A Review of Well Life Cycle Integrity Challenges in the Oil and Gas Industry and Its Implications for Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP)

Abstract

Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP) is a condition in oil and gas wells where continuous pressure buildup in the well casing over a long period of time occurs. Several factors might be responsible for this, including the influx of formation fluids, the leakage of fluids from the well, and other possible sources. SCP is a serious concern as it can indicate well integrity issues and lead to catastrophic failure. This paper covers the multifaceted integrity challenges that arise over the whole life cycle of a well, the capture and storage of carbon dioxide, and the storage of hydrogen in depleted reservoirs. The review study suggests that inadequate cement coverage, weak bonding, and inadequate gas or water movement routes could lead to connection issues, leakage, and equipment malfunction. Implementing safety barrier systems correctly is the solution to preventing sustained casing pressure and ensuring the stability of well integrity. It is revealed that more than 45% (6650 wells out of 12,927) of Gulf of Mexico wells had SCP difficulties, whereas 35% of UK North Sea wells have at least one problem. Ten per cent of the 6137 wells studied on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf had either a barrier failure or a well integrity failure.