Regulatory
Citation(s):
78.83.
Surface and coal protective casing and cementing procedures.
(a)(2) The operator demonstrates that the
pressure in the well is no greater than the pressure permitted under 78.83(c), demonstrates
through a pressure test or other method approved by the Department that all gas
and fluids will be contained within the well…
Question:
What type of pressure testing is required?
Response:
Various procedures exist for conducting
pressure testing to ensure well integrity.
Some information regarding testing procedures used by EPA under the UIC
Program can be found by selecting the links that follow this response. It is important to note that modifications
would be necessary, if utilized, as the procedures applied under the UIC
Program pressure up annular spaces, whereas the pressure testing referenced
under 78.83(a)(2) would involve applying pressure
inside the surface casing string. It is
also important to note that the maximum pressures applied must consider several
factors that are detailed in the proceeding paragraph.
Surface casing used as production casing must
not be exposed to pressures in excess of 80% of the hydrostatic pressure at the
casing seat during the operating lifetime of the well. Therefore, that is the minimum pressure that
a well would need to be tested to in order to ensure that produced fluids are
contained within the well. However,
operators must ensure that produced fluids are contained within the well during
drilling activities as well, so the pressure test may need to expose the casing
to a higher pressure in certain instances.
For example, the highest pressure surface casing could potentially be
exposed to is likely associated with the pressure
imparted by drilling fluid needed to control kicks encountered after drilling
out the shoe and extending the wellbore to total depth.
Links to EPA Pressure Testing Technical
Guidance (note that these are provided just as one general reference and that
modifications would be necessary if used to test the integrity of the surface
casing seat under Section 78.83(a)(2)):
EPA Pressure
Testing Technical Guidance (Reference 1)
EPA Pressure
Testing Technical Guidance (Reference 2)