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Industry Recommended Practice Updates: IRP 4 Well Testing & IRP 30 Wellbore Suspension
November 5, 2024
This Industry Recommended Practice (IRP) is intended for engineers, field consultants, well testing and fluid hauling personnel, other specialized well-services personnel and local jurisdictional regulators. The IRP covers personnel requirements for well testing and the loading, unloading, and transportation of fluids. IRP 4 is not intended to replace local jurisdiction regulations or the regulations already defined in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations. While the IRP addresses operations in western Canada, the IRP can be applied to other jurisdictions.
The recommendations are high-level, minimum recommended procedures and best practices for carrying out operations that protect the public, workers and the environment.
IRP 4 also proposes definitions for various terms, which will be added to the Drilling and Completions Committee (DACC) Glossary of Terms for use broadly in the future. Along with the IRP review, a thorough review and consideration of these terms is advised.
Review period closes December 4, 2024.
Now Sanctioned | IRP 30 Temporary Wellbore Suspensions
IRP 30 is a new Industry Recommended Practice (IRP) guiding the temporary suspension of wellbores. It emphasizes a risk-based approach, stressing the importance of comprehensive risk assessments to evaluate well conditions, classify wells into minimal, moderate, or high-risk categories, and guide decisions on shutting in or suspending wells.
IRP 30 offers industry best practices to complement, but not replace, jurisdictional regulations. It is intended for wellbore owners, operators and regulators involved in suspension planning and execution.
Topics in the IRP include:
- Well Status Definitions
- Risk Categories
- Risk Levels and Barriers
- Shut-In vs. Suspension
- Shut-In Planning and Execution
- Suspension Planning and Execution
- Post Shut-In and Suspension Activities
- Well Reactivation
- Subsurface Safety Valves
- Case Studies