The success in the global well plugging & abandonment market significantly relies on maintaining its integrity. P&A operations require installing barriers to wellbore sealing and stop the perpetual migration in the formation fluids. A failure in well barriers during decommissioning could eventually result in environmental harm and risks to local communities. It also has serious legal or financial repercussions for the operator.
When a well is no longer economically viable or useful then operators will plug and abandon it. The main goal is basically to maintain its integrity by establishing a permanent barrier solution which separates the well from the formation then avoids fluid migration to groundwater areas or reaching the surface.
Why is It Important?
Maintaining the integrity is significantly essential in the global well plugging & abandonment market because it relates to regulatory compliance and environmental factors. Operators must comply with regulatory guidelines and industry requirements to maintain well integrity. They should also adopt responsible approaches to minimize risks to health and the environment.
- Regulatory adherence
Every regulatory authorities enforce the requirement for integrity testing within well barrier elements. The BSEE and EPA are particularly responsible for providing regulations for P&A activities in the United States. The NORSOK standard in the petroleum sector in Norway also outlines the minimum functional criteria for well design and execution which ensures integrity across its life cycle. Meanwhile the NSTA and HSE are responsible for regulating these operations in the UK.
Complying with regulatory standards and securing the appropriate permits for these operations can be difficult. That is because regulations generally vary across jurisdictions and change in the years to come Operators must also obtain the appropriate permits and work with regulatory bodies during the entire P&A activities. It will further guarantee compliance and handle any necessary adjustments necessary to approved programs throughout the operations.
- Environmental concerns
Abandoned wells with damaged integrity can significantly pose a threat to the environment by releasing water and air pollutants. Without proper controls during the P&A processes the gases and dangerous air pollutants release may occur. Formation fluids migrating into ground water or marine habitats can subsequently affect water quality. It can also harm marine ecosystems. Fluid movement through insufficient barriers can also result in operational problems in the future. This includes the formation of small pockets of gas at erratic depths.
The Best Practices
In the global well plugging & abandonment market there are several recommended practices to ensure its integrity.
- Planning
Incorporating P&A operations into the well design stage basically helps pinpoint affordable solutions according to the complexity. It also ensures a more seamless execution with a clear abandonment plan. Planning ahead further allows the knowledge transfer along with the handover regarding essential documentation.
- Well preparation
Inspect the well condition and perform a thorough wellbore cleaning to remove obstructions which may compromise the plugging activities.
- Regulatory adherence
Comply with relevant regulations and acquire the necessary permits. It is also important to coordinate with regulatory agencies during the operations to maintain compliance.
- Abandonment design
Creating well abandonment strategies which account for the well unique characteristics and nearby formations is also essential for choosing the rich methods to ensure its integrity.
- Barrier systems
Extra mechanical barriers can also be placed to improve well integrity. Each plug placement must be determined to isolate specific zones by considering well conditions.