Page 284 - Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language
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Chapter 11 – WELL CONTROL 275
Instead of a BOP designed to close in the well, a diverter is used during
drilling (fig. 11–12). This is comprised of a large bag preventer, underneath
which are two large side outlets (up to 12" diameter) with some kind of full
opening valve system. Once the well starts to flow, the side outlet facing
downwind is opened, and the bag preventer is closed. Flow from the well
gets diverted downwind, away from the rig.
Fig. 11–12. Diverter with large-diameter side outlets
Photo courtesy of Schlumberger.
Dynamic kill
Dynamic killing is a method for stopping an influx by increasing
annular pressure losses (that is, the pressure required to force mud to flow
in the annulus). This pressure increase comes from pumping fluid as fast
as possible into the well.
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