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DOE OSTI · 1828877

NETL Well Integrity Workshop: Identifying Well Integrity Research Needs for Subsurface Energy Infrastructure

Lackey, Greg·Dilmore, Robert M.
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Abstract

Wells are a critical component of subsurface energy infrastructure. Ensuring the integrity of wells as engineered pathways for the safe extraction, injection, and storage of fluids in the subsurface is key to maximizing the effectiveness and resilience of that infrastructure. Addressing well integrity issues in a technically robust manner that promotes environmental sustainability and social equity is also an important focus of the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. Industry best practices, regulatory standards, modern monitoring data acquisition and control systems, and decades of research and development have dramatically improved the performance and reliability of wells for hydrocarbon extraction and underground injection in the oil and gas industry. Yet, important innovation is required to improve and ensure well integrity performance in engineered geologic systems where operational environments (fluid composition, temperature, pressure, and/or stress conditions) and long functional life cycles of well systems present unique challenges. Additionally, work is needed to understand and manage the long-term integrity and risks associated with legacy wells—especially those located adjacent to and presenting hazards for new subsurface activity.

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Lackey, Greg, Dilmore, Robert M.. 2021-11-03. NETL Well Integrity Workshop: Identifying Well Integrity Research Needs for Subsurface Energy Infrastructure. https://doi.org/10.2172/1828877

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