INTRODUCTION The safety record during the past years for air or gas drilling operations has demonstrated that by use of commonly accepted safety precautions drilling with air or gas can be conducted safely. With the introduction of the technique of air or gas drilling@ the possibility of destructive downhole explosions was of particular concern when gas-@ distillate-@ or oil-producing zones were encountered. In a few known instances in which downhole fires have occurred@ damage has been limited to intense heat or shock to the subsurface equipment. In no known instance has ignidon of a flammable mixture in the well bore resulted in explosive violence at the wellhead. The fact that thousands of wells have been drilled with air in which the bit passed through a flammable range of hydrocarbon-air mixtures without resulting in downhole explosions is rather conclusive evidence that this method of drilling presents no serious hazard to personnel or equipment. Advance planning for any air or gas driUing operation should include all factors which affect the safety of this type of work. Both supervisory and operating personnel should be thoroughly trained in air or gas drilling practices and associated safety precautions. Accidents@ injuries@ and property damage will be minimized as a result of this training. Proper coordination of activities between the drilling contractor@ the service company@ and the operating company personnel will avoid unnecessary congestion on the rig site@ thereby minimizing hazards which otherwise could arise.
API BULL 2011-1964 history
1964API BULL 2011-1964 SAFE PRACTICES IN AIR OR GAS DRILLING (FIRST EDITION)