Definition(s)
Temporarily Abandoned Well
An inactive well should be classified as TA when the completion interval is isolated. The completion interval may be isolated using the bridge plug method, the cement squeeze method, or the balanced cement plug method. As an alternative to the bridge plug method, isolation of the completion interval may also be achieved by installing a plug in an existing packer which does not have tubing.
Temporary abandonment should be used when an operator is holding a wellbore in anticipation of future utilization, such as in an enhanced oil recovery project. TA status should begin the day afìer the completion interval has been isolated from the wellbore.
Source: API BULLETIN E3, Environmental Guidance Document: Well Abandonment and Inactive Well Practices for U.S. Exploration and Production Operations, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed June 2000). Global Standards
Temporarily Abandoned (TA)
Inactive wells in which the completion interval has been isolated from the interior of the casing. The completion interval may be isolated using the bridge plug method, the cement squeeze method or the balanced cernent plug method. If a packer is installed in the well, isolation of the completion interval may also be achieved by installing a plug in the packer which has no tubing.
Temporary abandonment is generally used when a well is a candidate for future utilization, such as in a possible enhanced oil recovery project. TA status should begin the day after the completion interval has been isolated from the wellbore.
Source: API BULLETIN E3, Environmental Guidance Document: Well Abandonment and Inactive Well Practices for U.S. Exploration and Production Operations, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed June 2000). Global Standards
Temporarily Abandoned Well
TEMPORARILY ABANDONED WELL shall mean a well which is incapable of production or injection without the addition of one or more pieces of wellhead or other equipment, including valves, tubing, rods, pumps, heater-treaters, separators, dehydrators, compressors, piping or tanks.
Source: Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Practice and Procedure, Code of Colorado Regulations, 2 CCR 404-1, February 2013. Regulations