IADC WellSharp Driller Surface Stack
&Subsea Stack Examination | Verified
Questions
IADC WellSharp Driller Surface Stack &Subsea Stack |
Comprehensive Examination
IADC WellSharp Driller Surface Stack &Subsea Stack
Examination actual exam preparation document with verified
questions, complete answers, and focused rationales for
INTRODUCTION
This document is an important and very helpful preparation
resource for IADC WellSharp Driller Surface Stack &Subsea
Stack Examination. Every item uses a focused exam stem, four
response options, a keyed response, and a clear rationale,
making it easier to understand the subject, spot distractors, and
build real exam confidence.
Page 1
, Question 1
During drilling with a subsea stack, the driller observes a 10-bbl gain in pit
volume, pump pressure decrease, and a corresponding increase in ROP. The
well is shut in using the hard shut-in method. After stabilization, SIDPP = 600
psi, SICP = 900 psi, and pit gain = 15 bbl. Which of the following is the most
likely cause of the pressure discrepancy?
A. Choke line friction pressure is fully trapped in the SICP reading.
B. The annular preventer is leaking, causing a false SICP.
C. The formation has a higher-than-anticipated pore pressure.
D. The drill string is plugged, isolating SIDPP from true bottomhole
pressure.
Correct Answer: A - Choke line friction pressure is fully trapped
in the SICP reading.
RATIONALE
In subsea stacks, the choke line friction pressure (CLFP) is trapped in
the SICP after shut-in, causing SICP to be higher than SIDPP by the
amount of CLFP. This is a normal occurrence and must be accounted
for in kill calculations. A leaking annular would typically reduce SICP,
and a plugged drill string would make SIDPP unreliable or zero.
Question 2
A kick is taken while drilling a vertical well with a surface stack. The driller
uses the Wait-and-Weight method. Given: SIDPP = 500 psi, SICP = 800 psi,
TVD = 10,000 ft, mud weight = 10.0 ppg, kill rate = 30 SPM, SCR at 30 SPM
= 600 psi. What is the Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP)?
A. 600 psi
B. 1100 psi
C. 1400 psi
D. 500 psi
Correct Answer: B - 1100 psi
Page 2
, RATIONALE
ICP = SIDPP + SCR = 500 + 600 = 1100 psi. This is the pressure
required to circulate the kick out at the kill rate while maintaining
bottomhole pressure constant. The SICP is not used in ICP calculation
for the Wait-and-Weight method.
Question 3
Which component of a subsea BOP stack is responsible for sealing around the
drill pipe and allowing rotation while maintaining a seal, and is typically used
as the primary barrier during stripping operations?
A. Annular preventer
B. Pipe rams
C. Blind shear rams
D. Choke manifold
Correct Answer: A - Annular preventer
RATIONALE
The annular preventer (or annular BOP) can seal around any shape in
the wellbore, including drill pipe, and allows rotation and stripping
operations while maintaining a seal. Pipe rams seal only on specific
pipe sizes and do not allow rotation. Blind shear rams are for shearing
and sealing an open hole.
Question 4
While drilling with a surface stack, the driller notices a gradual increase in pit
volume over 15 minutes, a slight increase in pump pressure, and a decrease in
ROP. The flow line sensor shows a steady flow. Which of the following is the
most appropriate immediate action?
A. Continue drilling and monitor for further changes.
B. Stop drilling, pick up off bottom, and perform a flow check.
C. Shut in the well immediately using the hard shut-in method.
Page 3
, D. Increase mud weight to control the formation pressure.
Correct Answer: B - Stop drilling, pick up off bottom, and
perform a flow check.
RATIONALE
A gradual pit gain with increased pump pressure and decreased ROP
suggests a possible kick or wellbore influx. The correct immediate
action is to stop drilling, pick up off bottom, and perform a flow check
to confirm if the well is flowing. If flow is confirmed, then shut in.
Immediate shut-in without flow check may be premature if the gain is
due to other causes (e.g., mud additions).
Question 5
In a subsea well control operation, the choke line friction pressure (CLFP) is
200 psi at a kill rate of 30 SPM. If the kill rate is increased to 40 SPM, what is
the approximate new CLFP, assuming turbulent flow?
A. 267 psi
B. 300 psi
C. 356 psi
D. 400 psi
Correct Answer: C - 356 psi
RATIONALE
For turbulent flow, pressure loss is proportional to the square of the
flow rate. New CLFP = 200 × (40/30)^2 = 200 × (1.333)^2 = 200 ×
1.778 = 355.6 psi, approximately 356 psi. This is critical for subsea
kill calculations.
Question 6
Which of the following best describes the function of the maximum allowable
annular surface pressure (MAASP) in well control operations?
A. The maximum pressure that can be applied to the formation without
Page 4
&Subsea Stack Examination | Verified
Questions
IADC WellSharp Driller Surface Stack &Subsea Stack |
Comprehensive Examination
IADC WellSharp Driller Surface Stack &Subsea Stack
Examination actual exam preparation document with verified
questions, complete answers, and focused rationales for
INTRODUCTION
This document is an important and very helpful preparation
resource for IADC WellSharp Driller Surface Stack &Subsea
Stack Examination. Every item uses a focused exam stem, four
response options, a keyed response, and a clear rationale,
making it easier to understand the subject, spot distractors, and
build real exam confidence.
Page 1
, Question 1
During drilling with a subsea stack, the driller observes a 10-bbl gain in pit
volume, pump pressure decrease, and a corresponding increase in ROP. The
well is shut in using the hard shut-in method. After stabilization, SIDPP = 600
psi, SICP = 900 psi, and pit gain = 15 bbl. Which of the following is the most
likely cause of the pressure discrepancy?
A. Choke line friction pressure is fully trapped in the SICP reading.
B. The annular preventer is leaking, causing a false SICP.
C. The formation has a higher-than-anticipated pore pressure.
D. The drill string is plugged, isolating SIDPP from true bottomhole
pressure.
Correct Answer: A - Choke line friction pressure is fully trapped
in the SICP reading.
RATIONALE
In subsea stacks, the choke line friction pressure (CLFP) is trapped in
the SICP after shut-in, causing SICP to be higher than SIDPP by the
amount of CLFP. This is a normal occurrence and must be accounted
for in kill calculations. A leaking annular would typically reduce SICP,
and a plugged drill string would make SIDPP unreliable or zero.
Question 2
A kick is taken while drilling a vertical well with a surface stack. The driller
uses the Wait-and-Weight method. Given: SIDPP = 500 psi, SICP = 800 psi,
TVD = 10,000 ft, mud weight = 10.0 ppg, kill rate = 30 SPM, SCR at 30 SPM
= 600 psi. What is the Initial Circulating Pressure (ICP)?
A. 600 psi
B. 1100 psi
C. 1400 psi
D. 500 psi
Correct Answer: B - 1100 psi
Page 2
, RATIONALE
ICP = SIDPP + SCR = 500 + 600 = 1100 psi. This is the pressure
required to circulate the kick out at the kill rate while maintaining
bottomhole pressure constant. The SICP is not used in ICP calculation
for the Wait-and-Weight method.
Question 3
Which component of a subsea BOP stack is responsible for sealing around the
drill pipe and allowing rotation while maintaining a seal, and is typically used
as the primary barrier during stripping operations?
A. Annular preventer
B. Pipe rams
C. Blind shear rams
D. Choke manifold
Correct Answer: A - Annular preventer
RATIONALE
The annular preventer (or annular BOP) can seal around any shape in
the wellbore, including drill pipe, and allows rotation and stripping
operations while maintaining a seal. Pipe rams seal only on specific
pipe sizes and do not allow rotation. Blind shear rams are for shearing
and sealing an open hole.
Question 4
While drilling with a surface stack, the driller notices a gradual increase in pit
volume over 15 minutes, a slight increase in pump pressure, and a decrease in
ROP. The flow line sensor shows a steady flow. Which of the following is the
most appropriate immediate action?
A. Continue drilling and monitor for further changes.
B. Stop drilling, pick up off bottom, and perform a flow check.
C. Shut in the well immediately using the hard shut-in method.
Page 3
, D. Increase mud weight to control the formation pressure.
Correct Answer: B - Stop drilling, pick up off bottom, and
perform a flow check.
RATIONALE
A gradual pit gain with increased pump pressure and decreased ROP
suggests a possible kick or wellbore influx. The correct immediate
action is to stop drilling, pick up off bottom, and perform a flow check
to confirm if the well is flowing. If flow is confirmed, then shut in.
Immediate shut-in without flow check may be premature if the gain is
due to other causes (e.g., mud additions).
Question 5
In a subsea well control operation, the choke line friction pressure (CLFP) is
200 psi at a kill rate of 30 SPM. If the kill rate is increased to 40 SPM, what is
the approximate new CLFP, assuming turbulent flow?
A. 267 psi
B. 300 psi
C. 356 psi
D. 400 psi
Correct Answer: C - 356 psi
RATIONALE
For turbulent flow, pressure loss is proportional to the square of the
flow rate. New CLFP = 200 × (40/30)^2 = 200 × (1.333)^2 = 200 ×
1.778 = 355.6 psi, approximately 356 psi. This is critical for subsea
kill calculations.
Question 6
Which of the following best describes the function of the maximum allowable
annular surface pressure (MAASP) in well control operations?
A. The maximum pressure that can be applied to the formation without
Page 4
