Monitoring of down-hole parameters for early kick detection

This paper presents an experimental study to investigate the occurrence of a kick based on the changes in mass flow rate, pressure, density, and conductivity of the fluid in the down-hole. Pressure sensor, a Coriolis flow and density meter, and a conductivity sensor are employed to observe deteriorating well conditions in the down-hole. These observations can assess the occurrence of a kick and associated blowout risk. Monitoring of multiple down-hole parameters has the potential to improve the accuracy of interpretation related to kick occurrence, reduce the number of false alarms, and provide a broad picture of down-hole conditions. Moreover, the most sensitive parameters that get affected by the kick are identified. A methodology to detect the kick without false alarms is also reported.