Oil and gas industry gets new guidelines for well construction interface
Post-Macondo task force recommended changes
A new bulletin just published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) covers the latest of several standards developed or strengthened as a result of post-Macondo task force recommendations.
API Director of Standards David Miller said the bulletin for well construction interface will help the oil and natural gas industry produce energy safely and in an environmentally responsible manner.
API Bulletin 97, Well Construction Interface Document Guidelines, provides guidance on information that is to be shared regarding well construction and rig specific operating guidelines. It is intended to align the lease operator’s safety and environmental management system (SEMS) with drilling contractor’s safe work practices (CSWP).
On the same page
“These well construction guidelines will help lease operators and drilling contractors ensure that they are on the same page when it comes to safety,” said Miller. “We are constantly working to ensure industry standards reflect the best practices, technologies, safety standards and environmental protections possible.”
Immediately after the Macondo incident, the industry formed joint industry task forces (JITFs) to examine every aspect of its safety systems, including equipment, operating practices, sub-sea well control, and spill response with the objective of strengthening industry standards. The JITFs also worked with the Department of the Interior and the presidential commission to help with their recommendations for offshore safety improvements, including changes to regulations.
Other standards
Other API standards that have directly resulted from the JITF recommendations include:
- Standard 65-2, Isolating Potential Flow Zones During Well Construction
- Standard 53, Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Wells
- Recommended Practice 96, Deepwater Well Design and Construction
- Recommended Practice 98, Selection of Personal Protective Equipment
- 2nd Edition of Recommended Practice 17H, Remotely Operated Tools and Interfaces on Subsea Production Systems
The API Standards Program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Government-referenced and safety-related standards are available online at www.api.org.
API is a national trade association that represents the U.S. oil and natural gas industry.
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