Well control

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Well control is the management of the dangerous effects of unexpected high pressures on the surface equipment of drilling rigs searching for oil and/or gas. Some type of drilling fluid is generally used to aid in well control. Failure to manage and control these pressure effects can cause serious equipment damage and injury/loss of life. Well control situations that are improperly managed cause blowouts, which is the uncontrolled and explosive expulsion of fluids from the well, usually resulting in a fire.

Well control includes the monitoring for the symptoms of impending pressure imbalance situations and the procedures for operating well site equipment to understand the situation and take remedial actions.