DNV GL has established a joint industry project (JIP) to develop guidelines for a decision support framework for corrosion assessment and integrity management of aging wells. The global oil and gas industry is facing the reality that many of its onshore and offshore wells are being used beyond the original lifespan. This presents significant uncertainty around the integrity, safety and productivity of the remaining service life.

Many wells are reaching an age of 30 or 40 years, and operators are facing a growing challenge to predict output, mitigate against risk and ultimately decide whether to retire or rejuvenate aging wells. Life extension of aging wells is moving up the agenda for oil and gas operators in many regions. Factors driving this include high oil prices, technology advances and regulatory requirements.

DNV GL is inviting participants to take part in the JIP, which will deliver a corrosion threat and integrity well screening assessment method as well as guidelines for a decision-making tool on corrosion evalution, monitoring, maintenance and inspection.

The JIP will involve the review of corrosion inspection techniques, prediction and modeling tools as well as the impact from other interfacing aspects such as pipelines and process equipment. Investigative data will be gathered from participants’ own experiences in this field and the operational history of selected operators’ wells. The project will also carry out a pilot study to test the methodology on selected wells.

The JIP will kick off later this year and will commence through to the end of 2015 with the development of a guideline for corrosion management in wells.