Section 1744.6 - Drilling Fluid Program-GeneralThe characteristics, use, and testing of drilling fluid and the method of conducting related drilling procedures shall be such as are necessary to prevent the uncontrolled flow of fluid from any well. Quantities of drilling fluid materials sufficient to insure well control shall be maintained readily accessible for immediate use at all times.
(a) Drilling fluid control. Before starting out of the hole with drill pipe, the drilling fluid shall be circulated with the drill pipe hung just off bottom until the drilling fluid is properly conditioned. Proper conditioning requires circulation of the drilling fluid to the extent that the total annulus volume is displaced and until gas is removed. When coming out of the hole with drill pipe or tubing, the annulus shall be filled with drilling fluid before the drilling fluid level drops below a calculated depth of 100 feet below the derrick floor. A mechanical device that indicates the amount of drilling fluid required to keep the hole full shall be watched. If there is any indication of "swabbing" or influx of formation fluids, the inside blowout preventer shall be installed on the drill pipe, the drill pipe shall be run to bottom, and the drilling fluid properly conditioned. The drilling fluid shall not be circulated and conditioned except on or near bottom, unless well conditions prevent running the pipe to bottom. The fluid in the hole shall be circulated or reverse circulated prior to pulling drill-stem test tools from the hole.(b) Drilling fluid testing equipment. Drilling fluid testing equipment for measuring viscosity, water loss, weight, and thixotropic properties shall be maintained on the drillsite at all times. Tests of the drilling fluid consistent with good operating practice shall be performed at the beginning of each eight-hour tour while drilling, with additional tests as conditions warrant. Results of tests shall be recorded on the driller's log. The following or comparable equipment for monitoring the drilling fluid system must be installed with the indicators at the driller's station and used throughout the period of drilling after setting and cementing the first surface casing. (1) A recording mud-pit level indicator to determine mud pit volume gains and losses. This indicator shall include a visual and audible warning device.(2) A mud volume measuring device for accurately determining mud volumes required to maintain fluid level at the surface while pulling the drill pipe from the hole.(3) A mud return or full hole indicator to show when returns have been obtained, or when they occur unintentionally, and also to determine that returns essentially equal the pump discharge rate.(c) Inspection of the complete drilling fluid system shall be made by a Division inspector. Approval of the system is required prior to drilling out the shoe of the first surface casing.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 1744.6
1. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (c) filed 12-26-2006 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2006, No. 52). 1. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (c) filed 12-26-2006 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2006, No. 52).