TalkENG - Well Control Fundamentals. Lecture 4: Methods. Drillers` Method and Wait & Weight Method
Channel: TalkENG
Date: 2020-05-27

The two widely used constant bottomhole circulating methods are the Driller’s Method and the Wait and Weight (W&W) Method. Well control experts are often strongly opinionated on selecting the better method to circulate an influx out of the wellbore. The purpose of this article is to highlight the major advantages and disadvantages of the two methods.

The basic principle of both methods is to keep bottomhole pressure (BHP) constant at or, preferably, slightly above the formation pressure.

The Driller’s Method requires two circulations. During the first circulation, the influx is circulated out with the original mud weight. Constant BHP is maintained by holding circulating drill pipe pressure constant through the first circulation. If the original mud weight is insufficient to balance the formation pressure, the well is killed by circulating a heavier mud (kill mud) in a second circulation.