Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
July 2015
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 1
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 2
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
Table of Contents
1.0 OBJECTIVE .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATION ................................................................................... 5
3.0 OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................... 6
4.0 CASING ANNULUS PRESSURE MONITORING ............................................................... 11
5.0 TRIGGER PRESSURE ....................................................................................................... 11
6.0 BLEED DOWN FREQUENCY ............................................................................................ 12
7.0 CASING ANNULUS PRESSURE BLEED DOWN CRITERIA ............................................ 13
8.0 BLEED DOWN GUIDELINES ............................................................................................. 14
9.0 GENERIC PROCEDURE TO BLEED DOWN ANNULUS PRESSURE ............................. 15
Attachment 01: Annular Pressure Diagnostic Table .......................................................... 17
Attachment 02: A-Annulus Pressure Bleed-Down Guideline Flowchart ............................. 18
Attachment 03: B and C Casing Annulus Pressure Bleed-Down Guideline Flowchart ...... 19
10.0 Distribution List ................................................................................................................... 20
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 3
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 4
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
1.0 OBJECTIVE
The objective of casing annular pressure bleed-down is to evaluate whether there is any
down-hole well infra-structure failure that resulted in the presence of the pressure in the
casing annulus.
The need to diagnose is consistent with PPGUA requirement per industry practices (API
RP90).
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 5
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
3.0 OVERVIEW
Casing Annulus Pressure is defined as the pressure between two strings of concentric
tubulars. Through the monitoring of annular pressures, we can identify potential risks that
may exist in our wellbores, and take appropriate action to effectively manage these risks.
The principal functions of tubulars used in wells are as follows (refer to Figure 1.0 sketch)
As a result of these requirements, the various tubular strings are designed to withstand
external loads and be compatible with the producing environment.
A well may require from one to several strings of casing and tubing. Well and operating
conditions determine how many strings are required.
For newly drilled and completed wells, the Drilling Supervisors are responsible to ensure
the outlet of all casing valves are equipped with pressure gauges and facilities to bleed
down casing annulus pressure before hand-over to Operations.
The Platform Production Supervisor is responsible in ensuring that adequate facilities are
installed together with the casing head valve to allow casing annulus pressure to be
recorded as well as can be bled off, if required.
As wells with casing annular pressures that failed diagnostic tests may results in unwanted
incidents, MOC or dispensation approvals is required to continue to operate the well and
platform pending intervention by Wells team and/or repair.
A-Annulus pressure (Production casing annular pressure) may be due to the following
(refer to Figure 2.0):
1. Tubing leak
2. SPM or GLM leaks
3. Introduced Pressure e.g., gas lift gas pressure (controlled condition)
4. Casing leak (external) allowing gas from the formation to directly enter the annulus
5. Packer leak
6. Increased pressure due to thermal expansion of annulus fluid due to wellbore
temperature (e.g., during well producing or back-on-line activities)
7. Tubing Hanger leaks
B-Annulus pressure (Surface casing pressure) can be caused by (refer to Figure 3.0):
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 6
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
While “unwanted pressures” are to be evaluated, the presence of some pressures (say
~150 psi) is beneficial to keep air or oxygen from entering the annulus and potentially
causing internal casing corrosion. In addition, only annulus with pressures that exceeds
acceptable trigger pressures are to be diagnosed.
The requirement for managing casing annular pressures is described in PPGUA (Chapter-
8), and in Oil & Gas industry guidelines, API RP90.
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 7
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 8
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
DRIVE PIPE 1
2
CONDUCTOR
CASING
SIDE POCKET 6
MANDREL
SHALLOW FORMATION
SURFACE
CASING
PRODUCTION
TUBING
OIL / GAS FORMATION
4
TOP OF CEMENT
5
OIL / GAS FORMATION
PRODUCTION PACKER
WATER FORMATION
PRODUCTION
CASING
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 9
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
3
DRIVE PIPE
5
CONDUCTOR
CASING 4
SHALLOW FORMATION
SURFACE
CASING 2
PRODUCTION
TUBING
1
OIL / GAS FORMATION
TOP OF CEMENT
WATER FORMATION
PRODUCTION
CASING
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 10
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
The standardized trigger pressure limits for casing annular pressures is as follows:
Annulus Psi
A. A-Annulus 500
B. B-Annulus 300
C. C-Annulus 300
While the above are the trigger pressures to initiate evaluation of the integrity condition of
the well’s casings, at no time can the casing pressures exceed their respective MAASP
(Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure). This is the recommended allowable
pressure, above which failure is anticipated. Failure modes include:
The allowable Maximum Allowable Wellhead Operating Pressure (MAWOP) represents the
upper limit allowable to operate the well which is below the MAASP. The intention of the
MAWOP is to reduce the probability of exceeding MAASP and providing response time to
manage pressures which approach these recommended criteria.
For simplicity and standardization, the MAWOP for the various annuli is as follows:
Annulus Psi
A. A-Annulus 2000
B. B-Annulus 800
C. C-Annulus 800
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 11
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
The MAWOP is limited to the test pressure documented during drilling or workover or the
burst rating of the casing, whichever is lower, and may be de-rated further to account for
age or corrosion.
Production operations personnel must become familiar with these values and realize that
any well which exhibit casing pressures higher than these limits should be brought
to the attention of the OIM, Wells Engineer and the Wells Integrity Engineer.
However, wells exhibiting casing annulus pressure above the trigger pressure limit and
have been successfully diagnosed with results of casing pressure bleed down within the
acceptable criteria can continue to be utilized. This same acceptable annulus pressure will
again be diagnosed 12 months after its last bled down diagnostic, for verification.
A-Annulus Pressure greater than the trigger pressure of 500 psi must be diagnosed by
bleeding down the pressure and observing for build-up once every twelve (12) months.
From the results of the diagnostic, if pressure build-up exceeds acceptable criteria (see
Section on Casing Annulus Pressure Acceptable Criteria), further diagnostic or
remedial actions are required.
When a well A-Annulus Pressure bleed off does not exceed the diagnostic criteria but
will exhibits pressure above 500 psi subsequent to the test, no follow-up is needed until
the following twelve (12) months from the date of the most recent bleed-off test.
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 12
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
B and C Annulus Casing pressure that is greater than 300 psi must initially be bled off.
Subsequent bleed offs is required only 12 months after the last diagnostic provided
there is an increase in pressure value by at least 150 psi from the recent stabilized
observed reading. However, immediate action must be taken if the annulus pressure is
encroaching its MAWOP value.
Except for the need to manage thermal casing annular pressures when producing a
new well initially or BOL (Back-On-Line) a shut-in well, and observed sudden increase
of casing annular pressures, casing annular pressure will not be bled down unless it
has been scheduled for bleed down or as advised by the Wells Engineer.
Bi-monthly Schedule:
Once a process is in place, a bi-monthly schedule for casing annular pressures due for
bleed down will be issued to the respective OIM by the Wells Department. Bleed down of
each annulus in the schedule (based on the above criteria) are to be completed within two
months windows provided. The OIM is responsible to seek Dispensation approval from the
Wells Manager for any deferral (refer to Attachment 02 and 03 for guidelines).
For this initial Repsol implementation, Wells Engineers are to advice on the annular casing
pressure bleed down strategy / schedule based on their records and priority.
The following criteria will be used to evaluate and determine if further diagnostic or
remedial action is required:
1. The annulus pressure build-up after 24 hours is greater than 500 psi for A-Annulus
Pressure or 300 psi for B or C annulus pressure.
2. The annulus pressure build-up after 24 hours exceeds 50% of the pressure bled down.
Example:
A well has 400 psi on the B Annulus pressure. The pressure was bled down to 100 psi.
After 24 hours, the pressure builds back up to 280 psi.
• Since the pressure after 24 hours is less than 300 psi, i.e., less than the trigger
pressure (even though the increase is 60% of the pressure bled down), no further
action is required.
• However, should the pressure after 24 hours is 350 psi (83%), this well requires further
work because the build-up is > 50% of the bled-down pressure.
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 13
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
Any well which exhibits one or more of the above four criteria requires immediate action.
The action may include shutting in the well (subject to further well work diagnostics which
may include packer leak tests etc.), repeat bleed downs for confirmation, or to continue to
flow the well with appropriate approved exceptions / MOC approvals.
C. Do not bleed HC to atmosphere continuously except when checking for fluid content
(i.e. to check if bled down fluid is gas, oil or water). Bleed off pressure via the
flowline/venting system.
D. Gas pressure should not be bled off for more than 2 hours through a fully-opened 1/2"
valve. If a longer bleed down duration is anticipated, the Production Supervisor will
obtain the approval of the Platform OIM.
F. For gas-lifted wells, the duration of bleed off can exceed 2 hours. DO NOT Bleed Off for
more than 24 hours.
Note: Ensure SCSSV, LMV and SSV are opened (both LS and SS for dual wells) and
Crown Valve (CV) cracked opened to enable monitoring of the Tubing Pressure as the
bleed off is conducted. WV can either be in opened or closed position depending on
prevailing well status (i.e., producing or shut-in). Ensure Gas lift supply to the well is
also isolated and valve is not passing. Close the CV after completing the bleed off.
H. All Annulus Pressure Bleed-Down shall be recorded as per Attachment 01 and send to
Well Integrity Engineer.
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 14
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
(This procedure applies to the bleeding off of pressure from any casing annulus, i.e., A, B
and C Annulus).
3. Close casing head valve completely. Install ½” needle valve manifold system with
outlets connected follows:
a. Connected to a pressure gauge
b. Connected to the platform venting line
c. Closed valve (to be used to check fluid bled)
Note: Ensure that the SCSSV, LMV and SSV are fully opened (both strings if a dual
well) and CV is cracked opened to enable monitoring of the THP as the bleed off is
conducted. WV can either be in opened or closed position depending if the well is
producing or shut-in.
4. With all needle valves closed, fully open the casing head valve completely.
• All pressure bleeding shall be conducted through double valves with the primary
valve fully open. A needle valve can be considered the second valve.
• Never bleed pressure through a partially open casing head valve. This can lead to
the erosion to the valve, causing irreparable damage.
5. Open the needle valve to the pressure gauge and read the casing annulus pressure.
6. Slowly open the needle valve to the vent line and commence bleeding pressure into
closed drain system.
Note:
a. IMMEDIATELY CHECK TYPE OF FLUID BEING BLED WHETHER IT IS GAS or
LIQUID.
b. NEVER LEAVE A PRESSURE BLEEDING OPERATION UNATTENDED. SHUT
NEEDLE VALVES AND THEN CLOSE CASING HEAD VALVE IF IT BECOMES
NECESSARY TO LEAVE THE BLEEDING OPERATION.
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 15
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
c. Discontinue bleed-down if casing annulus pressure does not decrease by 150 psi in
30 minutes.
d. Secure any loose piping (if any)
10. Close needle valves. Monitor and record pressure build-up at the following intervals:
11. If the pressure increase between the third and sixth hour readings is less than 20 psi,
the 24-hour reading is not required. Close casing head valve (for non-gas lift wells) and
CV. Normalize all valves to original positions, i.e., either producing, injecting or shut-in.
12. Fill out the Annulus Pressure Diagnostic Table in Attachment 01 and send to the OIM,
Wells Engineer and Well Integrity Engineer. Keep a copy for the platform well files.
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 16
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
A. BLEED-DOWN FLOW DATA: This section is to determine the duration required to bleed down the annulus pressure.
Note: a - Always bleed pressure through a second valve - do not use annulus valve.
b- DO NOT BLEED DOWN PRESSURE to LOWER THAN 150 PSI.
Pressure before B/Down : ____________ psi.
Estimate of the initial liquid volumes bled : Oil ________ bbls Water ________ bbls
C-Annulus PROD. CSG G/L LINE PRESS TUBING PRESS **SURF. CSG **COND CSG
Short Lower **DO NOT bleed Surf & Cond Csg
( Perform ONLY ONE of the above tests ) String String pressure < 100 psi
Pressure before opening annulus
Prepared by : Remarks:
( Name & Initial )
Reviewed by OIM :
( Name & Initial )
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 17
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 18
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 19
Casing Annular Pressure Bleed-Down Generic Procedure
July 2015
Tham Wai Hou Well Integrity Team Lead REP Hard copy
Norkhairani Shamsudin Wells Operation Team Lead REP Hard copy
Mohd Shahrizal Hashim Well Engineering & Performance Team Lead REP Hard copy
Saadon Kairon Senior Well Integrity Engineer REP Hard copy
Zulkiflee Ishak Well Integrity Engineer REP Hard copy
REP WIS Well Intervention/Integrity Supervisor REP Soft copy
Fadzalisham Ahmad Sabki Wells Manager REP Soft copy
Mike Budge PM3 Operations Manager REP Soft copy
Mark Craig PM3 Operations Manager REP Soft copy
Mun Ying PM3S Operations Supt REP Soft copy
Johan Adam Leong PM3N/SAA Operations Supt REP Soft copy
BRA OIM Offshore Installation Manager REP Soft copy
BRA Production Supervisor Production Supervisor REP Soft copy
BOA OIM Offshore Installation Manager REP Soft copy
BOA Production Supervisor Production Supervisor REP Soft copy
SAA OIM Offshore Installation Manager REP Soft copy
SAA Production Supervisor Production Supervisor REP Soft copy
TML‐WLS‐GEN‐MG‐F‐0023 Page 20