Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 12, March 22, 2024
An internal mechanical integrity test shall be performed on
each cemented casing string after installation for all wells regulated by this
Part.
a)
The permittee shall
contact the Department's District Office by phone and electronic mail
at least 24 hours before conducting an
internal mechanical integrity pressure test to enable an inspector to
be present when the test is performed (Section 1-70(d)(16) of the
Act).
b) Mechanical Integrity
1)
The internal mechanical
integrity of surface and intermediate
casing strings shall be
tested:
A)
with fresh water,
mud or brine. If mud is used, the mud cannot be so viscous or contain
so much particulate that it blocks, plugs or obscures the presence of any
potential leaks in the casing string;
B)
to no less than 0.22 psi per foot
of casing string length or 1,500 psi, whichever is greater, but not to exceed
70% of the minimum internal yield; and
C)
for at least 30 minutes with less
than a 5% pressure loss.
2)
If the pressure declines more than
5% or if there are other indications of a leak, corrective action shall be
taken before conducting further drilling operations. (Section
1-70(d)(16) of the Act)
c)
The internal mechanical integrity
of the production casing string or any casing string that will
have pressure exerted on it during stimulation of the well shall be
tested:
1)
with fresh water,
mud or brine. If mud is used, the mud cannot be so viscous or contain
so much particulate that it blocks, plugs or obscures the presence of any
potential leaks in the casing string;
2)
to at least the maximum
anticipated treatment pressure or 1,500 psi, whichever is greater, but
not to exceed 70% of the minimum internal yield;
3)
for at least 30 minutes with less
than a 5% pressure loss; and
4)
if the pressure declines more than
5% or if there are other indications of a leak, corrective action shall be
taken before conducting further drilling operations. (Section
1-70(d)(16) of the Act)
d) Records of internal mechanical integrity
pressure tests for all casing strings must be kept pursuant to the following
requirements:
1)
A record of
the internal mechanical integrity pressure test for
each casing string must be maintained by the permittee in the
well file and must be submitted to the Department on a form prescribed
by the Department before conducting high volume horizontal
hydraulic fracturing operations (Section 1-70(d)(16) of the
Act).
2) Permittee shall provide
the Department with a copy of all internal mechanical integrity pressure test
results for all casing strings within 30 days after completion of well
construction; and
3) Permittee
shall retain these records for the life of the well until the well is plugged,
abandoned and restored in accordance with the Illinois Oil and Gas Act, the
administrative rules promulgated under that Act, and Subpart J of this
Part.