Introduction

• The purpose of this section is to provide an interpretation guide for ECD responses. Some of the
known, clearly identifiable, and repeatable signatures of ECD changes have been put into tables along
with secondary or confirming indications, such as those seen in surface measurements.

• Downhole annular pressure interpretation is an evolving technique. All possible downhole events
have not yet been observed. Nonetheless, certain clearly identifiable and repeatable signatures can
be used to diagnose problems. Combining the information you get from downhole annular pressure
logs with other drilling parameters creates an overall assessment – the big picture – and drilling
problems can be detected before they get severe. In order to maintain a healthy drilling environment,
we have to put emphasis on anticipation and prevention rather than reaction and cure.
• Logs of downhole annular pressure and other drilling performance parameters show a process – a
process that is evolving with time. The evolution of the log in real-time must be monitored as
downhole conditions are dynamic, and timely decisions are essential. Delay or indecision can lead to
serious risk and added cost.
• Since ECD is a drilling parameter and not a formation parameter, ECD should be plotted on a time-
based log along with relevant surface parameters. Small changes can tell us a lot about the downhole
environment, and it is therefore crucial that ECD is being plotted on a very fine scale.
 ECD Interpretation Guide
OPERATION / ECD/PRESSURE CHANGE ADDITIONAL
HAZARD OBSERVATIONS
Running In / Pressure Increase (memory only) • Mud Losses – record
Downward Pipe To check flow off pressure values in “real-time”; trip tank volume against
Movement - surging • Stop pipe movement pipe displacement
(Flow off) • Wait 30 seconds to allow system to stabilize
• Break circulation following pump start procedures
• Stage pumps gently to MWD operating flow limit for
operation.
• Pressure max/min values will be pulsed to surface.
NB. If nozzles plugged or float in the string the pressure
increase is greater.

Downward Pipe • Pressure Increase • Monitor active pit

Movement - surging • Mud flow will enhance the increase in ECD when system for mud losses
(Flow on) moving pipe downwards.
• This is a high risk operation when close to balance.
Rapid pipe acceleration will cause large pressure
peak.
Pulling Pipe - • Stable or slight decrease • Mud gains, inadequate
swabbing • Circulation while pulling pipe if greater than pipe hole fill – monitor active
(Flow on) displacement will eliminate swab effect. system
• Can only monitor with MWD if flow above minimum
operating level.
 ECD Interpretation Guide
OPERATION / ECD/PRESSURE CHANGE ADDITIONAL
HAZARD OBSERVATIONS
Pulling Pipe - Pressure Decrease (memory only) • Mud gains, inadequate
swabbing To check flow off pressure values in “real-time”; hole fill – monitor trip
(Flow off) • Stop pipe movement tank
• Wait 30 seconds to allow system to stabilize
• Break circulation following pump start procedures.
• Stage pumps gently to MWD operating flow limit
for operation.
• Pressure max/min values will be pulsed to
surface.
• NB. If nozzles plugged or float in the string the
pressure decrease is greater.
Pump Start (Mud • Sudden Increase Possible • Increase in Standpipe
Gelation) • Dependant on how quick the pumps are kicked in Pressure above normal
and fluid rheology. The pressure peak will be circulation levels
greater for cold muds that have gelled i.e. after a • Monitor active pit
trip system for mud losses
Making a Connection • ECD should be equal to the static mud weight •No flow or SPP
• The downhole MW is very often different to the
MW measured at surface, due to pressure and
temperature effects. Especially oil-based muds
tend to have a lower MW downhole than what is
measured at surface conditions.
 ECD Interpretation Guide
OPERATION / ECD/PRESSURE CHANGE ADDITIONAL
HAZARD OBSERVATIONS
Pulling Pipe - Pressure Decrease • Mud gains, inadequate
swabbing To check flow off pressure values in “real-time”; hole fill – monitor trip tank
(Flow off) • Stop pipe movement
• Wait 30 seconds to allow system to stabilize
• Break circulation following pump start procedures.
• Stage pumps gently to MWD operating flow limit
for operation.
• Pressure max/min values will be pulsed to surface.
NB. If nozzles plugged or float in the string the
pressure decrease is greater.
Pump Start (Mud • Sudden Increase Possible • Increase in Standpipe
Gelation) • Dependant on how quick the pumps are kicked in Pressure above normal
and fluid rheology. The pressure peak will be circulation levels
greater for cold muds that have gelled i.e. after a • Monitor active pit system
trip for mud losses
Making a • ECD should be equal to the static mud weight • No flow or SPP
Connection • The downhole MW is very often different to the
MW measured at surface, due to pressure and
temperature effects. Especially oil-based muds
tend to have a lower MW downhole than what is
measured at surface conditions.
• Refer also to: Pulling Pipe/Downward Pipe
Movement/Pump Start
 ECD Interpretation Guide
OPERATION / ECD/PRESSURE CHANGE ADDITIONAL
HAZARD OBSERVATIONS
Circulate after a • Gradual Increase then Level Off • SPP may show a gradual
Connection • Cuttings may fall out of suspension when the increase before levelling off
(Deviated wells only) pumps are off. Picked up when
circulation/rotation starts after connection
Rotation after Steered • Gradual Increase then Level Off • Increased torque and drag
Interval • Cuttings transport may become inefficient while since last rotary interval
(Deviated wells only) drilling without rotation and cuttings beds form. • Increase in cuttings at
• Once rotary drilling continues pipe rotation lifts shakers (after lag time)
cuttings into suspension and ECD increases as
cuttings are transported beyond horizontal
section.
String Rotation • Step Increase in Pressure for initial RPM
increase then gradual increase with RPM
Cuttings Bed • Decrease • Increasing torque/drag
Formation • Cuttings falling out of suspension, causing the • Overpull increasing
(Poor hole cleaning in ECD to decrease, building up on the low side of • Lower than expected ROP
deviated wells) the hole. due to poor WOB transfer
• Slow Gradual Increase to the bit.
• Substantial cuttings bed develop causes • Reduced quantity of
constriction in the annulus increasing cuttings at surface
frictional pressure loss and therefore ECD • monitor cuttings at shakers
increases. If near plugging you might get • monitor mud in active
pressure surge spikes.
 ECD Interpretation Guide
OPERATION / ECD/PRESSURE CHANGE ADDITIONAL
HAZARD OBSERVATIONS
Pack Off in Annulus • Erratic Pressure causing ECD Peaks • Erratic variations in SPP
(above Sensor) – may not be obvious if
motor in string unless
pack off becomes
severe
• Increased rotary torque
becoming erratic
• Overpull increasing
Pack Off in Annulus • No change/drop to static MW • Increase in SPP,
also bit/stabilizer • Sudden increase if pack-off passes sudden large increase if
balling sensor complete annular pack
(below sensor) off.
• Overpull above normal
drag
Barite Sag • Slow fluctuations in circulating density • SPP displaying gradual
(ECD) cycle of increase or
• Decrease in Static Mud Density decrease depending on
location of light/heavy
mud.
• Mud loss if particularly
dense interval occurs
 ECD Interpretation Guide
OPERATION / ECD/PRESSURE CHANGE ADDITIONAL
HAZARD OBSERVATIONS
Gas Influx (SWF) • Decrease • Decrease in SPP
• If the influx is above the sensor and • Increase in mud flow
has started to expand in the annulus out
and the well has not been shut in. • Increase in active
volume
• Increase (memory only as pumps
off)
• If the well is shut in and the gas
influx migrates up the annulus
Liquid Influx • Decrease • Decrease in SPP
(SWF) • If the influx is above the sensor and • Increase in mud flow
is lighter than the drilling fluid. out
• Increase in active
• Increase volume
• If the influx has the same density as • Plan response if
the drilling fluid or if the influx is shallow water flow
accompanied by solids expected.