WellCON: An Early Kick Detection System

Abstract The main objective of the work is to provide an automated system of early kick detection and control system which monitors and reports the physical conditions of the inside of wellbore annulus instantaneously through time measurements of primary waves propagation through the annulus. This system is graphically modelled as virtual instruments using the software, LabVIEW and is named ‘WellCON’ by authors. Authors propose a model in which time taken for this wave propagation in the annulus reveals the physical condition of the wellbore and denotes the fluids present in the annulus. In case of an unexpected event of kick, the model instantaneously provides the type of fluid in the kick and notifies the driller. To understand the capacity of the well to take a kick, kick tolerance are calculated at every instance of drilling. Based on the severity of the kick influx, considering the tolerance level, commands are sent to BOP to shut-in, leading to complete automation of the kick handling system.