IWCF Level 3 – Drilling Well Control (Supervisor) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary objective of well control?
- To improve drilling efficiency
- To prevent the uncontrolled release of formation fluids
- To increase penetration rate
- To maintain mud properties
Rationale: Well control aims to prevent blowouts and ensure safety by
controlling formation pressures during drilling.
- What is the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a 12 ppg mud at 10,000 ft
- 4,800 psi
- 5,000 psi 1 / 3
TVD?
- 6,240 psi
- 7,200 psi
Rationale: Hydrostatic pressure = 0.052 × Mud Weight × TVD = 0.052 ×
12 × 10,000 = 6,240 psi.
- Which device is used to close the well at the surface during a kick?
- Mud pump
- Choke manifold
- Blowout preventer (BOP)
- Annular preventer
Rationale: The BOP stack seals the wellbore to prevent fluid flow
during kicks.
- What is the purpose of the choke during well control operations?
- To circulate mud
- To control the rate of flow from the well
- To measure kick intensity
- To maintain hole cleaning
Rationale: The choke helps regulate backpressure, controlling well
flow safely.
5. A kick occurs when:
- Mud weight is too high
- Formation pressure exceeds hydrostatic pressure
- Circulation rate is too low
- Pump pressure is too high 2 / 3
Rationale: A kick happens when formation pressure exceeds the
pressure exerted by the mud column.
- What is the most common early warning sign of a kick?
- Sudden increase in rotary torque
- Pit gain
- Decrease in pump pressure
- Loss of returns
Rationale: An unexpected pit gain indicates formation fluids entering
the wellbore.
- What is meant by “MAASP”?
- Maximum Annular Allowable System Pressure
- Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure
- Maximum Adjusted Annular Shut Pressure
- Maximum Annular Static Pressure
Rationale: MAASP is the highest surface pressure that can be safely
held without fracturing the formation.
- Which method uses constant bottom-hole pressure during well
- Wait and Weight Method
- Driller’s Method
- Volumetric Method
- Dynamic Kill Method
- / 3
control?