Exam Practice Questions And Correct

IWCF Level 2 Well Control Foundation Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the main purpose of primary well control?
• To circulate drilling fluid
• To prevent blowouts
• To increase drilling speed
• To reduce mud cost
• To prevent blowouts

Primary well control aims to prevent the uncontrolled release of formation fluids from the well, which can lead to blowouts.

• Which of the following indicates a potential influx?
• Decreasing mud level in the pit 1 / 4

• Increasing mud density
• Constant pump pressure
• Decreasing well temperature
• Decreasing mud level in the pit

A drop in mud level often signals formation fluid entering the wellbore, a key sign of a kick.

• What is the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a column of 10 ppg mud

in a 10,000 ft well? (Assume 0.052 constant)

• 4,000 psi
• 5,200 psi
• 5,500 psi
• 6,000 psi
• 5,200 psi

Hydrostatic pressure (psi) = 0.052 × Mud weight (ppg) × TVD (ft) = 0.052 × 10 × 10,000 = 5,200 psi.

• Which formation is most likely to cause a shallow gas kick?
• Shale
• Sandstone
• Limestone
• Salt
• Sandstone

Permeable formations like sandstone can allow gas to enter the wellbore more easily. 2 / 4

• What is the purpose of a blowout preventer (BOP)?
• To improve mud circulation
• To prevent formation damage
• To control well pressure during a kick
• To increase penetration rate
• To control well pressure during a kick

BOPs are critical safety equipment used to seal the well and control unexpected pressure surges.

6. During a well control operation, the term “kill mud” refers to:

• Mud used to lubricate the drill string
• Mud designed to kill formation bacteria
• Mud with sufficient density to overbalance formation pressure
• Mud with low viscosity
• Mud with sufficient density to overbalance formation pressure

Kill mud is designed to stop formation fluids from entering the well by exerting higher hydrostatic pressure than the formation pressure.

• What is a “kick”?
• Sudden increase in pump rate
• Influx of formation fluids into the wellbore
• Drill string sticking to the formation
• Mud weight reduction
• Influx of formation fluids into the wellbore 3 / 4

A kick occurs when formation pressure exceeds hydrostatic pressure, causing fluids to enter the wellbore.

• What is the correct action if a kick is detected while tripping out?
• Stop pumps and wait
• Continue pulling out slowly
• Shut in the well immediately
• Reduce mud weight
• Shut in the well immediately

Shutting in the well prevents the influx from entering the surface and allows controlled well kill procedures.

9. The annular BOP is primarily used for:

• Drilling
• Shearing the drill pipe
• Sealing around drill pipe or open hole
• Increasing mud weight
• Sealing around drill pipe or open hole

Annular BOPs can close around any size of drill string or even seal an open hole.

• When calculating the mud weight needed to control formation

pressure, which factor is NOT considered?

• True vertical depth (TVD)
• Formation pressure
• Drill pipe diameter
• / 4