Oil & Gas UK publishes guidelines on HPHT wells

LONDON -- In line with its commitment to continually reviewing and improving the safety and performance of all aspects of well practices on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), Oil & Gas UK has released new guidelines on wells with HPHT properties.

Mike Tholen, upstream policy director, Oil & Gas UK, said, “Even in a mature basin, the HPHT resource base remains an exciting opportunity. The guidelines for HPHT well design, operation and maintenance published today have been developed by Oil & Gas UK’s Wells Forum to share industry knowledge and best practice for the benefit of both well operators and drilling contractors alike.

“Building on Oil & Gas UK’s Well Integrity Guidelines published earlier this year, this publication provides additional information in areas including project planning, well design, HPHT cementing and well construction operations, well testing and abandonment. These guidelines will add to the industry’s shared knowledge as we seek to exploit the potential of the UKCS to the full in pursuit of maximizing economic recovery.”

As part of the industry’s efforts to tackle its cost base and improve efficiency, Oil & Gas UK’s guidelines on HPHT wells provide the sector with a common framework to outline good practice, reduce operational complexity and improve safety performance.