Advanced Geothermal Drilling and Well Control Certification Course: Level 1 Mastery Program

Module 1: Introduction to Geothermal Energy and Drilling Fundamentals

ü  History and evolution of geothermal power

ü  Differences between oil/gas and geothermal drilling

ü  Basics of geothermal well design

ü  Thermodynamic principles in the borehole

ü  Practical Session: Site layout visualization and risk identification exercise

 

Module 2: Geothermal Reservoir Characteristics and Fluid Dynamics

ü  Types of geothermal systems (Vapor vs. Liquid dominated)

ü  Rock mechanics and fracturability

ü  Permeability and porosity in volcanic formations

ü  Fluid chemistry and corrosive elements (H2S and CO2)

ü  Practical Session: Analysis of reservoir pressure gradients

 

Module 3: Physics of Well Control: Pressure and Temperature

ü  Hydrostatic pressure in liquid and steam columns

ü  Formation pressure and fracture gradients

ü  The impact of extreme heat on fluid density

ü  Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) calculations

ü  Practical Session: Kill sheet calculation workshop (Level 1)

 

Module 4: Top-Hole Drilling and Surface Casing Challenges

ü  Managing shallow gas and steam pockets

ü  Diverter systems and operations

ü  Casing seat selection for geothermal integrity

ü  Unconsolidated formation drilling

ü  Practical Session: Diverter system function test simulation

 

Module 5: Geothermal Drilling Fluids and Aerated Drilling Systems

ü  High-temperature mud additives and properties

ü  Basics of aerated drilling (Underbalanced operations)

ü  Managing air/water ratios for pressure control

ü  Cooling towers and heat exchangers for mud

ü  Practical Session: Mud weight testing and adjustment for temperature

 

Module 6: Well Monitoring and Early Influx Detection

ü  Pit volume totalizers and flow meters

ü  Detecting "The Kick" in steam-dominated wells

ü  Interpreting standpipe pressure variations

ü  The role of the Mud Logger in geothermal safety

ü  Practical Session: Real-time data monitoring and alarm response drill

 

Module 7: Blowout Preventer (BOP) Systems for Geothermal Wells

ü  Annular and Ram-type preventers for high heat

ü  Temperature ratings for elastomers and seals

ü  BOP stack configurations for geothermal rigs

ü  Internal preventers (Inside BOP and Kelly Cocks)

ü  Practical Session: Inspection of BOP components and seal integrity check

 

Module 8: Accumulators and Hydraulic Control Systems

ü  Closing unit components and functions

ü  API 16D requirements for accumulator sizing

ü  Remote control panels and backup systems

ü  Pump capacity and reservoir volume requirements

ü  Practical Session: Closing time test and accumulator drawdown exercise

 

Module 9: Specialized Wellhead Equipment and Expansion Spools

ü  Thermal expansion management in wellheads

ü  Rotating Control Devices (RCD) in geothermal drilling

ü  Master valves and wing valves

ü  Flange types and gasket selection for high-pressure steam

ü  Practical Session: Assembly walkthrough of a geothermal wellhead spool

 

Module 10: Kill Methods: Driller’s Method vs. Wait and Weight

ü  Theory of the Driller’s Method

ü  Wait and Weight method mechanics

ü  Circulating out the kick safely

ü  Pressure management during the kill procedure

ü  Practical Session: Full-scale simulator kill operation (Liquid phase)

 

Module 11: Managing Steam Kicks and Phase Changes

ü  Understanding the boiling point depth curve

ü  Handling steam expansion in the annulus

ü  Cooling the well to regain hydrostatic control

ü  Volumetric method applications for steam

ü  Practical Session: Simulation of a steam-to-liquid transition kick

 

Module 12: Lost Circulation Recovery Strategies

ü  Causes of total losses in geothermal formations

ü  Dangers of a "blind" well (Losing hydrostatic head)

ü  LCM (Lost Circulation Material) selection

ü  Cement plugs and Squeeze jobs

ü  Practical Session: Developing a recovery plan for a total loss scenario

 

Module 13: Casing and Cementing in High-Temperature Wells

ü  Thermal cycling effects on casing strings

ü  Cement formulations for geothermal environments

ü  Wait-on-Cement (WOC) times and pressure testing

ü  Reverse circulation cementing basics

ü  Practical Session: Calculating cement volumes and thermal expansion rates

 

Module 14: Stripping and Snubbing Operations

ü  Moving pipe under pressure

ü  Stripping through annular preventers

ü  Snubbing unit basics and safety

ü  Managing surge and swab pressures

ü  Practical Session: Stripping calculation and procedure dry-run

 

Module 15: Emergency Response and Contingency Planning

ü  Roles and responsibilities during a well control event

ü  Communication protocols (Internal and External)

ü  Site evacuation and H2S safety zones

ü  Interfacing with specialized well control contractors

ü  Practical Session: Tabletop emergency response simulation

 

Module 16: Human Factors and Crisis Management

ü  Decision-making under stress

ü  Situational awareness and fatigue management

ü  The impact of rig floor communication

ü  Standardizing commands for BOP operations

ü  Practical Session: Group leadership and communication drills

 

Module 17: Regulatory Standards and Certification Requirements

ü  International standards (API, IADC, IWCF equivalents)

ü  Local environmental regulations for geothermal fluids

ü  Documentation and reporting of well control incidents

ü  Maintaining your Well Control certification

ü  Practical Session: Audit of a mock well control folder

 

Module 18: Final Assessment and Simulation Exam

ü  Comprehensive written examination

ü  Kill sheet proficiency test

ü  BOP function and pressure testing assessment

ü  Simulated well control event resolution

ü  Practical Session: Final Level 1 Certification Practical Assessment

About Our Trainers

 

Our trainers are seasoned industry veterans with over 20 years of hands-on experience in both deep oil exploration and specialized geothermal drilling projects. Each instructor holds advanced certifications in Well Control and has participated in high-stakes drilling operations across East Africa, Iceland, and the Philippines. They bring a wealth of practical knowledge, focusing not just on theory, but on the real-world application of safety protocols in extreme environments.

 

Quality Statement

 

Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training is committed to excellence. Our training materials are updated annually to reflect the latest advancements in geothermal technology and international safety standards. We guarantee a high-impact learning environment that prioritizes participant safety and technical competence.

 

Tailor-Made Courses

 

We understand that every organization has unique challenges and opportunities as well as unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. We can customize this Course to focus on your industry, specific risk profile, or internal stakeholder dynamics.

 

Admission Criteria

 

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

 

Terms and Conditions

 

ü  Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free.

ü  What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ü  Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

ü  Program Content: The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

ü  Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

 

Booking for Training

 

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training. Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

 

Payment Options

 

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

ü  Groups of 5 People and Above: Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

ü  Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

ü  Deposit: Directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request).

 

Cancellation Policy

 

ü  Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

ü  Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

ü  No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant.

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

 

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202