CPA Well Control & Blowout Prevention

Question 1

What is a 'kick' in well control terminology?

Accepted Answer

An unwanted influx of formation fluid into the wellbore

Answer

A sudden increase in rotary speed

Answer

The force applied when setting casing

Answer

A type of drilling bit impact

Question 2

What does BOP stand for in petroleum drilling operations?

Accepted Answer

Blowout Preventer

Answer

Bottom Outlet Port

Answer

Barrel Output Pressure

Answer

Bore Opening Plug

Question 3

Which of the following is the PRIMARY early warning indicator of a kick while drilling?

Accepted Answer

Pit volume increase

Answer

Increase in standpipe pressure

Answer

Decrease in rotary torque

Answer

Drop in pump stroke rate

Question 4

What is the function of a blind ram (or blank ram) in a BOP stack?

Accepted Answer

To completely seal the wellbore when no pipe is in the hole

Answer

To seal around drill pipe of any diameter

Answer

To shear through the drill string and seal the well

Answer

To allow fluid circulation while the well is shut in

Question 5

What is 'overbalanced' drilling?

Accepted Answer

When hydrostatic pressure of the mud exceeds formation pressure

Answer

When the drill string is heavier than the formation can support

Answer

When rotary speed exceeds the formation's drilling rate

Answer

When WOB is greater than the bit's rated load

Question 6

What is the FIRST action a driller should take upon detecting a well kick?

Accepted Answer

Pick up off bottom and shut in the well

Answer

Increase mud weight immediately

Answer

Call the company man and wait for instructions

Answer

Increase circulation rate to circulate the kick out

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of drilling mud (drilling fluid) in relation to well control?

Accepted Answer

To provide hydrostatic pressure that controls formation pressures

Answer

To lubricate the drill bit and cool it during cutting

Answer

To carry drill cuttings to surface for geological analysis

Answer

To prevent corrosion of the drill string