Drilling EngineeringWell Control
Minimum Surface Pressure Before Stripping Formula
Minimum Surface Pressure Before Stripping calculates minimum surface pressure before stripping for well control workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (W_c, L_stand, D_c) are known and the assumptions behind the cited well control relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, P_min equals 269.050802 psi.
W_clb/ft
147
L_standft
92
D_cin
8
Inputs
W_c
lb/ftWeight per Foot of One Drill Collar Stand
L_stand
ftLength of One Stand
D_c
inDrill Collar Diameter
Outputs
P_min
psi
Minimum Surface Pressure Before Stripping
W_c
lb/ft
Weight per Foot of One Drill Collar Stand
L_stand
ft
Length of One Stand
D_c
in
Drill Collar Diameter
Source and review
reviewedLapeyrouse, N.J. Formulas and Calculations for Drilling, Production and Workover, 2nd Edition, Page 141.
Source