IWCF Surface Well Control Exam

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

• What is the primary purpose of the blowout preventer (BOP) on a

surface well?

• To regulate drilling fluid viscosity
• To prevent uncontrolled flow of formation fluids
• To circulate drilling mud
• To monitor well pressure

Rationale: The BOP is designed to prevent uncontrolled flow of formation

fluids (a blowout), protecting personnel, equipment, and the environment.

• Which fluid property primarily affects hydrostatic pressure in a well?
• Temperature
• Density 1 / 4

• Viscosity
• pH

Rationale: Hydrostatic pressure is directly proportional to the density of

the drilling fluid, as well as the vertical depth of the fluid column.

• What is the correct response if a kick is detected while drilling?
• Increase pump rate
• Shut down the well immediately
• Close the BOP and circulate out the influx
• Continue drilling to the next section

Rationale: When a kick is detected, the standard procedure is to close the

BOP to control the well and circulate out the influx safely.

• What type of BOP is used to seal around the drill pipe?
• Blind rams
• Pipe rams
• Shear rams
• Annular preventer

Rationale: Pipe rams are designed to seal around the drill pipe, whereas

blind rams seal an open hole and shear rams cut through the pipe.

• Which of the following indicates a potential influx of formation fluids?
• Decreased mud weight
• Unexpected increase in flow rate from the well 2 / 4

• Normal pump pressure
• Steady drill string rotation

Rationale: An unexpected increase in flow rate or pit gain is a primary

indicator of a kick or influx from the formation.

6. The function of the annular preventer is:

• To shear the drill pipe
• To seal the well around any size of pipe or an open hole
• To control mud density
• To measure well pressure

Rationale: The annular preventer can seal around various pipe sizes or

even an open hole, making it versatile for initial well control operations.

7. During well control operations, the term "kick" refers to:

• Sudden pipe movement
• Uncontrolled influx of formation fluids into the wellbore
• Rapid increase in mud weight
• Loss of circulation

Rationale: A kick is an unwanted influx of formation fluids that can lead to

a blowout if not controlled.

• Which action is taken first when a kick is detected?
• Increase mud weight
• Close the BOP 3 / 4

• Circulate faster
• Pull out drill string

Rationale: The immediate priority is to close the BOP to contain the well

before implementing circulation or other corrective actions.

• What is the main hazard of a gas kick in a well?
• Increased mud density
• Rapid reduction in hydrostatic pressure leading to a blowout
• Drill string vibration
• Mud contamination

Rationale: Gas is compressible; a gas kick can expand rapidly, reducing

hydrostatic pressure and increasing blowout risk.

• Which type of ram should be used to seal an open hole?
• Pipe ram
• Shear ram
• Blind ram
• Annular preventer

Rationale: Blind rams are designed to seal the well when no pipe is present

in the BOP stack.

• How often should BOPs be tested during drilling operations?
• Once a week
• Before drilling and at intervals as required by regulations
• / 4