SPE Drilling & Well Completion 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a diverter system installed at the wellhead during top-hole drilling?

Accepted Answer

Divert shallow gas flows away from the rig floor to protect personnel

Answer

Diverter systems redirect unexpected shallow gas influxes away from the rig floor, protecting personnel since BOPs are not yet installed.

Question 2

In a horizontal well, what is the primary function of a rotary steerable system (RSS)?

Accepted Answer

Provide continuous rotation while steering the bit to the target trajectory

Answer

An RSS allows the drillstring to rotate continuously while a steering mechanism deflects the bit toward the planned trajectory.

Question 3

Which cement slurry additive is used to prevent gas migration through unset cement?

Accepted Answer

Expanding agent or anti-gas migration additive

Answer

Anti-gas migration additives (e.g., expanding agents or latex) reduce cement permeability and control gel strength development to block gas channels.

Question 4

What does the term 'equivalent circulating density' (ECD) represent in drilling operations?

Accepted Answer

The effective mud weight at a given depth accounting for annular friction pressure losses

Answer

ECD equals static mud weight plus the additional pressure from annular friction losses, expressed as an equivalent fluid density at depth.

Question 5

A perforating gun is fired with an underbalanced condition. What is the main benefit of underbalanced perforating?

Accepted Answer

Creates immediate inflow that cleans perforation tunnels of crushed zone debris

Answer

Underbalanced perforating draws formation fluids into the wellbore immediately upon firing, cleaning crushed zone damage from the perforation tunnels.

(SPE) Society of Petroleum Engineers Certification Practice Test

(SPE) Society of Petroleum Engineers Certification Practice Test

SPE Drilling & Well Completion 2