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902 Well Site Preparation and Drilling Safety
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Casing Operations Safety

Introduction

Casing is a steel pipe that is usually larger in diameter and longer than drill pipe and is used to line the recently drilled section of a borehole. It is held in place using cement. The purpose of casing is to:

  • prevent the wall of the hole from caving in
  • provides a smooth internal surface of the borehole
  • prevent movement of fluids from one formation to another
  • prevent fluid loss or contamination
  • aid in well control and prevention of blowout
Casing is a steel pipe that is usually larger in diameter and longer than drill pipe and is used to line the hole to aid in well control.

Casing operations occur periodically throughout the drilling process starting with the surface casing, intermediate casing, and ending with production string which takes place during well completion.

The activities involved in casing operations can vary according to the type of casing being installed, but generally fall into these steps:

  • installing casing tools
  • running casing into the hole
  • installing casing accessories
  • circulating and cementing

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

7-1. A pipe that is usually larger in diameter and longer than drill pipe and is used to line the recently drilled section of a borehole is called a _____.