Kick Mechanisms and Unique Well Control Practices in Vugular Deepwater Carbonates

The standard well control training drillers receive in the industry prepares them to respond to an influx that occurs during<br>underbalanced conditions. The mechanism through which hydrocarbon may enter the wellbore following a vugular loss can<br>differ from this. One potential result is that the influx may not be detected as early as that which occurs during a<br>conventional underbalanced condition. The purpose of this paper is to provide a model to explain the unique mechanism<br>through which kicks may occur following vugular losses, as well as effective recognition and response practices that are<br>consistent with that model.