25 Pa. Code § 78a.84 - Casing standards

(a) The operator shall install casing that can withstand the effects of tension, and prevent leaks, burst and collapse during its installation, cementing and subsequent drilling and producing operations.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), all casing must be a string of new pipe with an internal pressure rating that is at least 20% greater than the anticipated maximum pressure to which the casing will be exposed.

(c) Used casing may be approved for use as surface, intermediate or production casing but shall be pressure tested after cementing and before continuation of drilling. A passing pressure test is holding the anticipated maximum pressure to which it will be exposed for 30 minutes with not more than a 10% decrease in pressure.

(d) New or used plain end casing, except when being used as conductor pipe, that is welded together for use must meet the following requirements:

(1) The casing must pass a pressure test by holding the anticipated maximum pressure to which the casing will be exposed for 30 minutes with not more than a 10% decrease in pressure. The operator shall notify the Department at least 24 hours before conducting the test. The test results shall be entered on the drilling log.

(2) The casing shall be welded using at least three passes with the joint cleaned between each pass.

(3) The casing shall be welded by a person trained and certified in the applicable American Petroleum Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Welding Society or equivalent standard for welding casing and pipe or an equivalent training and certification program as approved by the Department. The certification requirements of this paragraph shall take effect August 5, 2011. A person with 10 years or more of experience welding casing as of February 5, 2011, who registered with the Department by November 7, 2011, is deemed to be certified.

(e) When casing through a workable coal seam, the operator shall install coal protective casing that has a minimum wall thickness of 0.23 inch.

(f) Casing which is attached to a blow-out preventer with a pressure rating of greater than 3,000 psi shall be pressure tested after cementing. A passing pressure test must be holding the anticipated maximum pressure to which the casing will be exposed for 30 minutes with not more than a 10% decrease. Certification of the pressure test shall be confirmed by entry and signature of the person performing the test on the driller's log.

Notes

25 Pa. Code § 78a.84

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 78a.81 (relating to general provisions); 25 Pa. Code § 78a.102 (relating to criteria for approval of inactive status); and 25 Pa. Code § 78a.103 (relating to annual monitoring of inactive wells).