Initial Circulating Pressure Calculator
Enter slow circulating pressure and shut-in drillpipe pressure. The calculator returns initial circulating pressure.
Calculation context and source notes
Initial circulating pressure estimates the pump pressure required at the start of a well-control circulation using slow circulating pressure and shut-in drillpipe pressure.
Use it in kill-sheet preparation when starting a constant-bottomhole-pressure circulation after a kick. Hold the planned kill rate consistent with the slow-circulating-pressure measurement and approved procedure.
Solves for
ICP (psi)
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Formula, variables, and sourceRelated source-backed guides
Formula, variables, and default calculation
Reproducible default result
With the default values shown below, the calculation returns ICP = 1,700 psi. Defaults demonstrate the implementation; they are not recommended field values.
900
800
Input definitions
SCRP
psiSlow Circulating Rate Pressure
SIDPP
psiShut-In Drill Pipe Pressure
Output definitions
ICP
Initial Circulating Pressure
SCRP
Slow Circulating Rate Pressure
SIDPP
Shut-In Drill Pipe Pressure
Engineering use, assumptions, and limits
Use it in kill-sheet preparation when starting a constant-bottomhole-pressure circulation after a kick. Hold the planned kill rate consistent with the slow-circulating-pressure measurement and approved procedure.
Assumptions
- Slow circulating pressure is measured at the planned kill rate.
- Shut-in drillpipe pressure is reliable and stabilized.
- The method follows conventional well-control pressure scheduling.
Limitations
- Does not replace a complete well-control procedure.
- Does not handle subsea choke-line friction, gas migration, or changing hydraulics by itself.
Common mistakes
- Using normal circulating pressure instead of slow circulating pressure.
- Using unstable shut-in pressure readings.
- Treating ICP as the final kill pressure.
Source and record status
Source metadata identifies the relationship implemented by the calculator. Check the cited edition, unit basis, and scope against the engineering case before operational use.
Drilling Manual. Well Control Formulas & Illustrated Examples.
Open source reference