When circulating an influx out, the mud return rate does not always equal the pump rate, indicating that the MGS has a limited liquid handling capability. As the influx nears the surface, the rate of mud return increases.

The rate of increase is determined by factors such as the magnitude of the kick, the composition of the kick, the mud type (water or oil based), how much surface back pressure is being applied, the height of the mud, and other factors. In rare cases, the return flow rate might increase dramatically shortly before a gas bubble reaches the surface.

Considering that the peak mud return flow rate may be significantly greater than the pump rate, it is necessary to ensure that the kill rate is modest enough to avoid exceeding the liquid handling capacity of the MGS in use during peak mud return flow rates. When determining liquid handling capacity, it is necessary to take into account both the separating capacity of the MGS and the friction pressure in the gas vent and mud return lines downstream of the MGS. This determines the allowable peak mud return flow rate and, consequently, the maximum circulation rate when circulating out a kick when circulating out a kick It is possible that, after determining any restrictions of surface equipment, the next stage can be to identify kick occurrences that may be controlled in a dynamic manner while not exceeding any of the previously defined limits of the Mud Gas Separator.

At Kapwell, we make certain that the MGS is built and sized with improved fluid turbulence and the greatest retention time in order to cause the breaking out of drilling fluid.

Note: The blogs are designed solely for the aim of providing technical knowledge for reference and educational purposes only.