API RP 65-2

This document contains best practices for zone isolation in wells to prevent annular pressure and/or flow through or past pressure-containment barriers that are installed and verified during well construction. Well construction practices that may affect barrier sealing performance are mentioned along with methods to help ensure positive effects or to minimize any negative ones.

The objectives of this guideline are two-fold. The first is to help prevent and/or control flows just prior to, during, and after primary cementing operations to install or “set” casing and liner pipe strings in wells. The second objective is to help prevent sustained casing pressure (SCP).

The guidance from this document covers recommendations for pressure-containment barrier design and installation and well construction practices that affect the zone isolation process to prevent or mitigate annular fluid flow or pressure.

A detailed background and technology review are in Annex A. Historical data, perspectives, studies, statistics, lessons learned, etc. are included. Annex B includes consideration in well planning and drilling plan determinations to enhance the barrier seal performance. Annex C gives a general overview of drilling the well and some of the factors that might be considered by the drilling group. Annex D contains a flow prevention matrix (scorecard) for evaluating the potential impact of elements of the well construction process on the goal of attaining zonal isolation.