Date of Award
1995
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Petroleum Engineering
First Advisor
Adam T. Bourgoyne, Jr
Abstract
An experimental study to investigate the bullheading method of well control was performed. The primary focus of the investigation was the downward displacement of gas by liquid, requiring consideration of counter-current flow behavior. Experiments were conducted in a full-scale well, using a computer-controlled downhole fracture simulation system; water and low-viscosity drilling mud were used for bullheading fluids. The results from these experiments provided simple models for the estimation of removal efficiency and maximum pump pressure during bullheading operations. These models are empirical and are limited to conditions within the range of the experimental data. A two-phase flow analysis of the annulus at the time fracturing starts provided insight into the mechanisms present during bullheading.
Recommended Citation
Koederitz, William Leo, "Gas Kick Behavior During Bullheading Operations in Vertical Wells." (1995). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 5963.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/5963
Pages
77
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.5963