To detect a kick while the string is out of hole it is essential that drilling fluid is circulated across the well and trip tank at all times. Automatic alarms should be set to provide early audible/visual warning of an increase/decrease in the trip tank level.
Should it be necessary to close the Blind/Shear Rams, arrangements shall be made to circulate across the well and a fluid-level monitoring tank below the Blind Rams.
Notes:
- Never close variable rams without pipe in hole - it damages the rams
- Be vigilant for, and investigate, changes in the well’s behaviour (increasing / decreasing losses etc.).
Should the well start to flow with the pipe out of the hole:
1. Close in the well using the blind/shear rams.
Note : To increase the lines of defence, an option to consider is as follows:
Pick up DP single and insrall full bore ball valve and NRV on box end
Close kelly cock
RIH with the pipe to just above the shear rams
Close the pipe rams above the DP tool joint and lock the rams
2. Where surface pressures and the operational situation permit, attempt to get pipe into the hole and strip to bottom using the combined volumetric/stripping method.
3. Where stripping is not possible kill the well using the volumetric method or bull-headed.