about-banner-image

KickDrill App – For advanced well control training

Well control is a critical component of safety and efficiency. Professionals must thoroughly understand the principles to prevent incidents that could lead to catastrophic consequences. The KickDrill app offers a comprehensive well control training solution for newcomers and seasoned professionals facing bi-annual recertification. Developed by a certified instructor with over 40 years of experience, the app aligns with the requirements of both the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) and the International Well Control Forum (IWCF) certifications.

Well control training equips drilling personnel with the essential knowledge to manage well control situations effectively. It is more than just beneficial; it is mandatory for drilling personnel. The training ensures that individuals understand the complexities of maintaining well integrity, detecting potential issues early, and responding appropriately to prevent blowouts or other hazardous events.

IADC and IWCF programs are available through accredited training centres worldwide. These programs provide intensive courses that cover theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective well control. Professionals seeking these certifications can use advanced training tools like the KickDrill app, which offers additional resources to complement traditional learning methods.

Advanced training resources for well control

Access to advanced training resources is vital for mastering well control concepts. The KickDrill app stands out as a valuable tool that covers essential topics extensively:

  • Detection and surveillance: Understanding why a kick develops, what to look for, the risks involved and how to combat
  • Hydrostatic pressure: Understanding how pressures affect wellbore stability and the dynamics while killing the well.
  • Well control equipment: Detailed insights into equipment like Blow Out Preventers (BOPs), Control systems, Emergency systems, etc. for surface and subsea operations.

Explore all subjects covered by the app at https://kickdrill.com/subjects/.

 

How does KickDrill support learning and practical application?

The KickDrill app is a learning platform that complements traditional training:

  • Over 500 quiz questions: Available for free, allowing users to test their knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
  • Unit flexibility: Switch between API (ft/bbl) and Metric (meter/liter) units to suit regional preferences.
  • Premium features: Access to a mini well control manual, detailed exams with reports, kill sheet exercises, hints and explanations, and an ad-free experience.

It supports learning and practical application through its innovative approach:

Learning approach

The app is divided into four main categories, each tailored to specific roles and equipment types in drilling operations:

  • Procedures & Practices (P&P) Driller Surface
  • Procedures & Practices (P&P) Supervisor Surface
  • Procedures & Practices (P&P) Driller Sub-Sea
  • Procedures & Practices (P&P) Supervisor Sub-Sea

Additional categories focus on equipment for both surface and subsea operations:

  • Equipment Surface
  • Equipment Sub-Sea

Interactive quizzes

Subject-specific quizzes allow focused study, providing immediate feedback with explanations to reinforce understanding. Hints guide the user’s thinking process without revealing answers, enhancing critical thinking skills.

Realistic exam simulations

Exams within the app mimic the format and timing of actual certification tests. Covering a broad range of topics ensures comprehensive readiness and builds confidence in test-taking abilities.

Practical exercises

Hands-on tasks such as filling out kill sheets and performing calculations simulate real-life situations encountered in the field. These exercises enhance problem-solving abilities and practical application of theoretical knowledge.

kickdrill app for free

Key subjects covered

  • Hydrostatic, ormation, and Fracture Pressures: Calculations involving mud weight, pore pressure, and their impact on well integrity.
  • Primary and Secondary Well Control: Strategies to maintain control during drilling and response techniques for well kicks.
  • Well Control Equipment: Detailed study of BOPs and operational procedures, highlighting differences between surface and subsea equipment.
  • Pressures and Limits: Calculating Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure (MAASP) and understanding operational limits to prevent formation fracture.
  • Kick Detection and Control: Recognizing early signs of a well kick and implementing safe shut-in procedures.
  • Kill Sheets and Calculations: Step-by-step guidance on filling out kill sheets accurately for effective well control operations.
  • Kick Tolerance: Assessing formation strength and calculating the maximum manageable influx.
  • Circulating Out the Kick: Procedures for the Driller’s Method, Wait and Weight Method, and the Volumetric method, managing wellbore pressures during circulation.
  • Control System Fault Finding: Troubleshooting issues with BOP control systems to prevent failures.
  • Well Control Procedures: Standard operating procedures during various drilling stages and contingency plans for unexpected events.
  • Well Control Theory: Fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and their application in real scenarios.
  • Pressure Testing and Leak-Off Tests: Conducting and interpreting Formation Integrity Tests (FIT) and Leak-Off Tests (LOT).
  • Shut-In Procedures: Steps for hard and soft shut-in methods with safety considerations.
  • Barriers and Barrier Management: Understanding and maintaining physical and procedural barriers for safety.
  • Well Control During Special Operations: Managing well control in complex drilling environments, including deviated and horizontal wells.
  • Control System Details: In-depth exploration of how control systems operate, their components, and the critical fault-finding exercises needed to diagnose and prevent potential failures.
  • Emergency Systems: The essential emergency protocols and equipment, ensuring personnel can respond quickly and effectively to sudden well control incidents.
  • Scheduled Pressure and Function Testing: Guidelines on when and how to conduct regular pressure and function tests on well control equipment, including what parameters to measure and record to maintain safety standards.
  • Causes of Kicks and How to Detect Them: Identification of common causes behind well kicks and best practices for monitoring drilling parameters and spotting early signs of influx.
  • Well Kill Issues During Cementing: Addressing specific challenges and procedures when performing well kill operations with cementing, safe practices and contingency plans.
  • Behavior of the Influx: Examination of how gas, oil, or other formation fluids behave once they enter the wellbore, including expansion properties, pressure differentials, and recommended methods for effectively circulating out the influx.

 

Conclusion

The KickDrill app is a vital resource for professionals in the oil industry seeking advanced well control training. It addresses the educational needs for IADC and IWCF certifications, providing a thorough understanding of essential topics. By offering interactive quizzes, realistic exam simulations, and practical exercises, it covers the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Whether you are a newcomer preparing for your first certification or an experienced professional aiming for recertification, the KickDrill app strengthens your learning experience, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle the challenges of well control.

Download the KickDrill App:

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective well control training. Visit www.kickdrill.com to learn more.