Mechanical integrity test methods for Class 2 injection wells

Technical Report · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5395768· OSTI ID:5395768

Smith, K P

Mechanical integrity testing of injection wells to ensure that they do not threaten an underground source of drinking water (USDW) is a key component of the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. Approximately 55% of all active injection wells are classified as Class II wells. These wells are used by the oil and gas industry primarily to dispose of waste fluids or to enhance production of hydrocarbons. Mechanical integrity is defined as the absence of significant leaks in the casing, tubing, or packers (internal integrity); and the absence of significant fluid movement into a USDW through cement channels behind the casing (external integrity). A wide variety of mechanical integrity test (MIT) methods have been developed to meet federal and primacy state program requirements. The internal mechanical integrity of standard injection wells can be evaluated by radioactive tracer surveys, standard annular pressure tests, annulus pressure monitoring, and continuous injection pressure versus injection rate monitoring. These tests are listed in order of decreasing reliability and increasing detection limits. 28 refs., 17 figs., 6 tabs.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (United States). Environmental Assessment and Information Sciences Div.
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5395768
• Report Number(s): ANL/EAIS/TM-51; ON: DE91015755
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540211 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- Radiometric Techniques-- (1990-)
540220* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
CONTAMINATION REGULATIONS
COST ESTIMATION
INJECTION WELLS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICAL TESTS
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
RADIOACTIVE TRACER LOGGING
RADIOACTIVITY LOGGING
REGULATIONS
TEMPERATURE LOGGING
TESTING
TRACER TECHNIQUES
WELL CASINGS
WELL LOGGING
WELLS