# title
Analyses and procedures for kick detection in subsea mudlift drilling

# abstract
<jats:title>Summary</jats:title><jats:p>In deepwater drilling, a conventional large-diameter riser requires drilling vessels with large weight and space capacities, large mud volume to circulate through a riser, and many casing points because of narrow gaps between pore and fracture pressures. A large number of casing points also require a larger wellhead and a larger marine riser. These problems are inter-related and intensify as the water depth increases. Although there are some successes to set a new drilling record on water depth, it is impractical to extrapolate current technology with a marine riser to 10,000 ft water depth.</jats:p><jats:p>Subsea mudlift drilling (SMD) is a term used to describe an unconventional technique using a relatively small diameter pipe as a mud-return line from the seafloor instead of a large-diameter marine riser. The scheme also balances internal and external pressures at the seafloor by reducing the internal pressure to make a dual pressure gradient possible. It has potential advantages of cost and time savings and rig upgrades for deepwater applications.</jats:p><jats:p>Kick detection and well control will not be hurdles for field applications of SMD. If the circulation rate is less than the maximum free-fall rate, there will be a time delay in kick detection. In this case, the circulation rate may need to be increased or a drill-string valve that provides a positive surface-pump pressure should be used. In case of transient U-tubing or fill up, other operations should be avoided for easy kick detection and well control, unless there is an accurate prediction and monitoring tool available.</jats:p>

# authorList[]
Choe, J., Schubert, J. J., & Juvkam-Wold, H. C.