Slow Circulating Rates (SCRs) in Well Control Operations

Slow Circulating Rates (SCRs) refer to the use of slow pump rates during circulation to manage wellbore pressure, especially during situations where there is a need to control or “kill” the well. SCRs are integral in maintaining stability and safety in drilling environments, as they help manage bottom hole pressure, mitigate friction in the annulus, and provide additional control over circulation pressures. Let’s delve deeper into why SCRs are essential, how they are applied, and the importance of accounting for friction pressures, particularly in subsea operations.

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Slow Circulation Rate (SCR)

Slow Circulation Rate is a circulation rate which will be used in well kill operation. Typically, slow circulation rate pressure (SCR) is recorded from each particular flow rate and the pressure represents pressure loss of the system while circulating. Since there are so many pressure gauges on the rig, you may get confused on the figures. In order to be at the same page for every personnel on the rig, the SCR should be recorded by the pressure gauge that we will use for killing the well.

 

There are a lot of reasons why we should kill the well with slow rate rather than a drilling rate as follows:

 

• To minimize friction pressure

• To allow time to weight up mud if you use wait and weight method

• To reduce pressure on surface equipment

• To allow degasser to separate gas from the mud

• To reduce needs for fast choke operation

• To allow personnel to think if something goes wrong

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