Rigless Temporary Well Abandonment – Best Practices Approach to Reduce Environmental Pollution

Abstract Rigless temporary well abandonment (TWA) is an increasingly adopted method in the oil and gas industry, offering cost-effective solutions while ensuring well integrity and environmental protection. This paper explores best practices to minimize environmental risks associated with rigless TWA, focusing on barrier placement, verification techniques, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Key considerations include selecting appropriate plugging materials, ensuring zonal isolation, and monitoring well integrity through remote surveillance technologies. Well plugging and abandonment (P&A) poses significant long-term risks for the industry with thousands of onshore and offshore wells requiring P&A in the coming decades. Due to the high cost required for the permanent P & A of wells, it has become expedient to temporarily abandon these wells by rigless means (use of Coiled tubing cementing, Slickline & E-line isolation plugs with perforation techniques) to ensure integrity of the asset and prevent environmental pollution pending approval of main budget for permanent abandonment. Case studies highlight successful implementations that have mitigated risks such as hydrocarbon leaks and groundwater contamination. Proper isolation of hydrocarbon-bearing zones, overpressured formations, uncemented annuli, and freshwater intervals encountered in the wellbore is essential for a successful abandonment. The abandonment strategy should be designed based on the reservoir fluids present and the well's mechanical condition at the time of abandonment. By adopting standardized best practices and advanced monitoring techniques, operators can enhance environmental stewardship and maintain well integrity during temporary abandonment periods.