13–15 Jul · Houston 9–11 Nov · Aberdeen 3 Days 5-Star Hotel
About This Course
Course Overview
This 3-day course is designed for drilling operational staff and drilling engineers. The objective is to determine subsurface wellbore pressures during drilling operations under static and dynamic conditions. It starts with a calculation of hydrostatic pressure using high school mathematical equations and physical laws governing fluid dynamics.
After refreshing basic concepts, the course explores buoyancy, forces and stresses in submerged tubulars, the density and compressibility of drilling fluids and gases (including the Z-factor) required to drill safely and efficiently, various rheological models for calculating frictional pressure losses in tubular and in annulus, and the surge and swab pressures while moving the drill string.
Delegates also learn how to optimise drilling rates according to the design and size of bit nozzles, the annular velocity for efficient cutting removal from the wellbore, and how to interpret leak-off test (LOT) data when predicting fracture gradients. Led by Dr. Sharif, a Saudi Aramco petroleum engineering specialist with over 35 years of experience.
Programme Content
Key Topics
01
Fluid Properties & Hydrostatic Pressure
Drilling fluid properties: density, compressibility and gas properties (Z-factor)
Hydrostatic pressure calculations under static conditions
Fundamental laws of fluid flow and rheological models
Buoyancy, free-body diagrams and axial stresses in submerged tubulars
Pore pressure estimation, fracture gradient prediction and leak-off test (LOT) analysis
02
Frictional Pressure & Rheology
Rheological models: Newtonian, Bingham Plastic, Power-Law and Herschel-Bulkley
Frictional pressure loss calculations in tubulars and annulus
Equivalent circulating density (ECD) and its management
Laminar vs turbulent flow regimes in drilling hydraulics
Impact of mud weight and rheology on wellbore pressure
03
Surge, Swab & Well Control
Surge and swab pressure calculations using the Burkhardt and Mitchell methods
Well control principles, kick detection and kill mud weight calculations
Casing shoe strength and maximum allowable annular pressure
Pressure window management in narrow-margin wells
Managed pressure drilling (MPD) concepts
04
Bit Hydraulics & Hole Cleaning
Optimal bit nozzle size design for maximum impact force
Hydraulic horsepower vs jet impact force optimisation
Annular velocity requirements for cuttings transport
Hole cleaning in vertical, deviated and horizontal wells
Cuttings transport modelling and practical applications
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
01Calculate hydrostatic and annular pressures for complex fluid columns under static and circulating conditions
02Determine buoyancy factors and axial stresses in drillstring and casing using free-body diagrams
03Apply rheological models to calculate frictional pressure losses in tubulars and the annulus
04Calculate surge and swab pressures and understand their impact on well control
05Design optimal bit nozzle sizes to maximise drilling hydraulics efficiency
06Determine annular velocity requirements for effective hole cleaning in all well trajectories
07Estimate pore pressure and fracture gradients, interpret leak-off test data, and relate these to safe operating windows and well control margins
Dates & Pricing
Sessions & Fees
Classroom sessions held at five-star hotel venues.
Dates
Location
Format
Fee
13–15 Jul 2026
Houston, USA
Classroom
£3,300
9–11 Nov 2026
Aberdeen, UK
Classroom
£3,300
Target Audience
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for drilling operational staff and engineers who need to master wellbore pressure management and hydraulics optimisation.
Drilling Engineers
Engineers designing and optimising well hydraulics programmes
Rig Managers & Foremen
Operational staff responsible for drilling fluid management
Mud Engineers
Drilling fluid specialists managing rheology and pressure
Wellsite Geologists
Geologists requiring understanding of drilling hydraulics
Directional Drillers
Directional drilling specialists managing ECD in deviated wells
Drilling Contractor Staff
Contractor personnel involved in daily drilling operations
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the course trainer? +
The course is led by Dr. Sharif, a petroleum engineering specialist with Saudi Aramco. He has over 35 years of practical experience in drilling, workover and completion operations, research and technology development, and has taught at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).
What are the 2026 session dates? +
Classroom sessions: 13–15 July 2026 in Houston, USA; 9–11 November 2026 in Aberdeen, UK.
What is the course fee? +
The course fee is £3,300 per delegate. UK-based sessions are subject to 20% VAT.
What level is this course aimed at? +
The course starts from first principles (hydrostatic pressure calculations) and builds to advanced hydraulics optimisation. It is suitable for both junior drilling engineers and experienced operational staff seeking to formalise their knowledge.
Can this course be delivered in-house? +
Yes. All London Petro Academy courses are available as fully customisable in-house programmes delivered at your premises or any location worldwide. Contact j.rogus@londonpetroacademy.co.uk for a tailored proposal.
