Thermal Expansion Modeling

During well kill operations, it is common for the drilling fluid to experience thermal expansion, which can cause inaccurate readings of shut-in pressure values. Shut-in pressure refers to the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore when the well is closed off, with no fluid flowing in or out. Accurate shut-in pressure measurements are crucial during well kill operations as they inform the well control team on the amount of pressure required to safely control the well.

To ensure accurate shut-in pressure measurements during well kill operations, Wild Well performs multiphase simulation-based analyses. This process helps to determine the potential for thermal expansion issues in a given well.

Multiphase simulation-based analyses involve using specialized software to simulate the behavior of fluids in the wellbore. This allows Wild Well to predict how the drilling fluid will behave under different conditions, including changes in temperature and pressure. By analyzing this data, the team can identify any potential thermal expansion issues that may arise during well kill operations.

If thermal expansion is predicted to be an issue, Wild Well will take appropriate measures to account for it. This may involve adjusting the shut-in pressure values to compensate for the effects of thermal expansion or modifying the drilling fluid composition to reduce the risk of thermal expansion.