Kick Tolerance Modeling in Well Design and Drilling: A Comprehensive Technical Review

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 03 | Page : 33 58
    By

    Chukwudi Ohaegbulam,

  • Igwilo Kevin,

  • Nkemakolam Izuwa,

  • Ifeanyichukwu Onyejekwe,

  • Anthony Chikwe,

  • Chinyere Ezekannagha1,

  1. Lecturer, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Madonna University, , Nigeria
  2. Lecture, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO),, , Nigeria
  3. Lecturer, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO),, , Nigeria
  4. Lecturer, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO),, , Nigeria
  5. Lecturer, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO),, , Nigeria
  6. Lecturer, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Madonna University, , Nigeria

Abstract

Kick and blowout events in drilling operations can lead to significant losses of equipment, and in some cases, human lives. Oil and gas companies, along with oilfield service providers involved in drilling operations, face severe penalties and sanctions following such incidents. Research has demonstrated that incorporating kick tolerance models during the well planning and drilling stages can mitigate the risk of blowouts during secondary well control operations. This study reviews various kick tolerance models developed by different authors and their applications in well design and drilling operations. It thoroughly examines the underlying principles of gas kicks and their thermodynamic interactions with water- and oil-based drilling muds. Key factors discussed include kick tolerance models, choke line pressure drops, annular pressure loss, the after flow effects, temperature effects, and the behavior of gas kicks in both oil- and water-based drilling muds. Previous studies have indicated that kick tolerance values can be either overestimated or underestimated if these factors are not considered in the model development, leading to higher well design costs or increased blowout risks. The reviewed kick tolerance models are categorized into single-bubble and multiphase models. This work shows that single-bubble models tend to be conservative in kick tolerance calculations due to the assumptions they rely on, whereas multiphase models account for gas solubility and gas liberation as the wellbore pressure drops below the mixture’s bubble point pressure. The paper also highlights the assumptions used in the development of these models and discusses their limitations.

Keywords: Well Control, Kick and Blowout, Drilling efficiency. Kick tolerance Models and Modeling

[This article belongs to Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Chukwudi Ohaegbulam, Igwilo Kevin, Nkemakolam Izuwa, Ifeanyichukwu Onyejekwe, Anthony Chikwe, Chinyere Ezekannagha1. Kick Tolerance Modeling in Well Design and Drilling: A Comprehensive Technical Review. Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology. 2025; 15(03):33-58.
How to cite this URL:
Chukwudi Ohaegbulam, Igwilo Kevin, Nkemakolam Izuwa, Ifeanyichukwu Onyejekwe, Anthony Chikwe, Chinyere Ezekannagha1. Kick Tolerance Modeling in Well Design and Drilling: A Comprehensive Technical Review. Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology. 2025; 15(03):33-58. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopet/article=2025/view=228304


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 03
Received 02/06/2025
Accepted 31/08/2025
Published 17/09/2025
Publication Time 107 Days
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