ADVANCED KICK DETECTION Detect kicks in the most difficult environments.
Get a Kick in the Right Direction with ILI ’s unique application that provides accurate measurements through enhanced flow sensors.
Flow back monitoring determines kicks when the pit volume increases and the pumps are off. The flow back plot shown right is generated on any WellWizard workstation and is normally mandatory on the drill floor touch screen. ILI ’s flow back monitor is indispensable for resolving a kick during a connection (Figure 1).
At every connection a certain amount of mud flows back into the pits. Traditional kick detection techniques lack the ability to determine kicks when the pit volume increases and there is a lack of flow. The ECD is reduced when the pumps are off, which increases the likelihood that a kick will occur at this time instead of when the pumps are on.
It is critical to measure the amount of fluid flow back created when the pumps are turned off. ILI ’s Advanced Kick Detection Software automatically plots the fluid flow back at each connection point or at any period when the pumps are off. The user can view previous flow backs making it easier to realize a difference in normal amounts.
The figure to the right illustrates an example of a rig taking a kick during a connection (Figure 2).
Theoretical Flow Out ILI accounts for rig heave and pipe movement when calculating the theoretical flow out. Determining gains and losses is complicated on floating rigs due to up and down rig heaves, which change the annular volume.
When a rig heaves up its annular volume increases, showing a loss in PVT and flow out channels. Conversely, when a rig heaves down the annular volume decreases causing a gain in PVT and flow out.
ILI calculates the difference between theoretical and actual flow out. The user sees if gains or losses are occurring, which could be masked by rig heave or pipe movement. (Figure 3 & 4).
EARLY KICK DETECTION SYSTEM
Overview
International Logging’s Drill Logic System Early Kick Detection System (DLS EKDS) utilizes the
following measurements to monitor unexpected changes in the drilling fluid system; Pump Strokes, Actual Flow measurements (both flow in and out may be utilized dependant on sensor suitability / availability) pit levels and standpipe pressure measurements – in addition to other sensors used for applying drilling “logic”. The software model uses “State Estimates” to anticipate expected situations versus real situations and identify the reasons for change. In the event that flow in is a calculated value, from pump strokes, the model cannot determine if small changes in flow in are due to pump inefficiency or actual down-hole losses, unless an associated change in pressure occurs that suggests a pump problem.
The EKDS is designed so that a variety of different flow in and out sensor technologies can be used,
including the Rolling Flow Meter, Magnetic Flow Meters, Mass Flow Meters and Sonic Transit Time
and Doppler sensors. Various pit sensor technologies can be used, including Radar, Guided Radar,
Sonic, and Reed Switch (Delaval) sensors.
If pressure sensors are added to the system, then variations attributed to Pump Wear, Down-hole
drill string failure –Washouts, Bit Nozzle plugging or loss can also be determined, and downtime
minimized.
By monitoring an increased number of pits, it is possible to determine if surface fluid level changes
are caused from down-hole changes, or merely surface fluid movements between tanks.
The system can be run as part of the overall logging unit system, or as a stand-alone kick detection
system, using a system of sensors and a manned portable cabin.
