shall be fitted with

single port docking receptacle designed in line
with the requirements of API -17H. If a multiple
receptacle type are used, the receptacle and the
functions should have positive identification.
 Acoustic control system
• The acoustic control system is an
optional control system designed to operate
designated BOP stack and LMRP functions. It
may be used when the primary control system
fails to operate.
• The hydraulic accumulator system may
be used for both the acoustic system as well as
emergency control system.
• The acoustic accumulators shall be
capable of being completely discharged subsea
prior to recovering the BOP to surface

X. The BOP control system should be capable

of closing each ram BOPs and opening or Old point no
closing fail-safe-close valves within 45 X becomes
seconds. For annular preventer, closing time point no XII
should not exceed 60 seconds. Time to in revised
unlatch the LMRP should be less than 45 174 and so
seconds.
XI. Precharge pressure of accumulator bottle in on. Last
case of 3000 psi WP unit should be 1000 +/- point no is
100 psi and in case 5000 psi WP unit should XVIII in
be 1500+/- 100 psi. Only Nitrogen should be revised 174
used for precharge. instead of
XII. Separate diverter control panel should be
available at rig floor to operate all diverter XVI in old
control functions. Second control panel 174.
should be provided in the safe and

25
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

approachable area away from rig floor.

XIII. If diverter control system is not self-
contained, hydraulic power may be supplied
from BOP control system.
XIV. The diverter control system should be
designed to prohibit closing the diverter
packer unless diverting lines have been
opened.
XV. Air storage backup system should be
provided with capability to operate all the
pneumatic functions at least twice in the
event of loss of rig air pressure.
XVI. The drilling BOP shall have two annular
preventers. One or both of the annular
preventers shall be part of the LMRP. It
should be possible to bleed off gas trapped
between the preventers in a controlled way.
50. For Deep water drilling operations following additional
requirements should be met:
I. If two or more different size strings are run,
blind-shear ram should be able to shear all
sizes of string.
II. Use of two blind-shear rams is preferred for
ensuring the backup seal in case of
unplanned disconnect.
Deep Water Drilling III. In addition to choke and kill lines, a dedicated
6.4.3 Operations boost line shall be provided for riser cleaning
with necessary boost line valves above the
BOP stack.
IV. In the event of full or partial evacuation of
mud from the riser, to combat riser collapse,
an anti-collapse valve should be provided in
the riser system allowing automatic entry of
seawater.
V. ROV should be able to perform following

26
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

functions:
i. LMRP and wellhead connector
unlatch.
ii. LMRP and wellhead ring gasket
release.
iii. Methanol / Glycol injection.
iv. Opening and closing of pipe rams
and blind-shear rams.
v. LMRP and Accumulator Dump.
VI. The need to utilize a multiplex BOP control
system to meet the closing time requirements
should be evaluated for application, if
required.
VII. The kill-/choke line ID should be verified vis-
à-vis acceptable pressure loss, to allow killing
of the well at predefined kill rates. The kill-
/choke line should not be less than 88.9 mm
(3½ inches).
VIII. It should be possible to monitor the shut-in
casing pressure through the kill line when
circulating out an influx by means of the work
string / test tubing / tubing.
IX. It should be possible to monitor BOP
pressure and temperature at surface, through
appropriate means.
X. It should be possible to flush wellhead
connector with antifreeze liquid solution by
using the BOP accumulator bottles or with a
ROV system or other methods.
XI. Detailed riser verification analysis should be
performed with actual environment and well
data (i.e. weather data, current profiles, rig
characteristics etc.) and should be verified by
a 3 party.
rd

XII. A simulated riser disconnect test should be

conducted considering manageable

27
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

emergency weather / operational scenarios.

XIII. The riser should have the following:
 current meter;
 riser inclination measurement
devices along the riser;
 riser tensioning system with an
anti-recoil system to prevent
riser damage during
disconnection;
 flex joint wear bushing to reduce
excessive flex joint wear.
 riser fill-up valve.
XIV. Parameters that affect the stress situation of
the riser should be systematically and
frequently collected and assessed to provide
an optimum rig position that minimizes the
effects of static and dynamic loads.
XV. Wellhead and riser connector should be
equipped with hydrate seal.
XVI. During drilling operations, to avoid any
damage to drilling equipment in the event of
station keeping failure, there should be
prescribed emergency disconnect
procedures, clearly indicating the point at
which disconnect action is to be started.
XVII. In general, preparation for disconnect should
begin at a distance with reference to well
mouth, when it is 2.5 % of water depth and
disconnect should be initiated at 5.5 % of
water depth.
XVII A. An Emergency Disconnect New point to
Sequence (EDS) shall be available on be included
all subsea stacks Of Dynamically between
positioned drilling rigs. It is optional for XVII &
moored drilling rigs. XVIII.

28
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

• The EDS is a programmed

sequence of events that operates the
functions to leave the stack and control
the desired state and disconnect the
LMRP from the lower stack.
• The number of sequence, timing
and functions of EDS are specific to the
rig, equipment and location.
• There shall be a minimum of two
separate locations from where the EDS
can be activated.
XVIII. Emergency disconnect should include the
following:
i. Hang up of the drill pipes on pipe
rams.
ii. Shearing the drill pipe.
iii. Effect seal on the wellbore.
iv. Disconnect the LMRP.
v. Clear the BOP with LMRP.
vi. Safely capture the riser.
XIX. For monitoring riser angles, flex joint angle
reading should be available at the driller
console on a real time basis and connected
to an alarm on derrick floor.
XX. In variance to 0.5 ppg kick margin normally
considered, for deep water a variance of upto
0 .2 ppg for conductor casing interval and 0.3
ppg for surface casing interval can be
considered.
XXI. When using tapered drill pipe string there
should be pipe rams to fit each pipe size.

29
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

Variable bore rams should have sufficient

hang off load capacity.
XXII. Bending loads on the BOP flanges and
connector shall be verified to withstand
maximum bending loads (e.g. highest
allowable riser angle and highest expected
drilling fluid density.) XXIV. The Dynamically positioned
offshore Deep water drillings unit should
be provided with emergency BOP
control system i.e. Autoshear” and
“Deadman”.

• The ‘Autoshear’ is a safety

system designed to automatically shut
in the well bore in the event of an
untended disconnect of LMRP. The
auto shear system should be armed
while latching the BOP stack on to the
wellhead.
• The ‘Deadman’ is a safety
system designed to automatically shut
in the wellbore in the event as a
simultaneous failure of hydraulic supply
and electrical supply of the drilling rig.
The deadman system should be armed
while latching the BOP stack on to well
head.
• The dedicated emergency
accumulator system may be used for
both the ‘Autoshear’ and ‘Deadman’
systems.

30
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

51. Choke and Kill

6.5 Lines
52. I. The choke manifold consists of high pressure
pipe, fittings, flanges, valves, and manual
and/or hydraulic operated adjustable chokes.
This manifold may bleed off wellbore
pressure at a controlled rate or may stop fluid
flow from the wellbore completely, as
required.
II. For working pressure of 3000 psi and above,
flanged, welded or clamped connections
should be used on the component subjected
to well pressure.
III. Choke line from BOP to choke manifold and
bleeding line should be of minimum 3 inches
nominal diameter.
Choke Lines and IV. In downstream of choke line alternate flow
Choke Manifold and flare routes should be provided so that
6.5.1 Installation with eroded / plugged or malfunctioning parts can
Surface BOP be isolated for repair without interrupting flow
control.
V. When buffer tanks are employed in
downstream of chokes, provision should be
made to isolate a failure or malfunctioning
without interrupting flow.
VI. The choke manifold should be placed in a VI The choke manifold should be placed
readily accessible location, preferably outside in a readily accessible location,
of the rig structure. preferably outside of rig structure for
onshore rigs.

VII. All the choke manifold valves should be full

opening and designed to operate in high
pressure gas and drilling fluid service.

31
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

VIII. All the connections and valves in the

upstream of choke should have a working
pressure at least equal to the rated working
pressure of ram preventer in use.
IX. Choke manifold should be pressure tested as
per the schedule as fixed for blowout
preventer stack in use.
X. The spare parts for equipment subject to
wear or damage should be readily available.
XI. Pressure gauges and sensors compatible to
drilling fluid should be installed so that drill
pipe and annular pressures may be
accurately monitored and readily observed at
the station where well control operations are
to be conducted. These should be tested /
calibrated as per documented schedule.
XII. Preventive maintenance of the choke
assembly and controls should be performed
regularly, checking particularly for corrosion,
wear and plugged or damaged lines.
XIII. Spare parts requirement as per OEM should
be considered. However, minimum spare
parts as listed below should be readily
available:
i. One complete valve for each size
installed.
ii. Two repair kits for each valve size
installed.
iii. Parts for manually adjustable chokes,
such as flow tips, seat and gate,
inserts, packing, gaskets, O-rings,
disc assemblies, and wear sleeves.
iv. Parts for remotely controlled
choke(s).
v. Miscellaneous items such as hose,
flexible tubing, electrical cable,

32
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

pressure gauges, small control line

valves, fittings and electrical
components.
XIV. The following are the recommendations for
choke installation up to 5000 psi WP rating:
i. Use two manually operated
adjustable chokes (out of two
chokes, use of one remotely
operated choke is optional).
ii. At least one valve should be installed
in upstream of each choke in the
manifold.
XV. The following are the recommendations for
choke installation of 10000 psi WP and above
rating:
i. One manually operated adjustable
choke and at least one remotely
operated choke should be installed. If
prolonged use of this choke is
anticipated, a second remotely
operated choke should be used.
ii. Two valves should be installed in
upstream of each choke in the
manifold.
iii. The remotely operated choke should
be equipped with an emergency
backup system such as a manual
pump or nitrogen for use in the event
rig air becomes unavailable.
53. I. The kill line system provides a means of
Kill Lines and Kill pumping into the wellbore when the normal
Manifold method of circulating down through the Kelly
6.5.2 Installation with or drill pipe cannot be employed. The kill line
Surface BOP connects the drilling fluid pumps to a side
outlet on the BOP stack.

33
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

II. All lines valves, check valves and flow fittings

should have a working pressure at least
equal to the rated working pressure of the
ram BOPs in use. The equipment should be
tested on installation and periodic operation,
inspection; testing and maintenance should
be performed as per the schedule fixed for
the BOP stack in use, unless OEM’s
recommendations dictate otherwise.
III. Line size should be minimum 2 inches
nominal diameter.
IV. Two full bore valves (manual / HCR) should
be installed for up to 3000 psi manifold. Use
of check valve is optional.
V. Two full bore manual valves and a check
valve or one full bore manual and one HCR
valve should be used in kill line in 5000 psi
and above pressure rating manifold.
VI. Spare parts requirement as per OEM should
be considered. However, minimum spare
parts as listed below should be readily
available:
i. One complete valve for each size
installed.
ii. Two repair kits for each valve size
utilised.
iii. Miscellaneous items such as hose,
flexible tubing, electrical cable,
pressure gauges etc.
54. I. Subsea BOP choke and kill lines are
Choke and Kill connected through choke manifold to permit
Lines Installation pumping or flowing through either line.
6.5.3 with Subsea BOP II. Choke and kill line should be of minimum
Stack three inches nominal diameter.
III. One kill / choke line should be connected to

34
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

lower most side outlet of BOP.

IV. There should be minimum one choke line and
one kill line connection above lower ram
BOP.
V. The ram BOP outlet connected to choke or
kill line should have two full opening
hydraulically operated failsafe- close valves
adjacent to preventer.
VI. Connector pressure sealing elements should
be inspected, changed as required, and
tested before being placed in service.
Periodic pressure testing is recommended
during installation. Pressure rating of all lines
and sealing elements should be at least
equal to the rating of ram BOP.
VII. Periodic flushing of choke and kill line should
be carried out to avoid plugging since they
are normally closed.
VIII. Flexible connections required for choke and
kill lines should have pressure rating at least
equal to the rated working pressure of ram
BOP.
IX. Spare parts requirement as per OEM should
be considered. However, minimum spare
parts as listed below should be readily
available:
i. One complete valve of each size
installed.
ii. Two repair kits for each valve size in
use.
iii. Sealing elements for choke and kill
lines.
55. Wellhead, BOP I. Wellhead equipment should withstand
6.6 Equipment and anticipated surface pressures and allow for
Choke & Kill Lines future remedial operations. Wellhead should

35
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

Installation be tested on installation.

II. Prior to drilling out the casing shoe, the
casing should be pressure tested. Pressure
test of all casing strings including production
casing / liner should be done to ensure
integrity of casing.
III. When the well head and BOP stack used are
of higher working pressure than the required
as per design of the specific well, the
equipment may not be tested to its rated
pressure.
IV. When ram type preventers are installed the
side outlets should be below the rams.
V. All connections, valves, fittings, piping etc.
exposed to well pressure, should be flanged
or clamped or welded and must have a
minimum working pressure equal to the rated
working pressure of the preventers.
VI. Always install new and clean API ring
gaskets. Check for any damage in the ring as
well as grooves before use.
VII. Correct size bolts/nuts and fittings should be
used and tightened to the recommended
torque. All connections should be pressure
tested before drilling is resumed.
VIII. All manually operated valves should be
equipped with hand wheels, and always be
kept ready for use.
IX. Ram type preventers should have locking
arrangement manual or auto lock.
X. Wellhead side-outlets should not be used for
killing purpose, except in case of
emergencies.
XI. Kill lines should not be used for routine fill up
operations.
XII. All sharp bends in high pressure lines should

36
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

be of targeted type.
XIII. All choke and kill lines should be as straight
as practicable and firmly anchored to prevent
excessive whip or vibration. Choke and Kill
manifolds should also be anchored.
XIV. All control valves of BOP control unit be
either in the fully close or open position as
required and should not be left in block or
neutral position during operations.
XV. Control valve of blind / blind–shear ram
should be protected to avoid unintentional
operation from the remote panel.
XVI. Recommended oil level should be maintained
in the control unit reservoir.
XVII. Outlets of all sections of well head should
have at least one gate valve.
56. Blow out Preventer
6.7 Testing
57. I. All operational components of the BOP
equipment systems and diverter (if in use)
should be function tested at least once a
week to verify the components’ intended
operations. Additional
BOP stack should be function tested for point
“CLOSE’ and “OPEN” functions separately. between I &
II.
6.7.1 Function Test II. The test should be preferably conducted
when the drill string is inside casing.
III. Both pneumatic and electric pump of
accumulator unit should be turned off after
recording initial accumulator pressure.
IV. All the blow out preventers and hydraulically
operated remote valve (HCR) in choke / kill
line should be function tested. Closing time of
rams and opening time of HCR should be

37
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

recorded.
V. For surface BOP stack closing time should
not exceed 30 seconds for each ram
preventers and annular preventers smaller
than 18¾" and 45 seconds for annular
preventer of 18¾" and larger size. For sub-
sea BOP stack closing time should not
exceed 45 seconds for all ram preventers
and 60 seconds for annular preventers.
VI. Operating response time for choke and kill
valves (either open or close) should not
exceed the minimum observed ram BOP
close response time.
VII. Function test should be carried out alternately
from main control unit / rig floor panel /
auxiliary panel.
VIII. Record final accumulator pressures after all
the functions. It should not be less than 200
psi above the recommended precharge
pressure of accumulator bottles.
Record the accumulator pressure drop after
each “Close” or ‘Open” function (with charging
To be included
pumps shut). The final accumulator pressures between VIII 7 IX.
after all the functions should not be less than
200 psi above the recommended precharge
pressure of accumulator bottles.

IX. All the gate valves and blow out preventers

should be returned to their original position
before resuming operations.
X. All the results should be recorded in the
prescribed format (Annexure-VII).
58. I. All blowout prevention components that may I All blowout prevention components that may Red
6.7.2 Pressure Test be exposed to well pressure should be tested be exposed to well pressure should be tested highlighted
first to a low pressure and then to a high first to a low pressure and then to a high
portion

38
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

pressure. These include blowout preventer pressure. These include blowout preventer additional.
stack, all choke manifold components, stack, all choke manifold components, upstream
upstream of chokes, kill manifold / valves, of chokes, kill manifold / valves, kelly valves,
Kelly valves, drill pipe and tubing safety drill pipe and tubing safety valves, Top-drive
valves and drilling spools (if in use). Pressure safety valves and drilling spools (if in use).
test (both low and high) on each component Pressure test (both low and high) on each
should be of minimum 5 minutes duration, component should be of minimum 5 minutes
each. All the results should be recorded in duration, each. All the results should be
the format. (Annexure - VIII) recorded in the format. (Annexure - VIII)

II. Test BOP using cup tester or test plug. Highlighted

II Test BOP using test plug (preferably)
or cup tester.
red portion
additional.
III. Before pressure testing of BOP stack, choke
and kill manifold should be flushed with clean
water.
IV. Clean water should be used as test fluid.
However for high pressure gas wells, use of
inert gas such as N2 (nitrogen) as test fluid is
desirable.
V. High pressure testing unit with pressure chart
recorder be used for pressure testing. New addition
VIIA Function test of complete BOP stack shall
VI. Use test stump for sub-sea BOP stack be done every 14 days/ during any new
pressure testing. installation in well head and BOP stack system
VII. Well control equipment should be pressure whichever is earlier.
tested:
a. When installed.
b. After setting each casing string.
c. Following repairs that require
breaking a pressure connection.
d. But not less than once every 21
days.
VIII. Low pressure test should be carried out at
200-300 psi.
IX. Once the equipment passes the low pressure
test, it should be tested to high pressure.

39
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

X. Initial pressure test of blowout preventer

stack, manifold, valves etc., should be carried
out at the rated working pressure of the
preventer stack or wellhead whichever is
lower. Initial pressure test is defined as those
tests that should be performed on location
before the well is spudded or before the
equipment is put into operational service.
XI. Subsequent high pressure tests should be
carried out at a pressure greater than
maximum anticipated surface pressure.
Exception is the annular preventer which
should be tested to 70% of its rated pressure
or maximum anticipated surface pressure
whichever is lower.
XII. The pipe used for testing should be of
sufficient weight and grade to safely
withstand tensile, yield, collapse, or internal
pressures.
XIII. Precaution should be taken not to expose the
casing to pressures in excess of its rated
strength. A means should be provided to
prevent pressure build up on the casing in the
event the test tool leaks (wellhead valve
should be kept open when pressure testing
with test plug).
XIV. Pressure should be applied from the direction
in which all the BOPs, choke and kill
manifold, FOSV / Kelly cock etc. would
experience pressure during kick.
XIV. Pressure should be applied from the
direction in which all the BOPs, choke and kill
manifold, FOSV / Kelly cock, top drive safety
Highlighted portion additional valves etc. would
experience pressure during kick.

40
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

59. For workover operations:

I. BOP stack should have at least one double I BOP stack should have at least one Highlighted
or two single ram type preventers - one of
which must be equipped with correct size
double or two single ram type portion
pipe/tubing rams and the other with blind or preventers - one of which must be additional.
blind shear ram. Working pressure rating of equipped with correct size pipe/tubing
BOP stack should exceed anticipated surface rams and the other with blind or blind-
pressure.
shear ram (Blind-shear is must for
the wells having gas in formation
fluid). Working pressure rating of BOP
stack should exceed anticipated surface
pressure
Minimum II. Kill line should be of minimum 2 inch size.
Requirements for III. One independent automatic accumulator unit
Well with a control manifold, clearly showing open
6.8 Control Equipment and closed positions, for preventer(s) to be
for Workover provided. The accumulator capacity should
operations (on be adequate for closing all the preventers
land) without recharging accumulators. Unit should
be located at safe easily accessible place.
IV. The BOP stack should have remote control Highlighted
panel clearly showing open and closed portion
positions for each preventer. This Control additional.
Panel should be located near to the driller’s V. Trip tank should be installed on
position. workover rig deployed for servicing of
V. Trip tank should be installed on workover rig wells. (It is must for the wells having
deployed for servicing of high pressure/ gas gas in the formation fluid and oil
wells for continuous fill up and monitoring the
hole during round trips. Indicator to monitor
wells where formation pressure is
tank level can be either mechanical or digital hydrostatic or more) for continuous fill
and clearly visible to driller. up and monitoring the hole during round
trips. Indicator to monitor tank level can

41
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

be either mechanical or digital and

clearly visible to driller

VI. Full opening safety valve of drill string / tubing

size and matching thread connection should
always be available at derrick floor during
well servicing. It should be kept ready in
'open' position for use with operating wrench.
Operating wrench(s) should be kept at a
designated place.
VII. Sufficient volume of the workover fluid should
be available in reserve during workover
operations.
VIII. During conventional production testing, well
should be perforated with adequate
overbalance.
IX. After release of the packer the string should
be reciprocated, to ensure complete
retraction of packer elements, prior to pull out
of string. It should be ensured that there is no
swabbing action.
60. Procedures and
Techniques for
7.0 Well Control
(Prevention and
Control of Kick)
61. Kick may be caused due to: shifted from 4.1
III. Encountering higher than anticipated pore
7.1 Cause of Kick pressure.
IV. Reduction in hydrostatic pressure in the
wellbore.

42
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

62. VIII. Failure to keep the hole full of drilling fluid shifted from 4.2
Cause of IX. Swabbing,
Reduction in X. Loss of circulation
7.2 Hydrostatic XI. Insufficient drilling fluid density.
Head XII. Gas cut drilling fluid
XIII. Loss of riser drilling fluid column.
63. Indications of kick can be: 7.1 Kick Indications Point
I. Increase in drilling fluid return rate modified to.
II. Pit gain or loss
III. Changes in flow line temperature
Primary indications of kick:
IV. Drilling breaks
V. Pump pressure decease and pump stroke I Increase in drilling fluid return
increase rate
VI. Drilling fluid density reduction II Pit gain or loss
VII. Oil show
VIII. Gas show
Secondary indications of kick:
7.3 Kick Indications
i. Drilling break
ii. Decrease in pump pressure and
increase in pump strokes.
iii. Drilling fluid density reduction
iv. Change in flow line temperature
v. Oil and gas show
vi. Change in shape and size of
drilled cuttings.

64. In case of overbalance drilling:

I. The planned drilling safety margin is
difference between planned drilling fluid
Prevention and
7.2 Control of Kick
weight and estimated pore pressure.
II. To maintain primary well control, drilling
personnel should ensure that the hydrostatic
pressure in the wellbore is always greater

43
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

than the formation pressure by safety margin.

III. The use of trip margin (which is in addition to
safety margin) is encouraged to offset the
effects of swabbing and equivalent circulating
density (ECD). The additional hydrostatic
pressure will permit some degree of
swabbing without losing primary well control.
IV. Successful well control (Blowout prevention
programme) includes following elements:
a. Training of personnel and drills.
b. Monitoring and maintaining drilling
fluid system.
c. Selection of appropriate well control
equipment.
d. Installation, maintenance and testing
of well control equipment.
e. Adoption of established well control
procedures.

65. I. Conditioning of drilling fluid prior to tripping

out should be ensured. This should include:
a. No indication of influx of formation
fluids.
b. The drilling fluid density in and out
should not differ more than 0.024
gm/cc (0.2 ppg.) in open hole. In
Precautions before cased hole there should not be any
7.2.1 Tripping Out difference.
II. A trip tank shall be lined up and function
tested. Trip sheet shall be ready to be filled II. A trip tank shall be lined up and Highlighted
during tripping out (Annexure-VI). function tested. Trip sheet shall be portion
ready to be filled during tripping out to additional.
monitor the well behaviour during
pulling out operation.(Annexure-VI)

44
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

III. Full opening safety valve(s) with suitable

working pressure and with proper
connections and size, to fit all drill string
connections, must be available on the rig
floor. They should be kept ready in 'open'
position for use with operating wrench.
Operating wrench(s) should be kept at a
designated place.
IV. An inside BOP, drill pipe float valve or drop in
check valve should be available for use
whenever stripping is required to be done.
V. As far as possible tripping out should be dry.
If tripping out is wet, proper mud bucket
should be used enabling mud to flow back to
the return channel.
66. I. Well should be checked for swabbing during I. Well should be checked for Highlighted
pulling out. If positive, suitable corrective swabbing during pulling out. If portion
measures such as change in tripping speed,
tripping out with pump on, change in drilling
positive, suitable corrective additional.
fluid properties etc should be taken. measures such as change in
tripping speed, tripping out
with pump on, change in
Precautions During drilling fluid properties like
7.2.2 Tripping Out yield point, gel strength
should be taken
II. Trip tank volume should be monitored and
same should be recorded in the trip sheet
(Annexure -VI).
III. If hole is not taking proper amount of mud (as
per trip sheet), stop tripping and conduct flow

45
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

check to ensure whether the well is self-

flowing. If positive, shut the well, record the
pressures and circulate out the kick by
suitable well control method. If no self-flow is
observed, run back to the bottom and
circulate and condition the drilling fluid.
IV. Flow checks should be carried out:
i. Prior to all trips out of the hole.
ii. During first 10 stands.
iii. At the casing shoes.
iv. Prior to tripping out of drill collars
through BOP stack.
V. Any time a trip is interrupted, safety valve V. Any time a trip is interrupted, Highlighted
should be installed on the drill string. safety valve should be installed on the portion
drill string. The drill string should be additional.
on elevators during waiting

67. I. Regular flow checks and monitoring of level

in annulus should be done. Where situation
requires trip tank may be used to monitor
drilling fluid loss/gain.
Precautions During
7.2.3 Tripping In
II. Circulation should be given to break gelation
of mud as per requirements especially in
deep wells and where heavy mud is used.
III. With a float valve in the string, drill pipe
should be filled up intermittently.
68. I. Regular flow checks and monitoring of level
in annulus should be done and fill up
Precautions During
schedule of casing pipe / liner should be
7.2.4 Casing
followed as per the plan and use clean mud
Lowering
for casing/liner filling.
II. Running in speed of casing/liner should be

46
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

maintained considering allowable surge

pressure.
69. I. A plan detailing what actions are to be taken
should a kick occur must be available. Plan
should consider equipment limitations, casing
setting depths, maximum fluid density,
pressures that may be encountered, fracture
gradients and expected hazards.
II. This should also include roles responsibilities
of the personnel during kick.
III. The following information should be pre-
recorded for use in kill sheet preparation:
casing data (properties), safe working
pressure limit for surface blowout preventer
equipment, wellhead, casing string, approved
maximum allowable casing pressure
(MAASP) and contingency plan, pump rate
for killing operation (SCR), system pressure
7.2.5 Pre-kick Planning losses, capacities displacement, mud pump
data, drilling fluid mixing capability, trip
margin, water depth (offshore), well profile
and shut-in method to be used (soft / hard
shut in).
IV. Record slow circulating rates at 1/3 and 1/2
the pump speed of drilling SPM at:
a. the beginning of every shift
b. any time the mud weight is changed
c. after drilling 500 feet/150 mtrs. Of
new hole
d. after bit change
e. after pump repairs
f. after each trip due to change in BHA,
bit nozzle.
V. LOT / PIT after each casing should be
known. Whenever LOT / PIT is to be carried

47
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

out, 2-3 meters of fresh formation should be

drilled.
VI. Distance from rotary table to blowout
preventer (s) be noted and sketch displayed
in dog house and Tool pusher’s office.
VII. Based on the risk assessment of the well and
depending upon the situation, well control
method to be used should be selected. Plan
and procedures for special situations such as
casing pressure reaching maximum allowable
annular surface pressure (MAASP) should be
available at the installation (contingency
plan).
VIII. Shut in method to be used should also be
pre-selected in the kill sheet.
IX. Sufficient quantity of drilling fluid weighting
materials and chemicals must be stored to
meet any kick situation.
70. Kick Control Following are recommended well control procedures
7.3 Procedures for surface stack and sub-sea.
71. For onshore and bottom-supported offshore
7.3.1 Surface Stack
installations:
72. I. Stop drilling
II. Pick up Kelly to position tool joint
III. Stop mud pump.
IV. Check for self-flow.
V. If positive, proceed further to close the well
by any one of the following procedures (Refer
A During Drilling Table- 1).
 Soft shut in
 Hard shut in
VI. Monitor the casing pressure. If the casing
pressure is about to exceed MAASP, follow
the contingency plan.
VII. Calculate the drilling fluid density required to

48
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

kill the kick.

VIII. Initiate the approved / selected well kill
method.
IX. Check rig crew duties and stations.
X. Review and update the well control
worksheet.
XI. Check pressures of all annuli of the well.
73. During tripping whenever flow is observed:
I. Position tool joint above rotary table and set
pipe on slips.
II. Install Full Opening Safety Valve (FOSV) in
open position on the drill pipe and close it.
III. Close the well following any one of the
procedures as per above table. (table - 1)
IV. Monitor the casing pressure. If the casing
pressure is about to exceed MAASP, follow
B During Tripping
the contingency plan.
V. Calculate the drilling fluid density required to
kill the kick.
VI. Initiate the approved / selected well kill
method.
VII. Check rig crew duties and stations.
VIII. Review and update the well control
worksheet.
IX. Check pressures of all annuli of the well.
74. I. Close blind / blind-shear ram.
II. Record shut in pressure.
III. Monitor the casing pressure. If the casing
pressure is about to exceed maximum
When String is out allowed (MAASP), follow the contingency
C of Hole plan.
IV. Calculate the drilling fluid density to kill the
kick.
V. Initiate the approved /selected well kill
method.

49
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

VI. Check rig crew duties and stations.

VII. Review and update the well control
worksheet.
VIII. Check pressures on all annuli of the well.
75. Floating
7.3.2 Installations (Sub
Sea)
76. I. Stop drilling
II. Position the tool joint for the BOP’s operation.
III. Shut down the drilling fluid pump(s).
IV. Check the well for flow – if it is flowing, follow
shut in procedure.
V. If the soft shut-in procedure has been
selected: open the choke line, close Annular
BOP and close the choke.
VI. If the hard shut-in procedure has been
selected: close Annular BOP and open the
choke line with the choke in closed position.
VII. Observe the casing pressure, if it exceeds
MAASP, follow the contingency plan.
VIII. Check for trapped gas pressure.
A During Drilling
IX. For release of trapped gas, close the
uppermost rams below the choke line and
close the diverter, open the annular preventer
to allow trapped gas to rise, displace riser
with kill fluid and close the annular preventer,
reopen the ram preventer.
X. Adjust the closing pressure on the annular
preventer to allow stripping of tool joints.
XI. Hang off the drill pipe as follows:
a. With a motion compensator:
i. Position a tool joint above the
hang-off rams leaving the
lower Kelly cock high enough
above the floor to be

50
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

accessible during the

maximum expected heave
and tide when the selected
tool joint rests on the hang-off
rams.
ii. Close the hang-off rams.
iii. Carefully lower the drill string
until the tool joint rests on the
hang-off rams.
iv. Reduce support pressure on
the motion compensator to
support about half of the
weight of drill string above the
BOPs plus some over pull to
provide drill string tension to
assist shearing, if required.
b. Without a motion compensator:
i. Set the slips on the top joint of
drill pipe.
ii. Close the lower Kelly cock.
iii. Break the Kelly/top drive
connection above the lower
Kelly cock and put it in the rat
hole.
iv. Pick up the assembled space-
out joint, safety valve, and
circulating head with the
safety valve closed. Make up
the space-out joint on the
closed lower Kelly cock.
v. Open the lower Kelly cock,
remove the slips, and position
tool joint above the hang-off
rams leaving the safety valve
high enough above the floor to
be accessible during the

51
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

maximum expected heave

and tide when the selected
joint rests on the hang-off
rams.
vi. Close the hang-off rams.
vii. Carefully lower the drill string
until the tool joint lands on the
closed hang-off rams. Slack
off the entire weight of drill
string while holding tension on
the circulating head with a
tension device.
viii. Connect the circulating head
to the standpipe, open the
safety valve.
XII. Allow the shut-in pressure to stabilise and
record pressures.
XIII. Determine the volume of the kick.
XIV. Calculate the drilling fluid density required to
kill the kick.
XV. Select a kill method.
XVI. Check rig crew duties and stations.
XVII. Review and update well control worksheet.
XVIII. Inspect the BOP stack with television, if
feasible.
77. I. Install safety valve.
II. Position the tool joint for the BOP’s operation.
III. Check the well for flow – if it is flowing, follow
shut in procedure.
IV. If the soft shut-in procedure has been
B During Tripping
selected: open the choke line, close Annular
BOP and close the choke.
V. If the hard shut-in procedure has been
selected: close Annular BOP and open the
choke line with the choke in closed position.

52
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

VI. Observe the casing pressure, if it exceeds

MAASP, follow the contingency plan.
VII. Check for trapped gas pressure.
VIII. For release of trapped gas, close the
uppermost rams below the choke line and
close the diverter, open the annular preventer
to allow trapped gas to rise, displace riser
with kill fluid and close the annular preventer,
reopen the ram preventer.
IX. Adjust the closing pressure on the annular
preventer to allow stripping of tool joints.
X. Hang off the drill pipe as follows:
a. With a motion compensator:
i. Position a tool joint above the
hang-off rams leaving the
safety valve high enough
above the floor to be
accessible during the
maximum expected heave and
tide when the selected tool
joint rests on the hang-off
rams.
ii. Close the hang-off rams.
iii. Carefully lower the drill string
until the tool joint rests on the
hang-off rams.
iv. Reduce support pressure on
the motion compensator to
support about half of the
weight of drill string above the
BOPs plus some over pull to
provide drill string tension to
assist shearing, if required.
b. Without a motion compensator:
i. Pick up the assembled space-
out joint, safety valve, and

53
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

circulating head with the

safety valve closed. Make up
the space-out joint on the
string.
ii. Open the safety valve, remove
the slips, and position tool
joint above the hang-off rams
leaving the safety valve high
enough above the floor to be
accessible during the
maximum expected heave
and tide when the selected
joint rests on the hang-off
rams.
iii. Close the hang-off rams.
iv. Carefully lower the drill string
until the tool joint lands on the
closed hang-off rams. Slack
off the entire weight of drill
string while holding tension on
the circulating head with a
tension device.
v. Connect the circulating head
to the standpipe, open the
safety valve.
XI. Allow the shut-in pressure to stabilise and
record pressures.
XII. Determine the volume of the kick.
XIII. Calculate the drilling fluid density required to
kill the kick.
XIV. Select a kill method.
XV. Check rig crew duties and stations.
XVI. Review and update well control worksheet.
XVII. Inspect the BOP stack with television, if
feasible.

54
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

78. I. At the first indication of the well flowing,

close the blind / blind-shear rams.
II. Open the gate valve on the subsea BOP
stack to open the choke line, close the choke
line at the surface.
III. Record shut-in pressures. Wt.(specific
gravity) of fluid in the choke line should be
considered for calculating shut-in casing
pressure.
IV. Record the kick volume.
V. Run the drill string in the hole to the top of
the BOPs with NRV.
VI. Add the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in
the choke line to the surface pressure to
determine the pressure below the blind
rams.
When String is Out VII. Determine if the pressure below the blind
C of rams can be overbalanced by hydrostatic
Hole pressure of the drilling fluid that can be
safely contained by the riser. If so, adjust the
riser tensioners to support the additional
drilling fluid weight and displace the drilling
fluid in the riser with drilling fluid of the
required density.
VIII. Close the diverter. Open the BOPs and
watch for flow. If the well does not flow, open
the diverter and trip in the hole.
IX. If the well starts to flow, close the blind ram
preventer, displace the choke and kill lines
with heavy drilling fluid, and circulate until
the riser contains drilling fluid of the desired
density.
X. Continue going in the hole. Stop periodically,
close the pipe rams, and circulate the riser
by pumping down the kill line to maintain the

55
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

required drilling fluid density in the riser.

After well killing and before resuming normal
operations, density of drilling fluid should be
reviewed to include trip margin above kill mud
weight.
79. I. The competence with which drilling personnel I. The competence with which Highlighted
respond to well control situations and follow drilling personnel respond to well control portion
correct procedures can be improved by
carrying out emergency drills.
situations and follow correct procedures additional
can be improved by carrying out
emergency drills. All the key
operational personnel should
have valid well control training
certificate from IWCF / IADC
accredited well control training
centres
Drills and II. While drilling in H2S / sour gas prone area,
8.0 Training detectors shall be installed and breathing
apparatus in sufficient quantity and cascade
system shall be made available. Crew shall
be trained to handle situations in this
environment.
III. Organisation should assign specific
responsibilities to the identified / designated
persons, for actions required during an
emergency related to well control, which
would be part of rig ERP.
a. Following drills should be performed:
i. Pit drill
ii. Trip drill
b. To conduct drill, a kick should be
simulated by manipulating primary

56
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

kick indicator such as the pit level

indicator or the flow line indicator by
raising its float gradually and
checking for the alarm.
c. The reaction time from float raising to
the designated crew member's
readiness to start the closing
procedure should be recorded and
response time should not be more
than 60 seconds.
d. Total time taken to complete the drill
should be recorded and it should not
be more than 2 minutes.
e. Drill should be initiated without prior
warning during routine operation.
f. Drill should be conducted once a
week with each crew.
g. Drill should be initiated at
unscheduled times when operations
and hole condition permits.
80. I. Raise alarm by raising mud tank float -
automatic or oral.
II. Stop drilling / other operation in progress.
III. Position tool joint for BOPs’ ram closing.
IV. Stop mud pump
Pit Drill (On
8.1 bottom)
V. Secure brake
VI. During / after the above steps, as applicable,
designated crew should move to assigned
positions
VII. Check for self-flow
VIII. Record the response time.
81. I. Give signal by raising alarm.
Trip Drill (Drill Pipe II. Position tool joint above rotary and set the
in BOP) pipe on slips
III. Install full opening safety valve in open

57
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

position.
IV. Close FOSV after installation
V. Designated crew members should move to
assigned position, during / after the above
steps, as applicable.
VI. Close BOP
VII. Record response time.

Note: Trip drill should be carried out preferably when

bit is inside the casing. A full opening safety valve for
each size and type of connection in the string shall be
available on derrick floor, in open position. Safety
valves may be clearly marked for size and
connection.
82. I. Give signal by raising alarm.
II. Position upper drill collar box at rotary table
and set it on slips.
III. Connect a drill pipe joint or stand of drill pipe
on drill collar tool joint with change over sub
and position drill pipe in BOP.
IV. Install FOSV in open position.
V. Close FOSV.
VI. Close BOP.
Trip Drill (Collar in VII. Record response time.
Blowout
Preventer) Note: Under actual kick conditions (other than drills) if
only one stand of drill collar remains in the hole it
would be probably faster to simply pull the last stand
and close the blind ram. If numbers of drill collar
stands are more and well condition does not permit
step III than install FOSV with change over sub on
drill collar, close it and close annular preventer.
Preparation for step III above should be done in
advance prior to starting pull out of drill collar - make
one single / stand of drill pipe with drill collar change

58
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

over sub.
83. I. Give signal by raising alarm.
Trip Drill (String is II. Close blind/ blind-shear ram.
out of Hole ) III. Record response time.

84. I. Asstt. Shift In charge / Asstt. Driller and I.

above supervisory personnel should have
valid accredited well control certificate (of
the appropriate level).
Well Control
Training
II. .At least one trained person should
always be present on derrick floor to
observe well for any activity even during
shutdown period
85. 9.0 Monitoring System
86. I. Driller's console should have gauges and
meters including drillo-meter, SPM meters,
pump pressure gauge, rotary torque. The
Record-o-graph should record parameters
like weight, SPM, pump pressure, rotary
torque, rate of penetration. Drillers console
should be positioned in such a way that driller
can see all the gauges without any
obstruction.
Instrumentation II. Flow rate sensor should be installed for
9.1 Systems monitoring return mud flow with high /low
alarms.
III. Mud / pit volume totalizer should be installed
for all the reserve and active mud tanks to
detect mud tank level's deviation with an
accuracy of + one barrel. Mud volume
totalizer should have high / low alarm (visual
or audible setting).
IV. Gas detector should always be available.
Gas measurement should be carried out near

59
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

the point where the mud from the well mouth

surfaces (Shale shaker and rig sub structure).
87. I. On a drilling rig, the trip tank shall always be
in operation during tripping operation,
particularly during pulling out operation, for
early detection of a kick.
II. The primary purpose of the trip tank is to
measure the amount of drilling fluid required
to fill the hole while pulling pipe to determine
if the drilling fluid volume matches pipe
displacement.
III. A trip tank is a low-volume calibrated tank
which can be isolated from the remainder of
9.2 Trip Tank System
the surface drilling fluid system and used to
accurately monitor the amount of fluid going
into or coming out from the well. A trip tank
should be calibrated accurately and should
have means for reading the volume
contained in the tank at any liquid level. The
readout may be direct or remote, preferably
both. The size of the tank and readout
arrangement should be such that volume
changes in the order of can be easily
detected.
88. Atmospheric Mud Gas Separator should be installed.
Liquid seal should be maintained to prevent gas blow
through shale shaker. Vent line should be away from
derrick floor. The rig maintenance and inspection
Mud Gas Separator
9.3 (MGS)
schedule should provide for periodic non-destructive
examination of the mud gas separator to verify
pressure integrity. This examination may be
performed by hydrostatic, ultrasonic, or other
examination methods.
89. A degasser should be used to remove entrained gas
9.4 Degasser
bubbles in the drilling fluid that are too small to be

60
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

removed by the mud gas separator. Most degassers

use some degree of vacuum to assist in removing the
entrained gas. All flare lines should be as long as
practical with provision of flaring during varying wind
directions. Flare lines should be straight as far as
possible and should be securely anchored. Degasser
should be function tested at least once a week
90. Primary well control during Under Balanced Drilling
(UBD) is maintained by flow and pressure control.
The bottom hole pressure and the reservoir influx is
monitored and controlled by means of a closed loop
surface system. This system includes rotating control
device (RCD), flow line, emergency shutdown valve
(ESDV), choke manifold and surface separation
system. The following are the recommended
equipment for UBD operations:
I. The RCD shall be installed above the drilling
BOP and shall be capable of sealing the
maximum expected wellhead circulating
pressure against the rotating work string and
Under Balanced containing the maximum expected shut-in
10.0 Drilling wellhead pressure against a stationary work
string. The RCD is a drill through device with
a rotating seal that is designed to contact and
seal against the work string (drill string,
casing, completion string, etc.) for the
purpose of controlling the pressure and fluid
flow to surface. Its function is to contain fluids
in the wellbore and divert flow from the
wellbore to the surface fluids handling
equipment during underbalanced operations
(drilling, tripping and running completion
equipment).
II. The return flow line shall have two valves,
one of which shall be remotely operated and

61
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

fail-safe-close (ESDV). The flow line and the

valves shall have a working pressure equal to
or greater than the anticipated shut-in
wellhead pressure. At least one valve should
be installed in the diverter/flow line
immediately adjacent to the BOP stack.
III. A dedicated UBD choke manifold shall be
used to control the flow rate and wellbore
pressure, and reduce the pressure at surface
to acceptable levels before entering the
separation equipment. The choke manifold
shall have a working pressure equal to or
greater than the anticipated shut-in wellhead
pressure. The choke manifold should have
two chokes and isolation valves for each
choke and flow path. Applied surface
backpressure should be kept to a minimum to
reduce erosion of chokes and other surface
equipment.
IV. A surface separation system shall be
selected and dimensioned to handle the
anticipated fluid/solids in the return flow.
Plugging, erosion or wash-outs of surface
equipment should not impact the ability to
maintain primary well control.
V. The drill pipe and casing should be designed
for exposure to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas.
VI. The BOP stack, flow / diverter line, and bleed
off and kill lines should be designed for
exposure to H2S in accordance with NACE
(MR 075) / ISO 15156 specifications.
VII. Blind-shear rams should be considered for
underbalanced drilling of wells with high
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) potential
VIII. A stab-in safety valve for the string in use

62
 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

should be available on the rig floor.

91. I. Procedures for UBD operations should be
developed based on risk analysis and risk
assessments. These procedures should
include:
i. Kicking of the well
ii. Making connections
iii. Live well tripping
iv. Trapped pressure in equipment.
II. When running a work string under balanced,
two NRVs, shall be installed in the string, as
deep in the work string as practical and as
close together as possible. The NRVs should
prevent wellbore fluids from entering into the
work string. Installation of additional NRVs
should be considered depending on the
nature of the operation (ie high pressure
Procedures for gas). The NRV should have a minimum
10.1 UBD working pressure rating equal to the
maximum expected BHP.
III. Snubbing facilities should be used or the well
should be killed with a kill weight fluid prior to
tripping pipe, if the shut-in or flowing wellhead
pressure can produce a pipe light condition
and a down hole isolation valve (DIV), a
retrievable packer system or similar shut-in
device, is not in use or is not functioning as
designed. The DIV is a full-opening drill
through valve, installed down-hole as an
integral part of a casing / liner string, at a
depth either below the maximum pipe light
depth for the work string being tripped in the
underbalanced operation (drill string, casing,
completion string, etc.) or at a depth that
allows the maximum length of BHA, slotted

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

liner or sand screen required to be safely

deployed, without having to snub in or kill the
well prior to deployment. DIV should have
working pressure rating of more than
maximum expected differential pressure after
closure.
IV. Sufficient kill fluid of required density should
be available on site at any time to enable
killing of the well in an emergency.
V. While still in the design stage, a meeting
including all key personnel should be held to
discuss the proposed operation so that
everyone clearly understands their
responsibilities with respect to safety. A key
element in planning a safe operation is the
site layout. The following considerations
should be made when designing the well-site
layout:
i. Prevailing winds
ii. Access to fluids handling equipment
iii. Equipment placement
iv. High pressure line placement
VI. At no time the well should be left open to the
rig floor when the well is live.
VII. Trapped gas below the float should be
removed safely before removing the float
from the drill string during pulling out.
VIII. If a well is killed prior to tripping, traditional
tripping procedures including the completion
of trip sheets should be followed.
IX. Round the clock supervision by competent
persons should be ensured. All personnel
involved in operations should be trained in
UBD operations, and training should be
documented.
X. The Well Site Supervisor should have valid

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

accredited well control certificate for

underbalanced drilling and well intervention
operations.
XI. Appropriate PPE should be used by all
personnel on the site.
XII. A site-specific emergency contingency plan
should be prepared to a level of complexity
that the operation warrants, prior to any
underbalanced drilling taking place.
XIII. The following table describes incident
scenarios for which well control action
procedures should be available (as
applicable) to deal with the incidents should
they occur (This list is not exhaustive;
additional scenarios may be applied based
on the actual planned activity):
i. Bottom hole or surface pressure and
/ or flow rates detected which could
lead to the pressure rating of the
rotating control device (static or
dynamic) or the capacity of the
surface separation equipment being
exceeded.
ii. NRV failure, influx into work string
during making connection or tripping
in live well.
iii. Leaking connection below drilling
BOP.
iv. Leaking rotating control device or
flow line before ESDV, seal
elements, connection to flow line,
drilling BOP or high pressure riser.
v. Erosion or wash out of choke.
Consider the case where isolation for
repair of the choke cannot be
achieved.

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

vi. Failure of surface equipment after

RCD. This can be leaks or plugged
equipment and lines.
vii. Work string failure.
viii. Emergency shut-in.
ix. Emergency well kill.
x. Lost circulation.
xi. H2S in the well.
XIV. When hydrocarbons are being produced or
when they are used in the drilling fluid,
supplementary fire fighting equipment should
be considered. This may require as little as
additional handheld fire extinguishers to as
much as having a fire fighting vehicle on-site.
XV. Regardless of the concentration of H2S, no
sour gas may be released to atmosphere at
any time.
XVI. Produced fluids containing H2S or drilling
fluids contaminated with H2S should not be
stored in open tanks.
XVII. The flare stack shall be as per regulatory
requirements.
XVIII. If H2S is expected to be encountered in the
well, a monitoring program shall be in place.
As a minimum, monitoring stations should
include the rig floor, inside the rig
substructure adjacent to the BOPs, and near
separation vessels and storage or circulating
tanks.
XIX. A pressurized tank or a tank truck equipped
with a functional H2S scrubber should be
used for the transportation of sour fluids off
location.
XX. Adequate provision should be made for the
safe storage and / or disposal of produced
fluids and drill cuttings. Reservoir liquids

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

should not be stored in an earthen pit. Refer

to MOEF guidelines for handling of drilling
fluids and drill cuttings (OISD-RP-201)
XXI. Explosive potential monitoring should be
conducted at all the points where there is a
potential of release of combustible vapours to
atmosphere.
XXII. For wells which contain H2S, drill cuttings
should be held in tanks equipped with vapour
control. Vapour shall either be vented to a
flare stack or through an H2S scrubbing
system.
Another related technique of UBD is Managed
Pressure Drilling (MPD). While UBD is mostly
focused on maximizing the performance of the
reservoir, MPD is more focused on successfully
drilling the well, while minimizing the time and money
spent on non-productive time (NPT), in addition to not
damaging the formation in the process. While MPD
utilizes some of the same surface equipment used in
UBD; MPD, particularly in offshore environments, is
not intended to produce hydrocarbons while drilling
but rather to more precisely manage wellbore
pressure and annulus returns while drilling through
sections with very narrow margins between reservoir
pore pressure and fracture pressure gradients. Any
influx incidental to the operation is safely contained
using an appropriate process.
92. I. The installation should be equipped with:
a. A fail-safe-open, remotely operated
Well Control valve in the overboard line.
Equipment b. A cement line pressure gauge in the
11.0 Arrangement choke panel, a remote camera in the
for HTHP Wells shaker house, with display in the
driller's house.

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 OISD – RP -174 REVISION

c. A choke / kill line glycol injection

system.
d. High pressure and / or high
temperature resistant seals should
be installed in choke and kill lines,
including flexible line hoses and the
choke and kill manifold, packing in
the kelly cock / internal BOP, packing
/ seal in the marine riser.
II. Flexible kill-/choke line hoses should be
inspected and pressure tested to maximum
well design pressure prior to HPHT mode.
III. Specification and qualification criteria for
equipment and fluids to be used or installed
in a HPHT well should be established, with
particular emphasis on deterioration of
elastomer seals and components as function
of temperature / pressure, exposure time and
wellbore fluids.

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