Sustained Annulus Pressure (SAP): Practical Do’s & Don’ts from a Well Integrity Perspective

✅ Do’s:

🔹 Do analyze the annulus properly:
• Pressure Build-Up (PBU) analysis, change in production/injection flowrate, etc.
• Fluid sampling
• Pressure behavior trending
• Communication diagnostics

🔹 Do always evaluate non-invasive and lower-cost options first before escalating.

🔹 Do set alarm systems for annulus pressures and configure thresholds for MAASP/MAWOP:
• Low alarm: ~75%
• High alarm: ~90%

🔹 Do update MAASP/MAWOP whenever conditions change:
• Corrosion growth
• New wall thickness calculations
• Barrier degradation

🔹 Do carry out corrosion logs where corrosion risk exists.

🔹 Do monitor annuli pressures frequently to detect potential communication early.

🔹 Do ensure all annuli are monitored — including often neglected D-annuli.

🔹 Do use temperature and noise logs together for better diagnostics.

🔹 Do use multiple diagnostic methods. Never rely on only one test to characterize SAP behavior.

🔹 Do use digital gauges during operations instead of pressure charts where possible.

🔹 Do ensure annulus gauges are calibrated and replaced when required.

🔹 Do grease and test annulus valves routinely.

🔹 Do maintain updated:
• Well schematics
• Borehole diagrams
• Annulus pressure records
• MAASP/MAWOP values

🔹 Do have a proper annulus bleeding procedure and reporting sheet in place.

🔹 Do bleed annuli in an environmentally responsible manner in accordance with:
• ALARP principles
• Company procedures
• Country regulations

🔹 Do ensure trained personnel are available 24/7 for annulus bleed-off operations.

🔹 Do verify telemetry readings with field pressure checks periodically. Telemetry systems, gauges, and impulse lines can fail or plug.

🔹 Do issue monthly or quarterly Well Integrity reports covering:
• Wells with SAP
• Risk ranking
• Mitigation plans
• Well Integrity KPIs

🔹 Do keep critical spares available:
• Grease fittings
• Stem pins
• Pressure gauges

🔹 Do ensure sealants are particle-free or assess their impact on:
• Buried check valves
• Grease fittings

🔹 Do maintain contracts with multiple sealant providers. One chemistry may not suit every SAP scenario.

⚠️ Don’ts:

❌ Do not underestimate annulus pressure risks.

❌ Do not overbleed liquids from annuli.

❌ Do not inject fluids into annuli without proper understanding, procedures, and calibrated equipment. If uncertain, leave it to specialized service companies.

❌ Do not confuse annulus lines during readings or operations (B vs C annulus, etc.).

❌ Do not ignore valve maintenance, gauge calibration, or instrumentation reliability.

❌ Do not use Zinc Bromide with nitrile seals.

❌ Do not jump immediately into invasive mechanical interventions:
• HWO
• Drilling rigs
• Perf & squeeze
• Major workovers

Good SAP management is not just about pressure control — it is about barrier integrity, risk reduction, environmental protection, and disciplined surveillance throughout the well lifecycle.