Control of Well KS-8 in the Kilauea Lower East Rift Zone

Abstract

In June 1991, a well located in Hawaii kicked and unloaded at 3,476 ft (1,059 m). This well was estimated to have a possible bottomhole temperature of 650?F (343?C) and a reservoir pressure approaching 2,300 psi 5,858 Immediate attempts to kill the well were unsuccessful, and the long process of well control was started. Besides the harsh geological and reservoir conditions encountered, the scarce availability of materials in a remote location and longdistance transportation of necessary equipment figured heavily into the time delay of the final kill procedure of the well. Regaining the control of the well in a remote, tropical environment was accomplished using state-of-the-art well control techniques. These techniques were applied through the operating company's careful coordination of service companies and personnel during a month period.