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903 Well Site Completion and Servicing Safety
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Abandoning the Well

A well is abandoned when it reaches the end of its useful life or is a dry hole.

  • The casing and other equipment is removed and salvaged.
  • Cement plugs are placed in the borehole to prevent migration of fluids between the different formations.
  • The surface is reclaimed.

Removing Casing

The rig is used to remove the casing and plug the well. The wellhead is removed. After the casing is cut off, it is removed..

Potential Hazards

  • Being struck by rig equipment (such as casing jacks, power tongs, and casing elevators).
  • Being exposed to other hazards similar to those encountered during regular drilling or workover operations.

Possible Solutions

  • Solutions are similar to those found in tripping out/in and casing operations.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

7-4. Which of the following is listed as a primary hazard associated with removing casing prior to plugging an abandoned well?