Alabama Administrative Code
Title 400 - STATE OIL AND GAS BOARD OF ALABAMA
GOVERNING THE UNDERGROUND STORAGE OF GAS IN SOLUTION-MINED CAVITIES
Chapter 400-6-8 - STORAGE WELL AND STORAGE CAVITY MECHANICAL INTEGRITY TEST
Section 400-6-8-.01 - Testing Requirements

(1) Prior to testing a cavity, a detailed testing procedure shall be submitted to the Supervisor for approval. The testing procedure used must test the wellhead, cased borehole, and storage cavity as a unit using natural gas or a substance approved by the Supervisor. Such substance must be injected to a depth below the production casing shoe.

(2) The integrity of the storage cavity shall be verified prior to the initial injection of gas. The test pressure at the wellhead shall be equivalent to eighty-five (85) pounds per square inch (psi) per one hundred (100) feet (ft) in depth or 0.85 psi/ft at the production casing shoe. The shut-in pressure at the surface shall be monitored for a minimum period of twenty-four (24) hours following pressure stabilization. Gas shall not be injected into the storage cavity if beginning and ending pressures during the test period vary more than three percent (3.0%), after allowing for temperature change.

(3) In order to verify the continued maintenance of storage well and storage cavity integrity, a shut-in pressure test acceptable to the Board shall be conducted at least once every five (5) years following the initial mechanical integrity test, or at shorter intervals if deemed necessary by the Supervisor.

(4) All storage well and storage cavity mechanical integrity tests and verifications shall be prepared and supervised by a qualified engineer or geologist, and reported to the Board within thirty (30) days.

(5) The operator shall give sufficient notice prior to conducting a mechanical integrity test so the Supervisor may send a duly authorized representative to the location to witness such activity.

Author: State Oil And Gas Board