API RP 79-1 First Edition 2022 PDF

This document provides guidelines for onshore tripping operations when the well is hydrostatically overbalanced using a fluid column without supplemental surface pressure to control inflow.

This document applies to land drilling operations. Its purpose is to provide information and to recommend practices and procedures for planning, equipment considerations, and execution of tripping operations in overbalanced wells. It is also intended to assist operators, service providers, and drilling contractors in developing their own internal rig-specific procedures for safe tripping operations.

These guidelines (recommended practices) represent a composite of the practices employed by various operating companies, service companies, and drilling contractors in overbalanced tripping operations. In some cases, a reconciled composite of the various practices employed by these companies was used.

Recommended practices set forth herein are considered acceptable for accomplishing the job as described; however, they do not present all the operational practices that can be employed to accomplish the same objectives. Individuals and organizations using this standard are cautioned that operations must comply with requirements of federal, state, or local regulations. These requirements should be reviewed to determine whether violations can occur.