250.402—When and how must I secure a well?

Whenever you interrupt drilling operations, you must install a downhole safety device, such as a cement plug, bridge plug, or packer. You must install the device at an appropriate depth within a properly cemented casing string or liner.

(a) Among the events that may cause you to interrupt drilling operations are:

(1) Evacuation of the drilling crew;

(2) Inability to keep the drilling rig on location; or

(3) Repair to major drilling or well-control equipment.

(b) For floating drilling operations, the District Manager may approve the use of blind or blind-shear rams or pipe rams and an inside BOP if you don't have time to install a downhole safety device or if special circumstances occur.

Code of Federal Regulations

[68 FR 8423, Feb. 20, 2003]

CFR

250.402—When and how must I secure a well?

Code of Federal Regulations