Well Integrity and Life Cycle of a Well

Well Integrity Defined

NORSOK D-010 defines Well Integrity as “The application of technical, operational and organizational solutions to reduce risk of uncontrolled release of formation fluids throughout the life cycle of a well”. It can be further expanded as follows:

‘Well Integrity’ is essentially a crucial component in the construction of oil and gas wells that demands highest priority to achieve design, technical, structural, operational and organizational integrity to minimize the risk of uncontrolled release of formation fluids during all activities of well construction from the ‘Concept’ stage until the well is safely abandoned and secured after its production life”.

Although wells differ widely in their type and their intended short term and long-term objectives, the life cycle of every well begins at the ‘Concept Development’ stage and ends when the well is permanently plugged and abandoned.