In an effort to protect the environment, the oil and gas industry is seeking ways to incorporate sustainable practices into its day-to-day operations. Plugging and Abandonment for oil wells is a practice these worksites tackle head-on to ensure wells are properly isolated. With over 170,000 abandoned wells in Alberta, this practice is vital in preventing our land from the harmful effects of oil and gas contamination.
Below, we’ll discuss the importance of proper well abandonment and how you can achieve safe, secure, and reliable isolation with a permanent bridge plug from Avalon Research Ltd.
What Is Well Abandonment in Oil & Gas?
Well abandonment (or Plugging and Abandonment) involves sealing off an oilfield well when it has reached the end of its useful life— AKA, when a well no longer produces a profitable amount of oil and natural gas.
Before a well can be abandoned in Alberta, the downhole system must be pressure-tested to confirm a reliable seal and to ensure that no substances can migrate and contaminate the environment.
Oil sites are required to comply with all Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) requirements and provincial legislation laws before a well can be officially declared abandoned.
Why Proper Well Abandonment Matters
Despite being referred to as “abandonment,” worksites have to follow several steps before they can discontinue the use of an oilfield well. These sites pose several risks to the local community and environment if they aren’t abandoned properly. By following the correct procedures, oilfield companies can:
Prevent Accidents and Site Contamination
While a well may not be in use, it can still provide a pathway for contaminants to release into the ground and atmosphere. One of the primary concerns with well abandonment is its impact on groundwater reservoirs. If a well is not sealed off correctly, contaminants like sour gas and C02 seep into the ground. This directly impacts local water resources, including drinking water.
Other potential issues, such as soil degradation and safety hazards to individuals, wildlife, and livestock, can also arise. With a secure seal from a permanent bridge plug, oilfield sites can protect local resources and maintain public health.
Ensure Compliance with Legal Requirements
In addition to environmental concerns, oil and gas companies must consider the legal ramifications of improperly abandoned well sites. There are several regulations, standards, and requirements that oil companies must follow to legally abandon their downhole operation.
If any steps are missed or improperly followed, companies can face a wide array of legal repercussions, which could lead to reputational damage or a temporary shutdown of their operations. By following the rules and avoiding shortcuts during wellbore isolation, your company demonstrates its commitment to upholding the safety standards of your industry and the local community.
Properly Isolates Dangerous Fluids
Fluids and gases in oil well operations can be dangerous for both the environment and the immediate safety of those in proximity to your downhole site. In addition to contaminating the air and ground, substances like brine, oil, and greenhouse gases can cause explosions on your wellsite property if the fluid exit points are not properly isolated.
Proper sealant practices, like installing permanent bridge plugs, cementing, and casing, will isolate any residual fluids and reduce the risk of an explosion or fire on your property.
Permanent Bridge Plugs: Essential Tools for Oilfield Well Abandonment
Permanent bridge plugs are one of the most effective methods for safely sealing an open wellbore. Our permanent bridge plugs from Avalon Research are suitable for the most demanding wellbore environments and situations. These include:
- Well restrictions
- Extreme high pressures
- Volatile chemical environments (including sour gas)
- Severe high temperatures
Key features of our permanent bridge plug include:
- Pressure ratings up to 15,000 psig
- NACE MR0175 compliant
- Designed to ISO 15156 standards
- Temperature ratings up to 620°F/327°C
Whether you require a seal for well abandonment, well suspension, or snubbing operations, our permanent bridge plug can help you complete your downhole project safely and efficiently.
Get a Quality Seal with a Permanent Bridge Plug from Avalon Research
Since 1996, Avalon Research has been the world’s leading provider of durable, high-quality bridge plugs for temporary and permanent well abandonment projects. Contact us today to learn more about how you can get our high-quality bridge plugs and oilfield tools for your worksite.