Before · Abandonment
Wellhead Removal
The surface step of abandonment: once testing is clear, the casing is cut below grade, capped, and the wellhead and surface equipment come off.
What it does
In Alberta surface abandonment cannot start until the required tests, including surface casing vent flow and gas migration, show no wellbore problem. It must be completed within 12 months of the downhole abandonment.
Basics
| Cut depth | At least 1 m below final contour, 2 m in some areas |
| Timing | Within 12 months of downhole abandonment |
| Cleanup | Equipment, pads and debris removed within 12 months of cut and cap |
| Multiwell pads | Removal can wait for the last well, under conditions |
Common failures
- Surface abandonment done before the tests are clear
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Leak found after surface work
- Likely cause
- Tests skipped or problems not repaired
- What to check
- Run the vent flow and gas migration tests and repair any leak before cutting