[QUOTE=Cynthia;37944]If negative and positive pressure tests are run before the cement has ‘set enough’, is it possible to negatively affect the cement intergity?[/QUOTE]
By performing a negative test you simulate the conditions of displacement to SW in advance of performing this function. This would not be possible to 8300 ft. But it was performed at the WH. And what was the outcome? They got 15 bbls back when bleeding off pressure instead of 5 Bbls. This means fluid in the Annulus have moved. At the same time pressure was rising on the standpipe guage. Why? It can only be gas.
This all occurred at approx 1900 hrs. Plenty of time to shut in.
What happened instead. They displaced the Riser to SW which will have allowed further influx to enter the well. They didn’t see this because of the backloading.
At some point, the pressure built up and blew out the Seal Assy and casing hanger.
I’m not saying that all of this is 100% correct. But, I assure you we must recognise when a kick is coming.
I’d like to know who told them to displace to SW without any effective volume control.