WellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones is typically handled by national policies and procedures - therefore there is a wide range of legal directives worldwide. To provide an overview about regulations concerning wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones in the hydrocarbon industry the accessible regulatory data from countries significantly engaged in oil and gas production as wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids as international conventions were taken into account. The technical study on "Long Term Integrity of CO2Carbon dioxide Storage(CO2) A process for retaining captured CO2, so that it does not reach the atmosphere - WellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids Abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones" by the IEAInternational Energy Agency Greenhouse GasGas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, the atmosphere, and clouds; thus, trapping heat within the surface-troposphere system. e.g. water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) R&D Programme 2009 provides a lot of detailed information on abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones regulations of the hydrocarbon industries to lead to a best practice abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones strategy for CO2Carbon dioxide-Storage(CO2) A process for retaining captured CO2, so that it does not reach the atmosphere wells.
Denmark
The Danish subsoil act (L141, 2011, the Danish Parliament) serves as a basic framework for petroleum exploration and recovery. It deals in general terms of action, which leaves room for adaptations and detailed regulations. However, it regulates the exploitation and recovery activities of minerals and especially hydrocarbons in the Danish subsoil and continental shelfThe extended perimeter of each continent and associated coastal plain submerged under relatively shallow seas.
Since 2007 "A Guide to Hydrocarbon Licenses in Denmark" provides guidelines for drilling-exploration and information on wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones. In general the document states that exploration wells shall be plugged in such a way that no fluid flow through the hole and no communication from down-hole to surface via casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled-annulus are possible. Therefore multiple plugs have to be placed. The weight of the plugs has to be sufficient to ensure that the system is in pressure balance. In uncased boreholes the plug should at least extend to 50m below and above the permeable zones, in open hole parts below the cased wells the plug should cover the interval from at least 50m above and below the casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled shoe. Additionally another cement plug at 50m on top is required.
Any perforated intervals is to be isolated, cemented and plugged 50 m below and above the permeable interval. Also all plugs shall be pressure tested for a sufficient time to detect possible leakage(in CO2 storage) The escape of injected fluid from the storage formation to the atmosphere or water column of mechanical failure, the top cement plugs shall be located by load testing.
France
The Ministry of Economics, Industry and Employment provides the "Règlement Général des industries extractives", which was revised in the year 2000 and contains articles on closure and abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones of wells ("fermeture définitive du puits") focusing on onshore and offshore wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones. The steps required are dependent on age and state of the wells, provided there is information on primary cementing and casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled available. If there is no prior knowledge about the casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled status, investigations are required followed by possible placing, extending and improving the cementing.
Precaution to isolate the reservoirs from each other is the primary requirement stated in the guidelines. Also the permeable layers have to remain permeable and there should not occur any mixing of fluids between different layers. Plugs with a length of at least 50m (or 100m, depending on the wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids bore) shall be placed according to the requirements.
Norway
In Norway any decommissioning is regulated by the 1996 "Norwegian Petroleum Activities Act" and the OSPARConvention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, which was adopted at Paris on 22 September 1992 Convention. In general the petroleum act requires a decommissioning plan two to five years prior to expiration of the license or termination of facility, submitted by the licensees. The decommissioning plans have to contain a disposal plan as wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids as an impact assessment.
The exhaustive and often referred to NORSOK Standard D-010, revised in June 2013, provides specific abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones regulations, focusing wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids integrity. The primary objective is that permanently plugged wells shall be abandoned with eternal perspective. That means that NORSOK Standard D-010 requires at least one barrier between surface and potential inflow, hydrocarbon reservoirs require two wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids barriers. The plug lengths of 100 m should extend at least 50 m above the potential inflow-sourceAny process, activity or mechanism that releases a greenhouse gas, an aerosol, or a precursor thereof into the atmosphere, the plug of open hole wells shall be placed at minimum 50 m below the casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled shoe. Any installations have to be verified through documentation of job performance, the position of plugs by pressure tests or tagging.
Netherlands
In 2003 a new updated mining act containing rules for exploration and development of mineral resources and mining activities was released. More technical details on wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones are found in the mining regulations. They state specific requirements like an additional primary cement sheath outside of the casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled to wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids plugs and a working program to document the cementing per casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled interval. Also there are extensive regulations for plug placement and uphold safety requirements, whereas little technical attention is paid on down-hole primary wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids cementation.
UK
The Petroleum Act entered into force in 1998. Decommissioning of onshore wells and associated hydrocarbon installations requires permission from the Department of Trade and Industry, offshore-wells need accordance with the Oil & Gas UK Guidelines for the suspension and abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones of Wells (by UK Offshore Operations Association UKOOA). There the main characteristics of plugging material, the location of plugs for proper isolation from the surface and verification(CO2 storage) The proof, to a standard still to be decided, of the CO2 storage using monitoring results; (in the context of CDM) The independent review by a designated operational entity of monitored reductions in anthropogenic emissions procedures for an acceptable permanent barrier are noted. In general the primary barrier characteristics required are low permeabilityAbility to flow or transmit fluids through a porous solid such as rock, long-term integrity, no shrinking and non-brittle materials, which will be bonding to casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled and resistant to down-hole fluids.
Two permanent barriers from surface are required to ensure an effective isolation of the hydrocarbon reservoirs. The first barrier should be placed at least 100 ft above the potential in-flow, the second barrier will serve as backup for the first one. The position and effectiveness of barriers needs to be confirmed. There are no specific requirements on the verification(CO2 storage) The proof, to a standard still to be decided, of the CO2 storage using monitoring results; (in the context of CDM) The independent review by a designated operational entity of monitored reductions in anthropogenic emissions-process stated, but recommend minimum requirements are mentioned.
Australia
In Australia the main operations of the hydrocarbon industries are situated offshore (about 96 %), which are regulated by the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse GasGas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, the atmosphere, and clouds; thus, trapping heat within the surface-troposphere system. e.g. water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Storage(CO2) A process for retaining captured CO2, so that it does not reach the atmosphere Act 2006 as wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids as the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981. Any decommissioning is based on international protocols and treaties. There is no extensive experience on upstream petroleum decommissioning available in Australia.
Canada, Alberta
In Canada the specific policies and procedures for wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones are dictated by the authority of the province. In Alberta there are different abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones programs concerning open-hole wells in oil sands for four defined areas. Generally it states that cements must be placed in a way that inhibits any cross-flow between porous zones and all non-saline groundwaterGroundwater in which salts are dissolved has to be covered by cement. Plugs have to be extending at least 15 m above and below the isolated interval. At depths greater than 1500 m a minimum plug length of 60 m is required, for depth less than 1500 a plug of at least 30 m is considered sufficient. There is no minimum distance between plugs stated and one plug may cover several porous zones. However, the placement of plugs must be verified by an approved method.
Abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones practices for cased-hole wells depend on the geographical location, if it was completed, and whether the wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids penetrated any oil sand zones. Have no oil sand zones been met, non-perforated wells do not require any additional cement plugs. Wells with oil sand intervals require separate abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones for each completed pool and additionally all non-saline groundwaterGroundwater in which salts are dissolved has to be covered with cement (same as in open hole). A cement plug with at least 30m length should be extending not less than 15 m below and above the liner top. Also the cement of the casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled has to be in a certain required condition (Directive 009 ERCB 1990).
USA
The Regulations in USA have a distinct regional nature. However, the objective of plugging is the same in all states - primarily the protection of potable water aquifers and the isolation of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Technical details like the length of the plugs and required additives may differ from state to state. Underground InjectionThe process of using pressure to force fluids down wells Control (UIC) Agency was established under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA, 1974). UIC regulates at regional level the construction, operation, permitting and closure of injectionThe process of using pressure to force fluids down wells wells that inject fluids in underground reservoirs. Additionally the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for drinking water quality. UIC defined 5 classes of wells related to the injected fluids, which require different abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones techniques respective used material, casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled condition and hydrogeologicalConcerning water in the geological environment setting.
The objectives of abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones being in general:
- Eliminate physical hazard;
- Prevent underground water contamination;
- Conserve water yield and hydrostaticPertaining to the properties of a stationary body of water head;
- Prevent intermixing of subsurface water.
The EPA regulations demand demonstration of mechanical integrity of the wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids before commencing abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones. Also the mechanical integrity of the casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled needs to be demonstrated before plugging. EPA states as first priority the prevention of fluid movement from the injectionThe process of using pressure to force fluids down wells zone to any drinking water aquiferAn underground layer of fluid-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) with significant permeability to allow flow. InjectionThe process of using pressure to force fluids down wells zone therefore require a mechanical plug with a cemented plug on top (minimum length of either 76m or 15m, depending on the used mechanical plug). Cut casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled requires at least 30m cement plugging, which extends from at least 15m below to 15m above the rip point. Cement plugs must be placed at least 50m below the lowest drinking water aquiferAn underground layer of fluid-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) with significant permeability to allow flow and should ensure that no cross-flow is occurring. Any surface casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled shall be cut off and the original state of the area should be restored.
APIAmerican Petroleum Institute; degree API is a measure of oil density (American Petroleum Institute) provides environmentally-sound abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones practices for oil and gas exploration, focused on onshore. APIAmerican Petroleum Institute; degree API is a measure of oil density states that several safeguards, already utilized during wellManmade hole drilled into the earth to produce liquids or gases, or to allow the injection of fluids construction (like surface casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled, production casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled adequately cemented) and plugging operations (cement plugs in open holes, plugs above perforated intervals, at cut casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled zones, at the base of lowermost fresh water aquiferAn underground layer of fluid-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) with significant permeability to allow flow, across surface casingA pipe which is inserted to stabilise the borehole of a well after it is drilled shoe and at surface), help to ensure the prevention of fluid migrationThe movement of fluids in reservoir rocks in abandoned wells. Cement and mechanical plugs located at critical points in the wellboreThe physical hole that makes up the well, it can be cased, open, or a combination of both; open means open for fluid migration laterally between the wellbore and surrounding formations; cased means closing of the wellbore to avoid such migration prevent fluid migrationThe movement of fluids in reservoir rocks. Cement plugs should at least have a length of 30 m and extend to a minimum of 15 m above the isolating part. Perforated zones require the displacement method for plugging (cement is squeezed in or using a permanent bridge plug), with a subsequent location verification(CO2 storage) The proof, to a standard still to be decided, of the CO2 storage using monitoring results; (in the context of CDM) The independent review by a designated operational entity of monitored reductions in anthropogenic emissions by tagging and pressure testing.
International
London ConventionInternational convention on the prevention of marine pollution by dumping of wastes and other matter, which was adopted at London, Mexico City, Moscow and Washington on 29 December 1972 1972 and 1996 Protocol is dealing with the prevention of marine pollution by dumping of wastes and other matter (in the North Sea and North-East Atlantic). The Amendment to the 1996 Protocol allows captured CO2Carbon dioxide to be stored into sub-seabedBoundary between the free water and the top of the seabottom sediment formations (within certain restrictions). The Protocol to the convention entered into force 2006, amendment forms basis in international law to regulate CO2Carbon dioxide storage(CO2) A process for retaining captured CO2, so that it does not reach the atmosphere offshore.
The OSPARConvention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, which was adopted at Paris on 22 September 1992 Convention is dealing with waste disposal and other activities in geological reservoirs under the seabedBoundary between the free water and the top of the seabottom sediment (in the Northeast-Atlantic). Although the OSPARConvention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, which was adopted at Paris on 22 September 1992 convention represents one of the most comprehensive and strict legal frameworks concerning protection of the marine environment, no specific regulation for abandonment(wells) Actions taken to ensure permanent isolation of the fluids and pressures of exposed permeable zones within a well from the surface and from lower pressured zones of wells is included.