HPHT Well Design and Drilling

Overview

High-pressure, high-temperature wells push every part of the drilling system to its limits. Narrow margins between pore pressure and fracture gradient, gas solubility in oil-based mud, temperature effects on fluid density, and the performance of elastomers, cement and tubulars at extreme conditions all leave little room for error. Deep gas developments in the Gulf and elsewhere are increasingly HPHT, so engineers need to understand these challenges in detail. This course covers the design and drilling of HPHT wells from pre-spud planning to completion. Participants learn pressure prediction and detection, casing design for high loads and temperature, the selection of materials and connections, and cementing for HPHT conditions. The course gives particular attention to well control: kick detection, influx behaviour in oil-based mud, ballooning versus kicks, and the procedures and equipment needed to handle HPHT influxes. Lessons from HPHT incidents are used throughout.

Objectives

• Define HPHT conditions and explain their effects on drilling
• Predict and detect pore pressure in HPHT sections
• Design casing for high pressure and temperature loads
• Select materials, elastomers and connections for HPHT service
• Plan drilling fluids and cementing for HPHT wells
• Apply HPHT-specific kick detection and well control procedures

Who should attend

Training methodology

Participants work through the design of an HPHT gas well: pore pressure and fracture gradient prediction, casing load cases with temperature derating, mud weight window and ECD management. Kick simulations show how gas in oil-based mud behaves differently from water-based systems. Incident case studies from HPHT wells are analysed step by step, and teams review an HPHT well control bridging document. A written assessment closes the course. Participants are encouraged to bring offset well data from their own fields.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions