Kick Tolerance Calculator

    Calculate the maximum influx size that can be safely shut in and circulated without exceeding MAASP at the casing shoe.

    Calculation Inputs

    Current drilling fluid weight.

    Estimated formation pore pressure at the point of interest.

    Depth of the last casing shoe (true vertical depth).

    Vertical depth of the casing shoe. If same as CSD, enter same value.

    Maximum allowable surface pressure at the casing shoe.

    Optional. If left blank, assume gas (0 ppg).

    What Is Kick Tolerance?

    Kick tolerance defines the maximum influx size that can be safely shut in and circulated out of the well without exceeding the maximum allowable annular surface pressure (MAASP) at the casing shoe. It is a critical well control parameter that helps drilling engineers plan for potential kicks and ensure the wellbore can handle unexpected formation fluid influxes.

    Kick Tolerance Formulas

    Kick tolerance can be expressed in multiple ways:

    Ph-shoe = 0.052 × MW × CSD

    Pfracture = Ph-shoe + MAASP

    KTpsi = MAASP

    KTppg = KTpsi / (0.052 × CSD)

    Gas Height = KTpsi / (0.052 × MW)

    Where:

    • Ph-shoe = Hydrostatic pressure at the casing shoe (psi)
    • MW = Mud weight (ppg)
    • CSD = Casing shoe depth (ft)
    • MAASP = Maximum allowable annular surface pressure (psi)
    • KT = Kick tolerance

    Example Kick Tolerance Calculation

    For a well with 10 ppg mud at 5000 ft shoe depth and 418 psi MAASP:

    KTpsi = 418 psiKTppg = 418 / (0.052 × 5000) = 1.61 ppgGas Height = 418 / (0.052 × 10) = 804 ft

    Why Kick Tolerance Matters

    • Well Control Planning: Helps determine if current casing and mud weight can handle potential kicks from deeper formations.
    • Casing Design: Influences casing setting depth decisions to maintain adequate kick tolerance throughout drilling.
    • Mud Weight Selection: Higher mud weights reduce kick tolerance, requiring balance between well control and formation damage.

    Basic Formula:

    KTpsi = MAASP

    KTppg = MAASP / (0.052 × CSD)

    Gas Height = KTpsi / (0.052 × MW)

    KT: Kick tolerance (psi or ppg)
    MAASP: Max allowable annular surface pressure (psi)
    CSD: Casing shoe depth (ft)
    MW: Mud weight (ppg)
    0.052: Conversion constant for field units

    Kick tolerance defines the maximum influx size that can be safely shut in and circulated without exceeding MAASP at the casing shoe.

    It can be expressed in pressure (psi), equivalent mud weight (ppg), or gas height (ft).

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