Guidelines for the Suspension

and Abandonment of Wells

Issue 3
January 2009
Guidelines for the Suspension and
Abandonment of Wells
Issue 3

January 2009

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this
publication, neither Oil & Gas UK, nor any of its members will assume liability for any use made
thereof.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
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Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of

Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.

Copyright 2009 Oil & Gas UK Ltd.

Prepared by the following Oil and Gas UK Workgroup members:

Jules Schoenmakers (Shell Exploration and Production Europe), Workgroup Chair

Colin McDonald Smith, Phil Keeble (BP)
Jean Marie Prieur, Peter Irvine (ConocoPhillips UK Ltd)
Max Baumert, Richard Cutt (ExxonMobil International Ltd)
Iain Sutherland, Giancarlo Pia (Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd)
Garry Skelly (Sigma Wellservice Ltd)
Donald Dobson (Health and Safety Executive)
David Soden, Francois Rodot, Michel Bouillet (Total E&P UK)
Frank Calder, Bob Beagrie (Schlumberger UK)
Colin Wight (Halliburton UK)

Technical Author
Steve Kirby (Sasok Ltd)

ISBN: 1 903 003 60 1

PUBLISHED BY OIL & GAS UK

London Office:
2nd Floor, 232-242 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1AU
Tel: 020 7802 2400 Fax: 020 7802 2401

Aberdeen Office:
Exchange 2, 3rd Floor, 62 Market Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5PJ
Tel: 01224 577250 Fax: 01224 577251

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oilandgasuk.co.uk
 Guidelines for the Suspension and
Abandonment of Wells

Contents

Foreword iii
Definitions v
List of Abbreviations vii
1 Objectives 1
2 Scope 1
3 Material Requirements for Permanent Barriers 1
4 Number of Permanent Barriers 2
5 Requirements of Permanent Barriers 3
5.1 Position Requirements 3
5.2 Length Requirements 4
5.3 Open Hole Requirements 5
5.4 Cased Hole Requirements 7
6 Verification of a Permanent Barrier 9
6.1 Cement Plug 9
6.2 Casing Cement 10
7 Special Considerations for Abandonment 11
7.1 Well Design 11
7.2 Partial Abandonment for Sidetracking 11
7.3 Irretrievable Radioactive Sources 12
7.4 High Angle and Horizontal Wells (Wells > 70º) 12
7.5 Multilateral Wells 13
7.6 Liner Laps 14
7.7 Casing Cuts 14
7.8 Removal of Downhole Equipment 14
7.9 Control Lines, ESP Cables, Gauge Cables 14
7.10 Through-tubing Abandonments 15
7.11 HPHT Wells 16
7.12 H2S Wells 16
7.13 CO2 Wells 16
7.14 Gas Wells and High GOR Wells 16
7.15 Annular Fluids 16
7.16 Shallow Permeable Zones 16
7.17 Removal of Subsea Equipment 17
7.18 Removal of Surface Equipment 17

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8 Required Standards for Suspension 18

8.1 Types of Suspension 18
8.2 Principles of Suspension 18
8.2.1 Number and Type of Barriers 18
8.2.2 Well Re-entry Considerations 18
8.3 Acceptable Barriers 19
8.4 Verification of Barriers 19
8.5 Trawlability of Suspended Wells 19
8.6 Inspection Scheme for Suspended Wells 19
9 Statutory Notifications and Record Keeping 20
9.1 Notification of Proposed Suspension or Abandonment 20
9.2 Notifications on Completion of Operations 20
9.3 Record Keeping 21
Appendix A: Basic Well Data Required for Well Abandonment 22
Appendix B: Suspended Subsea E&A Wells Categorisation 24

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Foreword
These Guidelines have been prepared to steer Operators on the considerations
that need to be taken when Suspending operations in a well for a limited period
of time and when finally Abandoning a well.
The Guidelines provide minimum criteria to ensure full and adequate isolation
of formation fluids both within the wellbore and from surface or seabed. In the
case of Suspension, this is for at least the expected duration of the Suspension
and covers the requirement to re-enter the well safely. If it is uncertain how
long the well will be Suspended, or if it may be designated Abandoned without
re-entry, the well should be Suspended according to the Abandonment
Guidelines.
Furthermore, the Guidelines assist Duty Holders to comply with the UK
Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and Construction etc) Regulations,
commonly known as DCR. Those regulations in DCR relevant to well
Suspension and Abandonment are numbered 13, 15 and 16 and cover well
integrity, design for Abandonment and materials. They are goal setting in
nature and lay down the standard that should be achieved.
DCR also applies to all wells drilled under UK landward licences. Local
Authorities may apply additional requirements for well Abandonment.
In essence, DCR requires Operators to prevent, on a permanent basis, escape
of fluids from the well. Allowance must be made for deterioration of some
components of the well over time and the possible recovery of hydrocarbon-
bearing formations to virgin pressure.
In general, it is accepted that, where best practice is adhered to, the principle of
reducing risk to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP), as required by
Regulations, can be demonstrated.
The goal is to provide the framework for the decision-making process that must
accompany any such activity. Some of the requirements are still prescriptive, in
that barriers must be provided. However, the requirement for each barrier
should be identified, and conversely, the case for omitting a barrier must be
justified, on a well-by-well basis.
In preparing these Guidelines, reference has been made to:
NORSOK Standard D-010 (Revision 3, August 2004)
API RP 57 (January 1986)
Mining Regulations of the Netherlands WJZ02063603 (January 2003)
It is anticipated that Operators will wish to develop ‘in-house rules’ for their own
operations that their engineers can apply, simply and effectively, to achieve an
adequate standard of isolation. These may vary as formations and fluids vary in
depth and pressure. However, it is believed that application of the principles
contained in these Guidelines will lead the engineer to a safe, efficient and
effective solution, by examining the circumstances of the individual well and
identifying the key requirements. It will further aid demonstration of compliance
with DCR Regulation 13, Regulation 15 and Regulation 16.
It is recognised that the key to a simple Suspension or Abandonment often lies
with the soundness of the initial well design and effectiveness of the primary

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casing cementations. The benefits of successful cementation should run

through and allow for an easier Suspension or Abandonment.
This revision, Issue 3, has been made to clarify and update some areas of the
Guidelines based on Operator experience and feedback. It supersedes the
Guidelines that were originally published in 1995 and then revised and
published as Issue 1 in July 2001 and as Issue 2 in July 2005.

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Definitions
Well: A well includes the original wellbore, any sidetrack from it and any hole
section.
Good Cement: Cement that has been verified as to position, quantity and
quality as stated in Section 6 of these Guidelines.
Permanent Abandonment: The action taken to ensure the permanent
isolation from surface and from lower pressured zones, of exposed Permeable
Zones, fluids and pressures in any well that will not be re-entered.
Suspension: Also referred to as Temporary Abandonment. Action taken
prior to leaving the well to ensure adequate isolation of Permeable Zones,
fluids and pressures in any well that will be re-entered or Abandoned at a later
date.
Permanent Barrier: A verified barrier that will maintain a permanent seal. A
Permanent Barrier must extend across the full cross-section of the well and
include all annuli. When considering isolation from surface, the first barrier
above the point of potential influx is referred to as the first barrier; the next
barrier above the point of potential influx is referred to as the second barrier.
Separation Barriers: Barriers whose primary purpose is to isolate Permeable
Zones from each other.
Temporary Barrier: A verified barrier that is designed to maintain a seal over a
finite period of time for the purpose of Suspension. A Temporary Barrier is not
required to extend across the full cross-section of the well and include all
annuli.
Permeable Zone: Any zone in the well where there is the possibility of fluid
movement on application of a pressure differential.
A Permeable Zone is considered hydrocarbon bearing if moveable
hydrocarbons are present or likely to be present in the future.
Distinct Permeable Zone: A group of Permeable Zones that were originally
within the same pressure regime, and where uncontrolled flow between sub-
zones can be shown to be acceptable. For example where:
(1) It will not create a change in pressure control requirements, and
(2) It will not have an adverse effect on reservoir management, and
(3) It will not result in ‘contamination’ of the fluids in one of the sub-zones i.e.
freshwater.
Single Pressure Regimes: Formations that are, or were originally, in or near
pressure-equilibrium are considered to belong to a Single Pressure Regime.
Overpressured Zones: Permeable Zones where the pressure is in excess of
the regional hydrostatic pressure gradient i.e. 0.45 psi/ft for the North Sea.
Highest Point of Potential Inflow: The top of a Permeable Zone or top
perforation, whichever is shallower.

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Potential Internal Pressure: The maximum anticipated pressure that may

develop below barriers in the wellbore following Abandonment or Suspension.
This may include the possible effects of secondary and tertiary recovery
techniques (i.e. water injection) or the recovery of the reservoir to its original
pressure.

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List of Abbreviations

ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practicable

API RP American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice
BOP Blowout Preventer
CBL Cement Bond Log (Generic)
CDA Common Data Access Limited
DCR Design and Construction Regulations
DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change (Previously BERR,
DTI and DoE)
E&A Exploration and Appraisal
EA Environment Agency
GOR Gas Oil Ratio
HPHT High Pressure High Temperature
JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee
MD Measured Depth
ML Mud Line
NORSOK Norwegian Petroleum Industry Standards
PON Petroleum Operations Notice (DECC)
RSA Radioactive Substances Act
SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency
SS Subsea
TOC Top of Cement
UKCS United Kingdom Continental Shelf
UKOOA UK Offshore Operators Association – now Oil & Gas UK
WONS Well Operations and Notification System

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1 Objectives
To provide Guidelines for the isolation of Permeable Zones when a well is
Abandoned, or Suspended with a view to re-entry or later Abandonment, in
compliance with current UK legislation.

2 Scope
These Guidelines apply to all exploration, appraisal and development wells that
are being permanently Abandoned or Suspended, including sidetracks.
It should be recognised that each well is unique and should be considered on
an individual basis.
The principles of the Guidelines apply to onshore and offshore wells. Special
conditions may apply to onshore wells.

3 Material Requirements for Permanent Barriers

The main characteristics of Abandonment materials should be as follows:
Very low permeability; to prevent flow of hydrocarbons or overpressured
fluids through the barrier
Long-term integrity; long-lasting isolation characteristics of the material, not
deteriorating over time
Non-shrinking; to prevent flow between the barrier-plug/casing annulus
Ductile, non-brittle material; to accommodate mechanical loads and
changes in the pressure and temperature regime (conversion of producers
to water injectors, steam injection, unconsolidated formations etc)
Resistance to downhole fluids and gases (CO2, H2S, HCs etc)
Able to bond to the casing or formation in which it is placed
The downhole placement technique of the plugging material is extremely
important, especially in cases of through-tubing applications. Allowances will
have to be made on the volumes to cater for contamination and shrinkage. A
support, such as a bridge plug or a viscous pill, to prevent slumping of the
cement slurry, is recommended for all cement plugs.
Alternative Plugging Materials.
Cement is currently used in the oil field as the prime material for Abandonment
purposes. This does not preclude the use of other materials. Alternative
materials should, in principle, conform to the requirements above. The long-
term integrity of materials should be documented. Once placed, there should
be a means by which the barriers can be verified.

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4 Number of Permanent Barriers

All Distinct Permeable Zones penetrated by the well should be isolated, both
from each other and from surface or seabed by a minimum of one Permanent
Barrier.
Two Permanent Barriers from surface or seabed are required if a Permeable
Zone is hydrocarbon bearing or overpressured and water-bearing. The second
Permanent Barrier is a back-up to the first.
The two Permanent Barriers may be combined into a single large Permanent
Barrier (combination Permanent Barrier), provided it is as effective and reliable
as the two barriers and is an appropriate method to achieve the objectives that
two barriers would otherwise have provided. The barrier should be verified in
accordance with Section 6. This decision should be fully risk-assessed and
documented.

Best Practices Barrier Elements

Sealing
Abandonment plug

Tubing sealed with

Height of 500ft cement, in cement
MD, containing at
least 100ft MD of Casings, tubing
Good Cement. embedded in
cement

Sealing primary
cementations
Plug Depth
determined by Pipe stand-off
formation Formation:
(impermeability Support to prevent Good bond, Impermeable &
and strength) and cement movement, clean adequate strength
primary slumping and gas surfaces, to contain future
cementation migration while setting water wet pressures

Figure 1 Permanent Abandonment Barrier schematic

“Restoring the Cap Rock”

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5 Requirements of Permanent Barriers

A schematic of a Permanent Barrier is shown in Fig 1. This indicates the
elements that constitute a Permanent Barrier, as well as best practices.

5.1 Position Requirements

The following location of Permanent Barriers to achieve isolation from
surface/seabed is recommended:
The First Barrier should be set across or above the highest point of potential
inflow (top Permeable Zone or top perforations, whichever is shallower), or as
close as reasonably possible. It should be lapped by annular cement if set
inside a liner or casing. In situations where the base of the barrier is
significantly above the point of inflow (e.g. set on top of production packer), the
formation fracture pressure at the base of the barrier should be in excess of the
Potential Internal Pressure. Such exposure may arise from a leak into the
casing at the Permeable Zone.
The Second Barrier, when required, should be set with the following
considerations:
Backup to the First Barrier: The same considerations apply with respect to
the Second Barrier being positioned such that the formation fracture
pressure at the base of the Second Barrier is in excess of the Potential
Internal Pressure.
Relative position of cement in the annulus and shallow Permeable Zones
Note that the second barrier of one Permeable Zone can be the first barrier for
another, shallower positioned, Permeable Zone (Figure 2).

Second Barrier
to Zone A

First Barrier Second Barrier

to Zone A to Zone B

Zone A

First Barrier to
Zone B
Zone B

Figure. 2 General Requirements for Abandonment

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5.2 Length Requirements

A cement column of at least 100ft MD of Good Cement is considered to
constitute a Permanent Barrier. Generally, where possible, 500ft MD barriers
are set.
Where Distinct Permeable Zones are less than 100ft MD apart, then a 100ft
MD column of Good Cement below the base of the upper zone, where
practical, should suffice.
The top of the first barrier should extend at least 100ft MD above the highest
point of potential inflow.
Where casing is part of a Permanent Barrier, a column of at least 100ft MD of
Good Cement in the annulus is a requirement in order to form a Permanent
Barrier. The internal cement plug must be opposite to the annular cement
column.
When a combination Permanent Barrier is chosen to replace two barriers:
a cement column of at least 200ft MD of Good Cement is considered to
constitute such a Permanent Barrier. In this case generally an 800ft MD
barrier is set.
the top of this barrier should provide at least 200ft MD of Good Cement
above the highest point of potential inflow.
a column of at least 200ft MD of Good Cement in the annulus is a
requirement in order to form a Permanent Barrier. The internal cement
plug must be opposite to the annular cement column.

Dual Barrier Combination Barrier

Solution Solution
Plug should each Plug should contain
contain >100ft of >200ft of Good Cement.
Good Cement. Each Typically 800ft long.
typically 500ft long.
Annulus should contain
Annulus should >200ft Good Cement
contain >100ft Good opposite the internal
Cement opposite plug
each internal plug.

Figure 3 Comparison of Length of Dual or Combination Barriers

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5.3 Open Hole Requirements

A single cement barrier, entirely in open hole, is not considered to be sufficient
to act as the only Permanent Barrier for isolation from surface or seabed.
If a Permeable Zone is present in open hole below a casing shoe, it should be
isolated by:
A first Permanent Barrier, an open hole barrier, if the distance to the shoe
is such that there is the possibility for Potential Internal Pressure at the
shoe to exceed the formation fracture pressure (refer to Figure 4A).
or
A first Permanent Barrier set across and at least 100ft MD of Good Cement
into the previous casing shoe (refer to Figure 4B)
Where this first Permanent Barrier, set into the previous casing shoe, is
chosen to replace two barriers then this should provide at least 200ft MD of
Good Cement in the previous casing shoe.

Secondary Permanent
Barrier to Zone A required
to fully seal the open hole
section.
Minimum 100ft Good
Cement, typically 500ft MD

Primary Barrier to Zone A, if

Potential Internal Pressure exceeds
shoe fracture pressure.
Minimum 100ft Good Cement,
typically 500ft MD

Zone A Zone A

Figure 4A Example Open Hole Permanent Barriers

(If Potential Internal Pressure exceeds the casing shoe fracture pressure)

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Dual Barrier Solution Combination Barrier Solution

Secondary Barrier to Zone A

At least 100ft MD of Good
Cement into casing shoe,
typically 500ft MD Single Barrier to Zone A
Minimum 200ft of Good
Cement into casing shoe,
Primary Barrier to Zone A
typically 800ft MD
At least 100ft MD of Good
Cement into casing shoe,
typically 500ft MD

Zone A Zone A

Figure 4B Example Open Hole Permanent Barriers

(If Potential Internal Pressure does not exceed the casing shoe fracture pressure)

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5.4 Cased Hole Requirements

Cemented casing is not considered to constitute a Permanent Barrier to flow
(laterally) into or out of the wellbore. This is because of the possible migration
of fluids as a result of potential casing leak(s) in conjunction with an incomplete
localised cement sheath (refer to Figure 5).

Adequate
Barrier

Potential Flow
Permeable Zone

Incomplete
Cement
Sheath
Figure 5: Casing alone is not a permanent barrier to lateral flow
(if incomplete localised cement sheath and leak in casing)

However, cemented casing is a sufficient barrier to (vertical) flow in the annulus

as long as there is sufficient confidence about the quality of the cement in the
annulus.
The existing Top of Cement (TOC) in the annulus can be established by
measurement with tools such as cement bond logs, or by record of the
parameters during cement placement.
If the estimate of TOC is based on differential pressure or monitored volumes
measured during the original cement job, then a longer cement column is
required to allow for uncertainty. In this case, a column of 1000ft of annular
cement above the base of the primary Permanent Barrier should be allowed to
ensure annular cementation. This may be reduced on a well by well basis
depending on the confidence level as to the TOC (refer to Figure 6).
Any record of problems during original cementation or well lifecycle may dictate
a need for remedial cementation. Where there is insufficient cement behind
casing to provide an adequate Permanent Barrier remedial cementing of the
annulus may be necessary. This may be achieved by placing cement in the
annulus by a suitable means such as perforating and circulating or by section
milling.
Formations that belong to different pressure regimes should be separated by
one Permanent Barrier internally, i.e. a cement plug inside the casing,

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overlapping good annular cement. This should be attempted whether the

casing is perforated or not.
It is acceptable for multiple perforations in separate Permeable Zones to be
separated by a mechanical barrier only (e.g. bridge plug) provided they share
the same pressure regime, i.e. where segregation has been required for
reservoir management reasons only.
It is not always necessary to place cement across perforations.

Ground Surface or Seabed

Well severed below surface Permanent Barrier for
shallow Permeable Zones
Support to prevent
slumping

Shallow Permeable Zone Water Bearing. Hydrostatic

Verified Cement Top

Annular cement
> 1000 ft if not
verified Secondary Permanent Barrier

Primary Permanent Barrier

Tubing Plug

Reservoir 2
No Permanent Barrier if cross-
flow is acceptable
Reservoir 1

Figure 6: Example Cased Hole Abandonment Schematic

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6 Verification of a Permanent Barrier

Any Permanent Barrier should be verified to ensure the barrier is placed at the
required depth and will have the required sealing capability.
Verification requirements are highly dependent upon the individual well and job
design. The following requirements are recommended:

6.1 Cement Plug

The cement plug should be verified by a number of the following aspects:
The strength development of the cement slurry should be verified through
observation of representative surface samples from the mixing cured under
a representative temperature and pressure.
The plug installation should be verified through documentation of job
performance; records from the cement operation (volumes pumped,
returns during cementing, water-wetting pills, etc.).
The position of a barrier should be verified by tagging, or by a measure to
confirm depth of the firm plug.
The sealing capability of the plug should be verified:
A barrier entirely in Open Hole should be verified by a weight test.
A barrier in Cased Hole should be verified with an inflow test or with a
pressure test, which shall be documented.
A pressure test should be:
a minimum of 500 psi above the injection pressure below the barrier, e.g.
into perforations or open formation below the casing shoe.
but not exceed the casing strength less wear allowance or damage the
primary casing cement, which ever is lower.
An inflow test should be:
to at least the maximum pressure differential to be experienced by the plug
after Abandonment.
The first Permanent Barrier, i.e. the first plug above the highest point of
potential influx must be verified. Typically it would be tagged and, in cased
hole, pressure tested.
The second Permanent Barrier, i.e. the second plug, should be verified,
normally by tagging. There is no requirement to pressure test this barrier,
unless it is the first Permanent Barrier to a shallower Permeable Zone.
If, in Cased hole, a tagged and pressure tested mechanical plug or previous
cement plug is used as a foundation for the Barrier, the Barrier does not have
to be verified by pressure testing, unless anomalies are observed.
If the primary and secondary Permanent Barriers are replaced by a
combination Permanent Barrier, this should be verified as a first Permanent
Barrier.

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6.2 Casing Cement

The position of the annular cement can be verified by
logs (e.g. cement bond, temperature, sonic),
or
estimation on the basis of records from the cement operation (volumes
pumped, returns during cementing, differential pressure etc.).
The sealing capability of the casing cement can be demonstrated with
supporting evidence of
absence of sustained casing pressure during the lifecycle of the well.
the formation strength test when the casing shoe was drilled out.

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7 Special Considerations for Abandonment

7.1 Well Design
The requirements under DCR are for Operators to ‘ensure that a well is so
designed, modified, commissioned, constructed, equipped, operated,
maintained, suspended and abandoned that:
(a) so far as is reasonably practicable, there shall be no unplanned escape
of fluid from the well ............’ DCR Regulation 13.
In addition, Operators are required to ‘ensure that a well is so designed and
constructed that, so far as is reasonably practicable:
(a) it can be suspended or abandoned in a safe manner; and
(b) after its suspension or abandonment there can be no unplanned escape
from it or from the reservoir to which it led.’ DCR Regulation 15.
It is recognised that the key to a simple Suspension or Abandonment lies with
the soundness of the initial well design and effectiveness of the primary casing
cementations.
Operators should consider the Abandonment of a well as part of the design and
modification process to fully evaluate the potential future effects of design
decisions.

7.2 Partial Abandonment for Sidetracking

When plugging for sidetracking it is important to consider the regulatory
requirements that wells should be plugged in such a manner that there can be
no unplanned escape of fluids from the well (DCR Regulations 13 and 15).
The plug to Abandon the original wellbore should be designed, placed and
verified as a Permanent Barrier for subsequent well Abandonment. It is
recognised, depending on well design, a Temporary Barrier may be adequate
provided this does not compromise the placement of Permanent Barriers for
the final Abandonment of the well.
If a Permanent Barrier is being used as the kick-off plug, then the remaining
barrier, after kick-off, should conform to the minimum requirements of a
Permanent Barrier.
Isolation of the abandoned hole section should consider the following:
Between Zones: It is recognised that isolation between zones is not always
achievable where fishing operations are unsuccessful.
From New Hole: The requirements for permanent abandonment of the original
wellbore have to be considered prior to the sidetrack, since this may be difficult
to achieve in the future. Isolation needs to be considered to ensure adequate
well control in subsequent drilling operations. For deep sidetracks in the
reservoir, isolation from the subsequent casing annulus, across the sidetrack
point, may be required for reservoir management during production life.
From Surface/Seabed: The ultimate permanent Abandonment of the well
should comply with the requirements of these Guidelines with respect to all
wellbores.

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7.3 Irretrievable Radioactive Sources

Best efforts should be made to recover radiation sources from the well, but
avoiding any damage to the encapsulation of the radioactive material.
In case of radioactive sources that cannot be recovered from downhole, note
the reporting requirements in the Radioactive Substances Act, 1993 (RSA
1993). Sources that cannot be recovered must be notified to the Environment
Agency (EA) or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), as
appropriate.
Where a source cannot be recovered, it should be located as accurately as
possible (surveyed and tagged) and, where possible, isolated preferably with
cement plugs. The cement plug should extend at least 100ft above the
radioactive source. The main aim of isolation is to fix the source in place and to
isolate it from potential fluid movement.
Where there is a possible risk of subsequently drilling into the source, the use
of coloured cement should be considered.

7.4 High Angle and Horizontal Wells (Wells > 70º)

In principle, the Abandonment of a horizontal well is no different from a
standard well. The only difference is in the means of ensuring a satisfactory
isolation, which is in general more difficult to achieve.
It is likely that if uncemented casing is run as the production liner, the wellbore
will contain only one Distinct Permeable Zone for reservoir management
purposes. If, however, more than one Distinct Permeable Zone is present, the
completion design should consider the future Abandonment, e.g. annular
isolation between zones. Therefore, in general, the Abandonment requirements
should be established at the planning/completion design stages of the well and
the zones may then be isolated as per the Guidelines with minimum effort.
In the simple case of one Distinct Permeable Zone for example a mechanical
device, e.g. a bridge plug, set at or just above the start of the reservoir with a
cement plug on top would be sufficient as a first Permanent Barrier, as long as
it has full lateral annular coverage (refer to Figure 5).
If more than one Distinct Permeable Zone is present, annular and internal
isolation should be attempted between zones. There are of course significant
difficulties in achieving annular isolation through cementing in an uncemented
production liner in the horizontal or near horizontal section and are best
avoided.
The general recommendation of the Guidelines is to achieve barriers with over
100ft of Good Cement; this is an along-hole measurement. In designing the
Abandonment of a high-angle well, the final vertical thickness of the barrier
may need to be considered.

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Alternative position of Primary Barrier.

depending on liner cementation and formation
properties.
Set on support to prevent slumping.

Primary Barrier set on support to prevent slumping.

Figure 7: Example Isolation of High Angle Well

7.5 Multilateral Wells

Considerations for multilateral wells include:
Future Abandonment in the well design, even more so with multilateral
wells, since in some cases it will be very difficult to regain access to the
original wellbore
Possibly different pressure regimes in the lateral branches of the well
Cementing-off annuli above the laterals.

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7.6 Liner Laps

When a liner lap is part of a Permanent Barrier, at least 100ft Good Cement
should be assured in the liner lap.
It is common practice to set liner top packers immediately after the cement job.
The liner lap and packer are normally tested together; therefore, it is not
possible to know whether the cement in the liner lap, or the packer is holding
the pressure. Though this is sufficient for the producing life of a well, a liner
packer is not a Permanent Barrier.

Barrier to Zone A, if
liner lap cementation
is NOT verified

Barrier to Zone A, if
liner lap cementation
is verified

Zone A Zone A

Figure 8: Liner Lap Cementation

7.7 Casing Cuts

As with full casing strings, there should be at least 100ft of Good Cement
behind a cut casing if it is to be part of a Permanent Barrier.

7.8 Removal of Downhole Equipment

The removal of downhole equipment is not a requirement provided the
isolations outlined in these Guidelines are achieved. This will, for instance, be
the case with through-tubing Abandonments, where part of the completion and
casing strings will be left downhole.

7.9 Control Lines, ESP Cables, Gauge Cables

Cables and control lines should not form part of Permanent Barriers, since they
may be a potential leak path.

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7.10 Through-tubing Abandonments

Allowances (e.g. additional plug length and a base for cement) should be made
for the possibility of cement slumping or fingering in the annulus. Allowances
should also be made for high angles at the point of placement, eccentricity and
small radial clearances. This might otherwise result in not having a full annular
coverage of cement for that barrier.
When well completion tubulars are left in hole and Permanent Barriers are
installed through and around the tubulars, reliable methods and procedures to
install and verify position of the Permanent Barrier inside the tubulars and in
the tubular annulus must be established.
There is not an accurate method of determining top of cement in both tubing
and annulus. For example, using wireline to tag plugs by itself may not be
conclusive; cement deposits or other debris inside the completion may stop a
drift. However, tagging combined with quality control of cement placement (e.g.
measurements of volumes/losses, base for plug, cement density, strength
development) and pressure testing both annulus and tubing, ideally separately,
can be used to confirm the presence of a Permanent Barrier. No single method
should be relied on exclusively.
For shallow-set production packers there may be inadequate formation
strength at the packer setting depth for the Potential Internal Pressure.

Ground Surface or Sea Bed

Well severed below surface

>100ft Good Permanent Barrier for

>100ft Good Cement shallow permeable zone
Cement
Punched casing
Viscous Reactive Pill to
prevent slumping

Shallow Permeable Zone Water Bearing. Hydrostatic

Annulus > 1000ft MD

Combination Barrier
unless verified
> 200 ft Good
Cement
Punched tubing

Tubing Plugged

Reservoir

Figure 9: Example Through-Tubing Cased Hole Abandonment Schematic

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7.11 HPHT Wells

The placement and number of barriers (Sections 4 and 5) apply to the
Suspension or Abandonment of HPHT wells. With the increased complexity
and criticality of these wells, there should be special emphasis on re-charging
to high pressure, cap rock depletion, thin pressure transition zone, liner
deformation, temperature cycling, primary cement degradation due to high
temperature, etc.

7.12 H2S Wells

The barriers placed in a H2S well should be chosen/designed to withstand the
corrosive environment it is intended to isolate.

7.13 CO2 Wells

This paragraph applies to naturally occurring CO2. Sequestration of CO2 is out
with the scope of these Guidelines.
The barriers placed in a well with significant concentrations of carbon dioxide
should be chosen/designed to withstand the potential effects of the gas on
cement, steel components of the well and on subsurface formations.
Carbon dioxide will degrade cement, in particular Portland cement, increasing
its permeability. CO2 will also accelerate corrosion of steel and can increase
the permeability of subsurface formations, for example by hydration and
fracturing of shales.

7.14 Gas Wells and High GOR Wells

Gas wells (or high GOR wells) have the added complication of potential gas
migration through barriers. This can be the case for over-pressured, hydrostatic
or sub-hydrostatic reservoirs. It is advised to carefully select the type of barrier
material and the placement technique to counteract this condition.

7.15 Annular Fluids

Environmentally unfriendly fluids, positioned above the uppermost barrier in a
well should be removed with best efforts. This is the part of the well which will
be exposed to the environment after wellhead removal.
Operators should review the Guidance Notes for Petroleum Operations Notice
No 5 – ‘Application to Abandon or Temporarily Abandon a Well’, within the
DECC Well Operations and Notification System (WONS).

7.16 Shallow Permeable Zones

The decision to Abandon shallow Permeable Zones in a well will depend on
local conditions, on a ‘per well’ basis (e.g. whether the shallow Permeable
Zone vertically connected to seabed etc.).

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7.17 Removal of Subsea Equipment

Redundant subsea equipment must not present a hazard to other users of the
sea.
It is seen as good practice to retrieve all casing strings to a minimum of 10ft
below seabed. This requirement mainly exists to accommodate fishery
activities in the area after the well has been Abandoned.
The recommended minimum depth of 10ft below seabed has to be reviewed on
a per well case, taking into account the prevailing local conditions with respect
to sand waves and scouring.
All subsea equipment and debris should be retrieved where practical and a
seabed clearance certificate issued. The certificate should clearly identify any
objects/debris left at the site. The minimum recommended radius of search is
70m from the well.
In certain cases, the retrieving depth of casing strings may be reviewed in the
light of large (e.g. concrete) structures permanently remaining at seabed in the
area around the well(s). The requirement will then be that no casing strings
should extend above the remaining structure.
For platform or template Abandonments the requirements for removal may
differ and should be specified on a case-by-case basis, in discussions with
DECC.

7.18 Removal of Surface Equipment

On land wells, the required condition of the well site will be agreed with the
relevant Local Authorities.

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8 Required Standards for Suspension

8.1 Types of Suspension
Wells can be Suspended for various reasons and can be classified as follows:
Short Term Suspension
For removal of BOPs, batch drilling of wells (top hole only, or partially drilled
wells down to any depth) to accommodate pipelay activities in the field, etc.
Long Term Suspension
E&A wells that are considered for field development.
Long Term Suspension of E&A wells should be the exception rather than rule.
A proposed Suspension period of over 18 months should be specially justified
and in compliance with the DECC requirements (Petroleum Operations Notice
5 ‘Application to Abandon or Temporarily Abandon a Well’).

8.2 Principles of Suspension

8.2.1 Number and Type of Barriers
In common with the Abandonment Guidelines, two Temporary Barriers are
required for isolation of hydrocarbon-bearing or overpressured Permeable
Zones from surface/seabed. A single barrier is acceptable for normally
pressured water-bearing zones.
In general, a Temporary Barrier should consist of a pressure-tested mechanical
device or Good Cement, as defined and verified in Section 6. However, it can
be argued that kill weight fluid will constitute a Temporary Barrier in certain
circumstances. This can include occasions when a full column of fluid can be
monitored and maintained.
Even though Temporary Barriers can be used for Suspension purposes, it is
advisable to consider Suspending a well according to the principles of
Abandonment, such that only the wellhead needs removing from the
Suspended well, to cover the likelihood of Permanent Abandonment.

8.2.2 Well Re-entry Considerations

Since a Suspended well will, by definition, be capable of being re-entered, the
Suspension must be carried out so that the well can be re-entered safely and
secured using pressure control equipment without compromising the barriers in
place. Placement of the Second Barrier, if required, should consider the
consequences of potential failure of the First (deeper) Barrier. Furthermore,
consideration should be given to set the shallow Barrier sufficiently deep, in
order to facilitate re-entry of the well. Furthermore, all fluids present in the
wellbore at the time of Suspension above the uppermost barrier should be
considered with Abandonment in mind (refer to Paragraph 7.15).

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8.3 Acceptable Barriers

The Operator should assess and define the type and suitability of any
mechanical barriers. Due consideration should be given to the anticipated
period of the Suspension, the subsurface environment and the type of well.
Pressure tested casing is an acceptable Barrier to flow into the wellbore.

8.4 Verification of Barriers

Any First Barrier should be pressure and/or inflow tested. Any Barrier that may
subsequently be used as a Permanent Barrier, i.e. the well may not be re-
entered, should meet the requirements of the Abandonment Guidelines in
Section 5.

8.5 Trawlability of Suspended Wells

Operators have a duty of care to other users of the sea.
Operators must ensure that the presence of Suspended wells are notified to
the necessary agencies (Section 9). This is important, since Suspended wells
do not normally have exclusion zones (500m).
Depending on the specific conditions (well status, sub-surface conditions,
marine activity levels, etc), Operators may wish to consider some form of
wellhead protection, which will provide protection to both wellheads and
trawlers.

8.6 Inspection Scheme for Suspended Wells

Operators are required by DCR Regulation 18 to include all wells in their
arrangements in writing for well examination. DCR Regulation 18 applies
throughout the life cycle of a well until it is permanently abandoned and
includes any suspended well. Operators should consider physical inspection
schemes for long-term Suspended wells. The frequency of inspection, which
should be justifiable, should be set by the Operator and take account of well
status, sub-surface conditions and marine activity levels.

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9 Statutory Notifications and Record Keeping

9.1 Notification of Proposed Suspension or
Abandonment
Consent for Suspension or Abandonment of a well must first be sought from
the DECC through the Well Operations and Notification System (WONS).
If chemicals and/or explosives are planned to be used or there is a contingency
for their use, then the completion of Part 2 of the PON5 is a mandatory
requirement.
The Health and Safety Executive, Offshore Safety Division, must be notified of
the proposed programme as required by Regulation 17 of the Offshore
Installations (Safety Case) Regulations, 2005; if it has not already been
submitted in the original drilling notification. Notification may be made by e-mail
to [email protected]
The programme and execution of the Suspension or the Abandonment should
be reviewed as part of the well examination process.
Abandonment and Suspension operations should be included in weekly reports
on well activity submitted to the Health and Safety Executive, Offshore Safety
Division, as required by Regulation 19 of the Offshore Installations and Wells
(Design and Construction etc.) Regulations 1996.

9.2 Notifications on Completion of Operations

The following agencies and authorities should be informed of the completion of
Suspension or Abandonment of a well:
DECC – within 1 working day of completion of operations by WONS
notification. See also 9.3 below.
Any other notifiable body as per the licence for the area e.g. MOD, JNCC,
and Local Authority etc. within 30 days.
The HSE do not require additional notification other than the weekly
reports.
DEAL – Notification of change well status. (www.ukdeal.co.uk)
Additionally, for subsea wells, the following should be notified immediately on
completion of Abandonment or Suspension operations:
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (e-mail [email protected])
Oil and Gas UK (e-mail [email protected])
Kingfisher Information Service, Sea Fish Industry Authority (e-mail
[email protected])
These notifications should contain the following information:
The well number, as per PON12.
Geographical co-ordinates, preferably in latitude and longitude. Please
state horizontal datum (e.g. ED50)
Water depth including reference datum (e.g. mean sea level, lowest
astronomical tide)

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The maximum height of each well above seabed, including any protection
structure
Details of any buoy marking of the well locations
The notification to Kingfisher should include a request that this information is
notified in the next four issues of the Kingfisher Fortnightly Bulletin.

9.3 Record Keeping

Records of Suspended wells should be carefully retained in order to ease the
re-entry, or final Abandonment of a well. Records should contain at least the
following detailed information:
Status diagrams including the relevant depths of casing shoes, formation
tops and completion particulars. The top of cement in each annulus and
the means by which it was verified, i.e. CBL, calculation, pressure
The position of each barrier, placement method and the means by which
the barrier was verified, i.e. pressure or inflow test, tagging etc
DECC request status diagrams and, if appropriate, seabed clearance
certificates. These should be uploaded to the appropriate notification in
WONS as soon as possible on completion of operations.
Original cementing records should be retained
Formation pressures and formation fracture pressures should be noted, as
should any permeable and especially overpressured or hydrocarbon
bearing zones
Particular attention should be given to detailing the wellhead arrangement
and any corrosion caps fitted.
Records of Abandoned wells should contain, in addition to the above,
information related to the removal of wellhead and casing strings.
It is advised to archive the records of Abandoned wells for future eventualities.
It is recommended that details of abandonment / suspension operations and
final well status diagram are uploaded to CDA (www.cdal.com) for future
reference, if the well is not confidential.

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Appendix A
Basic Well Data Required for Well Abandonment

The following information should be gathered as a basis of the well barrier

design and Abandonment programme:
1. Well configuration (original, intermediate and present), including depths
and specification of permeable formations, casing strings, primary cement
behind-casing status, wellbores, sidetracks, etc.
2. Stratigraphic sequence of each wellbore showing reservoir(s) and
information about their current and future production potential, where
reservoir fluids and pressures (initial, current and in an eternal perspective)
are included.
3. Logs, data and information from primary cementing operations in the well.
4. Estimated formation fracture gradient.
5. Specific well conditions such as scale build-up, casing wear, collapsed
casing, fill, or similar issues.

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Design Input Data Sheet

DECC Well Name or Number:
Field Name:
Date of information:
Information Required:
What and where are the permeable zones e.g. Any zone in the well where there is
1 the possibility of fluid movement on application of a pressure differential
What are the contents of each zone?
Are they hydrocarbon bearing or water bearing?
2
A permeable zone is considered hydrocarbon bearing if any moveable
hydrocarbons are present or likely to be in future?
Is cross flow acceptable between these zones?
3
If not, which zones need to be permanently isolated?
What was the original reservoir pressure?
4 Are later field activities likely to increase reservoir pressure above this level i.e.
water injection etc?
What are the latest pressures in these zones i.e.
Normally pressured,
Overpressure,
5
Sub hydrostatic
Over pressure considered where the pressure is in excess of the regional
hydrostatic pressure gradient 0.45 psi/ft
6 What are the present fracture gradients in the wellbore if known
7 Any subsurface hazards, like shallow gas, H2S, CO2, major faults?
What is the maximum anticipated pressure that may develop below plugs set in the
8
wellbore following abandonment? Any future use of reservoir?
Highest point of potential inflow
9
i.e. the top of a permeable interval or top perforation whichever is shallower
What is the current operational state e.g. flowing, injecting, plugged or in poor
mechanical condition (e.g. leaking xmas tree valve, leaking tubing, casing integrity
10 or annular pressure anomalies).
Is the well operating under dispensation from Policy?
Unknown well conditions (more than 2 years from last well entry, or well has scale /
11 asphalting problems or hydrate formation potential exists)
Well History Summary
Current Well Schematic, including all annuli fluids
12 Previous abandonment activities, including sidetracks
Tubular records, cementing records, Pressure tests. Casing logs (CBL). Mud log,
Open hole logs
What is the lightest fluid gradient between each permeable zone and its Permanent
13 Barrier.
Information on the type of service the well has seen during its lifecycle e.g.
14 Production, Gas lift, water injection, gas injection, ESP?
Production histories.

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Appendix B
Suspended Subsea E&A Wells Categorisation
The Industry has evolved a categorisation system to describe the Suspended
status of subsea wells, particularly exploration and appraisal wells.
The system can be subjective and arose from a previous Suspension practice
of placing a cement plug in the production casing, but with no adjacent annular
cement. This would not constitute a Permanent Barrier (refer to
Section 5 and Figure 10).
It is important that a full review of the well is made when categorising a well
and looking at options to abandon it. A risk assessment should be carried out
considering the well status, proposed programme and ability to conform to
Legislation and Operator’s policy.
The categorisation system commonly used is:

Category Definition
The well has been sufficiently Suspended that final Abandonment only
1
requires removal of the wellhead.
The well has one annulus uncemented.
Placement of an additional Permanent Barrier is required to complete
the Abandonment of the well. This may be done by placing a barrier
2.1
into the annulus or placing a separate barrier.
This type of well may be Abandoned with a drilling rig or a light-well
intervention vessel.
The well has two annuli uncemented.
Placement of an additional Permanent Barrier is required to complete
the Abandonment of the well. This may be done by placing a barrier
2.2
into the annuli or placing a separate barrier.
This type of well may be Abandoned with a drilling rig or a light-well
intervention vessel.
The Suspended condition of the well is not suitable for full
Abandonment without significant intervention.
3
Typically, with current technology, the Abandonment programme will
require a drilling rig to safely effect the operation.
Wells are placed in this category for several reasons:
The downhole status is not known, therefore cannot be categorised
4
The well is in a condition where it is not possible to safely Abandon with
current technology

The categories may be prefaced with ML or SS indicating either a mud-line

suspension system or subsea wellhead on the well.

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There is a further categorisation used for these wells that defines their
accessibility. These categorisations are:

Category Definition

1 Accessible.
2 Not accessible because:
On a template with other wells that are developed or planned for
2a development.
2b Less than 50m from other subsea infrastructure or pipelines.
Within the 500m safety zone of an Installation or a subsea
2c development.
The well has an identifiable problem where the risk associated with
2d Abandonment requires additional study.
2e Is deeply buried under the seabed.

Figure 10: Example Category 2.1 Suspended Well

Not a Permanent
Barrier to Zone B.
No lateral coverage

Zone B Water Bearing. Hydrostatic

Secondary
Permanent Barrier
to Zone A

Primary
Permanent Barrier
to Zone A

Zone A Zone A

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