Author: GOSCO Energy

Deand Anchor Swabbing Winch Failure – A Serious Safety Reminder

A problem occurred with a dead anchor swabbing winch when the cable snapped during operation. Incidents like this remind us how dangerous these machines can be if something goes wrong. Failures of winches or cables, in any form, can have dire consequences for anyone standing close by. A snapping cable can whip with extreme force, […]

Surface Circulation Events During Drill-Out Operations

In this case, many might assume it’s a formation influx or a reservoir-related problem — but it’s not.We were not in the reservoir zone, and this was not a risk or well control event. What actually happened:During the drill-out phase, the annular space became saturated, together with the cleaning pothole, which initially caused a circulation […]

Understanding the Tricone Drill Bit, The Workhorse of Drilling Operations

In oil & gas drilling, the Tricone Bit remains one of the most reliable and widely used tools for cutting through various formations. Designed for both rotary and directional drilling, this bit combines strength, precision, and versatility. How It Works:A Tricone bit consists of three rotating cones, each equipped with cutting teeth (either milled steel […]

Running in Hole (RIH) – Tubing Operation During Workover

During workover operations, Running in Hole (RIH) with tubing is one of the most crucial steps. It involves lowering the production tubing string carefully into the wellbore to restore or enhance production. Each joint is connected using tongs or power tongs, ensuring proper torque and thread integrity. Depth control, tubing tally, and thread inspection are […]

Understanding a Well Kick in Drilling Operations

A well kick happens when formation fluids (oil, gas, or water) start to flow into the wellbore because the bottom hole pressure becomes lower than the formation pressure. This imbalance usually occurs due to:-Insufficient mud weight-Swabbing while pulling out of hole-Lost circulation zones-Gas cutting in the mud When a kick occurs, it’s a critical warning […]

Controlling a Well Kick in Drilling

A well kick occurs when formation fluids enter the wellbore due to the pressure in the formation being greater than the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling mud. If not managed properly, it can escalate into a blowout, which is one of the most dangerous events in drilling operations. Here’s how we control a kick safely […]

Automatic Rotary Table Slips – A Step Towards Safer and Smarter Rig Floors

On modern drilling rigs, efficiency and safety are always top priorities. One key innovation that supports both is the automatic rotary table slip system. Unlike conventional manual slips that require roughnecks to handle heavy iron and work dangerously close to the rotary, this system grips the drill pipe automatically from inside the rotary table. -The […]

Mud Flow From Drill Pipe During Tripping and Connections

Mud flowing from the drill pipe while tripping or making a connection is a common observation in drilling operations. It does not always indicate a kick, but rather the result of hydraulics, pipe movement, and sometimes equipment condition. Pipe displacement effectWhen pulling out of hole, the drill string reduces occupied volume and pushes mud upward. […]

Drop a Steel Ball into the PBL Sub

In drilling operations, efficiency and wellbore safety often depend on specialized downhole tools. One such tool is the PBL (Pressure Bypass/Bypass Circulating) Sub, and an important step in activating it is dropping a steel ball. -The PBL sub is run as part of the drill string.-When additional circulation is needed (e.g., to clean the wellbore, […]

H2S Alarm System on Drilling Rigs

Hydrogen Sulfide is a silent but deadly gas that can appear suddenly during drilling operations. For this reason, the H2S alarm system is one of the most important safety protections on any rig. What makes H2S dangerous-Colorless and heavier than air-Flammable and highly toxic-Can cause unconsciousness and death within seconds at high levels How the […]