Workover Well Control Practice Exam

IADC WellSharp Well Servicing – Workover Well Control Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the main objective of well control during workover operations?

a) To increase reservoir production

b) To maintain hydrostatic pressure balance

c) To prevent uncontrolled flow of formation fluids

d) To reduce rig downtime

Rationale: The purpose of well control is to prevent any influx or blowout

by keeping formation fluids contained within the wellbore.

• What is the hydrostatic pressure at 6,000 ft with a mud weight of 9.5

ppg?

• 2,800 psi 1 / 4

• 2,700 psi
• 2,970 psi
• 3,150 psi

Rationale: Hydrostatic pressure = 0.052 × MW × TVD = 0.052 × 9.5 × 6000 =

2,964 psi ≈ 2,970 psi.

• What is the most likely cause of a kick during workover operations?

a) Excessive choke pressure

b) Low annular pressure

c) Insufficient hydrostatic head

d) Gas migration

Rationale: When mud hydrostatic pressure drops below formation

pressure, formation fluids enter the wellbore causing a kick.

• What component is primarily used to close the well in an emergency?

a) Choke manifold

b) Kill line

c) Blowout Preventer (BOP)

d) Kelly valve

Rationale: The BOP is the primary well control device used to seal the

wellbore and stop flow.

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• What is the primary purpose of the annular preventer?

a) To provide secondary pressure control

b) To act as a circulating valve

c) To seal around various pipe sizes or open hole

d) To equalize pressure between annulus and tubing

Rationale: Annular preventers are versatile and can seal around any

tubular or open hole.

• What pressure reading indicates a possible influx?

a) Increase in standpipe pressure

b) Decrease in tubing pressure

c) Increase in casing pressure

d) Constant tubing pressure

Rationale: A sudden rise in casing pressure suggests formation fluids

entering the well.

• The difference between formation pressure and hydrostatic pressure is

known as:

a) Differential pressure

b) Overbalance

c) Underbalance

d) Kick tolerance 3 / 4

Rationale: Overbalance exists when mud pressure exceeds formation

pressure, maintaining well control.

• What happens when hydrostatic pressure is lower than formation

pressure?

a) Well is killed

b) Lost circulation

c) Kick occurs

d) Gas lock

Rationale: An underbalanced condition allows fluids to enter the wellbore,

causing a kick.

• What type of fluid is commonly used for workover well control

operations?

a) Cement

b) Crude oil

c) Brine or completion fluid

d) Diesel

Rationale: Brine or completion fluids are used due to compatibility and

ability to control pressure.

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