Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of drilling fluid in a wellbore

• US 4,440,239 A
• Filed: 09/28/1981
• Issued: 04/03/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company (Exxon Mobil Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company (Exxon Mobil Corporation)
• Inventors: Evans, John L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Novosad, Stephen J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Neuder, William P.
• Application Number:
  US06/306,252
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• Field of Search: 175/5, 175/7, 175/48, 175/24, 175/38, 175/65, 175/66, 73/155, 364/424, 364/510
• US Class Current: 175/5
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 21/001 specially adapted for underwater drilling dual gradient drilling E21B21/082
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 21/08 Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure valve arrangements therefor E21B21/10

Abstract

A method for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of continuously measuring the output flow rate (A) of the drilling fluid from the wellbore, the input flow rate (B) of the drilling fluid to the wellbore, and at least a component of the pitch and roll (P/R) of the vessel, computating a floating alarm limit (C) dependent upon the pitch and roll (P/R) signal and the roughness of the sea, filtering the periodic fluctuation of the output flow rate (A) due to the motion of the vessel, and computating the delta flow signal (D) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the filtered output flow rate (A). The method further comprises the step of generating a signal whenever the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) exceeds the floating alarm limit (C) to provide a visible warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control and to either close off the wellbore in case of a kick or to stop the flow of fluid and stop drilling in case of lost returns.

Apparatus for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore is disclosed while drilling from a floating vessel. The wellbore is connected to the lower end of the drill string and the lower end of an annulus by a valve through which the drilling fluid flows. The upper end of the annulus is connected to a conduit from which the drilling flows to the suction side of a pump which circulates the drilling fluid therefrom into the upper end of the drill string, through the wellbore, and back up the annulus into the conduit. The apparation comprises an output flow meter connected to the exit of the conduit, an input flow meter connected between the pump and the upper end of the drill string, means mounted on the vessel for sensing the pitch and roll of the vessel, and computer means for receiving the output flow rate (A) signal from the output flow meter, the input flow rate (B) from the input flow meter, and the pitch and roll (P/R) signal from the pitch and roll sensing means. The computer means calculates an alarm limit (C) based on the pitch and roll (P/R) signal and the roughness of the sea continuously filters the periodic fluctuation of the output flow rate (A) due to the motion of the vessel, computes the delta flow signal (D) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the filtered output flow rate (A), and generates a signal whenever the delta flow rate (D) exceeds the floating alarm limit (C) to provide a warning of a possible blowout or lost circulation condition and to either close off the wellbore in case of a kick or to stop the flow of fluid and stop drilling in case of lost returns.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore with the aid of a computer while drilling from a floating vessel, comprising the steps of:

providing the computer with a data base including at least an alarm limit (C);

continuously measuring the output flow rate (A) of the drilling fluid from the wellbore and the input flow rate (B) of the drilling fluid to the wellbore;

continuously providing the output flow rate (A) and the input flow rate (B) to the computer;

continuously filtering the output flow rate (A) in the computer to attenuate the periodic fluctuation therefrom which is due to the motion of the vessel;

repetitively calculating a delta flow rate (D) in the computer by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the filtered output flow rate (A);

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) to the alarm limit (C);

sampling in the computer a fixed number (M) of subsequent delta flow rates (D) when a comparison indicates that the absolute value thereof exceeds the alarm limit (C);

calculating a delta trend (D_t) in the computer by dividing the sum of the sampled delta flow rates (D) by the number of samples (M) each time a sample is taken;

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) to the alarm limit (C); and

,

providing a warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) exceeds the alarm limit (C).

2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) does not exceed the alarm limit (C) after a first set of M delta flow rate (D) samples have been taken, and which comprises the additional step of sampling in the computer a second set of M delta flow rate (D) samples when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) still exceeds the alarm limit (C).

3. A method as recited in claims 1 or 2, which further includes the step of blocking the flow of the drilling fluid into and out from the wellbore when the delta trend (D_t) is positive and the step of stopping the flow of fluid and stopping drilling when the delta trend (D_t) is negative.

4. A method for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore with the aid of a computer when drilling from a floating vessel, comprising the steps of:

providing the computer with a data base including at least an alarm limit (C);

continuously measuring the output flow rate (A) of the drilling fluid from the wellbore and the input flow rate (B) of the drilling fluid to the wellbore;

continuously providing the output flow rate (A) and the input flow rate (B) to the computer;

continuously filtering the output flow rate (A) in the computer to attenuate the periodic fluctuation therefrom which is due to the motion of the vessel by use of a fast filter having a time constant from about 1.5 to 2.5 times larger than that of the periodic fluctuation connected in parallel with a slow filter having a time constant from about 3.0 to 5.0 times larger than that of the periodic fluctuation;

repetitively calculating a fast delta flow rate (D_f) in the computer by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the fast-filtered output flow rate (A_f);

repetitively calculating a slow delta flow rate (SD_s) in the computer by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the slow-filtered output flow rate (A_s) and multiplying the difference by a factor from about 1.5 to 3.0;

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) to the alarm limit (C);

sampling in the computer a fixed number (M) of subsequent, fast delta flow rates (D_f) when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) exceeds the alarm limit (C);

calculating a delta trend (D_t) in the computer by dividing the sum of the sampled fast delta rates (D_f) by the number of samples (M) each time a sample is taken;

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the greater of the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) to the alarm limit (C); and

,

providing a warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) exceeds the alarm limit (C).

5. A method as recited in claim 4, wherein the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) does not exceed the alarm limit (C) after a first set of M fast delta flow rate (D_f) samples have been taken, which further includes the step of sampling a second set of M subsequent fast delta flow rate (D) samples if the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) still exceeds the alarm limit (C).

6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the fast delta flow rate (D_f) and the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) is calculated at a rate no slower than one time per second and a fixed number (M) of nonsequential, subsequent, fast delta flow rates (D_f) are sampled.

7. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein the number of fast delta flow rate samples (M) is no less than ten.

8. A method as recited in claims 4 or 7, which further includes the step of blocking the flow of the drilling fluid into and out from the wellbore when either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) is positive and the step of stopping the flow of fluid and stopping drilling when either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) is negative.

9. A method for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore with the aid of a computer while drilling from a floating vessel, comprising the steps of:

providing the computer with a database including a minimum alarm limit, a maximum alarm limit, and a pitch/roll limit;

continuously measuring the output flow rate (A) of the drilling fluid from the wellbore, the input flow rate (B) of the drilling fluid to the wellbore, and at least a component of the pitch and roll (P/R) of the vessel;

continuously providing the output flow rate (A), the input flow rate (B), and the pitch and roll (P/R) signal to the computer;

continuously filtering the output flow rate (A) in the computer to attentuate the periodic fluctuation therefrom which is due to the motion of the vessel;

repetitively setting the alarm limit (C) in the computer equal to the maximum alarm limit if the pitch and roll (P/R) signal exceeds the pitch/roll limit, or equal to a roughness output (A_r), which varies proportionally with the roughness of the sea between the minimum and maximum alarm limit, if the pitch and roll (P/R) signal does not exceed the pitch/roll limit;

repetitively calculating a delta flow rate (D) in the computer by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the filtered output flow rate (A);

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) to the alarm limit (C); and

, providing a warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) exceeds the alarm limit (C).

10. A method as recited in claim 9, which further includes the step of blocking the flow of the drilling fluid into and out from the wellbore when the delta flow rate (D) is positive and the step of stopping the flow of fluid and stopping drilling when the delta flow rate (D) is negative.

11. A method as recited in claims 9 or 10, wherein the roughness output (A_r) is the mean deviation of a fixed number of the most recently measured output flow rates (A).

12. A method as recited in claims 9 or 10, wherein the roughness output (A_r) is the root-mean-square of a fixed number of the most recently measured output flow rates (A).

13. A method as recited in claims 9 or 10, wherein the alarm limit (C) is set to the maximum alarm limit for a period of time (T1) after the pitch and roll (P/R) signal exceeds the pitch/roll limit.

14. A method as recited in claim 13, where the period of time (T1) is no less than 30 seconds.

15. A method for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore with the aid of a computer while drilling from a floating vessel, comprising the steps of:

providing the computer with a data base including a minimum alarm limit, a maximum alarm limit, and a pitch/roll limit;

continuously measuring the output flow rate (A) of the drilling fluid from the wellbore, the input flow rate (B) of the drilling fluid to the wellbore, and at least a component of the pitch and roll (P/R) of the vessel;

continuously providing the output flow rate (A), the input flow rate (B), and the pitch and roll (P/R) signal to the computer;

continuously filtering the output flow rate (A) in the computer to attentuate the periodic fluctuation therefrom which is due to the motion of the vessel;

repetitively setting the alarm limit (C) in the computer equal to the maximum alarm limit if the pitch and roll (P/R) signal exceeds the pitch/roll limit, or equal to a roughness output (A_r) which varies proportionally with the roughness of the sea between the minimum and maximum alarm limit, if the pitch and roll (P/R) signal does not exceed the pitch/roll limit;

repetitively calculating a delta flow rate (D) in the computer by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the filtered output flow rate (A);

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) to the alarm limit (C);

sampling in the computer a fixed number (M) of subsequent delta flow rates (D) when a comparison indicates that the absolute value thereof exceeds the alarm limit (C);

calculating a delta trend (D_t) in the computer by dividing the sum of the sampled delta flow rates (D) by the number of samples (M) each time a sample is taken;

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) to the alarm limit (C); and

,

providing a visible warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) exceeds the alarm limit (C).

16. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) does not exceed the alarm limit (C) after a first set of M delta flow rate (D) samples have been taken, and which comprises the additional step of sampling in the computer a second set of M delta flow rate (D) samples when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta rate (D) exceeds the alarm limit (C).

17. A method as recited in claims 15 or 16, which further includes the step of blocking the flow of the drilling fluid into and out from the wellbore when the delta trend (D_t) is positive and the step of stopping the flow of fluid and stopping drilling when the delta trend (D_t) is negative.

18. A method as recited in claim 17, wherein the roughness output (A_r) is the mean deviation of a fixed number of the most recently measured output flow rates (A).

19. A method as recited in claim 17, wherein the roughness output (A_r) is the root-mean-square of a fixed number of the most recently measured output flow rates (A).

20. A method as recited in claim 17, wherein the alarm limit (C) is set to the maximum alarm limit for a period of time (T1) after the pitch and roll (P/R) signal exceeds the pitch/roll limit.

21. A method as recited in claim 20, where the period of time (T1) is no less than 30 seconds.

22. A method for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore with the aid of a computer when drilling from a floating vessel, comprising the steps of:

providing the computer with a data base including a minimum alarm limit, a maximum alarm limit, and a pitch/roll limit;

continuously measuring the output flow rate (A) of the drilling fluid from the wellbore, the input flow rate (B) of the drilling fluid to the wellbore, and at least a component of the pitch and roll (P/R) of the vessel;

continuously providing the output flow rate (A) the input flow rate (B), and the pitch and roll (P/R) signal to the computer;

continuously filtering the output flow rate (A) in the computer to attentuate the periodic fluctuation therefrom which is due to the motion of the vessel by use of a fast filter having a time constant from about 1.5 to 2.5 times larger than that of the periodic fluctuation connected in parallel with a slow filter having a time constant from about 3.0 to 5.0 times larger than that of the periodic fluctuation;

repetitively setting the alarm limit (C) in the computer equal to the maximum alarm limit if the pitch and roll (P/R) signal exceeds the pitch/roll limit, or equal to a roughness output (A_r), which varies proportionally with the roughness of the sea between the minimum and maximum alarm limit, if the pitch and roll (P/R) signal does not exceed the pitch/roll limit;

repetitively calculating a fast delta flow rate (D_f) in the computer by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the fast-filtered output flow rate (A_f);

repetitively calculating a slow delta flow rate (SD_s) in the computer by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the slow-filtered output flow rate (A_s) and multiplying the difference by a factor from about 1.5 to 3.0;

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) to the alarm limit (C);

sampling in the computer a fixed number (M) of subsequent, fast delta flow rates (D_f) when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) exceeds the alarm limit (C);

calculating a delta trend (D_t) in the computer by dividing the sum of the sampled fast delta rates (D_f) by the number of samples (M) each time a sample is taken;

repetitively comparing in the computer the absolute value of the greater of the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) to the alarm limit (C); and

,

providing warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) exceeds the alarm limit (C).

23. A method as recited in claim 22, wherein the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) does not exceed the alarm limit (C) after a first set of M fast delta flow rate (D_f) samples have been taken, which further includes the step of sampling a second set of M subsequent fast delta flow rate (D) samples if the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) still exceeds the alarm limit (C).

24. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein the fast delta flow rate (D_f) and the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) is calculated at a rate no slower than one time per second and a fixed number (M) of nonsequential, subsequent, fast delta flow rates (D_f) are sampled.

25. A method as recited in claim 24, wherein the number of fast delta flow rate samples (M) is no less than ten.

26. A method as recited in claims 22 or 25, which further includes the step of blocking the flow of the drilling fluid into and out from the wellbore when either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) is positive and the step of stopping the flow of fluid and stopping drilling when either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) is negative.

27. A method as recited in claim 26, wherein the roughness output (A_r) is the mean deviation of a fixed number of the most recently measured output flow rates (A).

28. A method as recited in claim 26, wherein the roughness output (A_r) is the root-mean-square of a fixed number of the most recently measured output flow rates (A).

29. A method as recited in claim 26, wherein the alarm limit (C) is set to the maximum alarm limit for a period of time (T1) after the pitch and roll (P/R) signal exceeds the pitch/roll limit.

30. A method as recited in claim 29, where the period of time (T1) is no less than 30 seconds.

31. Apparatus for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore while drilling from a floating vessel, the wellbore being connected to the lower end of a drill string and the lower end of an annulus by a valve through which the drilling fluid flows, the upper end of the annulus being connected to a conduit from which the drilling fluid flows to the suction side of a pump which circulates the drilling fluid therefrom into the upper end of the drill string, through the wellbore, and back up the annulus into the conduit, said apparatus comprising:

an output flow meter connected to the exit of the conduit, said meter providing a signal corresponding to the rate of flow of drilling fluid from the wellbore (A);

an input flow meter connected between the pump and the upper end of the drill string, said meter providing a signal corresponding to the rate of flow of the drilling fluid into the wellbore (B);

computer means for reading a data base including at least an alarm limit (C) and for receiving the output flow rate (A) and the input flow rate (B) signals, said means continuously filtering the output flow rate (A) signal to attentuate the periodic fluctuation therefrom which is due to the motion of the vessel and repetitively calculating a delta flow rate (D) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) signal from the filtered output flow rate (A), repetitively comparing the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) to the alarm limit (C) and sampling a fixed number (M) of subsequent delta flow rates (D) when a comparison indicates that the absolute value thereof exceeds the alarm limit (C), calculating a delta trend (D_t) by dividing the sum of the sampled delta flow rates (D) by the number of samples (M) each time a sample is taken, and then repetitively comparing the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) to the alarm limit (C) to provide a warning signal when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) exceeds the alarm limit (C); and

,

means connected to said computer means for providing a warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when a warning signal is received from said computer means.

32. Apparatus as recited in claim 31, wherein the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) does not exceed the alarm limit (C) after a first set of M delta flow rate (D) samples have been taken, and said computer means samples a second set of M subsequent delta flow rate (D) samples when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) still exceeds the alarm limit (C).

33. Apparatus as recited in claims 31 or 32, which further comprises means connected to said computer means for actuating the valve to close off the wellbore when the delta flow rate (D) is positive and means electrically connected to said computer means for throttling back the pump to stop the circulation of fluid and for stopping drilling when the delta flow rate (D) is negative.

34. Apparatus for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore while drilling from a floating vessel, the wellbore being connected to the lower end of a drill string and the lower end of an annulus by a valve through which the drilling fluid flows, the upper end of the annulus being connected to a conduit from which the drilling fluid flows to the suction side of a pump which circulates the drilling fluid therefrom into the upper end of the drill string, through the wellbore, and back up the annulus into the conduit, said apparatus comprising:

an output flow meter connected to the exit of the conduit, said meter providing a signal corresponding to the rate of flow of drilling fluid from the wellbore (A);

an input flow meter connected between the pump and the upper end of the drill string, said meter providing a signal corresponding to the rate of flow of the drilling fluid into the wellbore (B);

computer means for reading a data base including at least an alarm limit (C) and for receiving the output flow rate (A) and the input flow rate (B) signals, said means continuously filtering the output flow rate (A) signal to attentuate the periodic fluctuation therefrom which is due to the motion of the vessel by using a fast filter having a time constant from about 1.5 to 2.5 times larger that that of the periodic fluctuation connected in parallel with a slow filter having a time constant from about 3.0 to 5.0 times larger than that of the periodic fluctuation, repetitively calculating a fast delta flow rate (D_f) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the fast-filtered output flow rate (A_f) and repetitively calculating a slow delta flow rate (SD_s) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) signal from the slow-filtered output flow rate (A_s) and multiplying the difference by a factor from about 1.5 to 3.0, repetitively comparing the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) to the alarm limit (C) and sampling a fixed number (M) of subsequent fast delta flow rates (D_f) when a comparison indicates that the absolute value thereof exceeds the alarm limit (C), calculating a delta trend (D_t) by dividing the sum of the sampled fast delta flow rates (D_f) by the number of samples (M) each time a sample is taken, and then repetitively comparing the absolute value of the greater of the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) to the alarm limit (C) to provide a warning signal when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) exceeds the alarm limit (C); and

,

means connected to said computer means for providing a warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when a warning signal is received from said computer means.

36. Apparatus as recited in claims 34 and 35, which further comprises means electrically connected to said computer means for actuating the valve to close off the wellbore when either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) is positive and means electrically connected to said computer means for throttling back the pump to stop the circulation of fluid and for stopping drilling when the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) is negative.

37. Apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein the roughness output (A_r) is the mean deviation of a fixed number of the most recently measured output flow rates (A).

38. Apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein the roughness output (A_r) is the root-mean-square of a fixed number of the most recently measured output flow rates (A).

39. Apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein the alarm limit (C) is set to the maximum alarm limit for a period of time (T1) no less than 30 seconds after the pitch and roll (P/R) signal exceeds the pitch/roll limit.

40. Apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein the absolute value of the delta trend (D_t) does not exceed the alarm limit (C) after a first set of M fast delta flow rate (D_f) samples have been taken, and said computer means samples a second set of M subsequent fast delta flow rate (D_f) samples when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) still exceeds the alarm limit (C).

41. Apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein said computer means calculates the fast delta flow rate (D_f) and the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) at a rate no slower than one time per second and samples a fixed number (M) of nonsequential, subsequent, fast delta flow rates (D_f).

35. Apparatus for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore while drilling from a floating vessel, the wellbore being connected to the lower end of a drill string and the lower end of an annulus by a valve through which the driling fluid flows, the upper end of the annulus being connected to a conduit from which the drilling fluid flows to the suction side of a pump which circulates the drilling fluid therefrom into the upper end of the drill string, through the wellbore, and back up the annulus into the conduit, said apparatus comprising:

an output flow meter connected to the exit of the conduit, said meter providing a signal corresponding to the rate of flow of drilling fluid from the wellbore (A);

an input flow meter connected between the pump and the upper end of the drill string, said meter providing a signal corresponding to the rate of flow of the drilling fluid into the wellbore (B);

a pair of accelerometers mounted on the vessel, said accelerometers providing a signal corresponding to at least a component of the pitch and roll (P/R) of the vessel;

computer means for reading a data base including a minimum alarm limit, a maximum alarm limit and a pitch/roll limit and for receiving the output flow rate (A) signal, the input flow rate (B) signal, and the pitch and roll (P/R) signal, said means continuously filtering the output flow rate (A) signal to attentuate the periodic fluctuation therefrom which is due to the motion of the vessel by using a fast filter having a time constant from about 1.5 to 2.5 times larger that that of the periodic fluctuation connected in parallel with a slow filter having a time constant from about 3.0 to 5.0 times larger than that of the periodic fluctuation, repetitively calculating a fast delta flow rate (D_f) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the fast-filtered output flow rate (A_f) and repetitively calculating a slow delta flow rate (SD_s) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) signal from the slow-filtered output flow rate (A_s) and multiplying the difference by a factor from about 1.5 to 3.0, repetitively setting the alarm limit (C) equal to the maximum alarm limit if the pitch and roll (P/R) signal exceeds the pitch/roll limit or equal to a roughness output (A_r), which varies proportionally with the roughness of the sea between the minimum and maximum alarm limit, if the pitch and roll (P/R) signal does not exceed the pitch/roll limit, repetitively comparing the absolute value of the fast delta flow rate (D_f) to the alarm limit (C) and sampling a fixed number (M) of subsequent fast delta flow rates (D_f) when a comparison indicates that the absolute value thereof exceeds the alarm limit (C), calculating a delta trend (D_t) by dividing the sum of the sampled fast delta flow rates (D_f) by the number of samples (M) each time a sample is taken, and then repetitively comparing the absolute value of the greater of the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) to the alarm limit (C) to provide a warning signal when a comparison indicates that the absolute value of either the slow delta flow rate (SD_s) or the delta trend (D_t) exceeds the alarm limit (C); and

,

means connected to said computer means for providing a warning that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when a warning signal is received from said computer means.

42. A method for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore while drilling from a floating vessel, comprising the steps of:

measuring the output flow rate (A) of the drilling fluid from the wellbore and the input flow rate (B) of the drilling fluid to the wellbore;

calculating in a computer a delta flow rate (D) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the output flow rate (A);

comparing in a computer the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) with an alarm limit (C) so as to generate a warning indicating that the flow of drilling fluid is out of control when the comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) exceeds the alarm limit (C); and

filtering in the computer the value of at least one of the parameters (A) and (D) to reduce or minimize the effect of the vessel'"'"'s motion on the generation of said warning;

wherein at least a component of the pitch and roll (P/R) of the vessel is measured and the alarm limit (C) is set equal to a maximum alarm limit if the pitch and roll (P/R) measured value exceeds a pitch/roll limit, or equal to a roughness output (A_r) which varies proportionally with the roughness of the sea between a minimum alarm limit and the maximum alarm limit if the pitch and roll (P/R) measured value does not exceed the pitch/roll limit.

43. Apparatus for controlling the flow of drilling fluid through a subaqueous wellbore while drilling from a floating vessel, comprising:

an output flow measuring means and an input flow measuring means, arranged respectively to measure the output flow rate (A) of the drilling fluid from the wellbore and the input flow rate (B) of the drilling fluid to the wellbore;

computer means arranged to calculate a delta flow rate (D) by subtracting the input flow rate (B) from the output flow rate (A) and to compare the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) with an alarm limit (C) so as to generate a warning indicating that the flow of drillin fluid is out of control when the comparison indicates that the absolute value of the delta flow rate (D) exceeds the alarm limit (C);

means for measuring at least a component of the pitch and roll (P/R) of the vessel; and

filter means arranged to modify the value of at least one of the parameters (A) and (D) in accordance with the motion of the floating vessel caused by the action of the sea so as to reduce or minimize the effect of the vessel'"'"'s motion on the generation of said warning, said filter means being arranged to set the alarm limit (C) equal to a maximum alarm limit if the pitch and roll (P/R) measured value exceeds a pitch/roll limit, or equal to a roughness output (A_r) which varies proportionally with the roughness of the sea.