Well control responsibilities on a rig involve a coordinated effort by multiple personnel, each tasked with critical roles during well control operations. These responsibilities are vital in managing potential risks and ensuring that the well is controlled and stabilized effectively.
Company Representative
Company Representative plays a crucial role as the overall supervisor, ensuring that all steps are conducted safely and effectively. They closely monitor the rig teams ensuring that each member follows the well control procedures accurately. Their leadership ensures that every action is aligned with operational and safety standards.
Before initiating any well control operations, the Company Representative is responsible for verifying the accuracy of critical data, such as well pressures and volumes. By confirming this information, they help avoid potential risks that could jeopardize the safety of the operation.
A key aspect of their role is serving as the communication link between the rig and the company’s headquarters. In the event of a well kill or emergency, the Company Representative ensures that updates are exchanged efficiently, coordinating responses between on-site personnel and management to ensure timely, well-informed decisions.
Toolpusher
The Toolpusher plays a key role in ensuring the crew is organized and fully prepared for any well-kill operations. This involves constant communication with the company representatives throughout the operation. The Toolpusher may also be responsible for operating the choke, either personally or through a designated individual.
Driller
The Driller bears the responsibility of continuously monitoring the well, identifying any kick indicators that signal an issue, and promptly shutting in the well when necessary. Following a shut-in, the Driller contacts the Person-in-Charge and, on floating rigs, the Subsea Engineer is called to the drill floor. The Driller closely monitors pressures, volumes, and time, designating a crew member to record these parameters during the kill operation, while also operating the mud pump.
Assistant Driller / Derrickhand
Assistant Drillers and Derrickhands are tasked with lining up the mud gas separator and vacuum degasser, as well as preparing the mixing pumps and bulk barite system for weighting up the mud. They stand by for specific instructions from the Toolpusher and Mud Engineer, and during pumping operations, they constantly monitor mud weight and pit volumes, reporting their findings to the Driller.
Floormen
Floormen follow the instructions given by the Driller, ensuring the operation runs smoothly.
Mud Engineer
The Mud Engineer coordinates the building and maintenance of the mud system, checks the preparations made by the Assistant Driller or Derrickhand, and monitors the mud properties and return flow for any signs of abnormalities. Additionally, the Mud Engineer confirms the calibration of the mud balance and checks all mud and chemical volumes on board.
Barge Supervisor / Captain
The Barge Supervisor or Captain ensures that the bulk system is charged and ready for immediate use. They stand by in the control room or bridge, prepared to respond to emergencies and notify the standby vessel, if available, to move into evacuation position. They also ensure the readiness of the evacuation equipment.
Crane Operator
The Crane Operator is responsible for ensuring doors and hatches are closed, assisting in mud mixing operations, and supervising Roustabouts. They report to the mud pits or sack room to assist the Assistant Driller and Derrickhand.
Subsea Engineer
The Subsea Engineer reports to the drill floor to check the functions and operating pressures of the Blowout Preventer (BOP) control panel and remains present at the panel in case of equipment issues.
Mud Logging Engineers
Mud Logging Engineers are stationed at the mud logging unit, where they continuously monitor the circulating and drilling systems. They review all data and report any abnormalities to the company representatives, Driller, and Toolpusher.
Cementer
The Cementer ensures that the cement unit is tested and ready for operation and that slurry formulations and additives are prepared in case a cement plug is needed. If required, the Cementer operates the cement unit under the direction of the Senior Toolpusher.
Electrician / Mechanic
Electricians and Mechanics remain on standby, ready to respond to any instructions during well control operations.
Control Room Operator
The Control Room Operator ensures the rig’s stability and continuously monitors safety systems, including gas alarms, throughout the operation.
Radio Operator
The Radio Operator logs all communications, including calls, telexes, and faxes, while keeping communication lines open for the DSM/WSM, Offshore Installation Manager (OIM), and any other personnel authorized by the OIM. They also assist with all communication matters as directed by the OIM and DSM/WSM.
Each role within the rig is essential to maintaining safety and ensuring the well control operation proceeds efficiently, with clear responsibilities and communication protocols in place for every individual involved.
Conclusion
In summary, well control on a rig is a team effort that requires every crew member to understand and execute their specific responsibilities. From the Toolpusher’s overall organization of the crew to the Driller’s monitoring of the well, and the Mud Engineer’s management of the drilling fluids, each role is essential in ensuring the safe and effective management of the well. Proper coordination, preparation, and communication are key to preventing and controlling well incidents, maintaining safety, and avoiding catastrophic blowouts.
References
Cormack, D. (2007). An introduction to well control calculations for drilling operations. 1st ed. Texas: Springer.
Crumpton, H. (2010). Well Control for Completions and Interventions. 1st ed. Texas: Gulf Publishing.
Grace, R. (2003). Blowout and well control handbook [recurso electrónico]. 1st ed. Paises Bajos: Gulf Professional Pub.
