What is NOT considered a kick warning sign?

The choice that identifies something not considered a kick warning sign is the decrease in drill string weight. In well control, signs of a potential kick—a situation where formation fluids enter the wellbore—are crucial for the safety and integrity of drilling operations.

When a kick occurs, several measurable changes can act as indicators that alert the drilling crew to the possibility of an influx of fluid from the formation. For example, increased background gas levels can signal that gas is entering the well, which is a direct warning sign of a potential kick. Similarly, an increase in the temperature of the return drilling mud can indicate that formation fluids, which are typically at a different temperature than the drilling mud, are mixing with the circulating fluid. Also, a decrease in shale density can suggest that lighter fluids are being drawn into the wellbore, another potential indicator of a kick.

In contrast, a decrease in drill string weight is not a typical warning sign of a kick. Instead, it can result from various other factors, such as insufficient mud weight or other mechanical issues, but does not directly suggest a kick is occurring. Therefore, the decrease in drill string weight is the correct choice for what is not considered a kick warning sign.