#VIP 100221 Zonal Isolation

BP Practice
Zonal Isolation (10-60)
Use and Interpretation of this Document

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Copyright © 2019. BP Plc. All rights reserved.
Applicability: Global Wells Organization

Issue Date: 10 June 2019
Issuing Authority: Andy Krieger, Head of GWO
Content Owner: Matthew Goodine, SETA – Zonal Isolation, S+OR, GWO
Unique Identifier: 100221
Legacy Identifier: GP 10-60
Revision Code: B07
Page 1 of 34
BP Practice 100221
Revision History
Revision Date Revision Code Approver Revision

10 Jun 2019 B07 Andy Krieger, Head of GWO Revised issue.
Pre-approved technical revision to:
• Update clause 5.3.4.2,
31 May 2018 B06 Andy Krieger, Head of GWO
clause 5.7, and Table 6.
• Add clause 5.3.6.
Lincoln Richardson, GWO Editorial change to update OMS
12 Apr 2018 B05
Requirements Delivery Manager mapping.
Lincoln Richardson, GWO Editorial change to correct a table
17 May 2017 B04
Requirements Delivery Manager reference in clause 5.4.4.12.c.
05 May 2017 B03 Andy Krieger, Head of GWO Revised issue.
Optimisation as a part of
01 Jul 2015 B02 Gary Jones, Head of GWO
simplification.
Editorial change for conversion of
this ETP to a GWO document into
13 Nov 2014 B01 Gary Jones, Head of GWO
Template GW001-DM-TEM-600-
0001.
Revised issue. Details of revisions
can be found in the Foreword
29 Apr 2014 Group Head of Engineering
clause of the 29 April 2014
version.
11 Sep 2012 Group Head of Engineering Revised issue.
16 Apr 2008 Group Head of Engineering First issue.
Review Cycle
Review Cycle Code 03 Next Review Date 10 Jun 2022
Operating Management System (OMS) – Sub Elements and Group Essentials
Sub Element Sub Element Title Group Essentials

5.2 Design and Construction 5.2.1, 5.2.2
5.5 Decommissioning and Remediation 5.5.1, 5.5.2, 5.5.3
Reviewers
Name Role Type of Review Date Reviewed

Matthew Goodine SETA - Zonal Isolation, S+OR, GWO Recommend 10 Jun 2019
Will Francis Managing Counsel, GWO Agree 05 Jun 2019
Thomas McCarty Wells Engineering Authority Agree 10 Jun 2019
Mike Galiunas Director Drilling and Operations Agree 10 Jun 2019
Paul Forman VP Technical Functions, GWO Decide 10 Jun 2019
Page 2 of 34 Revision: B07

© BP plc. Uncontrolled when printed or stored locally BP Internal
BP Practice 100221
Contents
Foreword ............................................................................................................................. 5
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 5
1 Scope and Exclusions ................................................................................................. 6
2 References .................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 Normative References ...................................................................................... 6
2.2 Informative References..................................................................................... 6
3 Terms and Definitions ................................................................................................. 7
4 Symbols and Abbreviations ......................................................................................... 9
5 BP Requirements ...................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Planning for Zonal Isolation ............................................................................. 11
5.2 Identification of Distinct Permeable Zones (DPZs) .......................................... 11
5.3 Well Construction ........................................................................................... 11
5.4 Permanent Abandonment ............................................................................... 17
5.5 Acceptance Criteria Tables (ACTs) .................................................................. 25
5.6 Organisation and Personnel ............................................................................ 34
5.7 Cementing Technical Specialist (CTS) Agree .................................................. 34
6 Deviations ................................................................................................................. 34
Tables
Table 1 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Top of Cement (TOC) Annular Cement Well
Barrier Element (WBE) .............................................................................................. 25
Table 2 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Circumferential Log Verification for Annular
Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE) ........................................................................ 29
Table 3 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Communication Test for Verification of Annular
Well Barrier Element (WBE) ...................................................................................... 30
Table 4 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Verification of Wellbore Cement Well Barrier
Element (WBE).......................................................................................................... 31
Table 5 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Verification of Perforation and Wash Cement
Well Barrier Element (WBE) ...................................................................................... 33
Figures
Figure 1 – Reference Depth for Base of Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE) ................. 12
Figure 2 - Example Annular Well Barrier Elements (WBEs) Installed During Construction 13

BP Practice 100221
Figure 3 - Well Barrier Elements (WBEs) and Well Barriers for Permanent Abandonment 19
Figure 4 - Through-Tubing Abandonment .......................................................................... 23
Figure 5 - Example Wellhead Pressure Versus Time Plot for a Primary Cement Job ........ 26

BP Practice 100221
Foreword
This is a revised issue of BP Practice 100221 - Zonal Isolation (10-60). This revision incorporates
changes and updates to the previous version, which include:
• Cementing Technical Specialist (CTS) review and agree requirements (see clause 5.7).
• Perforation and wash treatment method (see clause 5.4.4.12 and Table 5 - Acceptance
Criteria Table (ACT) for Verification of Perforation and Wash Cement Well Barrier
Element (WBE).
• Permanent abandonment of pre-2008 wells (see clause 5.4.4.13).
• Acceptance of annular Well Barrier Elements (WBEs) prior to installing the next casing
string (see clause 5.3.5).
• Communication test method (see Table 3).
• Pressure test of shoe verification method (see clause 5.3.4.5).
• Cemented shoe track system requirements moved to BP Practice 100222 - Well
Barriers (10-65).
Introduction
This BP Practice defines Permeable Zones and Distinct Permeable Zones (DPZs). For the
purpose of this BP Practice, the term DPZ is used interchangeably to allow for ease of use.
Zonal isolation objectives are designed to prevent:
• Unintended movement of fluids between DPZs.

• Flow to the surface or seabed.
• Development of Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP) during well life due to
communication of a DPZ with a well annulus.
• Contamination of potable water aquifers.
Within this BP Practice, cement WBE height requirements are defined in Measured Depth (MD),
and the height of natural sealing formations are defined in True Vertical Depth (TVD).
This BP Practice contains SI and US customary oil field units. For the purpose of this BP Practice,
the conversion between the systems is not exact and has been intentionally rounded to allow for
ease of use.

BP Practice 100221
1 Scope and Exclusions

This BP Practice provides requirements and permissions for cement WBEs installed and verified
to achieve zonal isolation of DPZs during:
• Well construction.
• Permanent abandonment.
Requirements in this BP Practice related to well construction apply to new wells, side-tracks, and
the deepening of existing wells if new rock is being drilled. There is no requirement to retrofit
barriers to existing wellbores that were drilled prior to January 2008. Requirements relating to
permanent abandonment apply to all future permanent abandonment operations.
Previously abandoned Open Hole (OH) wellbores are assumed to be in a state of

permanent abandonment.
For deepening and side-tracking operations on a well, consider any existing annuli SCP.
Well barriers, temporary abandonment, and future permanent abandonment activities
can impact the required installation and verification of cement WBEs for any hole
section.
If DPZs are present in a subsequent hole section, annulus cement WBEs verified in a
previous hole section can provide barriers in the outer flowpath for the DPZ.
Well basis of design can determine cement job objectives and evaluation techniques that
exceed the requirements in this BP Practice.
This BP Practice also provides CTS review requirements for cement design documents and
cement execution programs.
2 References
2.1 Normative References
None.
2.2 Informative References

Unless stated otherwise in the content of this document, reference to the documents
below is for information.
BP
EP SG 4.1-0036 Identification of Permeable Zones and Determination of DPZs for Zonal
Isolation
100100 BP Practice New Well Common Process
100222 BP Practice Well Barriers (10-65)
100388 BP Guide Cementing Design
100457 BP Procedure Cement Verification after Cementing Casing

BP Practice 100221
3 Terms and Definitions

For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:
The terms and definitions referenced from other documents are valid as of the date of
issue of this document and are provided for convenient reference only. If referenced
documents have been updated after the issue date of this document, terms and definitions
in the most current version of the referenced document apply for this document.
Annulus Cement
WBE consisting of solid state cement with compressive strength in excess of 1,380 kPa
(200 psi). It can be located in the annulus either between concentric tubular strings or between a
tubular string and the formation.
Cement
Material that, in the presence of water, hydrates to create a product that has mechanical strength
(as measured by compressive strength) and low permeability.
Can be combined with a range of organic and inorganic materials (additives) that enable
the properties of the cement slurry and hydrated set cement to be tailored for well
conditions.
Cement Bond Log (CBL) Interpretation Technical Specialist

Individual providing specialist advice in cement log interpretation for the Region.
Cement Plug
WBE consisting of solid state cement with compressive strength in excess of 1,380 kPa (200 psi)
and located in the wellbore.
Cementing Technical Specialist (CTS)

Individual with subject matter knowledge in well cementing.
Distinct Permeable Zone (DPZ)

Group of permeable zones in which intrazonal isolation is not required for operation or
abandonment of the well.
Flowpath
Any conduit that connects any energy sources to the surface or environment.
Hole Section
Series of formations drilled between the surface or previous casing or liner shoe and the setting
depth of the next tubular string or the deepest part of the well.
Hydrostatic Permeable Zone

Group of permeable zones at hydrostatic pressure that cannot flow to the surface to create SCP
or cross flow into an overlying permeable zone.

BP Practice 100221
Lift Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure difference between the fluid column in the wellbore and the annular
cement column determined by slowing the pumps at the end of displacement.
May
Designates a Permissive Statement – an option that is neither mandatory nor specifically
recommended.
Permanent Abandonment
The actions taken to verify permanent isolation of the well from the surface and elimination of
communication between DPZs for any well and/or section of a well that will not be re-entered.
Permeable Zone
Zone with sufficient permeability such that a credible pressure differential is expected to result in
the movement of fluids (oil, water, or gas) and/or development of SCP.
Primary Well Barrier

As defined in BP Practice 100222 – Well Barriers (10-65):
“First well barrier that prevents flow from a source, and is the well barrier closest to well fluids.”
Secondary Well Barrier

As defined in BP Practice 100222:
“The second well barrier that prevents flow from a source, and designed to withstand failure of
the primary well barrier.”
Shall
Designates a BP Requirement, and is used in BP Requirement Documents only if it is
designating a BP Requirement.
Should
Designates a specific recommendation if conformance is not mandatory.
The term “should” is not used within GWO documents.
Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP)

Pressure between tubular strings that rebuilds after bleeding down, and cannot be attributed to
applied pressure or thermal effects.

BP Practice 100221
Temporary Abandonment
As defined in BP Practice 100222:
“A well status in which:
• One or two well barriers have been installed and tested based upon requirements.
• Well construction activities have ceased.
• The rig is disconnected from the well.
• The well is neither an Operable Well nor a Not Operable Well.
• The well has not been permanently abandoned.”
Well
System or structure created to provide a fluid conduit between the surface and subsurface.
A well includes the original wellbore and associated annuli, any sidetrack from it, and
any related hole section. The well begins at the formation face and ends at the
downstream flange of the wing valve.
Well Barrier
Envelope of one or more dependent WBEs that prevent fluids from flowing unintentionally from
either the formation or well into or from another formation or to the surface.
Well Barrier Element (WBE)

A pressure and flow containing component that relies on other component(s) to create a well
barrier envelope and is verified to conform to specific acceptance criteria.
Well Barrier Element (WBE) Isolating the Annulus

WBE that prevents fluid flow in the annulus in which the WBE is located.
Well Barrier Element (WBE) Isolating the Wellbore

WBE that prevents fluid flow in the wellbore in which the WBE is located.
Wellbore
Area of the well within the last installed tubular, including any OH section.
4 Symbols and Abbreviations

For the purpose of this document, the following symbols and abbreviations apply:
ACT Acceptance Criteria Table
BOP Blowout Preventer
CBL Cement Bond Log

BP Practice 100221
CTS Cementing Technical Specialist
DAS Distributed Acoustic Sensor
DTS Distributed Temperature Sensor
DPZ Distinct Permeable Zone
KOP Kickoff Point
LOT Leakoff Test
LWD Logging While Drilling
MD Measured Depth
OH Open Hole
P&A Plug and Abandonment
ROV Remote Operated Vehicle
SCP Sustained Casing Pressure
SETA Segment Engineering Authority
SoR Statement of Requirements
TD Total Depth
TOC Top of Cement
TOL Top of Liner
TVD True Vertical Depth
WBE Well Barrier Element

BP Practice 100221
5 BP Requirements
5.1 Planning for Zonal Isolation
Cementing and zonal isolation design and documentation methods that support the
implementation of this BP Practice are contained within BP Guide 100388 - Cementing
Design and BP Practice 100100 - New Well Common Process.
5.2 Identification of Distinct Permeable Zones (DPZs)

The Region Wells Organisation shall define, follow, and maintain a procedure for the
identification of DPZs.
This can be in accordance with an approved Region procedure. For further guidance,
refer to EP SG 4.1-0036 – Identification of Permeable Zones and Determination of DPZs
for Zonal Isolation.
5.3 Well Construction
5.3.1 Well Construction Barrier Requirements

During construction of the well:
The well shall contain at least two Well Barrier Elements (WBEs) isolating each
annulus flowpath between DPZs and the surface, seabed, or hydrostatic permeable
zone.
WBEs can be cement or mechanical, as defined in BP Practice 100222 - Well Barriers
(10-65). Examples of mechanical WBEs include a liner top packer and a casing hanger
seal assembly.
The use of mechanical WBEs during well construction can result in increased permanent
abandonment costs and/or complexity.
Examples of when primary and secondary annulus cement WBEs are needed during well
construction include the following:
• Previous shoe does not contain pressure from below.
• Casing integrity is modified due to placement of bursts disks.
Alternative materials could be considered with a deviation process (e.g., resins, non-
cement settable materials, mechanical barriers without existing Acceptance Criteria
Tables [ACTs]).
A minimum of one annulus WBE shall be located between DPZs.
If pressure from the lower DPZ exceeds the fracture pressure of the natural seal
above the upper DPZ, two annulus well barriers shall be located between DPZs.
If the lower DPZ pressure is greater than the fracture pressure of the natural seal above
an upper DPZ, a broaching risk exists.
Annular cement WBEs shall be across a natural seal for that DPZ.
Consider the potential of Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP) and the implications on future
Plug and Abandonment (P&A) activities if the primary annular WBE is not constructed
of cement during well construction and/or operation.

BP Practice 100221
The placement of primary and secondary annular cement WBEs during well construction
facilitates the efficiency of permanent abandonment.
The base of the annular cement WBE interval shall be at a depth at which the
formation fracture pressure can withstand the pressure that could migrate from the
DPZ being isolated (as illustrated in Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Reference Depth for Base of Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE)
Annular cement WBEs shall be verified in conformance to the relevant methods and
requirements outlined in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3 in clause 5.5.
Example locations of WBEs installed during construction are shown in Figure 2.

BP Practice 100221
Figure 2 - Example Annular Well Barrier Elements (WBEs) Installed During Construction
5.3.2 Special Well Construction Barrier Requirements

A well may contain a single WBE isolating the annulus for strings cemented prior to
the installation of the Blowout Preventer (BOP).
Subsea wells may have a single WBE isolating the annulus between a DPZ containing
water and the seabed or hydrostatic zone if both of the following conditions are met:
There are no shallower hydrocarbon-bearing DPZs in the well.
A risk assessment is performed.
The Region defines the risk assessment and decision rights. A typical assessment
evaluates the following:
• Potential impact of a water flow from the DPZ on well integrity (e.g., casing
corrosion, formation erosion, SCP).
• Potential impact of a water flow from the DPZ on current and future subsea
infrastructure.
• Likely flowpath of any leak via the formation, considering the formation dip, salt
canopy, and the presence of any fractures.
• Potential for the uppermost hydrocarbon bearing DPZ to communicate with the
water-bearing DPZ.
• Ability to intervene, if broaching were to occur, to repair or abandon the well.

BP Practice 100221
5.3.3 Well Construction Annulus Cement Height Requirements

There shall be a minimum of 10 m (30 ft) True Vertical Depth (TVD) of natural seal
above DPZs.
In highly-laminated geology, the natural seal might not be continuous, and multiple
discontinuous sealing layers can be combined.
For annulus cement to act as a single WBE during construction of the well, the
cement job design and execution shall conform to one of the following:
If using a Top of Cement (TOC) estimate:
a) A minimum of 200 m (650 ft) Measured Depth (MD) of cement is verified
above the DPZ.
Consider planning additional cement length above the DPZ to allow for verification of
the minimum height required.
b) The acceptance criteria requirements in Table 1are met.
If using a circumferential Cement Bond Log (CBL):
a) A minimum of 30 m (100 ft) MD of circumferential cement is verified above
the DPZ.
Consider planning additional cement length above the DPZ to allow for verification of
the minimum height required.
b) The acceptance criteria requirements in Table 2 are met.
If using cement returns above the top of the liner:
a) The top of the liner is a minimum of 100 m (330 ft) MD above the DPZ.
This does not indicate a 100 m (330 ft) overlap above the previous casing shoe.
A single 100 m (330 ft) MD cement annulus WBE can be verified prior to reaching the
Top of Liner (TOL).
b) A volume equivalent to at least 200 m (650 ft) of the liner overlap capacity is
pumped above the top of the liner.
This is an additional excess volume to mitigate cement contamination in the lap and is
not considered to be part of a cement WBE.
c) The acceptance criteria requirements in Table 1 are met.
The following methods may be used to estimate TOC:
Lift pressure.
Volumetric estimate of TOC.
Non-circumferential log.
Prior to running the circumferential log, the availability of Logging While Drilling
(LWD) sonic data can be determined.
If LWD sonic data is acquired with an approved LWD tool, isolation of less than 200 m
(650 ft) MD can be considered to support a deviation request.

BP Practice 100221
Acceptability of the LWD tool is determined by the CBL interpretation technical

specialist.
Temperature log.
5.3.4 Special Annulus Cement Height Requirements
5.3.4.1 Combination Annular Cement Well Barrier Elements (WBEs)

The height of combination annular cement WBEs shall be a minimum of two times the
height of a single annular cement WBE.
This establishes a primary and secondary annular cement WBE in a single operation.
When two annulus cement WBEs are required to be located between DPZs, and the
natural height between DPZs is limited, reference clause 5.3.4.3.
5.3.4.2 Flow to Surface or Seabed

When annular cement is used as the only WBE (primary and secondary) to prevent flow to
the surface or seabed from the DPZ, the combination annular cement WBE shall be verified
by circumferential CBL.
This is the case when there is no, or no operable, annular mechanical WBE above the
DPZ.
This does not indicate the need to circumferentially log annulus cement prior to the
installation of the BOP; see clause 5.3.2a.
5.3.4.3 Isolating Multiple Distinct Permeable Zones (DPZs)

A TOC estimate or returns above the TOL method may be:
Used to verify cement between DPZs or the hydrostatic zone.
Treated as two annulus cement WBEs between DPZs if all the following apply:
a) The natural seal between DPZs is 30 m (100 ft) TVD or greater.
b) Annular cement WBE is verified above the upper DPZ or a combination
barrier is verified above the lower DPZ.
c) A continuous cement column exists.
A circumferential log may be:
Used to verify cement between DPZs or the hydrostatic zone.
Treated as two annulus cement WBEs between DPZs if all the following apply:
a) The natural seal between DPZs is 10 m (30 ft) TVD or greater.
b) Annular cement WBE is verified above the upper DPZ or a combination
barrier is verified above the lower DPZ.
c) A continuous cement column exists.
d) There is a minimum of 10 m (30 ft) TVD of circumferential cement verified
between DPZs.

BP Practice 100221
This permits a primary and secondary annular cement WBE to be established between
DPZs in a single operation utilising the available geologic section.
5.3.4.4 Cement Verified with Returns to Surface or Seabed

Verified cement returns may be used as an alternative to conforming to cement height
requirements above a DPZ if the acceptance criteria requirements in Table 1 are met.
5.3.4.5 Pressure Test of Shoe

A successful pressure test of a casing shoe may be treated as a 30 m (100 ft) MD annular
cement WBE immediately above the shoe if all the following are met:
The shoe track is across a natural seal for a DPZ.
The casing shoe can extend into the top of a DPZ (e.g., top setting a reservoir section).
The formation pressure integrity test is a value that exceeds the pressure that could
migrate from the DPZ being isolated, or that exceeds the fracture pressure in the
deepest permeable zone above the shoe, whichever is greater.
The acceptance criteria requirements in Table 1.H.
5.3.4.6 Potable Water-Bearing Aquifer

If a formation contains a potable water source, annulus cement WBEs shall extend:
A minimum of 30 m (100 ft) MD above, or to the surface.
A minimum of 30 m (100 ft) MD below the aquifer.
This does not require that the WBE extend the entire length of the aquifer (continuous
over the entire aquifer).
5.3.5 Acceptance of Annular Cement Well Barrier Elements (WBEs)

GWO in the Region shall evaluate, verify, and accept annular cement WBEs after
placement and prior to covering the annulus with a subsequent casing string or
completion due to subsequent rig operations.
BP Procedure 100457 – Cement Verification after Cementing Casing provides a
procedure for the verification of annular cement WBEs.
For annulus cement WBEs, the following information shall be recorded in the well file:
Method used to determine the seal or TOC and rationale for the estimate.
Location of DPZs.
TOC depth.
Volume of fluids pumped during cement job execution and pumping rates.
Final surface pressures at the end of the cement job.
Density and rheology of fluids pumped.
Cement slurry laboratory reports.
Estimated loses after cement slurry enters the annulus.

BP Practice 100221
If the circumferential CBL verification method was utilised:

a) Cumulative length of circumferential cement above the top of the DPZ.
b) CBL interpretation specialists interpreting the log.
If the verification methods in Table 1 were utilised:
a) Assumed hole size and basis for the hole size estimate.
b) Cement slurry density control analysis.
c) Simulated final surface pressure and plot.
d) Actual final surface pressure and plot.
e) Effective cement placement analysis.
Data from the cement execution program and post job report along with a cement
verification form are typically utilised to document the acceptance criteria
requirements and approval of the WBE.
5.3.6 Wellsite Cementing Execution Oversight

GWO in the Region shall complete the wellsite Self-Verification Tool cementing job
execution oversight checklist prior to the execution of offshore primary cementing
operations where isolation of the DPZ is required.
5.4 Permanent Abandonment

This clause applies to all wells being permanently abandoned.
5.4.1 Distinct Permeable Zones (DPZs)

DPZs identified in clause 5.2 shall be reviewed and redefined (if applicable).
This can be in accordance with an approved Region procedure. Refer to EP SG 4.1-0036
for further guidance.
5.4.2 Permanent Abandonment Well Barrier Requirements

Unless a single annular barrier was acceptable during construction, permanently
abandoned wells shall have at least two lateral cement barriers in place for each
potential flowpath between any DPZ and the following:
Surface.
Seabed.
Hydrostatic permeable zone.
Each DPZ shall be isolated from any other DPZ by at least one lateral cement barrier.
If the pressure from the lower DPZ exceeds the fracture pressure of the natural seal
above the upper DPZ, two lateral cement barriers shall be in place between the DPZs.
If the lower DPZ pressure is greater than the fracture pressure of the natural seal above
an upper DPZ, a broaching risk exists.
WBEs isolating the wellbore shall be constructed of cement.

BP Practice 100221
Alternative materials can be considered through the deviation process.

Consider the durability of WBEs with respect to the environment in which they are
installed for permanent abandonment.
To construct a lateral barrier, the wellbore cement WBE shall be placed adjacent to the
verified annulus cement WBE, and across a natural seal for that DPZ.
A lateral barrier provides verified cement from the wellbore to the formation.
The base of the lateral barrier interval shall be at a depth at which the formation
fracture pressure can withstand the pressure that could migrate from the DPZs being
isolated.
Primary barriers for one DPZ can act as secondary barriers for a deeper DPZ if the
formation strength of the natural seal exceeds the pressure that could migrate to it from
the DPZ being isolated.
The required depth of the barrier can be assessed by extrapolating a fluid gradient from
the DPZ up the well and determining whether the pressure would exceed the fracture
initiation pressure in the natural seal.
When placing the cement wellbore WBE, consider the potential contamination at the base
of the plug in relation to the natural seal location.
5.4.3 Permanent Abandonment Wellbore Cement Height Requirements

For wellbore cement to qualify as a single WBE during well abandonment, the cement job
design and execution shall conform to all the following:
A minimum of 30 m (100 ft) MD of cement is verified above the DPZ.
Types and placement of WBEs used to create well barriers for permanent abandonment
are shown in Figure 3.
Consider placing the base of the cement plug below the top of the DPZ and additional
plug length above the DPZ to mitigate contamination of the cement plug during
placement. Typically, a minimum plug setting length is 150 m (500 ft).
The acceptance criteria requirements in Table 4.

BP Practice 100221
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Figure 3 - Well Barrier Elements (WBEs) and Well Barriers for Permanent Abandonment
5.4.4 Special Considerations for Permanent Abandonment
5.4.4.1 Permanent Abandonment of Subsea Wells

If a subsea well is identified for permanent abandonment, one of the following shall be
performed at the onset of planning to assess the condition of the well and the
immediate surrounding seafloor:
A side-scan sonar (towed or autonomous underwater vehicle mounted).
A Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) visual and sonar survey.
If the results of clauses 5.4.4.1a.1 or 5.4.4.1a.2 indicate any active flow from the well
itself (e.g., from an open annulus, from the seafloor close to the well), then high
resolution seismic data shall be acquired and reviewed to check for a new charge of
shallow intervals.
If the results of clauses 5.4.4.1a or 5.4.4.1b identify flow or evidence of a new near-
surface charge, the results shall be:
Built into the project risk assessment.

BP Practice 100221
Addressed in the monitoring plan.
5.4.4.2 Permanent Abandonment of Onshore Potable Water-Bearing Formations

If a well is onshore and contains a current or future potable water-bearing formation not
designated as a DPZ for isolation:
At least one well barrier shall be installed between the water-bearing formation and
the surface.
The WBE isolating the wellbore shall extend at least 30 m (100 ft) MD above (or to the
surface) and 30 m (100 ft) MD below the aquifer.
If the potable water source extends to the surface, a 30 m (100 ft) MD (or greater)
surface plug shall be set.
5.4.4.3 High Angle Well Requirements for Wellbore Cement Well Barrier Elements (WBEs)
In wells with greater than 60 degrees of deviation, a wellbore cement WBE shall be
constructed to deliver a planned minimum of 200 m (650 ft) MD above the DPZ.
This is an additional planned excess cement volume and does not mean verifying a
minimum of 200 m (650 ft) MD of cement height.
5.4.4.4 Combination Wellbore Cement Well Barrier Elements (WBEs)

If verifying a combination wellbore cement WBE, the following shall apply:
A combination annular cement WBE has been verified.
The wellbore cement WBE is constructed to deliver a planned minimum of 200 m
(650 ft) above the DPZ.
The cement WBE has been set on a reliable base.
Reliable bases can include a mechanical plug, a cement support tool, a retainer, and a
viscous reactive pill.
A minimum of 60 m (200 ft) MD is verified above the DPZ.
This establishes a primary and secondary wellbore cement WBE in a single cement
operation.
5.4.4.5 Continuous Cement Plug

If verifying a continuous cement plug to isolate multiple DPZs, the following shall apply:
Annular cement conforms to the requirements in this BP Practice.
The continuous cement plug has been set on a reliable base.
The continuous cement plug extends at least 30 m (100 ft) MD above the uppermost
DPZ being isolated.

BP Practice 100221
The continuous cement plug can consist of stacked cement plugs one upon the other. The
barrier could be compromised if the interface between plugs is placed across the natural
seal between DPZs.
Mud pills of the same density as the cement slurry can be used as part of the continuous
cement plug. The component of the plug consisting of a mud pill does not contribute to
the length of the WBE above the DPZ.
5.4.4.6 Open Hole (OH) Wellbore Cement Well Barrier Elements (WBEs)
The primary well barrier for permanent abandonment may be an OH cement plug if all
the following conditions are met:
The cement plug is verified in accordance with Table 4.D as extending to one of
the following:
a) At least 30 m (100 ft) MD above the DPZs.
b) The full interval between the DPZs.
The secondary WBE isolating the wellbore is inside the casing.
Formation strength at the shoe can withstand the pressure from the DPZ.
The calculation is performed using the formation fluid gradient from the DPZ to the shoe.
If the formation strength at the shoe cannot withstand the pressure from the DPZ:
A combination plug may be placed as a primary and secondary well barrier for
permanent abandonment.
An additional verified cement plug shall be placed across the casing shoe
immediately above the OH.
A cement plug across the casing shoe may be used as a primary WBE isolating the
wellbore for a DPZ in the OH if the following conditions are met:
The cement plug is verified to extend at least 30 m (100 ft) MD above the shoe.
The fracture pressure within the OH above the DPZ exceeds the formation
pressure that can develop.
5.4.4.7 Kickoff Plugs and Sidetrack

The parent wellbore shall be permanently abandoned below the actual Kickoff Point
(KOP) in accordance with clause 5.3 and clause 5.4 before sidetracking operations.
The secondary well barrier may be installed for permanent abandonment during the
installation of the next tubular.
If the height of the undrilled KOP conforms to the P&A requirements of this BP Practice,
deeper set P&A plugs might not be applicable.
Before side-tracking, the impact of SCP on the safe operating envelope of the well is a
consideration.

BP Practice 100221
5.4.4.8 Shoe Track

Cemented shoe track WBE is typically utilised during temporary abandonment
operations.
Cemented shoe track system WBE requirements are located in BP Practice 100222.
5.4.4.9 Control Lines

A cement plug with a control line through it shall not be used as a WBE for permanent
abandonment.
Prior to removing the control line, consider the associated risks on establishing lateral
barriers.
5.4.4.10 Section Milling to Create Full Lateral Cement Well Barrier Elements (WBEs)
A single, full lateral WBE may be established by milling a 30 m (100 ft) MD window or
two 15 m (50 ft) MD windows with cement plugs set across the window.
A wellbore cement WBE set across the window shall extend a minimum of 30 m (100
ft) MD above the top of the window.
The wellbore cement WBE shall be set on a reliable base.
Cement plugs shall be verified according to Table 4.D.
A section milled window in casing, or a perforation and wash treatment can create an
untested flowpath to a DPZ.
5.4.4.11 Through-Tubing Abandonment

For through-tubing abandonments, the reservoir shall be isolated prior to sealing the
annulus around the tubing.
The optimal plan is to have a hard bottom on which the plug is both set and protected
from contamination by reservoir fluids.
Through-tubing abandonments shall only be used if the annulus fluid is solids-free and
non-viscous (e.g., brine).
If fluid in the annulus contains a solid weighting agent or a viscosified fluid, it is not
feasible to verify the effectiveness of the cement placement through modelling due to
uncertainty in fluid properties and centralisation.
The height of the cement plug in the wellbore shall extend above the DPZ at least:
200 m (650 ft) MD for a primary barrier.
400 m (1300 ft) MD for a combination barrier.
Verification by tagging and pressure testing in accordance with Table 4.D (omit weight
testing) may be used if the tag of cement verifies that the cement is balanced
between the wellbore and the annulus.
Through-tubing abandonment is shown in Figure 4.

BP Practice 100221
Cement is displaced
down the tubing and Tubing
Tubing
placed both inside and
outside the tubing to Verified annular cement
Cement displaced
establish a primarydown tubing
and qualifying as both a
and placed inside and outside
a the
secondary barrier to primary
Verified and acement
annular secondary
tubing to establish primary annular WBE. and
qualifying as primary
the
andreservoir.
secondary barrier to secondary annular WBE
reservoir.
Sealing formation
Natural Seal
DPZ
DPZ
Figure 4 - Through-Tubing Abandonment
5.4.4.12 Perforation and Wash Cement Placement

A lateral cement WBE may be established by perforation and the wash placement method
if all the following apply:
Perforations are placed across a natural seal for the DPZ.
Acceptance criteria requirements in Table 5 are met.
5.4.4.13 Wells Predating January 2008

Deviations to this BP Practice shall not be required for wells where all the following apply:
The well predates 01 January 2008.
A risk assessment has been completed, evaluating (as a minimum):
Evidence of SCP.
Source of SCP.
Placement and Integrity of the originally installed well barriers.
Any non-cement WBEs currently providing well integrity.
Potential flowpaths of DPZs to the surface, seabed, or between DPZs.
Where SCP exists, the risk assessment shall be reviewed by the Zonal Isolation
Segment Engineering Technical Authority (SETA) and Area Engineering Authority (EA).

BP Practice 100221
A multiple well risk assessment can be completed for wells of similar design within a
field.
The risk assessment is documented in the well file.
The permanent abandonment cement design, execution, and verification comply with
current regulatory permanent abandonment requirements.
A gap assessment of the planned permanent abandonment to current BP Practice
requirements can be utilised to inform the acceptance of risk assessment and plan
forward.
5.4.4.14 Permanent Abandonment Documentation Requirements

For permanent abandonments, the following information shall be recorded in the well
file:
Height of WBEs.
Depth of WBEs.
Records of cementing operations.
Records on remedial operations.
Basis of acceptance, including test results for the annular and wellbore WBEs.
A well diagram as abandoned showing the locations of WBEs and DPZs.
For cement plug testing, the following information shall be recorded in the well file:
Set down weight.
Depth at which the cement plug was set.
Recorded TOC.
Records of pressure tests.

BP Practice 100221
5.5 Acceptance Criteria Tables (ACTs)
5.5.1 Top of Cement (TOC) Verification for Annular Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE)
Table 1 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Top of Cement (TOC) Annular Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE)
Features Acceptance Criteria Requirements See

Annular cement TOC is solid-state cement located in the annulus either inside a concentric
A. Description N/A
casing or between the casing and OH.
The annulus cement plug provides zonal isolation by replacing natural seals in the well
penetrated during drilling. Zonal isolation objectives are designed to mitigate against the
following:
1. Unintended movement of fluids between DPZs.
B. Function N/A
2. Flow to either the surface or the seabed.
3. Development of SCP during the well’s life (due to communication between a DPZ and
the well’s annulus).
4. Contamination of potable-water aquifers.
Chemical stability of the cement shall be designed to allow the cement to maintain its
C. Design
strength and isolation capability when exposed to both expected temperature ranges and
Selection and N/A
fluctuations.
Construction
Other design, selection, and construction criteria are located in clause 5.3.
1. Lift Pressure
For the TOC to be estimated using a lift pressure method, all the following shall apply:
a. There is a fluid column to the surface once cement enters the annulus.
This does not mean no loss of returns.
b. A computer simulation predicts a cement column lift pressure that is both positive
and measurable.
Predicted and observed lift pressure is a combination of density contrast between
the fluids in the annulus and the friction pressure induced by the shear stress of the
pump rate.
A typical measurable lift pressure is 125 psi or greater.
D. Initial c. Measured cement column displacement pressure exhibits a positive trend at the
Testing and time the cement slurry enters the annulus. Similarity of measured versus simulated N/A
Verification pressure versus time trends are evaluated, considered, and explainable. This
requirement may be met following an offset adjustment to the measured pressure
versus time curve.
Similarity in the characteristics of the trends is an important verification criterion.
The application of an offset pressure to the pressure versus time curve can address
differences between modelled and observed pressures. These differences can occur
due to items (e.g., actual versus planned OH size, actual downhole rheological
properties of all fluids, restrictions that behave differently from the assumptions in
the modelling).
Figure 5 is an illustration of a trend comparison.

BP Practice 100221
Figure 5 - Example Wellhead Pressure Versus Time Plot for a Primary Cement
Job
d. The fluid displacement rate is slowed to less than 5 bpm prior to bumping the top
plug.
Matching pre-job circulation rates to final displacement rate and recording both
pressures aids in determining the lift pressure.
Typically, plugs are bumped at lower rates (e.g., 3 bpm). Consider both the top plug
and landing collar specifications when planning plug bump rates.
e. The final actual job pressure is greater than 80% of the simulated final surface
pressure.
Lift pressures greater than simulated (e.g., greater than 50%) can indicate
channelling, and other verification techniques (e.g., circumferential log) can be
considered.
An initial pressure trend offset could be applicable for addressing items that include
actual versus planned OH size, actual downhole rheological properties of all fluids,
or downhole restrictions.
If adjustments to hole size are used during pressure matching, consider hole size
estimates within the range of those previously observed for similar wells.
Cement column displacement pressure greater than expected can indicate
channelling and poor zonal isolation.
f. For the TOC to be estimated using the BP Cementing Console:
1) BP Cementing Console version incorporates CR105 update or later.
2) TOC is agreed by BP Cementing Technical Specialist (CTS).
2. Temperature Log
For a temperature log to be used to estimate the TOC, all the following shall apply:
a. Geothermal gradient for the well is known, enabling temperature anomalies to be
identified.
b. A temperature log provides evidence of a temperature deviation of some magnitude
above the geothermal gradient such that it is clear that the temperature deviation is a
consequence of setting cement.
Temperature logs identify a temperature anomaly associated with the heat released
when the cement sets.
3. Volumetric Estimate
For a volumetric estimate of the TOC to be used, all the following shall apply:
a. If lost returns occur after the cement slurry has entered the annulus, the volume of
losses does not result in a planned TOC of less than 200 m (650 ft) MD above the
shallowest DPZ to be isolated. If the loss rate exceeds 50%, then the cement
placement is remodelled with the calculated annular velocity, and these results are
considered in the evaluation of the placement of an effective barrier.
Loss returns are assumed to occur at the Total Depth (TD) of the hole section and
are cement slurry losses.

BP Practice 100221

b. The hole diameter used in the estimate of the TOC is obtained by any one (or a
combination of) the following methods:
1) Measurement using a mechanical calliper.
A one or more arm mechanical calliper is allowable.
2) For portions of the hole diameter inside casing, tubing, or any portion of the
casing annuli, a calculation using knowledge of actual casing and/or tubing Inside
Diameter (ID) and Outside Diameter (OD).
3) Measurement using an acoustic density calliper if it effectively reflects the hole
condition prior to cement placement.
Measurement can be made on the wiper trip prior to running casing (as compared
to while drilling) in the event that hole conditions have changed or the hole has
been subsequently under-reamed.
4) Estimating the TOC using a predicted OH diameter from a database for a group
of similar wells provided that:
a) Basis of calculation is documented.
Data input for an OH diameter database can include wireline calliper data,
acoustic calliper data, or verified TOC data from offset wells.
b) Variability (upper and lower bounds) of the database is documented.
c) A risk assessment is completed evaluating (as a minimum):
1. The TOC estimate ranges from the variability in the database.
2. The risk of not achieving the required isolation of the DPZ.
3. The effect on formations above the DPZ in case isolation is not achieved
and pressure is transmitted to either another permeable zone or to the
previous shoe.
4. The impact of the development of SCP.
4. Non-Circumferential Sonic or Ultrasonic Log
A non-circumferential sonic or ultrasonic cement evaluation tool may be used to establish
TOC.
E.g., non-circumferential CBL, variable density log, LWD.
This technique can still be used if losses were experienced during the cement job.
5. Cement Returns to the Surface or Seabed
Cement returns to the surface or seabed may be used to both establish TOC and verify
annular cement WBE if returns can be verified as cement.
Verification can be obtained by the observation of cement at the surface (or at the
seabed with an ROV) and pH meter at the surface (or at the seabed with an ROV).
6. Cement Returns above TOL
a. If used in conjunction with a verified liner top packer, cement returns above the TOL
may be used to establish the TOC if returns can be verified as cement.
Verification can be obtained with visual returns at the surface, or by tagging set
cement above the TOL.
The system of verified cement above the TOL and a verified liner top packer can be
considered a primary and secondary annulus well barrier.
b. Without use of a liner top packer, or an unverified liner top packer, positive and
negative pressure testing shall be performed.
c. If the well test packer or production packer is located below a liner top without liner
top packer, annulus cement verification shall include a negative pressure test of the
liner annulus to the maximum anticipated differential pressure.
For annulus cement to be a permanent abandonment WBE for wells, the following shall
apply:
1. There is evidence of no SCP.
E. 2. Records exist from the time of the annulus cement installation, verifying that the annulus N/A
Dependencies cement was installed in accordance with this BP Practice.
3. Records contain:
a. Verification method used for the annulus cement (e.g., TOC, circumferential logging).
b. Location of the annulus cement in the well.

BP Practice 100221

1. If accessible and contained, the annulus above the casing cement shall be monitored for
pressure anomalies at a defined frequency.
2. If accessible and uncontained, outlets for annuli open at the wellhead shall be visually
F. Operation N/A
inspected for leaks at a defined frequency.
and Monitoring
Some designs involve annuli which are left open to the environment at the wellhead
level, and for these annuli, direct inspection for leaks replaces monitoring of
contained pressure.
Evidence of SCP and/or flow to the surface or the seabed (due to poor cement placement) or
G. Failure Mode N/A
cement seal failure during the well’s completion and operation.
1. The cement job shall be modelled during planning with computer simulation.
2. The effectiveness of cement placement across the natural seal for the DPZ or to the
planned TOC, whichever is less, shall be evaluated, considered, and explainable during
the cement job’s design and evaluation.
Consider the effectiveness of cement placement across the natural seal for the DPZ,
and over the length of the annular cement WBE interval.
3. Casing centralisation shall be provided to achieve effective cement placement above the
DPZ.
Casing centralisation facilitates effective cement placement above the DPZ.
Effective cement placement can be evidenced by computer simulation indicating
high cement concentration, and no continuous drilling fluid or cement spacer
channel.
4. If large variations in input data have occurred prior to cement job execution and after the
job has been completed, the cement job shall be remodeled under these new conditions.
The results shall be considered when determining the acceptability of the TOC method
for verification of an annular cement WBE.
Examples include the following:
• Change in bottom hole circulating temperature to outside of the cement
H. Conditional retarder working limits or tested sensitivity range.
N/A
Requirements • Washout across the seal, which reduces standoff by more than 15%.
• 10-minute mud gels are more than 5 lb/100 ft2 larger.
• Displacement rates are 50% lower.
5. If cement slurry preparation or mixing anomalies have been observed during cement job
execution and after the job has been completed, the cement performance properties
shall be re-validated by laboratory testing. The results shall be considered when
determining the acceptability of the TOC method for verification of an annular cement
WBE.
Examples include the following:
• Cement slurry mix fluid preparation anomalies or contamination.
• Cement slurry preparation or mixing anomalies which are non-density control
related.
• Cement chemical liquid additive system anomalies.
6. Greater than 90% of cement volume pumped shall be mixed at a density of no more than
0.03 SG (0.25 ppg) below the planned density.
7. Cement shall have a compressive strength of greater than 1,380 kPa (200 psi) (as verified
by laboratory testing at downhole conditions with representative samples) prior to the
initiation of verification testing.

BP Practice 100221
5.5.2 Circumferential Logging Verification for Annular Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE)
Table 2 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Circumferential Log Verification for Annular Cement Well Barrier
Element (WBE)

Annulus cement is solid state cement located in the annulus, either inside concentric
A. Description N/A
casing or between the casing and OH.
The annulus cement provides zonal isolation by replacing natural seals in the well
following:
B. Function N/A
2. Flow to the surface or the seabed.
3. Development of SCP during the well’s life due to communication of a DPZ with a
well annulus.
Chemical stability of the cement shall be designed to allow the cement to maintain its
C. Design
strength and isolation capability when exposed to both expected temperature ranges and
Selection and N/A
fluctuations.
Construction
Other design, selection, and construction criteria are located in clause 5.3.
1. Annular cement WBE shall contain a 100% cement for the entire circumference of
the annulus.
D. Initial Testing
2. Circumferential cement is verified by a CBL interpretation technical specialist. N/A
and Verification
3. The total interval of circumferential cement may be made up of smaller, discreet,
continuous circumferential cement intervals of 2 m (6 ft) MD or greater.
E. Dependencies N/A N/A
1. When accessible and contained, annulus above the casing cement shall be
monitored for pressure anomalies at a defined frequency.
F. Operation 2. When accessible and uncontained, outlets for annuli open at the wellhead shall be
visually inspected for leaks at a defined frequency. N/A
and Monitoring
Some designs involve annuli which are left open to the environment at the
wellhead level, and for these annuli, direct inspection for leaks replaces
monitoring of contained pressure.
Evidence of SCP and/or flow to the surface or the seabed (due to poor cement
G. Failure Mode N/A
placement) or cement seal failure during the well’s completion and operation.
Cement shall have a compressive strength of greater than 1,380 kPa (200 psi) (as verified
H. Conditional
by laboratory testing at downhole conditions with representative samples) prior to the N/A
Requirements

BP Practice 100221
5.5.3 Communication Test for Verification of Annular Well Barrier Element (WBE)
Table 3 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Communication Test for Verification of Annular Well Barrier Element
(WBE)

Annulus WBE consisting of a material that prevents communication of wellbore fluids
A. Description N/A
(e.g., collapsed formation, mobile formation, cement).
The annular WBE provides zonal isolation by replacing natural seals in the well penetrated
during drilling. Zonal isolation objectives are designed to mitigate against the following:
B. Function 2. Flow to the surface or seabed. N/A
3. Development of SCP during well life due to communications of a DPZ with a well
annulus.
4. Contamination of potable water aquifers.
C. Design
Selection and N/A N/A
Construction
A single annulus WBE may be verified by either method below:
1. Two sets of perforations:
1) Annulus of the well is perforated with two sets of perforations and a
packer, or similar isolation device, is set between the perforations.
2) Perforations are no greater than 30 m (100 ft) MD apart and across a natural
seal for the DPZ.
3) The communication test is initiated in Leakoff Test (LOT) mode.
4) No communication is measured; the lower of the following two pressures is
reached:
a. Formation leakoff is established.
b. The maximum pressure that could develop at this depth from
5) Wellbore cement WBE is placed on the packer, extends a minimum of 30
m (100 ft) MD above the upper perforation, and is verified in accordance
D. Initial Testing
with Table 4.D.3 and Table 4.D.4. N/A
and Verification
2. Single set of perforations:
1) Circumferential CBL indicates the presence of solids across the natural
seal for the DPZ.
2) Annulus of the well is perforated with a single set of perforations
across a natural seal for the DPZ.
3) The communication test is initiated in LOT mode.
4) No communication is measured; the lower of the following two
pressures is reached:
a. Formation leakoff is established.
b. The maximum pressure that could develop at this depth from
5) Wellbore cement WBE is placed across the natural seal, extends a
minimum of 30 m (100 ft) MD above the perforation, and is verified in
accordance with Table 4.D.3 and Table 4.D.4.

BP Practice 100221

1. If accessible and contained, annulus above the casing cement shall be monitored for
pressure anomalies at a defined frequency.
F. Operation 2. If accessible and uncontained, outlets for annuli open at the wellhead shall be
and Monitoring
Evidence of SCP and/or flow to the surface or the seabed (due to poor cement
G. Failure Mode N/A
placement) or cement seal failure during the well’s completion and operation.
H. Conditional Annulus cement is not verified under Table 1 or Table 2. N/A
Requirements
5.5.4 Verification of Wellbore Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE)
Table 4 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Verification of Wellbore Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE)

Wellbore cement barrier is solid-state cement located in the wellbore inside concentric
A. Description N/A
casing, inside the OH with formation exposed, or inside tubing.
The wellbore cement plug provides zonal isolation by replacing natural seals in the well
following:
B. Function N/A
3. Development of SCP during the well’s life (due to communication between a DPZ
and the well’s annulus).
C. Design Chemical stability of the cement shall be designed to maintain its strength and isolation
Selection and capability when exposed to both expected temperature ranges and fluctuations. N/A
Construction Other design, selection, and construction criteria are defined in clause 5.3.
D. Initial Testing 1. The following shall apply to weight and pressure testing for plugs in the OH: N/A
and Verification a. Primary barriers in the OH are weight tested only.
The testing of OH plugs is not always applicable.
b. Weight testing may be omitted if all the following conditions are met:
1) The deepest casing shoe contains the maximum pressure that could
develop at the shoe from the DPZ in the OH.
2) The secondary barrier is placed inside casing.
3) The cement plug is placed on a reliable base.
Examples of a reliable base include well TD, mechanical plug, a cement
support tool, and a viscous reactive pill. A conventional viscous pill is not a
reliable base.
4) The plug is effectively placed per design.
5) Greater than 90% of cement volume is mixed at a density of no less than
6) The cement plug is at least 150 m (500 ft) long.
2. The following shall apply to weight and pressure testing for plugs inside casing:
a. The deepest wellbore cement WBE inside the casing is both positive and
negative pressure tested and mechanically weight tested.

BP Practice 100221

b. Weight-testing and pressure-testing may be omitted on all subsequent plugs
inside casing if all the following conditions are met:
1) The cement plug is placed on a reliable base.
2) The plug is effectively placed per design.
3) Greater than 90% of cement volume is mixed at a density of no less than
4) The cement plug is at least 150 m (500 ft) MD long.
If, when testing the deepest barrier inside casing, the entire casing well barrier
envelope is tested, (e.g., long string) no additional positive or negative test is
applicable on shallower plugs.
c. If an untested flowpath to a DPZ is exposed after the deepest barrier inside
casing is tested, the wellbore cement WBE isolating the flowpath is both
positive and negative pressure tested and mechanically weight tested.
Examples of an untested flowpath to a DPZ include an exposed liner top after
pulling a tieback or casing stub after a cut and pull operation, after a section
mill operation, and after a Perf&Wash cement plug operation.
d. The primary wellbore cement WBE to the shallowest hydrocarbon bearing zone
shall be mechanically weight-tested.
3. Weight Testing
Cement plugs shall be weight tested to at least 6.8 tonne (15 klb) or string weight,
whichever is less, unless the TOC is at the surface.
Dressing off the plug prior to weight testing can be judged to verify the top of
the plug more accurately.
4. Pressure Testing
a. Positive pressure-testing shall be at least 3,450 kPa (500 psi) greater than the
fracture initiation pressure below the WBE.
The fracture initiation pressure is either taken from the LOT data at the
previous casing shoe or from the predicted fracture initiation pressure. It is not
the pressure determined from a formation integrity test.
b. The following shall apply if a pressure test of 3,450 kPa (500 psi) is greater than
the casing de-rated pressure integrity:
1) Pressure test is to the level of the de-rated casing pressure test.
2) The WBE is weight tested (as above) or tagged (if set as a through tubing
abandonment plug).
c. Negative pressure-testing shall be to a pressure below the pressure in the DPZ
for which the WBE is providing isolation (if this pressure is greater than a
normally pressured gradient).
There is no requirement to use nitrogen to negatively pressure test cement
plugs isolating a DPZ which has been depleted below hydrostatic pressure.
E.
N/A N/A
Dependencies
1. If accessible, contained, and not used for permanent abandonment, the wellbore
above the cement plug shall be monitored for pressure anomalies at a defined
F. Operation frequency. N/A
and Monitoring
2. If accessible, uncontained, and not used for permanent abandonment, the wellbore
above the cement plug shall be visually inspected for leaks at a defined frequency.
Flow from the wellbore due to poor cement placement, contamination of the cement
G. Failure Mode N/A
slurry, mechanical failure, or de-bonding.
Cement shall have a compressive strength of greater than 1,380 kPa (200 psi) as verified
H. Conditional
by laboratory testing at downhole conditions with representative samples prior to the N/A
Requirements

BP Practice 100221
5.5.5 Verification of Perforation and Wash Cement Well Barrier Element (WBE)
Table 5 - Acceptance Criteria Table (ACT) for Verification of Perforation and Wash Cement Well Barrier Element
(WBE)

Wellbore cement barrier is solid-state cement located in the wellbore inside
A. Description N/A
concentric casing, inside the OH with formation exposed, or inside tubing.
The annulus cement plug provides zonal isolation by replacing natural seals in the
well penetrated during drilling. Zonal isolation objectives are designed to mitigate
against the following:
B. Function N/A
3. Development of SCP during the well’s life (due to communication between a
DPZ and the well’s annulus).
Chemical stability of the cement shall be designed to allow the cement to maintain
C. Design its strength and isolation capability when exposed to both expected temperature
Selection and ranges and fluctuations.
N/A
Construction Other design, selection, and construction criteria are defined in clause 5.4.4.12.
1. Perforation interval is a minimum of 50 m (160 ft) MD for a single WBE, and
100 m (330 ft) MD for a combination WBE.
2. Wellbore cement is placed on a reliable base.
3. The cement is effectively placed per design.
There are typically two types of tools utilised; Jet type (e.g., Hydra Hemera from
Hydrawell), and the Cup type or closed system (e.g., Archer system). The Jet type
typically uses larger perforation size for greater casing surface area removal
(e.g., 1" to achieve 4.3% or greater hole in casing across the perforated interval).
The Cup type typically utilises smaller perforation size (e.g., 0.4" at 12 shots per
foot).
4. Evidence of no cement losses during placement.
D. Initial Testing 5. Greater than 90% of cement volume is mixed at a density of no less than N/A
and Verification 0.03 SG (0.25 ppg) below the planned density.
6. Wellbore cement WBE verified to be a minimum of 30 m (100 ft) MD above
the uppermost perforation and verified in accordance with Table 4.D.3 and
Table 4.D.4.
7. Where there was evidence of SCP prior to the operation, verification of
annular cement by either:
a. Pressure testing.
This can be done by perforating above the top of annular cement placed.
b. Analysis of SCP.
Analysis of pre and post operation annulus pressure, or DAS/DTS analysis can be
considered.
1. If accessible and contained, the annulus above the casing cement shall be
monitored for pressure anomalies at a defined frequency.
2. If accessible and uncontained, outlets for annuli open at the wellhead shall be
F. Operation
and Monitoring

BP Practice 100221

Flow from the wellbore due to poor cement placement, contamination of the
G. Failure Mode N/A
cement slurry, mechanical failure, or de-bonding.
Cement shall have a compressive strength greater than 1,380 kPa (200 psi) (as
H. Conditional verified by laboratory testing at downhole conditions with representative samples) N/A
Requirements prior to the initiation of verification testing.
5.6 Organisation and Personnel

GWO shall designate the CTS.
GWO shall use cementing service providers with the capability to perform the
following analysis and tasks:
Self-verifying cementing programmes for conformance with the BP Statement of
Requirements (SoR).
Providing laboratory testing of cement systems for downhole conditions and
computer modelling of fluids within the wellbore.
Executing the cementing operation, including mixing and pumping cement, in
accordance with cement programmes.
5.7 Cementing Technical Specialist (CTS) Agree

A CTS shall review and agree all Cement Design Documents, including the Cementing
SoR, Pre-spud Cement Program, Field Cement Design Document, and Cement
Execution Program.
High frequency standardised drilling and well design can make agreeing each execution
program impractical.
A standardised Cement Execution Program for land operations can be utilised and
agreed on a defined schedule with a CTS.
6 Deviations
For deviations to this BP Practice, refer to BP Practice 100152 - GWO Management of Change
and Deviations.


#VIP 100221 Zonal Isolation

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BP Practice

Zonal Isolation (10-60)

Use and Interpretation of this Document

Applicability: Global Wells Organization

Revision Date Revision Code Approver Revision

Review Cycle Code 03 Next Review Date 10 Jun 2022

Operating Management System (OMS) – Sub Elements and Group Essentials

Sub Element Sub Element Title Group Essentials

Name Role Type of Review Date Reviewed

Page 2 of 34 Revision: B07

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Zonal isolation objectives are designed to prevent:

• Unintended movement of fluids between DPZs.

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1 Scope and Exclusions

Previously abandoned Open Hole (OH) wellbores are assumed to be in a state of

2.2 Informative References

Page 6 of 34 Revision: B07

3 Terms and Definitions

Cement Bond Log (CBL) Interpretation Technical Specialist

Cementing Technical Specialist (CTS)

Distinct Permeable Zone (DPZ)

Hydrostatic Permeable Zone

Page 7 of 34 Revision: B07

Primary Well Barrier

Secondary Well Barrier

The term “should” is not used within GWO documents.

Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP)

Page 8 of 34 Revision: B07

“A well status in which:

Well Barrier Element (WBE)

Well Barrier Element (WBE) Isolating the Annulus

Well Barrier Element (WBE) Isolating the Wellbore

4 Symbols and Abbreviations

ACT Acceptance Criteria Table

BOP Blowout Preventer

CBL Cement Bond Log

Page 9 of 34 Revision: B07

CTS Cementing Technical Specialist

DAS Distributed Acoustic Sensor

DTS Distributed Temperature Sensor

DPZ Distinct Permeable Zone

KOP Kickoff Point

LOT Leakoff Test

LWD Logging While Drilling

P&A Plug and Abandonment

ROV Remote Operated Vehicle

SCP Sustained Casing Pressure

SETA Segment Engineering Authority

SoR Statement of Requirements

TOC Top of Cement

TOL Top of Liner

TVD True Vertical Depth

WBE Well Barrier Element

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5.2 Identification of Distinct Permeable Zones (DPZs)

5.3 Well Construction

5.3.1 Well Construction Barrier Requirements

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5.3.2 Special Well Construction Barrier Requirements

Page 13 of 34 Revision: B07