When working in energy wells, it is important to take precautions to keep your crew, the environment, and the surrounding population safe. Basic inspection is the best way to achieve this level of protection. When done well, your entire operation is more likely to run smoothly without any major accidents. If you are the director of an energy well, be sure that your team is following these inspection best practices.
- Understand energy regulations. Each state has different regulations for maintaining and inspecting energy wells. Be sure to check your local municipality’s website or call the office to request information on these rules. It is essential to remain in line with these requirements, as any oversight could lead to fines and other forms or prosecution.
- Employ a licensed inspector. Make sure that whoever you are hiring for an on location well inspection has updated certifications and training. Also check that they are trained to use specific equipment. If you are using a gas well camera, for example, they should be able to operate it correctly and safely.
- Perform inspections frequently. While the state may have guidelines on how often you should be inspecting the well, make sure that you are also performing this task before and after new operations. You should also perform an inspection every time that there is a natural disaster or other change to the earth.
- Use updated equipment. You can achieve the most accurate downhole well inspection with the most precise equipment. Using an impression block in conjunction with a gas well camera is a great way to employ both traditional and modern technologies to check for obstructions and other issues. For deeper inspection, consider investing in a high temperature, high pressure camera.
- Collect and record data. While completing an oil or gas well inspection, be sure to collect inspection data. Record the condition of the well, whether you found any obstructions, and other variables that come up in the process.
With over 900,000 gas and oil wells in the United States, it is important to keep them all running without accidents. By following these steps, as well as best practices of your specific industry, your energy well will function safely and efficiently. Your team and the local population will all benefit from these efforts, making your team and project a non-invasive aspect of the community.
