Selection and Sensitivity Requirements for Blowout Control Detection Instruments

In blowout control and prevention planning, the prime detection instrument needs to be designated and its minimum sensitivity specified. Sensitivity requirements will depend on the drilling environment, i.e., casing depth, reservoir properties, mud underbalance possibilities, rig reaction time, circulating rate, etc. Through use of a computer program (KIKSIM) that quantifies the transient characteristics of hydrocarbon gas in the annulus of a drilling well, comparisons are made of detection instrument alternatives.