Well control

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Well control is the technique used in oil and gas operations such as drilling, well workover and well completion for maintaining the hydrostatic pressure and formation pressure to prevent the influx of formation fluids into the wellbore. This technique involves the estimation of formation fluid pressures, the strength of the subsurface formations and the use of casing and mud density to offset those pressures in a predictable fashion.^[1] Understanding pressure and pressure relationships is important in well control.

The aim of oil operations is to complete all tasks in a safe and efficient manner without detrimental environmental effects. This aim can only be achieved if well control is maintained at all times. The understanding of pressure and pressure relationships are important in preventing blowouts by experienced personnel who are able to detect when the well is kicking and take proper and prompt actions.