IADC Well Control Conference of the Americas & Exhibition

2:30-4:30 pm IADC Well Control Committee Meeting  LaSalle
*This meeting requires separate registration from conference. Click link above for more information.

7:30 am  Registration, Coffee Service & Exhibit Viewing  Lafayette Ballroom & Foyer 

7:40 am  Speaker Briefing (Conference speakers, session chairs and moderators only)  Salons 1/2

8:20 am  Welcome & Introduction  Salons 1/2

• Jim Rocco, Senior Director – Government & Industry Affairs – Offshore, IADC
• Santo Endieveri, Chair, IADC Well Control Committee; Global Operations Assurance Manager, Transocean

8:30 am  IADC Well Control Committee Update: Santo Endieveri, Chair, IADC Well Control Committee; Global Operations Assurance Manager, Transocean

8:40 am  IADC Exemplary Service Award Presentation

• Andrew Barry, Vice President Business Development, Wild Well Control

8:45 am  Blow-out Trends
Panelists will discuss trends, statistics and data for how many blow-outs are happening on an annual basis.

• Joe Dean Thompson, Sr. VP – Global Operations, Wild Well Control
• Tim Bell, Sr. Well Control Engineer, Cudd Well Control
• Andy Cuthbert, Global Risk Management, Relief Well Engineering & Technology Manager, Halliburton Boots & Coots

9:45 am  Coffee Service & Exhibit Viewing

10:15 am  The Human Factor: Why Frontline Workers Are the Key to Error Elimination: Michael Fry, Director, Moduspec
In high-risk industries like offshore oil and gas, frontline workers are pivotal to safety, bridging gaps where technology and systems fall short—such as sensor failures or procedural flaws. Their adaptability, critical thinking, and situational awareness enable real-time risk detection and mitigation, as evidenced by case studies where human intervention prevented disasters. Empowering these workers through human factors training, scenario simulations, and psychological safety fosters a resilient safety culture. Investing in frontline development prioritizes their irreplaceable judgment, transforming safety outcomes by addressing errors proactively. This approach underscores the need to value human skills as the foundation of safety, urging organizations to empower frontline teams to eliminate risks at their source and drive sustainable safety excellence.

10:45 am  Well Control Training
Moderator: Michael Fitzsimmons, Wells Technical Training Manager, Chevron 

• Ryan Hays, Director of Business Development, Well Control School
• David Hazell, Senior Vice President, CAVU International

11:45 am  Luncheon & Exhibit Viewing  Salon 3 

1:00 pm  Well Integrity

Comprehensive Kick Tolerance Review: Comparing the Single Bubble model, Multi-phase Model and Influx Management Envelope (IME): Tom Barbato, Technical Lead – Western Hemisphere, Helio Santos, SafeKick, Daddy Sutansyah, Pertamina Internasional EP, Rony Siregar, Harbour Energy, Rama Aditya Reza, Pertamina Internasional EP, Muhammad Taufiq Fathaddin, University of Trisakti
A thorough review was conducted together with two operators involving wells in Asia and in the GOM, and using the different kick tolerance methodologies available. From the simplest single bubble spreadsheet to the most sophisticated multi-phase models, including the IME used in many MPD wells. The presentation will show the results obtained, highlighting the different assumptions and simplifications from the different methods. Deepwater wells from different regions were used for the comparison study. Significant difference in the kick tolerance results obtained highlights the possible improvement and optimization that can be achieved by using a more sophisticated kick tolerance tool, instead of the simplified one commonly used today.

Well Integrity: Current Challenges and Future Solutions: John Hatteberg, Senior Well Control Engineer, Cudd Well Control
This presentation examines well integrity, crucial for safe and environmentally sound operations.  It explores common failure causes like corrosion, cement degradation, mechanical issues, and hydraulic fracturing’s impact.  Effective management strategies, including proper well design, operation, maintenance, intervention, and abandonment, are discussed.  The importance of regulatory compliance and risk assessment is emphasized.  Emerging technologies like advanced cementing, corrosion monitoring, and well integrity software are explored.  A case study highlights a frac hit well exacerbated by pre-existing integrity issues.  Finally, the environmental and safety implications of well integrity failures are addressed, stressing the need for continuous improvement.

Novel Insights into Gas Migration and Shut-In Pressures in Water and SBM: A Full-Scale Test Well Study: Mahendra Kunju, Research Manager, Mauricio Almeida, Louisiana State University
This study investigates gas migration in a 5,200-ft test well under shut-in conditions, challenging industry expectations of excessively high pressures. The well, filled with water and synthetic-based mud (SBM), was instrumented with pressure-temperature gauges. Nitrogen gas was injected to create low and high void fractions. Results showed that shut-in pressures were significantly lower than anticipated, contradicting the belief that bottom-hole pressure (BHP) reaches the surface. Key factors such as gas column elongation, gas dissolution, and compressibility were identified. This study introduces a novel method to track gas front and tail dynamics, providing valuable insights into well-control management.

2:30 pm  Coffee Service & Exhibit Viewing

3:00 pm  Managed Pressure Drilling
Session Chair: Diana Khatun, Principal Manager – Well Operations and Regulatory Engagement, IOGP

MGS Position: Chris Scarborough, Advisor – Well Control, BP
This presentation reviews the current design requirements based on API 16C followed by the operating standards for API 53. The presentation then delves into the gaps noted by the member well operators with regard to the gaps noted for this system design, monitoring, operation and use of this system. The intent of this presentation is to discuss with IADC industry individuals the gaps that may be addressed through of well control training program which is certified through IADC.

Bridging Compliance and Innovation: Aligning MPD Operations with BSEE’s 2024 Guidelines: John Hoefler, Sr. VP of Compliance, Moduspec
As offshore drilling adopts Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) for efficiency and well control, regulatory compliance remains crucial. BSEE NTL No. 2024-G05 introduces stringent guidelines for MPD operations with subsea BOPs, requiring operators to navigate complex approvals while leveraging innovative solutions. This presentation examines how to align MPD best practices with evolving regulations, covering well control, risk management, equipment testing, and third-party verification.

MGS design consideration when using MPD: Martyn Parker, Vice President MPD Services, Pruitt
This presentation will highlight design considerations when building Mud Gas Separators that are likely to be used for drill thru Managed Pressure Drilling operations.

New Influx Management Methods with a Dual MPD System: Rudy Flores, Technical Sales Manager, Snorre Lutnes, Enhanced Drilling
A Dual MPD system with both Controlled Mud Level (CML) and Surface Back Pressure (SBP) MPD offers an improved method for influx detection, and two approaches for circulating out an influx without resorting to conventional well control methods. This presentation will describe the concept of the kick and loss detection system and detail both influx management methods using case studies to show how it has been conducted in the field.

5:00 pm  Welcoming Reception & Exhibit Viewing  Lafayette Ballroom

7:45 am  Registration, Coffee Service & Exhibit Viewing  Lafayette Ballroom & Foyer

8:25 am  Welcome & Introduction  Salons 1/2

• Jim Rocco, Senior Director – Government & Industry Affairs – Offshore, IADC

8:30 am  IADC Accreditations Update: Brooke Polk, Vice President-Accreditation Operations, IADC

9:00 am  Learning from the Past, Securing the Future: Utilizing Well Control Incidents to Develop a Geothermal Workforce: Toney Deer, Chair of Geothermal Development, Well Control School, Bhavesh Ranka, CWC Engineering Manager, Cudd Well Control
This presentation dives into how analyzing past well control incidents—both in oil and gas and the still-developing geothermal field—can shape effective training. We’ll break down what often goes wrong in well control, looking at the mix of technical issues (tricky geology, drilling mud behavior, wellbore stability), operational hurdles (complex wells, extreme heat and pressure, limited data), and human factors (lack of proper training, how we communicate, and whether we stick to the rules if there are any). 

9:30 am  A Case Study: Shearing and Sealing Heavy Duty Landing Strings: Steven McKinney, Product Line Manager – Pressure Control Equipment, Wesley Hunter, Kyle Cantlon, NOV
This case study follows the challenge of shearing and sealing 6.625”, 60ppf, 185ksi UTS drill pipe in the fixed bottom position. A tremendous effort between equipment manufacturer, drilling contractor, and operator was essential to identify the need, then design, validate, and implement a modification within project schedule requirements. The solution, an in-field retrofit to existing components, combines new perspective with industry proven design features. This case study provides an example of technology progression, addresses a critical gap in current shearing applications, and highlights the necessity for collaboration in equipment design.

10:00 am  Coffee Service & Exhibit Viewing

10:30 am  Challenging the Standard on BOP Test Frequency: Richard Grayson, Sr. QHSE Manager, Global Well Control Focal Point, Nabors Corporate Services

11:00 am  Electrification of BOPs 

• Brian Piccolo, Principal Systems Engineer, HMH
• Matthew Givens, Domain Expert – PCE, SLB

12:00 pm  Luncheon & Exhibit Viewing  Salon 3

1:00 pm  Keynote: TBD

1:30 pm  IOGP Report 598- Relief Well Planning For Subsea Applications: Cory Welch, Lead Wells Engineer, Global Operations Excellence, Shell, Ray Oskarsen, Three60 Energy, Arash Haghshenas, WellCTRL Engineering, John Lummus, Kosmos Energy
Relief well requirements vary globally due to differences in local regulations, environmental conditions, and specific operational characteristics within the oil and gas industry. Various industry organizations and regulatory bodies provide standards and recommended practices for relief well planning and execution. IOGP report 598 offers considerations for relief well planning and available resources, specifically for subsea applications. It is intended to be used by operators and service companies to enhance the understanding and implementation of effective relief well strategies, ensuring safety and environmental protection across diverse regulatory landscapes.

2:00 pm  Kill Map: Guiding the Rig Crew to Successfully Killing a Well: Helio Santos, President, Safekick
A new tool has been developed to assist and guide rig crews during a well control event. Simulations are run after the user enters the basic kick data and the crew will have in hands the recommendation on how to best deal with the kick, significantly optimizing the entire process of restoring the well to safety, saving lots of time, but, most importantly, preventing common human errors that often lead to escalation of the problem. This tool can be combined with increased automation of the entire kick handling also, when everyone is comfortable with the reliability and features available.

2:30 pm  Coffee Service & Exhibit Viewing

3:00 pm CO2 Storage
Session Chair: Richard Grayson, Sr. QHSE Manager, Global Well Control Focal Point, Nabors Corporate Services 

Well Abandonment and Integrity Evaluation for CO2 Storage: David Perrin, IOGP/Chevron
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a demonstrated technology that is essential for the energy transition. One of the challenges in CCS projects is to ensure that the carbon dioxide (CO2) remains in the storage reservoir. There are numerous potential leak paths in a storage reservoir. The leak paths could be either natural (pre-existing faults, fractures, insufficient caprock integrity) or man-made (induced seismicity and artificial penetrations such as underground mines and wellbores). CO2 storage can be achieved with negligible impact on the environment when potential issues with wellbores are sufficiently identified and addressed. Wells are designed and constructed with barriers to prevent fluid migration throughout the expected lifecycle including decommissioning. However, IOGP recognized there is a need for guidance to address the well integrity evaluation for both project and legacy wells as well as future abandonment of existing CCS project wells.

Innovative Cloud-Based Solutions for CO2 Well Control: Addressing Challenges in Drilling and Workover Operations: Lei Zhou, Principal Well Control Engineer, SLB, Eric Upchurch, Chevron, Inge Mosti, Equinor, Bjoern-Tore Anfinsen, Bjarte Odin Kvamme, Anders Gilje, Yaxin Liu, SLB
This study introduces cutting-edge solutions for well control in CO2 storage projects.  Our approach mitigates risks and optimizes drilling operations, making CCS projects safer and more efficient. The integration of cloud-based simulations and collaboration tools represents a significant advancement in well control engineering for CO2 storage.

4:00 pm  Closing Remarks & Adjournment

• Richard Grayson, Sr. QHSE Manager, Global Well Control Focal Point, Nabors Corporate Services

Unassigned Papers of Note: 

Advancements in BOP/WCSE – Remote Monitoring Technologies: Patrick Hillard, Sr. Product and Services Delivery Manager, Simon Chan Tack, Cody MacDonald, IPT Global
Exploring an AI-based solution for real-time BOP health monitoring on deepwater rigs. By continuously streaming control system data ashore and applying advanced analytics, the technology automatically detects potential failures, locates leaks, and tracks component integrity over time. Deployed for over a year without unplanned stack pulls, this approach reduces manual intervention, enhances maintenance strategies, and paves the way for integration with broader barrier management systems.

Reassessing the Practice of Preemptive Marine Riser Circulation After Shut-in With a Subsea BOP: Paul Sonnemann, VP of Technology, Safekick
The presentation will review the advantages and disadvantages of preemptive circulation of a deepwater marine riser in order to reduce possible risk associated with gas entry into a riser before subsea BOP closure. Current IADC guidelines identify only advantages of this now-common, routine practice. But with increasing availability of permanently installed MPD equipment, riser monitoring and risk mitigation can be vastly improved. This leads to the need to re-assess both the benefits and disadvantages of preemptive circulation, for which a decision flow chart has been prepared that is already available in the IADC Riser Gas Handling guidelines released in 2023. Understanding of some non-MPD benefits that can be obtained when MPD equipment is available — even when not being used for MPD — may help improve rig safety and operational efficiency of conventional drilling operations. Simple examples of when and how this may be done will be included.

State of the Art 20k Load Monitoring system for Blowout Preventers: Trenton Martin, Sr Engineer, Transocean, Wesley Hunter, NOV
This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a 20K BOP load monitoring system (LMS) tailored for HPHT offshore environments. The LMS system integrates robust sensors, advanced data acquisition technology, and analytics to monitor structural. Key features include real-time anomaly detection, enhanced durability under dynamic conditions, and seamless integration with ex. 

Development of Active Safe Device to Cable Cutting During Well Control Operations with ESP Strings: Carlos Escobar, Artificial Lift Superintendent, Juan David Zuluaga, Yesid Gonzalez, Geopark, Oscar Carreño, Nestor Devia, Jaime Galeano, Jaime Pinilla, Baker Hughes Inc
State of the art about well control systems in Electrical Submersible Pumping installations, necesities, Risks, consequences, rig crew, rig personnel, rig contractors dangers exposure, inapropiate operation of BOP stack when a power cable is attached to the tubing string, development of cutting technologies, how to avoid cable drop after cutting?, how to operate cable spooler during well control situations?