Automation Reduces Human Error in Influx Detection and Well Control
Authors: Carpenter Chris 
Published: June 2022

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 208784, “Reducing Human Error Through Automatic Kick Detection, Space Out, and Dynamic Well Monitoring,” by Francesco Curina, Elia Abdo, SPE, and Hadi Mustapha, SPE, Drillmec. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Influx detection and well control are critical situations where the traditional human reaction has been the accepted standard for years. This paper discusses the results of the driller stress tests and the implementation of a system to assist the operator in kick detection, space out, and preparation for well shut-in. The system implements dynamic well monitoring to reduce the risk of false alarms. The objective is to prove how automation helps mitigate human factors.

Operator Stress Test

To design an automation system, the first step is to understand which parts of the operation require automation. To do this, a stress test was conducted on a number of drillers to identify periods during well control where stress levels were higher than usual.

The indices used were based on two parameters: the body temperature and the sudomotor activity. The two parameters can be used to assign a stress index for the operator.

The operators were tested using a well-control simulator and an internationally recognized standard well-control exercise. The test procedure was as follows: The operator would start performing a standard drilling operation while monitoring parameters. Once the kick occurs, the driller should be able to identify it using the correct parameters, perform a space out operation, and shut down the equipment. He should then, perform a flow check, and, if the check is positive, he should shut in the well.

In one representative test, the operator was not able to instantaneously identify the influx. Once he did identify the kick, his stress levels increased, hitting the maximum stress index value of five (5). The period of relatively low stress that followed is a natural physiological reaction that usually occurs after a shocking event. During this stretch of time, the operator did not yet move to mitigate the situation.

The operator then proceeded to conduct a space out per standard procedure. The constantly high stress level seen during the space out operation confirms a previously proposed theory that this operation is accompanied by a wide margin for errors and a high risk factor. With the space out completed, the operator stopped the rotation of the drill string, shut off the pumps, and conducted a flow check. Then he proceeded to shut in the well by closing the annular blowout preventer (BOP).

In this specific trial, the annular BOP was configured to develop a leak. When the operator activated the annular BOP and proceeded with a flow check, the stress levels increased for a short duration while he was analyzing the parameters. The operator understood the faulty BOP element and proceeded to close the second element. In this case, the operator correctly performed the procedure; however, it took him some time to reach a conclusion and perform the needed process.

The results of the tests clearly identify two moments where the driller either made mistakes, had a slow reaction time, or had a decreased clarity of mind caused by high level of stress.