Recent industry concerns related to the increasing number of idle wells in the United States prompted a search by Chevron Environmental Management Company (EMC) for more reliable and cost effective means of well abandonment technology. This paper presents the results of the search, laboratory research and field pilot testing conducted by EMC and the California Department of Conservation Division of Oil Gas and Geothermal Resources. Additionally, the cost analysis and future areas of research are addressed. The successful implementation of the abandonment techniques discussed in this paper show substantial savings on a per well basis while providing a reduction in future liability.

Keywords:
salinity, cement, gravel, plug, container, completion installation and operations, sodium bentonite, bentonite, interface, upstream oil & gas
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Casing and Cementing, Reservoir Characterization, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Formation Evaluation & Management, Completion Installation and Operations, Well Intervention, Well Decommissioning
Copyright 2001, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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