Before commencing operations on a well, a planning meeting should be held to discuss the drilling programme. Company, Contractor, and appropriate Service Company personnel should attend the meeting.
The discussion should at least include the following points:
- previous field experience regarding lost circulation zones, depth and magnitude of abnormally pressured formations, possible shallow gas sands, etc.;
- all phases of the well programme;
- the procedures to be followed in the event of loss of circulation or a well kick.
Throughout the drilling operations, good communication between the wellsite operations engineer, mud engineer, and the driller is essential. If a mud logging unit is included, its operators shall keep the driller fully informed of any change in formation, mud properties and contamination, or any other indications of a potential kick..