Practice Test Geeks(SPE) Society of Petroleum Engineers Certification Practice Test
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Drilling & Well Completion Flashcards

7 cards from real SPE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. During a pressure test of a casing string, what does a 'pressure bleed-off' observed after shutting in the pump typically indicate?

    Answer: A leak in the casing, connection, or shoe

    Pressure bleed-off after pumping stops indicates a leak path in the casing system, which fails the integrity test.

  2. What drilling fluid property is most critical for preventing differential sticking?

    Answer: Filter cake quality and thickness

    A thin, low-permeability filter cake reduces the contact area and friction coefficient that cause differential sticking against permeable formations.

  3. In hydraulic fracturing, what is the 'closure stress'?

    Answer: Minimum horizontal stress that acts to close an induced fracture

    Closure stress equals the minimum principal stress perpendicular to the fracture plane and is the pressure at which an induced fracture closes after pumping stops.

  4. What is the function of a float collar installed above the float shoe during primary cementing?

    Answer: Provide a secondary check valve to prevent cement backflow and act as a landing seat for wiper plugs

    The float collar contains check valves that prevent backflow of cement up the casing and serves as a landing seat for the top wiper plug.

  5. Which log is most commonly used to evaluate cement bond quality behind casing?

    Answer: Cement bond log (CBL)

    The cement bond log uses acoustic attenuation to assess the quality of the cement-casing and cement-formation bonds.

  6. A kick is detected while drilling. Which surface indicator is typically the FIRST to be observed?

    Answer: Increase in mud pit volume

    An increase in mud pit volume is usually the first and most reliable kick indicator, as formation fluids entering the wellbore displace mud at surface.

  7. What is the purpose of 'wash over' operations in fishing?

    Answer: Mill or wash over stuck fish to free it by removing surrounding formation or debris

    A washover tool mills or washes material stuck around the fish, creating an annular space that allows the fish to be retrieved.