How can you improve well integrity in Oil and Gas field development?

1 Assess well integrity risks

The first step to improve well integrity is to identify and evaluate the potential risks that may affect the well performance and integrity throughout its life cycle. These risks may include mechanical failures, corrosion, erosion, scaling, formation damage, pressure changes, fluid influx, and human errors. You can use various methods and tools to assess well integrity risks, such as risk matrices, bow-tie diagrams, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and root cause analysis (RCA). By assessing well integrity risks, you can prioritize the most critical issues and plan the appropriate mitigation measures.

2 Design and construct wells properly

The second step to improve well integrity is to design and construct wells according to the relevant standards, regulations, and best practices. This means selecting the suitable well type, configuration, materials, equipment, and procedures for the specific field conditions and objectives. You should also consider the well integrity requirements for the different phases of the well life cycle, such as drilling, completion, production, intervention, and abandonment. You should also perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks and tests to verify the well design and construction quality and compliance.

4 Respond and remediate wells promptly

The fourth step to improve well integrity is to respond and remediate wells promptly in case of any incidents or failures that may affect the well performance and integrity. You should have a contingency plan and an emergency response team that can quickly and safely isolate, control, and repair the well. You should also conduct a thorough investigation and analysis of the root causes and consequences of the incident or failure, and implement corrective actions and preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

5 Abandon wells responsibly

The fifth step to improve well integrity is to abandon wells responsibly when they reach the end of their productive life or become uneconomical or unsafe to operate. You should follow the applicable regulations and guidelines for the proper plugging and abandonment (P&A) of wells, which may include removing the wellhead, casing, tubing, and other equipment, and placing cement plugs and barriers across the wellbore to seal it permanently. You should also monitor and inspect the abandoned wells periodically to ensure that they do not pose any environmental or safety risks.

6 Learn and improve continuously

The sixth and final step to improve well integrity is to learn and improve continuously from the experience and feedback of the well operations and performance. You should collect and analyze data and information on the well integrity indicators, such as pressure, temperature, flow, corrosion, scaling, leaks, and failures. You should also benchmark and compare your well integrity performance with the industry standards and best practices, and identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement. You should also share and apply the lessons learned and best practices across your organization and with your stakeholders to foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?